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Description
The project is focused on monitoring local heating plants by creating a network of sensor units that will measure dust particles. The city of Rožnov p. R has developed an Action Plan for the air quality improvement program, which was approved by the City Council in May 2022, in this document the acquisition of sensor units is planned as one of the activities that should take place in 2023. As part of the project, 10 sensory units will be purchased, which will be distributed throughout the city. Thanks to the measurements, we will know how much the air in individual parts of the city is burdened by local heating.
Summary of project results
Local furnaces in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm are a major source of air pollution, and the project aimed to tackle this issue by creating a citywide network of air quality sensors. These sensor units measure dust particle pollution in different parts of the city, helping to identify where solid fuels are being used for heating. The goal was to provide detailed insight into how heating habits affect air quality across Rožnov.
In addition to the monitoring, the project also included an information campaign aimed at educating residents on the proper and more environmentally friendly methods of using solid fuels. While the sensors gather crucial data, raising public awareness and encouraging better heating practices is key to reducing pollution and improving the quality of life for everyone in Rožnov.
As part of the project, 10 sensor units were deployed around the city to measure dust particles in the air. An information campaign aimed at informing people about air pollution from local furnaces was also implemented. People were informed how to properly heat the stove in the form of a leaflet that was delivered to all family homes in the city. Similar information was also given on a poster that was placed on bulletin boards around the city and in nearby villages. As part of this campaign, we also offered citizens the service of measuring heat leaks with a thermal camera and firewood moisture.
Using the implemented project, we found accurate data on the values of dust particles in 10 locations in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm. The data were recorded during the 2023/2024 heating season. During the project, data from individual sensors were transmitted online on the website and the public could monitor them continuously. From the evaluation of all measured data, the average value for dust particles PM 2.5 was the worst in the Hážovice locality (18.5 µg.m-3) and, conversely, the best in the Horečky locality (14.5 µg.m-3). As part of the project, a questionnaire survey focused on the issue was also carried out. Among other things, the survey showed that people perceive air quality as a very important topic (116 out of 140 respondents) and 113 out of 140 respondents consider air quality measurements to be useful.
Thanks to information on air pollution from local furnaces from various locations in the city, the Department of Environment and Construction of the Rožnov Municipal Office will be able to better target its activities to control local furnaces. All family houses in the city were informed by means of a leaflet about how to heat properly and about the current legal requirements for owners of solid fuel boilers. The service of measuring heat loss with a thermal camera and wood moisture with a hygrometer will be offered to interested citizens in the next heating season as well. Measurements using sensor units will continue even after the end of the project until the end of the service life of individual sensors.