Air quality was generally good in the Melbourne, Geelong and Latrobe Valley regions in 2014. Some areas, such as Brooklyn, did experience poorer air quality due to localised sources of pollution. Bushfires also had a major impact on Victoria’s air quality in 2014.

PM₁₀

Airborne particles (PM₁₀) were the pollutant that most frequently measured above the National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure (NEPM AAQ) during 2014.

The NEPM AAQ goal for PM₁₀ particles is that the daily air quality objective is not exceeded on more than five days in a year. This goal was not achieved at four air monitoring sites: Box Hill, Brooklyn, Footscray and Geelong. In general, these occurred in February on hot, dry days associated with bushfires and raised dust.

The PM₁₀ air quality standard in Brooklyn was exceeded on 28 days in 2014. These exceedances are associated with dust from nearby industrial sites.

Gases

Ozone and carbon monoxide were the other pollutants that were measured above the NEPM AAQ during 2014.

The goal for the one-hour ozone standard was met, despite exceedances at Alphington and Deer Park.

While the ozone standard for four hours was exceeded at Alphington, Brighton, Mooroolbark, Altona North, Deer Park and Footscray, the goal for this standard was met.

Carbon monoxide exceeded the standard at Morwell South as a result of the Hazelwood mine fire.

Publications

• For monthly air quality data and trend graphs download the 2014 Victorian air monitoring data tables (XLSX 440KB)
• For air quality statistics and compliance with national requirements see Air monitoring report 2014 – Compliance with the National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure (publication 1604)