Measurements showing an improvement in Reefton's infamous winter smog may be because they moved the sample site, the West Coast Regional Council heard this week.
The test site was formerly on the old Reefton Primary School site, laterly occupied by Tai Poutini Polytechnic before it was sold to John Bougan.
The monitoring equipment was relocated in September last year to the western side of Reefton Area School, on Crampton Street, adjacent to the Reefton Race Course.
Reefton has not exceeded the national environmental standards for air quality at all this year, according to a report to the council meeting yesterday, although periodical measurements were interrupted in the first four months of the year due to serious equipment malfunction.
The town has been under scrutiny for years due to its propensity to winter smog, accentuated by the geographical location, lack of wind, cold temperatures and its infamous fog.
Since the mid-2000s it has exceeded the national guidelines for air quality 27 times.
Work by the council, in conjunction with Reefton residents, to reduce emissions during winter is currently on hold until the Ministry Environment confirms its new air quality threshold.
Cr Allan Birchfield noted that the location of the air quality base in Reefton had been somewhat contentious previously, when the council met residents to set up a working group to address the issue.
"Way back when we had that meeting we talked about moving the sample point because we were worried. We've moved it and the air quality has improved," Cr Birchfield said.
Cr Neil Clementson said it was unusual given the invrsion layer above the township lately due to winter temperatures.
"There have been some bloody cold days."
Chief executive Mike Meehan said there had been a lot of debate over the previous location of the testing equipment, although ultimately it was moved due to a change in ownership of the property where it was previously.
"Technically, the site has to be located in the worst possible location," Mr Meehan said.
Previous concern raised by Reefton residents was the measurement was skewed by a truck running close to the location and with three bad chimneys nearby.
Mr Meehan agreed there had been some very cold days but he was unsure if the inversion layer had been as prevalent as in previous years.
"I'd like to think the good residents of Reefton have taken on board some good education," Cr Clementson replied.
- by Brendon McMahon
