2013/14
Annual Report
Message from the Board Chair The Alberta Capital Airshed (ACA) has made remarkable progress in 2013/14, providing residents of the Edmonton area with timely air quality monitoring information and continuing dialogue with our valued community, industry and government partners.
Since our inception, building momentum as an organization that fosters awareness about air quality within our community. Air quality is an integral component of healthy communities and with a growing appetite for more to ensure quality data is readily available. Air quality monitoring is integral to what we do and as such, the ACA will continue to actively seek out opportunities to facilitate ongoing improvement and expansion of the air quality monitoring network. We are looking forward
later this year when the City of St. Albert station is expected to be operational. It will join the other nine existing air monitoring stations in the ACA region. We have been focusing on improving information access as well as overall stakeholder engagement and understanding. We appreciate that air quality data can be complex and we are making an effort to ensure that community members not only have access to accurate information, but that they fully understand what it means to them.
year of progress and I look forward to working with our valued partners in the years to come. Air quality is something that affects us all so it is paramount that we work together to ensure health, safety and prosperity. Sincerely, Brent Korobanik, ACA Board Chair
As Board Chair, I am proud to look back on a 1
Vision
About Us
Residents within the Alberta Capital Airshed region live, work and play in a safe and healthy environment with clean air that has no measurable short or long term adverse effects on people, animals of the environment.
public information on air quality, as well as develops recommendations regarding air quality management and monitoring. We are one of nine airsheds in Alberta, who together serve as the air monitoring partnership for Albertans.
Mission To provide easily accessible, high quality data and expertise vital to develop comprehensive air quality management plans – clean air solutions that keep our air clean.
2
Alberta Capital Airshed
2013/14 Annual Report
As an airshed, our goal is to protect and improve air quality in the region. We not only have a responsibility to gather and relay credible information, we must help educate our community about the importance of individual and collective environmental stewardship.
3
AIR QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS Legal
Beverly 114 Avenue and 38 Street, Edmonton Owned and operated by Strathcona Industrial Association.
Redwater
Sturgeon County
Bruderheim Gibbons
Morinville Fort Saskatchewan Onoway St. Albert
Parkland County
Spruce Grove
City of Edmonton
Stony Plain
Strathcona County
Sherwood Park
Lamont
Alberta Capital Airshed Boundary
Clareview 141 Avenue and 30 Street, Edmonton Owned and operated by Strathcona Industrial Association. Elmjay 92 Avenue and 17 Street, Edmonton Owned and operated by Strathcona Industrial Association. Edmonton Centre 10255 – 104 Street, Edmonton Owned and operated by Environment and Sustainable Resource Development. Edmonton East 105 Avenue – 17 Street, Edmonton Owned and operated by Environment and Sustainable Resource Development. Edmonton South 6240-113 Street, Edmonton Owned and operated by Environment and Sustainable Resource Development.
Beaumont
Devon Calmar
Leduc
Leduc County
Goldbar 105A Avenue and 47 Street, Edmonton Owned and operated by Strathcona Industrial Association. Sherwood Park 590 Broadmoor Boulevard and Beauvista Drive, Sherwood Park Owned and operated by Strathcona Industrial Association. Woodcroft 13915 115 Avenue NW, Edmonton Owned and operated by Lehigh Cement. 5
Millet
Accomplishment Highlights 1.
CASA ENDORSEMENT
6.
In concert with Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, the ACA has embarked upon air quality educational outreach within our local classrooms. This is an area for growth as kids want to know what they and their families can do to ensure we enjoy good air quality.
have existed for a number of years in the Edmonton area, its development in the past two years as a comprehensive airshed organization was recognized by
2.
TECHNICAL AIR QUALITY REPORT
7.
to publish annually.
OUR GROWING MEMBERSHIP Each year our membership grows and in 2013, we proudly welcomed the City of Leduc.
4.
airsheds and other stakeholders to develop the plan.
5.
REGIONAL MONITORING PLAN capital region. This plan reviews current monitoring by various stakeholders and will be supplemented in the coming year with more analysis and future planning.
6
8.
Alberta Capital Airshed
2013/14 Annual Report
SPECIAL EVENTS As a part of our overall communications and outreach strategy, participating in special events like Environment Week and Clean Air Day help us share information and engage with the public on air quality.
MANAGING PARTICULATE MATTER particulate matter (PM). High readings of PM at two monitoring stations in Edmonton in 2009-2010 triggered the need to develop a management plan response, which
AIR QUALITY SENSORS With a growing appetite for more information about the environment, many people are interested in how they can understand the air quality around them. Innovative, mobile sensors can play a role and are increasingly being used in major cities around the world. In 2013, ACA deployed three sensors adjacent to existing air quality monitoring stations to start testing the ability for the sensors to provide accurate readings, particularly in an Alberta winter. We look forward to sharing our results in 2014.
In 2013, the ACA developed a local Air Quality Technical Report. This is a detailed summary of the state of air quality in the region, bringing together all available air
3.
SCHOOL PRESENTATIONS
9.
ODOUR MANAGEMENT In 2012 and 2013, the ACA facilitated Odour Management Workshops for our members and various other stakeholders to share information about managing odours. In 2013, CASA initiated an Odour Management Team (OMT), along with a number of task groups, to begin the development of a provincial odour management
10. GROWING THE AIR QUALITY MONITORING NETWORK To address gaps in air quality monitoring, the ACA is participating with partners to increase the number of air quality monitoring stations in the region.
7
Fine Particulate Matter
FINE PARTICULATE MATTER IN ALBERTA
The ACA is keeping an eye on the air we breathe. We are looking out for Capital Region residents by monitoring and sharing information about air pollutants that affect our
RM (se E c
OSPHERE ATM E late) TH particu N y I r D nda o
FO
) is something 2.5 we take very seriously. These tiny particles pose a health concern because they can travel from the air, through our noses and mouths, deep into our lungs. The solid particles and liquid droplets in PM2.5 can also contribute to a range of environmental issues including corrosion, reduced visibility and damage to vegetation.
50% 26% AD RO
PM2.5 air quality including children and the elderly as well as people with asthma, cardiovascular or lung disease.
ST DU
In the last few years, the monitoring stations in the Capital Region have adopted new technology to enable us to more accurately monitor PM2.5 levels. This state-of-the-art equipment provides a more complete picture of air quality along with valuable data that can be used to monitor our progress from year to year. Secondary particulate matter (PM) is formed through chemical reactions in the atmosphere from precursor gases – sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and ammonia under favorable meteorological conditions.
8
Alberta Capital Airshed
2013/14 Annual Report
16%
IO CT CONSTRU
2% 2% 2% 1% 1%
N
AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY TRANSPORTATION FOREST FIRES OTHER
9
Anti-idling
We are in this together
Be it from a car, truck, bus or motorcycle, vehicle exhaust emissions are a leading cause of air pollution around the world. Greenhouse gases and other air contaminants from internal combustion engines not only affect the environment, they are potentially harmful to our health and wellbeing.
All that is required is an interest in the air we breathe to become an ACA environmental champion. It is never too early, or too late to start caring for the environment. We can all make a difference by taking the time to consider how our actions impact the community.
The ACA is committed to protecting and improving air quality for all capital region
• Learn how to reduce your own impact on air quality and the environment • Share information and educate your friends and families • Get involved
through the creation of legislative tools and idle free resources that will discourage unnecessary vehicle idling. The decision to idle a vehicle is in our hands. With the turn of a key, we can all make a profound difference in our communities and the legacy we leave for future generations. Since we all breathe the same air, it makes sense to work together to keep it clean. capitalairshed.ca/idle-free-toolkit
Unnecessary idling affects our health, pollutes the air, wastes fuel and causes excess engine wear.
10
Alberta Capital Airshed
In cold temperatures, most vehicles only need a minute or two to warm up and that can be done by driving.
2013/14 Annual Report
Ten seconds of idling uses more fuel than turning off your engine and restarting it.
GET STARTED TODAY
TIPS FOR IMPROVING AIR QUALITY • Avoid idling your vehicle • Turn off lights and electrical devices when not in use • Keep your furnace properly maintained • During cooler months, turn the thermostat down at night or when you are out. • Use water or low-solvent based products • Avoid burning wood in and out of your home
11
Air Quality in the Region WHAT ARE WE ARE MONITORING AND WHY Air quality is a marker of how clean our air is. This is determined by the rate at which pollutants are emitted into the atmosphere and how effectively the atmosphere can disperse those contaminants. This, in turn, is affected by wind (speed and direction), temperature (at various heights) and turbulence, with local topography (e.g., valleys and hills) having an impact on each of those.
Continuous monitoring stations measure different combinations of pollutants, depending on the individual They provide near instantaneous measurements.
Air pollutants can come from a variety of sources, such as: • Vehicle emissions – “Non-point sources” • Industry (e.g., oil and gas, manufacturing) – “Point sources” • Homes (e.g., heating systems) and commercial operations – “Area sources” Air pollutants that are monitored include: • • • • • • • •
12
Carbon monoxide Nitrogen oxides Ozone Sulphur dioxide Hydrogen sulphide Particulate matter (e.g., smoke) Total hydrocarbons Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (e.g., gasoline)
Alberta Capital Airshed
2013/14 Annual Report
13
N02
Sulphur dioxide reacts in the atmosphere to form sulphuric acid and acidic aerosols, which contribute to acid rain
This gas is reddish-brown in colour and has a pungent, irritating odour. It has been linked to respiratory disease and contributes to acid rain. It plays a major role in atmospheric photochemical reactions and ground level ozone formation and destruction. Exposure of vegetation to high concentrations of nitrogen oxides results in silvering of the lower leaf surface. A waxy appearance appears shortly after exposure followed by bronzing after two or three days.
Sulphur dioxide combines with other atmospheric gases
2
Annual average SO2 concentration for Canada’s most populated cities. Note: Comparison of major Canadian metropolitan areas was done using 2012 NAPS (National Air Pollution Surveillance Program) data. 14
Alberta Capital Airshed
2013/14 Annual Report
ka
too
n
r Sa s
so ind W
ilto n m Ha
ipe g W
inn
wa Ot ta
on on t m Ed
Ca lga ry
r ve
al
0
Va nc ou
a Re gin
ka
too
n
r Sa s
so ind W
Ha lifa x
ilto n m Ha
ipe g W
inn
wa Ot ta
m
on t
on
r Ed
ve Va nc ou
re nt
Mo
To r
al
0
5
re
1
10
nt
2
Mo
3
15
To r
4
on to
Annual Average Concentration (NO2) ppb
20
on to
Annual Average Concentration (SO2) ppb
5
generated, however, any combustion source will emit nitrogen dioxide (e.g. power plants, furnaces, space heaters, etc.) Some natural sources include lightning and biological decay.
a
Sulphur dioxide is generated both naturally and anthropogenically (man-made), including the processing and combustion of fossil fuels containing sulphur. It is a colourless gas with a pungent odour (similar to a lit match), and can be detected by taste and odour at concentrations as low as 300 ppb.
NITROGEN DIOXIDE NO2
Re gin
S02
SULFUR DIOXIDE S02
Annual average NO2 concentration for Canada’s most populated cities. Note: Comparison of major Canadian metropolitan areas was done using 2012 NAPS (National Air Pollution Surveillance Program) data. 15
Annual average O3 concentration for Canada’s most populated cities. Note: Comparison of major Canadian metropolitan areas was done using 2012 NAPS (National Air Pollution Surveillance Program) data. 16
Alberta Capital Airshed
2013/14 Annual Report
5
a Re gin
ka
too
n
r Sa s
so ind W
ilto n m Ha
ipe g W
inn
wa Ot ta
on on t m Ed
Ca lga ry
r ve
Va nc ou
al
0
re
a Re gin
ka
too
n
r Sa s
so ind W
ilto n m Ha
ipe g W
inn
wa Ot ta
on on t m Ed
Ca lga ry
r ve
Va nc ou
re nt Mo
To r
al
0
10
nt
10
Ambient particulate matter consists of a mixture of particles of varying size and chemical composition. Particles that are less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter PM2.5 can be trapped in the airways and lungs and is believed to cause adverse health effects. also reduce visibility and 2.5
account for particulate matter.
15
Mo
20
PARTICULATE MATTER
PM2.5 size particles are formed from gases released into the atmosphere by combustion processes such as from motor vehicles, power plants, gas processing plants, compressor stations, household heating,
20
on to
30
on to
Annual Average Concentration (O3) ppm
40
PM2.5
To r
Ozone is both a natural component of the atmosphere and a major constituent of photochemical smog. At normal atmospheric concentrations it is an odourless, colourless gas. However, at concentrations higher than one ppm, such as found near photocopier machines and near electrical discharges, it has a sharp odour. Ozone is considered a secondary pollutant as it is created through reactions with other airborne substances and can react with other pollutants to form photochemical smog. The largest source is vehicle exhaust; other man-made sources are from industry and chemical solvents. Natural sources include lightning and some vegetation species. Ozone is a strong oxidizer and can irritate eyes, nose and throat and decrease athletic performance. High concentrations can increase susceptibility to respiratory disease and reduce crop yields.
Annual Average Concentration (PM2.5 ug/m3)
03
OZONE
Annual average PM2.5 concentration for Canada’s most populated cities. Note: Comparison of major Canadian metropolitan areas was done using 2012 NAPS (National Air Pollution Surveillance Program) data. 17
The AQHI is a health protection tool that is designed to help the public make decisions activity during increased levels of air pollution. The AQHI uses readings from three air pollutants which are required to calculate a single numerical value to evaluate the health
Very High Risk
AIR QUALITY HEALTH INDEX (AQHI)
2013 SUMMARY OF AQHI RATINGS FOR ALBERTA MUNICIPALITIES 0.1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
3%
2%
2%
97%
98%
98%
0%
0.7%
7
1%
1%
99%
99%
an ew y
se e
hip tC
ra y ur cM
tM
br
idg
e
e Le th
La k
Co ld
cK ay
Fo r
tM
Ha
t
an
ine
Ge ne
Fo r
2013/14 Annual Report
96%
Fo r
Alberta Capital Airshed
Me dic
Ed 18
ew
Reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors especially if you’re experiencing throat irritation and coughing.
96%
92%
ka tch
Avoid strenuous activities outdoors especially children and the elderly.
m
+
ra irie
Very High
10
Sa s
Consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors especially if you’re experiencing throat irritation and coughing.
on
Reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities. Children and the elderly should take it easy.
84%
3%
Low Risk
9
High
on t
8
81%
92%
85%
0.1%
0%
8% 4%
dP
6
0.2%
0.1%
0%
9%
Fo rt
5
15%
ee r
No need to modify your usual outdoor activities unless you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.
4
16%
0%
an
Moderate
Consider rescheduling or reducing strenuous activities outdoors if you are experiencing symptoms.
3
18%
Gr
Ideal air quality for outdoor activities.
ry
Enjoy your usual outdoor activities
0.1%
Re dD
2
0.1%
Ca lga
Low
1
High Risk
GENERAL POPULATION
Moderate Risk
AT RISK POPULATION
0.5%
19
Our Members
Membership
Industry • ATCO Energy Solutions • Lehigh Cement • Momentive Specialty Chemicals • Strathcona Industrial Association
By being a partner in a credible, regional, multi-stakeholder group, our members are committed to regional air quality.
Government • Alberta Environment & Sustainable Resource Development • Alberta Health Services • City of Edmonton • City of Leduc • City of St. Albert • Strathcona County NGO • EcoAir • Lung Association – Alberta and Northwest Territories • Northern Alberta Institute of Technology • University of Alberta
20
Alberta Capital Airshed
2013/14 Annual Report
• Collaboration with regional stakeholders, policy makers, and partners • Increase your air quality literacy • Be a part of innovative solutions in addressing air quality concerns • Help to share important information with the public clean air solutions effective engagement in broader air quality consultative processes
21
Our Board Lisa Avis, Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development Brenda Barber, ACA, Coordinator Darcy Garchinski, Alberta Health Services (ACA Treasurer) Dr. Raquel Feroe, Eco-Air
TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP Brent Korobanik, Lehigh Cement Julie Kos, Suncor Energy Jocelyn Thrasher-Haug, Strathcona County Jeff Yanew, City of St. Albert
David Hill, Momentive Speciality Chemicals Brent Korobanik, Lehigh Cement (ACA President )
CITIZEN SCIENCE COMMITTEE
Mike Mellross, City of Edmonton (ACA Vice President )
Matthew Dance, Public Member Brent Korobanik, Lehigh Cement Mike Mellross, City of Edmonton
Frederic Picard, Strathcona Industrial Association Gary Redmond, ACA, Executive Director Jocelyn Thrasher-Haug, Strathcona County
COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH TEAM
Forrest Tittle, NAIT
Christa Broadfoot, Lehigh Cement Amy Elefson, Alberta & NWT Lung Association Phoenix Le, Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development Sarah Mate, Strathcona County Karen Yeung, City of Edmonton Alana Yim, Strathcona Industrial Association
22
Alberta Capital Airshed
2013/14 Annual Report
Alberta Capital Airshed #147, 9218 Ellerslie Road SW Edmonton, AB T6X 0K6 P: 587.520.7935 F: 1.888.791.8348 info@capitalairshed.ca @yegairshed