The Otago Regional Council's latest winter air quality report card shows there has been some improvement in pollution levels, but there is concern most of the region's towns will not meet national standards by next year as planned.
All nine monitoring sites recorded at least one day with PM10 (very small particulates) levels above the standard of 50mcg per cubic metre of air this winter, the council's annual air quality report showed.
Of all the regional council-monitored towns, Dunedin was the only town to meet the national target this year, with only one day recorded above 50mcg. The result in Dunedin was attributed to several causes, including improvements in industrial emissions, a relatively frost-free winter and the completion of the construction of Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Alexandra had the most days exceeding 50mcg, with 40, followed by Milton (38), Cromwell (30) and Arrowtown (24).
The highest PM10 level of 147mcg per cubic metre was recorded in Arrowtown. Milton had the highest average PM10 level of 51mcg.
National standards allow one reading of above 50mcg a year.
ORC natural resources committee chairwoman Gretchen Robertson said yesterday the region was not on track for the council's aim of meeting national standards by its deadline of next year.
Cr Bryan Scott said despite some positive signs, air quality in most towns in the region was "significantly" worse than the council wanted it to be and it needed to take a tougher approach to ensure people complied with its air plan.
