Air

Mid West Ports Authority (MWPA) is committed to Operating in Balance with the Environment by minimising the impact of port activities on the community and surrounding natural environment. Air quality is a key focus of our environmental management efforts, and we are actively working to protect it through monitoring, innovation, and responsible operations.

MWPA operates under an Environmental Licence issued by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) and follows strict regulatory conditions to manage and report dust emissions. Our Dust Management Plan outlines the strategies, responsibilities, and actions required to minimise dust impacts and ensure our operations meet both compliance requirements and community expectations.

Our approach to managing air quality includes:

  • Continuous air quality monitoring for fine PM10 dust particles, including alert systems to manage dust emissions during operations.
  • Routine high-volume air sampling for metals concentrations linked to cargo types.
  • Voluntary dust deposition monitoring in the neighbouring Fishing Boat Harbour.
  • Ongoing dust management initiatives, infrastructure upgrades and improvement projects.
  • Working closely with port users and leaseholders to improve dust controls during product handling, transport, and storage.
  • Consulting with the community through engagement forums and respond to dust-related feedback to inform ongoing improvements.

Protecting air quality requires ongoing effort, responsiveness, and collaboration. MWPA is committed to continuous improvement in dust management and welcomes community feedback to help guide that journey.

 

 

Two cruise ships and one cargo ship berthed in port. View of city in background.
Monitoring Programs
Cruise ship being guided into port by 2 tugboats while another cruiseship is berthed.
Regulatory Criteria
Ship being guided into berth by two tugboats
Monitoring Reports
Upclose image of female staff member conducting experiment outdoors on marina
Environment Procedures

Frequently Asked Questions

What is dust?

Dust in air consists of tiny solid particles, known as particulate matter (PM). These particles vary in size and can originate from both natural sources and human activities. Although often invisible, airborne dust can affect human health, the environment, and quality of life in local communities.

Dust particles are grouped by size using a measure called Equivalent Aerodynamic Diameter (EAD), which helps determine how they move in the air and how deeply they can be inhaled into the body.

  • PM10 (Particulate Matter <10µm EAD):
    • These are finer particles that can enter the lungs when inhaled. They can cause or worsen breathing, particularly for vulnerable people. PM10 may also include some particles larger than 10µm that behave similarly in the air.

At MWPA our air quality monitoring programs mainly focus on PM10 dust emissions.

Who is responsible for managing dust in Geraldton – is all dust from the Port?

MWPA is responsible for managing dust emissions within the Port precinct, as defined in our Environmental Licence issued by DWER. We implement a range of range of monitoring and control measures to minimise the impact of port-related dust on the community and environment.

However, MWPA does not have authority over activities that occur outside the Port boundary, such as dust generated from public roads or transport corridors, and grain handling and storage facilities on non-Port land.

Why does MWPA monitor air quality?

MWPA monitors air quality to protect the environment, ensure community safety, and comply with conditions set in its Environmental Licence. Monitoring helps us detect and manage dust emissions from port operations.

Where are MWPA’s air quality monitoring stations located?

MWPA operates a network of four air quality monitoring stations situated around the premises boundary, located at Port Way, Connell Road, Lemmon Road and Berth 1.  To provide a comparison against regional conditions, ‘background’ monitoring is carried out in Bluff Point. MWPA also deploys additional monitors around operational areas to assess dust emissions close to specific activities.

Additionally, MWPA maintains two continuous meteorological stations at the Port; Tower 501 station is located at the western end of Berth 4 and a second station, primarily used for shipping purposes, is positioned offshore.

How does MWPA monitor dust?

MWPA has developed a proactive approach to monitoring air quality that includes:

  • Continuous air quality monitoring for fine PM10 dust particles
  • Real-time alert systems to manage dust emissions during operations
  • Routine high-volume (HiVol) air sampling for metals linked to cargo types
  • Voluntary dust deposition monitoring in neighbouring areas like the Fishing Boat Harbour

Further information on our monitoring programs can be found on our Air Quality Monitoring Programs page.

What is the difference between real-time and HiVol monitoring?

  • Real-time monitoring uses automated instruments (TEOMs and E-Samplers) to measure PM10 dust continuously in short intervals (5-10 minutes).
  • HiVol monitoring collects air samples over a 24-hour period on filter paper, which are analysed in a lab for PM10 and metal concentrations.

Both monitoring types are required under MWPA’s Environmental Licence issued by DWER.

What happens when high dust levels are recorded?

When MWPAs real-time air quality monitoring system shows elevated dust levels, or when visible dust is observed during operations, MWPA investigates the source and may pause or adjust activities. Additional dust control measures may be put in place if needed. Any exceedances of targets set out in MWPA’s Environmental Licence are recorded, investigated and reported to DWER.

What metals are monitored and why?

MWPA monitors air quality for lead, manganese, nickel, and lithium as PM10, as these may be present in bulk Products currently handled at Geraldton Port. All monitoring results are compared against safe levels set out in MWPA’s Environmental Licence, which is regulated by the DWER and guided by national health standards.

How is the air quality data used?

Air quality data is assessed against regulatory criteria, Air Quality Monitoring Reports are reported to DWER, and used to review and improve dust management practices. Exceedances are investigated and addressed as part of MWPA’s compliance requirements.

Does MWPA respond to dust complaints?

Yes. MWPA investigates all dust-related complaints. Our team assesses local conditions, operations, and monitoring data to determine the cause and take action if needed. We aim to respond to all community feedback within three business days.

Relevant Links

Wind Loading Parameters

Products currently handled at Geraldton Port

Department Water and Environment Regulation (DWER) Air Quality Index