STATE OF THE AIR 2010 b r i t i s h c o l u m b i a

FOREWORD The BC Lung Association Our sixth annual State of the Air Report in Established over a century ago, the BC Lung is once again packed with valuable information on many Association is one of Canada’s oldest and issues related to air quality in our province—from pollution most respected health charities. It is the lead- levels to air quality management milestones, from the 2010 ing organization for science-based research, wildfire season to the launching of a new wildfire smoke information, education, support programs forecasting tool. We have updates on clean-air initiatives and advocacy on lung health issues. of agencies at various levels of government and a report Its mission is to improve lung health in Brit- on recommendations made at the IUAPPA World Clean Air ish Columbia, where respiratory disease ac- Congress held in last September. counts for one in every seven deaths (respi- ratory disease is the fourth leading cause of We also profile two individuals who, despite their contrast- death in Canada). In B.C., breathing problems ing backgrounds, have equally inspiring stories to tell. A are the primary reason for emergency room severe asthmatic, Myrtle O’Connor has struggled with her visits and work/school absenteeism as well as condition for over three decades. Hers is an inspiring story the fastest-growing cause of disability. of perseverance and resilience. Bernadette Wyton’s story, on Through research it has funded and partner- the other hand, is one of courage and commitment. From ships it has established with universities, the her early work to protect Port Alberni’s airshed, she now public health sector and the government, helps other communities address air quality issues in their the BC Lung Association has recognized the regions, making her a true clean air champion. In this report, importance of air quality to its mission; in we also introduce a new section in which we answer ques- particular, that air pollutants, regardless of tions dealing with neighbourhood issues. source, impact lung health. This document is the fruit of a remarkable partnership be- Currently, there is no level of air pollution that tween the BC Lung Association and numerous individuals doesn’t have any effects. The BC Lung Asso- and agencies tirelessly committed to educating the public ciation unites the public and environmental on air quality concerns in B.C. and what they can do to help health leaders with provincial decision-mak- ensure our clean-air future. Ultimately, however, we are all ers to ensure that today’s knowledge of air pollution’s health effects will influence to- responsible for protecting the air we breathe. morrow’s public planning and policy. If you have comments or ideas for articles you’d like to see in future editions of this The BC Lung Association raises awareness report, please send them to us at the ad- of air quality issues through knowledge dress on the back cover. shared in the Annual Air Quality and Health Workshop, the annual State of the Air Re- Meanwhile, a big thank you to everyone port, and advocacy at all govern- who helped make this report possible. ment levels. Only with continuing vigilance and collaboration can it offer im- SCOTT MCDONALD proved lung health Executive Director, to all British Columbians. BC Lung Association

1 What’s in the air we breathe

Pollutant Description Sources Human Health and Environmental Effects

Particulate Microscopic solid and liquid Fuel combustion (including wood Aggravation of respiratory and cardiovascular Matter particles that are suspended in and diesel), industrial processes, disease, reduced lung function, increased (PM2.5) the atmosphere; PM10 refers to agriculture, unpaved roads, and respiratory symptoms and premature death. particles 10 micrometres and reactions in the atmosphere in- Impairment of visibility, effects on climate, and smaller and PM2.5 to particles volving NOx, SO2 and ammonia. damage and/or discolouration of structures 2.5 micrometres or smaller. and property.

Ground- Very reactive oxygen species. In Formed in the atmosphere from Aggravation of respiratory and cardiovascular level the upper atmosphere, ozone reactions involving NOx and disease, decreased lung function and increased Ozone shields the earth from sun’s hydrocarbons in the presence of respiratory symptoms, increased susceptibility harmful ultraviolet rays. sunlight. to respiratory infection and premature death. Damage to vegetation such as impacts on tree growth and reduced crop yields.

Nitrogen Group of highly reactive gases High-temperature combustion Aggravation of respiratory disease and increased Oxides that include nitric oxide (NO) sources, such as transportation susceptibility to respiratory infections. Contrib- (NOx) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2); and industry. utes to ozone and PM formation with associated NO2 is odorous, brown and health and environmental effects. Contributes highly corrosive. to acidification and nutrient enrichment of soil and surface water.

Sulphur Colourless gas with pungent Burning of sulphur-containing fos- Aggravation of asthma and increased respiratory Dioxide odour that smells like a struck sil fuels and processing of sulphur- symptoms. Contributes to PM formation with (SO2) match. containing ores. associated health and environmental effects. Contributes to acidification of soil and surface water and mercury methylation in wetland areas.

Based on: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2008) National Air Quality Status and Trends Through 2007. Report EPA-454/R-08-006, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Air Quality Assessment Division, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, November 2008.

POLLUTION LEVELS: How do B.C. communities measure up?

Fine Particulate Matter

Levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from continuous monitors in B.C. are summarized in Figure 1. Two measure- ment scales are shown—the highest 2% of daily measurements (or 98th percen- tile) and the annual average concentra- tions—because PM2.5 is linked to both short-term (i.e. hours to days) and long- term (i.e. months to years) exposures. In 2009, a full year of data was col- lected at 39 continuous monitoring sites across B.C. Annual average con- centrations ranged from 3.1 to 8.2 µg/ m3. The Quesnel Maple Drive site was the only continuously monitored site to exceed the provincial objective of 8 µg/m3 (shown by the orange line). Daily values ranged from a low of 9 µg/m3 in Campbell River to a high of 31 µg/m3 in Revelstoke (based on the annual 98th percentile concentration). Both the Rev- elstoke and Quesnel Maple Drive sites

Figure 1: Ambient levels of PM2.5 at select sites across B.C. The 98th percentile is the daily value that is exceeded the provincial daily objective greater than 98% of other values in a year. of 25 µg/m3 (shown by the blue line). 2 Figure 2: Ambient levels of ozone at select sites across B.C. Achievement of the Canada-wide Standard is based on the three-year average of the annual fourth highest daily eight-hour average.

Ground-level Ozone Concentrations of ground-level ozone are shown in Figure 2. Both short-term eight-hour measurements (represented by the Canada-wide Standard) and an- nual average concentrations are pre- sented. For the third straight year, no B.C. site exceeded the Canada-wide Standard of 65 ppb (shown by the blue line). Short-term measurements ranged from 35 to 62 ppb, with the highest con- centrations continuing to be observed in the eastern parts of the Lower Fraser Valley, particularly Hope and Chilliwack. Aside from the elevated site at Burna- by Mountain (not shown), the highest average concentrations were found in and .

Figure 3: : Ambient levels of NO2 (annual average) across B.C. Metro Vancouver annual objective is denoted by the blue line. Nitrogen Dioxide

Annual average NO2 levels across B.C. are shown in Figure 3. Average concen- trations ranged from 3 to 41 µg/m3, with the highest concentrations found in ur- ban areas near major transportation routes, specifically downtown Vancou- ver, Kitsilano and Richmond Airport. All B.C. sites were well below the national objective of 60 µg/m3, but the down- town Vancouver site exceeded Metro Vancouver’s objective of 40 µg/m3 (shown by the blue line).

Figure 4: : Ambient levels of SO2 (annual average) across B.C. Provincial Level A objective of 25 μg/m3 is denoted by the blue line.

Sulphur Dioxide

Annual average SO2 concentrations across B.C. are presented in Figure 4. Concentrations were low at most sites, with the exception of those in close proximity to major industrial sources, such as smelters, pulp mills, refineries, gas processing facilities, and marine sources. Annual concentrations ranged from less than 1 µg/m3 in Vernon to a high of 29 µg/m3 in Trail. Trail was the only community in the province to ex- ceed the annual provincial objective of 25 µg/m3 in 2009 (shown by the blue line). The Port Alice Lake Road site was just below the objective at 24 µg/m3.

3 Air Quality Management Milestones

Despite a population that grew from 1949 The pollution program is launched by the City of Vancouver about 2.7 million in 1981 to over 4.1 mil- lion in 2006, British Columbia’s air qual- 1956 Widespread conversion from oil and coal to natural gas heating ity has remained relatively good; in some cases, it has even improved. Reductions 1970s Air emissions are first regulated under the Pollution Control Act (1970) in industrial, residential and transporta- GVRD takes over air management in its region (1972) tion emissions have certainly contributed Pollution control objectives for specific industries are developed to these improvements. Catalytic converters and unleaded gasoline are introduced in Canada (1975)

Table 1 summarizes the major milestones 1980s SkyTrain begins operating in the Lower Mainland (1986) in the province’s emission control pro- Limits for sulphur content in heating and industrial fuels (<1.1 wt.%) are adopted grams. These actions initially focused on industrial sources only. With changes to 1990s Tetraethyl lead motor vehicle gasoline is banned in Canada (1990) legislation, however, they were expanded B.C. holds the first Clean Air Day in Canada, and AirCare is introduced in to include gasoline vehicles, sources of the Lower Mainland (1992) wood smoke, and now diesel vehicles. Vehicle-related regulations are introduced to limit gasoline vapour pressure (1992) and diesel sulphur content in the Lower Fraser Valley (1994), and This broader view of air management is to ensure gasoline quality (1995) and vehicle emission standards (1995) embodied in airshed plans developed for province-wide a number of communities. Regulations are introduced to address sources of smoke, including open burning (1993), wood stoves (1994) and beehive burners (1995) Current actions are guided by an im- Old vehicle scrappage program is launched (1996) proved understanding of the multitude of AirCare On-Road heavy-duty vehicle testing program is formally established sources that contribute to local air quality (1999) issues and emerging information on the Airshed plans are developed for Smithers/Bulkley Valley, GVRD, FVRD and types of emissions of greatest concern Prince George to human health. As the population of B.C. continues to grow, ongoing efforts 2000s Canada-wide Standards for PM and Ozone are adopted (2000) to protect local air quality are crucial and New Environmental Management Act provides that only prescribed activities require authorizations to introduce waste to the environment (2004) should be coordinated with those de- Tighter Tier 2 vehicle emission standards are introduced in new vehicles (2004) signed to reduce greenhouse gases. First diesel retrofits are used on B.C. school buses (2004) For more information on air quality Federal requirements for low-sulphur diesel (<15 ppm) for on-road vehicles management in B.C., see: are developed (2006) Provincially funded school bus retrofit program is launched (2008) • www.bcairquality.ca (B.C. Ministry New policy for determining Best Achievable Control Technology and new of Environment) standards for Poultry and Slaughter and Agricultural Operations are set (2008) Airshed plans are made for Quesnel, Bulkley Valley-Lakes District, Williams • www.metrovancouver.org/services/ Lake, Whistler, Sea-to-Sky Corridor, Regional Districts of Okanagan-Similka- permits and www.metrovancouver.org/ meen, Central Okanagan and North Okanagan, Merritt and Grand Forks services/air (Air Quality Permits and Metro Vancouver adopts a new airshed plan

Idle-Free BC is launched (2009) Regulations & Enforcement and Air Quality Planning in Metro Vancouver) 2010s Mandatory diesel retrofits for heavy-duty diesel vehicles are introduced • www.fvrd.bc.ca/Services/AirQuality Low-sulphur (<15 ppm) diesel requirements are set for marine vessels and (Fraser Valley Regional District) railway locomotive engines (after May 31, 2012) New Best Achievable Technology (BAT) requirements are set for Biomass • www.ec.gc.ca/air/default. Electricity Generation (2009) and Wood Pellet Manufacturing (2010) asp?lang=En&n=F963E49C (Environment Canada) Table 1: A summary of British Columbia’s emission control programs through the years.

4 S M O K Y S K I E S : The 2010 Wildfire Season

The summer of 2010 was a particu- reached an hourly maximum of 421 larly bad year for wildfires when µg/m3 and a 24-hour maximum of over 1,600 fires covered more than 267 µg/m3 (rolling average). Even 330,000 hectares of land (see Fig. 5). areas hundreds of kilometres down- This compares with the 30-year aver- wind of the fires, including Vancou- age of 2,300 wildfires per year cover- ver Island, the Lower Mainland and Fig. 5: MODIS Satellite image from August 26, 2010 showing wildfire smoke in B.C. The red squares are ing 75,000 hectares. Hardest hit were places in , experienced peri- thermal anomalies (i.e. wildfires) detected by the satellite. Retrieved from: http://modis.gsfc.nasa. those areas in the central interior clos- ods of poor air quality due to trans- gov/gallery/images/image08262010_500m.jpg est to the fires, such as Prince George, ported smoke from British Columbia. Quesnel and especially Williams Lake, etrate deeply into the lungs, to which measured record-high levels of Wildfire smoke is a mixture of scatter light and degrade visibility, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that gases, liquid and solid constitu- and to travel long distances before ents, including PM2.5, carbon being removed. monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and hundreds of hydrocarbons and Studies have linked wood smoke oxygenated organics. Some of exposure to various health is- these chemicals, such as form- sues, including eye and respiratory aldehyde and benzo[a]pyrene, tract irritation, increased respira- have been classified as human tory symptoms and risk of respi- carcinogens. Of the contaminants ratory illness, and decreased lung measured routinely, PM2.5 is the function. Asthmatics are particu- most highly elevated during wild- larly susceptible to the effects of fire events. This is a health and woodsmoke. What’s more, smoke safety concern since particles from wildfires reduces visibility produced during wildfires are and limits people’s ability to carry very small, allowing them to pen- out their normal daily activities.

N E W TO O L : The Western Canada BlueSky Smoke Forecasting System

The Western Canada BlueSky Smoke Forecasting System was launched in August 2010 as a tool to provide up-to- date wildfire smoke forecasts. It is the product of a multi- agency collaboration, which includes the Province of B.C. (Ministries of Environment, Forests and Range as well as the former Healthy Living and Sport), federal agencies (Environment Canada, National Resources Canada), the Province of Alberta (Alberta Environment and Alberta Sustainable Resource Development), the University of British Columbia and the United States Forest Service.

Using satellite technology, forest inventory data and Figure 6: BlueSky Smoke Forecast Screen Shot: Colours indicate hourly weather forecasts, this innovative system provides an concentration of PM2.5 at ground level at 8:00 pm for Aug. 5. hour-by-hour prediction of PM2.5 smoke concentrations up to 48 hours into the future for any B.C. or Alberta lo- nition) indicate PM2.5 hourly concentration forecast at cation. A wide variety of groups with an interest in smoke ground level. The complete forecast in animation is also forecasts will benefit from these predictions, among available for every hour, allowing users to see the pro- which are the health community, transportation sector, gression of the smoke plume throughout the forecast emergency measures organizations, air quality manage- period. ment agencies, wildfire management agencies, weather forecasters and the general public. The system is a pilot project and the output should be considered experimental. During the fire season, fore- Figure 6 shows a typical screen shot in Google Earth for- casts are updated each day and can be viewed online mat. The various colours (refer to the legend for a defi- at: www.bcairquality.ca/bluesky/. 5 PROFILE MYRTLE O’CONNOR: Inspiring Resilience

Myrtle O’ Connor has lived with Myrtle says that even the slightest amount of smoke in asthma for at least 35 years. “I am the air, something even she may not immediately no- classified as a severe asthmatic,” tice, can make her chest and back tighten—early signs says the Kelowna resident, whose of an impending asthma attack. When this happens, she asthma is exacerbated by stress, stays indoors and uses Ventolin, until she can breathe exercise, and cold weather. Cer- normally again. “I just stay in, put the air conditioning on, tain fragrances, aerosols, solvents and close the windows,” she offers. “If I have to go out, and fumes also trigger her asthma I’ll cover my mouth with my hand until I get into the car. attacks. Poor air quality definitely limits my ability to do things.” But, when summer and forest fire season starts to wind Myrtle takes controller medica- down, she notices an improvement in her breathing. tion (inhaled glucocorticosteroid) daily and rescue medication (Ventolin) as needed for quick relief of her Myrtle keeps an eye to the sky and an ear to the daily symptoms. She wasn’t always very diligent however. news. “Before going on my merry way, I look out to see “My medication makes my hands shake for about an if the sky is OK, and listen to the news for any air quality hour after I take it and increases my heart rate,” she warnings.” In addition, she has her loved ones looking explains. “But, if I don’t take it, I’d have bad breathing out for her. “My granddaughters or my daughter-in-law days.” She learned the hard way that “taking medica- will tell me not to come into town if the pollution there is tion regularly, even if one has no symptoms, will help bad.” But pollution isn’t the only challenge for asthmat- one lead a normal life.” ics. As Myrtle notes, “People who go out with colds or flus are a risk to us. We are more susceptible to infec- Myrtle also monitors her peak flow. She blows into a tions, so if we catch germs from them, we’ll be worse off device that measures the amount of air she can ex- than they are.” hale. The higher the reading, the better her airflow is. With good asthma control, Myrtle’s peak flow is around Because asthma affects people in various ways, Myrtle 300. Still, it can change dramatically when air quality feels that it may be difficult for others to learn from her is poor, like this past summer when there were many experience. “It’s hard to advise other asthmatics because forest fires and waves of extremely hot, dry weather. the condition is so individual,” she volunteers. “Some people can be on their way after taking just a couple of “In August, when we went to Abbotsford,” Myrtle nar- puffs. That’s not the case with me, especially if pollution rates, “the heat and air pollution were really bad. I was is really bad or if there’s a virus in the air. So, if anything, visiting my sister for lunch when I started to feel like I I’d tell people to keep taking their prescribed medica- was smothering. So I told my husband we should go. tions even when they feel they have no symptoms.“ The moment we got in the car, he turned on the air conditioner, but by then I could already feel tightness Despite her challenges, Myrtle remains positive, deter- in my chest. I couldn’t breathe or get my inhaler to mined and unrelenting: “Sure, asthma limits me, but I work. I ended up in a hospital in Abbotsford with a very don’t dwell on it. I take all the precautions that I can, bad asthma attack.” knowing there are triggers out there. But I can’t live in a cocoon. I try to live a normal life.”

6 TIPS: What Myrtle and other asthmatics can do

Asthma is a chronic lung condition Like Myrtle, people with lung or 4. Those with asthma in which the airways become swol- heart diseases as well as the young or heart disease should len, narrow and extremely sensitive. and the elderly are very susceptible take their medications It affects an estimated 300,000 to poor air quality. The following are and see their doctors if British Columbians. some of the ways they can reduce their symptoms worsen. or limit the effects when air quality Symptoms must be kept Different factors known as triggers is poor: under control. If one has can set off an asthma attack. An an action plan, he/she individual may have several differ- 1. Stay indoors with the air condi- must follow it. ent triggers and react differently to tioner on or look for “clean air shel- 5. Reduce indoor levels of pollutants each one. Asthma attacks can be ter” in places like shopping malls. at home or in the office. See “Air Pol- mild, moderate or severe. Recog- 2. Limit outdoor activities such as lution Sources at Home” on page 9 nizing and avoiding one’s triggers exercise as both rate and depth of for more information. is just as important to asthma man- breathing increase when one is ac- agement as taking one’s medica- tive. Alternately, exercise as far away tions regularly. as possible from busy roads, facto- ries or smoke, and, during summer, Myrtle is very knowledgeable of her exercise earlier during condition, allowing her to manage the day when ozone it very well. She recognizes the im- concentrations portance of taking her medications tend to be lower. properly, besides being aware of her triggers and what they do to her 3. On hot days, asthma. stay cool by drinking plenty Poor air quality due to forest fires 6. Check the Air Quality Health In- of fluids. Dur- and several days of hot, dry sum- dex (AQHI) at www.bcairquality.ca, ing heat waves, mer weather is one of Myrtle’s trig- which provides recommendations avoid strenuous gers. While there isn’t much she can on activity levels based on local air activities, cool do to control air pollution, she can quality. off and hydrate reduce her exposure to it. if you feel “off.”

7 PROFILE BERNADETTE WYTON: Clean Air Champion Port Alberni has In 2003, the Air Quality Council was the air quality literacy program they long suffered from established, and it set about un- conducted among young, recep- temperature in- derstanding Port Alberni’s airshed tive minds and future adult citizens. versions, which and creating some level of airshed “Since every student is connected keep air pollution management. It developed a mis- to a family—and families value chil- trapped in the val- sion statement and goals. It also in- dren and their education so much— ley, particularly in vited people from a broad cross sec- it had a huge impact on everyone. the winter. It al- tion of the community to become We learned that if educating a com- ready had a his- members. “We were able to bring in munity around something it can’t tory of industrial health people because that connec- see is the goal, starting with young pollution from the local paper mill tion is so important,” Bernadette re- people is an excellent strategy.“ when, in 2001, it was selected to be calls. “We got a few nurses and our the site for a gas-fuelled generation chief of staff to come and sit with us. Before air quality is understood, im- plant. Within a year, there was representa- proved and protected, it should be tion from the city, the regional dis- possible to measure it. In Port Al- Concerned about the plant’s future trict, First Nations and industry.” berni, the Ministry of Environment ill effects, Port Alberni citizens ral- lied against what they believed was a “Air as our unseen life support system is something threat to their environment. Among we can’t ignore or simply use as a dump. Caring for them was Bernadette Wyton, who sought the help of experts in order it requires diligence and vigilance over time.” to gather and organize information Taking on the challenge of improv- designed a fine particulate sampling on air quality for use in the Environ- ing local air quality can be daunt- project, which was carried out by Air mental Review of the Proposed Port ing. It’s hard to know where to start. Quality Council members. Alberni Generation Project. For this reason, Bernadette advises The project proved pivotal for much The Citizens’ Stewardship Coalition to “select projects that will give the greatest benefit, that are easiest to of the work that followed. As Ber- was formed in 2001 to respond to nadette notes: “It inspired Council the controversial project. The Coali- address in a public way, and have the best potential for success.” She members, and created a great deal tion drew on knowledge gained from of interest in the community. It was the input of scientists and health ex- continues: “But as you pick a project, you’ll discover it has a larger impact embedded in a scientific paper co- perts. It organized community meet- authored by both parties, becoming ings, collected thousands of names and social profile, which creates sort of a bank account for further work.” a strong lever to get better equip- in a signature campaign, urged the ment for the community to monitor citizenry to write to various editors, As well, Bernadette cites the impor- our air and to create baseline data.” and demonstrated at a city council tance of creating projects that are meeting. Ultimately, the gas genera- close to the heart and capture the The project, Bernadette adds, tion project was defeated and the mind of the community while engag- “formed a scientific basis to appeal Coalition was awarded a Canadian ing the media. Thus, the Air Quality to the public and policy makers for Environmental Award in 2002. Council’s initial work was in air qual- change. It went a long way toward ity education. creating credibility for the Council’s “When it was all over, it became ap- work. When people saw that the parent that very little was known “We spent a few months talking to Council was engaged in that level of about Port Alberni’s airshed and grade five students in a public school, work, they respected what was com- very little protection was in place,” and running through the papers and ing out of it. It took us out of just be- remarks Bernadette. “So, we were in- community TV everything we did in ing an interest or lobby group.” spired to continue working on these the school,” Bernadette shares about issues.”

8 The woodstove exchange was an- Air Pollution Sources at Home: other of the Council’s projects that engaged and educated the public. An In-Depth Look The program, which ran from Fall 2009 to Spring 2010, received a lot of local media coverage. Residents changed out almost 100 stoves, which will no doubt help signifi- cantly reduce particulates being released into the air.

For communities looking to ad- dress air quality issues in their re- gion, Bernadette suggests forming a working group to identify local issues and needs around air quality and airshed management. It’s also Air quality at home is important. Increasing air exchange by flushing out essential, she notes, to partner with Pollution sources, both indoor and indoor air and replacing it with fresh outdoor, affect indoor air quality. A outdoor air can also help improve indoor the Ministry of Environment and to better understanding of these sourc- air quality. Bear in mind, however, that have the participation of experts es can help residents find ways to outdoor air may also carry pollutants. from the medical field and mem- improve the quality of the air they “Infiltration” is the term researchers use bers of the political community. breathe. to describe the amount of a particular Pollutants such as particulate matter pollutant that moves from outdoors to “We set goals fairly early in the (PM), ozone, nitrogen dioxide and vol- indoors. Infiltration may cause levels of process with the working group,” atile organic compounds have been PM from wood stoves, forest fires and found in Canadian homes. The actual heavy vehicle traffic to rise in homes. Bernadette offers. “To maintain levels of these pollutants, which de- a certain level of education and Pollutants can move indoors not just termine their health effects, vary ac- through open windows and doors. stay up to date with concerns on cording to the presence of pollution They can also go through various a broader level, we do networking sources as well as the conditions at cracks and openings in the home, such through the work of the BC Lung home that may promote or hinder as those around windows and doors. pollutant build-up. Association and the Fraser Basin Studies show that 30-80% of outdoor Council, which we’ve found to be Indoors, among the most common PM can make its way indoors. Some sources of pollution are tobacco very helpful.” factors that can affect infiltration of smoke, wood stoves, fireplaces, clean- PM into homes are: ing products, personal care products, Reflecting on her commitment to new furniture and carpets that may • The age of the home. The tendency air quality, Bernadette ultimately emit chemicals. of older homes to be “leaky” allow more of what’s outside to get inside. has this to say: “I stepped up to the Outdoors, some of the most com- plate because of the threat posed mon sources are traffic and off–road • Window usage. Open windows let by the gas generation project. I machines (rail, marine, construction), more of the outdoor air in. saw a huge gap in information, and home heating devices, and out- • Season. More outdoor air comes in door burning appliances. Pollutants a lack of protection for Port Alber- during summer than winter as more can easily move from outdoors to windows and doors are kept open. ni. After that threat was removed, I indoors. had a much better understanding • Air cleaner use. Air cleaners, such Three ways to reduce or get rid of as HEPA filter units, can remove of air as a life support system. So indoor air pollution at home are: particles in the air so they cannot the task turned to urging people 1. By removing the source be inhaled. to pay more attention to air as our 2. By increasing air exchange Studies have found that ozone and ni- unseen life support system that 3. By filtering indoor air trogen dioxide, gases both, move in- we can’t ignore or simply use as a Getting rid of the source of pollution doors mainly through open windows. dump. The bottom line is, caring is the best way to improve indoor Ozone is usually a concern only in the summer, when sunlight and other pol- for the air requires diligence and air quality. But while some sources can be removed completely, others lutants mix to create this secondary vigilance over time.” could only be limited. For example, pollutant. pollution from tobacco smoke can Indoor and outdoor sources of pollu- be eliminated by prohibiting smok- tion influence air quality at home. In- ing at home. On the other hand, pol- door air quality can be improved both lution caused by cleaning products by managing indoor pollution sources can be reduced by limiting their use and by controlling the amount of out- and having proper ventilation dur- door air moving in when air quality ing cleaning. outdoors is poor. 9 Neighbourhood Air Quality Issues

The BC Lung Association periodically receives questions Q: In winter, smoke from my neighbour’s wood stove from the public on neighbourhood air quality issues. Here seeps into our house. I’ve asked him to limit the amount of are two such questions and the answers to them. wood he burns, but he is not very cooperative. What can I Q: The farm next door to my property has changed its do short of moving? practices, such that now it periodically produces strong, A: Infiltration of offensive odours. At times, it’s so bad that it makes me your neighbour’s feel both dizzy and nauseated. Who can I contact to do wood smoke into something about these smells? your own home is a A: If you feel ill af- serious nuisance is- ter being exposed sue that can affect to farm odours, you both your health should consult a and home comfort. physician. A tip sheet devel- oped by the Bulkley The first action you Valley – Lakes Dis- can take to reduce trict (BVLD) Airshed the problem is to Management Society speak with your provides a number of steps (www.cleanairplan.ca/docu- farmer neighbour. ments/SmokeyNeighbours_tipsheetmar4-09pdf) that you The practice caus- can take to address the problem: ing the odours may be due to a temporary situation, and may change in a day • Talk to your neighbour, focusing on the issue rather than or two. There may be something simple that your neigh- the person. bour could do to help resolve the situation. If that doesn’t • Help your neighbour resolve the issue. Share Information work, there are informal and formal processes to address on how to reduce wood stove emissions. For examples, see: your concerns. - www.bcairquality.ca/topics/wood-appliances-types.html Informal Process - www.bc.lung.ca Farm practices fall under the Ministry of Agriculture. Re- - www.ec.gc.ca (search “residential wood heating pollutants”) gional offices are knowledgeable of farm practices and are available to help resolve farm-related problems. For their - www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/odpub/pdf66067.pdf. contact information, visit: www.agf.gov.bc.ca/ministry/ - www.metrovancouver.org (search”wood smoke health”) who.htm. • Occasionally, both parties may choose to seek assistance The public often turns to municipal and regional govern- through mediation. In the Skeena region, the Ministry of En- ments for advice and action. In some cases, there may be vironment or the BVLD Airshed Management Society may applicable nuisance or other bylaws that could be enforced. be able to help or can refer you to a professional mediator. For example, in extreme cases where air pollution may be occurring within Metro Vancouver, regulatory actions can • If the issue cannot be resolved informally through nego- be initiated under local air quality bylaws. This process is tiation or mediation, you may take civil action by reporting usually carried out in consultation with the Ministry of Ag- the smoky wood stove to your local municipal or regional riculture and/or the nearest Health Authority based on an office. Municipalities in B.C. can enact bylaws controlling assessment of emissions. Complaints within Metro Vancou- some aspects of wood burning, such as nuisance and opac- ver can be addressed to: www.metrovancouver.org (search ity rules and curtailment provisions that restrict the use of “air quality complaints”). wood-heating appliances during air quality advisories, and several municipalities have already done so. In Metro Van- In some areas of the province, peer advisors are available couver, air quality enforcement officers can investigate and to investigate nuisance concerns when requested. Peer suggest methods for improvement, although their ability to advisors are drawn from the farm sector. For example, the control residential wood burning is currently limited. Com- Grower Liaison Office of the BC Blueberry Council deals plaints can be directed to: www.metrovancouver.org/ser- with noise complaints related to audible bird scare devices vices/air/Pages/AirQualityComplaints.aspx. in the Lower Mainland. • The B.C. government sets emission standards for new Formal Process wood-burning appliances, and is working to improve those Under the BC Farm Practices Protection (Right to Farm) standards as well as to establish standards for appliances Act, there is protection for farmers who use normal farm currently not covered by regulation (e.g. wood-fired out- practices (see: www.al.gov.bc.ca/resmgmt/sf/farmpp/re- door boilers). However, the legislation does not allow for solve.htm). However, the Act also provides a process to re- the regulation of existing appliances, so enforcement capa- solve complaints about farm practices through the Farm bilities are very limited for smoky appliances. Practices Board. This is a formal process that may have a fee associated with it. Therefore, it is important to follow the steps above before lodging a formal complaint with the Board.

10 Pollutant levels can be summarized over different averaging pe- TRENDS: riods, and the choice of the averaging period may yield different trend results. Here, the annual average is used to examine trends for Air Pollution in B.C. all pollutants except ozone. The annual average is widely used and through the Years useful to track progress in reducing emissions over the years. Given the large contribution of background ozone to annual levels, the av- erage of the daily 8-hour maximum is used instead for ozone. Where Trends in annual PM2.5 are shown in Figure data is available for less than 75% of all hours in each quarter, this is 7. Large year-to-year variability can be seen, considered an incomplete year and the annual values are not shown. especially at sites in the southern and central interior. Meteorology and intermittent sources such as wildfires strongly influence concentra- tions from year to year, as evidenced by the high PM2.5 concentrations in the southern In- terior in 2003. However, average PM2.5 con- centrations over the past three years in Prince George, the Lower Fraser Valley (LFV) and were among the lowest recorded over the 12-year period.

Figure 7: Trends in PM2.5 levels across B.C. between 1998-2009.

Trends in 8-hour ozone concentrations are shown in Figure 8. Based on this indicator, no significant trends in regional ozone levels were observed, although past studies have reported increasing trends at individual sites within the Lower Fraser Valley and Kelowna.

NO2 trends are shown in Figure 9. Downward Figure 8: Trends in ozone levels across B.C. between 1998-2009. trends are evident in the Lower Fraser Val- ley and Kamloops. Improved vehicle emission standards and the AirCare vehicle inspection program in the Lower Fraser Valley contribute to these findings. Trends analysis for Kelowna and Victoria is limited by fewer complete years of monitoring data.

Trends in annual SO2 levels at sites in Trail, Prince George, Kitimat and downtown Vancou- ver are shown in Figure 10. Annual concentra- Figure 9: Trends in NO2 levels across B.C. between 1998-2009. tions in Trail have been consistently well above the provincial objective of 25 µg/m3 over the past four years. In contrast, 2009 ambient SO2 levels in downtown Vancouver were the low- est recorded over the 12-year period, reflect- ing reduced sulphur content of fuels as well as the shutdown of several local refineries and reduced emissions from the cement industry over this period.

Figure 10: Trends in SO2 levels across B.C. between 1998-2009. 11 UPDATES

Visibility Initiative Metro Vancouver continues to tar- Experts Call for Paradigm get greenhouse gas emission reduc- Shifts in International In the last few years, B.C.’s air quality tions in the region. It partnered with management agencies consisting of seven local municipalities, training Air Pollution Policy the Ministry of Environment, Environ- 120 small and medium size busi- ment Canada, Metro Vancouver and nesses to track and reduce their Last September, over 300 scientists the Fraser Valley Regional District carbon footprint. Metro Vancouver and policymakers from 38 coun- have been working to develop a vis- is also in the process of identifying tries convened in Vancouver for the ibility protection and improvement potential district energy opportuni- IUAPPA World Clean Air Congress program that is in step with existing ties in the region. to discuss the latest science and air quality management programs. The B.C. government is acting firmly new policies related to the theme of These agencies realize that air pollu- to address climate change. It contin- “Achieving environmental sustain- tion haze can obscure the province’s ues to set and implement the policy ability in a resource-hungry world.” context for Provincial Government spectacular natural and urban vistas, As a result of discussions held dur- and may result in decreased quality of operations and for the province’s ing the Congress, the IUAPPA Board life for its residents as well as econom- residents, communities and indus- ic loss through reduced tourism. Given tries so as to reduce greenhouse issued the One Atmosphere declara- that haze is composed primarily of gas emissions and adapt to the tion (http://www.iuappa.com/news- unavoidable effects of a changing the same microscopic particles (PM2.5) letters/VancouverDeclaration.pdf), that have been linked to cardio-respi- climate. In doing so, B.C. is taking which calls for radical new directions ratory disease, improving visibility, the advantage of opportunities being in international air pollution policy agencies believe, would also produce created in the emerging low-carbon to help tackle the world’s multiple economy. Over the past year, these a healthier living environment. and interlinked environmental chal- actions include: On Clean Air Day this past June, the lenges. agencies’ efforts were recognized • Introducing a new Clean Energy Act that harnesses B.C.’s natural In this declaration, the IUAPPA rec- with the official launching of Clear ommended that policymakers ad- Air BC, an initiative aimed at improv- advantages to help build electricity just their environmental policies to: ing visibility across the province. The self-sufficiency, create jobs and re- initiative includes: duce GHG emissions 1. Reduce the impacts of air pollu- • Scientific studies led by Environ- • Adopting a zero net deforestation tion on ecosystems and biodiver- ment Canada on the characteriza- policy to increase the carbon stor- sity. This will lessen long-term dam- tion of current conditions and long- age value of the province’s forests age to food security and ecosystem term visibility trends; on the causes • Creating a Reporting Regula- services on which the human race of impaired visibility in the Lower tion that sets out the requirements depends. While reducing direct hu- Fraser Valley; and the assessment of for reporting CO2-equivalent GHG man health impacts is important, it’s visibility improvement in response to emissions from B.C. facilities begin- not enough. air quality management programs ning on January 1, 2010 2. Integrate climate and air pol- • A new website with information • Implementing the Renewable and lution policies. This will lower the about air quality and visibility Low Carbon Fuel Regulation, which long-term costs of achieving objec- • A pilot project to test several strat- establishes a 5% provincial annual tives for each. Focusing on reduc- average renewable fuel require- egies for improving visibility ing short-term climate forcers (like ment for 2010 and mandates fur- Environment Canada is also work- ther decreases to carbon intensities methane, ozone and black carbon) ing with Health Canada to assess the through 2020 can produce immediate health and health and related economic bene- climate benefits and buy time for fits associated with improvements in • Implementing an Adaptation longer-term carbon dioxide-focused Strategy to address climate change visibility in the Lower Fraser Valley. measures to take effect. In addition, impacts now and in the future For more information on the subject it can make actions intended to re- of visibility and the Clear Air BC ini- • The ongoing implementation of duce ozone, methane and black car- tiative, visit: www.clearairbc.ca. the world’s first broad-based, rev- bon more economical to implement. enue–neutral carbon tax 3. Strengthen cooperation on air Health Canada understands the im- Climate Change pollution at regional, hemispher- portance of extreme heat exposure’s ic and global scales. This will help Metro Vancouver has adopted a plan health effects and of adapting to a for its operations to become carbon- changing climate. For this reason, the create greater awareness that con- neutral by 2012. With three main Climate Change and Health Office centrations of some pollutants con- strategies for energy conservation is releasing several public informa- tinue to rise across the globe. Im- and reduction, energy recovery, and tion pieces in March 2011, including provements must be made globally carbon sequestration, the plan also a Best Practices Guide for Heat Alert to achieve air quality objectives in aims to prepare Metro Vancouver and Response Systems; a Guideline many jurisdictions. for the impacts of climate change, for Healthcare Workers on Extreme based on a risk assessment complet- Heat Events; and a Heat-Health Mes- For more information about the ed in Spring 2010. saging Communication Toolkit. IUAPPA, visit: www.iuappa.com. 12 COLLABORATIVE INITIATIVES

Various partnerships between Health (ECA) that would impose much more 80 old wood-burning appliances have Canada, Environment Canada, Metro stringent standards for marine been exchanged for new, low emis- Vancouver, the Fraser Valley Region- fuels and SOx and NOx sion units in Metro Vancouver al District and the B.C. government emissions. and the FVRD. (henceforth, the Province) have pro- The Canada-US joint duced several clean air initiatives. Fifty of the 80 exchanges took ECA proposal was ap- place in Metro Vancouver, Locomotive and Rail Yard proved by the IMO in where wood stoves account Emissions and Health Risks March 2010. Canada is for 10% of regional PM2.5 emis- currently amending reg- sions. This has reduced PM2.5 Metro Vancouver and Environment ulations under the Canada by approximately 850 kilograms Canada in collaboration with Port Met- Shipping Act to implement annually. Both Metro Vancouver ro Vancouver and local rail yard opera- and enforce the ECA and the newly and the FVRD plan to continue with the tors completed a study to assess and revised air emission standards. program in 2011, and hope to exchange mitigate locomotive idling. The study 200 additional stoves. included the investigation of five resi- The following restrictions will apply dent complaint case studies. to ships in the North American ECA, AirCare Program Review including B.C. coastal waters: Metro Vancouver and Environment The AirCare vehicle emissions inspec- Canada have also partnered to con- • Beginning in August 2012, marine tion and maintenance program is a duct a human health risk assessment fuel sulphur content cannot exceed key component in Metro Vancouver’s of rail yard activities in the Burrard 1% (10,000 ppm). Air Quality Management Plan. Since Inlet Area of Metro Vancouver. The its inception in 1992, the program has • Beginning in 2015, marine fuel sul- study is expected to be completed by helped significantly reduce the emis- phur content cannot exceed 0.1% March 2011. sion of hydrocarbons, nitrogen ox- (1,000 ppm). This requirement alone ides, carbon monoxide and other air is expected to reduce PM and SOx Marine Vessels and Port Operations contaminants from motor vehicles. emissions by more than 85%. Environment Canada, the Province Provincial legislation provides that and Metro Vancouver are working • Beginning in 2016, new marine en- AirCare be operated by TransLink. with marine industry stakeholders gines must achieve “Tier 3” emission Any major changes or enhancements and port authorities to improve air standards that reduce NOx emissions to the program require the Province’s emissions from ocean-going vessels by 80%. approval prior to implementation. and landside port operations. Woodstove Exchange Program At the end of 2011, the current con- The Ports of Metro Vancouver, Seattle Since 2007, the Provincial Woodstove tract to operate the AirCare program and Tacoma work through the Pacific Exchange Program has provided 23 will expire. The AirCare Review Com- Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy to communities and regional districts mittee (ARC) has been established to address maritime and port-related with education on clean-burning review the program. ARC has mem- emissions that affect air quality and practices as well as funding to offer bers from the BC Ministry of Envi- climate change. incentives for exchanging old, smoky ronment, TransLink, Fraser Valley The three ports release annual im- stoves for clean-burning, low-emis- Regional District, ICBC, Environment plementation progress updates that sion-certified appliances. Canada and Metro Vancouver. identify emission reduction ac- Since 2007, approximately ARC commissioned a third-party con- tivities underway, and report on 3,500 stoves have been sultant review of the costs and benefits progress towards goals. The exchanged across B.C., of operating the AirCare program be- 2009 Implementation Report resulting in annual yond 2011. The review findings, which is available online at: www. provincial reductions were supported by the ARC, were that portmetrovancouver.com/Li- of over 200 tonnes of AirCare could achieve cost-effective braries/ABOUT_News_Press_ fine particulate matter. reductions of harmful air pollutants Releases/NWPCAS_2009_Im- Community applications until at least 2020, and reduce health plementation_Report.sflb.ashx. for the 2011 program were effects associated with motor vehicle After several years of extensive re- accepted in September 2010. emissions. The Province, Metro Van- search and collaboration between For more information, visit: http:// couver, FVRD and Environment Canada, the Province www.bcairquality.ca/topics/wood- TransLink will and Metro Vancouver, Canada and stove-exchange-program/index.html. consider recom- the US submitted a joint application mendations and Metro Vancouver and the FVRD are to the International Maritime Organi- decide on the partnering with the Province to imple- zation (IMO) in 2009. The application next phase of ment a regional wood stove change- proposed the designation of specific the program in out program. Since the exchange pro- portions of Canadian and US coastal early 2011. gram began in the fall of 2009, about waters as Emission Control Areas 13 AGENCY UPDATES

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT oping new criteria, the government torial Environment Ministers agreed to The Ministry of Environment seeks to is putting together a framework that move forward with a new collaborative protect the environment and prevent outlines the approach to be taken, the air management approach to better pro- pollution through monitoring, report- goals and guiding principles that will tect human health and the environment. inform decisions, and the roles and re- ing, regulations, and enforcement ac- West Coast Trans-Pacific Transport Study tivities. The following are some of its sponsibilities of key stakeholders. The In April 2010, Environment Canada projects to improve air quality in B.C. framework is expected to be finalized in 2011. established a special study site to Idle-Free Initiative measure the impact of trans-Pacific

Since 2008, B.C. has ENVIRONMENT CANADA transport of air pollution on the west coast of Canada. The site was estab- developed different Cleaner Vehicles and Fuels measures to help lished at Amphitrite Point, Ucluelet, On October 1, 2010, the Government advance the Air Ac- in collaboration with the B.C. Minis- of Canada announced final regulations tion Plan’s Provincial try of Environment, Metro Vancouver that establish progressively more strin- Idle Reduction Initia- and the University of British Columbia. gent greenhouse gas emission stan- tive. These include the appointment Measurements include criteria air con- dards for new passenger automobiles of Idle-Free Ambassadors to promote taminants, sulphate and mercury. By and light trucks for the 2011-2016 mod- anti-idling behaviour; the HASTE measuring air quality on the west coast el years. These are aligned with similar school program to encourage walking of Canada, the study will: characterize regulations in the United States. A re- and biking to school (www.hastebc. the trans-Pacific transport of air pol- quirement for five percent org); the distribution of a free BC Pub- lutants, inform air quality management renewable fuel content lic Service Idle Reduction toolkit to activities in B.C., contribute to the as- in gasoline was also fleet managers and Idle-Free signs to sessment of compliance with federal announced as one of schools; the development of an Idle- and provincial air quality objectives several steps the Gov- Free Pledge for public sector workers and standards, and contribute to inter- ernment is taking to and the general public; and the forma- national efforts to document global air reduce greenhouse gas tion of idle-reduction initiatives at the quality. Measurements at Amphitrite emissions in the transpor- Peach Arch border crossing. Point are part of a larger Environment tation sector, which accounts for about Canada intensive study involving two The Province is exploring other measures a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions additional western locations at Whis- that will strengthen idle-reduction action in Canada. Environment Canada has tler and Little Fox Lake in the Yukon. in B.C., including the feasibility of enact- prepared a Regulatory Framework ing a province-wide regulation, and will consultation document to seek early HEALTH CANADA be consulting with local government and views from interested parties on key Health Canada’s Environmental Health other stakeholders in 2011. elements being considered for future Program (EHP) promotes healthy liv- Regulatory Review regulations to limit greenhouse gas ing, working and recreational environ- emissions from new on-road heavy- ments for British Columbians. It sup- In order to reduce the effects of emis- duty vehicles and engines of the 2014 ports scientific research and develops sions on human health and the envi- and later model years. Canada’s heavy- strategies to protect human health ronment, the following regulations are duty vehicle regulations will be aligned against risks from the environment. currently under review: with those of the United States. Indoor Air • The Wood Residue Burner and In- Reducing Emissions from cinerator Regulation, which specifies Automotive Refinishing Products The EHP continues to participate in the phase-out dates for wood residue provincial programs seeking to raise (i.e. beehive) burners in the province The Government has been implement- awareness of radon’s health risks and ing regulations to reduce VOC emis- encouraging the testing and remedia- • The Open Burning Smoke Control sions from everyday consumer and tion of homes to reduce Regulation, which outlines the condi- commercial products. For example, radon levels. For more tions under which the open burning of in July 2009 the Government re- information on radon vegetative debris can be authorized leased new regulations to reduce and to obtain a copy Volatile Organic Compounds of the brochure, • The Solid Fuel Burning Domestic Ap- (VOC) in automotive refinishing “Radon: Is it in pliance Regulation, which sets out the products. Your Home?,” requirements for selling wood stoves Proposed New National visit Health and other solid fuel-burning domestic Air Quality Management System Canada’s website appliances At the October 2010 meeting of at: www.health- canada.gc.ca/ Air Quality Objectives the Canadian Council of Minis- ters of the Environment, fed- radon. As a first step to reviewing B.C.’s - ex eral, provincial and terri- isting air quality objectives and devel- 14 Air Quality Health Index measure air quality in a heavy The Plan addresses air quality The EHP continues to fund promo- duty truck route area (Front issues in the eastern part of tional and educational activities re- Street) and in a community the Lower Fraser Valley air- lating to the Air Quality Health Index (Sapperton Park). The Surrey shed, recognizing that much (AQHI) in the province. Developed study began in January 2009 of the pollution originates to increase awareness of the link be- to determine whether existing from sources in Metro Van- tween health and air quality, the air monitoring stations accurately couver and Whatcom County AQHI measures air quality on a scale represented local air quality in Surrey, (US). Actions will complement of one to 10. The AQHI is now avail- with the Mobile Air Monitoring Unit those of other agencies in the airshed, able in 18 communities across B.C. For being deployed at several Surrey loca- and will specifically tackle sources in the current and forecasted AQHI in tions. the FVRD itself. Consultation is ex- pected to be complete in Fall 2010, to your region, visit www.bcairquality.ca. The two-year Burrard Inlet study be followed by final Board adoption monitored air quality in several loca- before the end of the year. METRO VANCOUVER tions. Air quality in the Burrard Inlet Non-Road Diesel Engine Initiative area is influenced by many air emis- New Monitoring Stations sion sources, including trucks, heavy Two new air quality stations are cur- Metro Vancouver is developing emis- industrial and construction equipment, sion regulations for diesel particulate rently being built in the eastern val- locomotives, and marine vessels. ley—one each in the Districts of Kent matter emissions from Findings will be reported in 2011. existing non-road diesel (Agassiz) and Mission. The goal is to engines and machines In early 2010, Metro Vancouver moni- have them operational in Fall/Winter (e.g. excavators, tored PM2.5 levels in suspected wood 2010. Together with existing stations backhoes, loaders, smoke-affected areas. Neighbour- in Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Hope, and stationary equip- hood PM2.5 levels were compared these new stations should provide a ment) that operate in with the regional concentrations, and representative picture of air quality in the region. Older engines the nature and magnitude of wood the FVRD. smoke effects on local air quality were will be required to register, label and Ozone Research pay fees for emissions. Fees collected determined. Recent health studies Some of the highest ozone levels in will establish an emission reduction have concluded that, even in urban B.C. continue to be measured at FVRD incentive fund, which will be available centres such as Metro Vancouver, air quality monitoring stations, with for engine owners to achieve emission residential wood smoke can have an peaks having moved eastward into the reductions. For more information, impact on local neighbourhood air Fraser Valley (peaks were previously visit: www.metrovancouver.org/ser- quality. measured in eastern Metro Vancouver vices/permits/DieselEmissions. New Monitoring Station areas). In summer, ozone levels often Odour Metro Vancouver, in partnership with exceed Canada-wide Standards. Port Metro Vancouver, commissioned Metro Vancouver is Research aimed at identifying the con- a new air quality monitoring station addressing emis- ditions under which these high levels in Pebble Hill Park in Tsawwassen in sions of malodorous are occurring was launched in 2009 by April 2010, filling a gap in the regional substances from UBC and UNBC experts guided by lo- monitoring network in the south-west select sources in the cal air quality agencies. A report is ex- part of the airshed. Air Quality Health region, including new pected in the first half of 2011, which Index (AQHI) can also be provided facilities to meet the will help local policymakers decide on every hour for this station. goals of regional liquid actions to take to mitigate these high and solid waste management plans. levels. FRASER VALLEY Proposed regulatory requirements REGIONAL DISTRICT Air Quality Authority for odours from industrial operations, such as composting, aerobic and Air Quality Management Plan For several years, the FVRD has been investigating having similar air quality anaerobic digestion, and rendering In 2010, the Fraser Valley Regional regulation and enforcement authority facilities, are being developed for con- District (FVRD) completed a draft re- as Metro Vancouver. This is a key rec- sultation with industry, government, vision to its Air Quality Management ommendation in the draft air quality and the public in 2011. Plan after a preliminary review. It was management plan, and talks with Special Monitoring Studies approved for consultation by the the Province became more fo- FVRD Board of Directors and Local air quality monitoring stud- cused in 2010. Various models its Environment Committee, ies were recently conducted in New for this new function will be and comments are now being Westminster, Surrey and the Burrard examined before any recom- sought from different stake- Inlet area. The New Westminster study mendation to the Province holders. was initiated in November 2008 to and the FVRD Board of Direc- tors is made. 15 Visit or contact the following agencies FOR MORE INFORMATION

BC LUNG ASSOCIATION Cariboo Region Vancouver Island Health Authority www.bc.lung.ca #400 640 Borland Street www.viha.ca 2675 Oak Street Williams Lake, B.C. V2G 4T1 1952 Bay Street Vancouver, B.C. V6H 2K2 (250) 398-4214 Victoria, B.C. V8R 1J8 (604) 731-5864 or toll-free at Kootenay Region (250) 370-8699 1-800-665-5864 (in B.C. but outside #401 333 Victoria Street the Lower Mainland) Vancouver Coastal Health Authority Nelson, B.C. V1L 4K3 www.vch.ca (250) 354-6333 11th Floor, 601 West Broadway BC CENTRE FOR DISEASE CONTROL Skeena Region Vancouver, B.C. V5Z 4C2 www. bccdc.ca/util/contact/default.htm 3726 Alfred Avenue, Bag 5000 (604) 736-2033 or 1-866-884-0888 655 West 12th Avenue Smithers, B.C. V0J 2N0 Fraser Health Authority Vancouver, B.C. V5Z 4R4 (250) 847-7260 (604) 707-2400 www.fraserhealth.ca Omineca and Peace Regions 300, 10334 152A Street 3rd Floor, 1011 Fourth Avenue Surrey, B.C. V3R 7P8 ENVIRONMENT CANADA - Prince George, B.C. V2L 3H9 (604) 587-4600 or 1-877-935-5669 PACIFIC AND YUKON REGION (250) 565-6135 Interior Health Authority www.ec.gc.ca/Air/default. Thompson & Okanagan Regions www.interiorhealth.ca asp?lang=En&n=14F71451-1 1259 Dalhousie Drive 2180 Ethel Street 401 Burrard Street Kamloops, B.C. V2C 5Z5 Kelowna, B.C. V1Y 3A1 Vancouver, B.C. V6C 3S5 (250) 371-6200 (250) 370-8699 (604) 664-9100 Please send correspondence to METRO VANCOUVER HEALTH CANADA ENVIRONMENTAL Dr. Menn Biagtan, [email protected] www.metrovancouver.org or call (604) 731.5864 • 1-800-665-LUNG HEALTH PROGRAMME - B.C. REGION 4330 Kingsway Avenue (outside the Lower Mainland). www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/air/index- Burnaby, B.C. V5H 4G8 eng.php (604) 432-6200 Published January 2011 400-4595 Canada Way Burnaby, B.C. V5G 1J9 Working Committee: FRASER VALLEY (604) 666-2671 Ms. Prabjit Barn REGIONAL DISTRICT Dr. Menn Biagtan www.fvrd.bc.ca Ms. Patti Dods B.C. MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT 45950 Cheam Avenue Mr. Derek Jennejohn www.bcairquality.ca Chilliwack, B.C. V2P 1N6 Mr. Bob Smith Environmental Standards Branch (604) 702-5000 or 1-800-528-0061 Ms. Natalie Suzuki PO Box 9341, Stn Prov Govt

Victoria, B.C. V8W 9M1 BRITISH COLUMBIA Contributing Writers: (250) 387-9932 HEALTH AUTHORITIES Ms. Laurie Bates-Frymel Vancouver Island Region Northern Health Authority Mr. Larry Pellizzari 2080-A Labieux Road www.northernhealth.ca Nanaimo, B.C. V9T 6J9 Suite 600, 299 Victoria Street Content Editing & (250) 751-3100 Prince George, BC V2L 5B8 Graphic Design: Lower Mainland Region (250) 565-2649 Little Brown Bros. 2nd floor #10470 152nd Street Advertising & Marketing Surrey, B.C. V3R 0Y3 (604) 582-5200

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