NEWCASTLE now has access to an air quality monitoring network that will provide rolling information about pollution levels across the city.

The network, based on the successful Upper Hunter Air Quality Monitoring network, was launched in Carrington this morning.

In addition to existing monitors at Newcastle, Wallsend and Beresfield, the network has three new sites at Mayfield, Carrington and Stockton.

‘‘We will use this air quality data to establish and monitor trends, inform longer-term government actions and policies and provide public access to reliable information,’’ environment minister Rob Stokes said at this morning’s launch.

The location of the new monitors was based on local meteorology, potential emissions sources and existing monitoring stations.

The sites were also selected in consultation with with the Newcastle Community Consultative Committee on the Environment and NSW Health.

‘‘This is a major phase in understanding air quality in the Lower Hunter,’’ committee chairman John Tate said.

‘‘It shows what can be achieved when communities and governments work together. I urge everyone to log on an have a look at the information that is available.’’

The Newcastle network is part of the NSW air quality monitoring network, which provides continuous measurements of a range of pollutants, including particulate matter.

‘‘The NSW government takes air pollution in NSW very seriously and nowhere is this more evident than in the Hunter region where we are focusing much of our effort into investigating sources and impacts of particulate pollution,’’ Mr Stokes said. The Environment Protection Authority will initially fund the operation of the network pending the finalisation of ongoing funding from key industries with environment protection licences in the Newcastle local government area.

via Air pollution to be monitored in Newcastle across the city | Newcastle Herald.