Air Quality in Nelson
Nelson is working to clear the air with the end of open fires and replacing old enclosed burners. Learn more about these issues as well as the Clean Heat Warm Homes Programme and other air quality concerns.
News
Conserving power and home heating options
With dropping water levels in the hydro lakes this winter causing New Zealanders to conserve power, Nelsonians must also be mindful of the need to keep the air clean. We cannot relapse into bad burning habits.
Get some advice for keeping warm in winter depending on the heating options you have available.
Open fires banned ~ effective 1 January 2008
Use of open fires in the urban area of Nelson (including the Glen) is now banned, effective 1 January 2008.
Click here for information on open fires.
Nelson’s Air Quality Problem
Nelson has a serious air quality problem, with National Environmental Standards (NES) regularly exceeded. During winter, concentrations more than three times the NES of 50 micrograms of very small particles (PM10) per cubic metre of air have been recorded in Nelson. The presence of these particles in our air has a range of health impacts, including respiratory symptoms, heart problems and premature death. Each year these particles contribute to more than 20 premature deaths, 14 hospitalisations, and 58,000 restricted activity days in the city.
Over 80% of these very small particles in Nelson’s air pollution come from burning wood or coal in domestic open fires or enclosed burners. That is why the Council has acted to control domestic heating in Nelson by banning the use of open fires throughout the urban area, and phasing out the use of older burners in the most polluted areas of the city.
Read more about the monitoring of air quality in Nelson.
Click here to access the National Environmental Standards (NES) website.
Clearing the air ~ focus on enclosed burners
Understand why the new air quality regulations are necessary and read about the Council programmes in place to clear the air we breathe.
Learn more about Council's programmes to clear the air, including the focus on enclosed burners.
Clean Heat Warm Homes Programme
If you have to stop using your enclosed burner as a result of the Council’s Air Quality Plan, you may be eligible for financial assistance under the Council’s Clean Heat Warm Homes scheme (CHWH).
Learn everything you need to know about Council's Clean Heat Warm Homes programme and determine if you qualify for help.
Don't know where to begin?
We have developed a few handy tools to help you learn whether or not you are affected by these new regulations, what type of burner you have, and if you live in an affected airshed.
Access our helpful tools on identifying your burner and locating your airshed.
Other air quality topics
Better burning tips
You can help improve Nelson’s air quality by following the handy tips on better burning.
Read Council's better burning tips.
Environmental Educator
Council's Environmental Educator helps residents make the transition from open fires and old enclosed burners to more energy efficient and clean heating options.
Find out how the Environmental Educator can assist you.
Nelson's Air Quality Plan
Read about and download Nelson's Air Quality Plan. |
