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Motor vehicles
Vehicle exhaust emissions are major contributors to photochemical smog and particle pollution in Sydney.
When a vehicle emits excess levels of smoke, chances are that it’s not properly tuned or maintained.
Vehicles that emit visible smoke for at least 10 seconds can be reported to the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA).
The following details should be recorded:
- registration number of the vehicle
- type of motor vehicle
- colour and darkness of the smoke
- length of time in seconds that the visible emissions were observed
- location, date and approximate time of day that the observation was made.
Wood smoke
During winter, wood and solid fuel heaters produce two to three times more particle pollution than cars.
Wood smoke contains noxious gases and a range of organic compounds. Some of these are toxic or carcinogenic, consisting of fine particles that go deep into the lungs.
These pollutants can cause breathing difficulties, especially for asthmatics, children and frail older people. Information on how to select, install and operate your wood or solid fuel heater correctly is available on the EPA website.
Smoke is deemed to be excessive where there is a visible plume for a continuous period of at least 10 minutes and, within that time, the plume extends at least 10 metres from the chimney for at least 30 seconds. Contact Council to investigate cases of excessive smoke
Wood heater and fireplace compliance
No new open fireplaces will be permitted except with Council approval. All newly installed wood heaters must comply with controls for wood heaters and open fireplaces.