Chapter 7 - Air Policy 1.2 Monitor and review ambient air quality indicators and standards during the life of the Plan. Ambient air quality is dependent on the distribution and scale of contaminant discharges, and regional climate. The above indicators are selected as appropriate for monitoring ambient air quality in the Plan area. Use of these provisional indicators is the implementation of a precautionary approach to management of discharges to air. Monitoring ambient air quality entails measurement of long-term trends rather than short-term events. The Council will undertake air quality monitoring to enable development of an ambient air quality management strategy. Information on ambient air quality allows the Council to: • Identify and prioritise air quality issues; • Justify control over discharges to air; • Assess policies for management of air quality; • Assess effectiveness of discharge control measures; and • Monitor long-term trends in air quality. It is necessary to set appropriate air quality indicators and standards for assessment purposes. These will give an indication of the affect that discharges to air have on the receiving environment. 7.2.2 Methods of Implementation Monitoring • Establish objectives and monitoring criteria, based on a region-wide assessment of monitoring needs, that meet the requirements of local and national interests; • Develop an air quality monitoring strategy and establish a monitoring network; • Set regular review periods to assess the effectiveness of the monitoring program and define other monitoring requirements; and • Develop and maintain an emission inventory within the life time of the Plan. The only method of quantifying air quality is to monitor it. Monitoring air quality is both expensive and requires specialised skills and equipment. The most effective way of meeting monitoring needs is through a collaborative approach with other councils, both in establishing and running the monitoring program and sharing skills, equipment and available data. 7 - 3