Sellicks Beach air quality monitoring

The study was initiated by the EPA, and involved the installation of an air quality monitoring station in January last year, with data published on the EPA website.

The study was initiated to provide information on air quality impacts to residents in the Sellicks Beach area in addition to the monitoring required by the EPA from the operator of the nearby Sellicks Hill Quarry.

Director Mining, Radiation and Regulatory Support Keith Baldry said the monitoring program was initiated following concerns about dust levels raised by residents in 2016 and was then extended to provide more comprehensive data across the full year.

“The initial agreed monitoring period, to May 2016, was extended to the end of February 2017,” Mr Baldry said.

“This also provided monitoring for the broader region while additional monitoring was implemented at the neighbouring quarry by its owner Southern Quarries.”

During this period the EPA has been gathering data on levels of dust particles, including the smaller particles that may have health impacts, referred to as PM10 and PM2.5.

It has helped the EPA to compare the impacts on the Sellicks Beach community with those of other South Australian communities.

The EPA will provide a final completion report in April for the 12-month monitoring period that will conclude on 28 February, 2017.

“Preliminary findings have indicated that the air quality in the Sellicks Beach community is typical of that found around other South Australian coastal communities, with some occasionally elevated particle levels under certain conditions throughout the year,” Mr Baldry said.

Air quality particulate standards are set out in the Environment Protection (Air Quality) Policy 2016 averaged over 24 hours.

The EPA will continue to undertake an active regulatory role including frequent inspections and audits of the Sellicks Hill Quarry site and reviewing the quarry’s dust controls.