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Air Quality

The Resources and energy sector works to minimise operational air quality and odour nuisance impacts for the health of communities and the environment, and to comply with legislated air quality standards.
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Air quality is influenced by emissions from a range of sources, including transport, industry, agriculture, and urban activities. The resources sector, while contributing to these emissions, recognises the importance of minimising its impact on air quality for the well-being of communities and the environment. Dust, particularly small particles known as particulate matter (PM), is a concern for communities and the government due to its potential impact on human health and amenity. Dust varies in forms and sizes, with classification based on size, including:

  • >PM10: Particle sized 10 microns in diameter and greater,
  • PM10: Particle sized less than 10 microns in diameter; and
  • PM2.5: Particle sized 2.5 microns and smaller.

PM2.5 and PM10 are invisible to the naked eye and pose health concerns, emphasising the criticality of effective management.

Dust sources, Health Impacts, and Regulatory Standards

Larger dust particles (PM10 and greater) result from various urban and resource operations, while smaller particles (PM2.5) are associated with combustion processes. Dust concentrations, particle size, and exposure duration determine health and amenity impacts. Collectively, airborne particles are referred to as Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) matter. Upon settling, they form deposited dust, typically including particles larger than 20 microns, rapidly settling near their source.

Air quality standards set by Queensland and Commonwealth Governments, including the National Environment Protection Measure for Ambient Air Quality  guide regulatory compliance for dust emissions. These standards have been adopted under Queensland law and are provided in the Environmental Protection (Air) Policy 2019.

Dust Management Strategies and Rail Corridor Dust Management

Dust levels across resource operations are continuously monitored and must be kept to below criteria set under Queensland and Commonwealth law at sensitive receptors (e.g. residences).

The resources sector employs multiple strategies to manage dust emissions, including operational planning, rehabilitation, and real-time monitoring. Additionally, the industry reports emissions (of which particulate emissions are one component) annually to the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) for transparency.

QRC collaborates with member companies and the government to improve reporting accuracy and public understanding of air quality matters, especially relating to the NPI and operator obligations under Environmental Authorities (EA). QRC works with its member companies and Government to drive sensible regulation on air quality management through the QRC Air Monitoring Working Group.