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​Air pollutants mainly come from the discharges of gases and particles, mostly from industry, motor vehicles and domestic solid ​fuel heaters. Air pollution contributes to environmental issues as well as health problems, especially for people suffering from existing respiratory conditions, such as asthmatics, and for children and frail older people.

In regards to air pollution and odour nuisances, Council will investigate:

• Backyard burning;
• Solid fuel heaters;
• Commercial premises such as spray painting businesses;
• Industrial premises that are not licensed by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA); and
• Food businesses. 

The Protection of the Environm​ent Operations (Clean Air) Regulation 2010 provides regulatory measures to control emissions from the abovementioned sources and is enforced by Council's Environmental Health and Compliance Officers.

Council also conducts environmental audits of commercial and industrial premises to ensure these businesses meet environmental standards.

Solid Fuel Heaters

During winter, excessive smoke from the use of solid fuel heaters is a common source of air pollution in the City of Canterbury Bankstown. The correct operation of a solid fuel heater will mean more efficient heating and will minimise excessive smoke. Correct ways to operate a solid fuel heater include:

• Always burn small logs of dry, well-seasoned hardwood;
• Store firewood in a dry, well-ventilated area;
• Stack wood loosely in a wood heater to allow air to circulate;
• Use dry kindling to establish a fire quickly;
• Do not leave the fire to smoulder overnight;
• Regularly check the chimney for smoke; and
• Ensure the chimney is cleaned at least annually.  

Council's Officers can investigate concerns regarding smoke from solid fuel heaters and if necessary, issue a direction to help ensure that excessive smoke is not emitted from the chimney or flue.

M5 East / M8

WestConnex and Transurban operate WestConnex M8 tunnel, from Kingsgrove to St Peters, with connections to Euston Road, Campbell Road and Gardeners Road. This section of motorway was previously referred to as M5 East. Regulation requires the operators to conduct air quality monitoring for:

• Carbon monoxide (CO)
• Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
• Visibility (K)

Air monitor reports are available at: https://www.linkt.com.au/sydney/using-toll-roads/about-sydney-toll-roads/westconnex-m8/tunnel-air-quality

The M5 East significantly improves access between south western Sydney and Sydney Airport. The M5 East Motorway is almost 10 kilometres in length and includes twin four kilometre tunnels between Bexley Road, Earlwood and Marsh Street, Arncliffe. A 550 metre tunnel passes under the Cooks River.

There are five ambient (outside) air quality monitoring stations located in the Wolli Creek area that collect important meteorological information and air quality data. This information is available to the community on an easy to use, interactive map. For information on M5 East M​otorway air quality monitoring see Outside air quality monitoring.

M5 published air quality reports are also available for download below:​​

Independent Ve​rification of M5 Air Quality Data - July to December 2019

July 2020 Report 

July 2020 Report (In-Stack)

June 2020 Report

June 2020 Report (In-Stack)

May 2020 Report

May 2020 Report (In-Stack)

April 20​20 Report

April 2020 Report (In-Stack)

March 2020 Report

March 202​0 Report (In-Stack)

February 2020 Report

February 2020 Report (In-Stack)

January 2020 Report

January 2020 Report (In-Stack)

December 20​19 Report

December 2019 Report (In-Stack)​

November 20​19 Report

November 2019 Report (In-Stack)​

October 2019 Report

October 2019 Report (In-Stack)

September 2019 Report

September 2019 Report (In-Stack) 

August 2019 Report

August 2019 Report ​(In-Stack)

July 2019 Report

July 2019 Report (In-Stack)

June 2019 Report

June 2019 Report (In-Stack)

May 2019 Report

May 2019 Report (In-Stack)

April 2019 Report

April 2019 Report (In-Stack)

February 2019 Report​

For further information about the M5 East, including operation of the motorway please visit the M5 East Motorway corporation at https://www.link​t.com.au/sydney/using-toll-roads/about-sydney-toll-roads/m5-east​

More information

For further information about air pollution, please contact the NSW Environment Protection Authority on ​131 555 or refer to the EPA website​.

Contact 

If you would like Council to investigate an air pollution incident or for further information, contact Council's Environmental Health and Compliance Unit on 9707 9000. ​