Great Plains Air Zone Annual Report

April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016 Prepared by: Air & Climate Business Unit - Environment Division Research Council 125 – 15 Innovation Blvd. Saskatoon, SK S7N 2X8 Tel: 306-933-5400 Fax: 306-933-7817

For more information, please contact: Stephen Weiss Interim Executive Director Great Plains Air Zone Phone: (306) 537-5050 Email: gpazair@.net

Photo Credit: Virginia Wittrock

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Great Plains Air Zone (GPAZ) had a productive year. The organization has grown and is working toward achieving the goal of monitoring the air and reporting its quality to the public in the Great Plains region (http://gpaz.org/airquality/mapofstations.php).

In April 2015, GPAZ received confirmation from the Saskatchewan Ministry of the Environment that they would be lending a multi-parameter continuous monitor, known as an Airpointer®. Through discussion and modelling, the board decided to install the device East of the city of Regina. This was installed and preliminary operations began in October, 2015. A competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) was distributed for the maintenance and data collection contract for this unit. The Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) was awarded the contract and began work at the beginning of December 2015. The data is posted live to the GPAZ website and monthly “dashboard” reports are archived on the site.

GPAZ learned in September that their request to the Saskatchewan Ministry of the Environment to use their air monitoring laboratory, known as SAML, was approved. Working toward the goal of understanding the current state of air quality in the zone, the board decided to locate the unit in Yorkton, SK. It was located there during the months of September and October. Unfortunately, due to technical difficulties the data did not meet quality control requirements and had to be discarded.

Through the fall of 2015 GPAZ discussed the need and method to add more continuous air monitoring systems within the Air Zone. A competitive RFP was circulated in the spring of 2016 and SRC was chosen to provide air monitoring services at two additional sites. The monitoring sites are currently being chosen, and are planned to be in the vicinity of Belle Plaine and Yorkton and are projected to be operating in October. Once active, these units will also report air quality live to the GPAZ website so that citizens can check on the quality of air in their region at any given moment, and view reports of past months’ data.

Upon request, the Ministry of Environment once again provided the SAML to GPAZ and it was located in Davidson SK in June 2016. The results of that monitoring will be reported on the website once the data collection is completed, likely in October 2016.

Going forward, the organization is excited to use the air monitors to gain a clear understanding of the quality of the air in the region in order to assure the public of the good air quality near the Airpointer and to be able to locate and address negative air quality issues. In addition to the ongoing technical work needed to get this network of monitoring active, GPAZ has identified communication as a key priority, both with the public and its current and potential air zone members.

Stephen Weiss Interim Executive Director, Great Plains Air Zone

i EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Great Plains Air Zone (GPAZ) was formed in 2013 and is the third active air management association in Saskatchewan. GPAZ is a non-profit group of public, industry, government, and non-government members formed following a directive from the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment under the Canada-wide Air Quality Management System (AQMS). The association is designed to get a better understanding of air quality in the region and address any serious air quality issues that may exist. This is done by collecting credible, continuous real- time air quality information through collaborative efforts of its members and stakeholders.

In 2015, GPAZ managed one continuous air monitoring station. The East Regina airpointer® was installed and began collecting air quality data in September of 2015. The parameters presently

measured at this station includes ozone (O3), fine particulates (PM2.5), sulphur dioxide (SO2),

oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and meteorology. The data may be viewed on the GPAZ website (http://www.gpaz.org/).

Quarterly calibrations and routine maintenance were performed in accordance with a Quality Assurance Plan provided to GPAZ by contractors responsible for the maintenance, calibration and data management for the airshed. Calibrations were performed in December 2015.

As GPAZ only began monitoring in September of 2015, no annual averages are available. The air quality measured at the East Regina station was rated Good for more than 96% of the time from September to December according to the Air Quality Index rating system.

The Saskatchewan Environmental Code was released on June 1, 2015, and set new Saskatchewan Ambient Air Quality Standards (SAAQS) which govern what levels of pollutants are deemed acceptable. Any concentrations above these standards are considered exceedance events. No exceedance events were recorded from September to December 2015.

ii TABLE OF CONTENTS MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ...... i EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... ii List of Tables ...... iv List of Terms and Definitions ...... v Units of Measurement ...... v 1 Introduction ...... 1 1.1 History ...... 1 1.2 GPAZ Mission ...... 3 1.3 Saskatchewan Environmental Code ...... 3 1.4 GPAZ Air Monitoring Network ...... 4 2 Air quality monitoring ...... 5 2.1 Exceedances above the SAAQS ...... 5 2.2 Wind Speed and Direction ...... 5 2.3 Continuous Air Quality Data ...... 7

2.3.1 Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) ...... 7 2.3.2 Oxides of Nitrogen ...... 9

2.3.3 Ozone (O3) ...... 11

2.3.4 Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) ...... 13 Air Quality Index (AQI) ...... 15 3 Audited Financial Statement ...... 16 4 References ...... 17 APPENDIX A. SASKATCHEWAN AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS ...... 19 APPENDIX B. EAST REGINA STATION: CONTINUOUS MONITORING DATA ...... 20 APPENDIX C. 2015 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ...... 25 APPENDIX D. GPAZ BOARD OF DIRECTORS ...... 32 APPENDIX E. GPAZ MEMBER Organizations ...... 33

iii LIST OF TABLES

Table 1 Saskatchewan Ambient Air Quality Standards ...... 3 Table 2 East Regina Monitoring Station Measurement Parameters ...... 4 Table 3 Summary of Exceedances in 2015 (Sept. to Dec.) ...... 5

Table 4 Summary of Statistics for SO2 Measurement Results for 2015 ...... 8

Table 5 Summary of Statistics for NO2 Measurement Results for 2015 ...... 10

Table 6 Summary of Statistics for O3 Measurement Results for 2015 ...... 12

Table 7 Summary of Statistics for PM2.5 Measurement Results for 2015 ...... 14 Table 8 AQI Rating and Effect Description ...... 155 Table 9 Summary of Occurrence Statistics for AQI Rating ...... 155 Table 10 GPAZ Financial Summary for the Year 2015 ...... 166

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Ambient air monitoring site of GPAZ ...... 2 Figure 2 Wind Rose for 1-Hour Average Wind Data for Sept. to Dec. 2015 ...... 6

Figure 3 Pollutant Rose for 1-Hour Average SO2 Data at East Regina Station (ppb) ...... 8

Figure 4 Pollutant Rose for 1-Hour Average NO2 Data at East Regina Station (ppb) ...... 10

Figure 5 Pollutant Rose for 1-Hour Average O3 Data at East Regina Station (ppb) ...... 12 3 Figure 6 Pollutant Rose for 1-Hour Average PM2.5 Data at East Regina Station (μg/m ) ...... 14

iv LIST OF TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

24-hour A calendar day, average is calculated midnight-to-midnight 8-hour 8-hour running average for O3 Canada-Wide Standards SAAQS Saskatchewan Ambient Air Quality Standard AQHI Air Quality Health Index AQI Air Quality Index Average arithmetic average Calm 1-hour average wind speed lower than 1 km/hour CO Carbon monoxide H2S Hydrogen sulphide NO2 Nitrogen dioxide NO Nitric oxide NOx Oxides of nitrogen O3 Ozone PM2.5 Particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm, referred to as fine or respirable particles RH Relative humidity SO2 Sulphur dioxide WD Wind direction WS Wind speed

UNITS OF MEASUREMENT

m/s meter per second km/hr kilometer per hour 3 μg/m microgram per cubic meter ppb part per billion by volume mm millimeter °C degree centigrade % percent (e.g., relative humidity, instrument uptime) Degree angle of wind direction from true north

v vi 1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 History The Great Plains Air Zone (GPAZ) and its Board of Directors were established in the fall of 2013. GPAZ was derived from the directive from the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) under the Canada-wide Air Quality Management System (AQMS) and is the third official air management zone in Saskatchewan. GPAZ was formed in order to establish a continuous air monitoring network, as well as collect credible, continuous real-time air quality information through collaborative efforts of its members and stakeholders.

Figure 1 illustrates the GPAZ zone, which covers approximately 40,000 square kilometers in the east central region of Saskatchewan. The air management zone encompasses an area from about 107 degrees longitude (just southwest of Saskatoon) to the Manitoba border, and from north about 52 degrees latitude to about 50 km south of downtown Regina. Major urban areas within GPAZ include the cities of Regina, Moose Jaw, and Yorkton. Major economic activities in the region include agriculture, manufacturing, oil & gas refining, mining, and transportation.

Membership in GPAZ is currently voluntary. The current membership includes organizations and individuals from the agriculture, chemical, oil & gas, and mining sectors, as well as the public. The Government of Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment, representatives of the City of Regina, and the Saskatchewan Environmental Society also participate on the Board of Directors. GPAZ’s budget consists of membership fees, environmental footprint, and emissions- based fees assessed to facilities operating within the air management zone.

1

Figure 1 Ambient air monitoring site of GPAZ

2 1.2 GPAZ Mission The GPAZ mission is to collect credible, continuous real-time air quality information for east central Saskatchewan through the collaborative efforts of industry, government, non- government and stakeholder representatives.

1.3 Saskatchewan Environmental Code The Saskatchewan Environmental Code was proclaimed on June 1, 2015, replacing a number of pieces of legislation. The Saskatchewan Ambient Air Quality Standards (SAAQS) had been in force under The Clean Air Act (1989). The proclamation of the Environmental Code resulted in the repeal of The Potash Refining Air Emissions Regulations, an update to The Clean Air Act, and many other changes. The new SAAQS (Reference 3) under the new Environmental Code brought Saskatchewan’s ambient air quality standards in line with other Canadian provinces under an agreement with the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME).

Table 1 Saskatchewan Ambient Air Quality Standards Saskatchewan Ambient Air Quality Standards (2015) Pollutant Units 1 hour 8 hours 24 hours Annual

3 a Particulate Matter (PM2.5) µg/m 28 10

3 Particulate Matter (PM10) µg/m 50 Total Suspended Particulates µg/m3 100 60 b (TSP)

c Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) ppb 159 106 24

c Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) ppb 172 48 8

Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) ppb 11 3.6

d Ozone (O3) ppb 82 63

Carbon Monoxide (CO) ppb 13,000 5,000

a The 3-year average of the annual 98th percentile of the 24-hour average concentrations. b Geometric means c Arithmetic means d The 3-year average of the annual 4th-highest daily maximum 8-hour average concentrations.

3 1.4 GPAZ Air Monitoring Network The GPAZ region and the location of the East Regina air monitoring station are shown in Figure 1 and the parameters measured at this station are shown in Table 2. The East Regina air monitoring station is located north of highway 1 and west of Tower Road. The GPAZ continuous air monitoring station has been operating since September 2, 2015 and measures sulphur

dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NO, NO2, NOx), ozone (O3), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), ambient temperature, relative humidity (RH), precipitation, wind speed (WS) and wind direction (WD). Real-time data for the East Regina station is available through the GPAZ website (http://www.gpaz.org/) and historical data is available at the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment.

Table 2 East Regina Monitoring Station Measurement Parameters Continuous Air Quality Parameters Monitoring Parameter East Regina

SO2  NO  NO2  NOX  O3  PM2.5  Precipitation  Ambient Temperature  Relative Humidity  Wind Speed  Wind Direction 

4 2 AIR QUALITY MONITORING 2.1 Exceedances above the SAAQS The GPAZ ambient air monitoring station in east Regina measures air pollutant concentrations to determine the acceptability of air quality in that region. Comparing measured air quality data with the Saskatchewan Ambient Air Quality Standards (SAAQS) and Federal guidelines ensures public that environmental health is not impaired. Air quality data will be used to evaluate the trends in air quality resulting from emissions from anthropogenic sources (industry, motor vehicles, etc.) and natural processes (such as forest fires, decomposition of organic matter, etc.).

Table 3 summarizes the SAAQS and the number of exceedances recorded at the East Regina station in 2015. As shown, there were no exceedance events from September 2 to December 31.

Table 3 Summary of Exceedances in 2015 (Sept. to Dec.) SAAQS Maximum Value Parameter Average Type No. of Exceedances (ppb) 1-hour 172 0 13.6 SO 2 24-hour 48 0 2.6 1-hour 159 0 60.0 NO 2 24-hour 106 0 10.6 1-hour 82 0 47.5 O 3 8-hour 63 0 29.0 3 PM2.5 24-hour 28 μg/m 0 68.4

2.2 Wind Speed and Direction Wind speed and wind direction, as well as other meteorological parameters, are important factors that influence regional air quality. The diffusion and dispersion of air pollutant emissions are greatly impacted by variations in wind speed and corresponding air turbulence.

Wind data measured from the East Regina air monitoring station in 2015 was suspiciously high, so it was recommended that data obtained from the Regina Airport be used. The height of the meteorological tower at the Regina Airport is 10 m. Figure 2 shows the wind speed and direction at the Regina Airport for 2015 from September to December. Prevailing winds were from the southeast (49.0%) and northwest (42.4%) quadrants. According to the Beaufort Wind Scale (Reference 2) the prevailing wind primarily consisted of Light Air (<1.4 m/s or 5.0 km/hr), Light Breeze (<3.1 m/s or 11.2 km/hr), and Gentle to Moderate breeze (<7.8 m/s or 28.1 km/hr). Fresh to Strong Breezes (>7.8 m/s or 28.1 km/hr) was recorded 11.8% of time, predominantly from the northwest quadrant. The detailed frequency distribution table and wind rose are presented in Appendix B, Table B-11.

5

Figure 2 Wind Rose for 1-Hour Average Wind Data for Sept. to Dec. 2015

6 2.3 Continuous Air Quality Data

2.3.1 Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)

Sulphur dioxide (SO2) is a colourless gas with a pungent irritating odour at high concentrations. At concentrations above 300 ppb, it can be detected by taste and odour. The health effects

caused by exposure to high levels of SO2 include breathing problems, respiratory illness, changes in lung function, and worsening respiratory and cardiovascular disease. People with

asthma or chronic lung or heart disease are the most susceptible to SO2. High levels of SO2 also damages trees and crops.

SO2, along with nitrogen oxides, are the main precursors of acid rain, which contributes to the

acidification of lakes and streams, accelerated corrosion of buildings, and reduced visibility. SO2 in the air can form microscopic acid aerosols, which have serious health implications.

Anthropogenic SO2 emission sources are primarily from combustion of sulphur containing fuels (e.g. gasoline, natural gas and coal) and processing of sulphur containing ores. The major emission sources for SO2 include large industrial sources (e.g., power plants, petroleum refineries, iron and steel mills, plants, pulp and paper mills, smelters) as well as small industries (e.g., small oil and gas plants, battery and well flares).

Table 4 presents the summary statistics for SO2 measurement results. The average concentration from September to December was 0.6 ppb at the East Regina station. The maximum 1-hour average concentration was 13.6 ppb and the maximum 24-hour average concentration was 2.6 ppb. There was no exceedance of the SAAQS for 1-hour, 24-hour, or annual average concentrations.

Figure 3 presents the pollutant rose for 1-hour average SO2 concentration. For more than 87%

of the time, the SO2 concentration was less than or equal to 1 ppb (blue petals); the concentration seldom exceeded 5 ppb (green petals).

The detailed frequency distribution tables for the pollutant rose is presented in the Appendix B, Table B-2.

7 Table 4 Summary of Statistics for SO2 Measurement Results for 2015

Annual* Instrument Monitoring Maximum SO Conc. and Occurrence Time Average Uptime 2 Station ppb % 1-Hr Max 24-Hr Max 11/28/2015 East Regina 0.6 98.0% 13.6 2.6 11/19/2015 15:00 * Monitoring station in operation from September 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015 only

N

NW NE

C ≥ 172

57 ≤ C < 172

W E 10 ≤ C < 57 5 ≤ C < 10

1 ≤ C < 5

0 ≤ C < 1

SW SE

S

Figure 3 Pollutant Rose for 1-Hour Average SO2 Data at East Regina Station (ppb)

8 2.3.2 Oxides of Nitrogen

Nitrogen oxides, also known as oxides of nitrogen (NOX), is a collective term for nitric oxide

(NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). NO is a colorless, flammable gas with a slight odour. NO2 is a

reddish brown, non-flammable gas with a pungent irritating odour. NO2 is of more interest than NO from both a health and acid rain perspective.

High levels of NO2 can cause respiratory disease, damage vegetation, and reduce visibility. The primary concern with NOX emissions is their contribution to formation of ground-level ozone, smog and acid rain.

NOX emissions are mainly produced by fossil fuel combustion. High temperature conditions

during combustion result in the formation of NOX as a by-product. NO emitted during

combustion quickly oxidizes to NO2 in the atmosphere (Reference 4). The major anthropogenic

emission sources for NOX are associated with fuel combustion, including both stationary (e.g., power plants, oil & gas operations, incinerators) and mobile (e.g., automobiles and trains) sources and residential heating. Non-combustion sources (e.g., nitric acid manufacture, welding processes, use of explosives) comprise the smaller emission sources. In large cities, motor

vehicle emissions are the major source of NOX, as well as space heating emissions in the winter.

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment regulates ambient air concentration for nitrogen dioxide but not nitric oxide.

Table 5 presents the summary statistics for NO2 measurement results. The average concentration from September to December recorded at the East Regina station was 3.7 ppb with maximum 1-hour and 24-hour concentrations of 60 and 10.6 ppb respectively. There were no exceedances of the 1-hour, 24-hour, or annual SAAQS.

Figure 4 presents the pollutant rose for 1-hour average concentrations for NO2. For more than

77% of the time, the NO2 concentration was less than or equal to 5 ppb (blue petals); approximately 20% of the data indicates NO2 concentrations between 5 and 15 ppb (green petals); the concentration seldom exceeded 15 ppb. No obvious pattern exists that indicates a stronger contribution of NO2 from a particular direction.

The detailed frequency distribution tables for NO, NO2 and NOX are presented in the Appendix B, Tables B-3 to B-5.

9 Table 5 Summary of Statistics for NO2 Measurement Results for 2015

Annual* Instrument Monitoring Maximum NO Conc. and Occurrence Time Average Uptime 2 Station ppb % 1-Hr Max 24-Hr Max East Regina 3.7 98.1% 60.0 11/30/2015 13:00 10.6 11/23/2015 * Monitoring station in operation from September 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015 only

N

NW NE

C ≥ 159

100 ≤ C < 159

W E 30 ≤ C < 100

15 ≤ C < 30

5 ≤ C < 15

0 ≤ C < 5 SW SE

S

Figure 4 Pollutant Rose for 1-Hour Average NO2 Data at East Regina Station (ppb)

10 2.3.3 Ozone (O3)

Ozone (O3) is a colourless, odourless gas at ambient concentrations and is a major component of smog.

In the ambient air, O3 is a “secondary” pollutant, meaning it is not directly emitted from a source. Instead, ozone is produced from photochemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen

(NOX) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight. Ground-level ozone could be from intrusion of ozone from the stratosphere, mixing from the upper troposphere, local photochemistry and the medium and long-range transport. There is no scientific consensus on the relative importance of these mechanisms.

Ozone can be formed by electrical discharges and high-energy electromagnetic radiation. In indoor environments, ozone can be present as a result of electronic equipment such as ionic air purifiers, laser printers, photocopiers, and arc welders.

Exposure to ozone has been linked to premature mortality and a range of morbidity health endpoints, such as hospital admissions and asthma symptoms. Acute exposure to high concentrations of ozone can cause eye irritation and breathing difficulty. Ozone can significantly impact vegetation and decrease the productivity of some crops. It damages cotton, acetate, nylon, polyester and other textile materials. Ozone can also damage other synthetic materials, cause cracks in rubber, accelerate fading of dyes, and speed deterioration of some paints and coatings.

Table 6 presents the summary statistics for O3 measurement results. The average concentration at the East Regina Station from September to December was 19.3 ppb with maximum 1-hour and 24-hour concentrations 47.5 and 29.0 ppb respectively. During this time period, no exceedances of the SAAQS 8-hour limit of 63 ppb were observed.

Figure 5 presents the pollutant rose for the 1-hour average concentration of O3. The measured concentration was within 10 ppb to 40 ppb range more than 84% of the time. The detailed frequency distribution table for the pollutant rose is presented in the Appendix B, Table B-6.

11 Table 6 Summary of Statistics for O3 Measurement Results for 2015

Annual* Instrument Monitoring Maximum O Conc. and Occurrence Time Average Uptime 3 Station ppb % 1-Hr Max 24-Hr Max East Regina 19.3 98.1% 47.5 9/13/2015 15:00 29.0 12/17/2015 * Monitoring station in operation from September 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015 only

N

NW NE

C ≥ 82

60 ≤ C < 82

W E 40 ≤ C < 60

20 ≤ C < 40

10 ≤ C < 20

0 ≤ C < 10 SW SE

S

Figure 5 Pollutant Rose for 1-Hour Average O3 Data at East Regina Station (ppb)

12 2.3.4 Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Particulate matter is unique among air pollutants, as it is identified by its size rather than by its composition. The primary particulate contaminants of concern are fine particles referred to as

PM2.5.

Fine particles are generally emitted from activities such as industrial and residential combustion, and from vehicle exhaust. Fine particles are also formed in the atmosphere when gases such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds are transformed

by chemical and photochemical reactions in the air. The largest natural contribution of PM2.5 comes from forest fires.

Adverse health effects from breathing air with a high PM2.5 concentration include: premature death; increased respiratory symptoms and disease; chronic bronchitis; and decreased lung function, particularly for individuals with asthma. Particulate matter can clog stomatal openings of plants and interfere with photosynthesis functions, leading to growth stunting or mortality in some plant species.

Table 7 presents the summary statistics for PM2.5 measurement results. The average concentrations at the East Regina station from September to December was 4.7 μg/m3 with maximum 1-hour and 24-hour concentrations of 68.4 and 21.1 μg/m3 respectively.

Figure 6 presents the pollutant rose for the PM2.5 measurement results. The measured concentrations were mostly less than 10 μg/m3 (85.8%). There was no apparent directional trend for the higher concentration events (>10 μg/m3).

The detailed frequency distribution table for the pollutant rose is presented in Appendix B, Table B-7.

13 Table 7 Summary of Statistics for PM2.5 Measurement Results for 2015

Annual* Instrument Monitoring Maximum PM Conc. and Occurrence Time Average Uptime 2.5 Station μg/m3 % 1-Hr Max 24-Hr Max East Regina 4.7 98.5% 68.4 9/11/2015 21:00 21.1 9/2/2015 * Monitoring station in operation from September 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015 only

N

NW NE

C ≥ 30

20 ≤ C < 30

10 ≤ C < 20 W E 4 ≤ C < 10

2 ≤ C < 4

0 ≤ C < 2

SW SE

S

3 Figure 6 Pollutant Rose for 1-Hour Average PM2.5 Data at East Regina Station (μg/m )

14 Air Quality Index (AQI) The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a system developed to provide the public with a meaningful and

comparable measure of air quality. The AQI uses readings from five major air pollutants: SO2,

NO2, O3, PM2.5, and carbon monoxide (CO), to calculate the AQI. H2S is not included as part of

the AQI due to the fact that at low concentrations H2S is a nuisance (odour) pollutant and not a health effect pollutant. A minimum of three pollutants is required. The AQI is rated in four categories: Good (0 to 25), Fair (26 to 50), Poor (51 to 100), and Very Poor (>100). Table 8 summarizes the effects associated with the AQI ratings.

Table 9 summarizes the occurrence statistics for AQI rating. The air quality at the East Regina station was rated Good for 97.2% of the time; 2.6% was rated Fair, 0.2% was rated Poor and 0.0% was rated Very Poor. The Fair and Poor air quality ratings were associated with increased

O3 and/or PM2.5 concentrations.

Table 8 AQI Rating and Effect Description Air Quality AQI Effect Description Rating Desirable Range: No known harmful effects to soil, water, vegetation, 0-25 Good animals, materials, visibility or human health. The long-term goal is for air quality to be in this range all of the time in Canada. Acceptable Range: Adequate protection against harmful effects to soil, 26-50 Fair water, vegetation, animals, materials, visibility and human health. Tolerable Range: Not all aspects of human health or the environment are adequately protected from possible adverse effects. Long-term control 51-100 Poor action may be necessary, depending on the frequency, duration and circumstances of the readings. Intolerable Range: Continued high readings could pose a risk to public >100 Very Poor health.

Table 9 Summary of Occurrence Statistics for AQI Rating

Occurrence Hours and Frequency by AQHI Risk Rating Monitoring Occurrence Station Statistics Good Fair Poor Very Poor

Occurrence Hours 2789 74 5 0 East Regina Occurrence 97.2% 2.6% 0.2% 0.0% Frequency

15 3 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENT

The 2015 audited financial summary for the GPAZ is presented in the following table. The complete audited report is presented in Appendix C.

Table 10 GPAZ Financial Summary for the Year 2015

16 4 REFERENCES

1. GPAZ website. Retrieved from: http://www.gpaz.org/ 2. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Beaufort Wind Scale Table. Retrieved from: https://www.ec.gc.ca/meteo-weather/default.asp?lang=En&n=80C039A3-1 3. Saskatchewan Ambient Air Quality Standards. Retrieved from: https://envrbrportal.crm.saskatchewan.ca/Pages/SEQS/Table20-SEQS-SAAQS.pdf

4. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Nitrogen Oxides – NOx. Retrieved from: https://www.ec.gc.ca/air/default.asp?lang=En&n=489FEE7D-1

17

18 APPENDIX A. SASKATCHEWAN AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS

Table A-1 Saskatchewan Ambient Air Quality Standards

19 APPENDIX B. EAST REGINA STATION: CONTINUOUS MONITORING DATA

Table B-1. East Regina Station: Summary Statistics for Continuous Air Monitoring Results for Sept. to Dec. 2015

* Hours of Annual Calibration Summary Statistics for 1-Hour Data Parameter Unit Valid Hours Percent Data Uptime Average Minimum Maximum

SO2 ppb 15 2868 98.0% 0.6 < 0.1 13.6 NO ppb 15 2872 98.1% 1.3 < 0.1 116.6

NO2 ppb 15 2872 98.1% 3.7 < 0.1 60.0

NOx ppb 15 2872 98.1% 5.0 < 0.1 176.6

O3 ppb 15 2872 98.1% 19.3 < 0.1 47.5 3 PM2.5 μg/m 4 2884 98.5% 4.7 < 0.1 68.4 Precipitation (total) mm 0 2673 91.3% 59.0 < 0.1 2.8 Ambient Temperature ˚C 0 2673 91.3% 1.4 -27.6 29.7 Relative Humidity % 0 2673 91.3% 72.7 27.1 94.0 Wind Speed m/s 0 2916 99.6% 4.9 Calm 19.2 * Monitoring station in operation from September 2, 2015 to December 31, 2015 only and Meteorology station in operation from September 11, 2015 to December 31, 2015 only

20 Table B-2. East Regina Station: Summary of Airpointer SO2 Monitoring Results for the Year 2015

Valid 1-Hr Operational Average Maximum 1-Hour Maximum 24-Hour Percent of Data in each Concentration Range Month data Time Conc. 1-Hr Conc. Exceedance 24-Hr Conc. Exceedance (no.) (%) (ppb) (ppb) (no.) (ppb) (no.) 0 ≤ C < 1 1 ≤ C < 5 5 ≤ C < 10 10 ≤ C < 57 57 ≤ C < 172 C ≥ 172 September 679 94.3% 0.6 6.0 - 1.3 - 90.0% 9.3% 0.7% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% October 744 100.0% 0.5 6.4 - 1.4 - 90.9% 8.9% 0.3% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% November 720 100.0% 0.6 13.6 - 2.6 - 86.3% 12.5% 1.1% 0.1% 0.0% 0.0% December 725 97.4% 0.6 9.9 - 2.3 - 82.9% 15.9% 1.2% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%

Sept -Dec 2868 98.0% 0.6 13.6 0 2.6 0 87.5% 11.6% 0.8% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%

Table B-3. East Regina Station: Summary of Airpointer NO Monitoring Results for the Year 2015

Valid 1-Hr Operational Average Maximum Maximum Percent of Data in each Concentration Range Month data Time Conc. 1-Hr Conc. 24-Hr Conc. (no.) (%) (ppb) (ppb) (ppb) 0 ≤ C < 5 5 ≤ C < 15 15 ≤ C < 30 30 ≤ C < 100 100 ≤ C < 159 C ≥ 159 September 679 94.3% 0.7 16.4 2.4 99.0% 0.9% 0.1% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% October 744 100.0% 1.2 44.0 5.0 95.4% 3.8% 0.4% 0.4% 0.0% 0.0% November 720 100.0% 1.7 116.6 7.7 94.2% 4.2% 1.0% 0.6% 0.1% 0.0% December 729 98.0% 1.7 69.0 10.9 93.4% 4.7% 1.2% 0.7% 0.0% 0.0%

Sept-Dec 2872 98.1% 1.3 116.6 10.9 95.4% 3.4% 0.7% 0.4% 0.0% 0.0%

Table B-4. East Regina Station: Summary of Airpointer NO2 Monitoring Results for the Year 2015

Valid 1-Hr Operational Average Maximum 1-Hour Maximum 24-Hour Percent of Data in each Concentration Range Month data Time Conc. 1-Hr Conc. Exceedance 24-Hr Conc. Exceedance (no.) (%) (ppb) (ppb) (no.) (ppb) (no.) 0 ≤ C < 5 5 ≤ C < 15 15 ≤ C < 30 30 ≤ C < 100 100 ≤ C < 159 C ≥ 159 September 679 94.3% 2.6 28.7 - 8.7 - 86.5% 12.8% 0.7% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% October 744 100.0% 3.7 22.8 - 6.6 - 76.3% 20.4% 3.2% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% November 720 100.0% 4.4 60.0 - 10.6 - 72.9% 23.5% 3.5% 0.1% 0.0% 0.0% December 729 98.0% 3.9 25.9 - 10.4 - 75.0% 22.8% 2.2% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%

Sept-Dec 2872 98.1% 3.7 60.0 0 10.6 0 77.5% 20.0% 2.4% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%

21 Table B-5. East Regina Station: Summary of Airpointer NOX Monitoring Results for the Year 2015

Valid 1-Hr Operational Average Maximum Maximum Percent of Data in each Concentration Range Month data Time Conc. 1-Hr Conc. 24-Hr Conc. (no.) (%) (ppb) (ppb) (ppb) 0 ≤ C < 5 5 ≤ C < 15 15 ≤ C < 30 30 ≤ C < 100 100 ≤ C < 159 C ≥ 159 September 679 94.3% 3.3 32.8 9.3 81.9% 16.5% 1.5% 0.1% 0.0% 0.0% October 744 100.0% 4.9 66.8 10.5 71.0% 23.1% 5.0% 0.9% 0.0% 0.0% November 720 100.0% 6.1 176.6 16.2 64.6% 28.6% 4.4% 2.2% 0.0% 0.1% December 729 98.0% 5.5 89.9 21.3 65.8% 27.4% 5.1% 1.6% 0.0% 0.0%

Sept-Dec 2872 98.1% 5.0 176.6 21.3 70.6% 24.0% 4.0% 1.3% 0.0% 0.0%

Table B-6. East Regina Station: Summary of Airpointer O3 Monitoring Results for the Year 2015

Valid 1-Hr Operational Average Maximum Maximum 1-Hour Exceedance Percent of Data in each Concentration Range Month data Time Conc. 1-Hr Conc. 24-Hr Conc. (no.) (%) (ppb) (ppb) (no.) (ppb) 0 ≤ C < 10 10 ≤ C < 20 20 ≤ C < 40 40 ≤ C < 60 60 ≤ C < 82 C ≥ 82 September 679 94.3% 20.5 47.5 - 27.9 14.4% 38.6% 43.0% 4.0% 0.0% 0.0% October 744 100.0% 20.5 42.3 - 27.5 14.8% 32.3% 50.8% 2.2% 0.0% 0.0% November 720 100.0% 18.4 38.7 - 28.3 12.6% 46.7% 40.7% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% December 729 98.0% 18.0 33.5 - 29.0 14.1% 44.2% 41.7% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%

Sept -Dec 2872 98.1% 19.3 47.5 - 29.0 14.0% 40.4% 44.1% 1.5% 0.0% 0.0%

Table B-7. East Regina Station: Summary of Airpointer PM2.5 Monitoring Results for the Year 2015

Valid 1-Hr Operational Average Maximum Maximum 24-Hour Percent of Data in each Concentration Range Month data Time Conc. 1-Hr Conc. 24-Hr Conc. Exceedance (no.) (%) (μg/m3) (μg/m3) (μg/m3) (no.) 0 ≤ C < 2 2 ≤ C < 4 4 ≤ C < 10 10 ≤ C < 20 20 ≤ C < 30 C ≥ 30 September 680 94.4% 5.4 68.4 21.1 - 26.0% 31.6% 29.0% 10.7% 1.2% 1.5% October 744 100.0% 4.7 51.5 14.6 - 24.6% 31.7% 35.3% 6.2% 1.6% 0.5% November 720 100.0% 3.4 24.1 11.4 - 42.9% 27.1% 24.7% 5.1% 0.1% 0.0% December 740 99.5% 5.1 34.9 11.6 - 23.4% 30.8% 32.8% 11.6% 1.1% 0.3%

Sept-Dec 2884 98.5% 4.7 68.4 21.1 0 29.2% 30.3% 30.5% 8.4% 1.0% 0.6%

22 Table B-8. East Regina Station: Summary of Airpointer Precipitation Monitoring Results for the Year 2015

Maximum Valid Operational Total Maximum 24-Hr Percent of Data in each Precipitation Range 1-Hr data Time Precip. 1-Hr Precip. Month Precip. (no.) (%) (mm) (mm) (mm) <=5 5 ~ 10 10 ~ 25 25 ~ 50 50 ~ 75 >75 September 465 64.6% 7.8 2.6 6.8 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% October 744 100.0% 34.6 2.1 9.8 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% November 720 100.0% 9.9 2.8 6.8 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% December 744 100.0% 6.7 2.8 6.5 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%

Sept-Dec 2673 91.3% 59.0 2.8 9.8 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%

Table B-9. East Regina Station: Summary of Airpointer Ambient Temperature Monitoring Results for the Year 2015

Valid Operational Average Minimum Maximum Percent of Data in each Temperature Range Month 1-Hr data Time Temp. 1-Hr Temp. 1-Hr Temp. (no.) (%) (˚C) (˚C) (˚C) <=-30 -30 ~ -15 -15 ~ 0 0 ~ 15 15 ~ 30 >30 September 465 64.6% 12.1 -2.6 29.7 0.0% 0.0% 2.6% 68.6% 28.8% 0.0% October 744 100.0% 6.5 -4.4 25.5 0.0% 0.0% 14.1% 80.1% 5.8% 0.0% November 720 100.0% -1.8 -19.7 13.3 0.0% 2.5% 49.7% 47.8% 0.0% 0.0% December 744 100.0% -7.2 -27.6 8.5 0.0% 8.3% 75.5% 16.1% 0.0% 0.0%

Sept-Dec 2673 91.3% 1.4 -27.6 29.7 0.0% 3.0% 38.8% 51.6% 6.6% 0.0%

Table B-10. East Regina Station: Summary of Airpointer Relative Humidity Monitoring Results for the Year 2015

Valid Operational Average Minimum Maximum Percent of Data in each Relative Humidity Range Month 1-Hr data Time RH 1-Hr RH 1-Hr RH (no.) (%) (%) (%) (%) <=15 15 ~ 30 30 ~ 60 60 ~ 80 80 ~ 90 >90 September 465 64.6% 66 27 94 0.0% 2.8% 35.1% 32.7% 19.6% 9.9% October 744 100.0% 71 30 94 0.0% 0.1% 23.7% 39.1% 28.9% 8.2% November 720 100.0% 75 32 91 0.0% 0.0% 10.7% 53.3% 33.8% 2.2% December 744 100.0% 77 39 90 0.0% 0.0% 6.5% 53.8% 39.7% 0.1%

Sept-Dec 2673 91.3% 73 27 94 0.0% 0.5% 17.4% 45.9% 31.6% 4.6%

23 Table B-11. East Regina Station: Airpointer Wind Frequency Table for the Year 2015

Percent Data in each Wind Speed Range, wind speed unit m/s Wind Direction Sector 0.3 ≤ WS < 1.4 1.4 ≤ WS < 3.1 3.1 ≤ WS < 7.8 7.8 ≤ WS < 10.8 10.8 ≤ WS < 13.6 WS ≥ 13.6 Totals North NorthEast 0.1% 0.7% 1.1% 0.1% 0.0% 0.0% 2.0% NorthEast 0.1% 0.6% 0.3% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 1.1% East NorthEast 0.4% 0.4% 1.1% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 2.0% East 0.3% 1.6% 1.9% 0.2% 0.0% 0.0% 4.0% East SouthEast 0.1% 1.7% 6.5% 0.7% 0.0% 0.0% 9.0% SouthEast 0.3% 1.7% 9.3% 2.3% 0.4% 0.0% 13.9% South SouthEast 0.4% 1.4% 5.0% 0.4% 0.0% 0.0% 7.3% South 0.2% 1.3% 4.0% 0.1% 0.0% 0.0% 5.6% South SouthWest 0.4% 0.7% 2.2% 0.1% 0.0% 0.0% 3.4% Southwest 0.3% 1.4% 2.3% 0.1% 0.1% 0.0% 4.1% West SouthWest 0.3% 1.5% 3.7% 0.4% 0.0% 0.0% 6.0% West 0.6% 2.6% 6.5% 0.7% 0.1% 0.1% 10.6% West NorthWest 0.3% 2.0% 5.6% 1.5% 0.7% 0.3% 10.3% NorthWest 0.4% 1.6% 4.9% 1.2% 0.4% 0.6% 9.1% North NorthWest 0.2% 1.3% 3.9% 0.7% 0.0% 0.0% 6.1% North 1.4% 1.2% 2.0% 0.5% 0.0% 0.0% 5.1%

Total 6.0% 21.6% 60.3% 9.0% 1.7% 1.1% 99.6%

Percent Calm (<0.3 m/s) 0.4%

Number of Valid Hourly-Average Data 2916

Total Workable Hours in Time Period 2928

N

NW NE

WS ≥ 13.6 10.8 ≤ WS < 13.6

W E 7.8 ≤ WS < 10.8 3.1 ≤ WS < 7.8 1.4 ≤ WS < 3.1 0.3 ≤ WS < 1.4

SW SE

S

24 APPENDIX C. 2015 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 APPENDIX D. GPAZ BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Murray Hilderman (Dennis Fudge, Allison Tucker), Saskatchewan Ministry of the Environment Robert Schutzman (Shawn Gilbert, Derek Shaw), EVRAZ North America Jeffrey Price (Karisa Kaskiw), Mosaic Potash Belle Plaine Kendi Young (Michael Didowycz), Coop Refinery Complex Vaughn Wlodarczyk (Peter Hagar), City of Regina Allan Spriggs (Robertson, Erin), K+S Potash Canada GP Tom Latimer (Laurie Hammond), Moose Jaw Refinery Todd Johnston (Bernd Lindmeier), Yara Belle Plaine Inc. Calvin Eyben, Terra Grain Fuels Rick Morrell, Saskatchewan Eco Network

32 APPENDIX E. GPAZ MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS

THE CANADIAN SALT COMPANY LIMITED (K + S Windsor salt) Consumers’ Co-operative Refineries Limited City of Regina EVRAZ INC North America Canada General Scrap Partnership K+S Potash Canada GP LDC Foods Yorkton Processing GP Moose Jaw Refinery Mosaic Potash Belle Plaine Saskatchewan Ministry of the Environment Terra Grain Fuels Transcanada Pipelines LTD. (Regina) Inc. Yara Belle Plaine Inc.

33