Reducing wood smoke emissions
Smoke from wood heaters is a major cause of air pollution. Not only is a smoking fire wasting your money, but the air pollution it causes can also affect our health.
Wood smoke contains a number of noxious gases (including carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, and a range of organic compounds, some of which are toxic or carcinogenic) and fine particles, which go deep into the lungs.
If you can see or smell smoke from your wood heater then you are causing a problem for yourself, your family and your neighbours.
That's why we need to change the way we use our heaters.
To reduce the harmful effects of wood smoke, follow these steps:
1. Consider a cleaner heating method.
2. Don’t let your fire smolder overnight.
3. Clean your chimney every year.
4. Use only dry, aged, untreated wood.
5. Use small logs instead of one large one.
Remember, even in small amounts, wood smoke pollutants can be harmful, especially to the young, frail or elderly. If you have problems with other people's wood smoke, contact council on 1300 136 833.
The NSW EPA has helpful information on how you can reduce wood smoke emissions.
The Purple Air Website shows PM2.5 measurements (using the wood smoke calibration) in real time at a number of locations in Armidale, along with explanatory air quality ratings from the Tasmanian EPA.
The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) has also installed an air quality sensor at Harris Park. Hourly data from that site is available on their website.
Council approval must be obtained before installing a new wood heater
A s68 application must be submitted to Council before the installation or replacement of any solid fuel heater device. To apply, complete the form on Council's forms page.