Beeliar volunteers use glass panels to collect dust information

GLASS panels are helping Cockburn volunteers provide important dust information to the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER).

The DWER’s Cockburn Area Air Monitoring Plan has resulted in eight dust-collecting glass panels being placed in strategic locations across southern Cockburn, including five at residential properties.

ChemCentre staff take daily samples from the panels, which are analysed to see if they can find out where the dust originated.

More than 70 other volunteers are filling in forms if they experience odour or dust events.

Beeliar resident Mitch said volunteering for the project was a way for him to prove how impactful dust had been on his life.

“The dust build-up on my property has always been an issue since we moved in in 2015,” he said.

“I would like to know the contents of the dust to confirm I’m not raising my children in an area that could potentially harm health long term.”

DWER director-general Mike Rowe said the dust sampling program was part of a four-pronged plan designed to respond to community concerns.

“The plan is designed to help identify where dust and odours are coming from, as well as pinpoint contributing weather conditions,” he said.

Nuisance odours or dust can be reported by calling the Pollution Watch Hotline on 1300 784 782.