Masters Thesis Abstract: David Thornton
A Critical Assessment of the Implementation of the New National Environmental Standards for Ambient Air Quality in NZ
Historically, the New Zealand rationale behind air quality management has been to adopt an effects-based approach based on environmental impacts. Generally, this method has been efficient in that it permitted emitters to decide how to minimise and mitigate impacts. However, to address the inconsistencies in air quality management across New Zealand born of this approach, and to permit measures designed to improve the working of the Resource Management Act (RMA), National Environmental Standards (NES) for Ambient Air Quality have been developed and implemented to establish consistent regulation and protection for all New Zealanders. These standards were gazetted in September 2004, for full implementation by 2013.
This research critically examines implementation of the National Environmental Standards for Ambient Air Quality, examining the philosophy behind the standards and associated strategies for dealing with air pollution management in New Zealand , and the international context for the development of appropriate tools to address air quality concerns. It also provides an independent assessment of the application of the Ministry for the Environment's (MfE) initiative regarding a selected pollutant to a local government area using atmospheric dispersion modelling.
Therefore, the research is undertaking a hypothetical study based on the realities faced by regional councils in addressing the requirements of the NES. What actually develops over time is possibly something else, but the investigation would provide a critical analysis of the strategy that MfE has developed to deal with air quality issues.