Air Pollution

The City of Coffs Harbour (The City) regulates air pollution reports under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act) and Council’s Compliance and Enforcement Policy. We work in partnership with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Fire & Rescue NSW, and the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) in responding to and addressing air pollution concerns.

What is Air Pollution?

Air pollution is the introduction of contaminants or impurities into the atmosphere.
Under the POEO Act, air pollution means the emission into the air of any air impurity.

Air impurities include, but are not limited to, smoke, dust (including fly ash), cinders, solid particles of any kind, gases, fumes, mists, odours and other substances. These emissions can degrade air quality, harm health, and impact our environment and community amenity.

Commonly Reported Concerns

Burning green vegetation or rubbish
Poorly serviced or unclean flue and chimneys for wood fireplaces
Dust from construction, subdivision works, roadworks, or farming.
Chemical emissions from industrial or commercial processes

While these are common sources, air pollution can involve many different activities. If you are still unsure or need guidance on what to do next, visit the Reporting Air Pollution tab for information on how to lodge a concern.

Legal Obligations

Under the POEO Act, it is an offence to:

Cause or permit air pollution that harms or is likely to harm the environment or public health.
Burn prohibited materials (e.g. tyres, plastics, treated timber, paint, solvents)
Undertake activities that emit excessive smoke, ash, dust, fumes, or odours without appropriate controls.

Penalties apply for breaches. For legal advice, visit Legal Aid NSW.

Preventing Air Pollution

Small actions make a big difference:

Operate wood heaters correctly; burn only dry, seasoned hardwood.
Do not burn rubbish or prohibited materials.
Use dust suppression on worksites and during outdoor activities.
Store and use chemicals responsibly; avoid causing fumes or odours.

Let’s work together to keep Coffs Harbour clean, healthy, and liveable.

For more information, navigate the tabs below:

Reporting Air Pollution

Under the POEO Act, anyone involved in an activity that results in a serious air pollution event, that may cause environmental harm or property damage is required to notify Council, as the appropriate regulatory authority.

Regulatory Authorities:

NSW EPA: Regulates licensed premises and scheduled activities under Environment Protection Licences

The City: Regulates non-scheduled (unlicenced) local activities as the Appropriate Regulatory Authority

When The City Will Not Investigate

Some matters fall outside The City’s jurisdiction and should be reported to other authorities:

NSW EPA: Licensed industrial premises or large-scale pollution
Contact: 131 555 | epa.nsw.gov.au
SafeWork NSW: Workplace dust hazards (e.g., silica dust), WHS compliance, PPE enforcement
Contact: 13 10 50 | safework.nsw.gov.au
NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS): Fire permits and bushfire safety
Contact: rfs.nsw.gov.au
Fire & Rescue NSW: Fire safety in urban areas
Contact: fire.nsw.gov.au
Transport for NSW: Dust or pollution from State-managed roads
Contact: transport.nsw.gov.au
Private Certifiers: Dust from building sites under private certification
Civil Disputes: Issues such as smoke or odour from domestic activities that can be resolved privately

Step 1: Report to The City

If your concern falls under The City’s responsibility, you can lodge a report:

Email: coffs.council@chcc.nsw.gov.au
Phone: (02) 6648 4000 during business hours
In Person: Visit The City’s Customer Service Centre

How Complaints Are Managed

Provide Details: Include the location, source, type of pollution, and times it occurs when lodging a complaint.
Please provide any photos or videos if available to help us assess the issue.
Complaint Logging: The City records the complaint and assigns it to an Environmental Health Officer (EHO)
Investigation: The Environmental Health Officer (EHO) will investigate the matter to determine compliance with the Protection of the Environment Operations Act (POEO Act) and The City’s Compliance and Enforcement Policy.
Enforcement: If a breach is confirmed, The City may issue warnings, notices, or penalties. For licensed premises or major pollution events, report directly to the EPA

Smoke Pollution and Domestic Air Quality

Smoke from backyard burning, chimneys, wood heaters, and BBQs can affect air quality and community health. It contains fine particles and gases that can worsen breathing problems and reduce neighbourhood amenity.

Wood Heaters – Good Practice

Burn only dry, aged hardwood and maintain an active flame.
Use plenty of dry kindling for a quick, clean start.
Keep air controls open for 5 minutes before and 15–20 minutes after reloading.
Regularly clean heaters and flues; monitor chimney emissions.
Never burn rubbish, driftwood, painted or treated timber.

Buying & Installing a Wood Heater

Must meet AS/NZS 4013:1999 with a compliance plate
For guidance on purchasing, installation, and maintenance, visit the Australian Home Heating Association.
For tips on reducing smoke, see the NSW Environment Protection Authority.

Health Note

Wood smoke contains fine particles (PM2.5) and gases (including carbon monoxide) that can harm health. Operate wood heaters correctly to reduce smoke emissions and avoid burning prohibited materials.

Smoke Testing in Sewer Systems
The City undertakes non-toxic smoke testing in sewer pipes to identify illegal stormwater connections. The smoke (similar to theatre fog) is safe for people, pets, and the environment.
For details, see Stormwater Inflow Reduction | City of Coffs Harbour

Burning of Prohibited Items

Burning items such as tyres, coated wire, treated wood, plastics, paint, and solvents is prohibited.

Residential Areas

Burning in urban and residential areas within the Coffs Harbour local government area is generally prohibited, except where specific exemptions apply.

For full details, see Burning Controls – The City of Coffs Harbour.

Managing Smoke from Rural and Agricultural Burning

Rural and agricultural burns can create smoke that affects nearby residents and local air quality.
Only the burning of vegetation is permitted, and landholders must take reasonable steps to minimise smoke impacts on the community.

How to Reduce Smoke

Burn dry vegetation only to limit smoke and improve combustion.
Avoid burning in windy, still, or poor air‑quality conditions.
Notify neighbours before burning to minimise unexpected impacts.
Supervise the burn and ensure it is completely extinguished.
Consider alternatives such as mulching, composting, or green‑waste disposal.

For all legal requirements, permits, zoning rules, and what can or cannot be burned, visit: Burning Controls – The City of Coffs Harbour

Managing Dust and Particulate Emissions

Dust can affect air quality and cause nuisance in residential and commercial areas. Common sources include construction sites, subdivision works, roadworks, agriculture, and commercial premises.

Relevant Authorities

NSW EPA (131 555): Licensed industrial sites
SafeWork NSW (13 10 50): Workplace safety, including silica dust from concrete cutting, dust suppression, employee work health & safety.

How The City Responds

Commercial Premises: Lodge a complaint with The City for investigation.
Agricultural Activities: Lodge a complaint with The City. We assess compliance and may provide guidance on dust suppression methods.
Road Construction: If the road is Council-controlled, The City will investigate. For State roads, contact Transport for NSW.
Subdivision Works or Building Sites: Complaints are referred to the principle certifying authority for assessment.

Chemical Emissions and Fumes

Chemical emissions can arise from industrial, commercial, or residential activities and may include solvents, paints, cleaning agents, fuels, or other airborne contaminants. These pollutants can affect local air quality and, in some cases, pose health risks.

Many complaints also relate to activities undertaken at home, such as spray-painting vehicles or equipment, sanding or fiberglass work & the use of strong solvents. These activities must be carried out in a way that does not impact neighbouring properties.

What You Can Do

Identify the source if possible (e.g., nearby workshop, spray painting, chemical storage)
If safe, speak with the operator to raise your concerns—many issues can be resolved through communication.
Avoid direct exposure; stay indoors and close windows if strong fumes are present.

How The City Responds

The City investigates complaints involving non-licensed commercial activities such as small-scale workshops, automotive repairs, or businesses using chemicals without an EPA license.
Licensed premises (e.g., large industrial sites) are regulated by the NSW EPA under Environment Protection Licenses

When to Contact Other Authorities