A number of Canterbury towns and cities have poor air quality at times, particularly during the winter. The largest cause of winter pollution in Canterbury towns is home heating. Environment Canterbury is working to meet the National Environmental Standard for Air Quality (NES) set by the Ministry for the Environment, allow no more than one day a year when PM10 can exceed the health guidelines. The standards need to be meet by 2013.
Environment Canterbury has been working hard with communities to reduce air pollution through encouraging people to change how they heat their homes. We are now seeing significant improvements in Christchurch where the initiatives have been in place for over 8 years.
The rules for Christchurch are already in effect and will be enforced from 1 April to 30 September each year from April 1, 2010.
The rules for Kaiapoi take effect all year round from May 1, 2010 or as soon as a house changes ownership. The rules will be fully enforced from May 2011.
The rules for Ashburton take effect all year round from May 1, 2011 or as soon as a house changes ownership. The rules will be fully enforced from May 2012.
For further assistance please contact Customer Service on 03 353 9007 or toll free on 0800 324 636.
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