Approved Health and Social Services Committee No October 18, 2005 Adopted Regional Council No October 26, 2005

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1 Approved Health and Social Services Committee No October 18, 2005 Adopted Regional Council No October 26, 2005 THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF HALTON Report To: From: Chairman and Members of the Health and Social Services Committee Bob Nosal, Commissioner & Medical Officer of Health Date: October 3, 2005 Re: Report No.: Halton Airshed Monitoring Project Progress Report MO RECOMMENDATION THAT Regional Council endorse the commencement of Phase II, Establishment of Partnerships and Solicitation of Funding, of the Halton Airshed Monitoring Project as outlined in Report MO REPORT Purpose The purpose of this report is to update Regional Council on the progress of the Halton Airshed Monitoring Project including the next phase of the proposal to create an air quality monitoring network in Halton consistent with actions identified in Halton s Health and Social Services Strategic Plan 2005/7. Council is asked to endorse the commencement of Phase II of the Halton Airshed Monitoring Project which involves the establishment of a partnership with key stakeholders who will fund the implementation and ongoing operational costs of the network. Background Although much of Ontario s air pollution is from trans-boundary sources, research suggests that transportation and urban growth are also significant contributors to poor air quality. In order to examine the potential air quality impact from these sources, the Health Department proposed an Airshed Monitoring Program. On March 02, 2005 Regional Council endorsed report MO Halton Airshed Monitoring Project which proposed a strategy to acquire additional air quality monitoring stations for Halton. This was consistent with the Region s strategic goal to Work to improve air quality in cooperation with other orders of government, businesses and the community 53

2 This is expanded as goal 9(a) of the Planning and Public Works Strategic Plan Identify the appropriate number of air quality monitoring stations required within Halton to establish the baseline for assessment of improvements (2004) and work in partnership with industry and other levels of government to establish the stations (2005) In report MO staff outlined the initial steps involved to develop an airshed monitoring program. Phase I of the program included collecting background information about airshed monitoring programs and formerly request the Ministry of the Environment to donate surplus airshed monitoring equipment. Results of Phase I We are pleased to advise Council that the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) has generously agreed to donate the equipment used in the Clarkson Airshed Study and has offered staff support to assist in planning the network. As outlined in Appendix I, the value of this equipment is estimated at $346, With this offer of support from the MOE, staff can now proceed with Phase II of the project, which is the establishment of partnerships and solicitation of funding, for the commissioning and operation of the network in Phase III. Phase II Establishment of Partnerships and Solicitation of Funding Report MO Halton Airshed Monitoring Project stated that A key to the successful implementation of the Halton Airshed Project, in addition to the acquisition of the monitoring stations, will be obtaining financial support from local industry to establish and maintain the network. Phase II of the project will be to establish partnerships with local industries and other potential partners such as local, provincial and federal governments, to solicit financial support and explore other funding opportunities. This is similar to the approach adopted by the City of Hamilton, and some Airshed Associations in Alberta where successful industry and government sponsored air quality networks have been in place for several years. This would involve a number of presentations and meetings designed to secure support to set up a non-profit association to supply resourses and funding for the implementation and ongoing operational costs of the network After discussions with a number of outside consultants, it is the Health Department s intention to secure the services of SEACOR Environmental Inc. to implement the commencement of Phase II of the project. SEACOR Environmental Inc. has staff experienced in developing this type of funding program in Alberta The cost of this phase of the project will be $30,000 which includes consulting fees and associated costs. Phase III - Commissioning and Operating the Network As briefly outlined in MO the Health Department is proposing an air monitoring program to study the effects of local emissions on air quality. The three key areas of interest are urban growth, transportation and industry. In addition, it may be possible to upgrade one of the stations to measure for the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the north of the Region, similar to the MOE s AQI monitoring stations in the south. 54

3 Urban Growth The literature is limited regarding air monitoring for the effects of urban growth. Although these studies conclude development has a negative effect on air quality, the few studies found appear to have been started after the development had occurred, therefore, incremental data were not available. Halton is in a unique position to monitor the effects of growth on the local air quality due to the large-scale urban growth occurring within the Region, and continuing over the next 15 years. The Planning and Public Works document Best Planning Estimates of Population, Occupied Dwelling Units and Employment, , states that the greatest projected development will occur in Oakville and Milton with increases in population of approximately 87,000 and 75,000 residents respectively based on the last census in Based on the literature reviewed, growth of this magnitude will affect air quality, but the extent is unknown. The Health Department suggests using two monitors to collect data to monitor the effects of development in the Milton area. Although both Milton and Oakville will be experiencing rapid growth, Milton would be the better choice as the rate of development is greater and comparative background data would be easier to collect. In addition, as discussed later, the Milton monitor could be upgraded to an AQI station. One air monitor would be situated in the Milton urban area. If placed soon enough, this monitor will be able to measure changes to the air quality over time as development is occurring. The remaining monitor would be situated outside of town to the south for background/baseline monitoring. This rural data can be compared to the Milton urban monitor to determine the impact from urban growth. All the equipment required for the urban growth impact section of the Airshed Monitoring Project would be from the equipment donated by the Ministry of the Environment. Installation costs are estimated to be approximately $15,000 - $25,000 per monitoring station. Annual operating costs are estimated at $35,000 - per station. Transportation Four major highways cross in close proximity to each other in the region, and a fifth major highway has been proposed. The impact from transportation-generated pollution is potentially higher in Halton than elsewhere in Ontario due to the hub effect caused by having to go around Lake Ontario. Due to increasing population in the Region and expansion in surrounding areas, higher traffic volumes are expected on these roads and highways. An example is the section of the QEW from Third Line to Trafalgar Road which is expected to increase from 175,940 vehicles per day in 2001 to 268,500 vehicles per day in Given the extensive road network through Halton, Dr. David Pengelly (2003) calculates that road traffic creates most of the nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution in Halton and the emissions are responsible for 50 premature deaths and over 400 hospital admissions per year in Halton. Although there has been research done regarding the health effects of transportation emissions, most of the studies lack actual data regarding emissions and use traffic counts as the measure. In addition, monitoring data would provide information on the quality and quantity of emissions as related to traffic patterns, in particular, traffic jams and stop and go traffic. 55

4 Two stations would be used to monitor transportation, similar in design to the Clarkson Airshed Study. One station would be placed on each side of the road to measure upwind and downwind results allowing a comparison to be made which measures the actual road. These two monitors could be moved occasionally to various sites around Halton to measure actual emissions at major intersections, streets, roads, and highways. Some of the equipment required for the transportation section of the Airshed Monitoring Project would need to be purchased. The estimated cost of the additional equipment will be approximately $21,500. Installation costs are estimated at approximately $15,000 - $25,000 per monitoring station. Annual operating costs are estimated at $35,000 - per station. Industrial Monitoring Environment Canada s National Pollutant Release Inventory lists 66 emission sources in Halton Region that report significant pollutant releases into the air. These include major industries such as Ford and Petro-Canada as well as smaller companies with ten or more employees. The number of businesses in Halton is growing by approximately 5% per year. Although only a small percentage of these businesses will be considered industrial, Halton s manufacturing base is expanding. The local MOE office expects the Milton Industrial Area to have the greatest growth in the near future and has recommended placement of a monitor in this area. As such, the Health Department is proposing to place one station to monitor emissions from the Milton Industrial Park to record the effects of increasing industrial development. Since the Health Department will be approaching local industry as possible partners for the program, this section of the study may be of particular interest to potential corporate partners. Some of the equipment required for the industrial section of the Airshed Monitoring Project would need to be purchased. The estimated cost of the additional equipment will be $19,000 for one station. Installation costs are estimated at approximately $15,000 - $25,000 for the station with annual operating costs estimated at $35, Air Quality Index The Ministry of the Environment performs ambient air monitoring for the calculation of the Air Quality Index (AQI). The criterion for having an AQI station in a community is normally a population of greater than 100,000 people. Currently, all ambient air quality monitoring in Halton is located in the south part of the Region (south of Dundas Street) with no monitoring in the northern municipalities or the northern parts of Oakville or Burlington. Therefore, the existing MOE AQI monitors may not be reflective of the northern areas of the Region due to the effects of terrain features, such as the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario. According to specialists that were consulted, one AQI station would be needed to adequately represent all of North Halton. In order to develop the capacity to conduct AQI monitoring, the proposed Urban Growth Monitoring Station located in Milton would require equipment upgrades to conduct real time monitoring of the constituents of the Air Quality Index. In addition, the rural Milton station will require upgrades for data to match the urban Milton station. The additional equipment and upgrades are estimated to cost $114,000. As this is a proposed upgrade to the urban growth stations, set up and operational costs are included with those figures. 56

5 Estimated Costs Initial commissioning costs for the entire 5 monitor program is estimated up to $349,500 with an annual operating fee up to $300,000. Additional options and costs are discussed further in Table II. Table I: Costs to Monitor Key Study Areas Additional Equipment Costs (1) Set Up / Commissioning Costs (2) Urban Growth - 2 $0 $30,000 - Stations Total Capital and Commissioning Costs $30,000 - Annual Operation And Maintenance Costs (3) $70,000 $100,000 AQI Upgrade $104,000 NA $104,000 NA Traffic 2 Stations $21,500 $30,000 - $51,500 - $71,500 $70,000 $100,000 Industrial 1 Station $19,000 $15,000 - $34,000 - $35,000 - $25,000 $44,000 Base Phase II - Organize partnership and fundraising $30,000 $30,000 Program Management Total $299,500 - $349,500 $225,000 $300, In addition to MOE contribution 2. Set up and Commissioning Costs include, but are not exclusive to, additional equipment requirements, transportation, utilities installation, fencing, and installation and calibration of equipment. 3. Annual Operation and Maintenance Costs include, but are not exclusive to, maintenance contracts, groundskeeping, program management, calibration of equipment, utilities and lab analysis. A further break down of the various costs can be found in Appendix II. Program Options Based on the success of Phase II in soliciting funding for the monitoring stations, various options are available for the monitoring network. The following are the key monitoring options from the Health Department s perspective. Costs for the base, Phase II fundraising and program management are included, but fixed, as they do not change between options. 57

6 Table II: Program Options and Associated Costs Option Urban Growth, Traffic, Industrial and AQI (5 monitors) This option is considered to be optimal by the Health Department to determine local air impacts. Urban growth and transportation as well as industrial monitoring are included. In addition, one urban growth monitor can be upgraded into an AQI monitor. Urban Growth, Traffic and Industrial (5 monitors) This option removes the expense of the AQI upgrade, however, it collects data for further study on the three key areas of local emissions in Halton. Urban Growth and Industrial (3 monitors) This option continues to monitor the effects of development, but removes the traffic impact component of the program. Of the two areas, traffic emissions are more extensively studied than development effects, so development becomes more prevalent in this instance. The industrial monitoring is being continued based on the MOE s recommendations and the interests of potential funders. Urban Growth (2 monitors) The effects of development are the key reason which the Health Department has proposed this monitoring program. The two development monitors would be the smallest network which would be suggested AQI Monitor (1 monitor) Although it is possible to set up a single AQI monitor in North Halton, it is not an option the Health Department supports since it will not allow for the acquisition of data to determine the effects of development on the local airshed. Total Capital and Commissioning Costs $299,500 - $349,500 $195,500 $245,500 $144,000 - $174,000 $110,000 - $180,000 $155,000 - $199,000 Annual Operation and Maintenance Costs $225,000 $300,000 $225,000 $300,000 $160,000 - $200,000 $120,000 - $150,000 $85,000 - $100,000 A more detailed Option Chart can be found in Appendix III. Additional options may be developed in future discussions with advisors in the field of air monitoring and partners. Details of other viable options will be included in a future report to Council. Summary With the generous donation of air monitoring equipment from the MOE, Halton has a unique opportunity to set up an Airshed Monitoring Network to study the effects of urban growth, transportation and industry as well as to add an Air Quality Index station. It is our intention to solicit funds and resources from industry and other partners to commission and operate this network. This is Phase II of the project plan and will be carried out by a consulting company with experience in setting up this type of network. Upon completion of Phase II of the Halton Airshed Monitoring Project, a 58

7 report will be submitted to Council outlining the success of Phase II in establishing partnerships and potential funding sources. In addition, program options and any future financial commitments from the Region of Halton for the Air Monitoring Project will be reviewed. FINANCIAL/PROGRAM IMPLICATIONS A program change will be included for Council s consideration in the 2006 Budget and Business Plan representing the $30,000 operating cost required to undertake the commencement of Phase II of the Halton Airshed Monitoring Project. The success in raising the required funds for the Project will be outlined in a future report to Council. RELATIONSHIP TO THE STRATEGIC PLAN The proposal in this report supports Goal 9 of the Strategic Plan and Action 9(a) of the Planning and Public Works Official Plan 2005/6 which is to be coordinated with the Health and Social Services Committee Identify the appropriate number of air quality monitoring stations required within Halton to establish the baseline for assessment of improvements (2004) and work in partnership with industry and other levels of government to establish the stations. (2005) Respectfully submitted, Anthony Amalfa Acting Director, Health Protection Services Robert M. Nosal MD FRCPC Commissioner and Medical Officer of Health Approved by A. Brent Marshall Chief Administrative Officer If you have any questions on the content of this report, please contact: Burgess Hawkins Tel. # 7811 Dave Stronach Tel. #

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10 Monitoring Station Traffic (1) Required Equipment Continuous NOx PM2.5 Hi-Volume Samplers PM10 Hi-Volume Samplers Donated Unit Cost Set Up Costs Annual Maintenance Costs VOC Station Logger Shelter Meteorological $2,500 Traffic (2) Continuous Nox PM2.5 Hi-Volume Samplers PM10 Hi-Volume Samplers VOC Station Logger $9,000 Shelter $10,000 Total $21,500 $30,000 - $70,000 - $100,000 Milton Industrial Site Continuous NOx PM2.5 Hi-Volume Samplers PM10 Hi-Volume Samplers VOC Station Logger $9,000 Shelter $10,000 Total $19,000 $15,000 - $25,000 $35,000-62

11 Monitoring Station Base Phase II - Organize partnership and fundraising Program Management Required Equipment Network System Monitor Donated Unit Cost Set Up Costs Annual Maintenance Costs $30,000 63

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