Air Quality / Dust
Why the concern?
Air is an essential component for all living things.
Air quality may be compromised through both natural and unnatural activities. Human activities such as motor vehicles, commercial, industrial and manufacturing operations have the potential to cause pollutants in the air. Natural events such as bushfires, and dust storms, as well as temperature and rainfall may emit pollutants into the air.
In order to improve air quality, it is first importance to understand the natural (and often complex) influences of meteorology as well as commercial and industrial operations within the study area.
Read up on how air plays a part in the natural ecosystem and atmosphere: Air as an ecosystem service »
What is air quality monitoring?
Air quality monitoring gathers information on the quality of the air environment. The objectives of the monitoring are to check compliance with ambient air quality guidelines, identify long-term trends in air quality, and assess the effectiveness of air quality management strategies.
The Queensland Government and some industries undertake air quality monitoring in Moranbah. Each industry and government report their monitoring results separately.
Monitoring Results & Information
Queensland Government
The Queensland Government displays information about air quality from site all over the state. The results are colour coded to indicate the air quality at each site. At Moranabah the Government monitoring station records PM10 (particles with diameter less than 10 microns.)
Click here for LIVE Air Quality Data for Moranbah »
The Queensland Government publish a monthly Air Quality Bulletin for Central Queensland which includes results from Moranbah.
Click here to view monthly air quality bulletins »
BMA
BHPBilliton MitsubishiAlliance (BMA) publish a quarterly summary of their monitoring undertaken in Moranbah township. The BMA station records total suspended particulates (TSP) as well as PM10 (particles with diameters less than 10 microns) and PM2.5 (particles with diameters less than 2.5 microns).
ISAAC Plains Coal
Real-time monitoring undertaken by Isaac Plains Coal can be viewed on their website. Results for TSP, PM10 and PM2.5 can be viewed by clicking on the icons on the map.