It's been regarded as one of Newcastle's most polluted postcodes for years, but new data shows that's all changed.
The National Pollution Inventory shows there's been a marked decline in air pollution in suburbs within the 2304 postcode over the past 5 years.
2304 takes in Kooragang, Mayfield, Mayfield West, Warabrook and Sandgate.
An analysis of air quality data shows levels of 16 major airborne pollutants like ammonia, fluoride, oxides of nitrogen, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide had fallen dramatically.
The reductions are being attributed to tougher pollution controls placed on major industry in the area.
However, residents say dust pollution continues to be a big issue - especially coal dust from the coal loaders, coal trains and coal trucks.
Although dust pollution has also dropped significantly in the postcode, the data shows fine particulate pollution from Port Waratah Coal Services coal loading facilities increased by 77 percent over the past five years.
It's thought the switch from vehicles which use unleaded petrol to those which use diesel at the PWCS sites is the reason behind the rise - diesel fueled vehicles produce more PM2.5 particulate emissions than unleaded vehicles.
The installation of automated dust management systems at Mayfield has resulted in better air quality. A requirement to improve dust management from coal wagons has also been introduced.
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| Port Waratah Coal Services Kooragang Coal Terminal Picture: pwcs.com.au |
