The incorrect use of slow combustion wood heaters can contribute significantly to air pollution in built up areas, particularly during the winter months. In 2012 the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) announced that it would be facilitating a Wood heater smoke reduction program in conjunction with NSW Councils during the winter months of 2013.

Holroyd City Council has successfully obtained grant funding from the EPA to undertake a wood heater smoke reduction program during the months of May-September this year. The program will involve Council undertaking educational and enforcement activities to ensure that operators of wood heaters are informed on how to reduce emissions from their appliance.

Council receives numerous complaints each winter from residents concerned or directly affected by smoky heaters. The grant will allow Council’s Environmental Health Unit additional resources to respond to poorly operated wood heaters this winter, including identification of smoky chimneys, and the development of educational material to assist residents both this year and in future.

Information regarding the operation of wood heaters is available under ‘Air Pollution’ on Council’s website. Council will also be running a seminar in August to assist residents in operating their wood heater efficiently.

Wednesday 14 August 2013 6:00 -7.00pm.
Holroyd City Council
Committee Room 1
16 Memorial Avenue, Merrylands.

Anyone interested in attending the seminar, or for further information regarding the program please contact Council’s Environmental Health Officer, Mark Gillespie on 9840 9828.

• Stay Warm Breathe Easy Brochure

Air pollution can occur from a variety of sources, however the most common source within residential areas is from backyard burning and wood heaters.

The burning of any vegetation or domestic waste is prohibited within the Holroyd City Council area (Protection of the Environment Operations (Clean Air) Regulation 2010). This waste should be either composted or alternately removed to a waste facility licensed to accept it.

Smoke from wood heaters is a major cause of air pollution. In fact, during winter, wood heaters can produce up to seven times as much particle pollution as cars.

Things you can do to ensure your heater operates more effectively:

• Check your heater complies with Australian Standard 4013. Heaters not complied to this standard are less efficient and produce more pollution.
• Use only aged dry wood. Freshly cut wood needs to be stored in a dry area for 8-12 months before use.
• Don’t burn rubbish or treated/painted wood.
• Maintain the fire burning brightly, don’t let it smoulder.
• Don’t let your fire smoulder overnight on the lowest setting, burn off the remaining wood on the highest setting, and allow your house to retain the heat overnight.

Council can issue Smoke Abatement Directions under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 for heaters which are emitting excessive smoke. This will require the operator address the issue of ‘excessive smoke’ within 21 days. If excessive smoke is observed following this period (within a 6 month period) a $200 fine may be issued.

excessive smoke means the emission of a visible plume of smoke from a chimney for a continuous period of not less than 10 minutes, including a period of not less than 30 seconds when the plume extends at least 10 metres from the point at which the smoke is emitted from the chimney

Further information

Water pollution can occur from a variety of sources including but not limited to; litter, chemicals, garden clippings and sediment.

Street gutters and storm water pits drain directly to local creeks and waterways. Pollutants which are placed in these areas will drain to these waterways affecting plants and aquatic life.

Water pollution is an offence under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 with on the spot fines of $750-$1500.

The following activities are examples of water pollution:

• Washing a car on the street. Cars should be washed on grass, or within a designated wash bay.
• Cleaning paint brushes, discharging oils into the street gutter.
• Hosing garden waste and clippings into the street gutter.
• Allowing rain to wash soil and sediment off construction sites.

Further information

Land pollution can occur following certain industrial activities which have been carried out at a premises, or where activities have not been carried out in an environmentally satisfactory manner.

Common soil contaminants include:

Asbestos
Hydrocarbons (paint, fuel , oils)
PCBs (polychlorinated Biphenyls)
Solvents (BTEX – benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene)
Heavy Metals (arsenic, chromium, mercury)
Fertilisers (calcium phosphate, ammonium sulphate)
Pesticides/ Herbicides (organochlorines, organophosphates)

Council commonly considers issues of land contamination and remediation when industrial sites undergo redevelopment, however specific instances such as chemical spills or illegal dumping may be result in the issue of a Clean Up or Prevention Notice under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997.

Noise pollution can occur from a variety of sources including but not limited to air conditioners, pool pumps, power tools.

The NSW Protection of the Environment (Noise Control) Regulation 2008 places limits on the time of day certain equipment can be other residents:

*Habbitable room means any room other that a garage, storage area, bathroom, laundry, toilet or pantry.

**This applies whether or not the vehicle is located on residential premises

Noise can also be restricted by Council or Police if it is deemed to be ‘Offensive’ under the NSW Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997.

The definition of offensive noise in the POEO Act is noise:

(a) that, by reason of its level, nature, character or quality, or the time at which it is made, or any other circumstances:
(i) is harmful to (or is likely to be harmful to) a person who is outside the premises from which it is emitted, or
(ii) interferes unreasonably with (or is likely to interfere unreasonably with) the comfort or repose of a person who is outside the premises from which it is emitted, or
(b) that is of a level, nature, character or quality prescribed by the regulations or that is made at a time, or in other circumstances, prescribed by the regulations

It should be noted that Council can only enforce noise restrictions during Council’s business hours, outside of these hours NSW Police should be contacted.

Further information