NSW Environmental Protection Agency NSW Government
 

Approved methods for the sampling and analysis of air pollutants

Approved methods for the sampling and analysis of air pollutants in NSW (PDF 1.2 MB) lists the methods that must be used when sampling and analysing air pollutants in NSW for statutory purposes. The document covers pollutant emissions from

  • stationary sources, including stacks, exhaust pipes and vents at industrial premises
  • smoky vehicles.

Implementation and transitional arrangements

Approved methods for the sampling and analysis of air pollutants in NSW (PDF 1.2MB) is an update of the 2007 version of the document. The updated document must be used when sampling and analysis of air pollutants are required for statutory purposes such as under a licence or notice condition.

The 2007 version may be used in certain planning situations where assessment requirements were issued before the updated document was released. See the implementation and transitional arrangements for details.

We developed the 2022 Approved methods after reviewing the 2007 version and holding a public consultation on proposed amendments. The response to submissions (PDF 300KB) summarises stakeholder views we considered.

Key changes

Removed

  • Methods for ambient air monitoring (PDF 138KB) is now in a separate document.
  • Methods for pollutants that are not listed in licences or no longer appropriate. See the summary of changes (PDF 255KB).
  • Methods for monitoring motor vehicle fuels – these come under national legislation.
  • Dates from the listed methods – the latest published version of the method always applies.

Added

  • Methods for pollutants that are not currently listed but are used in licences. See the summary of changes (PDF 255KB).
  • Additional approved methods for pollutants (where they exist), to increase flexibility and options for sampling and analysis without compromising accuracy
  • More guidance on when the EPA needs to approve modifications and alternative methods.

See Frequently asked questions for more details. 

Note: If your licence requires ambient air monitoring specified by a coded AM method (for example ‘AM-X’), you must still comply with the requirement to undertake monitoring in accordance with that method. AM-coded  ambient air monitoring methods have been removed from the Approved methods for the sampling and analysis of air pollutants in NSW (PDF 1.2 MB) and are now in the Table of AM-coded methods for ambient air monitoring (PDF 137KB).

We've prepared a principles based Ambient air monitoring guidance note (PDF 689KB) to assist licensees in selecting appropriate ambient air monitoring methods where a method is not specifically listed in the licence.