Abstract

Concentrations of PM₁₀ exceed National Environmental Standards (NES) for PM₁₀ in a number of urban areas of the Waikato. The NES is set at 50 µg m^-3 (24-hour average) with one allowable exceedence per year. The Regional Air Plan sets a more stringent target for PM₁₀ of 33 µg m^-3 (24-hour average).

The main areas of concern are Taupo, Te Kuiti, Hamilton and Tokoroa. The maximum measured 24 hour PM₁₀ concentrations in these areas are 89 µg m^-3 (Taupo - 2006), 69 µg m^-3 (Te Kuiti - 2006), 68 µg m^-3 (Hamilton - 2006) and 75 µg m^-3 (Tokoroa - 2001). Highest PM₁₀ concentrations in all areas are measured during the winter months. Reductions in PM₁₀ concentrations required to meet the NES are: 44% for Taupo, 33% for Tokoroa, 28 for Te Kuiti, 27% for Hamilton.

The main source of PM₁₀ emissions in these areas is from solid fuel burning for domestic home heating. In Taupo domestic heating contributes around 88% of the daily winter PM₁₀ with 9% from motor vehicles, 3% from outdoor burning and less than 1% from industry. Similar contributions are observed for Tokoroa with 89% domestic, 5% outdoor burning, 5% motor vehicles and 1% industry. In Te Kuiti solid fuel burning is estimated to contribute around 89% of the PM₁₀, with motor vehicles contributing 6% and industry 5%. In Hamilton the contribution from domestic heating is 72%, with motor vehicles contributing 11%, outdoor burning 13% and industry 4%. The inventories do not account for the potential contribution of natural sources such as dusts or industrial emissions from processes such as sanding.

The impact of management options to reduce PM₁₀ concentrations in Taupo, Te Kuiti, Hamilton and Tokoroa are examined in this report. Results suggest that the NES is unlikely to be met in any area without additional measures. A combination of incentives and regulations is likely to be required in all locations.

Hamilton, Taupo, Te Kuiti and Tokoroa : an Assessment of Management Options to Achieve National Environmental Standards [PDF, 199 KB]

Contents
	Abstract	i
1	Introduction	1
2	Sources of PM10	1
2.1	Taupo Emission Inventory – 2004	1
2.2	Tokoroa Emission Inventory – 2005	2
2.3	Hamilton Emission Inventory - 2005	2
2.4	Te Kuiti Emissions Assessment	3
3	Managing air quality to meet the NES	3
3.1	Tokoroa	4
3.1.1	Assumptions	4
3.1.2	Projections	6
3.1.3	Summary	11
3.2	Hamilton	11
3.2.1	Assumptions	11
3.2.2	Projections	13
3.2.3	Summary	17
3.3	Taupo	17
3.3.1	Assumptions	17
3.3.2	Projections	19
3.3.3	Summary	23
3.4	Te Kuiti	23
3.4.1	Assumptions	23
3.4.2	Projections	25
3.4.3	Summary	28
4	Conclusions	28
	References	29

Hamilton, Taupo, Te Kuiti and Tokoroa: an Assessment of Management Options to Achieve National Environmental Standards

Abstract