The state government has defended how it monitors air quality in the Upper Hunter despite widespread criticism that the region is not included in the national pollution network.
Earlier this year the Hunter Environment Lobby threatened legal action against the state government over air pollution data in the Hunter.
The group alleged that by failing to include key data about Upper Hunter air pollution to the National Environment Protection Council, the region's air quality appeared better than what it was.
The Upper Hunter Air Quality Monitoring network consists of 14 monitors between Merriwa and Singleton and is operated by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.
It collects a range of data about air quality pollution, however, it is not part of the National Environment Protection Measure (NEPM) network.
National Environment Protection Council sets National Environment Protection Measure (NEPM). The NEPM specifies the number and performance criteria of air quality monitoring standards for regions with populations of more than 25,000.
While the latest census data shows the Upper Hunter 30,658 residents, for the purposes of air quality monitoring it is split into two regions.
In a letter to Camberwell resident Deidre Olofsson DPIE executive director, science, economics and insights Dr Georgina Kelly said Upper Hunter air quality monitoring stations obtained a "representative measure of the air quality likely to be experienced by the general population within the regions".
"The Upper Hunter Air Quality Monitoring Network is maintained in accordance with the requirements of the Protection of the Environment Operations (General) Regulation 2009," Dr Kelly said.
"While the Upper Hunter Air Quality Monitoring Network is not part of the NEPM network, it is operated in the same manner as NEPM stations. All data from the network is freely and openly available. We regularly assess the air monitoring networks, considering the needs of communities across NSW."
Upper Hunter air quality monitoring is among a number of issues that will be addressed in a People's Clean Air Action Plan for NSW, which will outline actions must be taken to control air pollution across the state.
NSW environment minister Matt Kean will be asked to implement the plan, which is being prepared by a coalition of community and environment groups.
The government introduced hourly air quality alerts for the Upper Hunter last month that replaced a system of alerts based on a 24 hour rolling average.
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