MUSWELLBROOK residents will have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss local air quality at a community drop-in session this week.
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The gathering - to take place between 10am and noon at Bowman Park in Lorne Street on Thursday, October 24 - has been organised with the Upper Hunter Air Quality Advisory Committee who advise on the operation of air quality monitoring in the region.
Coffee and cake will be available during the session, too.
The organisation's members represent the interests of the local community, the coal mining and power generation industries, non-coal industries, local councils, NSW Health and the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.
The committee enables residents to raise important air quality issues and allow industry, government agencies and industrial operators to better understand and address the concerns of the community.
Regional air quality is monitored through the Upper Hunter Air Quality Monitoring Network, which comprises 14 stations and is the main source of data for air quality in the region.
It is operated by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.
An air quality monitoring station will be open for inspection, giving the community a chance to understand how the station records data and how government agencies use this data to manage air quality.
EPA regional director north Adam Gilligan said the drop-in session was a way for people to ask questions and voice concerns about air quality in their neighbourhood.
"Air quality is an important issue," he explained.
"It's central to not just our physical wellbeing but it also has an impact on our environment.
"We know that current conditions have heightened air quality concerns; the drought has increased the risk of dust, and bushfires have significant impacts on air quality.
"Combined with the varied industrial practices in the Upper Hunter, there are a complex series of factors we consider in monitoring and managing air quality in the region.
"We want to hear what the community is interested in and we will be available to answer any questions.
"Residents can also continue to report air quality or pollution concerns to our Environment Line on 131 555."
Air quality data for the Upper Hunter region can be accessed at https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/aqms/uhunteraqmap.htm
