A downward trend in particulate matter levels, particularly those of prime health concern, was reported to members of the Quesnel Air Quality Roundtable yesterday. While some levels are up and some are down, the general long-term trend shows that overall air quality in Quesnel is improving.
The Roundtable met yesterday to discuss air quality results and trends for 2010.
Particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) readings are measured at three monitoring sites: Quesnel Junior School; Correlieu Secondary School; and Maple Drive School. In 2010, as is the case every year, readings were mixed depending on the pollutant, the statistic and the measuring station. Readings were especially influenced by forest fire smoke in August. If those unusual days are excluded, there is an overall downward trend when looking at the year-over-year readings, especially for PM2.5. PM levels, especially 'dust' as indicated by PM10 readings, however, remain a concern in the airshed.
"From a health perspective, seeing the reduction in PM2.5 is very encouraging; we're seeing improvements in the areas that concern us most," said Quesnel Air Quality Roundtable Chair Dora McMillan. "I'm also excited by the fact that we've seen a number of new faces join us at the table to represent our wide range of stakeholders. We continue to work together on improving air quality, and we're seeing new interest and active participation."
All three stations meet Canada-wide Standards for PM2.5 and the Provincial air quality objectives for PM2.5 (a first for the Maple Drive station). The Correlieu site is also meeting the Provincial air quality objectives for PM10 , as well as the Quesnel Airshed Management Plan goals for 2010. The other two stations have yet to meet the 2010 AMP goals for PM10 and PM2.5, or the Provincial air quality objectives for PM10.
The Quesnel Air Quality Roundtable is a voluntary, multi-stakeholder, community-driven initiative that has developed an improvement plan for air quality in Quesnel. Stakeholders include government (local and provincial), industry, businesses and the public at large.
For further information, please contact:
Dora McMillan, Chair
Quesnel Air Quality Roundtable
Phone: (250) 992-3770
Web: www.quesnelairshed.org
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