Annual Report2013/14

Message from the Board Chair

The Alberta Capital Airshed (ACA) has made remarkable progress in 2013/14, providing residents of the Edmonton area with timely air quality monitoring information and continuing dialogue with our valued community, industry and government partners.

Since our inception, ZH·YH�EHHQ�VWHDGLO\�building momentum as an organization that fosters awareness about air quality within our community. Air quality is an integral component of healthy communities and with a growing appetite for more LQIRUPDWLRQ��LW·V�RXU�UROH�to ensure quality data is readily available.

Air quality monitoring is integral to what we do and as such, the ACA will continue to actively seek out opportunities to facilitate ongoing improvement and expansion of the air quality monitoring network. We are looking forward WR�D�VLJQLÀFDQW�PLOHVWRQH�

later this year when the City of St. Albert station is expected to be operational. It will join the other nine existing air monitoring stations in the ACA region.

We have been focusing on improving information access as well as overall stakeholder engagement and understanding. We appreciate that air quality data can be complex and we are making an effort to ensure that community members not only have access to accurate information, but that they fully understand what it means to them.

As Board Chair, I am proud to look back on a

year of progress and I look forward to working with our valued partners in the years to come. Air quality is something that affects us all so it is paramount that we work together to ensure RXU�FRPPXQLW\·V�RQJRLQJ�health, safety and prosperity.

Sincerely, Brent Korobanik, ACA Board Chair

1

About Us7KH�$OEHUWD�&DSLWDO�$LUVKHG�LV�D�QRW�IRU�SURÀW��PXOWL�VWDNHKROGHU�RUJDQL]DWLRQ�WKDW�SURYLGHV�public information on air quality, as well as develops recommendations regarding air quality management and monitoring. We are one of nine airsheds in Alberta, who together serve as the air monitoring partnership for Albertans.As an airshed, our goal is to protect and improve air quality in the region. We not only have a responsibility to gather and relay credible information, we must help educate our community about the importance of individual and collective environmental stewardship.

VisionResidents within the Alberta Capital Airshed region live, work and play in a safe and healthy environment with clean air that has no measurable short or long term adverse effects on people, animals of the environment.

MissionTo provide easily accessible, high quality data and expertise vital to develop comprehensive air quality management plans – clean air solutions that keep our air clean.

Alberta Capital Airshed 2013/14 Annual Report 32

Cityof Edmonton

Sherwood Park

St. Albert

Strathcona County

Sturgeon County

Leduc County

Parkland County

Leduc

Beaumont

Millet

Calmar

Devon

Fort Saskatchewan

Spruce Grove

Onoway

Morinville

Legal

Gibbons

Redwater

Lamont

Bruderheim

Stony Plain

AIR QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS

Beverly 114 Avenue and 38 Street, Edmonton Owned and operated by Strathcona Industrial Association.

Clareview 141 Avenue and 30 Street, Edmonton Owned and operated by Strathcona Industrial Association.

Elmjay 92 Avenue and 17 Street, Edmonton Owned and operated by Strathcona Industrial Association.

Edmonton Centre 10255 – 104 Street, Edmonton Owned and operated by Environment and Sustainable Resource Development.

Edmonton East 105 Avenue – 17 Street, Edmonton Owned and operated by Environment and Sustainable Resource Development.

Edmonton South 6240-113 Street, Edmonton Owned and operated by Environment and Sustainable Resource Development.

Goldbar 105A Avenue and 47 Street, Edmonton Owned and operated by Strathcona Industrial Association.

Sherwood Park 590 Broadmoor Boulevard and Beauvista Drive, Sherwood Park Owned and operated by Strathcona Industrial Association.

Woodcroft 13915 115 Avenue NW, Edmonton Owned and operated by Lehigh Cement.

Alberta Capital Airshed Boundary

5

Accomplishment Highlights

1. CASA ENDORSEMENT ,W·V�RIÀFLDO��WKH�$&$�LV�IXOO\�HQGRUVHG�E\�WKH�&OHDQ�$LU�6WUDWHJLF�$OOLDQFH��&$6$� DV�$OEHUWD·V�QLQWK�$LUVKHG�=RQH��$OWKRXJK�WKH�$&$�DQG�LWV�SUHGHFHVVRU�RUJDQL]DWLRQV�have existed for a number of years in the Edmonton area, its development in the past two years as a comprehensive airshed organization was recognized by &$6$·V�%RDUG�LQ�������

2. TECHNICAL AIR QUALITY REPORT In 2013, the ACA developed a local Air Quality Technical Report. This is a detailed summary of the state of air quality in the region, bringing together all available air TXDOLW\�GDWD�IRU�WKH�ÀUVW�WLPH��7KLV�LV�DQ�H[FLWLQJ�QHZ�LQIRUPDWLRQ�VRXUFH�WKDW�ZH�LQWHQG�to publish annually.

3. OUR GROWING MEMBERSHIP Each year our membership grows and in 2013, we proudly welcomed the City of Leduc.

4. MANAGING PARTICULATE MATTER 7KH�$OEHUWD�&DSLWDO�5HJLRQ�H[SHULHQFHV�ZLQWHU�VPRJ��ZKLFK�LV�FRPSRVHG�RI�ÀQH�particulate matter (PM). High readings of PM at two monitoring stations in Edmonton in 2009-2010 triggered the need to develop a management plan response, which ZLOO�EH�ÀQDOL]HG�LQ�������7KH�$&$�KDV�EHHQ�SDUWLFLSDWLQJ�DORQJVLGH�RXU�QHLJKERXULQJ�airsheds and other stakeholders to develop the plan.

5. REGIONAL MONITORING PLAN ,Q�������WKH�$&$�FRPSOHWHG�WKH�ÀUVW�UHJLRQDO�DLU�TXDOLW\�PRQLWRULQJ�SODQ�IRU�WKH� capital region. This plan reviews current monitoring by various stakeholders and will be supplemented in the coming year with more analysis and future planning.

6. SCHOOL PRESENTATIONS In concert with Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, the ACA has embarked upon air quality educational outreach within our local classrooms. This is an area for growth as kids want to know what they and their families can do to ensure we enjoy good air quality.

7. AIR QUALITY SENSORS With a growing appetite for more information about the environment, many people are interested in how they can understand the air quality around them. Innovative, mobile sensors can play a role and are increasingly being used in major cities around the world. In 2013, ACA deployed three sensors adjacent to existing air quality monitoring stations to start testing the ability for the sensors to provide accurate readings, particularly in an Alberta winter. We look forward to sharing our results in 2014.

8. SPECIAL EVENTS As a part of our overall communications and outreach strategy, participating in special events like Environment Week and Clean Air Day help us share information and engage with the public on air quality.

9. ODOUR MANAGEMENT In 2012 and 2013, the ACA facilitated Odour Management Workshops for our members and various other stakeholders to share information about managing odours. In 2013, CASA initiated an Odour Management Team (OMT), along with a number of task groups, to begin the development of a provincial odour management IUDPHZRUN��7KH�$&$�LV�SDUWLFLSDWLQJ�RQ�EHKDOI�RI�$OEHUWD·V�DLUVKHGV�

10. GROWING THE AIR QUALITY MONITORING NETWORK To address gaps in air quality monitoring, the ACA is participating with partners to increase the number of air quality monitoring stations in the region.

Alberta Capital Airshed 2013/14 Annual Report 76

Fine Particulate MatterThe ACA is keeping an eye on the air we breathe. We are looking out for Capital Region residents by monitoring and sharing information about air pollutants that affect our FRPPXQLW\·V�ZHOO�EHLQJ�

0HDVXULQJ�OHVV�WKDQ�����PLFURPHWUHV�DFURVV��ÀQH�SDUWLFXODWH�PDWWHU��302.5) is something we take very seriously. These tiny particles pose a health concern because they can travel from the air, through our noses and mouths, deep into our lungs. The solid particles and liquid droplets in PM2.5 can also contribute to a range of environmental issues including corrosion, reduced visibility and damage to vegetation.

,Q�$OEHUWD��ÀQH�SDUWLFXODWH�PDWWHU�OHYHOV�DUH�GULYHQ�E\�D�FRPELQDWLRQ�RI�KXPDQ�DFWLYLW\��PHWHRURORJLFDO�FRQGLWLRQV�DQG�RWKHU�QDWXUDO�LQÁXHQFHV��6WDJQDQW�ZHDWKHU�FRQGLWLRQV�LQ�WKH�IDOO�DORQJ�ZLWK�IRUHVW�ÀUH�HYHQWV�GXULQJ�ZDUPHU�VXPPHU�PRQWKV�FDQ�FRQWULEXWH�WR�HOHYDWHG�PM2.5�OHYHOV��7KHVH�RFFXUUHQFHV�FDQ�EH�PRUH�GLIÀFXOW�IRU�WKRVH�ZLWK�VHQVLWLYLWLHV�WR�UHGXFHG�air quality including children and the elderly as well as people with asthma, cardiovascular or lung disease.

In the last few years, the monitoring stations in the Capital Region have adopted new technology to enable us to more accurately monitor PM2.5 levels. This state-of-the-art equipment provides a more complete picture of air quality along with valuable data that can be used to monitor our progress from year to year.

Secondary particulate matter (PM) is formed through chemical reactions in the atmosphere from precursor gases – sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and ammonia under favorable meteorological conditions.

FINE PARTICULATE MATTER IN ALBERTA

2% AGRICULTURE2% INDUSTRY2% TRANSPORTATION1% FOREST FIRES1% OTHER

RO

AD

DUST CONSTRUCTION

FORM

ED IN THE ATMOSPHERE

(seco

ndary particulate)

16%

26%

50%

Alberta Capital Airshed 2013/14 Annual Report 98

Anti-idlingBe it from a car, truck, bus or motorcycle, vehicle exhaust emissions are a leading cause of air pollution around the world. Greenhouse gases and other air contaminants from internal combustion engines not only affect the environment, they are potentially harmful to our health and wellbeing.

The ACA is committed to protecting and improving air quality for all capital region UHVLGHQWV��7KDW·V�ZK\�ZH·YH�GHYHORSHG�DQ�,GOH�)UHH�7RRONLW�WR�JXLGH�PXQLFLSDOLWLHV�through the creation of legislative tools and idle free resources that will discourage unnecessary vehicle idling.

The decision to idle a vehicle is in our hands. With the turn of a key, we can all make a profound difference in our communities and the legacy we leave for future generations. Since we all breathe the same air, it makes sense to work together to keep it clean.

)RU�PRUH�LQIRUPDWLRQ�YLVLW�RXU�ZHEVLWH�DW�capitalairshed.ca/idle-free-toolkit

Unnecessary idling affects our health, pollutes the air, wastes fuel and causes excess engine wear.

In cold temperatures, most vehicles only need a minute or two to warm up and that can be done by driving.

Ten seconds of idling uses more fuel than turning off your engine and restarting it.

We are in this togetherAll that is required is an interest in the air we breathe to become an ACA environmental champion. It is never too early, or too late to start caring for the environment. We can all make a difference by taking the time to consider how our actions impact the community.GET STARTED TODAY

• Learn how to reduce your own impact on air quality and the environment• Share information and educate your friends and families• Get involvedTIPS FOR IMPROVING AIR QUALITY

• Avoid idling your vehicle• Turn off lights and electrical devices when not in use�� 5HSODFH�LQFDQGHVFHQW�EXOEV�ZLWK�FRPSDFW�ÁXRUHVFHQWV�RU�/('V��WKH\�XVH�����OHVV�HQHUJ\• Keep your furnace properly maintained• During cooler months, turn the thermostat down at night or when you are out.�� &KRRVH�HQHUJ\�HIÀFLHQW�DSSOLDQFHV• Use water or low-solvent based products• Avoid burning wood in and out of your home

Alberta Capital Airshed 2013/14 Annual Report 1110

Air Quality in the RegionWHAT ARE WE ARE

MONITORING AND WHY

Air quality is a marker of how clean our air is. This is determined by the rate at which pollutants are emitted into the atmosphere and how effectively the atmosphere can disperse those contaminants. This, in turn, is affected by wind

(speed and direction), temperature (at various heights) and turbulence,

with local topography (e.g., valleys and hills) having an impact on each of those.

Air pollutants can come from a variety of sources, such as:

• Vehicle emissions – “Non-point sources”• Industry (e.g., oil and gas, manufacturing) – “Point sources”• Homes (e.g., heating systems) and commercial operations – “Area sources”Air pollutants that are monitored include:

• Carbon monoxide• Nitrogen oxides• Ozone• Sulphur dioxide• Hydrogen sulphide• Particulate matter (e.g., smoke)• Total hydrocarbons• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (e.g., gasoline)

Continuous monitoring stations measure different combinations of pollutants, depending on the individual VWDWLRQ·V�PRQLWRULQJ�REMHFWLYHV��They provide near instantaneous measurements.

Alberta Capital Airshed 2013/14 Annual Report 1312

SULFUR DIOXIDE S02

Sulphur dioxide is generated both naturally and anthropogenically (man-made), including the processing and combustion of fossil fuels containing sulphur. It is a colourless gas with a pungent odour (similar to a lit match), and can be detected by taste and odour at concentrations as low as 300 ppb. Sulphur dioxide reacts in the atmosphere to form sulphuric acid and acidic aerosols, which contribute to acid rain �DFFRXQWV�IRU�DERXW�����RI�WKH�WRWDO�DFLG�UDLQ�JHQHUDWHG���Sulphur dioxide combines with other atmospheric gases WR�SURGXFH�ÀQH�SDUWLFOHV��ZKLFK�PD\�UHGXFH�YLVLELOLW\�

NITROGEN DIOXIDE NO2

This gas is reddish-brown in colour and has a pungent, irritating odour. It has been linked to respiratory disease and contributes to acid rain. It plays a major role in atmospheric photochemical reactions and ground level ozone formation and destruction. Exposure of vegetation to high concentrations of nitrogen oxides results in silvering of the lower leaf surface. A waxy appearance appears shortly after exposure followed by bronzing after two or three days. 0RWRU�YHKLFOHV�DFFRXQW�IRU�RYHU�����RI�WKH�WRWDO�122 generated, however, any combustion source will emit nitrogen dioxide (e.g. power plants, furnaces, space heaters, etc.) Some natural sources include lightning and biological decay.

S02 N02

Annual average SO2 concentration for Canada’s most populated cities. Note: Comparison of major Canadian metropolitan areas was done using 2012 NAPS (National Air Pollution Surveillance Program) data.

5

4

3

2

1

0Annu

al A

vera

ge C

once

ntra

tion

(SO 2)

ppb

Toron

to

Hamilto

n

Edmon

ton

Saska

toon

Vanc

ouver

Montre

al

Ottawa

Halifax

Regina

Winnipe

g

Windsor

Annual average NO2 concentration for Canada’s most populated cities. Note: Comparison of major Canadian metropolitan areas was done using 2012 NAPS (National Air Pollution Surveillance Program) data.

Annu

al A

vera

ge C

once

ntra

tion

(NO 2)

ppb

20

15

10

5

0

Toron

to

Hamilto

n

Edmon

ton

Saska

toon

Vanc

ouver

Montre

al

Ottawa

Regina

Calgary

Winnipe

g

Windsor

Alberta Capital Airshed 2013/14 Annual Report 1514

OZONE

Ozone is both a natural component of the atmosphere and a major constituent of photochemical smog. At normal atmospheric concentrations it is an odourless, colourless gas. However, at concentrations higher than one ppm, such as found near photocopier machines and near electrical discharges, it has a sharp odour. Ozone is considered a secondary pollutant as it is created through reactions with other airborne substances and can react with other pollutants to form photochemical smog. The largest source is vehicle exhaust; other man-made sources are from industry and chemical solvents. Natural sources include lightning and some vegetation species. Ozone is a strong oxidizer and can irritate eyes, nose and throat and decrease athletic performance. High concentrations can increase susceptibility to respiratory disease and reduce crop yields.

PARTICULATE MATTER

Ambient particulate matter consists of a mixture of particles of varying size and chemical composition. Particles that are less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter PM2.5 can be trapped in the airways and lungs and is believed to cause adverse health effects. )LQH�SDUWLFOHV�302.5 also reduce visibility and FDQ�FRQWULEXWH�WR�DFLGLÀFDWLRQ�RI�VRLOV�

PM2.5 size particles are formed from gases released into the atmosphere by combustion processes such as from motor vehicles, power plants, gas processing plants, compressor stations, household heating, DQG�IRUHVW�ÀUHV��3ROOHQ�DQG�EDFWHULD�DOVR�account for particulate matter.

40

30

20

10

0

03 PM2.5

Toron

to

Hamilto

n

Edmon

ton

Saska

toon

Vanc

ouver

Montre

al

Ottawa

Regina

Calgary

Winnipe

g

Windsor

Toron

to

Hamilto

n

Edmon

ton

Saska

toon

Vanc

ouver

Montre

al

Ottawa

Regina

Calgary

Winnipe

g

Windsor

Annu

al A

vera

ge C

once

ntra

tion

(O3)

ppm

Annu

al A

vera

ge C

once

ntra

tion

(PM

2.5 u

g/m

3 ) 20

15

10

5

0

Annual average O3 concentration for Canada’s most populated cities. Note: Comparison of major Canadian metropolitan areas was done using 2012 NAPS (National Air Pollution Surveillance Program) data.

Annual average PM2.5 concentration for Canada’s most populated cities. Note: Comparison of major Canadian metropolitan areas was done using 2012 NAPS (National Air Pollution Surveillance Program) data.

Alberta Capital Airshed 2013/14 Annual Report 1716

Low

Ris

k

Medicin

e Hat

Edmon

ton

Fort M

cMurr

ay

Cold La

ke

Grand P

rairie

Fort C

hipew

yan

Fort M

cKay

Red Dee

r

Genese

e

Calgary

Lethb

ridge

Fort S

askatc

hewan

81%92%

98%

85%96% 99%

84%96% 98%

92% 97% 99%

AIR QUALITY HEALTH INDEX (AQHI)

The AQHI is a health protection tool that is designed to help the public make decisions WR�SURWHFW�WKHLU�KHDOWK�E\�OLPLWLQJ�VKRUWɅWHUP�H[SRVXUH�WR�DLU�SROOXWLRQ�DQG�DGMXVWLQJ�WKHLU�activity during increased levels of air pollution. The AQHI uses readings from three air pollutants which are required to calculate a single numerical value to evaluate the health ULVN�DVVRFLDWHG�ZLWK�DLU�SROOXWLRQ��7KH�WKUHH�SROOXWDQWV�DUH�ÀQH�SDUWLFXODWH�PDWWHU��QLWURJHQ�GLR[LGH��DQG�JURXQGɅOHYHO�R]RQH�

2013 SUMMARY OF AQHI RATINGS FOR ALBERTA MUNICIPALITIES

Enjoy your usual outdoor activities Ideal air quality for outdoor activities.

Consider rescheduling or reducing strenuous activities outdoors if you are experiencing symptoms.

Reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities. Children and the elderly should take it easy.

No need to modify your usual outdoor activities unless you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.

Consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors especially if you’re experiencing throat irritation and coughing.

AT RISK POPULATION

Low

Very High

High

Moderate

GENERAL POPULATION

Avoid strenuous activities outdoors especially children and the elderly.

12345678910+ Reduce or reschedule strenuous activities

outdoors especially if you’re experiencing throat irritation and coughing.

Mod

erat

e Ri

sk

18%

8%

2%

15%

3%1%

16%

4%2%

9%

3%1%

High

Ris

k

0.7%

0.5%

0%0.1% 0.1% 0%0.1% 0%0.2%

0% 0% 0.1%

Ver

y Hi

gh R

isk

0%0%0% 0%0%0% 0%0% 0%0%0%0.1%

Alberta Capital Airshed 2013/14 Annual Report 1918

Industry • ATCO Energy Solutions• Lehigh Cement• Momentive Specialty Chemicals • Strathcona Industrial Association

Government • Alberta Environment &

Sustainable Resource Development

• Alberta Health Services• City of Edmonton• City of Leduc• City of St. Albert• Strathcona County

NGO • EcoAir• Lung Association – Alberta

and Northwest Territories• Northern Alberta

Institute of Technology• University of Alberta

Our Members MembershipBy being a partner in a credible, regional, multi-stakeholder group, our members are committed to regional air quality. 0HPEHUVKLS�KDV�LWV�EHQHÀWV�• Collaboration with regional

stakeholders, policy makers, and partners

• Increase your air quality literacy• Be a part of innovative solutions in

addressing air quality concerns• Help to share important information

with the public �� 2SSRUWXQLW\�WR�LQÁXHQFH�DQG�OHDG�

clean air solutions�� +HOS�UHDOL]H�HIÀFLHQFLHV�WKURXJK�

effective engagement in broader air quality consultative processes

Alberta Capital Airshed 2013/14 Annual Report 2120

TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP

Brent Korobanik, Lehigh Cement Julie Kos, Suncor Energy Jocelyn Thrasher-Haug, Strathcona County Jeff Yanew, City of St. Albert

CITIZEN SCIENCE COMMITTEE

Matthew Dance, Public Member Brent Korobanik, Lehigh Cement Mike Mellross, City of Edmonton

COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH TEAM

Christa Broadfoot, Lehigh Cement Amy Elefson, Alberta & NWT Lung Association Phoenix Le, Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development Sarah Mate, Strathcona County Karen Yeung, City of Edmonton Alana Yim, Strathcona Industrial Association

Our Board

Lisa Avis, Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development

Brenda Barber, ACA, Coordinator

Darcy Garchinski, Alberta Health Services (ACA Treasurer )

Dr. Raquel Feroe, Eco-Air

David Hill, Momentive Speciality Chemicals

Brent Korobanik, Lehigh Cement (ACA President )

Mike Mellross, City of Edmonton (ACA Vice President )

Frederic Picard, Strathcona Industrial Association

Gary Redmond, ACA, Executive Director

Jocelyn Thrasher-Haug, Strathcona County

Forrest Tittle, NAIT

Alberta Capital Airshed 2013/14 Annual Report22

Alberta Capital Airshed #147, 9218 Ellerslie Road SW Edmonton, AB T6X 0K6

P: 587.520.7935 F: 1.888.791.8348 info@capitalairshed.ca

@yegairshed