Frequently asked questions—Oxenford air quality monitoring project
What is particulate matter (PM)?
A key indicator for air quality is particulate matter (PM), which refers to airborne particles that may be hazardous to human health or cause a nuisance at elevated levels. Adverse health effects are closely associated with particle size; smaller particles pose a greater risk as they are more likely to enter the respiratory system and cause health problems.
Airborne particles are commonly measured in two different size distributions:
- PM2.5 refers to particles that are less than 2.5 micrometres (µm) in diameter
- PM10 refers to particles that are less than 10 micrometres.
As a reference, a single strand of human hair averages 50–70 micrometres in diameter (pictured below).
Where does particulate matter come from?
Fine PM2.5 particles are generally a result of combustion processes (e.g. motor vehicle engines, industrial boilers, solid fuel heaters and bush fires).
PM10 particles are coarse and are generated by either combustion or non-combustion processes (e.g. windblown dust, sea salt, industrial processes, motor vehicles engines and bush fires).
How is air quality monitored in Queensland?
To safeguard human health and the natural environment, there are national air quality standards in place that provide clear guidelines about acceptable levels of particulate matter in the air.
A standard method for measuring dust nuisance is dust deposition. Dust deposition gauges are used to catch the dust settling over a fixed surface area for a period of 30 days. A dust deposition limit of 120 milligrams per square metre per day, averaged over one month, is frequently used in Queensland as outlined in the Environmental Protection Act 1994 Guideline (PDF, 428KB) for activities with impacts to air and Australian/New Zealand Standard (PDF, 1MB)1 .
Community based indicative measurements of PM2.5 and PM10 are collected using the Dust Master Pro 7000. This instrument uses laser technology to count particles in real-time as they are drawn into the machine past a sensor.
These results can then be compared with relevant air quality legislation. Queensland’s Environmental Protection (Air) Policy 2019 (EPP Air (PDF, 238KB)) sets objectives for air quality for enhancing or protecting the environmental values within Queensland. Additionally, there are standards outlined in the National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure (NEPM). The NEPM outlines national standards for PM2.5 and PM10 to safeguard human health and are based on 24-hour and 12-month averages.
Where are the air quality monitoring stations?
Air quality is monitored at local, regional and national levels.
Queensland has a statewide network of air quality monitoring stations. Data from the monitoring network, including ambient concentration, air quality index values and health action levels, is published online and updated hourly.
What is Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS)?
Silica (quartz) is a common mineral found in most rocks, sands and clays and is present in products such as concrete, brick, pavers and tiles. Silica can exist in both crystalline and non-crystalline forms. The non-crystalline form of silica does not pose a health risk. However, prolonged exposure to crystalline silica in the respirable form (particles that are small enough to be inhaled into the lower respiratory tract) may cause lung damage (silicosis) and other health concerns.
Dust containing respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is generated by high-energy processes such as cutting, sawing, grinding and crushing of silica-containing materials. RCS particles are small, cannot be seen under ordinary lighting and stay airborne longer after larger particles have settled to the ground.
How is RCS being monitored in Oxenford?
Monitoring of RCS was initiated by the department in April 2020 and will continue until April 2021. This monitoring is undertaken to determine the exposure of RCS experienced in residential areas over a prolonged period and provide 12 months of data for comparison against relevant assessment criteria.
Ambient RCS concentrations are determined from PM2.5 samples collected using Partisol® Model 2025 sequential low-volume air sampler. This instrument draws air through a PM2.5 size-selective inlet and then through a filter which is collected every seven days. Filters are taken to a NATA-accredited laboratory where they are analysed for crystalline silica content.
The department compares the data against the criteria contained in Victorian EPA’s Protocol for Environmental Management: Mining and Extractive Industries (PEMMIE), which is the only existing standard nationally for RCS.
What is environmental nuisance?
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act), environmental nuisance is the unreasonable interference with an environmental value including the amenity of a place such as a house. Environmental nuisance can be caused by offensive odour, loud noise, dust and light that is disruptive and interferes with daily activities when experienced in the community.
What role does the department play in regulating emissions?
As the environmental regulator, the department is responsible for regulating those operators that undertake environmentally relevant activities (ERAs). It does this by issuing them with a licence called an environmental authority (EA).
The department may impose certain requirements and conditions on an EA to carefully manage risks and ensure that the potential for environmental harm is minimised.
For example, operators undertaking activities with the potential to release emissions into the air may be required to undertake air quality monitoring.
All operators are responsible for complying with the conditions of their environmental authority.
As part of its ongoing compliance program, departmental officers regularly conduct inspections to ensure operators are complying with the conditions of their environmental authority.
The department sets clear expectations about acceptable standards of environmental performance and takes strong enforcement action against those operators who choose not to comply with their obligations.
1 Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 3580.10.1:2016, Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air. Method 10.1: Determination of particulate matter – Deposited matter – Gravimetric method.
Who do I contact about environmental nuisance?
There is more than one way of reporting environmental nuisance.
Contact the operator directly
You can contact the person or organisation causing the environmental nuisance. Together, you might achieve an outcome that suits you both.
Contact your local government
Local governments are generally responsible for managing environmental nuisance issues, except where they relate to operators licensed by the department. Local government and the department can refer your nuisance report to each other if they have been reported to the wrong jurisdiction.
Contact the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation
The department is responsible for investigating nuisance reports about the operators it regulates.
It’s important to provide as much information as possible when making a report. The details provided inform our compliance officers as to what is happening in the area and can help determine whether the report is to be investigated by local or state government. It is also used to look at what activities regulated organisations were doing at the time nuisance was experienced. This assists in identifying potential emission sources.
You can report environmental nuisance (e.g. noise, dust, odour) using one of the options below:
- Online—submit an Environmental report
- Phone—call 1300 130 372 (option 2) )—24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Email—pollutionhotline@des.qld.gov.au providing as much information as possible.
When making a report, please provide as much information as possible such as:
- your name and contact details so we can provide you with updates on the investigation
- timing and frequency of nuisance experienced
- a description of the nuisance experienced
- the environmental conditions at the time—such as wind, temperature and time.