The NSW Environment Protection Authority is teaming up with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council to tackle air pollution caused by wood heaters.
They have implemented a wood smoke reduction program, which consists of a series of educational campaigns, council-conducted smoky chimney surveys (including appropriate education/enforcement) and cash incentives.
Smoke from wood heaters is a major cause of air pollution and is not only detrimental to the environment, but can also affect health, particularly for people suffering from respiratory conditions.
According to the EPA, this pollution can cause breathing difficulties even at relatively low levels, especially for those people who suffer from existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma, and for very young children and frail older people.
There is also evidence that smoke pollution can cause cardiac problems.
Mayor Peter Besseling said that minimising the emissions of visible smoke from wood heaters and fireplaces could have substantial health benefits for the community.
“As part of the program, council is offering targeted cash incentives to replace old, polluting wood heaters and fireplaces with cleaner forms of heating, like gas or electricity,” he said.
Cash incentives (from $500-$700) for a replacement cleaner heater are available on application. Residents are advised to contact council’s wood smoke project officer on 6581 8111 to discuss eligibility and to arrange for an inspection of their existing wood heater.
For more information, visit www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/woodsmoke
Some helpful tips to reduce the smoke from your wood heater:
– Use only small logs of seasoned untreated wood;
– Store wood under cover in a dry, ventilated area;
– Use several small logs rather than one large log;
– Increase the air supply if you see your chimney smoking; and
– Maintain a bright flame, never let your heater smoulder.
