Central Okanagan CLEAN AIR STRATEGY 1 Presented to: RDCO Regional Services Committee Presented by: Cariad Garratt, Pinna Sustainability Inc. Date: February 12th, 2015 Presentation Summary 2 • Project Process • Key Pollutants • State of the Air in the Region • Vision, Goals and Strategies • Implementation: base and further • Estimated Costs Overview of this project 3 Phase 1 Phase 2 Review and Research Engage and Develop the Plan • Advisory Group • Workshops – Advisory Group • Regional Board of Directors • Public Engagement • Regional Board of Directors Advisory Group 4 Throughout the process we received valuable input from: Environment Canada Interior Health Authority Health Canada Municipal staff BC Ministry of Environment Westbank FN staff Regional Services staff Public consultation: online 5 Two-week consultation period 900 views through MindMixer and Facebook Over 100 comments received, and 61 new ideas Key pollutants 6 1 - Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) 2 - Ozone 3 - Greenhouse Gases Major sources of air pollutants (Central Okanagan) 7 Air pollutants (includes PM2.5 + Ozone forming) GHG emissions 32% 46% 21% 11% 11% 19% 10% 15% 7% 5% 3% 10% 7% 2% 1% Sources of data: Environment Canada (air pollutants); BC Ministry of Environment (GHG emissions) Current State of Air Pollution 8 Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and Ground-level ozone National Standards have NOT been exceeded Provincial Objectives reached 2 times for PM2.5 But no “safe” levels strive to reduce Greenhouse gas emissions Emissions have slowed relative to population growth (per capita emissions are down) However, with forecast growth, not yet on track to achieve reduction targets significant effort needed Pollutant Forecasts: 2020 / 2030 Central Okanagan 9 Local air pollutants: forecast change 2006 to 2030 Fine particulate matter (PM2.5): 0% to 180% * Coarse particulate matter (PM10): 18% to 80% * Volatile organic Compounds (VOC’s): 14% Ammonia (NH3): 7% Nitrogen oxides (NOx): 7% Sulphur oxides (SOx): 2% GHG emissions: forecast change 2007 to 2020 GHG emissions: 25% * depends on forest fire activity Clean Air Strategy 10 Vision and Goals 11 Vision Clean and healthy air for current and future generations. Goals The health of citizens and the environment is protected. Citizens and visitors enjoy clear views of the region’s stunning landscape. Regional greenhouse gas emissions are minimized. Themes 12 Strategies 13 Strategy Evaluation 14 Implementation: base plan 15 Dedicated staff resources 1 FTE: Regional air quality coordinator Collaboration with STPCO staff Annual budget (at current levels) Continue agricultural wood chipping program Continue sustainable transportation outreach program Continue workshops and other educational programs Implementation: further actions 16 Further actions identified requiring additional funding Expand Safe Routes to School program for all schools in region Expand agricultural wood chipping program Continue supporting woodstove exchange incentives Review and update bylaws Current Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Budget Budget Increase Increase 6,700 53,400 29,800 8,100 12,000 110,000 Annual 155,000 161,700 215,100 244,900 253,000 265,000 Budget % Budget 4% 39% 14% 3% 5% Increase Tracking Progress 17 This plan will track progress against the following: Levels of fine particulate matter and ground-level ozone remain below the Federal or Provincial air quality objectives and standards. There is continuous improvement in the levels of annually- averaged air pollutants for fine particulate matter and ground-level ozone. Communities are reducing total greenhouse gas emissions. GHG, Air Climate Quality Change and Energy Value for money? 18 Current Air Quality budget: Replace $155,000 Surface of tennis court Only staff & chipping program 335,000 The 2015 Clean Air Strategy: Air Quality 16 Strategies & 40 actions Program [additional 110,000] Sidewalk Softball Based on international best practices Network Playground Expansion 275,000 800,000 Strategies and funding requests represent the regions’ commitment to reduce emissions: Good Air Quality adds value to additional $110,000 over 5 years all outdoor recreation infrastructure projects Summary Three main pollutants are: PM2.5, Ozone and Greenhouse gases 19 2015 Clean Air Strategy 16 Strategies Several specific actions Implementing the strategy: additional $110,000 over 5 years Lack of action: increased health impacts increased hospital visits impacts on economy and tourism impacts on environment Support the Clean Air Strategy to ensure Clean and healthy air for current and future generations Cariad Garratt, Principal, Pinna Sustainability Inc. 604-789-2620 [email protected] .