The Alberta Airsheds Council has been building a network to monitor air quality including nitrogen oxides typically from engine combustion, sulphur dioxides from flaring of natural gas, ground level ozone, and fine particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers. These common air pollutants are known to harm human health, exacerbating asthma and cardio-vascular disease. The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) based on these indicators rates the level of risk and the need to take precautions during extreme air quality events like wildfire smoke. It is an important source of information for people vulnerable to poor air quality.
As indicated on the map of Alberta, the City of Lethbridge and Lethbridge County remain unrepresented by an airshed society. Each of the groups shown is an arms-length, not-for-profit organization that maintains community air monitoring stations, monitors air quality databases, and provides science-based monthly reports to participating members. The groups also support public awareness through school and community presentations and provide insights to decision-makers on strategies to mitigate source pollutants and reduce the impact of air pollution on people.
The Palliser Airshed Society was established in 2003 and covers the region of southeastern Alberta. They currently maintain four continuous monitoring sites (Medicine Hat, Brooks, Hanna, and Raymond), sixteen passive sampling sites, and over 20 micro-sensors distributed throughout the region.
The Palliser Airshed Society would consider expanding its region to include the City of Lethbridge and Lethbridge County. Joining an airshed would provide an opportunity for the Lethbridge region to establish baseline data on air quality and inform the public when precaution is advisable. The Palliser Airshed provides expertise to decision-makers and offers concise, science-informed monthly reports on regional air quality to participating members. As an arms-length organization, there would be no dedicated personnel required within local governments, except a representative to the Society. As part of an airshed, there is a high return on investment as resources are leveraged from the financial support provided by governments, industry and communities. The funding support for participation in an airshed would be roughly ten cents per capita ($10,000 for the City of Lethbridge, and $1000 for Lethbridge County).
Air quality is an important factor for the quality of life and health benefits for all residents, and can be life-saving for those who are more vulnerable.
A recent study concluded that: “Air pollution is recognized globally as a leading risk factor for premature mortality based on an established database of international epidemiological studies and toxicological investigations. Comprehensive risk assessments performed by Health Canada (2013, 2016) have concluded that, based on extensive research and assessment, exposures to PM2.5, NO2, and ozone have been found to exert the largest population health impacts in Canada.” Furthermore, the report shares: “Health Canada estimates that in 2016, 15,300 premature deaths in Canada could be attributed to air pollution from PM2.5, NO2, and ozone. Nonfatal health outcomes attributable to air pollution include 35 million acute respiratory symptoms days, 2.7 million asthma symptom days and 8,100 emergency room visits. The total economic value of adverse air pollution health impacts is estimated to be $120 billion per year (2016 CAD), equivalent to 6% of total real gross domestic product in 2016.”
Simply, air quality has very real social and economic impacts on our region – and risk attenuation offers real value. The Southern Alberta Group for the Environment would encourage both the City of Lethbridge and Lethbridge County to consider become a participating partner in the Palliser Airshed Society. We would be pleased to make a presentation on the importance of joining the Palliser Airshed Society and answer questions at your convenience.