The EPA’s framework for action on improving air quality includes
- NSW clean air legislation
- Clean air for NSW consultation - the NSW Government has consulted on actions to manage air quality in NSW and improve air quality information
- Managing particles and improving air quality in NSW
- the Diesel and marine emissions management strategy which focuses on reducing emissions from non-road diesel engines and equipment
Working with industry
The EPA issues environment protection licences to the owners or operators of various industrial premises that are scheduled under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997. Licence conditions relate to
- complying with the law to prevent and monitor pollution
- improving performance through pollution reduction studies and programs
- cleaner production through implementing best practice.
The EPA works with industry to encourage innovation and the use of science and technology to improve air quality. Current projects include
- measuring exhaust emissions from General Electric (GE) powered locomotives operating in NSW against the US Tier 0+ locomotive emission standards
- reducing particle and dust pollution from coal mines
- reducing petrol vapour emissions
- reducing oxides of nitrogen emissions from cogeneration and tri-generation
- showcasing construction industry case studies on best practice use of diesel equipment on construction sites – if you have a case study to share, email air.policy@epa.nsw.gov.au.
Working with government
The EPA works with government agencies and local councils to reduce air pollution from
- particulates
- fires, including bushfires and open fires
- wood heaters
The EPA works with experts to research issues relating to air pollution. For example, the EPA commissioned the CSIRO to examine levels of methane from land uses including landfills, agriculture and natural processes, leading to a valuable snapshot of key methane emissions sources in NSW.
The EPA supports local government in reducing air emissions from local domestic, commercial and industrial sources in their area.
Working with the community
The EPA encourages the community to
- report smoky vehicles on mobile phones or online
- use the Air emissions in my community web tool to investigate local air emissions
- report pollution
- help reduce particle pollution
The EPA works with community committees in regional NSW to tackle emissions from major polluting industries such as coal mines.
