One of the main drivers for airshed formation in the Capital Region is development of air quality management plans.
PM & Ozone Management Plan
The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) Canada-Wide Standards (CWS) for Particulate Matter (PM2.5) and Ozone (O3) established in 2000 to be implemented by 2010. The choice of these two pollutants represent a balance between achieving the best health and environmental protection possible and the feasibility and costs of reducing the pollutant emissions that contribute to PM2.5 and O3 in ambient air.
The Clean Air Strategic Alliance (CASA) Particulate Matter and Ozone Management Framework is Alberta's commitment to achieve CWS levels by the 2010 target date.
The latest air quality monitoring data analysis by Alberta Environment has shown that the planning trigger for ozone was exceeded in the Edmonton Census Metropolitan Area (CMA). Note that portions of the Fort Air Partnership (FAP) and the West Central Airshed Society (WCAS) are located within the boundaries of the Edmonton Census Metropolitan Area. These airsheds will cooperate to develop a management plan for the Edmonton CMA.
The Deputy Minister has contacted those stakeholders in the Edmonton area who will need to develop a management plan aimed at preventing future exceedances of the CWS triggers as described in the fact sheet. The plan will consider factors such as population growth, industrial activity and air quality trends. Alberta Environment may impose a management plan if one is not developed by stakeholders within two years.
The management plan may use a variety of regulatory and non-regulatory mechanisms including compulsory actions (such as regulations and bylaws) or voluntary actions (such as providing incentives for use of environmentally responsible modes of transportation.)
For more information on the management plan read the Alberta Environment Particulate Matter and Ozone Management Fact Sheet (2002 – 2004).
PM & Ozone Management Plan Update (July 2008)
The Ozone Management Plan under the CASA Particulate Matter and Ozone Management Framework is being developed in four phases. Phase 1, which was completed in January 2008, saw the establishment of the plan steering committee composed of representatives of the three airshed zones (West Central, Fort Air Partnership, and the Alberta Capital Airshed Alliance) and Alberta Environment. Final terms of reference were approved and supporting consultants were identified.
Phase 2 is the creation of a 'current state assessment', includes the creation of an updated emissions inventory for the Edmonton Census Metropolitan Area; a detailed examination of the specific ozone events which triggered plan development, and identification of air quality management initiatives currently underway. Phase 2, while behind schedule, is nearing completion.
The steering committee has been working with its public consultation designer to prepare for the stakeholder consultation phase of the plan development. Two broad stakeholder meetings are planned, one to kick-off the consultation phase, and the other to close it, with focused, sectoral meetings in between to develop the detailed actions that will make up the plan. The first stakeholder meeting is scheduled for September 25th. Key stakeholders are currently being identified for the invitation lists.
To be added to the invitation list, please contact info@capitalairshed.ca.