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Upper Hunter Air Quality Monitoring Network

2015 Annual Report

© 2016 State of NSW and Office of Environment and Heritage

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Acknowledgments: The following open-source statistical software was used in the data analysis for this report:

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Cover image: Singleton site, Upper Hunter Air Quality Monitoring Network (Office of Environment and Heritage)

Published by: Office of Environment and Heritage 59 Goulburn Street, Sydney NSW 2000 PO Box A290, Sydney South NSW 1232 Phone: +61 2 9995 5000 (switchboard) Phone: 131 555 (environment information and publications requests) Phone: 1300 361 967 (national parks, general environmental enquiries, and publications requests) Fax: +61 2 9995 5999 TTY users: phone 133 677, then ask for 131 555 Speak and listen users: phone 1300 555 727, then ask for 131 555 Email: [email protected] Website: www.environment.nsw.gov.au Report pollution and environmental incidents Environment Line: 131 555 (NSW only) or [email protected] See also www.environment.nsw.gov.au ISBN 978-1-76039-485-1 OEH 2016/0546 October 2016

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iii

Contents

Summary ...................................................................................................................... 1

Upper Hunter air quality during 2015 ........................................................................ 1

Upper Hunter air quality trends ................................................................................. 2

Days above benchmark concentrations .................................................................... 3

About the Upper Hunter Air Quality Monitoring Network ......................................... 4

Who is responsible for the network? ......................................................................... 5

How is the network performing? ................................................................................ 5

How do the national air quality benchmarks apply to the Upper Hunter?................... 5

Upper Hunter air quality during 2015 ......................................................................... 7

PM10 monitoring data ................................................................................................ 7

PM10 in larger population centres ....................................................................... 10

PM10 in smaller communities .............................................................................. 12

PM10 at diagnostic sites ...................................................................................... 14

PM10 at background sites ................................................................................... 16

How are dust emissions in the Upper Hunter being reduced? ................................. 17

Dust Stop ........................................................................................................... 17

PM2.5 monitoring data .............................................................................................. 18

How is air quality in the Upper Hunter being improved? .......................................... 20

Wood smoke reduction ....................................................................................... 20

Gaseous (NO2 and SO2) monitoring data ................................................................ 21

Upper Hunter meteorological conditions ................................................................ 22

Rainfall and temperature ......................................................................................... 22

Wind ....................................................................................................................... 23

What do the air quality results tell us? .................................................................... 24

Upper Hunter network performance ........................................................................ 25

Upper Hunter online statistics .................................................................................. 26

Webpage activity .................................................................................................... 26

SMS and email alerts .............................................................................................. 26

Appendix A: Calendar plots ...................................................................................... 28

Calendar plots of daily average PM10 data .............................................................. 28

Calendar plots of daily average PM2.5 data ............................................................. 30

Calendar plots of daily maximum NO2 data ............................................................. 31

Calendar plots of daily maximum SO2 data ............................................................. 31

Appendix B: Days when levels were above the benchmarks ................................. 32

Glossary ..................................................................................................................... 34

Upper Hunter Air Quality Monitoring Network: 2015 Annual Report

1

Summary

Upper Hunter air quality during 2015

Data from the Upper Hunter Monitoring Network (UHAQMN) from 1 January to 31 December 2015 shows that air quality in the region was generally good during the year. Using the Air Quality Index (AQI) measure, days were in the very good, good or fair category for at least 96% of the time throughout the region (Figure 1). The region recorded above average rainfall and warm conditions for the year.

Figure 1: 2015 AQI categories as a percentage of time for each Upper Hunter station type

There were no days above the nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) standards.

Annual average PM10 (particles less than or equal to 10 microns in diameter) levels were below the standard (25 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3)) at all 14 sites (Figure 2).

Annual average PM2.5 (particles less than or equal to 2.5 microns in diameter) levels remained below the 8 µg/m3 standard at Singleton and Camberwell but were above the standard at Muswellbrook, where smoke from domestic wood heaters contributes significantly to particle levels.

Figure 2: Upper Hunter PM10 and PM2.5 annual averages – 2015

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/AQMS/dataindex.htm

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/AQMS/dataindex.htm


2

At the larger population centres three days saw levels over the PM10 daily standard of 50 µg/m3 – two at Muswellbrook, three at Singleton, and one at Aberdeen (Figure 3).

Two of these days were exceptional events associated with widespread particle pollution affecting a number of sites in the region. On 6 May 2015 the region was impacted by a state-wide dust storm originating from the Victorian Mallee and south-western NSW regions, while on 26 November 2015 fires were present in or near the valley.

The third day occurred at Singleton when an unusually high hourly spike pushed the daily average above the standard.

Singleton and Camberwell met the new PM2.5 daily standard of 25 µg/m3. However, Muswellbrook recorded three days over the standard in winter, when wood smoke contributes up to 62% to fine particle levels.

At the monitoring sites in smaller communities, PM10 levels above 50 µg/m3 were recorded at all stations:

Bulga (two days)

Camberwell (11 days)

Jerrys Plains (one day)

Maison Dieu (five days)

Warkworth (three days)

Wybong (one day).

At the diagnostic monitoring sites, PM10 levels above 50 µg/m3 were recorded at Mount Thorley (seven days), Muswellbrook NW (two days) and Singleton NW (four days).

At the background monitoring sites, PM10 levels were above 50 µg/m3 at Merriwa on one day and Singleton South on two days, due to a dust storm and fires.

Details on all days with PM10 above 50 µg/m3 are provided in Table 3 to Table 6, and for PM2.5 (above 25 µg/m3) in Table 7. Calendar plots can be found in Appendix A. Monthly and daily results are provided in Appendix B (Table 11 to Table 13).

Upper Hunter air quality trends

The Upper Hunter region experienced better, or similar, air quality during 2015 compared to previous years.

For PM10, concentrations were above 50 µg/m3 at one or more sites on 17 days, compared to 26 days in 2014. For PM2.5, there were three days over the standard, the same as 2014.

Compared to previous years, annual average PM10 and PM2.5 levels decreased at all sites in the region.


3

Days above benchmark concentrations

Figure 3: Number of days above the PM10, PM2.5, NO2 and SO2 benchmark concentrations (1 January to 31 December 2015)


4

About the Upper Hunter Air Quality Monitoring Network

The Upper Hunter Air Quality Monitoring Network (UHAQMN) is a high-quality, regional air quality monitoring network consisting of 14 monitoring stations. The network continuously measures:

particulate matter PM10 (particles less than or equal to 10 microns in diameter), wind speed and direction, temperature and humidity at all 14 monitoring sites

finer particulate matter PM2.5 (particles less than or equal to 2.5 microns in diameter) at Singleton, Muswellbrook and Camberwell

the gases sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) at Singleton and Muswellbrook.

The locations of the UHAQMN monitoring stations are shown in Figure 4. Further site details are available at the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) Upper Hunter Monitoring Sites website. The 14 monitoring stations in the Upper Hunter serve different purposes (Table 1).

Figure 4: Upper Hunter monitoring station locations

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/AQMS/sitesuh.htm


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Table 1: Purposes of the monitoring stations in the UHAQMN

Station type Purpose Stations

Larger

population

Monitoring air quality in the larger

population centres

Muswellbrook, Singleton and

Aberdeen

Smaller

communities

Monitoring air quality in the smaller

communities

Bulga, Camberwell, Jerrys Plains,

Maison Dieu, Warkworth and

Wybong

Diagnostic Providing data that can help to diagnose

the likely sources and movement of

particles across the region as a whole; they

do not provide information about air quality

at population centres.

Mount Thorley, Muswellbrook NW

and Singleton NW

Background Provide background data; located at both

ends of the valley they measure the quality

of air entering and leaving the Upper Hunter

Valley under predominant winds (south-

easterlies and north-westerlies).

Merriwa and Singleton South

Who is responsible for the network?

The UHAQMN is a partnership between the NSW Government and the Upper Hunter coal and power industries. The sites are operated and maintained by OEH staff using funds contributed by industry under Chapter 5A of the Protection of the Environment (General) Regulation 2009.

The Upper Hunter Air Quality Advisory Committee (UHAQAC) advises the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and OEH on matters specifically related to the design and operation of the network. The UHAQAC currently has 14 members representing the community, the coal and power generation industries, local government and NSW government agencies. More information about the committee is available at the EPA Upper Hunter Air Quality Advisory Committee website.

More information on the UHAQMN can be obtained at OEH Upper Hunter website.

How is the network performing?

An operational aim of the network is to achieve at least 95% online time for all parameters measured, which takes into account approximately 5% of the network’s running time required for maintenance and calibration tasks.

The network maintained a high level of performance in 2015 (see Upper Hunter network performance), with valid and accurate data for more than 95% of all hours in the year for all parameters at all monitoring sites, with the exception of PM2.5 and NO2 at Singleton (94%).

How do the national air quality benchmarks apply to the Upper Hunter?

The Australian benchmarks for air quality are set out in the National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure (Air NEPM). The Air NEPM defines the national ambient air quality standards and goals for various pollutants, including the concentrations of particles (Table 2). For example, the daily average concentration of PM10 particles should never exceed 50 µg/m3 and PM2.5 particles should never exceed 25 µg/m3, both excluding exceptional events related to bushfires, hazard reduction burns and dust storms.

http://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/UHAQMCttee/index.htm

http://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/UHAQMCttee/index.htm

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/aqms/upperhunter.htm


6

For sites near the larger population centres, air quality data can be compared against the relevant Air NEPM concentration values for PM10 (50 µg/m3 averaged over 24 hours) and PM2.5 (25 µg/m3 averaged over 24 hours).

The particle air quality benchmarks do not apply directly to the diagnostic monitoring sites (i.e. the monitoring stations that are located solely to enable diagnosis of dust sources). For example, the Singleton NW monitoring station measures the quality of air moving from the mining areas to the north-west towards Singleton.

Measurements of NO2 and SO2 (at Muswellbrook and Singleton) can be compared with the national benchmarks for these pollutants (Table 2).

Table 2: Air NEPM standards and goals for dust particles (PM10 and PM2.5), SO2 and NO2

Pollutant How often is the average measured?

Benchmark (concentration) a b

Goal: How often can the concentration exceed this benchmark?

Particles as PM10 Daily:

1 calendar day (24 hours)

50 µg/m3 Never c

Particles as PM10 Annual:

1 calendar year (12 months)

25 µg/m3 Never

Particles as PM2.5 Daily:

1 calendar day (24 hours)

25 µg/m3 Never c

Particles as PM2.5 Annual:

1 calendar year (12 months)

8 µg/m3 Never

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) Hourly 20 pphm Maximum one day per year

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) Daily:

1 calendar day

(24 hours)

8 pphm Maximum one day per year

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) Annual:

1 calendar year

(12 months)

2 pphm Never

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) Hourly 12 pphm Maximum one day per year

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) Annual:

1 calendar year

(12 months)

3 pphm Never

a The concentration of dust particles in the air is measured as the mass of the particle in micrograms (µg) per volume of air in cubic metres (m3)

b SO2 and NO2 are measured in parts per hundred million (pphm), where pphm = parts per hundred million by volume, i.e. parts of pollutant per hundred million parts of air.

c Not including exceptional events. An exceptional event is defined in the Air NEPM as a fire or dust occurrence that adversely affects air quality at a particular location, and causes an exceedance of 1 day average standards in excess of normal historical fluctuations and background levels, and is directly related to: bushfire; jurisdiction authorised hazard reduction burning; or continental scale windblown dust.


7

Upper Hunter air quality during 2015

PM10 monitoring data

Improved particle level concentrations occurred in the Upper Hunter in 2015 compared to 2014, with 17 days when PM10 concentrations were above the daily benchmark at one or more sites, compared to 26 days in 2014 (Figure 5).

During 2015, the Upper Hunter had only a small number of days where more than one site recorded PM10 levels above the benchmark. This occurred on eight of the 17 distinct days when particle levels were higher than the benchmark (Appendix B, Table 13). The hourly PM10 pollution rose map (Figure 6) shows that elevated hourly PM10 levels (>75 μg/m3)1 occurred only a small percentage of time during 2015 and mainly at sites closer to mines.

The most extensive event occurred on 6 May 2015 when all 14 sites recorded levels over the PM10 benchmark. Particle levels on this day were affected by a state-wide dust storm2 originating from the Victorian Mallee and south-western NSW regions on 5 May, and transported by the passage of a cold front. Elevated particle levels were recorded in most NSW regions on 6 May, reaching the Upper Hunter early in the morning under south-west to north-west winds. Daily PM10 concentrations in the valley ranged from 60.6 to 86.7 µg/m3 on this day. More information on this event can be found in Upper Hunter air quality monitoring network autumn 2015 seasonal newsletter.

The next most widespread event occurred on 26 November 2015 when eight sites recorded levels over the PM10 benchmark. The maximum 24-hour average PM10 on this day was 79.9 µg/m3 recorded at the Singleton NW diagnostic site. PM10 at the Merriwa background site was 40 μg/m3 on this day, indicating some particle transport from outside west of the valley. Elevated levels were predominantly under moderate to strong northwest to west winds with a late evening hourly spike as winds turned southeast. Other than a fire to the south-east at Stanford Merthyr, a few small fires were reported within the valley on this day3.

The annual PM10 concentration remained below the benchmark of 25 µg/m3 at all sites in the Upper Hunter during 2015 (Figure 7). Annual average PM10 concentrations have generally decreased since 2013 throughout the region.

1 Note: There are no standards for hourly PM10 in the Air NEPM. The value of 75 μg/m3 was chosen to highlight only those hours with relatively elevated hourly PM10 levels.

2 OEH Media Release: Mallee dust storm blankets NSW, 6 May 2015 and DustWatch Report – May 2015

3 Rural Fire Service ICON database

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/aqms/150513-aqmn-upperhunter-autumn.pdf

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/aqms/150513-aqmn-upperhunter-autumn.pdf

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/media/OEHmedia15050602.htm

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/dustwatch/150435DWNL.pdf


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Figure 5: Number of days above the PM10 benchmark at Upper Hunter monitoring stations – 2012 to 20154

4 The Merriwa station was commissioned in February 2012


9

Figure 6: Hourly PM10 pollution rose map for the Upper Hunter region for 2015

Figure 7: Upper Hunter annual average PM10 – 2011 to 2015


10

PM10 in larger population centres

All larger population monitoring sites achieved the Air NEPM goal during 2015 (Figure 8), except for one day at Singleton which experienced an unusually high hourly spike on 17 September. All the remaining days over the benchmark are associated with exceptional events related to dust storms or bushfires.

Figure 8: Large population centres – daily average PM10 levels (2015)

Table 3 shows the sites, days, time of day of elevated hourly concentrations and associated daily meteorological conditions during the reporting period where the daily average PM10 was above the 50 µg/m3 benchmark at the larger population centres.

In summary, at each of the larger population sites daily average PM10 levels were less than the benchmark except for:

two days at Muswellbrook, on 6 May (during the state-wide dust storm) and 26 November (the second most extensive event during the year). For comparison, there was one day above the benchmark in 2014, three days in 2013 and one in 2012

three days at Singleton, on 6 May (during the state-wide dust storm), 17 September and 26 November (the second most extensive event during the year). For comparison, there as one day above the benchmark in 2014, 11 days in 2013 and six days in 2012

one day at Aberdeen on 6 May (during the state-wide dust storm). There were two days above the benchmark in 2014 and no days in 2013 and 2012.

The daily average PM10 concentrations at Singleton and Muswellbrook during 2015 were compared to the maximum and minimum daily average PM10 levels recorded from 2011 to 2014 (Figure 9 and Figure 10), to see if levels on a certain day were amongst the lowest or highest on record since the sites were commissioned. Daily PM10 levels were amongst the lowest during January, end of April and end of October to mid-November; while they were amongst the highest during March, early October and end of November to mid-December. The daily PM10 concentrations during 2015 are seen to correspond closely with rainfall (Figure 11). Periods of lower daily PM10 levels coincide with high rainfall periods and conversely, the periods of higher daily PM10 levels coincide with periods of little or no rainfall.


11

Figure 9: Singleton daily average PM10 during 2015 plotted against the daily maximum and minimum PM10 levels recorded from 2011 to 2014

Figure 10: Muswellbrook daily average PM10 during 2015 plotted against the daily maximum and minimum PM10 levels recorded from 2011 to 2014

Figure 11: Bureau of Meteorology Singleton STP5 cumulative monthly rainfall during 2015 plotted against the monthly maximum and average rainfall from 2011 to 2015

5 Data obtained from the Bureau of Meteorology Singleton STP monthly rainfall data web page (accessed May 2016)

http://www.bom.gov.au/jsp/ncc/cdio/weatherData/av?p_nccObsCode=139&p_display_type=dataFile&p_stn_num=061397


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Table 3: Large population centres – days above the PM10 benchmark (2015)

Station PM10 daily average (µg/m3)

Date Comments (including times of elevated levels, predominant winds and names of fires ≥ 1 hectare burning near the Upper Huntera)

Aberdeen 64.8 06/05/15 Early morning to early afternoon under light to moderate N to W winds. State-wide dust storm.

Muswellbrook 72.6 06/05/15 Early morning to afternoon under light NW winds. State-wide dust storm.

Muswellbrook 56.3 26/11/15 Morning under moderate NNW winds and from late afternoon under generally light W winds. Small fire within valley (Denman Rd, Denman fire)

Singleton 85.3 06/05/15 Early morning to afternoon under light to moderate NW winds. State-wide dust storm.

Singleton 53.0 17/09/15 An unusually high hourly spike of 661 μg/m3 occurred in the middle of the day under light W winds and around the start of a rain event. There is insufficient information available to exclude this high hourly record. No other sites were over the benchmark on this day and PM2.5 levels at the site remained consistently low.

Singleton 51.4 26/11/15 Morning under moderate to fresh NW to WNW winds and a spike at night as winds changed to ESE. Small fire within valley (Denman Rd, Denman fire) and fire 30km south-east at Stanford Merthyr (Stanford fire)

a Fires listed here have been included for additional information. Detailed event analyses would need to be performed to determine whether a particular fire affected particle levels on a particular day.

PM10 in smaller communities

Daily average PM10 levels at all smaller community sites were above the 50 µg/m3 benchmark during 2015, with the number of days as follows: Bulga (two), Camberwell (11), Jerrys Plains (one), Maison Dieu (five), Warkworth (three) and Wybong (one) (Figure 12). Compared to 2014, all sites had less days over the benchmark, with the exception of Warkworth (which had the same number of days). Compared to 2013 and 2012, this is a large decrease, when the highest numbers at the smaller community sites were 36 days in 2013 and 23 days in 2012 (both at Camberwell).

Table 4 lists the sites, days, times of elevated concentrations and associated daily meteorological conditions during the 2015 reporting period when the daily average PM10 exceeded the benchmark.

Figure 12: Smaller communities – daily average PM10 levels (2015)


13

Table 4: Smaller communities – days above the PM10 benchmark (2015)



Bulga 60.6 06/05/15 Early morning to afternoon under light predominantly NW winds State-wide dust storm.

Bulga 57.6 15/12/15 Mainly morning under light E to S winds. Very large fire 50km south (Terraborra North fire), fire at Gungal in west part of valley (Long Creek fire) and smoke reported at Muswellbrook.

Camberwell 57.1 06/03/15 At night under light W winds turning to E winds.

Camberwell 57.5 27/03/15 Mainly at night under very light N to E winds. Large fire 20km south (Broke Trig HR fire).

Camberwell 86.7 06/05/15 Early morning to evening under light to moderate NW to WNW winds. State-wide dust storm.

Camberwell 51.4 22/08/15 Morning under light variable winds then at night under light NW winds. Large to very large fires 50km west (FCNSW Wallaroo State Forest HRB and NPWS LNCR Goldmine HR).

Camberwell 50.1 04/10/15 Mainly at night under light variable winds.

Camberwell 53.3 12/10/15 Night under light NNW to W winds. Large fire 10km south of Broke (Coolawine fire).

Camberwell 62.8 20/11/15 Morning under light NW winds then at night under light NW to SW winds.

Camberwell 54.9 25/11/15 Mainly night under light NW to N winds.

Camberwell 72.1 26/11/15 From mid-morning under moderate to fresh NW to W winds and a spike at night as winds changed SE. Small fire within valley (Denman Rd, Denman fire) and fire 30km south-east at Stanford Merthyr (Stanford fire).

Camberwell 55.8 01/12/15 Throughout the day under light to moderate W to NNW winds. Fires 30km south-east at Stanford Merthyr (Stanford fire) and Neath (Duffy, Cessnock fire).

Camberwell 52.9 11/12/15 Throughout the day under light to strong W to NW winds. Data missing from 3 to 6pm due to power outage from a building fire 70m NW of site. Fire 20km west near Kerrabee (Kerrabee fire) and at Gungal in west part of valley (Long Creek fire).

Jerrys Plains 70.0 06/05/15 Early morning to afternoon under light to moderate W to NW winds. State-wide dust storm.

Maison Dieu 77.3 06/05/15 Morning to afternoon under light to moderate NW to W winds. State-wide dust storm.

Maison Dieu 53.1 06/10/15 Mainly at night under light N winds. Fire 10km south of Broke (Coolawine fire).

Maison Dieu 65.4 07/10/15 Early morning under light NE winds then peaks under moderate S winds. Large fire 10km south of Broke (Coolawine fire).

Maison Dieu 75.4 26/11/15 From the morning under fresh to strong NW to W winds and a spike as night as winds changed E. Small fire within valley (Denman Rd, Denman fire) and fire 30km south-east at Stanford Merthyr (Stanford fire).

Maison Dieu 63.3 11/12/15 Mainly at night under light W winds. Fire 20km west near Kerrabee (Kerrabee fire) and at Gungal in west part of valley (Long Creek fire).

Warkworth 68.2 06/05/15 Morning to afternoon under light NW winds. State-wide dust storm.

Warkworth 52.7 07/10/15 Morning under light SSE winds then at night under light SE winds. Large fire 10km south of Broke (Coolawine fire).

Warkworth 54.0 15/12/15 Mainly in morning under light N to E winds. Very large fire 50km south (Terraborra North fire), fire at Gungal in west part of valley (Long Creek fire) and smoke reported at Muswellbrook.

Wybong 79.5 06/05/15 Early morning to early afternoon under light W to NW winds. State-wide dust storm.



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PM10 at diagnostic sites

The diagnostic sites, which operate close to existing mines, are intended to provide information on trends and likely sources of dust to help interpret elevated particle levels in population centres.

For the Muswellbrook NW site there were two days above the PM10 benchmark, whereas for Singleton NW and Mount Thorley there were four and seven days respectively (Figure 13). This is similar compared to 2014 and a large decrease compared with 2013, when there were 28 and 26 days over the benchmark at Singleton NW and Mount Thorley, respectively. In 2012, there were 30 and 28 days above the benchmark at these sites, respectively.

Table 5 lists the days above the benchmark and provides information on the governing weather conditions on these days.

Figure 13: Diagnostic sites – daily average PM10 levels (2015)


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Table 5: Diagnostic sites – days above the PM10 benchmark (2015)



Mount Thorley 85.2 06/05/15 Early morning under light SW winds then from mid-morning under light to moderate W to NW winds. State-wide dust storm.

Mount Thorley 55.9 04/10/15 Early morning under very light S winds then at night under calm variable winds.

Mount Thorley 54.4 05/10/15 Early morning and night under light S to SW winds. Fire 10km south of Broke (Coolawine fire).

Mount Thorley 67.0 06/10/15 Early morning under very light N to E winds then at night under light S winds. Fire 10km south of Broke (Coolawine fire).

Mount Thorley 64.4 07/10/15 Early morning under light variable winds. Large fire 10km south of Broke (Coolawine fire).

Mount Thorley 53.1 17/10/15 Early morning under very light variable winds. Large fire 10km south of Broke (Coolawine fire).

Mount Thorley 68.1 26/11/15 Throughout the day under light S winds in the early morning then fresh NW winds and a spike at night as winds changed E. Small fire within valley (Denman Rd, Denman fire) and fire 30km south-east at Stanford Merthyr (Stanford fire).

Muswellbrook NW 72.9 06/05/15 Early morning to afternoon under light to moderate NW to W winds. State-wide dust storm.

Muswellbrook NW 50.9 26/11/15 Morning under moderate NNW winds then at night under light W winds with a SE change at night. Small fire within valley (Denman Rd, Denman fire) and fire 30km south-east at Stanford Merthyr (Stanford fire).

Singleton NW 84.0 06/05/15 Morning to early evening under light to moderate NW to W winds. State-wide dust storm.

Singleton NW 63.1 06/10/15 Early morning to midday under light NW to W winds. Fire 10km south of Broke (Coolawine fire).

Singleton NW 59.3 20/11/15 Morning under light NW to WNW winds then at night under light NNW to WNW winds.

Singleton NW 79.9 26/11/15 Throughout the day under light to fresh W to NW winds and a spike at night as winds changed SE. Small fire within valley (Denman Rd, Denman fire) and fire 30km south-east at Stanford Merthyr (Stanford fire).



16

PM10 at background sites

Background monitoring sites have been placed at the northern and southern ends of the Upper Hunter Valley (Merriwa and Singleton South) to provide information on levels of particles in air travelling into and out of the valley.

There were two days above the daily PM10 benchmark in 2015 at Singleton South (in May and November) and one day at Merriwa (in May) (Figure 14 and Table 6).For comparison, Merriwa recorded three days above the benchmark in 2014, while there were no days at Singleton South during that year.

Figure 14: Background sites – daily average PM10 levels (2015)

Table 6: Background sites - days above the PM10 benchmark (2015)

Station PM10 daily average concentration (µg/m3)


Merriwa 83.0 06/05/15 Early morning to early afternoon under light to moderate WNW winds. State-wide dust storm.

Singleton South 82.5 06/05/15 Early morning to evening under light to fresh W to NW winds. State-wide dust storm.

Singleton South 54.8 26/11/15 Morning under fresh to strong NW winds and a spike at night as winds changed E. Small fire within valley (Denman Rd, Denman fire) and fire 30km south-east at Stanford Merthyr (Stanford fire).



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How are dust emissions in the Upper Hunter being reduced?

Dust Stop

The EPA Dust Stop Reduction Program aims to reduce dust emissions by ensuring that best practice dust control options are implemented by coal mines throughout NSW. Under this program, all coal mines have compared their current operation with international best practice and have been required to recommend how their dust controls can be improved.

To reduce the main sources of their particulate matter emissions, mines have been required to implement four Pollution Reduction Programs (PRPs):

PRP1 required coal mines to reduce wheel-generated dust. This PRP is estimated to have reduced PM10 emissions by 20,000 tonnes each year.

PRP2 required all open cut mines to cease or modify their activities during adverse weather and to monitor and report the results. The EPA is working with OEH to develop a clearer definition of adverse weather.

PRP3 required mines to investigate better ways of controlling dust during overburden digging, loading and dumping. Mines demonstrated that measures such as water cannons could reduce emissions by between 40 and 70%, but expressed concerns about cost, practicality and increased water use. The EPA has advised the mines that they should consider implementing these controls during adverse weather.

PRP4 requires mines to compare the area of land exposed to wind erosion against predictions made in their Environmental Assessment documents. The EPA is negotiating further PRPs with those mines that have significantly more wind-erosion exposed land than predicted.

http://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/air/coalminingNSW.htm


18

PM2.5 monitoring data

PM2.5 levels are measured at the Camberwell, Singleton and Muswellbrook monitoring stations. The number of days above the PM2.5 benchmark in 2015 was similar to those in the previous three years (Figure 15).

Daily average PM2.5 levels at Singleton and Camberwell were less than the 25 µg/m3 benchmark throughout 2015 (Figure 16 and Table 7). Daily average PM2.5 levels at Muswellbrook were above the 25 µg/m3 benchmark on three days during 2015, all occurring in the winter months (one day in June and two days in July) (Figure 16 and Table 7).

PM2.5 concentrations were typically elevated overall during the cooler months (May to August; light grey shaded are) compared with the levels occurring throughout the warmer summer and spring months. Residential wood-fire use contributes to the higher PM2.5 levels in winter, particularly at the population centres.

Annual average PM2.5 at Singleton and Camberwell were below the 8 µg/m3 benchmark in 2015, however Muswellbrook was over the benchmark with an annual average of 8.7 µg/m3 (Figure 17).

The Upper Hunter Fine Particle Characterisation Study found that 62% of PM2.5 at Muswellbrook in winter is smoke from domestic wood heaters. The study also found that wood heaters contributed around 38% of PM2.5 in winter at Singleton.

Figure 15: Number of days above the PM2.5 benchmark – 2012 to 2015

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/aqms/uhaqmnfpcs.htm


19

Figure 16: Daily average PM2.5 levels and minimum daily temperatures at Muswellbrook (2015)

Figure 17: Upper Hunter annual average PM2.5 – 2011 to 2015

Table 7: Sites above the PM2.5 benchmarks (2015)

Station Average period

Standard

(µg/m3)

PM2.5 average (µg/m3)


Muswellbrook Daily 25 31.2 14/06/15 Overnight under calm conditions.

Muswellbrook Daily 25 27.3 21/07/15 Overnight under calm conditions.

Muswellbrook Daily 25 26.7 22/07/15 Overnight under very light variable winds.

Muswellbrook Annual 8 8.7



20

How is air quality in the Upper Hunter being improved?

Wood smoke reduction

The EPA currently uses a number of instruments to manage wood smoke, including:

regulating the sale and installation of wood heaters in NSW

providing education materials on the proper operation of wood heaters

periodically running education, enforcement and rebate programs.

In 2015 the EPA conducted a study into the Upper Hunter community attitudes about wood smoke and wood heaters. This study followed the government funded Wood Smoke Reduction Program run over the 2013 and 2014 winter seasons in Muswellbrook and Singleton councils that focussed on community education programs, rebates for cleaner forms of heating, and smoky chimney surveys. It also followed the outcomes of the 2013 Upper Hunter Fine Particle Characterisation Study that found that wood smoke from domestic wood heaters was the highest contributor to annual PM2.5 concentrations contributing around 30% in Muswellbrook and 14% in Singleton.

The objective of the Upper Hunter Wood Smoke Community Research project was to inform further programs and initiatives to reduce the wood smoke pollution in the region.

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/aqms/uhaqmnfpcs.htm

http://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/woodsmoke/uhunter-woodsmoke-research-project.htm


21

Gaseous (NO2 and SO2) monitoring data

The gaseous pollutants nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) are measured at the Muswellbrook and Singleton monitoring sites. Levels were below the hourly, daily and annual Air NEPM benchmarks at both monitoring stations for NO2 (Figure 18 and Table 8) and SO2 (Figure 19 and Table 9) during 2015.

Figure 18: Muswellbrook and Singleton – daily 1-hour maximum NO2 levels (2015)

Figure 19: Muswellbrook and Singleton – daily 1-hour maximum SO2 levels (2015)

Table 8: Summary of NO2 levels at Muswellbrook and Singleton (2015)

Station Annual average (pphm)

Maximum hourly NO2 levels

(pphm)

Date and time of maximum hourly NO2 levels

(pphm)

Days above standard

Muswellbrook 0.9 4.2 19/03/15 21:00 0

Singleton 0.8 3.2 16/01/15 22:00 0

Table 9: Summary of SO2 levels at Muswellbrook and Singleton (2015)

Station Annual average (pphm)

Maximum daily SO2 levels

(pphm)

Date of maximum daily SO2 levels

(pphm)

Maximum hourly SO2 levels

(pphm)

Date and time of maximum hourly SO2 levels

(pphm)

Days above standards

Muswellbrook 0.2 1.7 14/02/15 10.4 08/12/15 9:00 0

Singleton 0.1 0.9 03/03/15 6.3 03/03/15 13:00 0


22

Upper Hunter meteorological conditions

Rainfall and temperature6

The Bureau of Meteorology have reported that Australia experienced its fifth-warmest year on record in 2015. A strong El-Nino was declared in May 2015, which contributed to warmer daytime temperatures in much of eastern Australia and continued into 2016. The warmest October was recorded nationally for both maximum and minimum temperatures.

The Upper Hunter experienced generally ‘above average’ rainfall during 2015 (Figure 20), with a particularly wet April due to a severe East Coast Low and a particularly dry September period. Rainfall in 2015 was up to around 400 millimetres higher in parts of the region compared to 2014, similar to 2013 and 100 to 400 millimetres higher than 2012.

Maximum temperatures were average to above average (Figure 21), while minimum temperatures were generally above average during 2015.

Figure 20: Bureau of Meteorology NSW rainfall deciles map – 2015

6 Rainfall and temperature information are from the Bureau of Meteorology Annual Climate Report 2015 and climate maps (accessed May 2016)

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/annual_sum/2015/index.shtml

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/maps/


23

Figure 21: Bureau of Meteorology NSW maximum temperature deciles map – 2015

Wind

Wind patterns vary from site to site within the Upper Hunter as a result of local topographical features; however, overall they typically flow along the valley at most sites. Figure 22 includes the annual wind roses for each site. It shows that the predominant winds are from the north-west and south-east sectors throughout the year.

Figure 22: Wind rose map for the Upper Hunter region for 2015


24

What do the air quality results tell us?

During 2015, the Air NEPM goal for 24-hour PM10 was met at Muswellbrook, however was not met at Singleton (with one day exceeding the national standard that was not attributed to bushfires or a dust storm). This event occurred as a result of an unusually high and unexplained hourly spike. All the remaining days over the benchmark (two at Muswellbrook and two others at Singleton) were associated with exceptional events related to dust storms or bushfires. The annual PM10 goal was met at all major population sites.

For PM2.5, the 24-hour Air NEPM goal was met at Singleton (with no days over the benchmark), while at Muswellbrook there were three days over the 25 µg/m3 benchmark (occurring during calm overnight conditions in winter). The annual benchmark of 8 µg/m3 for PM2.5 was also exceeded at Muswellbrook but not at Singleton. At Muswellbrook, smoke from residential wood fires affects PM2.5 levels during the cooler months and can account for 30% of total annual PM2.5 in the town.

NO2 and SO2 levels remained below the benchmarks throughout the year.

Throughout the rest of the Upper Hunter, particle levels and the number of days over the benchmarks were reduced overall in comparison to earlier years (although there was some variability at individual sites). Rainfall was above average in the region and conditions were warm.


25

Upper Hunter network performance

An operational aim of the network is to achieve at least 95% valid data for parameters measured over the year (allowing for maintenance and calibration). During 2015, the UHAQMN met the 95% online requirement for all parameters at all sites, with the exception of PM2.5 and NO2 at Singleton (94%) (Table 10).

Table 10: Online performance of the UHAQMN - 2015

Station Particles

PM10

daily

Particles

PM2.5

daily

Gases

NO2 a

hourly

Gases

SO2 a

hourly

Wind

hourly

Aberdeen 99 - - - 100

Bulga 98 - - - 99

Camberwell 99 96 - - 99

Jerrys Plains 99 - - - 100

Maison Dieu 96 - - - 96

Merriwa 98 - - - 99

Mount Thorley 98 - - - 98

Muswellbrook 99 96 95 95 100

Muswellbrook NW 99 - - - 99

Singleton 99 94 94 95 99

Singleton NW 99 - - - 100

Singleton South 99 - - - 100

Warkworth 99 - - - 100

Wybong 98 - - - 99

a Gaseous monitors for NO2 and SO2 undergo daily calibrations, so the maximum online time achievable is 96%.

- = not monitored


26

Upper Hunter online statistics

Webpage activity

The number of unique page views7 for the period 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2015 for the OEH Upper Hunter Air Quality Monitoring Network map website is shown in Figure 23. During the year, the number of daily visits cycled between 1 and 74, with a total of 5337 unique page views.

Figure 23: Unique page views for the UHAQMN map webpage (2015)

The website, which is updated hourly, provides facilities for viewing Upper Hunter air quality

data. Anyone visiting the website can view the hourly PM10, PM2.5, wind direction and wind

speed data; create their own graphs of the hourly data; download historical data; and

compare Upper Hunter values with those for the rest of NSW.

SMS and email alerts

As with OEH’s main NSW Air Quality Monitoring Network, to keep the community informed about air quality in the region, automatic SMS and email alerts are triggered by the UHAQMN when air quality is ‘poor’. Alerts are provided when rolling 24-hour averages for PM10 or PM2.5 concentrations are above the benchmark concentrations of 50 µg/m3 and 25 µg/m3, respectively.

Members of the community susceptible to air pollution (e.g. asthmatics or people with heart disease) can subscribe to receive these automatic alerts, which can then help them to take appropriate action to minimise their exposure.

OEH promotes this service via its website, through community meetings and communication with stakeholders, and through the media. Subscription to the alerts is via the OEH Subscribe to Air Quality Updates website.

Numbers of subscribers to the UHAQMN alerts (as at 31 December 20158) are shown in Figure 24.

7 Unique page views are based on the number of unique visits in each 30 minute session

8 Accessed July 2016

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/aqms/uhunteraqmap.htm

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/aqms/subscribe.htm

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/aqms/subscribe.htm


27

Figure 24: Number of public subscribers to email and SMS air quality alerts (as at 31 December 2015)


28

Appendix A: Calendar plots

These calendar plots show the daily levels for each parameter categorised against their relevant benchmarks. Days on which levels were higher than the benchmark are coloured orange, maroon or red. The categories are those used on the OEH Regional Air Quality Index webpages.

A day is colour-coded for PM10 and PM2.5 if there is a valid daily average (with at least 75% of hourly data available on that day). For NO2 and SO2 a day is colour-coded if at least one valid hour is available on that day.

Calendar plots of daily average PM10 data

The following calendar plots show daily average PM10 levels categorised against the PM10 benchmark of 50 µg/m3.

S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30

S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 1

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

31 30 31

S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 27 28 29 30 31

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

Aberdeen PM10 - 2015JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL

MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST


4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30


3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

31 30 31


6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 27 28 29 30 31


Bulga PM10 - 2015JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL



4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30


3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

31 30 31


6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 27 28 29 30 31


Camberwell PM10 - 2015JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL



4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30


3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

31 30 31


6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 27 28 29 30 31


Jerrys Plains PM10 - 2015JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL


http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/aqms/aqi.htm

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/aqms/aqi.htm


29


4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30


3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

31 30 31


6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 27 28 29 30 31


Maison Dieu PM10 - 2015JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL



4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30


3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

31 30 31


6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 27 28 29 30 31


Merriwa PM10 - 2015JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL



4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30


3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

31 30 31


6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 27 28 29 30 31


Mount Thorley PM10 - 2015JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL



4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30


3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

31 30 31


6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 27 28 29 30 31


Muswellbrook PM10 - 2015JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL



4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30


3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

31 30 31


6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 27 28 29 30 31


Muswellbrook NW PM10 - 2015JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL



4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30


3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

31 30 31


6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 27 28 29 30 31


Singleton PM10 - 2015JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL



30

Calendar plots of daily average PM2.5 data

The following calendar plots show daily average PM2.5 levels categorised against a benchmark of 25 µg/m3.


4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30


3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

31 30 31


6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 27 28 29 30 31


Singleton NW PM10 - 2015JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL



4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30


3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

31 30 31


6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 27 28 29 30 31


Singleton South PM10 - 2015JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL



4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30


3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

31 30 31


6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 27 28 29 30 31


Warkworth PM10 - 2015JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL



4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30


3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

31 30 31


6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 27 28 29 30 31


Wybong PM10 - 2015JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL



4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30


3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

31 30 31


6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 27 28 29 30 31


Camberwell PM2.5 - 2015JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL



4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30


3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

31 30 31


6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 27 28 29 30 31


Muswellbrook PM2.5 - 2015JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL



31

Calendar plots of daily maximum NO2 data

The following calendar plots show daily maximum 1-hour NO2 levels categorised against a benchmark of 12 pphm.

Calendar plots of daily maximum SO2 data

The following calendar plots show daily maximum 1-hour SO2 levels categorised against a benchmark of 20 pphm.


4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30


3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

31 30 31


6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 27 28 29 30 31


Singleton PM2.5 - 2015JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL



4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30


3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

31 30 31


6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 27 28 29 30 31


Muswellbrook NO2 - 2015JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL



4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30


3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

31 30 31


6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 27 28 29 30 31


Singleton NO2 - 2015JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL



4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30


3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

31 30 31


6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 27 28 29 30 31


Muswellbrook SO2 - 2015JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL



4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30


3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

31 30 31


6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 27 28 29 30 31


Singleton SO2 - 2015JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL



32

Appendix B: Days when levels were above the benchmarks

The monthly breakdown of days when levels above the PM10 and PM2.5 benchmarks were recorded during 2015 are found in Table 11 and Table 12. There were no days above the NO2 and SO2 benchmarks.

Note that some of the days over the benchmark are common to multiple sites. During 2015, there were 17 distinct days above the PM10 benchmark and three days above the PM2.5 benchmark.

Table 13 lists the days over the benchmark, with the maximum regional 24-hour average PM10 level and the stations over the PM10 benchmark on each of these days, providing an indication of spatial extent.

Table 11: Number of days per month over the PM10 benchmark (2015)

Station Type Station Month Number of days over the PM10 benchmark

Population centre sites Aberdeen May 1

Population centre sites Muswellbrook May 1

Population centre sites Muswellbrook Nov 1

Population centre sites Singleton May 1

Population centre sites Singleton Sep 1

Population centre sites Singleton Nov 1

Smaller community sites Bulga May 1

Smaller community sites Bulga Dec 1

Smaller community sites Camberwell Mar 2

Smaller community sites Camberwell May 1

Smaller community sites Camberwell Aug 1

Smaller community sites Camberwell Oct 2

Smaller community sites Camberwell Nov 3

Smaller community sites Camberwell Dec 2

Smaller community sites Jerrys Plains May 1

Smaller community sites Maison Dieu May 1

Smaller community sites Maison Dieu Oct 2

Smaller community sites Maison Dieu Nov 1

Smaller community sites Maison Dieu Dec 1

Smaller community sites Warkworth May 1

Smaller community sites Warkworth Oct 1

Smaller community sites Warkworth Dec 1

Smaller community sites Wybong May 1

Diagnostic sites Mount Thorley May 1

Diagnostic sites Mount Thorley Oct 5

Diagnostic sites Mount Thorley Nov 1

Diagnostic sites Muswellbrook NW May 1

Diagnostic sites Muswellbrook NW Nov 1

Diagnostic sites Singleton NW May 1

Diagnostic sites Singleton NW Oct 1

Diagnostic sites Singleton NW Nov 2

Background sites Merriwa May 1

Background sites Singleton South May 1

Background sites Singleton South Nov 1


33

Table 12: Number of days per month over the PM2.5 benchmark (2015)

Station Type Station Month Number of days over the PM2.5 benchmark

Population centre Muswellbrook Jun 1

Population centre Muswellbrook Jul 2

Population centre Singleton Nil

Smaller community Camberwell Nil

Table 13: Days above the PM10 benchmark (2015) for all station types (red = larger population centre; blue = smaller community; green = diagnostic; black = background)

Date Maximum daily PM10 (µg/m3)

Number of sites above benchmark

Station and daily PM10 (µg/m3)

6/03/2015 57.1 1 Camberwell (57.1)

27/03/2015 57.5 1 Camberwell (57.5)

6/05/2015 86.7 14 Aberdeen (64.8), Bulga (60.6), Camberwell (86.7), Jerrys Plains (70.0), Maison Dieu (77.3), Merriwa (83.0), Mount Thorley (85.2), Muswellbrook (72.6), Muswellbrook NW (72.9), Singleton (85.3), Singleton NW (84.0), Singleton South (82.5), Warkworth (68.2), Wybong (79.5)

22/08/2015 51.4 1 Camberwell (51.4)

17/09/2015 53.0 1 Singleton (53.0)

4/10/2015 55.9 2 Camberwell (50.1), Mount Thorley (55.9)

5/10/2015 54.4 1 Mount Thorley (54.4)

6/10/2015 67.0 3 Maison Dieu (53.1), Mount Thorley (67.0), Singleton NW (63.1)

7/10/2015 65.4 3 Maison Dieu (65.4), Mount Thorley (64.4), Warkworth (52.7)

12/10/2015 53.3 1 Camberwell (53.3)

17/10/2015 53.1 1 Mount Thorley (53.1)

20/11/2015 62.8 2 Camberwell (62.8), Singleton NW (59.3)

25/11/2015 54.9 1 Camberwell (54.9)

26/11/2015 79.9 8 Camberwell (72.1), Maison Dieu (75.4), Mount Thorley (68.1), Muswellbrook (56.3), Muswellbrook NW (50.9), Singleton (51.4), Singleton NW (79.9), Singleton South (54.8)

1/12/2015 55.8 1 Camberwell (55.8)

11/12/2015 63.3 2 Camberwell (52.9), Maison Dieu (63.3)

15/12/2015 57.6 2 Bulga (57.6), Warkworth (54.0)


34

Glossary

Pollution rose – is one way of presenting pollutant data in relation to the wind direction recorded at the same time as pollutant levels at a monitoring site. In the image below, the colour categories represent hourly PM10 levels; the angle of the coloured wedges represents the direction from which the wind is blowing in association with each of these pollutant categories; and the concentric circles show the percentage of time for each category.

In the sample figure below, it can be seen that all hourly PM10 levels originated from the northeast (NE) quadrant. Hourly PM10 levels were:

less than or equal to 25 µg/m3 for a total of 20% of time (9% of time from the north-northeast and 11% of time from the east-northeast)

between 25 and 50 µg/m3 for a total of 35% of time



greater than 100 µg/m3 for a total of 15% of time.

Sample figure: Pollution rose showing the percentage of time hourly PM10 levels were within certain ranges, by wind direction

Quadrants – in the pollution rose image above, refers to the directions on a compass divided into four broad regions, namely:

the NE quadrant refers to directions between 0° (North) and 90° (East)

the SE quadrant refers to directions between 90° (East) and 180° (South)

the SW quadrant refers to directions between 180° (South) and 270° (West)

the NW quadrant refers to directions between 270° (West) and 360° (North).

upper hunter air quality monitoring network 2015 annual report · 2017-01-11 · upper hunter air...

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