Proposed amendments to the National Environmental Standards for Air Quality

2020
Written By Lou Wickham

June 19th, 2020

In February 2020, the Ministry for the Environment released a suite of proposed amendments to the National Environmental Standards for Air Quality (NESAQ). Standards currently exist under the NESAQ for particulate matter less than 10 micrometres in diameter (PM10) and wood burners. The proposed amendments include:

  • new ambient standards for particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter (PM2.5),

  • more stringent national wood burner design standards, and

  • new standards for mercury emissions to air.

The aim of these proposed amendments is to bring New Zealand’s current air quality standards in line with international standards, improve air quality and associated health effects.

The Ministry is currently seeking feedback on these proposed amendments. The consultation documents and related information are available on the Ministry’s Improving the quality of our air website. Submissions close at 5pm on 31st July, 2020.

Lou Wickham
Previous

Baby powder contains asbestos
Next

National Lockdown Emissions Drop