Through 2025 The Air Quality Collective is working with Otago Regional Council to find out more about the contribution of open burning to smoke in the air in the Alexandra-Clyde Basin.
What’s the issue?
During winter, smoke from home heating has long been known to contaminate the air in the towns of Alexandra and Clyde. The inland basin setting leads to cold temperatures, low winds, and “inversions” that trap air on the basin floor – all conditions that lead to more emissions but less dispersion.
However, home heating isn’t the only source of smoke. Around the towns, “open” burning is frequently used on farms to dispose of woody debris. Outdoor burning may also occur on residential, industrial, or commercial premises for various reasons, both legally and illegally.
Despite this, very little is known about the impact of these activities. How badly do they affect air quality in rural areas and towns? How widespread and frequent are these impacts?
What’s being done?
Throughout 2025, The Air Quality Collective is partnering with the Otago Regional Council to investigate the contribution of open burning to smoke in the air in the Alexandra-Clyde Basin. Air quality sensors are being deployed across the basin between Clyde and Alexandra during autumn and winter. Additionally, experimental webcams are being tested to see if they can help identify the extent and frequency of smoke events.
By combining this information, we aim to map where the smoke has the greatest impact and compare it to smoke from home heating. The results of the study will be delivered to the Otago Regional Council next summer.
Can you participate?
Yes! If you live in the Alexandra-Clyde Basin, we’d love to hear from you if you see, smell, or feel impacted by open burning smoke. Please fill in our online survey to share your experiences. You can also email our project leader at ian.longley@theairqualitycollective.org.
We are currently looking for householders interested in trialling a new system for improving indoor air quality. The system combines air sensors and a portable air filtration appliance. To learn more, visit our Smart Air Quality System page and fill in the online Expression of Interest form.
There may be other opportunities to participate during the study, so stay tuned!
