2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

July 5, 2015

July 6, 2015

This report was prepared by the Air Quality and Climate Change Division of Metro Vancouver.

Published: June 2018.

Several government partners are acknowledged for contributing to the monitoring network including: Fraser Valley Regional District, Environment and Climate Change Canada and BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. Other partners acknowledged for providing funding to the monitoring network are: Vancouver Airport Authority, Parkland Refining (BC) Ltd., Kinder Morgan Canada, and Port of Vancouver.

Questions on the report should be directed to [email protected] or the Metro Vancouver Information Centre at 604-432-6200.

Contact us: Metro Vancouver Air Quality and Climate Change Division 4730 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC V5H 0C6 604-432-6200 www.metrovancouver.org

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Summary This annual report summarizes the air quality monitoring Visual Air Quality data collected by the Lower Fraser Valley (LFV) Air Quality Monitoring Network in 2016 and describes the air quality Visual air quality (sometimes referred to as visibility or monitoring activities and programs conducted during the haze) can become degraded in the LFV, causing local year. The main focus is to report on the state of ambient views to become partially or fully obscured. Haze may (outdoor) air quality in the LFV. have different characteristics depending on the underlying cause. In parts of Metro Vancouver, especially LFV Air Quality Monitoring Network more urbanized areas to the west, haze can have a brownish appearance due to nitrogen dioxide from The LFV Air Quality Monitoring Network includes 29 air transportation emissions. Further east in the LFV, quality monitoring stations located from Horseshoe Bay impaired visual air quality can be more associated with a in West Vancouver to Hope. Metro Vancouver operates white haze caused by small particles (PM2.5) in the air that 23 stations in Metro Vancouver, as well as 6 stations in scatter light. the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) in partnership with the FVRD. Monitoring is conducted to assess how and by how much visual air quality has become impaired. Measurements of Air quality and weather data from all but one station are PM2.5, particle constituents (for example, particulate collected automatically on a continuous basis, nitrate, particulate sulphate, elemental carbon and transmitted to Metro Vancouver’s Head Office in organic carbon), nitrogen dioxide and other air Burnaby, and stored in an electronic database. The data contaminants as well as light scattering provide are then used to communicate air pollutant information important data for visual air quality management to the public, such as through air quality health index activities. Ten automated digital cameras operated in the (AQHI) values and on airmap.ca. LFV record views along specific lines-of-sight. By examining photographs alongside data from monitoring Air quality monitoring stations are located throughout equipment, visual air quality impairment can be related the LFV to provide an understanding of the air quality to pollutant concentrations and relevant emissions levels that residents are exposed to most of the time. This sources. These activities conducted through a multi- report shows how these levels have varied throughout agency collaboration (BC Visibility Coordinating the region in 2016 and how these levels have changed Committee) inform the development of policy options for over time. Trends in air quality measured by the Air improving visual air quality. Quality Monitoring Network are used to evaluate the effectiveness of pollutant emission reduction actions Pollutants Monitored undertaken as part of Metro Vancouver’s Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan. Pollutants are emitted to the air from a variety of human activities and natural phenomena. Once airborne, the Specialized Air Quality Monitoring resulting pollutant concentrations are dependent on In addition to the monitoring network stations, Metro several factors, including the weather, topography and Vancouver deploys portable air quality stations and chemical reactions in the atmosphere. instruments to conduct specialized monitoring studies. Common air contaminants, including ozone (O3), carbon Specialized studies can target suspected problem areas monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (or “hot spots”) at the local, neighbourhood or (NO2), and particulate matter are widely monitored community level. Specialized studies in 2016 included throughout the network. Particulate matter is composed completion of monitoring in Lions Bay to assess air quality of very small particles that remain suspended in the air. and investigate effects of residential wood burning, They are further distinguished by their size, which is traffic, and other emissions; and continuation of a near- measured in units of a millionth of a metre (or road monitoring study in Vancouver to assess air micrometre). pollutants near a major roadway to aid in the determination of public exposure to air pollutants. Particles with a diameter smaller than 10 micrometres are referred to as inhalable particulate (PM10), while

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report S1 those smaller than 2.5 micrometres are termed fine As part of Metro Vancouver’s 2005 Air Quality particulate (PM2.5). Both PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations Management Plan, health-based ambient air quality are monitored at stations throughout the LFV. objectives were set for ozone (O3), particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide Other pollutants less widely monitored in the network (NO2) and carbon monoxide (CO), based on a review of include ammonia (NH3), black carbon (BC), volatile the most stringent objectives of other jurisdictions. organic compounds (VOC), and total reduced sulphur compounds (TRS). In 2009, the provincial government established air quality objectives for PM2.5. The 24-hour objective is numerically Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) the same as Metro Vancouver’s objective, however compliance with Metro Vancouver’s objective requires Developed by Environment Canada and Health Canada, no exceedances while the provincial objective allows for the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) communicates the some exceedances each year. The province’s annual health risks associated with a mix of air pollutants to the objective of 8 micrograms per cubic metre and annual public and provides guidance on how individuals can planning goal of 6 micrograms per cubic metre are more adjust their exposure and physical activities as air stringent than the annual objective previously set by pollution levels change. The AQHI is calculated every hour Metro Vancouver in 2005. using monitoring data from stations in the LFV. In the October 2011 Integrated Air Quality and Current AQHI levels in the LFV as well as the AQHI Greenhouse Gas Management Plan, Metro Vancouver forecasts and additional information about the AQHI are tightened its annual objectives for PM2.5 aligning them available at: with those set by the province in 2009 as well as adopting www.airmap.ca (shown below) a one hour ozone objective of 82 parts per billion. www.airhealth.ca The federal Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/bcairquality/readi ngs/aqhi-table.xml (CAAQS) have been established as objectives under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, and replaced Canada-Wide Standards. In 2015, Metro Vancouver Air Quality Objectives and Standards adopted a 1-hour interim ambient air quality objective for SO2 of 75 parts per billion (ppb) prior to establishment Several pollutant-specific air quality objectives and of the federal SO2 CAAQS. After establishment of the standards are used as benchmarks to characterize air federal SO2 CAAQS, Metro Vancouver’s SO2 objectives quality. They include Metro Vancouver and provincial were revised in November 2017, with a more stringent 1- ambient air quality objectives, and the federal Canadian hour objective of 70 ppb not to be exceeded and an Ambient Air Quality Standards (for ozone, particulate annual objective of 5 ppb. matter, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide).

Air Quality Health Index (available at airmap.ca)

S2 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

Priority Pollutants

Research indicates that adverse health effects can occur at the air contaminant concentrations measured in the LFV. Health experts have identified exposure to ozone and particulate matter as being associated with the most serious health effects. Ozone is a strong oxidant that can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, and reduce lung function. PM2.5 particles are small enough to be breathed deeply into the lungs, resulting in impacts to both respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Long-term Figure S1: Nitrogen Dioxide Trend. exposure to these pollutants can aggravate existing heart and lung diseases and lead to premature mortality.

Of particular concern is PM2.5 that is emitted from diesel fuel combustion in car, truck, marine, rail and non-road engines. These particles (“diesel PM”) are carcinogenic and are believed to contribute significantly to the health effects described above. Instrumentation installed in some air quality monitoring stations in the LFV can be used to estimate the proportion of particles that originate from diesel engines.

Air Quality Advisories Figure S2: Sulphur Dioxide Trend. Periods of degraded air quality can occur in the LFV for several reasons, such as summertime smog during hot weather or smoke from forest fires. Air quality advisories are issued to the public when air quality has deteriorated or is predicted to deteriorate within the LFV. In the last ten years, the number of days when air quality advisories were in place ranged from zero to as many as ten days annually. In 2016 there were no air quality advisories.

Regional Long-Term Trends

Long-term regional trends in air quality are the trends observed within the LFV as a whole. They are determined by averaging measurements from several stations Figure S3: Carbon Monoxide Trend. distributed throughout the LFV. Figures S1 to S4 show the average concentrations and the short-term peak concentrations of four common air contaminants for the last two decades. Average concentrations represent the ambient concentrations that the region experiences most of the time. Short-term peak concentrations show the relatively infrequent higher concentrations experienced for short periods (on the scale of one hour to one day). Specific locations may have experienced trends that differ slightly from the regional picture.

Figure S4: Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Trend.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report S3 Improvements have been made over the last two For ozone, the same improvements seen for other decades for most pollutants, including carbon monoxide pollutants have not been observed. In contrast, average (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and regional ozone levels (Figure S6) have shown a slight fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Both short-term peak and increasing trend. Research suggests that background average concentrations have declined since the mid- ozone concentrations are rising and are one reason for nineties for all these pollutants. the observed increase in average levels.

Despite significant population growth in the region over the same time period, actions to reduce emissions across a variety of sectors have brought about these improvements in air quality. Stricter vehicle emission standards and the AirCare program are largely responsible for lower carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels.

Reduced sulphur requirements in marine, on-road and off-road fuels, and reduced emissions from the petroleum refining and cement industries have led to the Figure S6: Ozone Trend. marked improvements in sulphur dioxide (SO2) levels. Emission reductions from light duty and heavy duty Regionally averaged short-term peak ozone trends are vehicles, wood products sectors, and petroleum refining also shown in Figure S6. The severity of peak ozone have contributed to the decline in PM2.5 levels. episodes greatly diminished in the 1980s, however short- term peak ozone levels have been mainly unchanged The regional PM2.5 trends since 1999, when continuous during the last two decades, despite large reductions in PM2.5 monitoring became prevalent throughout the LFV, emissions of pollutants that contribute to ozone are illustrated in Figure S4. Fine particulate matter formation. monitoring technology was upgraded in 2013 to continuous particulate monitors that met the U.S. Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley Regional District Environmental Protection Agency PM2.5 Federal adopted the Regional Ground-Level Ozone Strategy in Equivalent Method (FEM). The FEM monitors have the 2014, which provides strategic policy direction for ozone ability to measure a portion of particulate matter not management in the LFV based on local scientific research. previously measured. Research indicates that a spatial understanding of the ratio of concentrations of nitrogen oxides (NOX) and Figure S5 shows long-term PM2.5 trends from a single volatile organic compounds (VOC), two precursor monitoring station with a long record using the same pollutants that react to form ozone, is key to determining monitoring method (non-continuous filter-based which precursors to reduce in order to maintain and monitoring) at the Port Moody station. improve air quality in our region.

Figure S5: Port Moody PM2.5 Trend.

S4 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

Ground-Level Ozone – 2016 Ground-level ozone is a secondary pollutant formed in the air from other contaminants such as nitrogen oxides Monitoring results for all ozone monitoring stations with (NOX) and volatile organic compounds (VOC). The highest sufficient data coverage during 2016 are shown in Figure concentrations of ozone occur during hot sunny weather. S7. The data show that peak ozone levels, as measured by the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standard value and NOX emissions are dominated by transportation sources, maximum 1-hour average, generally occurred in the with nearly 77% of emissions coming from cars, trucks, eastern parts of Metro Vancouver and in the FVRD during ships, rail, planes, and non-road engines. VOC are sunny and hot weather. emitted from natural sources (e.g., trees), cars, light trucks, and solvents found in industrial, commercial and In 2016, the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standard for consumer products. ozone was met at all monitoring stations. Metro

Vancouver’s 1-hour objective and 8-hour objective (not shown) were also met in 2016. No air quality advisories were issued in 2016.

*The New Westminster station started operation in late 2015 and has not operated long enough to calculate the 3-year CAAQS value. Figure S7: Ozone (O3) 2016.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report S5 Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) – 2016 Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions are typically dominated by transportation, wood and natural gas Results for all PM2.5 monitoring stations with sufficient heating, and industrial sources. PM2.5 is also formed by data coverage during 2016 are shown in Figure S8. All reactions of nitrogen oxides (NOX) and sulphur dioxide stations were below (i.e., better than) the Canadian (SO2) with ammonia in the air. PM2.5 produced in this Ambient Air Quality Standard for PM2.5 (not shown). All manner is called secondary PM2.5 and accounts for a stations were below the Metro Vancouver annual significant portion of PM2.5 in summer. objective of 8 g/m3 and planning goal of 6 g/m3 with the exception of New Westminster which was slightly above the planning goal.

Metro Vancouver’s 24-hour PM2.5 objective was exceeded at Abbotsford Airport on one day, April 20, for 12 consecutive hours which was likely due to a localized emission source.

+Metro Vancouver’s Planning Goal of 6 g/m3 is a longer term aspirational target to support continuous improvement. Figure S8: Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) 2016.

S6 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

Sulphur Dioxide – 2016 occurred on March 18th in the late evening (87 ppb) and on December 19th in the late evening for two hours. All Monitoring results for sulphur dioxide (SO2) monitoring three exceedances were measured when winds were stations with sufficient data coverage during 2016 are blowing from the petroleum refinery, a significant source shown in Figure S9. Sulphur dioxide levels were below of SO2 in the region. annual and 24-hour objectives at all stations in 2016. Due to an instrument problem at Vancouver-Downtown a full The Chilliwack station exceeded both 1-hour objectives th year of SO2 measurements could not be made. on the evening of August 20 for a single hour during an air show conducted near the station. It is thought that Average concentrations of sulphur dioxide for 2016 emissions from aircraft and/or associated pyrotechnics stations were less than 2 ppb at all stations. Average contributed to the high SO2 measurement. levels remain low in 2016 compared with previous years which can be attributed to stricter marine fuel Sulphur dioxide is formed primarily by the combustion of requirements that came into effect at the beginning of fossil fuels containing sulphur. The largest sources in the 2015. LFV are marine vessels (mainly ocean-going vessels) and the petroleum products industry. As a result, the highest With the exception of Vancouver-Pandora and Chilliwack sulphur dioxide levels are typically measured near the all stations were below Metro Vancouver’s 2015 Interim Burrard Inlet area. Away from the Burrard Inlet area, and 2017 1-Hour Objectives of 75 ppb and 70 ppb, sulphur dioxide levels are considerably lower. respectively in 2016. Both 1-hour objectives were exceeded at the Vancouver-Pandora station on two different days for a total of 3 hours. The exceedances

Note: Metro Vancouver adopted more stringent 1-hour and annual SO2 objectives in 2017 replacing the 2015 Interim SO2 objectives. *Vancouver-Pandora is a specialized study site in a residential neighbourhood of East Vancouver. Figure S9: Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) 2016.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report S7 Nitrogen Dioxide – 2016

Results for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) monitoring in 2016 are As nitrogen dioxide emissions are dominated by shown in Figure S10. All stations experienced nitrogen transportation sources, the highest average nitrogen dioxide levels that were below Metro Vancouver’s 1-hour dioxide concentrations are measured in the more densely objective. Annual averages were also below Metro trafficked areas and near busy roads. Lower Vancouver’s annual objective at all stations. In 2016, as in concentrations are observed where these influences are past years, the highest average nitrogen dioxide levels less pronounced, such as the eastern parts of Metro were measured in downtown Vancouver, in a dense Vancouver and in the FVRD. urban environment close to a busy street.

Figure S10: Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) 2016.

S8 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

Carbon Monoxide – 2016 Carbon monoxide (CO) monitoring results for 2016 are Higher concentrations generally occur close to major shown in Figure S11. Carbon monoxide levels were all roads during peak traffic periods. Like nitrogen dioxide, well below the relevant Metro Vancouver air quality the highest average carbon monoxide concentrations are objectives at all stations throughout the LFV. The measured in the more densely trafficked areas and near principal source of carbon monoxide continues to be busy roads. Lower concentrations are observed where emissions from motor vehicles. these influences are less pronounced, such as the suburban and rural parts of Metro Vancouver and the FVRD.

Note: The scale is broken in the x-axis between 3,200 and 8,000 ppb. The highest concentrations measured are five times less than the objective. Figure S11: Carbon Monoxide (CO) 2016.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report S9 Table of Contents

SUMMARY ...... S1 LIST OF ACRONYMS ...... V SECTION A – INTRODUCTION ...... 1

PRIORITY POLLUTANTS ...... 1 AIR QUALITY TRENDS ...... 1 AIR QUALITY ADVISORIES ...... 2 AIR QUALITY HEALTH INDEX (AQHI) ...... 2 VISUAL AIR QUALITY ...... 3 AIR QUALITY MEASUREMENTS ...... 3 SECTION B – AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVES AND STANDARDS ...... 4 SECTION C – LOWER FRASER VALLEY AIR QUALITY MONITORING NETWORK ...... 6

NETWORK CHANGES...... 6 SECTION D – CONTINUOUS POLLUTANT MEASUREMENTS ...... 12

SULPHUR DIOXIDE (SO2) ...... 12 NITROGEN DIOXIDE (NO2) ...... 23 CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) ...... 32 OZONE (O3) ...... 40 FINE PARTICULATE (PM2.5) ...... 52 INHALABLE PARTICULATE (PM10) ...... 62 BLACK CARBON (BC) ...... 69 TOTAL REDUCED SULPHUR (TRS) ...... 72 AMMONIA (NH3) ...... 73 SECTION E – NON-CONTINUOUS POLLUTANT MEASUREMENTS ...... 74 SECTION F – VISUAL AIR QUALITY MONITORING ...... 75 SECTION G – METEOROLOGICAL MEASUREMENTS ...... 77 SECTION H – SPECIALIZED MONITORING INITIATIVES ...... 85 SECTION I – MONITORING NETWORK OPERATIONS...... 86

NETWORK HISTORY ...... 86 MONITORING NETWORK PARTNERS ...... 86 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ...... 87 QUALITY ASSURANCE AND CONTROL ...... 87 DATABASE ...... 87

List of Tables

TABLE 1: METRO VANCOUVER’S AMBIENT AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVES...... 5 TABLE 2: AIR QUALITY MONITORING NETWORK, 2016...... 8 TABLE 3: ANNUAL AND QUARTERLY DATA COMPLETENESS, 2016...... 9 TABLE 4: FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF HOURLY SULPHUR DIOXIDE, 2016...... 17 TABLE 5: FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF 24-HOUR ROLLING AVERAGE SULPHUR DIOXIDE, 2016...... 18 TABLE 6: FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF HOURLY NITROGEN DIOXIDE, 2016...... 27 TABLE 7: FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF HOURLY OZONE, 2016...... 46 TABLE 8: FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF 8-HOUR ROLLING AVERAGE OZONE, 2016...... 47 TABLE 9: FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF 24-HOUR ROLLING AVERAGE FINE PARTICULATE (PM2.5), 2016...... 56 TABLE 10: FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF 24-HOUR ROLLING AVERAGE INHALABLE PARTICULATE (PM10), 2016...... 63 TABLE 11: AIR TEMPERATURE IN LFV, 2016...... 81 TABLE 12: FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF HOURLY AIR TEMPERATURE, 2016...... 82

List of Figures FIGURE 1: NUMBER OF DAYS OF AIR QUALITY ADVISORIES IN THE LFV...... 2 FIGURE 2: LOWER FRASER VALLEY AIR QUALITY MONITORING NETWORK, 2016...... 7 FIGURE 3: GROUND-LEVEL OZONE MONITORING STATIONS, 2016...... 10 FIGURE 4: NITROGEN DIOXIDE MONITORING STATIONS, 2016...... 10 FIGURE 5: FINE PARTICULATE (PM2.5) MONITORING STATIONS, 2016...... 11 FIGURE 6: SULPHUR DIOXIDE MONITORING STATIONS, 2016...... 11 FIGURE 7: SULPHUR DIOXIDE MONITORING, 2016...... 14 FIGURE 8: ANNUAL AVERAGE SULPHUR DIOXIDE IN THE LFV, 2016...... 15 FIGURE 9: SHORT-TERM PEAK (MAXIMUM 24-HOUR) SULPHUR DIOXIDE IN THE LFV, 2016...... 15 FIGURE 10: SHORT-TERM PEAK (MAXIMUM 1-HOUR) SULPHUR DIOXIDE IN THE LFV, 2016...... 15 FIGURE 11: MONTHLY AVERAGE SULPHUR DIOXIDE, 2016...... 16 FIGURE 12: MONTHLY SHORT-TERM PEAK SULPHUR DIOXIDE, 2016...... 16 FIGURE 13: DIURNAL TRENDS SULPHUR DIOXIDE, 2016...... 19 FIGURE 14: ANNUAL SULPHUR DIOXIDE TREND, 1997 TO 2016...... 22 FIGURE 15: SHORT-TERM PEAK SULPHUR DIOXIDE TREND, 1997 TO 2016 ...... 22 FIGURE 16: NITROGEN DIOXIDE MONITORING, 2016...... 24 FIGURE 17: ANNUAL AVERAGE NITROGEN DIOXIDE IN THE LFV, 2016...... 25 FIGURE 18: SHORT-TERM PEAK (MAXIMUM 1-HOUR) NITROGEN DIOXIDE IN THE LFV, 2016...... 25 FIGURE 19: MONTHLY AVERAGE NITROGEN DIOXIDE, 2016...... 26 FIGURE 20: MONTHLY SHORT-TERM PEAK NITROGEN DIOXIDE, 2016...... 26 FIGURE 21: DIURNAL TRENDS NITROGEN DIOXIDE, 2016...... 28 FIGURE 22: ANNUAL NITROGEN DIOXIDE TREND, 1997 TO 2016...... 31 FIGURE 23: SHORT-TERM PEAK NITROGEN DIOXIDE TREND, 1997 TO 2016...... 31 FIGURE 24: CARBON MONOXIDE MONITORING, 2016...... 33 FIGURE 25: ANNUAL AVERAGE CARBON MONOXIDE IN THE LFV, 2016...... 34 FIGURE 26: SHORT-TERM PEAK (MAXIMUM 1-HOUR) CARBON MONOXIDE IN THE LFV, 2016...... 34 FIGURE 27: SHORT-TERM PEAK (MAXIMUM 8-HOUR) CARBON MONOXIDE IN THE LFV, 2016...... 34 FIGURE 28: MONTHLY AVERAGE CARBON MONOXIDE, 2016...... 35 FIGURE 29: MONTHLY SHORT-TERM PEAK CARBON MONOXIDE, 2016...... 35 FIGURE 30: DIURNAL TRENDS CARBON MONOXIDE, 2016...... 36 FIGURE 31: ANNUAL CARBON MONOXIDE TREND, 1997 TO 2016...... 39 FIGURE 32: SHORT-TERM PEAK CARBON MONOXIDE TREND, 1997 TO 2016...... 39 FIGURE 33: GROUND-LEVEL OZONE MONITORING (ANNUAL AND CAAQS), 2016...... 42 FIGURE 34: GROUND-LEVEL OZONE MONITORING (1-HOUR AND 8 HOUR), 2016...... 43

FIGURE 35: ANNUAL AVERAGE OZONE IN THE LFV, 2016...... 43 FIGURE 36: CANADIAN AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARD VALUE FOR OZONE IN THE LFV, 2016...... 44 FIGURE 37: SHORT-TERM PEAK (MAXIMUM 1-HOUR) OZONE IN THE LFV, 2016...... 44 FIGURE 38: SHORT-TERM PEAK (MAXIMUM 8-HOUR) OZONE IN THE LFV, 2016...... 44 FIGURE 39: MONTHLY AVERAGE OZONE, 2016...... 45 FIGURE 40: MONTHLY SHORT-TERM PEAK OZONE, 2016...... 45 FIGURE 41: DIURNAL TRENDS OZONE, 2016...... 48 FIGURE 42: ANNUAL OZONE TREND, 1997 TO 2016...... 51 FIGURE 43: SHORT-TERM PEAK OZONE TREND, 1997 TO 2016...... 51 FIGURE 44: FINE PARTICULATE (PM2.5), 2016...... 54 FIGURE 45: ANNUAL AVERAGE FINE PARTICULATE (PM2.5) IN THE LFV, 2016...... 55 FIGURE 46: SHORT-TERM PEAK FINE PARTICULATE (PM2.5) IN THE LFV, 2016...... 55 FIGURE 47: CANADIAN AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARD VALUE FOR FINE PARTICULATE (PM2.5), 2016...... 55 FIGURE 48: MONTHLY AVERAGE FINE PARTICULATE (PM2.5), 2016...... 57 FIGURE 49: MONTHLY SHORT-TERM PEAK FINE PARTICULATE (PM2.5), 2016...... 57 FIGURE 50: DIURNAL TRENDS FINE PARTICULATE (PM2.5), 2016...... 58 FIGURE 51: ANNUAL FINE PARTICULATE (PM2.5) TREND, 1999 TO 2016...... 61 FIGURE 52: SHORT-TERM PEAK FINE PARTICULATE (PM2.5) TREND, 1999 TO 2016...... 61 FIGURE 53: INHALABLE PARTICULATE (PM10) MONITORING, 2016...... 63 FIGURE 54: ANNUAL AVERAGE INHALABLE PARTICULATE (PM10) IN THE LFV, 2016...... 64 FIGURE 55: SHORT-TERM PEAK INHALABLE PARTICULATE (PM10) IN THE LFV, 2016...... 64 FIGURE 56: MONTHLY AVERAGE INHALABLE PARTICULATE (PM10), 2016...... 65 FIGURE 57: MONTHLY SHORT-TERM PEAK INHALABLE PARTICULATE (PM10), 2016...... 65 FIGURE 58: DIURNAL TRENDS INHALABLE PARTICULATE (PM10), 2016...... 66 FIGURE 59: ANNUAL AVERAGE INHALABLE PARTICULATE (PM10) TREND, 1997 TO 2016...... 68 FIGURE 60: SHORT-TERM PEAK INHALABLE PARTICULATE (PM10) TREND, 1997 TO 2016...... 68 FIGURE 61: BLACK CARBON MONITORING, 2016...... 69 FIGURE 62: MONTHLY AVERAGE BLACK CARBON, 2016...... 70 FIGURE 63: MONTHLY SHORT-TERM PEAK BLACK CARBON, 2016...... 70 FIGURE 64: DIURNAL TRENDS BLACK CARBON, 2016...... 71 FIGURE 65: TOTAL REDUCED SULPHUR MONITORING, 2016...... 72 FIGURE 66: AMMONIA MONITORING, 2016...... 73 FIGURE 67: VISUAL AIR QUALITY MONITORING LOCATIONS IN THE LFV, 2016...... 75 FIGURE 68: IMAGES WITH VISUAL AIR QUALITY RATING OF EXCELLENT, FAIR AND POOR, RESPECTIVELY (BURNABY - 2016)...... 76 FIGURE 69: PRECIPITATION TOTALS IN THE LFV, 2016...... 79 FIGURE 70: TOTAL MONTHLY PRECIPITATION IN THE LFV, 2016...... 79 FIGURE 71: MONTHLY AIR TEMPERATURES IN THE LFV, 2016...... 80 FIGURE 72: SELECTED ANNUAL WIND ROSES THROUGHOUT THE LFV, 2016...... 81 FIGURE 73: WINTER (JAN, FEB, DEC) REPRESENTATIVE WIND ROSES THROUGHOUT THE LFV, 2016...... 83 FIGURE 74: SUMMER (JUN, JUL, AUG) REPRESENTATIVE WIND ROSES THROUGHOUT THE LFV, 2016...... 83 FIGURE 75: SPRING (MAR, APR, MAY) REPRESENTATIVE WIND ROSES THROUGHOUT THE LFV, 2016...... 84 FIGURE 76: FALL (SEP, OCT, NOV) REPRESENTATIVE WIND ROSES THROUGHOUT THE LFV, 2016...... 84

List of Acronyms

AQHI Air Quality Health Index

BC Black Carbon

BCVCC BC Visibility Coordinating Committee

CCME Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment

CAAQS Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standard

CO Carbon Monoxide

FEM Federal Equivalent Method

FVRD Fraser Valley Regional District

LFV Lower Fraser Valley

MAMU Mobile Air Monitoring Unit

NAPS National Air Pollution Surveillance

NOX Nitrogen oxides

NO2 Nitrogen dioxide

NO Nitric oxide

NH3 Ammonia

O3 Ozone

PM Particulate matter

PM10 Inhalable particulate matter (particles smaller than 10 micrometres in diameter)

PM2.5 Fine particulate matter (particles smaller than 2.5 micrometres in diameter)

SOX Sulphur oxides

SO2 Sulphur dioxide

THC Total hydrocarbons

TRS Total reduced sulphur compounds

VOC Volatile organic compounds

Section A – Introduction

This report summarizes data collected from air quality pollutants can aggravate existing heart and lung diseases stations in the Lower Fraser Valley (LFV) Air Quality and lead to premature mortality. Monitoring Network in 2016 and describes the air quality monitoring activities and programs conducted during the Of particular concern is PM2.5 that is emitted from diesel year. The focus is to report on the state of ambient fuel combustion in car, truck, marine, rail and non-road (outdoor) air quality in the LFV. engines. These particles (“diesel PM”) are carcinogenic and are believed to contribute significantly to the health Metro Vancouver maintains one of the most effects described above. Instrumentation installed in comprehensive air quality networks in North America some air quality monitoring stations in the LFV can be serving a population of 2.8 million with 29 air quality used to estimate the proportion of particles that stations located from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver originate from diesel engines. to Hope in 2016. Pollutants monitored by the network include both gases and particulate matter. Common air Air Quality Trends contaminants include ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and Improvements have been made in air quality over the last particulate matter. These are all widely monitored two decades for most pollutants, including nitrogen throughout the network. dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO2), volatile organic compounds (VOC) and fine Particulate matter consists of very small solid and liquid particulate matter (PM2.5). Despite significant population material suspended in the air. This air pollutant is growth in the region over the same time period, emission characterized by size and measured in units of a millionth reductions across a variety of sectors have brought about of a metre, or micrometre (µm). Particles with a diameter these improvements. The population increased in Metro smaller than 10 micrometres are referred to as inhalable Vancouver and the FVRD by about 50% from 1991 to particulate (PM10), while those smaller than 2.5 2016, from approximately 1.8 million to 2.8 million micrometres are termed fine particulate (PM2.5). Both residents. PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations are monitored throughout the LFV. The long-term regional trends for ground-level ozone show a different story. Long-term trends of peak ozone Other pollutants monitored by the network include concentrations show levels currently lower than those ammonia, volatile organic compounds (VOC), black experienced in the 1980s, but peak levels have been carbon, and odourous total reduced sulphur compounds largely unchanged over the last fifteen to twenty years. (TRS). Additional information Metro Vancouver collects Average concentrations of ground-level ozone however to help monitor air quality conditions includes weather have increased over the same period. (meteorological) data and images recording visual air quality conditions (visibility). Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley Regional District adopted the Regional Ground-Level Ozone Strategy in Priority Pollutants 2014, which provides strategic policy direction for ozone management in the LFV based on local scientific research. Research indicates that adverse health effects can occur Research indicates that a spatial understanding of the at air quality levels commonly measured in the LFV. ratio of concentrations of nitrogen oxides (NOX) and volatile organic compounds (VOC), two precursor Health experts have identified exposure to ozone and particulate matter as being associated with serious pollutants that react to form ozone, is key to determining health effects. Ozone is a strong oxidant that can irritate which precursors to reduce in order to maintain and the eyes, nose and throat, and reduce lung function. Fine improve air quality in our region. particulate (PM2.5) is small enough to be breathed deeply Trends in air pollutants are discussed further by pollutant into the lungs, resulting in impacts to both respiratory in Section D. and cardiovascular systems. Long-term exposure to these

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 1 Air Quality Advisories Air quality bulletins are the result of a program to advise the public of the occurrence of localized degraded air Periods of degraded air quality can occur in the LFV for quality during cool weather months and actions that may several reasons, such as summertime smog during hot be taken to reduce the emissions contributing to weather, smoke from forest fires and winter inversions degraded air quality conditions. preventing dispersion of emitted air contaminants. In cooperation with partner agencies, including the Fraser Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) Valley Regional District, Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, Fraser Health Authority, Environment Canada The national health-based Air Quality Health Index and the B.C. Ministry of Environment, Metro Vancouver (AQHI), developed by Environment Canada and Health operates an air quality advisory program. Canada, has been in use since 2008. The AQHI communicates the health risks associated with a mix of Air quality advisories are issued to the public when air air pollutants to the public and provides guidance on how quality has deteriorated or is forecast to deteriorate individuals can adjust their exposure and physical significantly within the LFV. Typically air quality advisories activities as air pollution levels change. are issued when a pollutant exceeds or is predicted to exceed an air quality objective or standard at more than The AQHI is calculated every hour using monitoring data one monitoring location. from stations in the LFV. Current AQHI levels in the LFV, In the last ten years, the number of days on which air AQHI forecasts (for today, tonight, and tomorrow) and quality advisories were in place has ranged from zero to additional information about the AQHI are available at: ten days annually. Shown in Figure 1 is the number of www.airmap.ca days the LFV was under an advisory. The total number of www.airhealth.ca advisory days is shown as a bar while the number of www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/bcairquality/readings/aqhi- consecutive days of an advisory period is given by the table.xml number in white. In 2016 there were no air quality advisories or bulletins. Environment Canada’s Weather Website also publish the AQHI.

Notes:  Trigger levels for advisories have changed over the years; care must be taken when interpreting advisory trends.  The advisory in 2005 was the result of a large fire in Burns Bog. Figure 1: Number of days of air quality advisories in the LFV.

2 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

The monitoring data and images collected provide Visual Air Quality important input to a collaborative multi-agency initiative Degraded air quality can cause views to be partially or to develop a visual air quality management strategy for fully obscured by haze at times in the LFV. This is referred the LFV. Visual air quality is further discussed in Section to as visual air quality impairment. F. Throughout the LFV, the contaminant with the greatest Air Quality Measurements impact on visual air quality is PM2.5. However, the appearance of haze can be affected by the presence of a The LFV Air Quality Monitoring Network primarily number of different air contaminants. In more urbanized employs continuous monitors which provide data in real- areas in the west, haze may have a brownish colour. time every minute of the day. The network also contains Nitrogen dioxide emissions from transportation sources specialized air quality monitors that sample the air non- contribute to this brown appearance. Further east in the continuously. Non-continuous 24-hour (daily) samples LFV, a white haze can sometimes be observed as a result are collected on filters and/or in canisters every sixth or twelfth day depending on the site. The sampling is of small particles in the air (PM2.5) scattering light. scheduled in accordance with the National Air Pollution Secondary PM2.5, such as that formed by reactions of NOX Surveillance (NAPS) program. After sample collection, and SO2 with ammonia, as well as emitted (or primary) filters and canisters are analyzed in a federal laboratory PM2.5 contribute to this haze. Smoke, windblown dust and soil particles, as well as moisture levels in the air can to determine pollutant concentrations. Non-continuous affect visibility at times. samples of volatile organic compounds (VOC) are collected at seven sites throughout the LFV. VOC refers Characterization of air contaminants in the LFV is being to a group of organic chemicals. A large number of used to understand visual air quality impairment and chemicals are included in this group but each individual develop tools to evaluate visual air quality quantitatively. chemical is generally present at relatively low Data collected as part of the visual air quality monitoring concentrations in air compared to other common air program include measurements of nitrogen dioxide and contaminants. PM2.5, measurements of the constituents of particulate matter (for example particulate nitrate, particulate Non-continuous particulate samples are collected at four sulphate, elemental carbon and organic carbon) and the monitoring stations in the LFV where pollutant optical (light scattering) characteristics of ambient air concentrations are determined. A detailed analysis is samples. conducted by the federal laboratory for three of these stations (Port Moody, Burnaby South and Abbotsford In 2016, ten automated digital cameras in seven locations Airport). were used to record visual air quality conditions. Images from the cameras show views along specific lines-of-sight Chemicals contained in PM2.5 and VOC samples are with recognizable topographical features at known identified and quantified at a federal laboratory. These distances. The images are archived for various uses, data can then be used to help determine the emission including: sources contributing to the contaminants in the air.

 relating air contaminant measurements to visual Non-continuous measurements are discussed in Section range and visual air quality degradation under a E. variety of air quality and meteorological conditions;

 assessing public perceptions of the different visual air quality conditions found in the LFV; and

 developing visual air quality measurement metrics.

Images from each of the seven monitoring locations are available online in near-real time through www.clearairbc.ca.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 3 Section B – Air Quality Objectives and Standards

Several air quality objectives and standards are used as (PM2.5 and PM10), sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide benchmarks to characterize air quality including the (NO2) and carbon monoxide (CO). federal Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS), and Metro Vancouver’s ambient air quality objectives. In 2009 the provincial government established air quality Metro Vancouver’s ambient air quality objectives are objectives for PM2.5. The province’s annual target of eight 3 shown in Table 1. The objective or standard is achieved if micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m ) and annual planning the ambient concentration is at or lower than (i.e., better goal of six micrograms per cubic metre for PM2.5. than) the objective.

The federal Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards An objective or standard is achieved if the (CAAQS) have been established as objectives under ambient concentration is at or lower than (i.e., Canadian Environmental Protection Act 1999, and better than) the objective. replaced the Canada-Wide Standards for fine particulate matter and ground-level ozone. The CAAQS were Metro Vancouver aligned its annual objectives for PM2.5 implemented in 2015 for particulate matter (PM) and in the 2011 Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas ozone (O3), and are to be implemented by 2020 for Management Plan, as well as adopting a one hour ozone nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulphur dioxide (SO2). These objective of 82 parts per billion. set specific limits for PM2.5, O3, NO2, and SO2 based on 3 concentrations averaged over a three-year period with Metro Vancouver’s 24-hour PM2.5 objective of 25 µg/m the exception of the annual NO2 and SO2 CAAQS which is numerically the same as the province, but compliance are averaged over one year. with Metro Vancouver’s objective requires that there are no exceedances and is applied as a rolling average. The CAAQS for PM2.5 is a value that is calculated by taking th an annual 98 percentile value using daily averages, In addition to the PM2.5 annual objective of eight averaged over three consecutive years. Achievement of micrograms per cubic metre, the PM2.5 annual planning the PM2.5 CAAQS is attained when the CAAQS value is less goal of six is a longer term aspirational target to support 3 than or equal to 28 µg/m . continuous improvement.

The CAAQS for ozone is a value that is calculated by the In 2015, Metro Vancouver adopted a 1-hour interim th 4 highest annual 8-hour daily maximum, averaged over ambient air quality objective for SO2 of 75 parts per billion three consecutive years. Achievement of the ozone (ppb) prior to establishment of the federal SO2 CAAQS. CAAQS is attained when the CAAQS value is less than or After establishment of the federal SO2 CAAQS, Metro equal to 63 ppb. Vancouver’s SO2 objectives were revised in November 2017, with a more stringent 1-hour objective of 70 ppb The NO2 CAAQS are applicable in 2020 and include not to be exceeded and an annual objective of 5 ppb. metrics for both 1-hour and annual averages. The 1-hour CAAQS for NO2 is a value that is calculated by taking an Several of Metro Vancouver’s objectives are intended to th annual 98 percentile value using daily maximum 1-hour be compared with rolling averages. A rolling average is measurements, averaged over three consecutive years. an average that is calculated by averaging the Achievement of the 1-hour NO2 CAAQS is attained when concentrations from a number of previous consecutive the CAAQS value is less than or equal to 60 ppb. The hours. For example, a 24-hour rolling average is annual CAAQS for NO2 is a value of 17 ppb that is calculated by averaging the concentrations measured compared to the average of all 1-hour concentrations during the previous 24 hours. A 24-hour rolling average is collected within the year. calculated for each hour of the day. Similarly an 8-hour rolling average is calculated by averaging the In 2005, as part of the Air Quality Management Plan, concentrations from the previous 8 hours. Metro Vancouver adopted health-based ambient air quality objectives for ozone (O3), particulate matter

4 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

Table 1: Metro Vancouver’s ambient air quality objectives.

Averaging Units Contaminant Period μg/m3 ppb

Carbon monoxide 1-hour 30,000 26,200 8-hour 10,000 8,700 Nitrogen dioxide 1-hour 200 106 Annual 40 21 Sulphur dioxide 1-hour 183 (196)* 70 (75)* 24-hour (125)* (48)* Annual 13 (30)* 5 (12)* Ozone 1-hour 161 82 8-hour 128 65

Inhalable particulate matter (PM10) 24-hour 50 Annual 20

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) 24-hour 25 Annual 8 (6)+ Total reduced sulphur 1-hour (acceptable) 14 10 1-hour (desirable) 7 5 Note: The 8-hour and 24-hour objectives are intended to be compared against concentrations calculated as a rolling average. Metro Vancouver objectives are “not to be exceeded”, meaning the objective is achieved if 100% of the valid measurements are at or below the objective level.

*Metro Vancouver adopted a 1-hour SO2 interim objective of 75 ppb and annual SO2 interim objective of 12 ppb in May of 2015. These interim objectives were replaced in November 2017 when Metro Vancouver’s Board adopted a more stringent 1-hour SO2 objective of 70 ppb not to be exceeded and an annual objective of 5 ppb.

+ 3 Metro Vancouver’s Annual PM2.5 Planning Goal of 6 g/m is a longer term aspirational target to support continuous improvement.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 5

Section C – Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Network

Metro Vancouver operates the LFV Air Quality Additional information on the LFV Air Quality Monitoring Monitoring Network which consists of air quality Network is available in the 2012 report “Station monitoring sites located between Horseshoe Bay in West Information: Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Vancouver and Hope. The locations of the monitoring Network”. This report is available at: stations operated in 2016 are shown in Figure 2 while the www.metrovancouver.org pollutants and meteorology measured at each station are identified in Table 2. Data completeness for the year 2016 is shown in Table 3. In Table 3 the annual completeness is provided In 2016, there were 29 air quality monitoring stations in numerically while each quarter shown as green if the network which includes 23 stations located in Metro completeness for that quarter is greater than or equal to Vancouver and 6 stations located in the FVRD. There are 75%, red if below 75% and white if no data exists. also 3 stations in Metro Vancouver that provide only weather data. Air quality and weather data are collected Network Changes automatically on a continuous basis, transmitted to Metro Vancouver’s head office in Burnaby, and stored in There are ongoing enhancements to stations and a database. The data are then used to provide equipment that occur throughout the air quality information to the public through the AQHI, Metro monitoring network. Vancouver’s website, the BC air quality website, and Network improvement highlights for 2016 included reports. At one of the stations (White Rock) particulate completion of the establishment of a new fixed matter is sampled throughout the year on a defined monitoring network station in New Westminster. periodic schedule. These non-continuous data are not collected automatically to the database. Changes to the network in 2016 include: Many pollutants measured are discussed in this report  The New Westminster station (T46) became with a focus on common air contaminants: particulate operational in late 2015, and is located in the matter (PM10 and PM2.5), ozone (O3), carbon monoxide Sapperton area. Meteorological measurements (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulphur dioxide (SO2). were added to the station in August of 2016. The Comparisons of measured levels of these air station, which monitors ground-level ozone, fine contaminants with federal, provincial and Metro particulate matter, nitrogen oxides and Vancouver air quality objectives and standards and an meteorology will provide important information on assessment of regional trends are provided in Section D. air quality in New Westminster and improve our The locations of SO2, O3, NO2 and PM2.5 monitoring in understanding of how pollutants form and move 2016 are shown in Figures 3 to 6. around the region. Portable equipment was used to carry out short-term air quality monitoring studies (specialized studies) in 2016. The equipment employed in specialized studies includes Metro Vancouver’s Mobile Air Monitoring Unit (MAMU) which is capable of monitoring gaseous and particulate pollutants in the same way as other monitoring stations in the network. Specialized studies and other monitoring activities undertaken are described in Sections G, H and I.

Real-time data from the LFV Air Quality Monitoring Network can be accessed on Metro Vancouver’s website at: www.airmap.ca

6 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

: Lower Fraser Valley air quality monitoring 201network, monitoring air quality Valley : Fraser Lower

Figure

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 7

Table 2: Air quality monitoring network, 2016.

Air Quality Monitors Meteorology Stations Continuous Non-Continuous Gases Particulate Matter

ID Name SO2 TRS NO2 CO O3 THC NH3 PM10 PM2.5 BC NEPH VOC SP D Wind Tair SR RH BP Precip T1 Vancouver-Downtown √ √ √ √ T2 Vancouver-Kitsilano Station temporarily out of service T4 Burnaby-Kensington Park √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ T6 N. Vancouver-2nd Narrows √ √ √ √ √ √ √ T9 Port Moody √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ T12 Chilliwack √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ T13 North Delta √ √ √ √ √ √ √ T14 Burnaby Mountain √ √ √ √ √ √ T15 Surrey East √ √ √ √ √ √ √ T17 Richmond South √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ T18 Burnaby South √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ T20 Pitt Meadows √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ T22 Burnaby-Burmount √ √ √ √ √ T23 Burnaby-Capitol Hill √ √ √ √ √ T24 Burnaby North √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ T26 N. Vancouver-Mahon Park √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ T27 Langley √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ T29 Hope √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ T30 Maple Ridge √ √ √ √ √ √ √ T31 Richmond-Airport √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ T32 Coquitlam √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ T33 Abbotsford-Mill Lake √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ T35 Horseshoe Bay √ √ √ √ √ √ T37 Alex Fraser Bridge Station temporarily out of service T38 Annacis Island √ √ √ √ T39 Tsawwassen √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ T43 Mission √ √ √ √ √ √ √ T44 Agassiz √ √ √ √ √ √ √ T45 Abbotsford Airport √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ T46 New Westminster √ √ √ √ T48 Vancouver-Templeton √ √ √ T49 Vancouver-Portside √ √ √ √ S133 Vancouver-Pandora √ √ √ √ #20 White Rock √ Total Monitoring Units 17 5 23 18 23 2 2 10 20 7 5 7 2 4 29 28 6 26 9 23

SO2 = sulphur dioxide; TRS = total reduced sulphur; NO2 = nitrogen dioxide; CO = carbon monoxide; O3 = ozone; THC = total hydrocarbon; NH 3 = ammonia; PM 10 = inhalable particulate matter;

PM 2.5 = fine particulate matter; NEPH = particulate light scattering; VOC = volatile organic compounds; SP = particulate speciation; D = dichotomous particulate; BC = Black Carbon.

Wind = wind speed and wind direction; T ai r = air temperature; SR = incoming solar radiation; RH = relative humidity; BP = barometric pressure; Precip = precipitation.

√ = monitored at this location.

8 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

Table 3: Annual and quarterly data completeness, 2016.

Note: Quarterly completeness ≥ 75% is shown in green, < 75% is shown in red, and no data is white, while annual completeness is shown numerically.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 9

Figure 3: Ground-level ozone monitoring stations, 2016.

Figure 4: Nitrogen dioxide monitoring stations, 2016.

10 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

Figure 5: Fine particulate (PM2.5) monitoring stations, 2016.

Figure 6: Sulphur dioxide monitoring stations, 2016.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 11

Section D – Continuous Pollutant Measurements

Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)

Characteristics Monitoring Results

Sulphur dioxide (SO2) is a colourless gas with a pungent Sulphur dioxide levels measured in 2016 are shown in odour. It reacts in the air to form acidic substances such Figure 7. Figure 7 displays the maximum 1-hour and 24- as sulphuric acid and sulphate particles. hour rolling average concentrations as well as the annual average for each SO2 monitoring location with sufficient Brief exposure to high concentrations of SO2 and its by- data coverage during 2016. The same values are products can irritate the upper respiratory tract and represented spatially in Figures 8, 9 and 10. Due to an aggravate existing cardiac and respiratory disease in instrument problem at Vancouver-Downtown a full year humans. Long-term exposure may increase the risk of of SO2 measurements could not be made. developing chronic respiratory disease. Sulphur dioxide levels were below the annual and 24- The environmental effects of SO2 and its reactive hour objectives at all stations in 2016. The annual average products have been studied for many years. These SO2 levels were less than 2 ppb at all stations. Average compounds can cause damage to vegetation and levels remained low in 2016 compared with previous buildings, they play a role in the formation of acid rain years and can be attributed to stricter marine fuel and they may affect the natural balance of waterways requirements that came into effect at the beginning of and soils. Sulphur oxides (SOX) including SO2 can also 2015. combine with other air contaminants to form the fine particulates (PM2.5) that are thought to be one of the contributing factors in the degradation of visual air Average sulphur dioxide levels have drastically quality in the region. improved in recent years due to stricter requirements for lower sulphur content marine Sources fuels.

Sulphur dioxide is emitted when fossil fuels containing sulphur are burned. The largest source of SO2 emissions With the exception of Vancouver-Pandora and Chilliwack in the region is the marine sector, mostly ocean-going all stations were below Metro Vancouver’s 2015 Interim vessels. The major industrial source of SO2 in this region and 2017 1-Hour Objectives of 75 ppb and 70 ppb, is an oil refinery located in the Burrard Inlet area. Other respectively in 2016. Both 1-hour objectives were significant sources contributing to the measured ambient exceeded in the late evening at the Vancouver-Pandora th th SO2 concentrations include non-road engines, industry, station on March 18 for one hour and on December 19 heating and transportation (motor vehicles, aircraft and for two hours. All three exceedances were measured trains). when winds were blowing from the petroleum refinery.

Local SO2 emissions are low relative to other cities of The Chilliwack station exceeded both 1-hour objectives similar size because natural gas, rather than coal or oil, is on the evening of August 20th for a single hour during an used in almost all residential, commercial and industrial air show conducted near the station. It is thought that heating in the region. emissions from aircraft and/or associated pyrotechnics contributed to the elevated SO2 measurement.

The highest levels of SO2 are typically measured in the northwest (Figures 8, 9 and 10), particularly close to the dominant sources of SO2 emissions (i.e., marine vessels,

12 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

port areas and a petroleum refinery) in the Burrard Inlet one hour which is not representative of the typical area. diurnal pattern.

Figures 11 and 12 show the seasonal trend of SO2 with Stations historically influenced by marine vessel the monthly average shown in Figure 11 and the highest emissions such as North Vancouver-2nd Narrows and 1-hour concentration from each month shown in Figure North Vancouver-Mahon Park show attenuated levels 12. In both figures, concentrations from selected stations compared with previous years. are shown alongside the range of concentrations measured at all stations (shown as a grey band). There is The Burnaby-Capitol Hill station and Burnaby North show little or no discernible trend in SO2 concentrations little diurnal variation with sporadic peak SO2 throughout the year. The stations nearest to Burrard Inlet concentrations during the morning and evening periods generally experienced the highest average when mixing layer depth is reduced and dispersion is concentrations through most of the year while the limited. Measurements of SO2 at this station are highest 1-hour measurements were recorded at influenced by its proximity to the oil refinery. Vancouver-Pandora in March and December, and The long-term SO2 trends in the LFV are shown in Figures Chilliwack in August. 14 and 15. The annual average trend is given in Figure 14 The values in Tables 4 and 5 represent the frequency with the short-term peak trend given in Figure 15 for the distribution (or count) of how many hourly and 24-hour last two decades. Average sulphur dioxide levels have rolling average measurements were in the specified drastically improved in recent years due to stricter ranges, respectively. It can be seen that stations located requirements for lower sulphur content marine fuels. near the Burrard Inlet area experience a greater Overall, the yearly variation can be attributed in part to occurrence of higher concentrations compared with meteorological variability while the major long-term areas away from the Inlet. changes in air quality are mainly a result of changes in emissions. A series of diurnal plots are shown in Figure 13 for each SO2 monitoring station. The plots demonstrate the Long-term trends provide information to help assess the differences between weekdays and weekends along with impact of emission reduction efforts, policy changes and differences between summer and winter. Stations technology advances. For example, emissions of SO2 located away from Burrard Inlet show little diurnal declined during the early 1990s due to reduced sulphur variation while stations located near the inlet show content in on-road fuels and reduced emissions from oil trends indicative of nearby emission sources. refining and cement industries. In recent years measurements of both the annual short-term peak (99th The diurnal patterns of SO2 measured near Burrard Inlet percentile of the 1-hour values) and the annual average in the summer are mainly influenced by wind flow and are markedly lower than they were in the 1990s. marine and oil refinery emissions. Port Moody experiences higher concentrations during the middle of the day in summer when winds are blowing from marine areas and the oil refinery toward the station. The Chilliwack station shows the influence of an air show for

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 13

14 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

Figure 8: Annual average sulphur dioxide in the LFV, 2016.

Figure 9: Short-term peak (maximum 24-hour) sulphur dioxide in the LFV, 2016.

Figure 10: Short-term peak (maximum 1-hour) sulphur dioxide in the LFV, 2016.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 15

Figure 11: Monthly average sulphur dioxide, 2016.

Figure 12: Monthly short-term peak sulphur dioxide, 2016.

16 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

Vancouver-Pandora Park Vancouver-Pandora 1

123

104

99%

8465

Abbotsford Airport Abbotsford

377

95% 7670

Tsawwassen 2

174

98%

8496

Abbotsford-Mill Lake Abbotsford-Mill

199

98% 8258

Richmond-Airport

187

98%

7720

1 1

Langley

212

98%

8293

1 3

N. Vancouver-Mahon Park Vancouver-Mahon N.

302

97%

8287

4 2

Burnaby North Burnaby 17

148

196

98% 8323

Burnaby-Capitol Hill Burnaby-Capitol 1

170 98%

8254

Pitt Meadows Pitt

230

97%

8398

Burnaby South Burnaby

398

95% 8190

Richmond South Richmond 3

256

97%

8376

1 1

Chilliwack

289

96%

7197

1 1

Port Moody Port 13

239

97%

8417

1 6

N. Vancouver-2nd Narrows Vancouver-2nd N.

217

98%

8396

Burnaby-Kensington Park Burnaby-Kensington

211

98%

8461

Vancouver-Downtown

63%

3230 5382

: Frequency distribution of hourly sulphur dioxide, 201 dioxide, sulphur hourly of distribution :Frequency

Conc. Conc.

Completeness

Data Data

Missing

>=85

80 to 85 to 80

75 to 80 to 75

70 to 75 to 70

65 to 70 to 65

60 to 65 to 60

55 to 60 to 55

50 to 55 to 50

45 to 50 to 45

40 to 45 to 40

35 to 40 to 35

30 to 35 to 30

25 to 30 to 25

20 to 25 to 20

15 to 20 to 15

10 to 15 to 10

5 to 10 to 5

0 to 5 to 0

(ppb) SO

Table

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 17

40 48

Vancouver-Pandora Park Vancouver-Pandora

476

2665

5473

100%

Abbotsford Airport Abbotsford 72

240

97% 8086

Tsawwassen 18

8674

100%

Abbotsford-Mill Lake Abbotsford-Mill 81

99% 8609

Richmond-Airport 34

8359

100%

Langley 50

99% 8606

N. Vancouver-Mahon Park Vancouver-Mahon N. 19

181

98% 8549

201

Burnaby North Burnaby 33

130

646

2465

5421

100%

Burnaby-Capitol Hill Burnaby-Capitol 18

279

988

7383

100%

Pitt Meadows Pitt

118

140

99% 8518

Burnaby South Burnaby

320

137

96% 8327

Richmond South Richmond

142

117

98%

8525

Chilliwack 69

99% 7624

hour rolling average sulphur dioxide, sulphurdioxide, average rolling hour

4 2

Port Moody Port 19

104

665

99% 7990

N. Vancouver-2nd Narrows Vancouver-2nd N. 23

110

163

99% 8488

Burnaby-Kensington Park Burnaby-Kensington

119

179

99% 8486

Vancouver-Downtown

204

64%

3171 5401

: Frequency distribution of 24 of distribution :Frequency

Conc. Conc.

Completeness

Data Data

Missing

>=19

18 to 19 to 18

17 to 18 to 17

16 to 17 to 16

15 to 16 to 15

14 to 15 to 14

13 to 14 to 13

12 to 13 to 12

11 to 12 to 11

10 to 11 to 10

9 to 10 to 9

8 to 9 to 8

7 to 8 to 7

6 to 7 to 6

5 to 6 to 5

4 to 5 to 4

3 to 4 to 3

2 to 3 to 2

1 to 2 to 1

0 to 1 to 0

(ppb) SO

Table

18 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

*Data completeness requirements were not met at this site in winter. Figure 13: Diurnal trends sulphur dioxide, 2016.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 19

Figure 13: Cont. diurnal trends sulphur dioxide, 2016.

20 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

Figure 13: Cont. diurnal trends sulphur dioxide, 2016.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 21

Figure 14: Annual sulphur dioxide trend, 1997 to 2016.

Figure 15: Short-term peak sulphur dioxide trend, 1997 to 2016 .

22 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

Characteristics levels for the year were also below Metro Vancouver’s annual objective. Of all the different oxides of nitrogen (NOX), nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are of most concern in ambient air quality. Both are produced by the high The majority of nitrogen oxides are from temperature combustion of fossil fuels, and are transportation sources such as cars, trucks, rail, collectively referred to as NOX. Nitric oxide generally planes and ships. These sources play a large role predominates in combustion emissions but rapidly in ozone formation in the summer, which can undergoes chemical reactions in the atmosphere to lead to an air quality advisory. produce NO2.

Nitrogen dioxide is a reddish-brown gas with a pungent, Emissions affecting NO2 concentrations are dominated by irritating odour. It has been implicated in acute and transportation sources, which is indicated by the chronic respiratory disease and in the creation of acid locations of the highest concentrations. The highest rain. It also plays a major role in ozone formation, and as concentrations are measured in more densely trafficked a precursor to secondary particulate formation (PM2.5), areas near busy roads. Lower concentrations were both of which can affect visual air quality in the region. observed where traffic influences were less pronounced, such as the eastern parts of Metro Vancouver and in the Sources FVRD.

Common NOX sources include boilers, building heating The seasonal trend for NO2 in 2016 is shown by monthly systems and internal combustion engines. In the LFV, averages in Figure 19 and the monthly maximum 1-hour transportation sources account for approximately 77% concentrations in Figure 20. On average, NO2 of NOX emissions, with stationary and area sources concentrations were higher in the winter and lower in the contributing the remainder. summer. This seasonal trend is typical of the region and is the result of lower atmospheric mixing heights in Monitoring Results winter along with increased residential, commercial and industrial heating. Figure 16 shows NO2 monitoring levels in 2016, while Figures 17 and 18 shows the same values spatially. The frequency distribution of hourly concentrations measured in 2016 is given in Table 6. All 1-hour NO2 concentrations continued to be below the Metro Vancouver objective at all times in 2016. Average

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 23

A series of diurnal plots are shown in Figure 21 for each short-term peak trend given in Figure 23 for the last two station that monitors NO2. The plots demonstrate the decades. differences between weekdays and weekends along with th differences between summer and winter. Most stations The trend for average and peak (99 percentile of 1-hour) exhibit higher concentrations on weekdays compared concentrations continued to decline, showing constant with weekends and show a peak in the morning along improvement in NO2 levels since the mid 1990’s. Long- with a peak in the afternoon. Higher concentrations term changes in air quality can be attributed to changes correspond relatively well with traffic volume patterns. in emissions while the yearly variation is likely attributable to meteorological variability. The The long-term NO2 trends are shown in Figures 22 and 23. improvements in the long-term trends shown here are The annual average trend is given in Figure 22 with the thought to be largely due to improved vehicle emission standards and the AirCare program.

Figure 16: Nitrogen dioxide monitoring, 2016.

24 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

Figure 17: Annual average nitrogen dioxide in the LFV, 2016.

Figure 18: Short-term peak (maximum 1-hour) nitrogen dioxide in the LFV, 2016.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 25

Figure 19: Monthly average nitrogen dioxide, 2016.

Figure 20: Monthly short-term peak nitrogen dioxide, 2016.

26 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

2 6

New Westminster New 12

148

169

362

645

404

98%

1019

1325

1576

1656 1375

Abbotsford Airport Abbotsford 1

265

131

290

736

97%

1334

2492

3500

1 2

Agassiz 20

158

221

494

950

98%

1524

2714

2636

2 2

Mission 14

164

150

309

607

98%

1136

2743

3573

1 5

Tsawwassen 11

259

106

193

348

503

939

97%

2149

4203

1 3

Abbotsford-Mill Lake Abbotsford-Mill 11

278

258

446

827

97%

1536

2905

2401

Coquitlam 11

201

107

202

325

626

98%

1042

1668

2786

1769

1 8

Richmond-Airport 32

193

124

222

401

650

791

852

879

98%

1086

1564 1924

Maple Ridge Maple 12

236

197

363

708

97%

1429

2834

2850

Hope 22

152

181

503

98%

1385

2939

3597

Langley 10

216

199

418

98%

1109

2709

4048

1 5

N. Vancouver-Mahon Park Vancouver-Mahon N. 21

191

172

296

566

780

98%

1125

1731

2531 1284

Pitt Meadows Pitt 31 72

339

118

213

388

752

96%

1340

2266

3256

Burnaby South Burnaby 21

48 88

, 201

421

187

380

560

857

686

95%

1286

2058

2191

1 5

Richmond South Richmond 14

164

128

231

480

733

860

98%

1039

1263

1922

1895

1 6

Surrey East Surrey 15

201

133

260

457

827

98%

1564

2921

2333

Burnaby Mountain Burnaby 11

279

232

559

97%

1506

3221 2808

nitrogen dioxide nitrogen

2 7

North Delta North 12

201

143

272

440

603

835

98%

1106

1688

2359 1017

ourly ourly

5 9

Chilliwack 34

578

135

387

894

93%

1677

3129 1933

of of

1 6

Port Moody Port 15

154

157

276

563

620

98%

1074

1612

2092

2156

N. Vancouver-2nd Narrows Vancouver-2nd N. 10

195

163

294

573

919

761

98%

1428

2013

2272

distribution

Burnaby-Kensington Park Burnaby-Kensington 11

198

119

266

438

779

937

98%

1267

2049

2606

4 6

Vancouver-Downtown 35

198

120

353

619

982

636

98%

1373

1486

1589 1360

:Frequency

Conc. Conc.

Completeness

Data Data

Missing

>=52

48 to 52 to 48

44 to 48 to 44

40 to 44 to 40

36 to 40 to 36

32 to 36 to 32

28 to 32 to 28

24 to 28 to 24

20 to 24 to 20

16 to 20 to 16

12 to 16 to 12

8 to 12 to 8

4 to 8 to 4

0 to 4 to 0

(ppb) NO

Table

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 27

Figure 21: Diurnal trends nitrogen dioxide, 2016.

28 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

Figure 21: Cont. Diurnal trends nitrogen dioxide, 2016.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 29

Figure 21: Cont. Diurnal trends nitrogen dioxide, 2016.

30 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

Figure 22: Annual nitrogen dioxide trend, 1997 to 2016.

Figure 23: Short-term peak nitrogen dioxide trend, 1997 to 2016.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 31

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Characteristics With the majority of CO released from cars, Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless and trucks, buses and non-road engines, dramatic tasteless gas produced by the incomplete combustion of improvements have occurred in the last two fuels containing carbon. It has a strong affinity for decades due to improved vehicle emission haemoglobin and thus reduces the ability of blood to standards and vehicle emissions testing. transport oxygen. Long-term exposure to low concentrations may cause adverse effects in people suffering from cardiovascular disease. Average levels remained low throughout the LFV with the lowest readings recorded at stations away from heavily Sources trafficked areas.

Carbon monoxide is the most widely distributed and The seasonal trends for CO in 2016 are plotted as monthly commonly occurring air pollutant. The principal sources average and maximum 1-hour concentrations in Figures are non-road engines and motor vehicles. In the LFV, 28 and 29, respectively. Overall, average CO over 91% comes from mobile sources which include cars, concentrations were higher in the winter compared with trucks, buses, planes, trains, ships and non-road engines. the summer. This seasonal trend is typical of the region Other sources contributing to measured CO levels are and is the result of lower atmospheric mixing heights in building heating, commercial and industrial operations, winter along with increased residential, commercial and and smoke from wildfires. industrial heating. Monitoring Results A series of diurnal plots are shown in Figure 30 for each station that monitors CO. Most stations exhibit higher Figures 24 to 27 illustrate the results of CO monitoring for winter concentrations on weekdays compared with 2016. Figure 24 displays the value of the maximum 1- weekends, with many stations showing a large peak in hour and 8-hour average as well as the annual average the morning that corresponds relatively well with for each CO monitoring location. The same values are morning traffic patterns. represented on maps in Figures 25, 26 and 27.

Measured carbon monoxide levels were well below Metro Vancouver’s objectives at all stations throughout the LFV. Typically the highest concentrations occur in the west where highly urbanized areas experience large volumes of traffic.

32 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

Stations that appear to be strongly influenced by CO of the 1-hour values) appear to be leveling off in recent emission sources such as traffic include Vancouver- years. Downtown, Richmond-South and Richmond-Airport where a well-defined peak is evident in the mornings on In the LFV average levels have decreased dramatically weekdays during the winter. since the early nineties. Declining CO concentrations are largely due to improved vehicle emission standards and Figures 31 and 32 illustrate the long-term average and the AirCare program. peak CO trends in the LFV, respectively. Some year-to- year variation is evident in the peak trends, however long-term changes in air quality are mainly attributed to changes in emissions. Improvements in both the average th and the short-term peak concentrations (99 percentile

Note: The scale is broken in the x-axis between 3,200 and 8,000 ppb. The highest concentrations measured are almost five times less than the objective. Figure 24: Carbon monoxide monitoring, 2016.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 33

Figure 25: Annual average carbon monoxide in the LFV, 2016.

Figure 26: Short-term peak (maximum 1-hour) carbon monoxide in the LFV, 2016.

Figure 27: Short-term peak (maximum 8-hour) carbon monoxide in the LFV, 2016.

34 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

Figure 28: Monthly average carbon monoxide, 2016.

Figure 29: Monthly short-term peak carbon monoxide, 2016.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 35

Figure 30: Diurnal trends carbon monoxide, 2016.

36 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

Figure 30: Cont. diurnal trends carbon monoxide, 2016.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 37

Figure 30: Cont. diurnal trends carbon monoxide, 2016.

38 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

Figure 31: Annual carbon monoxide trend, 1997 to 2016.

Figure 32: Short-term peak carbon monoxide trend, 1997 to 2016.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 39

Ozone (O3)

Characteristics Monitoring Results

Ozone (O3) is a reactive form of oxygen. It is a major Figures 33 and 34 illustrate the results of O3 monitoring pollutant formed when NOX and reactive volatile organic in 2016. The annual average and Canadian Ambient Air compounds (VOC) react chemically in the presence of Quality Standard values are shown in Figure 33 while the heat and sunlight. Sunlight plays a significant role in O3 maximum 1-hour and 8-hour averages are shown in production and as such, local maximum O3 Figure 34. These are shown spatially in Figures 35 to 38. concentrations are usually experienced during the summer in the LFV. In 2016, there were no exceedances of the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standard (CAAQS) nor the 1-hour and Naturally occurring O3 in the upper level of the 8-hour Metro Vancouver Objectives. The Burnaby atmosphere, known as the stratosphere, shields the Mountain station measured the highest average ozone surface from harmful ultraviolet radiation. However at level which is typical given the station’s high elevation on ground level, O3 is a major environmental and health the top of Burnaby Mountain. concern. Ozone is a significant oxidant and can irritate the eyes, nose and throat as well as reduce lung function. In 2016, there were no exceedances of the High concentrations can also increase the susceptibility to respiratory disease and reduce crop yields. ground-level ozone Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standard nor the 1-hour and 8-hour Sources Metro Vancouver Objectives.

Ozone is termed a secondary pollutant because it is not usually emitted directly into the air. Instead, it is formed The highest short-term concentrations occur in the from chemical reactions involving pollutants identified as eastern parts of Metro Vancouver and in the FVRD precursors, including NOX and reactive VOC. The levels of (Figures 36, 37 and 38). The lowest annual O3 averages O3 measured depend on the emissions of these precursor (Figure 35) occur in highly urbanized areas due to O3 pollutants. scavenging. Ozone scavenging occurs in locations where higher levels of NOx are found (e.g. urban areas or near Nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions are dominated by busy roadways). In these areas, emissions containing transportation sources. About 60% of the emissions NOx, react quickly with O3 to form NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) come from cars, trucks, ships, rail and planes. Other and O2 (oxygen) thus decreasing O3 concentrations. sources include non-road engines, boilers and building heating systems. The seasonal variation evident in Figures 39 and 40 is typical of historical ozone trends in the LFV with higher The main contributors to VOC emissions are chemical values in spring and summer, and lower values during fall products use (industrial, commercial and consumer and winter. Since O3 is produced by photochemical products such as paints, varnishes and solvents), natural reactions there is greater production in spring and sources (trees and vegetation), cars and light trucks and summer with the presence of sunlight and high non-road engines. temperatures. Spring exhibits the highest average O3 concentrations (Figure 39) while the highest short-term The formation of O3 occurs readily during hot and sunny hourly concentrations (Figure 40) occur in the summer. weather conditions with peak levels observed in the summer. Under these conditions, the highest levels The frequency distribution for hourly and 8-hour rolling generally occur downwind of major precursor emissions average concentrations is shown in Tables 7 and 8, such as in eastern parts of Metro Vancouver and in the respectively. The frequency distributions in these tables FVRD. show how often various O3 levels are reached. It can be seen that stations located in the eastern parts of Metro

40 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

Vancouver and in the FVRD measured the greatest Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley Regional District frequency of high O3 concentrations. adopted the Regional Ground-Level Ozone Strategy in 2014, which provides strategic policy direction for ozone A series of diurnal plots are shown in Figure 41 for each management in the LFV based on local scientific research. O3 monitoring station. The diurnal plots illustrate the Research indicates that a spatial understanding of the weekday/weekend differences along with ratio of concentrations of nitrogen oxides (NOX) and summer/winter differences. Most of the stations exhibit volatile organic compounds (VOC), two precursor similar diurnal trends. In the summer, O3 concentrations pollutants that react to form ozone, is key to determining are low through the night and begin increasing near which precursors to reduce in order to maintain and sunrise with the highest (peak) concentration occurring improve air quality in our region. in the afternoon. Examining the timing of the peak shows in general the stations in the west peak first while the stations in the east peak a few hours later with Hope typically experiencing the latest peak in the day. On very hot sunny days, typically during a summertime episode, the O3 peak occurs later in the day. Winter shows a similar trend of an afternoon peak although it is greatly attenuated compared with the summer.

Figure 42 illustrates the long-term annual average O3 trend in the LFV. Annual O3 levels have shown an upward trend since the mid-90s. Research indicates that background ozone concentrations are rising and is one factor for observed increases in average levels.

A trend in short-term peak O3 concentrations (Figure 43) is less apparent. Yearly differences are likely related to variability in meteorology, however there doesn’t appear to be a trend in peak concentrations. Peak ozone levels have been mostly unchanged during the last fifteen to twenty years, despite significant reductions in ozone precursor pollutants over the same time period.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 41

*The New Westminster station started operation in late 2015 and has not operated long enough to calculate the 3-year CAAQS value. Figure 33: Ground-level ozone monitoring (Annual and CAAQS), 2016.

42 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

Figure 34: Ground-level ozone monitoring (1-hour and 8 hour), 2016.

Figure 35: Annual average ozone in the LFV, 2016.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 43

Figure 36: Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standard value for ozone in the LFV, 2016.

Figure 37: Short-term peak (maximum 1-hour) ozone in the LFV, 2016.

Figure 38: Short-term peak (maximum 8-hour) ozone in the LFV, 2016.

44 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

Figure 39: Monthly average ozone, 2016.

Figure 40: Monthly short-term peak ozone, 2016.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 45

4 7

New Westminster New 30

147

108

222

344

445

633

742

789

875

901

98%

1025

2495

2 4

Abbotsford Airport Abbotsford 17

235

187

508

805

879

906

964

932

812

690

724

97%

1011

4 6

Agassiz 15

149

148

328

562

689

874

990

894

807

98%

1043

1061

1101

2 6

Mission 13

140

182

361

664

988

984

689

535

494

98%

1157

1267

1177

6 3

Tsawwassen 14

288

314

639

937

825

469

330

402

97%

1032

1086

1242

1106

5 6

Abbotsford-Mill Lake Abbotsford-Mill 28

464

102

301

581

828

813

873

947

990

830

909

95%

1059

2 4

Coquitlam 15

196

100

241

426

696

886

953

915

919

899

98%

1007

1492

Richmond-Airport 67

229

233

444

644

843

950

924

776

97%

1057

1009

1591

2 5

Maple Ridge Maple 24

816

189

371

559

873

857

962

907

867

796

652

811

91%

Hope 3

179

402

496

720

899

751

842

814

791

947

98%

1603

Langley 20

216

191

413

714

999

822

628

524

840

98%

1128

1150

1067

2 5

N. Vancouver-Mahon Park Vancouver-Mahon N. 28

201

248

500

754

991

917

873

98%

1026

1097

1017 1032

Pitt Meadows Pitt 9

265

119

330

621

869

809

783

635

617

97%

1062

1057

1555

Burnaby South Burnaby 21

389

112

381

727

826

936

96%

1039

1064

1175

1094 1009

1 8 Richmond South Richmond 45

147

171

358

571

757

814

874

929

887

744

639

98%

1828

1 5

Surrey East Surrey 10

181

142

359

596

858

864

595

627

98%

1127

1207

1118

1042

Burnaby Mountain Burnaby 13

337

346

809

784

481

186

96%

1421

1586

1432

1157

North Delta North 15

221

263

528

824

933

863

746

98%

1072

1107

1023

1091

3 8

Chilliwack 24

254

133

305

530

716

790

851

986

981

886

97%

1025

1231

3 5

Port Moody Port 13

166

171

310

501

627

809

854

871

880

98%

1033

2463

2 4

N. Vancouver-2nd Narrows Vancouver-2nd N. 40

284

119

264

558

761

971

97%

1161

1180

1116

1156

1164

Burnaby-Kensington Park Burnaby-Kensington 15

200

146

316

594

956

918

98%

1138

1194

1192

1016 1048

Vancouver-Downtown 15

239

161

248

339

622

903

97%

1349

1885 2979

: Frequency distribution of hourly ozone, 201 ozone, hourly of distribution :Frequency

Conc. Conc.

Completeness

Data Data

Missing

>=68

64 to 68 to 64

60 to 64 to 60

56 to 60 to 56

52 to 56 to 52

48 to 52 to 48

44 to 48 to 44

40 to 44 to 40

36 to 40 to 36

32 to 36 to 32

28 to 32 to 28

24 to 28 to 24

20 to 24 to 20

16 to 20 to 16

12 to 16 to 12

8 to 12 to 8

4 to 8 to 4

0 to 4 to 0

(ppb) O

Table

46 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

1 3 New Westminster New 30

124

279

432

598

793

938

1118

1262

1437

1733

100%

3 5

Abbotsford Airport Abbotsford 74

127

343

811

965

978

931

670

357

99%

1163

1222

1103

2 6

Agassiz 37

248

487

759

875

901

650

1214

1259

1178

1055

100%

7 9

Mission 21

120

285

628

982

733

439

190

1357

1348

1405

1221

100%

Tsawwassen 32

184

234

602

903

856

529

333

193

98%

1145

1228

1356

1185

2 3

Abbotsford-Mill Lake Abbotsford-Mill 13

404

206

514

821

903

976

903

491

95%

1103

1221 1168

Coquitlam 54

153

316

621

974

991

99%

1112

1192

1186

1051 1100

Richmond-Airport

175

344

558

898

995

948

99%

1186

1325

1190

1063

2 1

Maple Ridge Maple 14

719

272

525

866

818

585

532

92%

1024

1138

1069

1088

Hope 71

116

285

516

732

934

905

999

992

99%

1001

1014

1145

Langley 68

100

324

697

722

567

481

99%

1031

1182

1370

1164 1051

N. Vancouver-Mahon Park Vancouver-Mahon N. 3

144

372

715

855

626

99%

1119

1211

1301

1187

1128

3 5

Pitt Meadows Pitt 39

146

207

511

873

959

835

727

98%

1208

1189

1011

1071

Burnaby South Burnaby 33

290

224

680

814

618

97%

1009

1264

1411

1304

1133

Richmond South Richmond 13

294

470

738

870

963

999

888

1120

1148

1189

100%

6 6

Surrey East Surrey 68

239

561

870

898

527

355

99%

1254

1314

1337

1267

4 2

Burnaby Mountain Burnaby 27

202

228

705

868

393

110

98%

1559

1739

1586 1286

North Delta North

161

428

742

820 658

hour rolling average ozone,average 201 rolling hour

99%

1079

1221

1261

1274 1019

Chilliwack 35

234

464

722

877

888

713

1206

1275

1188

1089

100%

2 2

Port Moody Port 38

103

221

394

690

834

1103

1081

1204

1219

1879

100%

N. Vancouver-2nd Narrows Vancouver-2nd N. 57

184

188

451

821

745

98%

1078

1328

1405

1290

1232

Burnaby-Kensington Park Burnaby-Kensington 93

242

511

939

965

670

99%

1325

1476

1349 1146

Vancouver-Downtown 14

115

188

316

510

99%

1022

1719

2481 2327

: Frequency distribution of 8 of distribution :Frequency

Conc. Conc.

Completeness

Data Data

Missing

>=56

52 to 56 to 52

48 to 52 to 48

44 to 48 to 44

40 to 44 to 40

36 to 40 to 36

32 to 36 to 32

28 to 32 to 28

24 to 28 to 24

20 to 24 to 20

16 to 20 to 16

12 to 16 to 12

8 to 12 to 8

4 to 8 to 4

0 to 4 to 0

(ppb) O

Table

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 47

Figure 41: Diurnal trends ozone, 2016.

48 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

Figure 41: Cont. Diurnal trends ozone, 2016.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 49

Figure 41: Cont. Diurnal trends ozone, 2016.

50 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

Figure 42: Annual ozone trend, 1997 to 2016.

Figure 43: Short-term peak ozone trend, 1997 to 2016.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 51

Fine Particulate (PM2.5)

Characteristics (CAAQS) values are shown in Figure 44 for 2016. The same values are shown spatially in Figures 45, 46 and 47, The term 'PM2.5' has been given to airborne particles with respectively. a diameter of 2.5 micrometres (m) or less, also known as fine particulate matter. Particles of this size make up a All stations with sufficient data available to calculate a fraction of PM10 (those particles with a diameter of 10 CAAQS value were found to be below the Standard. micrometres or less) which can vary with factors such as Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standard values for 2016 3 season and location. Within the LFV, emissions of PM2.5 ranged from 11 to 19 g/m . The three year metric was represent approximately one-half of the PM10 emissions, calculated using only data from FEM PM2.5 monitoring which is a typical value for North American urban instruments. environments.

Given the very small size of these particles, they can Elevated levels of regional PM2.5 can occur when penetrate into the finer structures of the lungs. As with high pressure weather systems are present. inhalable particulate (PM10), exposure to fine particulate While typically experienced in the summer, (PM2.5) can lead to both chronic and acute human health there was an exceedance in 2016 of Metro impacts, aggravate pulmonary or cardiovascular disease, Vancouver’s 24-hour PM2.5 objective in the increase symptoms in asthmatics and increase mortality. spring. Fine particulate matter is considered by health experts to be an air pollutant of serious concern because of these health effects. All stations were below the Metro Vancouver annual objective of 8 g/m3 and all but one station (New Fine particulate is also effective at scattering and Westminster) was below the planning goal of 6 g/m3. absorbing visible light. In this role PM2.5 contributes to Metro Vancouver’s planning goal is a longer term regional haze and impaired visual air quality. aspirational target to support continuous improvement.

Sources All stations were below Metro Vancouver’s 24-hour PM2.5 objective with the exception of one station that exceeded Emissions of PM2.5 are dominated by heating, the objective and one station that was equal to the transportation, industrial sources and non-road engines. objective. The Abbotsford Airport station exceeded the In addition to these local sources, PM2.5 can be objective for 12 hours on April 20th while the Mission transported long distances in the air from sources such as station measured a concentration equal to the objective large forest fires in other parts of western Canada, the US for a single hour on April 10th. or more distant.

Table 9 gives the frequency distribution of PM2.5 Scientific investigations in the LFV indicate that a concentrations for the year. In 2016, Abbotsford Airport considerable proportion of ambient PM2.5 is also formed experienced the highest frequency of elevated PM2.5 by reactions of NOX and SO2 with ammonia in the air concentrations (> 25 g/m3), which was thought to be the (mainly from agricultural sources in the LFV). Fine result of local emission sources. particulate produced in this manner is called secondary

PM2.5 and accounts for a significant percentage of PM2.5 Seasonally, PM2.5 levels are usually higher in the summer in summer. Therefore, emissions of precursor gases of with the highest values typically experienced during the secondary PM2.5 are also important sources in the region. dry summer months (Figures 48 and 49), due to the secondary formation of PM2.5 and smoke from wildfire Monitoring Results activity. However, in 2016 peak levels were seen in the winter and spring due to local emission sources. The PM2.5 annual average, maximum 24-hour rolling average and Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standard

52 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

A series of diurnal plots are shown in Figure 50 for each In Figures 51 and 52 the TEOM data is shown as solid lines PM2.5 monitoring station. Typically, the summer exhibits with a gray band displaying the range of values from all little diurnal variation while the winter displayed higher TEOM stations, while the FEM data is shown as dotted PM2.5 concentrations in the evenings compared with the lines with an orange band showing the range from all FEM daytime. The evenings in winter were likely elevated due stations. to reduced atmospheric mixing depths coupled with regional and local emission sources. It can be seen that the FEM monitor measures higher PM2.5 concentrations compared to the TEOM monitor. Figures 51 and 52 illustrate the long-term PM2.5 trends in Long-term average trends of the TEOM data show that the LFV with the annual average and peak concentrations 2016 was not appreciably different than previous years. shown respectively. Monitoring technology was However the FEM data shows a step increase compared upgraded in 2013 to continuous particulate monitors that with the TEOM, which is a result of the FEM monitor’s met the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency PM2.5 ability to measure some particles not previously Federal Equivalent Method (FEM). The FEM monitors measured by the TEOM monitor. have the ability to measure a portion of particulate matter not previously measured. The short-term peak The differences in peak trends from year to year are likely concentrations reflect the highest levels that occur, driven by meteorological variability and wildfire represented by the 99th percentile of the 24-hour rolling activities. The long-term peak trend shows that 2016 average for each year. Given that it will take numerous measured much lower concentrations compared with years to establish a long-term record of PM2.5 with the 2015 which had an active wildfire season. FEM monitor, both the TEOM and FEM data are shown together.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 53

*The New Westminster station started operation in 2015 and has not operated long enough to calculate the 3-year CAAQS value. + Metro Vancouver’s Planning Goal of 6 g/m3 is a longer term aspirational target to support continuous improvement.

Figure 44: Fine particulate (PM2.5), 2016.

54 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

Figure 45: Annual average fine particulate (PM2.5) in the LFV, 2016.

Figure 46: Short-term peak fine particulate (PM2.5) in the LFV, 2016.

Figure 47: Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standard value for fine particulate (PM2.5), 2016.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 55

New Westminster New 72

204

407

99%

1042

2220

2874

1846

9 4

Abbotsford Airport Abbotsford 13

159

254

535

771

98%

1364

2668 2805

Agassiz 28

444

304

428

573

95%

1485

2304

3051

5 5

Mission 15

385

128

392

622

883

96%

1405

2305 2583

Tsawwassen 14

329

169

610

96%

1945

4379

1298

Horseshoe Bay Horseshoe

198

181

694

98%

2402

4073 1229

. 6

Abbotsford-Mill Lake Abbotsford-Mill 14 50

275

265

527

518

97%

1512

2798

2819

Richmond-Airport 77 44

), 201

201

254

475

310

99%

1166

2754 3498

2.5

2 4

Hope 13

211

119

345

978

98%

1322

2736 3017

Langley 3

118

169

220

458

690

86%

1229

1107

2168 2514

N. Vancouver-Mahon Park Vancouver-Mahon N. 29

104

334

99%

1134

2068

4001 1037

Pitt Meadows Pitt 14

299

161

258

904

97%

1795

2803

2409

1 3

Burnaby South Burnaby 20

366

193

490

631

96%

1273

2343

3420

Richmond South Richmond 28

414

140

234

506

892

481

95%

2637 3388

Surrey East Surrey 15

134

184

324

965

660

99%

2529 3896

hour rolling average fine particulate (PM fine average particulate rolling hour

North Delta North 11

25 69

111

266

781

875

99%

2526

4120

5 5

Chilliwack 10

182

278

374

863

98%

1001

2556 3455

Port Moody Port 19

627

166

640

529

93%

1370

2587 2846

N. Vancouver-2nd Narrows Vancouver-2nd N. 28

838

298

673

91%

1891

2672

2289

Burnaby-Kensington Park Burnaby-Kensington 32

202

168

399

851

98%

1267

2492 3370

: Frequency distribution of 24 of distribution :Frequency

)

Conc. Conc.

2.5

g/m



Completeness

Data Data

Missing

>=28

26 to 28 to 26

24 to 26 to 24

22 to 24 to 22

20 to 22 to 20

18 to 20 to 18

16 to 18 to 16

14 to 16 to 14

12 to 14 to 12

10 to 12 to 10

8 to 10 to 8

6 to 8 to 6

4 to 6 to 4

2 to 4 to 2

0 to 2 to 0

( PM

Table

56 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

Figure 48: Monthly average fine particulate (PM2.5), 2016.

Figure 49: Monthly short-term peak fine particulate (PM2.5), 2016.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 57

Figure 50: Diurnal trends fine particulate (PM2.5), 2016.

58 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

*Data completeness requirements were not met at this site in winter.

Figure 50: Cont. Diurnal trends fine particulate (PM2.5), 2016.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 59

Figure 50: Cont. Diurnal trends fine particulate (PM2.5), 2016.

60 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

Figure 51: Annual fine particulate (PM2.5) trend, 1999 to 2016.

Figure 52: Short-term peak fine particulate (PM2.5) trend, 1999 to 2016.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 61

Inhalable Particulate (PM10)

Characteristics Abbotsford Airport experienced the greatest frequency of elevated PM10 concentrations. The term ‘PM10’ refers to airborne particles with a diameter of 10 micrometres (m) or less. These particles The seasonal trend of monthly average PM10 was like are also known as inhalable particulate matter which, previous years with the highest average concentrations given their small size, can be inhaled and deposited in the occurring during hot and dry periods of the summer lungs. (Figure 56). The seasonal peak PM10 pattern (Figure 57) exhibited the highest levels in April and September. Exposure to PM10 can lead to both chronic and acute human health impacts, particularly pulmonary function. A series of diurnal plots are shown in Figure 58 for each Inhalable particulate can aggravate existing pulmonary PM10 monitoring station. The plots show the differences and cardiovascular disease, increase symptoms in between weekdays and weekends along with differences asthmatics and increase mortality. High PM10 levels can between summer and winter. also increase corrosion and soiling of materials, and may damage vegetation. The smaller particles also contribute Improvements in PM10 concentrations have to degraded visual air quality. occurred in the last two decades, however one Sources exceedance of PM10 occurred in September of 2016. Inhalable particulate is emitted from a variety of sources with the largest contribution from road dust (37%). Road Most stations exhibit higher concentrations on weekdays dust is made up of material that has been previously than weekends, likely the result of greater traffic volumes deposited on the road surface such as mud and dirt track- (road dust) and work related activities (outdoor burning, out, leaves, vehicle exhaust, tire debris, brake linings, and agricultural activities, industrial processes, etc.). pavement wear. Traffic or wind re-suspends the road dust into the air. Other major contributors to PM10 are The long-term PM10 trends are shown in Figures 59 and transportation, construction and demolition, residential 60 from 1997 to 2016. The annual average trend is given wood heating, agriculture and industry. There are also in Figure 59 with the short-term peak trend given in natural sources of PM10 such as wind-blown soil, forest Figure 60. fires, ocean spray and volcanic activity. The annual average PM10 trend (Figure 59) shows a Monitoring Results general improvement in the last 20 years. The peak trend, represented by the 99th percentile of the 24-hour Figure 53 illustrates the PM10 monitoring in 2016, while rolling average in Figure 60, also shows a slight Figures 54 and 55 shows the same values spatially. improvement with the exception of the year 2015 which Annual averages ranged from 6 to 13 g/m3 which are all was influenced by unprecedented wildfire smoke that below Metro Vancouver’s annual PM10 objective. covered the region. The large peak measured in 1998 The Metro Vancouver 24-hour objective was exceeded at was attributed to a dust storm in Asia with dust the Abbotsford Airport station in 2016 on September 15. transported to the LFV. The 2005 peak was the result of a large fire in Burns Bog located in Delta. It is not known what caused elevated PM10 during this time, however it was likely due to local emission sources.

Table 10 gives the frequency distribution of PM10 concentrations for the year. It can be seen that

62 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

Table 10: Frequency distribution of 24-hour rolling average inhalable particulate (PM10), 2016.

PM10 Conc. 3 (g/m ) Burnaby-KensingtonPort MoodyChilliwack Park Burnaby SouthBurnaby NorthLangley Hope Richmond-AirportAbbotsford-MillAbbotsford Lake Airport 0 to 3 147 5 7 5 18 17 3 to 6 4190 1601 1100 1679 1547 1597 1787 630 995 701 6 to 9 3061 3074 2734 3369 2456 3106 2781 3204 2360 1918 9 to 12 1176 1995 2239 1931 1645 2137 1469 2540 1789 1535 12 to 15 144 899 1263 856 1161 1001 858 1364 994 1291 15 to 18 372 780 275 531 327 408 514 527 823 18 to 21 197 456 35 271 111 89 340 155 452 21 to 24 96 158 5 63 72 11 40 48 315 24 to 27 14 37 20 2 16 36 55 183 27 to 30 1 9 3 112 30 to 33 9 63 33 to 36 88 36 to 39 43 39 to 42 42 42 to 45 21 45 to 48 12 >=48 12 Missing 66 531 17 606 1103 381 1345 94 1916 1156 Data Completeness 99% 94% 100% 93% 87% 96% 85% 99% 78% 87%

Figure 53: Inhalable particulate (PM10) monitoring, 2016.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 63

Figure 54: Annual average inhalable particulate (PM10) in the LFV, 2016.

Figure 55: Short-term peak inhalable particulate (PM10) in the LFV, 2016.

64 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

Figure 56: Monthly average inhalable particulate (PM10), 2016.

Figure 57: Monthly short-term peak inhalable particulate (PM10), 2016.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 65

Figure 58: Diurnal trends inhalable particulate (PM10), 2016.

66 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

*Data completeness requirements were not met at this site in winter.

Figure 58: Cont. Diurnal trends inhalable particulate (PM10), 2016.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 67

Figure 59: Annual average inhalable particulate (PM10) trend, 1997 to 2016.

Figure 60: Short-term peak inhalable particulate (PM10) trend, 1997 to 2016.

68 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

Black Carbon (BC)

Characteristics Monitoring Results

Black carbon (BC) is carbonaceous material formed by the Figure 61 illustrates the results of continuous BC incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biofuels, and monitoring for 2016. Figure 61 displays the value of the biomass, and is emitted directly in the form of fine maximum 1-hour and 24-hour average as well as the particles (PM2.5). BC is a major component of “soot”, a annual average for each station. complex light-absorbing mixture that also contains some organic carbon. There are no provincial, federal or Metro Vancouver objectives for black carbon. The highest 1-hour average The terms black carbon and soot are sometimes used BC concentration occurred at Abbotsford Airport, likely interchangeably. Although BC has a very short residence due to a local emission source for a short period of time. time in the atmosphere (about a week), it is a strong absorber of solar radiation and can absorb much more In Figures 62 and 63 the seasonal trends for BC shows energy than carbon dioxide (CO2). As a result, BC is average values higher in January, August and October considered a “short-lived climate forcer”. Black carbon with the highest peak level occurring in February. contributes to the adverse impacts on human health, ecosystems, and visibility associated with fine particulate Black carbon is generally greater on weekdays compared with weekends, shown in Figure 64. This trend is matter (PM2.5). especially evident at the North Vancouver – Second Sources Narrows station where greater amounts of BC are seen on weekdays compared with weekends. Mobile sources are the largest contributors of BC emissions in the LFV, emitting over 80% of the BC emissions in the region. Non-road engines (primarily diesel fuelled), heavy duty vehicles, rail and marine vessels are significant sources of BC emissions. Other significant sources in the region are biomass burning activities, including agricultural burning, open and prescribed burning, wildfires and residential heating.

Figure 61: Black carbon monitoring, 2016.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 69

Figure 62: Monthly average black carbon, 2016.

Figure 63: Monthly short-term peak black carbon, 2016.

70 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

Figure 64: Diurnal trends black carbon, 2016.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 71

Total Reduced Sulphur (TRS)

Characteristics Monitoring Results Total reduced sulphur (TRS) compounds are a group of Figure 65 illustrates the TRS measurements in 2016 for sulphurous compounds that occur naturally in swamps, stations with sufficient data completeness. Average bogs and marshes. They are also created by industrial levels continued to be near or below detectable limits. sources such as pulp and paper mills, petroleum Peak levels during 2016, indicated by the maximum 1- refineries and composting facilities. These compounds hour value, exceeded the Desirable Objective for a total have offensive odours similar to rotten eggs or rotten of 19 hours and the Acceptable Objective for a total of 1 cabbage, and at high concentrations can cause eye hour at Port Moody. The occurrences of elevated TRS are irritation and nausea in some people. of short duration and generally during the night or early morning. The majority of exceedances occurred in the Sources winter and fall.

Most public complaints regarding these odours are associated with composting facilities and with the petroleum refining and distribution industry located along Burrard Inlet. A few periodic inquiries also occur as a result of natural emissions from such locations as Burns Bog in Delta.

Figure 65: Total reduced sulphur monitoring, 2016.

72 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

Ammonia (NH3)

Characteristics Monitoring Results

Ammonia (NH3) can contribute to the formation of fine Continuous measurements of ammonia were made at particles when chemical reactions occur between two sites in the monitoring network in 2016. The 2016 ammonia and other gases in the atmosphere including data are presented in Figure 66, shown as the maximum sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The 1-hour average, maximum 24-hour rolling average and resulting ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulphate annual average ammonia concentrations. There are no particles are efficient at scattering light and can impair applicable objectives for ammonia. visual air quality with a white haze. Continuous measurements of ammonia began in 2005. Sources Due to the relatively short period for which data are available, no clear long-term trend in ammonia is evident. The largest contribution to ammonia in the LFV comes from the agriculture sector. The majority of ammonia emissions come from cattle, pig, and poultry housing, land spreading and storage of manure, and fertilizer application.

Figure 66: Ammonia monitoring, 2016.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 73

Section E – Non-Continuous Pollutant Measurements

Non-continuous samples are collected in accordance contribute to climate change. Other VOC (e.g. benzene) with the National Air Pollution Surveillance (NAPS) can pose a human health risk. program. After collection, samples are transported to and analyzed in a federal laboratory in Ottawa to determine Sources of VOC in Metro Vancouver include, but are not pollutant concentrations. limited to emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels, industrial and residential solvents and paints, vegetation, Analysis results of non-continuous sampling from the agricultural activities, petroleum refineries, fuel-refilling federal laboratory can take considerable time. facilities, the burning of wood and other vegetative Therefore, analysis of non-continuous results will be materials, and large industrial facilities. conducted when available and appended to this report. Particulate Sampling Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act some VOC are included in the Toxic Non-continuous 24-hour (daily) PM2.5 and PM10 samples Substances List. are collected on filters every sixth day depending on the site. Non-continuous particulate samples are collected at Emissions of some VOC are managed under four monitoring stations in the LFV and pollutant permits and industry-specific regulations within concentrations are determined. A detailed analysis is Metro Vancouver. conducted by the federal laboratory for three of these stations (Port Moody, Burnaby South and Abbotsford Airport). Non-continuous 24-hour (daily) sampling of VOC is conducted every sixth or twelfth day on a national Using specialized PM speciation instrumentation, schedule. In 2016, VOC samples were collected at seven additional detailed information about the chemical sites in the LFV. In cooperation with the federal National composition of PM2.5 is obtained from two stations in the Air Pollution Surveillance (NAPS) program, canister network (Burnaby South and Abbotsford Airport) as a sampling of VOC has been conducted in the LFV since result of analyses carried out by the federal NAPS 1988. Canisters sent to the federal laboratory are program. From the 24-hour samples collected at these analyzed for up to 175 VOC. These data can then be used two sites, the various compounds that form PM2.5 are to help determine the emission sources contributing to identified. contaminants in the air.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) In addition to the canister sampling, continuous measurements of total hydrocarbons (THC) were made at Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) refers to a two stations in 2016, Burnaby North and Burnaby- combination of organic chemicals. A large number of Burmount (results not shown). Both of these are adjacent chemicals are included in this group but each individual to petroleum industry facilities. compound is generally present at relatively low concentrations in air compared to other common air contaminants. The gaseous VOC present in the air can originate from direct emissions and from volatilization (i.e. changing into the gas phase) of substances in the liquid or solid phase.

Locally, some VOC can be pollutants found in urban smog and are precursors of other contaminants present in smog such as ozone and fine particulates. Some materials in this class (e.g. carbon tetrachloride) can contribute to depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer and may

74 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

Section F – Visual Air Quality Monitoring

Characteristics For example, in more urbanized areas of the western LFV, nitrogen dioxide emitted when fuels are burned When light between an object and the eye of an observer contributes to the yellow-brown discolouration of the is scattered and/or absorbed by particles and gases in the view. Further east in the LFV, visual air quality air, views can look hazy or even be fully obscured. The impairment usually occurs as white haze due to the term visual air quality refers to the impacts air presence of PM2.5. Sources of particulate matter contaminants have on our ability to see through the contributing to visual air quality impairment include atmosphere, affecting the appearance of views including anthropogenic activities as well as natural sources such the distance at which the elements of a scene can be as windblown dust, soil, sea salt and smoke. clearly seen. It does not refer to the direct effects of clouds, fog, rain or mist on a view. Monitoring Program

Visual air quality studies conducted in the LFV have To assess visual air quality in the LFV, Metro Vancouver, concluded that the major contributor to visual air quality FVRD, and Environment and Climate Change Canada impairment in the LFV is PM2.5 and have shown that visual jointly established a visual air quality monitoring air quality degradation occurs at relatively low air network. Continuous measurements of light scattering contaminant concentrations, below Metro Vancouver’s and the species responsible for light absorption are ambient air quality objectives for PM2.5. However, the complemented by particulate speciation sampling, effects of visual air quality impairment can have different meteorological measurements and images of views along characteristics in different locations within the airshed specific lines-of-sight. Measurements of air due to the air contaminants present. contaminants, views or both occur at seven locations in the LFV (Figure 67).

Figure 67: Visual air quality monitoring locations in the LFV, 2016.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 75

Light scattering measurements are made for visual air  The identification of the causes and impacts of quality analysis using nephelometers in five locations. impaired visual air quality in the LFV and the production Aethalometers and nitrogen dioxide analyzers are also of future projections for visual air quality; located at these sites and are used to characterize light absorption. Analysis of monitoring data to reconstruct  An improvement of our understanding of the economic light extinction has indicated that scattering by particles drivers for visual air quality management; and generally has the most influence on visual air quality in the LFV. Modelling work has determined that the highest  The creation of a strategy to engage and inform contributions to extinction, and consequently visual air stakeholders and members of the public about visual quality degradation, in the LFV on the most impaired air quality issues. visual air quality days are from particulate nitrate and organic matter. The extent of the influence of other Visual Air Quality Rating species, such as particulate sulphate, on visual air quality degradation is dependent on meteorological conditions. A visual air quality rating (VAQR), with descriptors ranging from excellent, good, fair, poor to very poor, was Ten automated digital cameras are operated in the seven developed by the BCVCC, to enhance outreach about locations shown in Figure 67: Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Pitt visual air quality in the LFV and to provide a metric to Meadows, Burnaby, Vancouver, Richmond and Lions Bay. track changes in visual air quality. The VAQR was Images are captured at 10 or 30 minute intervals along launched in 2015 and was reported for four sites, as specific lines-of-sight with recognizable topographical shown in Figure 67, in 2016. features at defined distances. The VAQR reflects residents’ perceptions of visual air Visual Air Quality Pilot Project quality conditions. Images from visual air quality A visual air quality pilot project was established in the LFV monitoring network cameras were used to survey by the BC Visibility Coordinating Committee (BCVCC). The residents in Metro Vancouver and FVRD to relate BCVCC was established in 2006 and is a collaborative perceived visual air quality to measured air contaminant venture between Metro Vancouver, FVRD, Environment concentrations and the estimated resulting optical and Climate Change Canada, Health Canada and BC characteristics of the atmosphere along the line-of-sights Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. An to the views. objective of the pilot project is to determine the actions Visual air quality conditions recorded by the camera in necessary to protect and improve visual air quality in the Burnaby in 2016 are shown in Figure 68. Near real-time LFV. images from a selection of the visual air quality Key components of the pilot project include: monitoring cameras can be viewed at:

 The establishment and ongoing operation of a visual air http://www.clearairbc.ca/community quality monitoring network;  The development of a visual air quality reporting tool and recommendations for a visual air quality goal;

Figure 68: Images with visual air quality rating of excellent, fair and poor, respectively (Burnaby - 2016).

76 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

Section G – Meteorological Measurements

Purpose Meteorological parameters observed in the network include: An understanding of meteorology is integral in understanding and forecasting air quality and visual air  wind speed and direction quality patterns. The state of the atmosphere determines  air temperature pollutant dispersion and the resultant ground-level  relative humidity concentration. Meteorology is observed at LFV air quality  precipitation monitoring network stations for several purposes:  barometric pressure  incoming solar radiation  To allow for a characterization of meteorological patterns throughout the LFV. Wind speed and direction observations allow for the characterization of pollutant transport and dispersion  To assist with the linkage between pollutant emission and are used to understand the relationships between sources and ambient concentrations. pollutant sources and measurements at air quality monitoring stations.  To provide data to be used as input in dispersion modelling. Air temperature and incoming solar radiation measurements can be used to determine the potential  To provide real-time data to numerous agencies for ozone formation during the summer. Ozone including Environment Canada, which are used for concentrations are dependent on sunshine to cause weather and air quality forecasting in the region. photochemical reactions among air pollutants. Higher air It should be noted that the LFV network’s primary temperatures are necessary for these reactions to occur. purpose is for the collection of air quality measurements Humidity is important in the formation and growth of and secondary purpose is for meteorological observation. visibility reducing particles, and its measurement is a key Attempts have been made to site meteorological to understanding the many factors responsible for visual instruments to provide representative observation, air quality degradation. however due to site restrictions at some stations, not all instruments are sited to capture spatially representative Precipitation can remove pollutants from the measurements. atmosphere and may help explain differences in air quality from one part of the region to another. In addition Monitoring Program precipitation data are used by Metro Vancouver’s Wastewater Collection and Watershed Management Various meteorological parameters are observed as part functions. of the LFV air quality monitoring network (see Section C Table 2).

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 77

Meteorological Observations format. The direction of the bar indicates the direction from which the wind is blowing, the colour indicates the Figure 69 shows the precipitation totals for 2016 at Lower wind speed class and the length of the bar indicates the Fraser Valley air quality monitoring network stations. The frequency of occurrence. greatest precipitation was observed near the local mountains. Historical 30-year climate normals (1981- Figure 72 shows observed annual wind roses for selected 2010) obtained from Environment Canada are also shown stations including (in order of west to east): Horseshoe in Figure 69 for several stations. Figure 70 displays the Bay, Richmond-Airport, Burnaby North, Pitt Meadows, seasonal variation as observed by the LFV air quality Abbotsford Airport, Chilliwack, and Hope. The patterns network stations (shown as a blue band). Historical 30- shown during 2016 reflect the predominant winds in year climate normals (1981-2010) obtained from those areas. Richmond exhibits a predominant easterly Environment Canada are also shown in Figure 70 for wind with a smaller component from the west, and very Vancouver International Airport, Port Moody and little wind from either the north or south. Horseshoe Bay Chilliwack. shows wind patterns aligned with Howe Sound with a strong north-south component. Compared to climate normals, monthly precipitation in 2016 was somewhat drier in April and August, and Port The year 2016 experienced normal precipitation Moody was wetter in February, March, October and along the coast, less than normal precipitation November. in the Fraser Valley, a warm spring, typical Figure 71 illustrates the seasonal variation of air summer and cold December. temperatures observed throughout the monitoring network stations. The hourly maximum and minimum, Burnaby North shows several northerly wind daily maximum and minimum, and average temperatures components along with a predominant east-north east are given with the range in values shown as bands. Also component. This wind pattern is reflective of the North shown in Figure 71 are the 30-year climate normals Shore mountain wind flows and drainage flow from (1981-2010) for Environment Canada’s Vancouver Indian Arm. Pitt Meadows shows a somewhat similar International Airport and Agassiz stations. pattern with predominant directions from the valleys of Pitt Lake and Alouette Lake. Abbotsford, Chilliwack and The data observed in 2016 suggest that average Hope experience similar wind flow patterns, with strong temperatures recorded in February, March, April, May east-west components driven by the channelling of winds and November were warmer than the 30-year average. in the narrower portion of the Fraser Valley. During these months higher averages and daily maximums were experienced compared with the climate Figures 73 to 76 show wind roses for winter, summer, normals. The highest air temperatures were measured in spring and fall, respectively. The contrast between August. December was on average cooler than normal. winter and summer can be seen in Figures 73 and 74 with winds predominantly from the east in winter switching to Table 11 provides the average temperature along with southwest in summer. The more westerly flow seen in the lowest and highest hourly air temperatures observed the summer is the development of a daytime sea breeze throughout the year. Air temperatures are milder near during anti-cyclonic (high pressure) weather. the water and exhibit a greater range inland. The highest hourly temperature in 2016 was 35.1oC observed at Chilliwack.

Table 12 gives the frequency distribution of hourly air temperature for the year. Stations located inland, such as those in eastern parts of Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley Regional District exhibit the greatest frequency of both very low and high air temperatures.

Wind patterns vary between stations as shown by the frequency distributions in Figure 72. The distributions are shown as a “wind rose”, which is a bar chart in a polar

78 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

Figure 69: Precipitation totals in the LFV, 2016.

Note: The range of values observed at LFV air quality network stations are shown as a blue band and Environment Canada climate normals are shown as dotted lines. Figure 70: Total monthly precipitation in the LFV, 2016.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 79

Note: LFV air quality network stations are shown as colour bands and Environment Canada 30-year climate normals are shown as dotted lines.

Figure 71: Monthly air temperatures in the LFV, 2016.

80 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

Table 11: Air temperature in LFV, 2016. Station Hourly Maximum Hourly Minimum Annual Average (oC) (oC) (oC) Chilliwack 35.1 -8.8 12.4 Hope 34.9 -12.3 11.0 Agassiz 34.6 -10.0 11.9 Abbotsford Airport 34.1 -8.4 11.2 Abbotsford-Mill Lake 34.0 -10.0 11.5 Horseshoe Bay 33.3 -5.1 11.3 Coquitlam 33.2 -7.1 12.4 Maple Ridge 33.2 -10.6 10.5 Pitt Meadows 33.2 -11.1 11.4 Mission 33.0 -8.6 11.0 Langley 32.8 -8.1 10.6 Burnaby-Burmount 32.6 -7.6 11.8 Surrey East 32.4 -8.0 11.4 Annacis Island 32.1 -9.1 11.2 North Delta 32.0 -9.1 10.6 Burnaby-Kensington Park 31.8 -8.0 11.1 Port Moody 31.7 -8.3 12.1 Burnaby South 31.6 -8.1 10.6 Burnaby-Capitol Hill 30.6 -6.9 10.3 Vancouver-Portside 30.4 -6.3 12.2 Richmond South 30.2 -9.5 11.5 Burnaby North 30.0 -8.0 10.7 Tsawwassen 30.0 -7.9 11.1 Burnaby Mountain 29.8 -7.5 10.2 N. Vancouver-Mahon Park 29.6 -6.8 11.5 Vancouver-Templeton 28.6 -8.4 10.1 Richmond-Airport 28.6 -6.8 11.6

Note: The direction of the bar indicates the direction from which the wind is blowing, the colour indicates the wind speed class and the length of the bar indicates the frequency of occurrence. Figure 72: Selected annual wind roses throughout the LFV, 2016.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 81

Vancouver-Portside 1

508

302

809

688

205

94%

1384

1654 1674

1353

61 44

Vancouver-Templeton

224

555

632

292

130

99%

1036

1430

1672 1536

1100

85 25

Abbotsford Airport Abbotsford

192

367

662

994

938

403

246

166

1540

1527

1560

100%

48 59

Agassiz

123

237

435

760

836

334

237

147

99%

1182

1404

1451

1430

80 44

Mission

180

319

670

938

519

264

171

1006

1618

1545

1391

100%

46 19

Tsawwassen

315

245

656

554

390

205

144

96%

1196

1632

1748

1627

12 40

Annacis Island Annacis

978

148

328

727

263

567

389

163

100

89%

1225

1363

1275

1205

35 60

Horseshoe Bay Horseshoe

127

396

975

602

244

1245

1199

1329

1266

1277

100%

91 31

Abbotsford-Mill Lake Abbotsford-Mill

209

377

720

860

416

242

150

1103

1549

1504

1460

100%

89 20

Coquitlam

114

227

468

819

618

421

176

99%

1233

1691

1566

1247

18 57

Richmond-Airport

313

856

710

384

181

103

1357

1670

1677

1444

100%

61 31

Maple Ridge Maple

170

334

585

856

517

329

145

99%

1434

1474

1554

1102

44 50

Hope

117

234

409

700

502

161

204

108

1018

1274

1409

1360

1167

100%

67 39

Langley

150

317

563

860

504

245

157

1562

1676

1490 1097

100%

6. 3

N. Vancouver-Mahon Park Vancouver-Mahon N. 30

357

771

814

454

181

1294

1647

1641

1408

100%

74 28

, 201 North Burnaby

298

648

519

243

110

1101

1485

1704

1518

1013

100%

97 21

Burnaby-Capitol Hill Burnaby-Capitol

308

606

989

532

328

114

1392

1590

1542

1223

100%

80 16

Burnaby-Burmount

191

360

776

429

149

112

99%

1164

1672

1621

1353

57 26

Pitt Meadows Pitt

107

213

394

642

772

485

273

99%

1060

1576

1507 1503

air temperature air

36 33

Burnaby South Burnaby

125

256

595

458

315

129

99%

1038

1469

1655

1522

1070

98 62

ourly ourly South Richmond

119

357

776

666

383

223

1304

1524

1775 1454

100%

71 30

of of Surrey East Surrey

154

346

722

848

425

208

146

1117

1635

1579

1446

100%

35 28

Burnaby Mountain Burnaby

137

145

263

560

467

291

166

98%

1023

1248

1527

1650

1244

55 77

North Delta North

146

313

614

983

475

275

132

1398

1606

1559

1118 100%

distribution

53 42

Chilliwack

151

277

519

790

717

375

241

122

1286

1466

1390

1328

100%

87 49

Port Moody Port

102

221

443

868

507

497

220

99%

1273

1545

1542

1340

51 21

Burnaby-Kensington Park Burnaby-Kensington

155

337

667

967

492

215

115

1126

1531

1589

1487 100%

: Frequency :Frequency

Completeness

Data Data

Missing

>=36

33 to 36 to 33

30 to 33 to 30

27 to 30 to 27

24 to 27 to 24

21 to 24 to 21

18 to 21 to 18

15 to 18 to 15

12 to 15 to 12

9 to 12 to 9

6 to 9 to 6

3 to 6 to 3

0 to 3 to 0

-3 to 0 -3to

-6 to -3 -6to

-9 to -6 -9to

-12 to -9 to -12

(deg C) (deg

Temperature Temperature Air

Table

82 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

Note: The direction of the bar indicates the direction from which the wind is blowing, the colour indicates the wind speed class and the length of the bar indicates the frequency of occurrence. Figure 73: Winter (Jan, Feb, Dec) representative wind roses throughout the LFV, 2016.

Note: The direction of the bar indicates the direction from which the wind is blowing, the colour indicates the wind speed class and the length of the bar indicates the frequency of occurrence. Figure 74: Summer (Jun, Jul, Aug) representative wind roses throughout the LFV, 2016.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 83

Note: The direction of the bar indicates the direction from which the wind is blowing, the colour indicates the wind speed class and the length of the bar indicates the frequency of occurrence. Figure 75: Spring (Mar, Apr, May) representative wind roses throughout the LFV, 2016.

Note: The direction of the bar indicates the direction from which the wind is blowing, the colour indicates the wind speed class and the length of the bar indicates the frequency of occurrence. Figure 76: Fall (Sep, Oct, Nov) representative wind roses throughout the LFV, 2016.

84 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

Section H – Specialized Monitoring Initiatives

Specialized air quality monitoring studies complement In 2016, monitoring continued for Metro Vancouver’s the monitoring network. The studies typically allow for Near-Road Air Quality Monitoring Study in Vancouver to characterization of air quality at finer spatial scales, such measure air pollutants near a major roadway to aid in the as at the neighbourhood scale, and allow investigation of determination of public exposure to air pollutants. The air quality problems on the local scale. The regional study, conducted in partnership with Environment and monitoring network may not be ideally suited to address Climate Change Canada and the University of Toronto, local scale issues and therefore performing specialized consists of two monitoring stations equipped with air local air quality studies is an important component to quality monitoring instruments capable of measuring characterizing air quality in the LFV. traffic-related pollutants.

A Mobile Air Monitoring Unit (MAMU) that is capable of The near-road monitoring station was established on monitoring particulate and gaseous pollutants along with Clark Drive, a busy truck route, while a background meteorology is utilized throughout the region to conduct station located away from traffic emissions was specialized air quality studies. In addition to MAMU, established at Sunny Hill Health Center for Children in Metro Vancouver utilizes small mobile units along with Vancouver. A number of commonly measured several portable air quality monitors. pollutants, volatile organic compounds, and meteorology are being monitored with standard instrumentation, Specialized studies in 2016 included completion of a along with some leading-edge instrumentation to monitoring study in Lions Bay to assess air quality and measure ultrafine particulate, and elemental and organic investigate effects of residential wood burning, traffic, carbon. and other emissions; and continuation of a near-road monitoring study in Vancouver to assess air pollutants near a major roadway.

Throughout 2016 enhanced SO2 monitoring continued where six passive SO2 samplers located on the south shore of Burrard Inlet in Vancouver were operated along with a collocated portable continuous SO2 monitor (Airpointer) located in Pandora Park (shown below). This monitoring was conducted in partnership with the Port of Vancouver to assess levels of SO2 near port areas. Funding of the monitoring was provided by the Port of Vancouver.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 85

Section I – Monitoring Network Operations

Network History Monitoring Network Partners Air monitoring in the region began in 1949, when the City Several partners contribute to the on-going management of Vancouver established a dustfall monitoring network. and operation of the Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring for total suspended particulate was added in Monitoring Network. The government partners include: later years. Following the Pollution Control Act (1967),  Fraser Valley Regional District provincial air quality programs initiated monitoring of dustfall and total suspended particulate in other areas of  Environment and Climate Change Canada the region.  BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy In 1972, provincial and municipal air quality responsibilities were transferred to Metro Vancouver, Other monitoring network partnerships: including operation of air quality monitoring programs. In  The Vancouver International Airport Authority 1998, a Memorandum of Understanding established provides partial funding for the Vancouver cooperative management of the monitoring network by International Airport station (T31). both Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley Regional  Parkland Refining (BC) Ltd. provides funding for the District. Burnaby North (T24) and Capitol Hill (T23) stations. Continuous monitoring of gaseous pollutants began in  Kinder Morgan Canada provides funding for the 1972 under the auspices of the federal National Air Burnaby-Burmount (T22) station. Pollution Surveillance (NAPS) program. Several new  Port of Vancouver provides funding for the stations were established to measure SO2, O3, CO, NOX Tsawwassen (T39) station in Delta, continuous SO2 and VOC. Over the years, stations and equipment have monitor in Pandora Park and the passive SO2 been added or removed in response to changing air monitoring network. quality management priorities. Mobile Air Monitoring Units and portable instruments provide added flexibility Metro Vancouver continues to operate and maintain the to carry out measurements at many locations. Some monitoring stations and equipment, and to collect real- monitoring is part of co-operative programs with industry time data from the regional monitoring network on and other governments. behalf of all partners.

Fleet of electric trucks on Carrall Street in Vancouver (1913), Courtesy of City of Vancouver Archives.

86 2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report

Federal Government In addition, technicians perform major repairs to any Metro Vancouver co-operates with the federal instrument in the network, as required. Through the data government by providing field services for three major acquisition system, technicians can check on instruments nation-wide sampling programs under the National Air remotely prior site visits. This system also allows for Pollution Surveillance (NAPS) program of Environment calibration of the instruments either automatically or Canada. upon demand. Portable calibration equipment is used to  Canister sampling of VOC has been conducted in the evaluate instrument performance. LFV since 1988. The federal government supplies equipment and Metro Vancouver staff provide field Continuous air quality monitors are subject to exchange of canisters, calibration and routine performance audits and multi-point calibration every maintenance. Sample canisters are sent to the federal four to six months. In addition, all other instruments and laboratory in Ottawa, for analysis of up to 175 VOC. samplers in the network are subjected to annual and/or biannual calibrations. All reference materials and quality  A second program involves dichotomous particulate control procedures meet or exceed Environment Canada sampling at three sites. This long-term program and/or U.S. Environmental Protection Agency samples PM at two size fractions: 10 to 2.5 m (coarse), requirements. Metro Vancouver coordinates quality and under 2.5 m (fine). Samples are collected every assurance procedures and activities with both the sixth day, and returned to Ottawa for detailed chemical provincial and federal government. analysis.

 In 2003 a PM2.5 speciation sampling program was Database initiated. Particulate speciation samplers are operated Data from continuous air quality analyzers are at the Burnaby South and Abbotsford Airport stations. transmitted to Metro Vancouver’s central database using PM2.5 samples are taken every sixth day in specially internet, phone lines and cellular links. Hourly averages designed cartridges. The samples are sent to the federal for each monitor are calculated from the one minute data laboratory in Ottawa where they are analyzed for and stored in the database. For a measurement to be various particulate species. considered valid (and stored for further use), at least 75% of the relevant data must be available. Calibration data Quality Assurance and Control and instrument diagnostics are also retained by the data Air quality monitoring data is regularly reviewed and acquisition system validated. Technicians perform regular inspections and routine maintenance of the monitoring equipment and stations.

2016 Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report 87 Appendix A – 2016 Non-Continuous Pollutant Measurements

This appendix summarizes non-continuous pollutant of fine particulate is obtained from two stations (Burnaby measurements collected from air quality stations in the South and Abbotsford Airport). From these the various Lower Fraser Valley (LFV) Air Quality Monitoring Network compounds that form PM2.5 are identified, including in 2016 and describes related monitoring activities and additional trace metals such as iron, vanadium, and lead programs conducted during the year. and other additional elements. Air Quality Measurements Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) The LFV Air Quality Monitoring Network primarily While there are many thousands of organic compounds employs continuous monitors which provide data in real- in the atmosphere that meet the definition of a VOC, the time every minute of the day. The network also contains NAPS measurement program focuses on VOC that are specialized air quality monitors that sample the air on a important precursors in ozone formation and/or are non-continuous basis. Non-continuous 24-hour (daily) known to have toxic effects. In order to report and track samples are collected on filters and/or in canisters every the most important VOC in relation to these two main sixth or twelfth day depending on the site. focus areas, a number of priority VOC, as defined below, have been selected and reported in this appendix. Non-continuous samples of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and particulate are collected throughout the LFV. VOC species have a range of photochemical reactivity, VOC refers to a group of organic chemicals. A large and thus potential to lead to ozone formation. In the number of chemicals are included in this group but each report Metro Vancouver VOC Policy Options Review individual chemical is generally present at relatively low (2015), a ranking of VOC is presented based on work by concentrations compared to other common air Environment and Climate Change Canada that classified contaminants. These data can then be used to help the reactivity of the VOC species and their relative determine the emission sources contributing to the abundance in the LFV. The top five ranked VOC for ozone contaminants in the air. formation in LFV were ethylene, 1-butene/isobutene, isoprene, 2-methyl-2-butene, and m- and p-xylene. Non-continuous samples are collected in accordance with the National Air Pollution Surveillance (NAPS) Toxic VOC have been identified as a concern from a program. After collection, samples are transported to human health perspective due to known acute or chronic and analyzed in a federal laboratory in Ottawa to health effects. The Toxic Air Pollutants Risk Assessment determine pollutant concentrations. Obtaining results of (2015) for the LFV commissioned by Metro Vancouver non-continuous sampling from the federal laboratory identified high priority toxic VOC in the LFV based on may introduce a time lag compared to continuous cancer and/or non-cancer health risks associated with monitoring, and thus this report has been produced as an measured 2010 VOC levels. The study identified five high appendix. priority VOC based on estimated health risks: formaldehyde, acrolein, benzene, acetaldehyde and 1,3- Particulate Sampling butadiene.

Non-continuous 24-hour (daily) fine particulate (PM2.5) and inhalable particulate (PM10) samples are collected at four monitoring stations in the LFV. A detailed analysis is conducted for three of these stations (Port Moody, Burnaby South and Abbotsford Airport) which includes some trace metals, sulfate, nitrate, ions, and elements.

Using specialized instrumentation that is able to provide ‘speciation’ of particulate matter, detailed information about individual chemical constituents and composition

A1 Appendix A – 2016 Non-Continuous Pollutant Measurements Non-Continuous PM2.5 and PM10 Sampling

th Non-continuous 24-hour (daily) PM2.5 samples are highest levels that occur, represented by the 99 collected on filters every sixth day in accordance with the percentile of the 24-hour average for each year. NAPS program schedule. After sample collection, the filters are weighed in the laboratory to determine PM2.5 Overall, the average long-term trend shows decreasing concentrations. PM2.5 concentrations with little variation from year-to- year. The differences in peak trends from year to year Figure A1 presents maximum daily and average PM2.5 are likely driven by meteorological variability and wildfire values from the non-continuous monitors that operated activities. Most evident in the long-term peak trend is in 2016. There were no exceedances of Metro that in 2015 the highest concentration was measured, a Vancouver’s PM2.5 objectives. result of the unprecedented wildfire smoke that inundated the region. Using specialized particulate matter speciation instrumentation, detailed information about the Non-continuous 24-hour (daily) PM coarse fraction (PM10 chemical composition of PM2.5 is obtained from two - PM2.5) samples are collected on filters every sixth day in stations in the network (Burnaby South and Abbotsford accordance with the NAPS program schedule. After Airport) as a result of analysis carried out by the federal collection, samples are weighed in a laboratory to NAPS program. From the 24-hour samples collected at determine the PM10 concentrations during the sampling these two sites, the various compounds that collectively period. contribute to overall PM2.5 are identified in a federal laboratory. A detailed laboratory analysis by NAPS is also carried out on the filter samples collected in Port Moody.

These detailed data are not shown in this report.

Non-continuous sampling provides the longest record of PM2.5 measurements in the LFV. Figure A2 shows PM2.5 measurements made in Port Moody over the last two decades. The short-term peak concentrations reflect the

+ Metro Vancouver’s Planning Goal of 6 g/m3 is a longer term aspirational target to support continuous improvement. *Data completeness criteria was not met at this station and the annual average was calculated from all available data for the year.

Figure A1: Non-continuous particulate (PM2.5) monitoring, 2016.

Appendix A – 2016 Non-Continuous Pollutant Measurements A2

Figure A2: Fine particulate (PM2.5) trends at Port Moody, 1997 to 2016.

Figure A3 presents maximum daily average and annual known what caused elevated PM10 during this time, average PM10 values from the non-continuous however it was likely due to local emission sources. monitors that operated in 2016. The Metro Vancouver 24-hour objective was exceeded at the Abbotsford Airport station in 2016 on September 15. It is not

*Data completeness criteria were not met at these stations and annual averages were calculated from all available data for the year.

Figure A3: Non-continuous inhalable particulate (PM10) sampling, 2016.

A3 Appendix A – 2016 Non-Continuous Pollutant Measurements Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)

Volatile organic compounds are organic compounds containing one or more carbon atoms that have high Under the Canadian Environmental Protection vapour pressures and therefore evaporate readily to the Act some VOC are included in the Toxic atmosphere. In 2016, VOC samples were collected at Substances List. seven sites in the LFV. In cooperation with the federal NAPS program, canister sampling of VOC has been Emissions of some VOC are managed under conducted in the LFV since 1988. Canisters sent to the permits and industry-specific regulations within federal laboratory are analyzed for up to 175 species of Metro Vancouver. VOC.

For analytical purposes, VOC can be considered either Sources nonpolar (i.e., hydrocarbons and halogenated hydrocarbons) or polar (i.e., compounds containing VOC can originate from direct emissions, volatilization oxygen, nitrogen, sulphur, etc.). Nonpolar VOC can be (i.e. changing into the gas phase) of substances in the characterized by sampling with evacuated metal liquid or solid phase, and formation from precursor canisters and well-established analytical methods. In pollutants via chemical reactions in the atmosphere. contrast, polar VOC require specialized sampling and Sources of VOC in Metro Vancouver include, but are not analytical methods to measure trace levels because of limited to, emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels, their chemical reactivity, affinity for metal and solubility evaporation from industrial and residential solvents and in water. Because of this, polar VOC were only measured paints, vegetation, agricultural activities, petroleum at two locations (Port Moody and Abbotsford-Airport) in refineries, fuel-refilling facilities, the burning of wood 2016. and other vegetative materials, and large industrial facilities. Characteristics Monitoring Results VOC refers to a class of organic chemicals that can vaporize into the atmosphere at normal ambient Figure A4 shows the maximum daily total VOC and temperatures and pressures. This group comprises many average total VOC from each VOC monitoring station in chemicals but individual compounds are generally 2016. The data indicates that the highest average total present at low concentrations in air compared to other VOC levels were measured at stations close to specific common air contaminants. industrial sources near Burrard Inlet. The highest daily total VOC concentration was observed at Burnaby-North Locally, VOC can be found in urban smog and are on September 15, 2016. precursors to the formation of other contaminants present in smog such as ozone and fine particulates. Figure A5 provides data from 1997 to 2016 from Some VOC (e.g. carbon tetrachloride) can contribute to sampling undertaken at the Port Moody station as an depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer and may example of the long-term trends in total VOC contribute to climate change. Other VOC (e.g. benzene) concentrations. Both annual average and short-term can pose a human health risk. peak (95th percentile) VOC concentrations have decreased since the mid-1990s. In recent years, average and short-term peak VOC concentrations have remained relatively constant.

Appendix A – 2016 Non-Continuous Pollutant Measurements A4

Figure A4: Total VOC monitoring, 2016.

Figure A5: Total VOC trends at Port Moody, 1997 to 2016.

A5 Appendix A – 2016 Non-Continuous Pollutant Measurements Ethylene

Characteristics Monitoring Results Ethylene has been prioritized for monitoring in the Figure A6 illustrates the results of ethylene monitoring in region because of its ozone producing potential. 2016. Figure A6 displays the maximum daily Ethylene, also known as ethene, has the chemical concentration as well as the annual average for each formula C2H4. It is a colorless gas with a sweet odour and ethylene monitoring location. The highest average and taste. Ethylene is degraded in the atmosphere by peak concentrations occurred at Richmond-Airport and reactions with hydroxyl radicals, ozone and nitrate Port Moody. radicals and is the number one ranked VOC in the LFV for its ozone producing potential. Ethylene is the number one ranked VOC for its ozone producing potential in the LFV. Concentrations have steadily declined over the Sources last two decades.

Ethylene occurs naturally and is also manufactured for a number of uses. Ethylene is a natural product emitted by Figures A7 and A8 illustrate the long-term average and fruits, flowers, leaves, roots, and tubers. Ethylene is also peak ethylene trends in the LFV, respectively. Average emitted from the burning of vegetation, agricultural levels have continually decreased at all sites in the last 20 wastes, and refuse, and from the incomplete combustion years. Peak levels decreased considerably in the late of fossil fuels. Globally, biomass burning to clear land for 1990s and early 2000s at most sites, but over the last five agriculture or other uses is the largest source of years, peak concentrations have remained relatively anthropogenic ethylene emissions, followed by constant. combustion of fossil fuels, which is estimated to be the largest anthropogenic ethylene emissions source in the LFV. Cigarette smoke contains ethylene, and it is also used as a chemical intermediate and precursor in industrial organic synthesis, in the welding and cutting of metals, as a plant growth regulator, and as a refrigerant.

Figure A6: Ethylene monitoring, 2016.

Appendix A – 2016 Non-Continuous Pollutant Measurements A6

Figure A7: Annual ethylene trend, 1997 to 2016.

Figure A8: Short-term peak ethylene trend, 1997 to 2016.

A7 Appendix A – 2016 Non-Continuous Pollutant Measurements 1-Butene/isobutene

Characteristics Monitoring Results 1-Butene/isobutene are isomers of butene with the Figure A9 illustrates the results of 1-butene/isobutene chemical formula C4H8. Monitoring has been prioritized monitoring in 2016. Figure A9 displays the maximum from an ozone production perspective as the second daily concentration as well as the annual average for highest ranked VOC for ozone producing potential in the each 1-butene/isobutene monitoring location. The LFV. They are colourless gases with a slightly aromatic highest concentrations occurred at the Burnaby North odour. station that is adjacent to the refinery tank farm where petroleum products are stored. Sources 1-Butene/isobutene are emitted by both natural and 1-Butene/isobutene are emitted both by anthropogenic sources. They are present in crude oil as natural and anthropogenic sources and are the minor constituents, and used by industry and consumers second most important VOC in terms of its as components of adhesives and sealants, fuels and fuel ozone producing potential in the LFV. additives, intermediates, and plasticizers. They may be released into the environment by petroleum refineries, through the burning of waste plastics, as a volatile Figures A10 and A11 illustrate the long-term average and emission from gasoline and from the burning of wood. 1- peak 1-butene/isobutene trends in the LFV, respectively. Butene/isobutene have been widely detected in the Average levels have decreased considerably since the exhaust gas of vehicles using gasoline and diesel and late 1990s. Historically, Burnaby North has experienced from jet engines. They are also naturally occurring plant the highest average and peak levels of 1- emissions from mixed deciduous forests, and have also butene/isobutene. The variability of the maximum daily been found in the volatile organic fraction emitted concentrations is likely a result of variability in emissions during the heating of soybean, rapeseed, peanut, and and meteorology. Canola oils. In the LFV, the primary sources of 1- butene/isobutene are gasoline solvent evaporation, chemical manufacturing, and refinery tank farm fugitive emissions.

Figure A9: 1-Butene/isobutene monitoring, 2016.

Appendix A – 2016 Non-Continuous Pollutant Measurements A8

Figure A10: Annual 1-butene/isobutene trend, 1997 to 2016.

Figure A11: Short-term peak 1-butene/isobutene trend, 1997 to 2016.

A9 Appendix A – 2016 Non-Continuous Pollutant Measurements Isoprene

Characteristics Monitoring Results

Isoprene is the third highest ranked VOC for its ozone Figure A12 illustrates the results of isoprene monitoring producing potential in the LFV. Isoprene is a colourless, in 2016. Figure A12 displays the maximum daily volatile liquid hydrocarbon with the chemical formula concentration as well as the annual average for each C5H8 and has a mild aromatic petroleum-like odour. isoprene monitoring location. The highest Vapor-phase isoprene is degraded in the atmosphere by concentrations occurred at the Burnaby-Burmount reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl station that is adjacent to the Burnaby Mountain tank radicals and thus is of interest due to its ozone producing farm where petroleum products are stored. potential. Figures A13 and A14 illustrate the long-term average and peak isoprene trends in the LFV, respectively. Isoprene is a priority from an ozone production Historically, the North Burnaby station adjacent to the perspective and is released to the atmosphere refinery tank farm measured the highest annual average by natural sources and during the production of isoprene levels, but over the past 10 years, the Burnaby- heavy petroleum oils. Burmount station adjacent to the Burnaby Mountain tank farm has recorded the highest average levels.

Maximum daily values show little discernible trend from Sources the mid-90’s to present, but in recent years the maximum daily concentration has mostly been Isoprene is emitted by both natural and anthropogenic measured at the Burnaby-Burmount station. sources. Biogenic isoprene is emitted to the atmosphere by many tree and plant species. Isoprene can be emitted by petroleum refineries, the manufacture of vehicle tires and a wide variety of other products including medical equipment, toys, shoe soles, elastic films and threads for textiles and golf balls, adhesives, paints and coatings. In the LFV, biogenic emissions from plants, vehicle exhaust emissions, and refinery and tank farm fugitive emissions are the primary sources of isoprene.

Figure A12: Isoprene monitoring, 2016.

Appendix A – 2016 Non-Continuous Pollutant Measurements A10

Figure A13: Annual isoprene trend, 1997 to 2016.

Figure A14: Short-term peak isoprene trend, 1997 to 2016.

A11 Appendix A – 2016 Non-Continuous Pollutant Measurements 2-Methyl-2-butene

Characteristics Monitoring Results 2-Methyl-2-butene is a clear colourless liquid with the Figure A15 illustrates the results of 2-methyl-2-butene chemical formula C5H10 and a petroleum-like odour. The monitoring in 2016. Figure A15 displays the maximum compound is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction daily concentration as well as the annual average. The with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals, highest concentrations occurred at the Burnaby North ozone, and nitrate radical. The compound is of interest station that is adjacent to the refinery tank farm. because of its involvement in the reactions that form ozone and is the fourth highest ranked VOC for its ozone Figures A16 and A17 illustrate the long-term average and producing potential in the LFV. peak 2-methyl-2-butene trends in the LFV, respectively. The contaminant 2-methyl-2-butene follows a similar long-term trend as 1-butene/isobutene with average 2-Methyl-2-butene is a component of refinery levels decreasing considerably since the late 1990s. gas and used as an agricultural chemical, fuel Historically Burnaby North has experienced the highest and fuel additives, and intermediate in chemical average and peak levels of 2-methyl-2-butene. The manufacturing. It reacts to form ground-level variability of the peak levels is likely due to ozone. meteorological and emissions variability.

Sources

2-Methyl-2-butene is used by industry and consumers as an agricultural chemical, fuel constituent and fuel additive, and intermediate in chemical manufacturing. It is also a component of gas emitted during petroleum refining. The primary sources of 2-methyl-2-butene in the LFV are refinery and tank farm fugitive emissions, and vehicle exhaust emissions.

Figure A15: 2-Methyl-2-butene monitoring, 2016.

Appendix A – 2016 Non-Continuous Pollutant Measurements A12

Figure A16: Annual 2-methyl-2-butene trend, 1997 to 2016.

Figure A17: Short-term peak 2-methyl-2-butene trend, 1997 to 2016.

A13 Appendix A – 2016 Non-Continuous Pollutant Measurements M- and p-xylene

Characteristics Monitoring Results Xylenes are a family of three aromatic hydrocarbon Figure A18 illustrates the results of m- and p-xylene isomers (ortho-, meta- and para-xylene) with the monitoring in 2016. Figure A18 displays the maximum chemical formula C8H10. They are colourless liquids that daily concentration as well as the annual average for are nearly insoluble in water and have a sweet odour. each xylene monitoring location. The highest daily From an ozone production perspective m- and p-xylene maximum and average concentrations occurred at are the fifth highest ranked VOC for ozone producing Burnaby North followed by Port Moody. potential in the LFV. Sources Xylenes, released into the atmosphere as fugitive emissions from industrial sources, Xylenes are used in the production of industrial vehicle exhaust, and solvents, react to help form chemicals, as solvents in products such as paints and ground-level ozone. coatings, and are blended into gasoline. Xylenes are released into the atmosphere as fugitive emissions from industrial sources, from vehicle exhaust, and through Figures A19 and A20 illustrate the long-term average and volatilization due to their use as solvents. In the LFV, the peak m- and p-xylene trends in the LFV, respectively. primary sources of m- and p-xylene are vehicle emissions Burnaby North and Port Moody have historically and solvent evaporation. experienced the highest annual average m- and p-xylene concentrations. Overall the annual average exhibits a downward trend at most locations. The most recent years exhibit lower maximum daily concentrations relative to prior years.

Figure A18: M- and p-xylene monitoring, 2016.

Appendix A – 2016 Non-Continuous Pollutant Measurements A14

Figure A19: Annual m- and p-xylene trend, 1997 to 2016.

Figure A20: Short-term peak m- and p-xylene trend, 1997 to 2016.

A15 Appendix A – 2016 Non-Continuous Pollutant Measurements Formaldehyde

Characteristics of ambient formaldehyde are likely due to both primary emissions and secondary formation. The chemical formula for formaldehyde is CH2O, and it is a colourless gas with a pungent, suffocating odour at Monitoring Results room temperature. The US EPA considers formaldehyde a probable human carcinogen and acute (short-term) Figure A21 illustrates the results of formaldehyde and chronic (long-term) inhalation exposure can result in monitoring in 2016. Figure A21 displays the maximum adverse human health effects. At ambient daily concentration as well as the annual average for concentrations measured in the LFV in 2010 it poses a each formaldehyde monitoring location. The highest lifetime cancer risk greater than Health Canada’s 1 in daily concentration occurred at the Port Moody station. 100,000 screening threshold1. Formaldehyde is a polar VOC and is sampled at two stations in the network. Sources Formaldehyde is used mainly to produce resins used in Formaldehyde is a probable human carcinogen particleboard products and as an intermediate in the and acute and chronic inhalation exposure can synthesis of other chemicals. One of the most common result in human health effects. uses of formaldehyde is manufacturing urea- formaldehyde resins, used in particleboard products. It also has minor uses in agriculture, as an analytical Historically polar VOC have only been routinely reagent, in concrete and plaster additives, cosmetics, measured at Port Moody. Figures A22 and A23 illustrate disinfectants, fumigants, photography, and wood the long-term average and peak formaldehyde trends at preservation. Port Moody and Abbotsford-Airport, respectively. There does not appear to be a discernible trend in average and The primary sources of formaldehyde emissions in the peak levels for formaldehyde at Port Moody. Due to LFV are exhaust from fossil fuel combustion, residential resource limitations in the federal NAPS program, wood burning, and fugitive emissions from industrial analysis of polar VOC was limited in Canada between facilities. It is important to note that formaldehyde may 2011 and 2013 and therefore a gap is present during also be formed in the atmosphere through chemical these years. reactions of other precursor species, so measured levels

Figure A21: Formaldehyde monitoring, 2016.

1 Toxic Air Pollutants Risk Assessment and Emissions Inventory for the Lower Fraser Valley, Metro Vancouver, 2015.

Appendix A – 2016 Non-Continuous Pollutant Measurements A16

Figure A22: Annual formaldehyde trend, 1997 to 2016.

Figure A23: Short-term peak formaldehyde trend, 1997 to 2016.

A17 Appendix A – 2016 Non-Continuous Pollutant Measurements Acrolein

Characteristics Monitoring Results

Acrolein (C3H4O) is a clear or yellow liquid with a burned, Figure A24 illustrates the results of acrolein monitoring sweet, pungent odour. Acrolein is a strong irritant for in 2016. Figure A24 displays the value of the maximum the skin, eyes and nasal passages. At ambient daily concentration as well as the annual average for concentrations measured in the LFV in 2010 it poses a each acrolein monitoring location. The highest peak non-cancer health risk greater than Health Canada’s 0.2 daily concentration occurred at the Abbotsford-Airport hazard quotient screening threshold2. station. Acrolein is a polar VOC and is sampled at two stations in the network. Sources Acrolein is produced during incomplete organic Acrolein is a strong irritant for the skin, eyes and combustion and is used as an intermediate for various nasal passages and has known acute human industrial and consumer uses. A main source of acrolein health effects. is incomplete organic combustion from residential fireplaces, burning of fuels, automobile exhaust, overheated vegetable and animal fats, tobacco smoke, Historically polar VOC have only been routinely and smoke from structural and vegetative fires. Acrolein measured at Port Moody. Figures A25 and A26 illustrate may be released to the atmosphere during its production the long-term average and peak acrolein trends at Port for use as an aquatic herbicide, warning agent in gases, Moody and Abbotsford-Airport, respectively. Decreases fumigant, leather tanning agent, pharmaceutical, and in in average and peak concentrations have been making plastics and perfumes. experienced between the mid-1990s to the early-2000s. In the late-2000s the trend is less apparent. Due to In the LFV, the primary sources of acrolein emissions are resource limitations in the federal NAPS program, exhaust from fossil fuel combustion and residential wood analysis of polar VOC was limited in Canada between burning. 2011 and 2013 and therefore a gap is present during these years.

Figure A24: Acrolein monitoring, 2016.

2 Toxic Air Pollutants Risk Assessment and Emissions Inventory for the Lower Fraser Valley, Metro Vancouver, 2015.

Appendix A – 2016 Non-Continuous Pollutant Measurements A18

Figure A25: Annual acrolein trend, 1997 to 2016.

Figure A26: Short-term peak acrolein trend, 1997 to 2016.

A19 Appendix A – 2016 Non-Continuous Pollutant Measurements Benzene

Characteristics residential wood burning, as well as refinery and tank farm fugitive emissions. Benzene is an aromatic hydrocarbon with a sweet odour at high concentrations and the chemical formula C6H6. At Monitoring Results ambient temperature it occurs as a volatile, colourless, highly flammable liquid that is somewhat soluble in Figure A27 illustrates the results of benzene monitoring water. Benzene has been classified by the US EPA as a in 2016. Figure A27 displays the maximum daily known human carcinogen and has both acute and concentration as well as the annual average for each chronic inhalation exposure effects. At ambient benzene monitoring location. The highest concentrations measured in the LFV in 2010, it poses a concentrations occurred at the Burnaby North station lifetime cancer risk greater than Health Canada’s 1 in that is adjacent to the refinery tank farm. 100,000 screening threshold3. Figures A28 and A29 illustrate the long-term average and peak benzene trends in the LFV, respectively. Average Benzene levels have decreased regionally over levels of benzene decreased considerably in the mid- the last two decades mainly due to federal 2000s at Burnaby North while other monitoring sites gasoline regulations. exhibited a more constant decrease since the mid-1990s. Reductions in benzene levels regionally can be attributed

mainly to benzene emission reductions from Sources transportation and refinery sources brought on by federal gasoline regulations. Due to its proximity to the Benzene is found in emissions from burning coal and oil, refinery tank farm, the Burnaby North has consistently motor vehicle exhaust, and evaporation from gasoline exhibited the highest average annual and peak levels of service stations and in industrial solvents. In the LFV, the benzene in the region. primary sources of benzene include gasoline engine exhaust, service station fugitive emissions, and

Figure A27: Benzene monitoring, 2016.

3 Toxic Air Pollutants Risk Assessment and Emissions Inventory for the Lower Fraser Valley, Metro Vancouver, 2015.

Appendix A – 2016 Non-Continuous Pollutant Measurements A20

Figure A28: Annual benzene trend, 1997 to 2016.

Figure A29: Short-term peak benzene trend, 1997 to 2016.

A21 Appendix A – 2016 Non-Continuous Pollutant Measurements Acetaldehyde

Characteristics Monitoring Results

Acetaldehyde is a colourless volatile liquid that is Figure A30 illustrates the results of acetaldehyde flammable and soluble in water. Its chemical formula is monitoring in 2016. Figure A30 displays the maximum CH3CHO, and at dilute concentrations it has a fruity and daily concentration as well as the annual average for pleasant odour. Acetaldehyde is considered a probable each acetaldehyde monitoring location. The highest human carcinogen and has both acute and chronic concentrations occurred at the Port Moody station. human health effects. In the LFV, at ambient Acetaldehyde is a polar VOC and is sampled at two concentrations measured in 2010, it poses a non-cancer stations in the network. health risk greater than Health Canada’s 0.2 hazard quotient screening threshold4. Acetaldehyde is considered a probable human Sources carcinogen with potential for both acute and chronic human health effects. Acetaldehyde is an intermediate product of plant respiration and formed as a product of incomplete wood combustion in fireplaces and woodstoves, coffee Historically polar VOC have only been routinely roasting, burning of tobacco, vehicle exhaust, and waste measured at Port Moody. Figures A31 and A32 illustrate processing. Acetaldehyde is also used in the production the long-term average and peak acetaldehyde trends at of perfumes, polyester resins, and basic Port Moody and Abbotsford-Airport, respectively. There dyes. Acetaldehyde is also used as a fruit and fish does not appear to be a discernible trend in average and preservative, as a flavoring agent, and as a denaturant peak levels for acetaldehyde at Port Moody. Due to for alcohol, in fuel compositions, for hardening gelatin, resource limitations in the federal NAPS program, and as a solvent in the rubber, tanning, and paper analysis of polar VOC was limited in Canada between industries. 2011 and 2013 and therefore a gap is present during these years. In the LFV, the primary sources of acetaldehyde include natural sources, gasoline engine exhaust, and residential wood burning.

Figure A30: Acetaldehyde monitoring, 2016.

4 Toxic Air Pollutants Risk Assessment and Emissions Inventory for the Lower Fraser Valley, Metro Vancouver, 2015.

Appendix A – 2016 Non-Continuous Pollutant Measurements A22

Figure A31: Annual acetaldehyde trend, 1997 to 2016.

Figure A32: Short-term peak acetaldehyde trend, 1997 to 2016.

A23 Appendix A – 2016 Non-Continuous Pollutant Measurements 1,3-Butadiene

Characteristics Monitoring Results 1,3-Butadiene is a colourless gas with mild gasoline-like Figure A33 illustrates the results of 1,3-butadiene odour with the chemical formula C4H6. 1,3-Butadiene monitoring in 2016. Figure A33 displays the maximum has been classified by the US EPA as a known human daily concentration as well as the annual average for carcinogen and has both acute and chronic inhalation each 1,3-butadiene monitoring location. The highest exposure effects. At ambient concentrations measured concentrations occurred at the Richmond-Airport and in the LFV in 2010 it poses a lifetime cancer risk greater Port Moody stations. than Health Canada’s 1 in 100,000 screening threshold5. Figures A34 and A35 illustrate the long-term average and peak 1,3-butadiene trends in the LFV, respectively. 1,3-Butadiene levels have decreased regionally Average levels of 1,3-butadiene decreased considerably over the last two decades mainly due to in the mid-2000s at Burnaby North while other improvements in internal combustion engine monitoring sites exhibited a more constant decrease efficiency. since the 1990s. Reductions in 1,3-butadiene levels regionally can be attributed to continuing improvement in the emissions performance of gasoline internal Sources combustion engines driven by federal emissions 1,3-Butadiene is found in emissions from gasoline regulations. internal combustion engines in on-road vehicles, off- road vehicles, and aircraft. In Metro Vancouver, residential wood burning is also a significant source, and oil refinery emissions have historically contributed to 1,3-butadiene emissions.

Figure A33: 1,3-Butadiene monitoring, 2016.

5 Toxic Air Pollutants Risk Assessment and Emissions Inventory for the Lower Fraser Valley, Metro Vancouver, 2015.

Appendix A – 2016 Non-Continuous Pollutant Measurements A24

Figure A34: Annual 1,3-butadiene trend, 1997 to 2016.

Figure A35: Short-term peak 1,3-butadiene trend, 1997 to 2016.

A25 Appendix A – 2016 Non-Continuous Pollutant Measurements