Air quality information system for Gauteng

Abstract

Air pollution is one of the challenges for sustainable development (Johannesburg being rated fifth worst in the world) One of nine agreed strategies: “Improvement of Air Quality (reduce emissions from vehicles, industry, mines/tailing dams and domestic fuel usage)”. GDACE ( Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment) donated 7 AQ monitoring stations, 2004 Installation and training, 2005 Upgrade by DEAT to ensure connectivity, early 2006 Extension of DEAT NAQMP to establish pilot AQ information system, and May 2006 (managed by PSC of DEAT and GDACE). The project objectives is to establish connectivity between GDACE and donated air quality monitoring stations at municipalities, establish an air quality team at GDACE to run the project, initiate appointment of responsible persons for each monitoring station (Data custodians) at the municipalities, establish forums to address air quality issues, provide opportunities for training, establish monthly and quarterly reports on air quality in the province, and to expand monitoring network by involving LG, industries and other stakeholders with already established Air Quality monitoring stations