Road Minister’s hazy plan for M5 East Tunnel

The NSW Government’s revamped scheme for the M5 East tunnel tackling air pollution has been welcomed by Asthma Foundation NSW.

The new scheme is the initiative of NSW Roads Minister Duncan Gay, replacing the $65 million tunnel filtration system that had been trialled until 2011. Diesel truck exhausts will be retrofitted with pollutant reduction devices in a bid to combat air pollution in the tunnel. Air quality will remain monitored in and around the tunnel.

“The initiative to retrofit diesel trucks is actually a very good one because it’s addressing the pollution at the source,” said Asthma Foundation NSW CEO, Michele Goldman.

The new scheme targets smoky truck tailpipes but has continued to raise health queries.

“We are keen to find out more detail from Minister [Gay],” said Ms Goldman. “Whether it’s going to be limited to those trucks that are very obviously polluting the atmosphere, or whether it will be extended to the newer, cleaner diesel trucks as well … Some diesel trucks may appear to be clean but they are actually emitting a large concentration of what’s called ultrafine particles which are even more detrimental to people’s health.”

A study released by the Minister Gay into the tunnel filtration system found it only removed limited amounts of nitrogen dioxide and small particulate matter.

“This study shows that we need to focus on cleaner vehicles, primarily heavy vehicles, to promote fewer emissions and cause less pollution,” said Mr Gay. “The government will spend $8.5 million over the next three years, which includes the retrofit program.”

Mark Curran of Residents Against Polluting Stacks rubbished the new scheme.

“It’s a waste of time and money what they are doing,” he said. “The actual harm from diesel comes from the clear diesels, especially those which are thought to be highly efficient.”

Leigh Martin, urban campaigner from the Total Environment Centre, said the new plan is a “band-aid solution”.

“What needs to occur is for there to be a better approach to freight transportation throughout Sydney and NSW,” he said.

“Ultimately Sydney has a major problem with fine particle pollution, from diesel vehicles, cars [and] various sources in industry. The only thing that’s going to address Sydney’s particle pollution problem is a major effort to reduce the number of vehicles on the road.”