For the first time in 18 years, Nelson’s air quality did not exceed the National Environment Standards during the year.
The air quality is measured in four air sheds around the city - Nelson South (Air Shed A), Tāhunanui (Air Shed B1), Stoke (Air Shed B2) and Nelson Central / North (Airshed C).
A report presented to Nelson City Council’s Environment Committee on Thursday showed there were no exceedances during the 12 months from July 1, 2019 – 30 June 2020 – the first time since monitoring began in 2001.
Chair of the committee Kate Fulton says it is an “incredible milestone”.
“During lockdown the air quality all around the world vastly improved but to have that happen for a year is very significant,” she says.
“For people who suffer from asthma or have other lung issues this is life changing in terms of their day to day experience as well as their long-term health.”
Cr Matt Lawrey says it was great news but questioned whether the air quality improvement was due to lockdown.
“I’ve always said the way that we cleaned up our air in Nelson over the last 20 years has sort of been the un-championed achievement of a generation. With these numbers is that really the team of 50 thousand or is it the benefits of lockdown? Or is it both?”
Council's manager of consents and compliance, Mandy Bishop, says she and her team had discussed the air quality during lockdown, some of which was warmer weather with no fires needed and other parts which was cooler with some fires.
“We can’t actually say whether this lack of exceedance is to do with lockdown ... normally when we get exceedances they are in June and July so it would be my guess that lockdown hasn’t necessarily affected this.”
She says that if anything, there have been more people at home and more fires being used during the day so it’s a “pretty good achievement”.
