Air Quality: A Shared Responsibility

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Air quality in Brooklyn has long been a community concern, with dust (particulate matter or PM) from industrial activity identified as a major contributor.

Recycling of construction and demolition (C&D) materials naturally produces PM₁₀ (dust particles smaller than 10 micrometres). 

During hot, dry, and windy conditions, these emissions bec

Air quality in Brooklyn has long been a community concern, with dust (particulate matter or PM) from industrial activity identified as a major contributor.

Recycling of construction and demolition (C&D) materials naturally produces PM₁₀ (dust particles smaller than 10 micrometres). 

During hot, dry, and windy conditions, these emissions become harder to control—particularly when north-easterly winds carry dust toward nearby residential areas.

Seasonal variations are significant: PM levels in summer are around 60% higher than in winter, highlighting the importance of climate-responsive dust control measures.

Multiple sources contribute to PM₁₀ levels across the precinct, including:

• Heavy vehicle traffic along the West Gate Freeway
• Nearby landfill and chemical processing sites
• Large-scale infrastructure projects (e.g. the West Gate Tunnel Project)
• More than 60 industries and thousands of households within a 3 km radius

Improving local air quality therefore requires shared responsibility—between industry, government, and the community—to ensure coordinated, data-informed action and ongoing transparency.

Air Quality and Community Health

Maintaining clean air is vital for the health and wellbeing of individuals.

• Pollutants such as ozone and particulate matter from human activities and natural processes can adversely affect health and the environment
• BRG members operate under GED and OHS responsibilities, working proactively to improve air quality within the Brooklyn Industrial Precinct.

Please contact us to join the BRG.

Brooklyn is supported by government and industry monitoring stations providing real-time PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅ data, allowing businesses, regulators, and the community to track emissions and design more effective mitigation strategies.

Live data: EPA Victoria Air and Water Quality Monitoring

Health and Community Impact

Clean air is vital for heal

Brooklyn is supported by government and industry monitoring stations providing real-time PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅ data, allowing businesses, regulators, and the community to track emissions and design more effective mitigation strategies.

Live data: EPA Victoria Air and Water Quality Monitoring

Health and Community Impact

Clean air is vital for health. According to the World Health Organization, poor air quality is directly linked to respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses.

Reducing dust and emissions in Brooklyn is not just an environmental objective—it’s a health imperative, especially for nearby communities impacted by industrial activity.

EPA’s Role

The Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA):

• Monitors, regulates, and reports on air quality in Brooklyn
• Operates under the Environment Protection Act 2017 and      relevant state policies
• Facilitates BEP voluntary agreements, allowing      innovative solutions to environmental challenges
• Attends bi-monthly BRG working group meetings to      review progress, provide recommendations, and approve annual planning      tools

In 2021, Synergetics conducted a screening assessment for the Brooklyn Recycling Group (BRG). BRG members at the time of research included Delta Recycling, EcoGypsum, ResourceCo, and City Circle.

Key Findings:

• A total of 18 sites within the Brooklyn industrial precinct      were identified as emission sources.

· The assessment determined tha

In 2021, Synergetics conducted a screening assessment for the Brooklyn Recycling Group (BRG). BRG members at the time of research included Delta Recycling, EcoGypsum, ResourceCo, and City Circle.

Key Findings:

• A total of 18 sites within the Brooklyn industrial precinct      were identified as emission sources.

· The assessment determined that approximately 8% of the dust affecting the Brooklyn community originates from BRG participant members.

· Despite their relatively low contribution to dust emissions, BRG members acknowledge their responsibility in managing and mitigating PM10 emissions. 

Assessment Methodology

Synergetics' evaluation focused on identifying dust sources within a 3km radius of EPA Victoria’s Brooklyn monitoring station. The process included:

1. Wind Pattern Analysis

• Wind direction, speed, and angle data were sourced from the      Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) Laverton Station.
• Data spanning 2010–2019 was analysed, with two measurements      per hour providing detailed insights into prevailing wind conditions.

2. Air Quality Comparison

• Dust concentration measurements from EPA Victoria’s Brooklyn      sensor were reviewed.
• Air quality data from Brooklyn was compared against      Footscray, a location with similar road emissions during northerly winds,      but without heavy industry to the north.

3. Source Attribution

• EPA air quality data from both locations was cross-referenced      with BOM wind data to assess likely sources of emissions.
• Elevated dust levels in Brooklyn, when compared to Footscray,      suggested an industrial origin for emissions if they coincided with a      northerly wind.
• Traffic data from VicRoads was also considered to account for      road-based contributions.

Using complex mathematical modelling, Synergetics estimated that 8% of the PM10 at the EPA Victoria’s Brooklyn monitoring station could be attributed to BRG sites.