The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) partnered with residents and the Mount Barker District Council, in a study to assess wood smoke particulate levels in 2022-2023. SA Health provided assessment of the study from a health perspective.
This study was conducted to determine whether the air quality in Mount Barker was within national standards.
An air quality monitoring station was deployed on Alexandrina Road in Mount Barker, and real-time air quality data was made publicly available during the study period on the EPA website.
Mount Barker residents have valuable local knowledge and were invited to participate in providing input in person or online.
EPA has previously carried out air quality monitoring as part of the SmokeWatch Program in Mount Gambier and the Adelaide Hills. During the program in Mount Gambier, the EPA published weekly air quality summary graphs for 2009, 2010 and 2011 which indicated domestic burning can influence air quality in winter.
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) partnered with residents and the Mount Barker District Council, in a study to assess wood smoke particulate levels in 2022-2023. SA Health provided assessment of the study from a health perspective.
This study was conducted to determine whether the air quality in Mount Barker was within national standards.
An air quality monitoring station was deployed on Alexandrina Road in Mount Barker, and real-time air quality data was made publicly available during the study period on the EPA website.
Mount Barker residents have valuable local knowledge and were invited to participate in providing input in person or online.
EPA has previously carried out air quality monitoring as part of the SmokeWatch Program in Mount Gambier and the Adelaide Hills. During the program in Mount Gambier, the EPA published weekly air quality summary graphs for 2009, 2010 and 2011 which indicated domestic burning can influence air quality in winter.
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March 2022: collaboration with Mount Barker District Council
Mount Barker wood smoke program 2022–23 has finished this stage
EPA air scientists and Council Environment Health Officers commence consultation to discuss the project and how we will collaborate.
April 2022: air quality monitor installed
Mount Barker wood smoke program 2022–23 has finished this stage
The EPA installed a temporary air quality monitoring station at Alexandrina Road, Mount Barker, which will capture particulate matter 10 micrometres and 2.5 micrometres and less. It will be assessed against the National Environment Protection Measure.
July 2022: presentation to Council Elected Members
Mount Barker wood smoke program 2022–23 has finished this stage
The EPA and SA Health presented the project to the Elected Members of the Mount Barker District Council, and commenced discussion on how the findings of the project could be used to improve air quality.
August 2022: air quality data live-stream
Mount Barker wood smoke program 2022–23 has finished this stage
The data from the air quality monitoring station is now being uploaded to the EPA website. Residents can view this data in real-time using the link above.
August 2022: community info session
Mount Barker wood smoke program 2022–23 has finished this stage
The EPA will contact residents about an upcoming community information session, where staff from Council, EPA and SA Health will be able to speak with residents about the findings of the study.
October 2023: study findings published
Mount Barker wood smoke program 2022–23 has finished this stage
The air quality monitoring station will be in place for at least 12 months, and a report will be published on the findings.
January 2025: Publication of report
Mount Barker wood smoke program 2022–23 is currently at this stage
EPA SA Mount Barker Wood Smoke Study Report 2024 published
