Monitoring of Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 )

Transcription

1 Monitoring of Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) in the Comox Valley Regional District, BC December, 2009 Prepared by: Karla Poplawski MSc (poplawski@alumni.uvic.ca) Eleanor Setton PhD (elsetton@gmail.com) Spatial Sciences Research Lab, Department of Geography, University of Victoria Phone: (250) Prepared for: The Vancouver Island Health Authority Population Health Surveillance Unit

2 Acknowledgements This report represents the collective efforts of the following people: Comox Valley Air Quality Group: CVRD staff Beth Rees, Leigh Carter, Karin Albert, Ian Smith VIHA staff Dr Charmaine Enns, Michael Pennock, Christine Bender, Claudette Erdman, Dwayne Stroh Residents Group Paul Horgen Ministry of Environment staff Earle Plain, John Deniseger City of Courtenay staff Kevin Lagan City of Cumberland staff Joanne Pilson, Judy Walker Field Monitoring Group: University of Victoria Spatial Sciences Lab Karla Poplawski and Eleanor Setton (Equipment setup and calibration, data analysis and interpretation) VIHA Staff Dave Cherry (mobile data collection), Fiona Lawson (mobile data processing and mapping), Christine Bender (data interpretation) VIHA Contractors Natasha Guillos and Mark Kelsey (data downloading) Comox Valley Regional District staff Curtis Belsham (fixed site data collection) Ministry of Environment staff Co op student Derek Hall (mobile data collection), Earle Plaine (data interpretation) Additional data were provided by: Comox Valley Regional District Curtis Belsham, Park Steward Notes Ministry of Environment Air quality data from Campbell River and Nanaimo i

3 Contents Summary... 1 Introduction... 4 Methods... 5 Data Collection Schedule... 5 Equipment... 6 Results... 9 Mobile Monitoring... 9 Stationary Monitoring Appendix I Mobile Monitoring Maps Appendix II Daily Data Graphs and Supporting Information Apendix III Smoke Analysis Apendix IV Park Steward Notes List of Figures Figure 1. Monitoring locations in the Courtenay/Comox region... 6 Figure 2. Radiance Research nephelometer and typical set up scenarios... 7 Figure 3. Stationary monitoring data collection days... 8 Figure 4. Mobile collection route and typical concentration levels Figure hour average levels at the residences and control locations List of Tables Table 1. Summary of mobile monitoring data... 9 Table 2. Maximum measured PM 2.5 concentrations (ug/m 3 ) Table 3. Frequency distributions of average hourly concentration levels (ug/m 3 ) ii

4 Summary Air quality is of interest to residents and local government in the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD). Currently, there is no regular air quality monitoring being conducted in the region. The Population Health Surveillance Unit of the Vancouver Island Health Authority has a mandate to identify areas where concentrations of air pollutants known to affect peoples health are elevated. Of special concern is fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ), which can penetrate deep into the respiratory system and often has a range of toxic compounds adhered, for example heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. There are numerous sources of PM 2.5 in the CVRD, primarily combustion related, including traffic exhaust, wood burning for residential heating and cooking, beach fires, burning of debris from land clearing and construction, prescribed agricultural burning, forestry related burns and wildfires. In partnership with representatives of local residents, staff of local governments and the Ministry of Environment, and researchers at the University of Victoria, two preliminary monitoring campaigns were conducted to establish general levels of fine particulates (PM 2.5 ) in the CVRD. A mobile monitoring unit was driven on a regular route throughout the CVRD on 5 mornings and 6 evenings between December 2008 and March 2009 to identify areas where PM 2.5 was elevated on those days. Between June 15 th and September 2 nd, 2009, monitoring equipment was set up to run continuously at two sites: one in downtown Courtenay, and one at a residential location near Goose Spit Regional Park. A third monitor was used for several hours on each of 45 evenings at Goose Spit Regional Park to characterize very short term levels of PM 2.5 from wood smoke associated with recreational wood burning. Findings Mobile monitoring between December 2008 and March 2009 recorded PM 2.5 very shortterm (15 second average) concentrations in the range of less than 1 to 123 ug/m 3. In general, foggy conditions with winds from the west were associated with lower mean levels overall (7 and 9 ug/m 3 ) and the highest mean (20 ug/m 3 ) occurred on the coldest day ( 7.4 o c) under clear conditions. Areas with consistently higher PM 2.5 concentrations were western portions of Comox, in and around the denser commercial/residential area of Courtenay, and the denser residential areas of Cumberland. The source of these 1

5 elevated levels is most likely wood smoke from residential wood burning, but may also reflect local traffic emissions. One hour average levels of PM 2.5 measured by the stationary monitors at the residential location and the control site (VIHA office) between June and September 2009 ranged from less than 2 ug/m 3 to 70 ug/m 3, with the 95 th percentile levels being 14 and 15 ug/m 3 respectively. There are no air quality guidelines for one hour average PM 2.5. The current Canadian health reference level for 24 hour average PM 2.5 is 15 ug/m hour averages at the residential and control sites ranged from less than 1 ug/m 3 to 10 ug/m 3 when considering only local sources between June and September of These levels were similar to levels measured at fixed site stations operated by the Ministry of Environment in Campbell River and Nanaimo during the same time period. Wildfires on Vancouver Island, in the interior of the province and in Washington State were seen to contribute significantly to higher levels of PM 2.5 in the region, with 24 hour average levels over the Health Reference Level of 15 ug/m 3 on a total of 4 days, the maximums being 20 ug/m 3 (control site) and 24 ug/m 3 (residential site). High levels of PM 2.5 over very short time periods (5 minute averages) were observed at Goose Spit Regional Park (maximum 334 ug/m 3 ) and the nearby residential monitoring location (33 ug/m 3 ); however these were not long enough in duration to impact most one hour or any 24 hour averages. At the residential location, high short term levels were clearly associated with beach fire activity at Goose Spit Regional Park, but the highest short term levels occurred regularly up until July 22 nd between 7am and 8am. The source of the morning peaks at the residential location cannot be confirmed, but may be due to a local diesel vehicle near the monitoring site, or with traffic associated with the HMCS Quadra. Recommendations Long term monitoring at a fixed site in the CVRD would provide useful data on trends in PM 2.5 levels (and other pollutants) seasonally and annually. Some thought should be given to whether such an air quality monitoring station should be located in an area known to be impacted by local sources, or in an area that represents more regional background conditions. 2

6 The CVRD should continue restricting open recreational burning at Goose Spit Regional Park and consider banning this activity. The CVRD should continue to review and develop burning related bylaws that help to reduce preventable air pollution in the region. While there are no existing air quality guidelines for PM 2.5 averaged over less than 24 hours, this may reflect a lack of health studies investigating very short term but high exposures, such as may be experienced when in proximity to smoke plumes from residential chimneys, beach fires and land clearing or forestry related burns. 3

7 Introduction Air quality in the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is of interest to regulators and residents alike. While there are no significant industrial sources of pollution in the region, there are numerous sources of fine particulates (PM 2.5 ). Most types of combustion emit fine particulates, although very high temperature burning emits less PM 2.5 than low temperature or incomplete combustion. Sources include traffic exhaust, wood burning for residential heating and cooking, beach fires, burning of debris from land clearing and construction, prescribed agricultural burning, forestry related burns and wildfires. Residents in the vicinity of Goose Spit Regional Park have complained about the smoke reaching their residences, and are concerned regarding impacts of the beach fires on local air quality. Goose Spit Regional Park is a waterfront recreational site located along Hawkins Rd in Comox. Visitors to the park are permitted to burn small beach fires in 10 designated fire pits throughout the Park between May and September, unless subject to fire bans in the region. Depending on meteorological conditions, wood smoke from beach fires can drift toward nearby residential areas. No existing air quality monitoring stations exist in the CVRD. The objective of this study was to conduct preliminary monitoring of fine particulate levels (PM 2.5 ). In particular, this study aimed to answer the following questions: What are typical levels of PM 2.5 in the CVRD? How do PM 2.5 levels measured in the CVRD compare to levels measured at other sites in the region i.e., Campbell River and Nanaimo? What PM 2.5 levels are people exposed to immediately at Goose Spit Regional Park due to beach fires? What PM 2.5 levels are experienced by residents near to Goose Spit Regional Park? 4

8 Methods Data Collection Schedule Mobile Monitoring: A mobile monitoring unit was used to collect data for several consecutive hours on eleven days (six early mornings and five evenings) between December 2008 and March This monitoring was done by VIHA staff when work schedules allowed, rather than on a regular schedule. Given the preliminary nature of the monitoring, and the intention to capture a range of weather conditions, this approach was considered adequate to establish typical short term levels of PM 2.5 useful for identifying hot spots. This type of monitoring has been used effectively in other areas for monitoring smoke from residential wood burning. Stationary Monitoring: Continuous data were collected between June 15 and September 2, 2009 at two locations in the CVRD. The first location, chosen to represent a control site away from the influence of Goose Spit Regional Park beach fires, was at the Vancouver Island Health Authority office (labeled Control in Figure 1), located at th Street in Courtenay. The second site, representing a residential location in proximity of Goose Spit Regional Park, was located across the bay to the northeast of the spit (labeled Residence in Figure 1). Over the same period, for several consecutive hours on 45 evenings, PM 2.5 levels were monitored directly at Goose Spit Regional Park, with a monitor in the Park Steward s truck (labeled as Source in Figure 1). 5

9 Figure 1. Monitoring locations in the Courtenay/Comox region (Supplementary meteorological data obtained from the Comox Airport) Equipment: Radiance Research M903 nephelometers (Figure 2) were used to measure light scatter from particles in the air, which was then converted to PM 2.5. The light scattering coefficient recorded by the nephelometers was converted to PM 2.5 (µg/m 3 ) using the equation developed by Allen et al. (2003) 1 : PM 2.5 (µg/m 3 ): ((100,000 x light scatter value) 0.01) / Allen, R., Larson, T., Sheppard, L., Wallace, L. and Liu, S. (2003). Use of real time light scattering data to estimate the contribution of infiltrated and indoor generated particles to indoor air. Environmental Science and Technology, 37(16),

10 This equation was developed using data from operating a nephelometer side by side with TEOM equipment. The equation is based on measurements in one season only, and so may not be the optimal conversion factor; however, converted PM 2.5 levels obtained with this formula have agreed well with PM 2.5 levels measured with TEOM equipment (R 2 =.8 or 80% agreement). The level of agreement will vary based on time, geographical location and PM 2.5 source type. Therefore, when considering PM 2.5 levels provided in this report, it should be noted they may be up to ± 20% different than that which would have been obtained by TEOM equipment. The nephelometers were calibrated according to the manufacturer s instructions prior Radiance Research M903 Nephelometer to use in the field. Typical Stationary Outdoor Set Up Inside Shelter Box Typical Automobile Set Up with Tubing Extending Out Window Figure 2. Radiance Research nephelometer and typical set up scenarios For mobile monitoring, the nephelometer and a global positioning system (GPS) unit were carried in a passenger car, with a funnel and copper/flexible tubing serving as the intake for the nephelometer. Both the nephelometer and the GPS were set to log data every 15 seconds. At the Control and Residence locations, monitors were set to continuously measure and log 5 minute average concentration levels over the entire study period. The Goose Spit Regional Park Source location measured 1 minute average levels, over evening periods on select days when the park steward was present at the spit to provide firewood and perform other routine job activities. Data from Goose Spit Regional Park were converted to 5 minute averages prior to comparison with data from the other two sites. 7

11 Due to equipment logistics, sampling is not complete for every day of the stationary monitoring period between June and September. Figure 3 shows days with data capture at each location. June Residence Control (VIHA) Source (Goose Spit) July S M T W T F S S M T W T F S August S M T W T F S 1 September S M T W T F S Figure 3. Stationary monitoring data collection days 8

12 Results Mobile Monitoring Mobile monitoring provides measured levels that represent a single location at a specific moment, so do not give an indication of how long the measure level persists at any particular location. The data are not suitable for summarizing to hourly averages for this reason, but do allow for comparisons among different locations during same sampling run. Data for each mobile run are summarized in Table 1. Maps of measured concentrations for all sampling runs are provided in Appendix I; a typical map is shown in Figure 4 below. There were no significant associations between the mean PM 2.5 levels and time of day, wind direction, temperature or general clear sky/cloudy sky conditions. However, the lowest mean levels were recorded on days with foggy conditions, and the highest mean was recorded on the coldest day with clear conditions. Areas with consistently higher PM 2.5 concentrations were western portions of Comox, in and around the denser commercial/residential area of Courtenay, and the denser residential areas of Cumberland. On review of these data, CVRD staff suggested that areas with higher short term levels also have higher densities of older homes, which are more likely to have wood burning fireplaces. The data may also reflect PM 2.5 from traffic exhaust. Table 1. Summary of mobile monitoring data Date Wind Direction Conditions ( o C) Rh Mean (µg/m 3 ) Jan 15 PM from W Fog Jan 22 AM from W Freezing Fog Dec 8 PM from S Cloudy Feb 3 PM from E Mostly Cloudy Mar 6 AM from W Mainly Clear Jan 9 AM from S Cloudy Feb 19 AM from N Mainly Clear Jan 29 AM from S Cloudy Mar 25 PM from NW Mainly Clear Dec 16 AM from W Mostly Cloudy Dec 22 PM from W Mainly Clear Maximum (µg/m 3 ) 9

13 Figure 4. Mobile collection route and typical concentration levels 10

14 Stationary Monitoring Data were obtained on a total of 75 days between June 15 th September 1 st, 2009, 39 of which have simultaneous data capture at all three locations. Daily graphs of the data are included in Appendix II, along with information on weather and wind conditions. During the monitoring period, burning for land clearing and forestry was banned due to dry weather conditions. Beach fires were allowed at Goose Spit Regional Park until July 31 st, after which they were banned. Table 2 summarizes the maximum 5 minute, onehour and 24 hour concentration levels based on all available data. Table 2. Maximum measured PM 2.5 concentrations (ug/m 3 ) 5 Min Max 1 Hour Max 24 Hour Max Residence Control Source na Highest peak 5 minute concentrations occurred at the Source location, and represent levels experienced intermittently by Park visitors when in close proximity to beach fires. The Control site, located at greater distance than the residence location from the beach fires, had higher 5 minute and 1 hour maximum concentration levels than at the Residence location. This indicates that sources other than beach fires also impact measured levels in the region. In fact, peak 5 minute maximum concentration levels measured at the Residence were not from beach fire sources, but from an unidentified source commonly present between 7:00am 7:30 am (see Appendix II). Table 3 summarizes the total number of hours of data collected at each sample site, and provides an indication of the frequency of concentration levels occurring at each site. For instance, to interpret the values in the table below, the 99 th percentile of hourly data measured at the Residence location (24 µg/m 3 ) indicates that at least 1 percent of the total 1,643 hourly observations are above this level. Ninety five percent of the 1,643 hourly observations at this site are below the value of 15 µg/m 3, etc. 11

15 Table 3. Frequency distributions of average hourly concentration levels (ug/m 3 ) # Hours Data 99 th Percentile 98 th Percentile 95 th Percentile Residence Control Source There are no air quality guidelines for PM 2.5 for one hour or shorter averages. The Canadian Health Reference Level 2 for 24 hour average PM 2.5 is 15 µg/m 3, while the World Health Organization guideline is 25 µg/m 3. Figure 5 shows the 24 hour average levels measured at the Residence location and the Control location. Clearly, 24 hour average levels are very similar over time at both sites, and are generally below the Canadian Health Reference Level. Exceedences of the Health Reference Level were associated with wildfires occurring outside the CVRD, particularly between July 28 th and August 9 th. Although daily levels did not exceed 15 µg/m 3 on average, wildfires outside of the CVRD also occurred on July 11 th / 12 th, and August 28 th / August 29 th (see smoke analysis from satellite data in Appendix III). 2 The Health Reference Level is defined as the level above which effects on human health and the environment can be demonstrated For particulate matter and human health effects, the Reference Level is derived statistically from several studies and should be interpreted as a level above which there is confidence (statistical significance) in the dose response relationship and the ability to provide some quantification of adverse endpoints. The Reference Level in this case should not therefore be interpreted as a threshold of effects. On the contrary, there is no clear evidence of a threshold level for the positive associations between particulate matter and both daily mortality and hospitalization rates. ( sc.gc.ca/ewh semt/pubs/air/naaqoonqaa/particulate_matter_matieres_particulaires/summary sommaire/reference_levels_niveaux eng.php) 12

16 24 HOUR AVERAGE PM2.5 (ug/cubic metre) Residence Control 24 houraverage Health Reference Level June 16 June 19 June 22 June 25 June 28 July 1 July 4 July 7 July 10 July 13 July 16 July 19 July 22 July 25 July 28 July 31 August 3 August 6 August 9 August 12 August 15 August 18 August 21 August 24 August 27 August 30 Figure hour average levels at the residences and control locations The remainder of this report provides information on measured levels at each site for each day during the monitoring period where data was captured at 1 more sites. Two types of time series graphs are provided for each day in the monitoring period. The first compares 5 minute average PM 2.5 levels (µg/m 3 ) measured at the three monitoring locations. The second compares hourly averages from each sample site to hourly measurements made at the Ministry of Environment s air quality stations in Campbell River and Nanaimo. Each time series graph represents a 24 hour period, starting and ending at 12:00 am. 13

17 Appendix I Mobile Monitoring Maps 14

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28 Appendix II Daily Data Graphs and Supporting Information This Appendix contains graphs and summary information for all data from the stationary sites and the Goose Spit Regional Park site. In addition to the monitor data, also included are: Information from several local residents kept notes recording when smoke was smelled, and activities at Goose Spit Regional Park. These are summarized on the 5 minute data pages following under the heading NOTES. Detailed notes on activities occurring at Goose Spit Regional Park by the Park Steward while on duty. These are included in Appendix IV, and noted briefly on the 5 minute data pages under the heading GOOSE SPIT FIRES. For June 15 th to July 20 th, hourly average data from fixed site monitors operated by the Ministry of Environment in Campbell River and Nanaimo are provided to facilitate comparisons between the monitoring completed for this study, and to help identify regional events affecting PM 2.5 levels. Supplementary meteorological data (wind speed, wind direction, temperature and precipitation) from the Comox Airport were obtained from Environment Canada s National Climate Data and Information Archive 3. These data are hourly for wind speed, wind direction and temperature, and daily for precipitation. Data are presented in the form of a table, and also a wind rose diagram, and can be used to assist in interpreting PM 2.5 levels and possible attributable sources

29 The following diagram (Figure A1) depicts a compass rose displaying degrees for typical cardinal directions (N, S, E W) and sub directions (NE, NW, SE, SW). Wind direction provided in the tables are in the form of degrees, and this diagram can be referred to for assisting in visualizing the direction winds are coming from. Wind direction, given either by a degree value or through the use of a wind rose, always refers to the direction wind is coming from i.e., a 225 wind is from the southwest blowing towards the northeast. Figure A1. Compass rose displaying 0 to 360 degrees of direction 26

30 Monday June 15, 2009: 5 Minute Averages Monitoring of Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) in the Comox Valley Regional District Summary Statistics (5 Min) PM 2.5 (µg/m 3 ) Residence Control Source Min 7 Max 10 Average 8 Median 8 Stdev 0 99 th th 9 Comox Airport Meteorological Data (Hourly) Total Precipitation = 0 mm Mean = 17.9 C GOOSE SPIT FIRES: 3 before 19:30; 4 after. 27

31 Monday June 15, 2009: Hourly Regional Comparison Note: Data from regional sites may be uncorrected and should be used with caution 28

32 Tuesday June 16, 2009: 5 Minute Averages Monitoring of Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) in the Comox Valley Regional District Summary Statistics (5 Min) PM 2.5 (µg/m 3 ) Residence Control Source Min 2 2 Max 14 7 Average 4 4 Median 4 4 Stdev th th 8 4 Comox Airport Meteorological Data (Hourly) Total Precipitation = 2.6 mm Mean = 15.7 C GOOSE SPIT FIRES: No fires. 29

33 Tuesday June 16, 2009: Hourly Regional Comparison Note: Data from regional sites may be uncorrected and should be used with caution 30

34 Wednesday June 17, 2009: 5 Minute Averages Monitoring of Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) in the Comox Valley Regional District Summary Statistics (5 Min) PM 2.5 (µg/m 3 ) Residence Control Source Min Max Average Median Stdev th th Comox Airport Meteorological Data (Hourly) Total Precipitation = trace Mean = 18.3 C NOTE: Lawn mowing at Residence location 6:00 6:30pm. GOOSE SPIT FIRES: 2 before 19:30; 5 after. 31

35 Wednesday June 17, 2009: Hourly Regional Comparison Note: Data from regional sites may be uncorrected and should be used with caution 32

36 Thursday June 18, 2009: 5 Minute Averages Monitoring of Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) in the Comox Valley Regional District Summary Statistics (5 Min) PM 2.5 (µg/m 3 ) Residence Control Source Min Max Average Median Stdev th th Comox Airport Meteorological Data (Hourly) Total Precipitation = 0 mm Mean = 18.9 C GOOSE SPIT FIRES: 1 before 19:30; 0 after. 33

37 Thursday June 18, 2009: Hourly Regional Comparison Note: Data from regional sites may be uncorrected and should be used with caution 34

38 Friday June 19, 2009: 5 Minute Averages Monitoring of Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) in the Comox Valley Regional District Summary Statistics (5 Min) PM 2.5 (µg/m 3 ) Residence Control Source Min Max Average Median Stdev th th Comox Airport Meteorological Data (Hourly) Total Precipitation = 3.2 mm Mean = 15.7 C GOOSE SPIT FIRES: 3 before 19:30; 3 after. 35

39 Friday June 19, 2009: Hourly Regional Comparison Note: Data from regional sites may be uncorrected and should be used with caution 36

40 Saturday June 20, 2009: 5 Minute Averages Monitoring of Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) in the Comox Valley Regional District Summary Statistics (5 Min) PM 2.5 (µg/m 3 ) Residence Control Source Min Max Average Median Stdev th th Comox Airport Meteorological Data (Hourly) Total Precipitation = 0 mm Mean = 14.7 C NOTE: Residents near Goose Spit Regional Park reported smoky smell in evening. GOOSE SPIT FIRES: 7 before 19:30; 10 after. 37

41 Saturday June 20, 2009: Hourly Regional Comparison Note: Data from regional sites may be uncorrected and should be used with caution 38

42 Sunday June 21, 2009: 5 Minute Averages Monitoring of Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) in the Comox Valley Regional District Summary Statistics (5 Min) PM 2.5 (µg/m 3 ) Residence Control Source Min Max Average Median Stdev th th Comox Airport Meteorological Data (Hourly) Total Precipitation = 0 mm Mean = 15.6 C GOOSE SPIT FIRES: 7 before 19:30; 9 after. 39

43 Sunday June 21, 2009: Hourly Regional Comparison Note: Data from regional sites may be uncorrected and should be used with caution 40

44 Monday June 22, 2009: 5 Minute Averages Monitoring of Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) in the Comox Valley Regional District Summary Statistics (5 Min) PM 2.5 (µg/m 3 ) Residence Control Source Min Max Average Median Stdev th th Comox Airport Meteorological Data (Hourly) Total Precipitation = 0 mm Mean = 15.2 C GOOSE SPIT FIRES: 1 before 19:30; 5 after. 41

45 Monday June 22, 2009: Hourly Regional Comparison Note: Data from regional sites may be uncorrected and should be used with caution 42

46 Tuesday June 23, 2009: 5 Minute Averages Monitoring of Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) in the Comox Valley Regional District Summary Statistics (5 Min) PM 2.5 (µg/m 3 ) Residence Control Source Min 2 2 Max 18 6 Average 3 2 Median 3 3 Stdev th th 4 3 Comox Airport Meteorological Data (Hourly) Total Precipitation = trace Mean = 15.8 C GOOSE SPIT FIRES: 1 before 19:30; 4 after. 43

47 Tuesday June 23, 2009: Hourly Regional Comparison Note: Data from regional sites may be uncorrected and should be used with caution 44

48 Thursday June 25, 2009: 5 Minute Averages Monitoring of Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) in the Comox Valley Regional District Summary Statistics (5 Min) PM 2.5 (µg/m 3 ) Residence Control Source Min 5 Max 10 Average 6 Median 6 Stdev 2 99 th th 9 Comox Airport Meteorological Data (Hourly) Total Precipitation = 6.0 mm Mean = 15.7 C GOOSE SPIT FIRES: 0 before 19:30; 1 after. 45

49 Friday June 26, 2009: 5 Minute Averages Monitoring of Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) in the Comox Valley Regional District Summary Statistics (5 Min) PM 2.5 (µg/m 3 ) Residence Control Source Min 4 Max 126 Average 6 Median 17 Stdev th th 89 Comox Airport Meteorological Data (Hourly) Total Precipitation = 0 mm Mean = 14.3 C GOOSE SPIT FIRES: 7 before 19:30; 6 after. 46

50 Friday June 26, 2009: Hourly Regional Comparison Note: Data from regional sites may be uncorrected and should be used with caution 47

51 Saturday June 27, 2009: 5 Minute Averages Monitoring of Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) in the Comox Valley Regional District Summary Statistics (5 Min) PM 2.5 (µg/m 3 ) Residence Control Source Min 3 Max 17 Average 4 Median 5 Stdev 3 99 th th 9 Comox Airport Meteorological Data (Hourly) Total Precipitation = 4.6 mm Mean = 13.5 C GOOSE SPIT FIRES: 0 before 19:30; 0 after. 48

52 Saturday June 27, 2009: Hourly Regional Comparison Note: Data from regional sites may be uncorrected and should be used with caution 49

53 Sunday June 28, 2009: 5 Minute Averages Monitoring of Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) in the Comox Valley Regional District Summary Statistics (5 Min) PM 2.5 (µg/m 3 ) Residence Control Source Min Max Average Median Stdev th th Comox Airport Meteorological Data (Hourly) Total Precipitation = 0 mm Mean = 14.5 C GOOSE SPIT FIRES: 9 before 19:30; 8 after. 50

54 Sunday June 28, 2009: Hourly Regional Comparison Note: Data from regional sites may be uncorrected and should be used with caution 51

55 Monday June 29, 2009: 5 Minute Averages Monitoring of Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) in the Comox Valley Regional District Summary Statistics (5 Min) PM 2.5 (µg/m 3 ) Residence Control Source Min Max Average Median Stdev th th Comox Airport Meteorological Data (Hourly) Total Precipitation = 0 mm Mean = 15.8 C NOTE: Residents near Goose Spit Regional Park reported smelling smoke at 8:30pm. GOOSE SPIT FIRES: 5 before 19:30; 10 after. 52

56 Monday June 29, 2009: Hourly Regional Comparison Note: Data from regional sites may be uncorrected and should be used with caution 53

57 Tuesday June 30, 2009: 5 Minute Averages Monitoring of Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) in the Comox Valley Regional District Summary Statistics (5 Min) PM 2.5 (µg/m 3 ) Residence Control Source Min Max Average Median Stdev th th Comox Airport Meteorological Data (Hourly) Total Precipitation = 0 mm Mean = 16.3 C GOOSE SPIT FIRES: 10 before 19:30; 10 after. 54

58 Tuesday June 30, 2009: Hourly Regional Comparison Note: Data from regional sites may be uncorrected and should be used with caution 55

59 Wednesday July 1, 2009: 5 Minute Averages Monitoring of Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) in the Comox Valley Regional District Summary Statistics (5 Min) PM 2.5 (µg/m 3 ) Residence Control Source Min Max Average Median Stdev th th Comox Airport Meteorological Data (Hourly) Total Precipitation = 0 mm Mean = 16.9 C GOOSE SPIT FIRES: 8 before 19:30; 9 after. 56

60 Wednesday July 1, 2009: Hourly Regional Comparison Note: Data from regional sites may be uncorrected and should be used with caution 57

61 Thursday July 2, 2009: 5 Minute Averages Monitoring of Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) in the Comox Valley Regional District Summary Statistics PM 2.5 (µg/m 3 ) Residence Control Source Min 4 3 Max 14 7 Average 5 5 Median 5 5 Stdev th th 6 6 Comox Airport Meteorological Data (Hourly) Total Precipitation = 0 mm Mean = 18.7 C NOTE: Residents near Goose Spit Regional Park reported smelling smoke at 2:00 pm and 10:45 pm. GOOSE SPIT FIRES: 8 before 19:30; 8 after. 58

62 Thursday July 2, 2009: Hourly Regional Comparison Note: Data from regional sites may be uncorrected and should be used with caution 59

63 Friday July 3, 2009: 5 Minute Averages Monitoring of Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) in the Comox Valley Regional District Summary Statistics (5 Min) PM 2.5 (µg/m 3 ) Residence Control Source Min 5 4 Max 24 8 Average 6 5 Median 6 5 Stdev th th 7 7 Comox Airport Meteorological Data (Hourly) Total Precipitation = 0 mm Mean = 20.0 C GOOSE SPIT FIRES: 7 before 19:30; 10 after. 60

64 Friday July 3, 2009: Hourly Regional Comparison Monitoring of Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) in the Comox Valley Regional District Note: Data from regional sites may be uncorrected and should be used with caution 61

65 Saturday July 4, 2009: 5 Minute Averages Monitoring of Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) in the Comox Valley Regional District Summary Statistics (5 Min) PM 2.5 (µg/m 3 ) Residence Control Source Min 4 3 Max 24 8 Average 5 5 Median 5 5 Stdev th th 6 7 Comox Airport Meteorological Data (Hourly) Total Precipitation = 0 mm Mean = 20.1 C GOOSE SPIT FIRES: 10 before 19:30; 8 after. 62

66 Saturday July 4, 2009: Hourly Regional Comparison Note: Data from regional sites may be uncorrected and should be used with caution 63

67 Sunday July 5, 2009: 5 Minute Averages Monitoring of Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) in the Comox Valley Regional District Summary Statistics (5 Min) PM 2.5 (µg/m 3 ) Residence Control Source Min 4 3 Max 16 8 Average 5 5 Median 5 5 Stdev th th 8 7 Comox Airport Meteorological Data (Hourly) Total Precipitation = 0 mm Mean = 17.5 C GOOSE SPIT FIRES: 8 before 19:30; 6 after. 64

68 Sunday July 5, 2009: Hourly Regional Comparison Note: Data from regional sites may be uncorrected and should be used with caution 65

69 Monday July 6, 2009: 5 Minute Averages Monitoring of Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) in the Comox Valley Regional District Summary Statistics (5 Min) PM 2.5 (µg/m 3 ) Residence Control Source Min 1 0 Max 11 7 Average 3 3 Median 4 3 Stdev th th 8 6 Comox Airport Meteorological Data (Hourly) Total Precipitation = 41.2 mm Mean = 16.1 C NOTE: Residents reported a lot of activity July 6 th 13 th, with fires burning after 11pm. GOOSE SPIT FIRES: 0 before 19:30; 1 after. 66

70 Monday July 6, 2009: Hourly Regional Comparison Note: Data from regional sites may be uncorrected and should be used with caution 67

71 Tuesday July 7, 2009: 5 Minute Averages Monitoring of Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) in the Comox Valley Regional District Summary Statistics (5 Min) PM 2.5 (µg/m 3 ) Residence Control Source Min Max Average Median Stdev th th Comox Airport Meteorological Data (Hourly) Total Precipitation = 8.8 mm Mean = 12.4 C NOTE: Residents reported a lot of activity July 6 th 13 th, with fires burning after 11pm. GOOSE SPIT FIRES: 0 before 19:30; 0 after. 68

72 Tuesday July 7, 2009: Hourly Regional Comparison Note: Data from regional sites may be uncorrected and should be used with caution 69

73 Wednesday July 8, 2009: 5 Minute Averages Monitoring of Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) in the Comox Valley Regional District Summary Statistics (5 Min) PM 2.5 (µg/m 3 ) Residence Control Source Min Max Average Median Stdev th th Comox Airport Meteorological Data (Hourly) Total Precipitation = 1.2 mm Mean = 14.7 C NOTE: Residents reported a lot of activity July 6 th 13 th, with fires burning after 11pm. GOOSE SPIT FIRES: 0 before 19:30; 4 after. 70

74 Wednesday July 8, 2009: Hourly Regional Comparison Note: Data from regional sites may be uncorrected and should be used with caution 71

75 Thursday July 9, 2009: 5 Minute Averages Monitoring of Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) in the Comox Valley Regional District Summary Statistics (5 Min) PM 2.5 (µg/m 3 ) Residence Control Source Min Max Average Median Stdev th th Comox Airport Meteorological Data (Hourly) Total Precipitation = 0 mm Mean = 16.9 C NOTE: Residents reported a lot of activity July 6 th 13 th, with fires burning after 11pm. GOOSE SPIT FIRES: 7 before 19:30; 10 after. 72

76 Thursday July 9, 2009: Hourly Regional Comparison Note: Data from regional sites may be uncorrected and should be used with caution 73

77 Friday July 10, 2009: 5 Minute Averages Monitoring of Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) in the Comox Valley Regional District Summary Statistics (5 Min) PM 2.5 (µg/m 3 ) Residence Control Source Min Max Average Median Stdev th th Comox Airport Meteorological Data (Hourly) Total Precipitation = 0 mm Mean = 18.2 C NOTE: Residents reported a lot of activity July 6 th 13 th, with fires burning after 11pm. GOOSE SPIT FIRES: 7 before 19:30; 8 after. 74

78 Friday July 10, 2009: Hourly Regional Comparison Note: Data from regional sites may be uncorrected and should be used with caution 75

79 Saturday July 11, 2009: 5 Minute Averages Monitoring of Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) in the Comox Valley Regional District Summary Statistics (5 Min) PM 2.5 (µg/m 3 ) Residence Control Source Min Max Average Median Stdev th th Comox Airport Meteorological Data (Hourly) Total Precipitation = 0 mm Mean = 20.5 C NOTE: Residents near Goose Spit Regional Park reported smelling smoke at 8:00 pm and 11:00 pm. GOOSE SPIT FIRES: 8 before 19:30; 9 after. 76

80 Saturday July 11, 2009: Hourly Regional Comparison Note: Data from regional sites may be uncorrected and should be used with caution 77

81 Sunday July 12, 2009: 5 Minute Averages Monitoring of Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) in the Comox Valley Regional District Summary Statistics (5 Min) PM 2.5 Residence Control Source (µg/m 3 ) Min Max Average Median Stdev th th Comox Airport Meteorological Data (Hourly) Total Precipitation = 0 mm Mean = 19.1 C NOTE: Residents reported a lot of activity July 6 th 13 th, with fires burning after 11pm. GOOSE SPIT FIRES: 4 before 19:30; 5 after. 78

82 Sunday July 12, 2009: Hourly Regional Comparison Note: Data from regional sites may be uncorrected and should be used with caution 79

83 Monday July 13, 2009: 5 Minute Averages Monitoring of Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) in the Comox Valley Regional District Summary Statistics (5 Min) PM 2.5 (µg/m 3 ) Residence Control Source Min 2 2 Max 15 8 Average 5 6 Median 5 5 Stdev th th 7 7 Comox Airport Meteorological Data (Hourly) Total Precipitation = 0 mm Mean = 16.2 C NOTE: Residents reported a lot of activity July 6 th 13 th, with fires burning after 11pm. GOOSE SPIT FIRES: 6 before 19:30; 5 after. 80

84 Monday July 13, 2009: Hourly Regional Comparison Note: Data from regional sites may be uncorrected and should be used with caution 81

85 Tuesday July 14, 2009: 5 Minute Averages Monitoring of Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) in the Comox Valley Regional District Summary Statistics (5 Min) PM 2.5 (µg/m 3 ) Residence Control Source Min 2 2 Max Average 8 8 Median 7 7 Stdev th th Comox Airport Meteorological Data (Hourly) Total Precipitation = 0 mm Mean = 17.6 C GOOSE SPIT FIRES: 8 before 19:30; 7 after. 82

86 Tuesday July 14, 2009: Hourly Regional Comparison Note: Data from regional sites may be uncorrected and should be used with caution 83

87 Wednesday July 15, 2009: 5 Minute Averages Monitoring of Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) in the Comox Valley Regional District Summary Statistics (5 Min) PM 2.5 (µg/m 3 ) Residence Control Source Min 6 6 Max Average 9 8 Median 10 9 Stdev th th Comox Airport Meteorological Data (Hourly) Total Precipitation = 0 mm Mean = 17.9 C NOTE: Lawn mowing at Residential location between 7:00 and 7:30pm. GOOSE SPIT FIRES: 10 before 19:30; 10 after. 84