PARKLAND AIRSHED MANAGEMENT ZONE (PAMZ) Ambient Air Monitoring Plan

Transcription

1 PARKLAND AIRSHED MANAGEMENT ZONE (PAMZ) Ambient Air Monitoring Plan Prepared for: Alberta Environmental Monitoring Evaluation and Reporting Agency (AEMERA) Prepared by: Stantec Consulting Inc. Parkland Airshed Management Zone (PAMZ)

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5 Table of Contents ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS... I 1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION DESCRIPTION OF THE AMBIENT AIR QUALITY OR RELATED DEPOSITION ISSUES(S) IN THE AREA RESPONSIBLE AUTHORITIES FOR MONITORING PLAN DOCUMENTATION OF MONITORING OBJECTIVE(S) THE GEOGRAPHICAL AREA FOR THE MONITORING PROGRAM, INCLUDING THE ECOSYSTEM AND/OR POPULATION WITHIN THAT AREA MONITORING INFORMATION CONTINUOUS MONITORING Monitoring Locations Substances Monitored ly Method of Air Monitoring Proposed Changes to the Air Monitoring Program PORTABLE MONITORING Portable Monitoring Locations Substances Monitored Method of Monitoring Proposed Changes to the Portable Air Monitoring Program PASSIVE MONITORING Passive Air Monitoring Locations Proposed Changes to the Passive Air Monitoring Program EMISSIONS AND RECEPTORS EMISSION(S) SOURCES LIST OF IDENTIFIED RECEPTORS DATA MANAGEMENT DATA MANAGEMENT IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE CONTINGENCY PLANNING CONTINGENCY PLANS OR RISK MANAGEMENT FOR ONGOING OPERATIONS MONITORING PLAN REVIEW DATE OF LAST MONITORING PLAN REVIEW SUMMARY OF FINDINGS FROM LAST MONITORING PLAN REVIEW

6 LIST OF TABLES Table 1 List of Contributors to the Monitoring Plan Table 2 Contributions to Monitoring Program Plan Table 3 List of Air Monitoring Station Locations Table 4 Monitored Substances at Stations Table 5 Method of Monitoring Red Deer Riverside Station Table 6 Method of Monitoring -Lancaster Station Table 7 Method of Monitoring Caroline Station Table 8 Monitored Substances at David McCoy Portable Station Table 9 Method of Monitoring -David Portable Station Table 10 List of Passive Air Monitoring Station Locations LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 Parkland Airshed Management Zone Boundary Figure 2 Air Monitoring Station Locations Figure 3 Aerial Photograph of the Red Deer Riverside Air Monitoring Station Figure 4 Photograph of the Red Deer Riverside Station Figure 5 Aerial Photograph of the Red Deer Lancaster Air Monitoring Station Figure 6 Aerial Photograph of the Caroline Air Monitoring Station Figure 7 Photograph of the Caroline Station Figure 8 Wind Rose Plot and Wind Speed Histogram for the Red Deer Riverside Air Monitoring Station Figure 9 Wind Rose Plot and Wind Speed Histogram for the Caroline Air Monitoring Station Figure 10 Passive Air Monitoring Station Locations

7 Acronyms and Abbreviations AEMERA AMD AQHI AQM CAAQS CASA CH4 CO CWS ESRD H2S NMHC NOx O3 PAMZ PM2.5 QA/QC SO2 THC TRS TWG Alberta Environmental Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Agency Air Monitoring Directive Air Quality Health Index Air Quality Management Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards Clean Air Strategic Alliance methane carbon monoxide Canada-wide Standards Environment and Sustainable Resource Development hydrogen sulphide non-methane hydrocarbons oxides of nitrogen ozone Parkland Airshed Management Zone particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in diameter Quality Assurance/Quality Control sulphur dioxide total hydrocarbons total reduced sulphur Technical Working Group i

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9 General Information 1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION 1.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE AMBIENT AIR QUALITY OR RELATED DEPOSITION ISSUES(S) IN THE AREA The Parkland Airshed Management Zone (PAMZ) was incorporated as a society in 1997 with the goal of identifying air quality issues within the zone (at a sub-provincial scale) and to design and implement strategies to address those issues. Overall, the regional air quality in the airshed is good according to the AQHI measured in Red Deer. Historically, there have been a few exceedances of the Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objectives for H2S and PM2.5. The H2S exceedances have been found to be primarily related to biogenic wetland emissions. Cold weather, atmospheric inversions, and smoke from forest fires have been found to be primarily responsible for the PM2.5 exceedances. The airshed boundaries encompass an area of approximately 42,000 square kilometers with a population estimated at 273,000 as of The PAMZ monitoring program began in 1999 with 28 passive stations and has expanded substantially since then: 2000: program began when PAMZ took over operation (and ownership) of the Caroline permanent continuous monitoring station; also added the first of two portable monitoring stations (Martha Kostuch/Peregrine station) 2001: Four new passive stations added to the network 2003: Second portable monitoring station added (David McCoy/Raven station) 2005: Second permanent continuous station added (when PAMZ took over operation of the ESRD Red Deer Riverside station) 2014: Martha portable station converted into third permanent continuous station (Red Deer Lancaster) As of December 2014, the passive network has expanded to 34 stations. The Martha Kostuch portable station has become the Lancaster Station, a third permanent continuous monitoring station in the City of Red Deer. It has been operational since Dec 23, The David McCoy station will now cover all portable monitoring issues that arise whether related to regional air quality or geographic and technical data gaps. Ground-level ozone In November 2006, PAMZ stakeholders were notified by Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD, formerly Alberta Environment) that air quality monitoring stations in the zone had reported elevated levels of ambient ozone. This triggered the requirement for an ozone management plan to be developed to prevent future exceedances of ambient ozone as per the Clean Air Strategic Alliance (CASA) Particulate Matter and Ozone Management Framework. PAMZ led the development of a collaborative, multi-stakeholder Ozone Management Plan which was completed in 2008 and accepted by ESRD in Since 2008, the Plan has undergone implementation; PAMZ has monitored the 1.1

10 General Information progress of implementation and achievement of objectives within the airshed zone. PAMZ continues its leadership role in managing ozone through the PAMZ Ozone Management Plan Committee. Airshed activities related to the Ozone Management Plan implementation are shared with stakeholders and the public through the PAMZ website and the Annual Report. Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) In spring 2013, results from the ESRD province-wide analysis of monitoring data indicated that the Red Deer Riverside station had exceeded the CWS for PM2.5. By exceeding this standard the requirement to develop a Mandatory Plan to Reduce Below CWS was triggered as per the CASA Particulate Matter and Ozone Management Framework. As defined in the Framework, this Plan must be developed under an ESRD-led process, with involvement of key stakeholders, including PAMZ. The PAMZ Technical Working Group will act as liaison with ESRD as the Plan development progresses. Local conditions influence local air quality In addition to the specific ozone and PM2.5 issues, general air quality and the impact of air emissions on a given day are strongly influenced by local and regional meteorological conditions. Thermal inversions during winter can trap pollutants in a thin layer near the surface and air quality can deteriorate quickly. In the summertime, hot temperatures with stagnant winds are favorable conditions for the production of photochemical ozone. Persistent dry and windy conditions can result in elevated levels of airborne dust (particulate matter). 1.2 RESPONSIBLE AUTHORITIES FOR MONITORING PLAN Table 1 List of Contributors to the Monitoring Plan Name Company Name Address Affiliation Kevin Warren Amarok Box 1020Sundre, AB T0M1X0 PAMZ Technical Working Group Various Various PAMZ Jon Cuttress WSP Focus Street SE, Calgary, AB T2E 6J5 Monitoring Contractor Table 2 Contributions to Monitoring Program Plan Name Kevin Warren PAMZ Technical Working Group Jon Cuttress Stantec, Novus Environmental ESRD Contribution to Plan Lead for Plan Development and communications with Consultant Determined PAMZ Monitoring Objectives; reviewed draft Air Monitoring Plan Provided technical monitoring information Consultants responsible for writing plan, working closely with PAMZ Review and approval of Air Monitoring Plan upon submission 1.2

11 General Information 1.3 DOCUMENTATION OF MONITORING OBJECTIVE(S) The following monitoring objectives were developed by the PAMZ Technical Working Group during a workshop held October 14, 2014 in Red Deer. These objectives were finalized and approved by consensus to be included as part of the Plan on October 30, 2014: 1. To collect credible monitoring data (and assess as per Air Quality Objectives, Guidelines, Standards, Criteria, etc.); 2. To provide monitoring data required to calculate and report the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) in a timely manner (including poor air quality events); 3. To conduct ongoing data analysis: characterize air quality, determine trends, identify and fill geospatial and technical data gaps; 4. To address and track air quality issues of concern identified by PAMZ stakeholders; 5. To support industry (current and future) by operating compliance air monitoring programs independently or within PAMZ Program; 6. To collaborate with other agencies, groups, and organizations on various air quality-related topics and issues; 7. To provide ambient air monitoring data to support the Land-use Framework, Air Quality Management Plans and Frameworks (current and future); 8. To support human health and ecosystem health assessments and studies; 9. To support the monitoring needs of the Alberta Environmental Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Agency (AEMERA); 10. To be flexible and adapt to changing and emerging concerns, issues and new technologies; 11. To provide data to support effective communication and education and outreach programs. Because the overall drivers behind the airshed monitoring program have remained fairly constant since the inception of PAMZ, several objectives reflect what PAMZ has been monitoring and analyzing and will continue to monitor and analyze moving forward. Changes to the provincial framework of air monitoring in Alberta are acknowledged in some of the new objectives, e.g. formation of AEMERA and the development of the provincial Land-use Framework and associated regional plans. These are incorporated directly into the PAMZ monitoring objectives and illustrate the commitment of the airshed to remain the primary and trusted source for air quality monitoring data collection and management. 1.3

12 General Information 1.4 THE GEOGRAPHICAL AREA FOR THE MONITORING PROGRAM, INCLUDING THE ECOSYSTEM AND/OR POPULATION WITHIN THAT AREA PAMZ monitors air quality within the entire zone, and the geographical boundaries for the monitoring program align with those of the PAMZ airshed region. However, the monitoring program is biased toward the population centres, with a higher density of monitoring locations in the eastern half of the airshed. The airshed boundaries encompass a 42,000 km 2 area of central Alberta, extending from Crossfield to Ponoka and east of Highway 2 to the BC border. The airshed boundaries were selected based on several criteria, consistent with the guidelines developed by CASA for airshed zones. The PAMZ boundaries were first defined as: North: the top of Township 42 East: Highway 21 South: the bottom of Township 28 West: the Alberta-British Columbia provincial border The boundaries have been amended slightly on two separate occasions. In March of 2000, the northeast zone boundary was expanded from the top of Township 42 to the top of Township 44. This change was made to allow the Gulf Rimbey Plant to participate in PAMZ and make an application to collapse their compliance monitoring. The result of this change was to have the boundary of PAMZ largely align with the former David Thompson Health Region. In 2009, the southern border of PAMZ was adjusted based on a request from CRAZ to have Lake Louise and the Bow Valley Corridor in their zone. The new border was agreed to and documentation was completed and submitted to CASA. There is a possibility for further airshed boundary amendments in the future. PAMZ is aware of the challenge in having dissimilar airshed boundaries and provincial planning regions defined under the Land-use Framework. In particular, the regional plans specifically developed for each land use planning region incorporate air quality management considerations. This may pose an operational issue for airsheds, such as PAMZ, that fall under more than one planning region. The total population within this region is approximately 273,000, based on 2013 Alberta population data published by Municipal Affairs (Government of Alberta, 2013, available at: pdf). 1.4

13 N:\1_Projects\ _PAMZ_Air_Monitoring_PlaN:\1_Projects\ _PAMZ_Air_Monitoring_Plan\Report\Report Figures BC Edmonton Jasper Rocky Mountain House Red Deer Hwy 2 Calgary NWT Parkland Airshed Management Zone PREPARED BY AB PREPARED FOR PAMZ Region SK Parkland Airshed Management Zone Boundary 1 U S A FIGURE NO LEGEND PAMZ Boundary PAMZ Region Distance in Meters UTM Zone 11 and Zone 12, NAD 83

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15 Monitoring Information 2.0 MONITORING INFORMATION 2.1 CONTINUOUS MONITORING Monitoring Locations air monitoring requires actively drawing air through analytical instruments that are carefully calibrated to measure the ambient concentration of the compounds being measured. Each compound of interest requires a different analytical method (and a unique instrument) to determine ambient concentrations. This results in very high resolution monitoring data, but continuous monitoring is expensive and presents a challenge for airsheds to employ as a primary means of monitoring across large geographic regions. As of December 2014 there are three permanent continuous monitoring stations in PAMZ: Red Deer Riverside and Red Deer Lancaster both located in the City of Red Deer, and Caroline, located near the village of Caroline. Figure 2 indicates where these continuous air monitoring stations are located within the PAMZ. The locations of the continuous air monitoring stations are listed in Table 3. Table 3 List of Air Monitoring Station Locations Station Name Longitude Latitude Land Use Red Deer Riverside W N Urban Caroline W N Rural Red Deer Lancaster * W N Urban NOTE: * The Martha portable station became a permanent continuous monitor at the Lancaster station in December The Red Deer Riverside station is located in an urban land-use region, adjacent to the Red Deer River within an industrial area of the city. The location is depicted in an aerial photograph in Figure 3. A photograph of the station is shown in Figure 4. The Red Deer Lancaster station is located in the Lancaster subdivision, away from the city centre and industrial activity. The monitoring data here is more representative of the air quality existing in urban residential areas. The location is depicted in an aerial photograph in Figure 5. The Caroline station is located in a largely rural land-use region with oil and gas developments in the vicinity. The station is located approximately 4.5 km from the Caroline plant site (Figure 6). It was previously owned and operated by Shell as a compliance station for the Caroline Gas Plant. 2.1

16 Edmonton Jasper LEGEND PAMZ Boundary PAMZ Region Ambient Monitors Rocky Mountain House Red Deer - Riverside Red Deer Red Deer - Lancaster Caroline Hwy 2 Calgary Distance in Meters UTM Zone 11 and Zone 12, NAD N:\1_Projects\ _PAMZ_Air_Monitoring_PlaN:\1_Projects\ _PAMZ_Air_Monitoring_Plan\Report\Report Figures NWT Parkland Airshed Management Zone PREPARED BY AB PREPARED FOR BC PAMZ Region SK Air Monitoring Station Locations U S A FIGURE NO. 2

17 PARKLAND AIRSHED MANAGEMENT ZONE (PAMZ) Monitoring Information Figure 3 Aerial Photograph of the Red Deer Riverside Air Monitoring Station 2.3

18 Monitoring Information Figure 4 Photograph of the Red Deer Riverside Station 2.4

19 PARKLAND AIRSHED MANAGEMENT ZONE (PAMZ) Monitoring Information Figure 5 Aerial Photograph of the Red Deer Lancaster Air Monitoring Station 2.5

20 PARKLAND AIRSHED MANAGEMENT ZONE (PAMZ) Monitoring Information Figure Aerial Photograph of the Caroline Air Monitoring Station

21 Monitoring Information Figure 7 Photograph of the Caroline Station PAMZ was not directly involved in the original siting of two of the three continuous stations because they already existed when PAMZ took over the operation. These stations remained in their original locations to preserve the historical data record. PAMZ took ownership and began operating the Caroline station in 1999 (from Shell) and took over operation of the Red Deer- Riverside station from ESRD in ESRD retained ownership of the Red Deer Riverside station, but has an annually-renewed contracted agreement with PAMZ to operate the station. In 2013, PAMZ prepared specific Ambient Site Documentation reports for each of the permanent and portable monitoring stations that detail the required siting criteria and include photographs to thoroughly illustrate the monitoring stations. The station documentation indicates that the sites were selected to the extent possible in consideration of the AMD siting requirements at the time. Further, there are no site access restrictions at any of the continuous stations as required by the AMD. The Red Deer Lancaster station is monitored by a former portable station (Martha Kostuch) that was transitioned into the third permanent continuous monitoring station in accordance with the 2.7

22 Monitoring Information siting requirements of the AMD. This location is in a residential subdivision in southeast Red Deer. Portable monitoring had already been conducted at this location to assess suitability as an additional continuous monitoring station. This assessment was driven by concerns that the recent relocation of the City of Red Deer civic yards and other industrial development activity near the Riverside monitoring station would affect the ambient air quality measurements due to the location of the monitor in the river valley. The new Lancaster monitoring station is more representative of the overall air quality experienced by the majority of Red Deer residents. The monitoring results show air quality that is typical other urban monitoring locations in Canada that are similarly situated. The additional continuous monitoring did not require a large capital investment by PAMZ and this transition was a good opportunity to expand the continuous monitoring program. Additional continuous monitoring by PAMZ is primarily limited by the financial constraints of the airshed; the capital and operational costs of adding new permanent continuous monitoring stations are substantial. Each of the continuous monitoring stations also collects meteorological data. Of particular interest, in terms of air quality is the wind speed and direction because of the impact on emission dispersion and transport. The wind direction indicates where the wind is blowing from and can give insight into what emission sources may be affecting the air quality on a given day. Stagnant winds (and stable conditions) may be associated with episodes of reduced air quality because of the reduced dispersion of emissions. A wind rose is an efficient and convenient means of presenting wind data. The length of the radial barbs gives the total percent frequency of winds from the indicated direction, while portions of the barbs of different widths indicate the frequency associated with each wind speed category. A wind rose plot of long-term (annual) wind data can reveal topographic channeling effects on wind direction. The wind speed cumulative frequency distribution graph shows how frequently various speeds occur. It can help distinguish a windy site from a calm site. The wind rose plot for the Red Deer Riverside station is given in Figure 8. It depicts all hourly average winds over a 5-year period ( ). The plot shows a predominance of southern winds, with some winds from the north. This indicates the substantial effect of the river valley on channeling winds along the valley axis. The cumulative frequency distribution graph shows that 11.2% of winds are calm (<0.5 m/s or 2 kph) and 52.8% of winds fall between 1 and 2 m/s (4 and 11 kph). Winds greater than 6 m/s (22 kph) are rare (2% of the time). The wind rose plot for the Caroline station is given in Figure 9. It depicts all hourly average winds over a 5-year period ( ). The plot shows a predominance of westerly winds, with some south-east and north-west winds. This indicates little topographic channeling, and more influence of synoptic-scale winds. The cumulative frequency distribution graph shows that 2.5% of winds are calm (<0.5 m/s or 2 kph) and 60.4% of winds fall between 1 and 2 m/s (4 and 11 kph). Winds greater than 6 m/s (22 kph) are rare (3% of the time). 2.8

23 Monitoring Information Figure 8 Wind Rose Plot and Wind Speed Histogram for the Red Deer Riverside Air Monitoring Station 2.9

24 Monitoring Information Figure 9 Wind Rose Plot and Wind Speed Histogram for the Caroline Air Monitoring Station 2.10

25 Monitoring Information Substances Monitored ly The substances monitored by PAMZ reflect the standard suite of pollutants monitored by ESRD and other airshed zones. The monitored substances enable PAMZ to address their zone-specific monitoring objectives and allow the calculation of the AQHI and Canada-wide Standard (CWS) metric for PM2.5 and O3. With the 2015 transition from the CWS to the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS), PAMZ will calculate PM2.5 and O3 for comparison against the CAAQS metric. The substances monitored at each of the continuous stations are outlined below in Table 4: Table 4 Monitored Substances at Stations Red Deer Riverside Red Deer Lancaster Caroline SO2 (sulphur dioxide) X X X H2S (hydrogen sulphide) TRS (total reduced sulphur) X X NOX (oxides of nitrogen) X X X PM2.5 (particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in diameter) X X X X O3 (ozone) X X X CO (carbon monoxide) NMHC (non-methane hydrocarbons) X X CH4 (methane) X X THC (total hydrocarbons) X X X X Method of Air Monitoring The technical specifications for the instruments measuring each of the monitored substances are listed for continuous stations in Table 5, 6 and

26 Monitoring Information Table 5 Method of Monitoring Red Deer Riverside Station Monitoring Instrumentation Method Oxides of Nitrogen (NOX, NO, NO2) Detection Limit TEI 42i 0.1 ppb 500 ppb Ozone (O3) TEI 49c 0.1 ppb 500 ppb Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) Methane (CH4) Non-Methane Hydrocarbons (NMHC) Total Hydrocarbons (THC) Carbon Monoxide (CO) Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) TEI 43c 0.1 ppb 500 ppb TEI 450i 0.1 ppb 100 ppb TEI 55c 20 ppb 20 ppm TEI 55c 50 ppb 20 ppm TEI 55c 50 ppb 40 ppm TEI 48C TL 40 ppb 50 ppm R&P 8500 FDMS 0.2 µg/m µg/m 3 Sharpe µg/m µg/m 3 Full Scale Precision Accuracy ± 0.4 ppb (500 ppb range) Meets AMD 1 ppb Meets AMD 1% of reading or 1 ppb (whichever is greater) 1% of reading or 1 ppb (whichever is greater ± 2% of measured value ± 2% of measured value ± 2% of measured value ± 1% or 0.02 ppm ± 1.5 µg/m 3 1-hr ± 2 µg/m 3 <80 µg/m 3 Meets AMD Meets AMD ± 2% of measured value ± 2% of measured value ± 2% of measured value ± 1% or 0.02 ppm Sampling Frequency Sampling Duration ± 0.75% Hourly ± 5% (cf 24-hr FRM) 2.12

27 Monitoring Information Table 6 Method of Monitoring Red Deer Lancaster Station Monitoring Instrumentation Method Oxides of Nitrogen (NOX, NO, NO2) Detection Limit Full Scale Precision Accuracy API 200A 0.1 ppb 500 ppb 0.5% of reading Ozone (O3) API 400A 0.1 ppb 500 ppb 0.5% of reading Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) API 100A 0.1 ppb 500 ppb 0.5% of reading CH4/NMHC/THC TEI 55C 20 ppb CH4, 50 ppb NMHC Total Reduced Sulphur (TRS) Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) 20/20/40 ppm ± 2% of measured value API 100A 0.1 ppb 100 ppb 0.5% of reading Met One BAM 1020 <4.0 µg/m µg/m 3 Meets AMD Meets AMD Meets AMD Meets AMD ± 2% of measured value Meets AMD Exceeds USEPA Class III PM2.5 FEM Standard Sampling Frequency Sampling Duration Hourly Table 7 Method of Monitoring Caroline Station Monitoring Instrumentation Method Oxides of Nitrogen (NOX, NO, NO2) Detection Limit API 200A 0.1 ppb 500 ppb Ozone (O3) TECO 49C 0.1 ppb 500 ppb Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Total Hydrocarbons (THC) Total Reduced Sulphur (TRS) API 100A 0.1 ppb 500 ppb Sharp µg/m µg/m 3 TEI 51i-LT 50 ppb 50 ppm API T ppb 100 ppb Full Scale Precision Accuracy 0.5% of reading Meets AMD 1 ppb Meets AMD 0.5% of reading ± 2 µg/m 3 <80 µg/m 3 2% of reading or 0.1 ppm 0.5% of reading Meets AMD ± 5% (cf 24-hr FRM) ± 2% of measured value Meets AMD Sampling Frequency Sampling Duration 2.13

28 Monitoring Information Rationale for Monitoring Methods Used The monitoring methods used by PAMZ are all AMD compliant and consistent with ESRD recommendations and current practices. The monitoring stations are subject to annual audits by ESRD including an assessment of the function and accuracy of all analyzers. There are several benefits to the PAMZ monitoring methods that are currently in use. Overall, the monitoring program provides robust data that allows the airshed to achieve its monitoring objectives. Specifically, the monitoring methods utilized by PAMZ result in the dataset that provides: Monitoring data for a broad range of emissions from both point and non-point sources (SO2, TRS, H2S, NOX, NO, NO2, O3, THC, CH4, CO, PM2.5 and PM10); Data available at a high temporal resolution: 1, 5 and 60 minute averages; Low detection levels: enables the detection of subtle changes in data and trends and monitoring of low level concentrations that may be associated with chronic health disorders; Monitoring that is responsive to stakeholder issues through the Issues Response Process and use of the portable monitoring station. The PAMZ Issues Response Process involves input from stakeholders at annual meetings (specifically held to identify air issues and concerns), review of air quality complaint files maintained by member government agencies and direct stakeholder input received at regular Board meetings. Identification of technical and geographic data gaps is done by the PAMZ Technical Working Group (TWG). The TWG prioritizes the portable monitoring, and once the proposed monitoring is approved by the PAMZ Board of Directors, the schedule is determined in consultation with the Executive Director Proposed Changes to the Air Monitoring Program There are currently no changes proposed for the continuous monitoring program. 2.14

29 Monitoring Information 2.2 PORTABLE MONITORING In addition to the three permanent continuous stations, PAMZ also has a portable continuous monitoring station as part of the program: The David McCoy station is designated a portable station because it is housed in a mobile trailer that can be moved from one place to another relatively easily. The portable station is used to address regional air quality issues and technical or geographic data gaps as identified by the PAMZ TWG. As a whole, the portable monitoring program operates year round, but the monitoring duration would be better classified as shortterm at each location, with monitoring at a specific location typically lasting from 1 to 3 months Portable Monitoring Locations Very specific criteria and processes exist for determining the David McCoy portable monitoring locations. For issues response monitoring, monitoring locations are based on recommendations from the PAMZ Issues Response Group (IRG). This group receives input in two ways: through an annual public meeting held specifically for this purpose and through stakeholder input received at regular Board meetings. In general: Recommendations from the PAMZ Issues Response Group must be approved by the Board. Then the PAMZ Technical Working Group (TWG) selects the specific monitoring locations and schedule. For monitoring to address technical and geographic data gaps, sites are selected by the TWG based on a review of gaps that need to be addressed (in an effort to meet that stated monitoring objectives). These selections are reviewed and approved by the PAMZ Board. The David McCoy portable station can be used interchangeably for both issues response and technical and data gap-related monitoring Substances Monitored The substances monitored at the portable station are similar to those monitored at the permanent continuous stations (included here for reference) and can be seen in Table

30 Monitoring Information Table 8 Monitored Substances at David McCoy Portable Station Portable David McCoy Red Deer Lancaster Red Deer Riverside SO2 (sulphur dioxide) X X X X H2S (hydrogen sulphide) X X TRS (total reduced sulphur) X X X NOX (oxides of nitrogen) X X X X PM2.5 (particulate matter less than 2.5 micron diameter) Caroline X X X X O3 X X X X CO NMHC X X THC X X X X CH4 X X X Method of Monitoring The technical specifications for the instruments measuring each of the monitored substances are listed for continuous stations in Table 9. The instrumentation in this portable station is similar to that in the permanent continuous stations. Table 9 Method of Monitoring -David McCoy Portable Station Monitoring Instrumentation Method Oxides of Nitrogen (NOX, NO, NO2) Detection Limit Full Scale Precision Accuracy API T ppb 500 ppb 0.5% of reading above 50 ppb Ozone (O3) API T ppb 500 ppb 0.5% of reading above 50 ppb Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) Total Reduced Sulphur (TRS) API 100A 0.1 ppb 500 ppb 0.5% of reading API T ppb 100 ppb 0.5% of reading above 50 ppb Meets AMD Meets AMD Meets AMD Meets AMD Sampling Frequency Sampling Duration 1min 2.16

31 Monitoring Information Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) MET ONE BAM <4.0 µg/m µg/m 3 Meets AMD Exceeds USEPA Class III PM2.5 FEM Standard Hourly THC TECO 51-CLT 50 ppb 50 ppm 2% of reading or 0.1 ppm ± 2% of measured value Proposed Changes to the Portable Air Monitoring Program In 2015, PAMZ will discontinue the recurring (geographical data gap) portable monitoring at the Crossfield-Carstairs site northeast of Crossfield ( , ). When the monitoring began at this location there was no airshed covering the region south of PAMZ, and no monitoring data available. Now that the Calgary Region Airshed Zone exists with its northern boundary aligning with the southern boundary of PAMZ, this monitoring is no longer required. 2.3 PASSIVE MONITORING The 34 passive monitoring stations measure ambient levels of SO2, NO2 and O3 as a monthly average concentration value. The utility of monitoring with passive stations is to allow geographic coverage of the entire zone, track spatial trends and to identify potential hot spots possibly warranting further investigation. The passive monitoring data is not sufficiently resolved to reveal short term peak concentrations of pollutants, but because the stations are simple and very cost effective compared to continuous monitoring, they allow for monitoring to be conducted throughout the entire zone. PAMZ has the passive stations set up on an approximate 3x3 township grid system, although there is a bias toward the more accessible eastern portion of the zone due to population Passive Air Monitoring Locations The locations of the passive monitors throughout the zone may be seen in Figure 10 and the specific location of each station in latitude and longitude is listed in Table 10. The zone-wide coverage of the passive monitoring is evident. 2.17

32 Edmonton LEGEND PAMZ Boundary PAMZ Region Passive Ambient Air Monitors Jasper Harlech Ferrybank Sunchild Bighorn Rimbey Morningside Samson Leslieville Sylvan Lake Alix Parker Ridge Twin Lakes Rocky Mountain House Red Deer Riverside Baseline Mountain Ricinus Red Deer Raven River Caroline Markerville Pakkwaw Elnora Limestone Bearberry Netook-Olds Mayton Bow Summit Hwy 2 Eagle Valley Fallen Timber South Elkton Panther River Sunnyslope Crossfield-Carstairs Grainger Bottrel Kersey Calgary Distance in Meters UTM Zone 11 and Zone 12, NAD N:\1_Projects\ _PAMZ_Air_Monitoring_PlaN:\1_Projects\ _PAMZ_Air_Monitoring_Plan\Report\Report Figures NWT Parkland Airshed Management Zone PREPARED BY AB PREPARED FOR BC PAMZ Region SK Passive Air Monitoring Station Locations U S A FIGURE NO. 10

33 Monitoring Information Table 10 List of Passive Air Monitoring Station Locations Station Name Longitude Latitude Elevation (m) 1 Bow Summit ,040 2 Parker Ridge ,021 3 Bighorn ,332 4 Sunchild ,059 5 Baseline Mountain ,867 6 Limestone ,787 7 Panther River ,573 8 Fallen Timber ,443 9 Bearberry , Ricinus , Twin Lakes Rimbey Leslieville Raven River Caroline , Eagle Valley , South Elkton , Bottrel , Crossfield-Carstairs , Netook-Olds , Markerville Sylvan Lake Morningside Mayton Sunnyslope Grainger Elnora Alix Samson Ferrybank Pakkwaw Kersey , Harlech ,532 Red Deer Riverside

34 Monitoring Information Proposed Changes to the Passive Air Monitoring Program In 2015, PAMZ will discontinue passive monitoring at two of the mountain locations (Site 1. Bow Summit and Site 2. Parker Ridge) located in the western region of the airshed. This decision is based on the monitoring results obtained over the past 15 years (showing very little change in measured concentrations which are near the detection limit) and on the financial cost to access these remote locations monthly to collect the samples for analysis. ESRD is aware of and has been supportive of this decision through their representative participation and active role in the PAMZ Technical Working Group. 2.20

35 Emissions and Receptors 3.0 EMISSIONS AND RECEPTORS 3.1 EMISSION(S) SOURCES PAMZ tracks the emissions from industrial point sources in the region because of their importance to the overall contribution to regional air quality as well as for annual funding contributions from industry partners. Non-point sources are considerably more difficult to quantify (e.g. transportation, residential, municipal, unpaved roads, construction, etc.). A formal air emissions inventory was commissioned by PAMZ in 2005 that collected and compiled emissions data and analyzed emission sources within the zone. The inventory classified emissions from several sources, including: Energy Stationary Combustion Sources o Fossil Fuel Industries o Manufacturing Industries o Residential Transportation (including off-road sources) Fugitive sources Industrial Processes Solvent and Product Use Agriculture Waste Land Use and Forestry Natural Emissions An Alberta emissions inventory project was conducted by AMEC in 2008 in support of the development of airshed ozone management plans. This inventory was based on a 2006 Environment Canada emissions inventory, and quantified emissions in various source categories for the PAMZ region. Some of the key findings on relative source contributions were: For NOX emissions, the highest contributing source was found to be the fossil fuel industry (77%), followed by transportation (6%) and power generation (6%). For SO2, 99.4% of emissions were attributed to the fossil fuel industry in the region. For VOC emissions, the sources were more evenly distributed among various sources: fossil fuel industry (41%), livestock (31%), and other industry (11%). For PM2.5 (not including road dust) emissions, the greatest sources were found to be farming (28%) and power generation (27%). 3.1

36 Emissions and Receptors Pollutants of a transboundary nature are not considered to be an issue for PAMZ at this time. Data collected has not indicated any measurable transboundary import of pollution into the zone. 3.2 LIST OF IDENTIFIED RECEPTORS There has not been work done specifically to identify receptors within PAMZ. However, based on the airshed Monitoring Objectives (see section 1.3); PAMZ considers both human health and ecosystem health to be important research and assessment topics to address with collected monitoring data. Therefore, the receptors identified for PAMZ must be considered from ecological and human-health perspectives. In terms of human health, the population centres in PAMZ may be used as a first approximation for receptors. Typically, sensitive human receptors to air pollutants are people who are particularly sensitive to air pollutants (young children, elderly, those with compromised health and pre-existing conditions). Following this approach, a map of cities, towns and villages can be used to show the locations of the human health receptors. Further work could be done to refine sensitive receptors based on geospatial data and knowledge of emission sources and local meteorology. In terms of ecological receptors, one possible approach would be to consider acid deposition (of which the primary receptors are soils and aquatic ecosystems). Alberta has an Acid Deposition Management Framework which could be a place to start in determining ecological receptors for air pollutants. As part of the Framework, a receptor sensitivity map for regions of Alberta has been produced which could be used to classify regions within PAMZ. 3.2

37 Data Management 4.0 DATA MANAGEMENT 4.1 DATA MANAGEMENT Comprehensive and rigorous quality assurance and quality control is an integral component of the PAMZ AQM Program. This includes frequent calibration checks, data verification and periodic government audits. Data are checked for signs of long-term systematic errors and all raw and quality controlled data are archived. The Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) of the monitoring program is a shared responsibility of the PAMZ monitoring contractor and the Executive Director. PAMZ has a comprehensive Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) that documents all procedures related to data management. Data collected by all monitoring systems within the PAMZ is transferred and stored on the central data server. This server is currently located at the office of the contractor. All data processing for flagging, baseline correction and reporting is completed on this system at the contractor s office. Data and associated documents are stored on this computer and are backed up in reference to the Data Handling procedure. All digital data, data acquisition system documentation and other documents for the current and previous monitoring years will reside in the Contractor database and archive folders: Ambient data (raw and validated) reside on the contractor database for the life of the program. Validated data will be submitted monthly to the ESRD database within the following 45 days of months end in accordance with the AMD and PAMZ QAP. Validated data will also be uploaded to the CASA data warehouse website within 45 days of months end. Field documentation, including field log and laboratory sheets, daily summaries, equipment audit results, calibration records, quality control checks, records of procedures and maintenance performed. These documents will be maintained and stored by the Contractor for a period of 10 years. Lab analysis reports, QC checks, problems and corrective actions, QAP and QAP revisions, QA audit reports and final reports will be archived on the Contractor database. The Contractor is responsible to report data to ESRD in a clear and concise manner. The report must present the data in an accurate and valid manner and should identify any data that did not pass the stated QA/QC requirements in the AMD. The monthly report may be presented to the government as a hardcopy or electronically. Should the data be submitted electronically, a copy is required on CD with all files in a read-write format to allow for further analysis by the Department. Future reporting activities may be completed on-line through the submission of formatted electronic files, it will be the responsibility of the PAMZ to ensure arrangements are made to satisfy this requirement when it is implemented within the Province of Alberta. 4.1

38 Data Management The Contractor is also responsible to submit continuous and passive data to the CASA data warehouse ( Data submissions must meet the required format for data submission, developed by CASA. data from the PAMZ network is reformatted to create a Data Electronic File (CDEF) which is sent to CASA on a monthly basis. Intermittent data collected from PAMZ is reformatted to create an Intermittent Data Electronic File (IDEF) prior to submission to CASA. The submitted files must undergo further electronic data checks implemented by CASA prior to posting of the data in an on-line public database. Errors discovered in the CDEF and IDEF files are communicated back to the Contractor for corrections prior to resubmission. 4.2

39 Implementation 5.0 IMPLEMENTATION 5.1 IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE The PAMZ monitoring program is already operational; implementation began in 1999 when PAMZ commenced its own monitoring and has been ongoing as the program has evolved with the needs of the airshed. The decisions on minor changes to the passive monitoring network that were already approved by the PAMZ TWG, Board and Executive Director will be implemented in early Implementation of any future changes to the monitoring program will proceed after ESRD Director approval as per the AMD. An operator for the monitoring program has already been secured so no implementation of this aspect of the monitoring program is required. 5.1

40 Implementation 5.2

41 Contingency Planning 6.0 CONTINGENCY PLANNING 6.1 CONTINGENCY PLANS OR RISK MANAGEMENT FOR ONGOING OPERATIONS PAMZ has incorporated risk management into the ongoing operations of the monitoring stations. Both continuous stations are fenced and alarmed. All equipment inside the shelters is insured in case of theft or fire. Given sufficient notice prior to a natural disaster (e.g. flood or wildfire), equipment could be moved to a safe location to prevent destruction. The loss of a contracted operator for the program is not considered to be an issue because of the ease of replacement with monitoring contractors from another company. Power failures and temporary loss of communication are events that have occurred at the monitoring stations. These events do not result in loss of data as the monitoring data is logged and stored at the stations, and the data is sent when communications are available. When the power is restored, instruments are recalibrated. In terms of overall program operations, annually, PAMZ sets aside a portion of variable program costs as a contingency fund. This fund would cover costs incurred for repair of analyzers and any work that is outside of defined specifications. Any surplus of this fund gets carried over to the next year s general fund. Equipment is subject to a life cycle replacement at the end of 10 years (and is depreciated over that time). Equipment is evaluated and either continues to monitor or is replaced. 6.1

42 Contingency Planning 6.2

43 Monitoring Plan Review 7.0 MONITORING PLAN REVIEW 7.1 DATE OF LAST MONITORING PLAN REVIEW The monitoring program has not been subject to a regular review cycle. The monitoring program was last formally reviewed in 2002 for the monitoring conducted from January 2000 through December A Jacques-Whitford report Interpretation of PAMZ Air Quality Data and Assessment of the PAMZ Air Quality Monitoring Program January 2000 to December 2001 is a very detailed assessment of the PAMZ monitoring program. Overall, the result of the assessment was favorable, with conclusion that the program provides information on both temporal and geographic variability of ambient concentrations and allows trends and changes to be observed in the monitoring data. 7.2 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS FROM LAST MONITORING PLAN REVIEW There were several suggestions in terms of expanding the monitoring program, but given the financial constraints of the PAMZ monitoring budget, many of the suggestions were essentially not feasible. One improvement that was implemented was the concept of a rotating duplicate sample as part of the passive monitoring procedures. The monitoring program plan has been reviewed informally as part of the annual budget deliberations. Moving forward, the monitoring program will be formally reviewed on a 5 year cycle. 7.1

44 Monitoring Plan Review 7.2