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Airshed Planning in British Columbia: A Focus on Clean Air Initiatives

Explore the perspective on airshed planning in BC, regulatory framework, approach, and initiatives to improve air quality. Learn about the challenges faced due to unique topography and source mix. Discover the achievements, baseline measures, new tools, and policy support for local airshed planning.

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Airshed Planning in British Columbia: A Focus on Clean Air Initiatives

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  1. BC Perspective on Airshed Planning Prepared for National Stakeholder Workshop on CI/KCAC Vancouver, BC February 25, 2004 Natalie Suzuki Ministry of Water, Land & Air Protection

  2. Overview • Provincial context – why focus on airsheds? • Airshed planning in BC • Regulatory framework • Approach • Airshed Improvement Initiative • Summary

  3. Airshed Focus • Focus on airsheds in BC a reflection of: • the complex topography in many BC communities, • its influence on local meteorology and the dispersion of air pollutants, • the relatively unique source mix in a number of such settings, and • the resultant challenges in managing sources within a finite airshed.

  4. Download Level-1B and Geolocation data from the ECS Data Pool at the GES DAAC:MOD021KM.A2003233.1845.004.2003234172735.hdfMOD03.A2003233.1845.004.2003234171338.hdf           Alternatively you can follow this link to place an order at the GES DAAC for these files and other MODIS products corresponding to this granule, including level-2 atmosphere and ocean products.

  5. Airshed Planning in BC • Number of communities at various stages of airshed planning • Plans in place: GVRD, FVRD, Prince George, Bulkley Valley • Under development: Quesnel, Williams Lake, Whistler, Bulkley Valley-Lakes District, GVRD (AQMP II) • Pre-planning: Victoria, Central & South Okanagan, Golden

  6. CWS Achievement • Prince George only exceedance of CWS (PM2.5) • Other airshed efforts driven by principles of CI/KCAC to reduce associated risks to human health

  7. Regulatory Framework • No legislative requirements for airshed planning in BC, however, new Environmental Management Act contains enabling provisions for area-based planning • GVRD has delegated authority under WMA for air management, with first AQMP developed in 1994 • FVRD has authority through OIC for airshed planning

  8. Approach to Airshed Planning • Typically initiated over local air quality concerns, either by regional ministry office and/or local stakeholders • Voluntary, shared stewardship approach • Local airshed committees play key role in guiding planning process and setting targets

  9. Airshed Improvement Initiative • Minister accountable for developing improvement plan for threatened airsheds • Goal to protect human health and safety by ensuring clean air • Strategy to support airshed planning approach through use of best available science, improved guidance/tools, and increased partnerships

  10. Baseline Measures in Place • Federal vehicle and fuel standards (superseding BC regulations) • Alternate fuel tax exemption to encourage the use of alternate fuels to reduce emissions related to smog, PM formation and greenhouse gases • Regulation for new wood stoves, fireplace inserts and factory-built fireplaces • Regulation that limits where, when and how open burning of land-clearing fires can take place

  11. New Scientific/Technical Tools • Expanded PM2.5 monitoring • Source apportionment pilot study in Golden • Emission inventory development: • Improved GIS capability • Provincial wood stove survey • Completion of year 2000 point source inventory • Support for high-resolution mesoscale modelling studies • Support for studies to identify health/air quality linkages

  12. Regulatory/Policy Tools • New Environmental Management Act (passed but not yet in force) contains enabling legislation for area-based management • Draft dispersion modelling guidelines

  13. Support of Local Airshed Planning • Airshed planning guide for local government • Study to identify potential CAC/GHG conflicts • Assessment of ways to integrate airshed planning work with other local planning efforts • Funding support for local airshed planning committees • Public outreach opportunities

  14. Partnerships & Consultation • Through Clean Air Issues Paper, a number of stakeholders requested an improved mechanism for consultation with the province • Ministry currently evaluating options for a multi-stakeholder advisory committee on clean air issues • Ministry also looking to build on partnership opportunities with Environment Canada

  15. Summary • Airshed management a natural response to BC’s complex topography • Voluntary, shared stewardship approach driven by local concerns • Focus on developing tools and partnerships, and supporting local airshed planning committees

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