EPA Victoria has enhanced its drone fleet with a new Aerial Air Pollutant Detection & Mapping system, allowing drones to detect and measure air pollution in real-time.
These drones, already used for tasks such as water sampling, detecting fire risks in waste stockpiles, and inspecting landfills and illegal dumping sites, now provide a more advanced method for environmental monitoring.
According to EPA Executive Director of Operations, Joss Crawford, the new system provides detailed air quality data on the move, helping EPA officers identify and address pollution sources. “The sniffer drone gives us real-time gas concentrations and distributions, which will help assess total emissions from sites like landfills, oil and gas refineries, and wastewater treatment plants,” she said. This capability allows officers to target specific sources of pollution, enabling faster and more effective intervention.
Sniffer drones in Victoria
- EPA Victoria has equipped its existing drones with a new Aerial Air Pollutant Detection & Mapping system
- The drones also collect water samples, detect fire risks, inspect landfills, illegal dumping sites and spills
- Over 500 flights are carried out across the state each year
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The new technology is part of EPA’s broader regulatory focus on landfills, aimed at reducing issues like gas emissions, leachate, and land and water contamination. Operators are expected to see more direct engagement and education, supported by improved monitoring and enforcement.
The system detects common pollutants such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide, particulates like dust or smoke, and methane. The drones feed collected data into software that creates real-time maps and 3D visualisations, pinpointing the exact location of pollutants. This helps EPA officers take more precise action to reduce environmental impact.
Crawford explained the challenges posed by each pollutant, noting that while hydrogen sulphide is known for its odour, carbon monoxide is dangerous despite being odourless. Particulates, she added, pose risks to vulnerable populations, while methane contributes to climate change.
With over 500 drone flights conducted across the state each year, EPA Victoria’s enhanced drone system represents a significant leap forward in the detection and prevention of pollution, offering frontline officers an effective tool in their environmental protection efforts.
Find out more about the EPA’s sniffer drones here.
