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BC Perspective on Airshed Planning

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. Overview. Provincial context – why focus on airsheds? Airshed planning in BC Regulatory framework

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BC Perspective on Airshed Planning

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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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