Ruapehu outdoes worst polluters

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 610, 31 October 1995, Page 5

Ruapehu outdoes worst polluters

Mount Ruapehu outdoes the worst industrial polluters, according to United States Environmental Protection Agency which states that any industrial source that produces more than 0.25 tonnes per day of sulphur dioxide is a major source of pollution. Ruapehu has been pumping out 1900 to 17,000 tonnes

of S02 per day. It was this pollution which was responsible for the haze, called 'vog' (volcanic fog) by Hawaiians over much of the central North Island last week. "Vog is produced by a combination of meteorological and volcanic effects," states Dr Bruce Houghton of the Institute of

Geological and Nuclear Sciences. He said the gas produced is normally dissipated rapidly by the wind and diluted. A combination of light winds and high gas emissions led to more pronounced vog development. Vog is produced by the chemical reactions between S02 and oxygen, water and sunlight, producing droplets of acidic water and tiny particles of sulphate minerals which interfere with the sun's rays. However, the vog is not thought to be harmful in the

16th Field Regiment in Waiouru celebrated its birthday for the first time in 45 years last week in Waiouru. A grand parade was held with artillery soldiers, vehicles, weaponry and equipment driving past the reviewing officer, 2nd t Land Force Group Commander Colonel Martyn Dunne. 16 Fd Regt offi- , cially came into being on » 27 October 1 950 in response to a United Nations Secu-

short term. "Overseas significant damage from vog has occurred but (has) generally been confined to long-lived eruptions and areas veiy close to the volcano where conditions of light wind and rainfall prevail. At Hawaii damage to crops and natural vegetation has followed prolonged production of vog over a period of nine years under light wind conditions." Vog has caused minor health problems such as headaches, fatigue, respi-

rity Council request for forces to serve in Korea. Batteries of the regiment served with distinction in both Korea and South Viet-

ratory difficulties and asthma attacks, but problems overseas have been largely confined to areas on l or very close to an active volcano. "Even in these areas l problems can be largely avoided by people with known bronchial problems remaining indoors during periods of intense smog," said Dr Houghton. He said heavy rain and/ or strong winds would clear the air (which it did) "without significant long-term impacts on the community".

nam and atter being re-or-ganised and re-located several times over, the regiment eventuallyreturned to Waiouru in February 1992.