Air monitoring

In Swanbank and New Chum, various industrial activities impact air quality. By measuring pollutants and observing weather patterns, the department gains insights into air quality trends and emission sources, informing policy decisions, regulatory standards, compliance efforts, and public health interventions.

Swanbank Air Monitoring (SAM) program

The department monitors air quality and weather at various locations in Queensland, with a specific program focusing on industrial areas at Swanbank and New Chum in Ipswich. In 2022, the monitoring equipment was upgraded to address community odour concerns and improve understanding of local weather patterns and odorous compounds like hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). In 2024, additional weather monitoring stations and real-time air quality monitors were added in nearby communities and the Swanbank industrial area, based on recommendations from independent experts.

The SAM program is a scalable weather and air quality monitoring network that can be adapted as needed. The equipment operates 24/7, providing a constant stream of real time monitoring data which can be analysed in conjunction with community notifications about odour being experienced. This allows for a more efficient and targeted compliance response for those industrial operations that are regulated by the department. The information can also be used to help inform actions of other agencies such as Local Government and Queensland Health.

View more information about potential health impacts associated with odour.

What is being monitored?

Wind and weather conditions

Several stations are collecting weather monitoring data, such as wind direction, speed, temperature and humidity, which is analysed in conjunction with air quality monitoring data.

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S)

H₂S is a colourless gas with a “rotten egg” smell. It is part of a group of chemicals called Total Reduced Sulfur (TRS). TRS includes other odorous sulfur compounds like mercaptans and sulfides. In Swanbank and New Chum, H₂S is used as an indicator for odour as it forms the highest proportion of TRS from these areas.

H₂S monitors are co-located with wind and weather monitoring stations.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Ammonia (NH₃)

While common air emission sources of VOCs and NH₃ are through vehicle emissions and industrial processes, they are also naturally released during the aerobic decomposition of organic material such as plant debris. These compounds are known to be odorous and can be more noticeable during summer and spring.

Specialised equipment are used for monitoring VOCs and NH₃ concentrations as there are several facilities within the Swanbank industrial area that handle organic waste including landfill and composting operation.

Where are the monitoring stations?

Monitoring equipment has been placed both within potentially affected communities and near industrial sites.

The following monitoring equipment has been installed (total of 12 stations) and is shown in the Weather and Air Quality Monitoring Network map (PDF, 2.9 MB) .

2024

2023