Wind blown dust ‘n dirt
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Dust is an issue in Hawke’s Bay because of the high level of tillage for agriculture and horticulture. Wind drifted dust and dirt affects neighbouring properties, particularly in higher density residential areas.
Dust can be made up of a wide range of fine solids – soil, pollen, and discharge from industrial activities.
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The Council has undertaken ambient monitoring for dust at a number of sites – Taradale (Napier), Ardkeen (Wairoa district), Whanawhana (West of Napier) and Tukipo (Southern hill country).
Tillage of soil that coincides with equinoxial gales can result in huge dust storms, which can carry soil a long way. The Regional Council encourages low tillage methods with croppers. Pollen can also affected health. At times around Hawke’s Bay drifts of yellow powder can been seen in the streets. It occurs naturally (mostly from pine forests) so the Regional Council has no management role. Contact your health professional if you suffer allergic reactions to wind-borne pollen.