Foreword by the Ministry
In June 2004, the Ministry published the Good Practice Guide for Atmospheric Dispersion Modelling to provide expert and well-debated guidance in the form of a series of recommended protocols. Dispersion modelling is an essential tool in air quality management by providing the link between environmental effects and discharges to air.
In September 2004, the National Environmental Standards for Air Quality (the Standards) were introduced. Driven largely by a strong need for action on ambient levels of particles in most parts of the country, the Standards lay the foundation for an effective air quality management framework. The Standards were amended in July 2005 and an Updated Users Guide explaining the intent of the regulations, was published in October of that year.
Correct interpretation of modelling results against the Standards and determining the potential effects of a discharge are as important as accurate modelling results. This draft Good Practice Guide on Assessing Discharges to Air from Industry provides such guidance.
The guide promotes a three-tiered approach in order to separate the simple from the complex. It covers all elements of environmental assessment - not just those pollutants included in the Standards. In doing so, it provides comprehensive guidance on the methods available for assessing how air quality can impact on both human health and the environment.
Taken together with its sister document, the Good Practice Guide on Assessing Discharges to Air from Land Transport, this guide provides the final link in the information chain on air quality management in New Zealand. The document is published in draft form to provide an opportunity for comment and discussion, and I encourage all interested parties to enter a submission. It is intended that benchmarking of the guidance against real life cases occur and to this end, submissions will be accepted until 1 December 2006.
Hugh Logan
Chief Executive
Ministry for the Environment
