Air Quality Monitoring in Brooklyn

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Air quality in Brooklyn has long been a community concern, with dust, specifically particulate matter PM10, from industrial activity identified as a major contributor. The recycling of construction and demolition (C&D) materials naturally produces PM₁₀ (dust particles smaller than 10 micrometres). During hot, dry, and windy conditions, th

Air quality in Brooklyn has long been a community concern, with dust, specifically particulate matter PM10, from industrial activity identified as a major contributor. The 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 more challenging to control—especially 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, underscoring the importance of climate-responsive dust control measures. Multiple sources contribute to Brooklyn air quality issues, 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), and more than 60 industries along with 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. The air quality health impact is critical, as 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 that provide real-time data on particulate matter PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅, enabling businesses, regulators, and the community to track emissions and develop more effective mitigation strategies. Live data from the EPA Victoria Air and Water Quality Monitoring system highlights th

Brooklyn is supported by government and industry monitoring stations that provide real-time data on particulate matter PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅, enabling businesses, regulators, and the community to track emissions and develop more effective mitigation strategies. Live data from the EPA Victoria Air and Water Quality Monitoring system highlights the importance of air quality health impact. Clean air is essential for health, as the World Health Organization links poor air quality directly to respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses. Reducing dust and emissions in Brooklyn is not merely an environmental goal; it is a health imperative, particularly for surrounding communities affected by industrial activity. The Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) plays a crucial role by monitoring, regulating, and reporting on air quality in Brooklyn. Operating under the Environment Protection Act 2017 and relevant state policies, the EPA facilitates BEP voluntary agreements that foster innovative solutions to environmental challenges. Additionally, the EPA participates in 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), which included members such as 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%

In 2021, Synergetics conducted a screening assessment for the Brooklyn Recycling Group (BRG), which included members such as 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, and consequently impacting air quality health, originates from BRG participant members. Despite their relatively low contribution to dust emissions, BRG members acknowledge their responsibility in managing and mitigating particulate matter 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, particularly concerning air quality health impact, 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.