A variation to the proposed Tasman Resource Management Plan (TRMP) on air quality management will be notified in November for full public consultation. Proposals in the variation are aimed at tackling winter air quality problems in Richmond, according to Cr Richard Kempthorne who chairs Council’s Environment and Planning Committee.
“New national regulations require Tasman District Council to improve air quality by 2013. In response Council has decided to make some changes to the TRMP to help reach this target,” he said.
The changes to the plan would introduce new rules about emissions from wood burners in urban areas and new houses built in Richmond would not be able to install wood burners.
Council would also encourage the replacement of old wood burner models and open fires. It is also proposed that when a house is sold in Richmond, the new owners would be required to upgrade old wood burners and open fires to compliant models or change to an alternative heating option.
“While tougher rules on chimney emissions are part of the plan, Council will assist people to operate their burners efficiently to meet the new standards,” Cr Kempthorne said.
People with wood burners in other urban areas around the district would also be required to operate their wood burners without causing nuisances to their neighbours. New wood burners in these areas would also be required to meet clean air standards.
Council will also introduce tougher rules to manage emissions from industries in Richmond and will be working closely with affected industries to meet the targets.
Council has been running extensive educational campaigns on air quality and most people are beginning to understand the severity of air quality problems facing Richmond each winter.
“We need everyone to get behind this initiative so we can make a difference to the air that we breathe,” Cr Kempthorne noted.
The variation will be notified in November and people are encouraged to make submissions on Council’s proposals. Copies of the variation and submission forms will be available from Council offices and will be posted on this website.
