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>> Read frequently
asked questions (FAQs) about air quality monitoring and PM10
How do I use Air Info?
Use the links at the top of each page, or the map on the Air Info homepage to
select the location of an air quality monitoring site. (On the map, only the
orange square next to the name of the site is a link).
The page for each monitoring site provides key summary statistics, plus graphs
showing PM10 levels for the last week and past 180 days.
For the latest information, use the links under 'Hourly averages' for the last
two days' PM10, temperature and windspeed readings.
If you have any problems using the service, please email us:
>> Email us - use 'Website feedback'
as your subject
About the daily average PM10 levels
Each monitoring site page includes two graphs: the last seven days and the last
180 days. The bars on the graph show how the level of PM10 changes
from day to day. When the bar goes above the red line, PM10 readings
have gone over the guideline value, and are said to be HIGH.
At the top of each page the number of High Pollution Days since the start of
the year is shown. In addition, the date of the last High Pollution Day is
shown, and the highest daily average PM10 reading this year.
>> What
is a High Pollution Day?
About the hourly PM10 readings
Use the 'Last 2 days' PM10 readings' link under 'Hourly averages'
for more detailed information. The graph shows how PM10
levels rise and fall through the course of the day.
About the air temperature and windspeed readings
These graphs show air temperature and wind strength information from each
monitoring site. Air temperature is shown in degrees Celsius, and wind speed is
shown in metres per second. Information from the last 2 days is shown.
Both air temperature and windspeed affect the levels of PM10. When
temperatures are colder, more fuel is burned to heat homes - the major
contributing factor to air pollution levels. Higher winds help to clear air
pollution and lower PM10
levels.
About the air quality monitoring sites
PM10
levels are monitored continuously at Mosgiel and Alexandra. The Otago Regional
Council monitors air quality at other sites around Otago, and this information
is available on request.
Airsheds in Otago
Map: Ministry for the Environment |
In October 2004, the Ministry for the Environment introduced
national air quality standards to protect public health.
Throughout New Zealand areas have been identified as likely, or known, to exceed the
national standards. These areas are known as airsheds. They indicate hotspots
where increased PM10 levels may be observed at certain times of the year.
In Otago, 22 settlements with possible air problems have been grouped into two
airsheds, called air zones, according to their similarity in topography and climate.
- Air zone 1 includes towns where a large number of High Pollution Days are probable in winter.
- Air zone 2 includes towns where a moderate number of High Pollution Days are probable in winter; towns where some High Pollution Days are possible in winter; and towns where High Pollution Days are
unusual.
- Air zone 3 covers the rest of Otago.
 Download PDF of Otago Airsheds
>> Air plan page
Click here for full list of Air Zone maps
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