In winter smoky wood heaters can produce as much air pollution
as cars. The incorrect use of wood heaters can seriously affect
our air quality and reduce the efficiency of your woodheater.
To address this issue the Environment Protection Authority, in
partnership with the Adelaide
Hills Council, developed the community education and behaviour
change program SmokeWatch, which was piloted in the winters of
2006 and 2007. SmokeWatch aims to reduce local wood smoke by encouraging
householders to take part in the SmokeWatch Challenge and follow
the four SmokeWatch steps
every time they use their woodheaters.
An independent evaluation of the 2007 program has been undertaken
and key findings included:
- 59% of respondents were aware of the program
- information received enabled over half (54%) of respondents
to follow correct wood heating procedures
- 92% of respondents agreed that they have a good understanding
about how to use their wood heater efficiently
- protecting the environment (70%) and reducing emissions (64%)
were the main reasons given by respondents for following efficient
wood heating practices
- there was strong agreement that both the EPA and the local
council should be involved in initiatives such as SmokeWatch.
As part of the two-year pilot study the EPA also conducted air
quality monitoring to obtain information on the level of woodsmoke
in the Adelaide Hills. The monitoring was conducted in Woodside
and a report outlining the results of the 2006 monitoring is available
on the air publications page. Monitoring
in 2006 highlighted that the air was generally good in Woodside
during the study, with the impact of wood heaters only being detected
during cold and still nights.
In 2007 the EPA again monitored air quality in Woodside, to assist
in determining if community participation in the SmokeWatch Challenge
has lead to a reduction in wood smoke
pollution levels. Once the monitoring data from 2007 has been
analysed it will also be available on the air
publications page.
EPA is keen to extend the SmokeWatch program to other local council
areas in the future.
To find out more about SmokeWatch please contact the EPA on 8204 2004.
SmokeWatch is supported by the Firewood
Association of Australia Inc.
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