Particulates including nuisance dust, breathable dust (Pm10) and asbestos are monitored at the site boundary.  The monitoring locations under the permit are determined based on the prevailing wind and the location of sensitive properties. In response to community queries we have increased the number of dust monitoring points at the boundary of the site to provide measurement in all directions.  The interpretation of dust monitoring needs to take care to consider activities taking place off site for example agricultural activities such as ploughing and lime spreading.

Deposited dust

Dust is potentially generated at the site as a result of vehicle movements, wind blow and handling of dusty materials.  Measures are in place to suppress dust to prevent dust leaving the site. Deposited dust is often referred to as nuisance dust is so called as it comprises large particles that are considered a nuisance where they settle on windows or paint surfaces. 

The results show that dust levels at the site are generally below the trigger level of 200mg/m³/week and mostly less than 50mg/m3/week.  Elevated readings have been detected at a monitoring point in the middle of the site in April and June adjacent to a temporary haul road, where there was a significant amount of vehicle movement. There were high readings at three locations in July due to algal growth in the gauges.  We have sprayed the gauges with anti-algal sprays to address the issue.

Breathable dust (PM10)

Breathable dust is defined as small size particles of less than 10 micrometers in diameter. They are generated by similar mechanisms to deposited dust but the amount generated depends on the source material.  They are controlled by similar means.  They are important to monitor because they are inhalable and prolonged exposure to high levels can have health effects.

The graph shows that all the results are very low at less than 5micrograms/m³/day therefore well below the trigger level of 50micro/m³/day.

Asbestos

Asbestos is disposed of at the site.  Asbestos is only a risk if fibres become airborne hence the handling methods are designed to contain the asbestos.  All asbestos is received double wrapped and immediately covered on placement in the landfill.  As a precaution monitoring is undertaken at the site boundaries. Asbestos fibres can be present in the environment historically for vehicle brake linings.

The graphs show that no asbestos fibres have been detected.