Canterbury generally has good air quality, and in many places, such as national parks, the air is virtually free of contaminants released by human activities. However, around air pollution sources such as home heating fires, industries and congested roads, concentrations of pollutants can exceed acceptable standards and cause nuisance and adverse human health effects. These pollutants also affect ecosystems.

Operative status

The Air Plan at 27th October 2009 is partly operative. As at 20th May 2010, the parts that are not operative are:

1. Residential Outdoor Burning provisions:
   • Policy 4, Rule AQL29 and Schedule AQL1
     (Subject to an Environment Canterbury Variation 15 (Outdoor Burning in Residential and Living Zones) notified 23rd January, submissions closed 5 pm, Friday 26th February 2010, further submissions notified 17th April, submissions closed 5 pm, 30th April 2010).

The Agrichemicals and Rangiora provisions are now beyond challenge as at 20th May 2010. See below for relevant consent orders issued by the Environment Court:

2.  Agrichemicals
   • Policy 7, Rules AQL70-73 and Schedule AQL 6
     Consent Order issued by Environment Court Judge Borthwick 15th January 2010 (pdf 576 kB)
     This consent order addresses Agrichemical appeals and topics relating to:
     • ENV-2007-CHC-291 (Horticulture NZ)
     • ENV-2007-CHC-293 (Federated Farmers of NZ Incorporated)
3. Rangiora Provisions
   • Objective 4, Policies 22-29, associated methods including Rules AQL74-84, Schedule AQL4(b) Exempt Heritage Buildings in Rangiora, and Maps AQL25-35
     Consent Order issued by Environment Court Judge Borthwick 15th January 2010 (pdf 262 kB)
     This consent order addresses Rangiora appeals and topics relating to appeal ENV-2009-CHC-30 R G Brittan and the following parties under section 274 of the Resource Management Act:
     1. Waimakariri District Council;
     2. Association for Independent Research Inc;
     3. David Brittan;
     4. Emma Fraser;
     5. Morris Harris;
     6. Andrew Stevens.
     
     Consent Order issued by Judge Borthwick 20th May 2010 (pdf 228 kB)
     This consent order addresses Appeal ENV-2009-00097 Variation 11 - Objective AQL4 and Rules AQL79 and 80. Issued by Judge Borthwick 20th May 2010.