Christchurch cleaner air plan reaches key milestone

A ban on the use of open fires and solid fuel burners that are 15 years or older starts on Thursday, April 1 in Christchurch. The ban operates from April 1 to September 30. People may be fined $300 if they have made no effort to replace their old log burners/open fires.

A ban has been discussed in Christchurch for many years, and since the rules were confirmed in December 2008, publicity around them has gained momentum. The need for a ban came about after years of consultation with local residents who called for improved winter air quality. Historically, Christchurch has had the poorest air quality in the country.

Home heating, particularly from open fires and old inefficient woodburners is the major contributor of small pollution particles (known as PM10) that regularly reach unhealthy concentrations in Christchurch air during winter.

Ken Taylor, Environment Canterbury director of investigations and monitoring, said that Christchurch once had the dubious distinction of having the highest air pollution in Canterbury. However the introduction of incentives to convert to cleaner heating has made a real difference.

“More than 16,000 households have made the switch through Environment Canterbury’s Clean Heat Project and the whole Christchurch community benefits from cleaner air. This is a significant milestone for Christchurch air quality and people can look forward to continued improvements now that the rules are in place and enforceable.”

Mr Taylor said that this is a great achievement for Environment Canterbury on behalf of all who live in the city. It has been a number of years since the intention to introduce the air rules and the greatest gain will be to people’s health and to their enjoyment of the outdoors during winter.

“Simple pleasures like a walk on a clear winter evening, a bike ride across town and rugby or netball training, without being bothered by winter air pollution are all reasonable expectations for the Christchurch community. I expect improving winter air quality to make a gradual but noticeable difference over the coming years.”

Medical Officer of Health for Canterbury, Dr Alistair Humphrey welcomes the new rules.

“In the past, poor air quality in Christchurch has resulted in up to 70 deaths and up to 100 hospital admissions per year. Poor air quality can exacerbate cardiovascular disease as well as respiratory disorders. In addition to hospital admissions, there are many extra GP visits caused by poor air quality as well as thousands of work days lost,” he said.

“Fortunately these unnecessary tragedies are becoming a thing of the past. The new air rules aimed at improving air quality are good news for patients as well as good news for the local economy,” he said.

“However, people should stay warm this winter,” added Dr. Humphrey

“It is important that people take advantage of financial assistance for insulation and replacement heating available through the Clean Heat Project, the Warm Families Project or the Warm Up New Zealand programme.”

People can find out about the help on offer by calling Clean Heat on 03 353 9276 or the Canterbury Home Energy Advice Centre on 0800 388 588.