A major review is underway to modernise the methods for modelling air pollutants in NSW, with consultation now open on proposed updates that will strengthen protections for communities and ensure modelling reflects contemporary science and technology.
The Approved Methods for the Modelling and Assessment of Air Pollutants set out the statutory requirements used to model and assess air pollutants from stationary sources, including mines, power stations, landfill facilities and other industrial activities.
These methods support regulatory decisions under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act and are a central tool in protecting air quality across NSW.
NSW EPA Executive Director of Regulatory Practice and Services Arminda Ryan said the long-awaited review represents an important step in future-proofing how NSW regulates air emissions from major industries.
"Air quality is fundamental to community health and the resilience of our environment, and our regulatory tools must reflect the most up to date science and contemporary practice," Ms Ryan said.
"These proposed updates will help ensure that modelling techniques used in NSW are aligned with best practice, encourage improved emissions performance across industry and provide a clearer and more consistent process for assessing potential impacts.
"We now have an opportunity to modernise how we assess emissions from large industrial activities and address emerging issues, new technologies and evolving environmental risks.
"We want to hear from industry, experts, councils and community members to make sure these methods are practical, evidence based and effective in reducing harmful emissions."
The draft updates are identified as an essential action in the NSW Clean Air Strategy and are aligned with the EPA's Climate Change Policy. They aim to make air pollution modelling more accurate, consistent and in line with current science.
The main changes include promoting the use of on-site data to improve accuracy, modernising the pollution modelling tools, and updating health based criteria.
They also introduce clearer triggers for when extra mitigation is needed, more prescriptive requirements for dust control and better ways to assess odour in non-urban areas.
These updates will be finalised following feedback from industry, councils and community members.
Consultation is open until 4 May 2026, at: https://yoursay.epa.nsw.gov.au/approved-methods-modelling-and-assessment-air-pollutants
