GREATER VANCOUVER REGIONAL DISTRICT CLIMATE ACTION COMMITTEE

Transcription

1 GREATER VANCOUVER REGIONAL DISTRICT CLIMATE ACTION COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING Wednesday, May 4, :00 PM 2 nd Floor Boardroom, 4330 Kingsway, Burnaby, British Columbia A G E N D A 1 1. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA 1.1 May 4, 2016 Regular Meeting Agenda That the Climate Action Committee adopt the agenda for its regular meeting scheduled for May 4, 2016 as circulated. 2. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES 2.1 April 6, 2016 Regular Meeting Minutes That the Climate Action Committee adopt the minutes of its regular meeting held April 6, 2016 as circulated. 3. DELEGATIONS 4. INVITED PRESENTATIONS 5. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEE OR STAFF GVRD Sustainability Innovation Fund Applications Designated Speaker: Ann Rowan, Program Manager, Collaboration Initiatives, External Relations Department That the GVRD Board approve the allocation of funding from the GVRD Sustainability Innovation Fund to the following projects: a) Transit-Oriented Affordable Housing Fund: $100,000 in 2017; b) The Regional Park Solar-Powered Conversion Project: $100,000 in 2017; and c) City of Langley Urban Agriculture Demonstration: $50,000 in Note: Recommendation is shown under each item, where applicable. April 28, 2016 Climate Action Committee - Page 1

2 Climate Action Committee Regular Agenda May 4, 2016 Agenda Page 2 of Liquid Waste Sustainability Innovation Fund Applications Designated Speaker: Fred Nenninger, Director, Policy Planning and Analysis, Liquid Waste Services Department That the GVS&DD Board approve the allocation from the Liquid Waste Sustainability Innovation Fund, subject to securing the required external grants, for the following projects: a) Smart Sewers Development of Wireless In-Situ Sensors: $200,000; and b) Hydrothermal Processing Pilot Facility: $4 million Water Sustainability Innovation Fund Applications Designated Speaker: Inder Singh, Director, Policy, Planning and Analysis, Water Services Department That the GVWD Board approve the allocation from the Water Sustainability Innovation Fund for the following projects: a) Assessing Densification Impacts on Water Demands: $155,000; and b) Mountain Lake Tapping Project: $125, Greater Vancouver Regional District Air Quality Management Bylaw No. 1082, 2008 Officer Appointment Designated Speaker: Ray Robb, Division Manager, Environmental Regulation and Enforcement, Legal and Legislative Services Department That the GVRD Board, pursuant to the Environmental Management Act and Greater Vancouver Regional District Air Quality Management Bylaw No. 1082, 2008: a) Appoint Michael Hughes and Luke Smith as Officers; and b) Rescind Donna Hargreaves and Karen Pyne as Officers. 5.5 Caring for the Air 2016 Report Designated Speaker: Julie Saxton, Air Quality Planner, Planning, Policy & Environment Department That the GVRD Board receive for information the report dated April 8, 2016, titled Caring for the Air 2016 Report. 5.6 Metro Vancouver s Grow Green Website Designated Speaker: Erin Embley, Regional Planner, Planning, Policy and Environment Department That the Climate Action Committee receive for information the report dated April 8, 2016, titled Metro Vancouver s Grow Green Website. 5.7 Manager s Report Designated Speaker: Roger Quan, Director, Air Quality and Climate Change Planning, Policy and Environment Department That the Climate Action Committee receive for information the report dated April 20, 2016, titled Manager s Report. Climate Action Committee - Page 2

3 Climate Action Committee Regular Agenda May 4, 2016 Agenda Page 3 of 3 6. INFORMATION ITEMS 6.1 Deltaport Third Berth - Final Report on Adaptive Management Strategy correspondence dated April 6, 2016 from Mayor Lois Jackson, The Corporation of Delta, addressed to Mayor Greg Moore, Chair Metro Vancouver and Board of Directors. 7. OTHER BUSINESS 8. BUSINESS ARISING FROM DELEGATIONS 9. RESOLUTION TO CLOSE MEETING Note: The Committee must state by resolution the basis under section 90 of the Community Charter on which the meeting is being closed. If a member wishes to add an item, the basis must be included below. 10. ADJOURNMENT/CONCLUSION That the Climate Action Committee adjourn/conclude its regular meeting of May 4, Membership: Corrigan, Derek (C) Burnaby Reimer, Andrea (VC) Vancouver Buhr, Karl Lions Bay Dupont, Laura Port Coquitlam Harris, Maria Electoral Area A Jackson, Lois - Delta Martin, Mary Surrey Masse, Robert Maple Ridge Stevenson, Tim Vancouver Steves, Harold Richmond Storteboom, Rudy Langley City Villeneuve, Judy Surrey Williams, Bryce Tsawwassen Climate Action Committee - Page 3

4 2.1 GREATER VANCOUVER REGIONAL DISTRICT CLIMATE ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) Climate Action Committee held at 1:06 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 in the 2 nd Floor Boardroom, 4330 Kingsway, Burnaby, British Columbia. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair, Mayor Derek Corrigan, Burnaby Vice Chair, Councillor Andrea Reimer, Vancouver Mayor Karl Buhr, Lions Bay Councillor Laura Dupont, Port Coquitlam Director Maria Harris, Electoral Area A Mayor Lois Jackson, Delta Councillor Mary Martin, Surrey Councillor Robert Masse, Maple Ridge Councillor Tim Stevenson, Vancouver Councillor Harold Steves, Richmond Councillor Rudy Storteboom, Langley City Councillor Judy Villeneuve, Surrey MEMBERS ABSENT: Chief Bryce Williams, Tsawwassen STAFF PRESENT: Roger Quan, Director, Air Quality and Climate Change, Planning, Policy and Environment Carol Mason, Commissioner/Chief Administrative Officer Deanna Manojlovic, Assistant to Regional Committees, Board and Information Services, Legal and Legislative Services 1. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA 1.1 April 6, 2016 Regular Meeting Agenda It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Climate Action Committee adopt the agenda for its regular meeting scheduled for April 6, 2016 as circulated. CARRIED Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the GVRD Climate Action Committee held on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 Page 1 of 4 Climate Action Committee - Page 4

5 2. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES 2.1 March 2, 2016 Regular Meeting Minutes 3. DELEGATIONS No items presented. It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Climate Action Committee adopt the minutes of its regular meeting held March 2, 2016 as circulated. CARRIED 4. INVITED PRESENTATIONS No items presented. 5. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEE OR STAFF 5.1 Integrated Regional Climate Action Strategy Roger Quan, Director, Air Quality and Climate Change, and Elisa Campbell, Director, Regional Planning and Electoral Area Services, Planning, Policy and Environment, provided introductory comments about the current status and next steps in the development of the Integrated Regional Climate Action Strategy. Members were provided with a presentation on the impacts of climate change in the Metro Vancouver region and the rationale for developing an Integrated Regional Climate Action Strategy highlighting: current greenhouse gas sources; future climate change impacts in the region; corporate and regional mitigation and adaptation actions; framework for coordinating climate action; and timelines. Members offered the following suggestions for staff consideration: review the environmental sustainability and climate action plans already developed by member municipalities build on the climate action work already being done well in Metro Vancouver include in the Integrated Regional Climate Action Strategy ways for the region to adapt to climate change hold a workshop for member municipalities to share presentations on their climate action plans Presentation titled An Integrated Regional Climate Action Strategy is retained with the April 6, 2016 Climate Action Committee agenda. It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Climate Action Committee receive for information the verbal presentation titled An Integrated Regional Climate Action Strategy as presented at its April 6, 2016 meeting. CARRIED Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the GVRD Climate Action Committee held on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 Page 2 of 4 Climate Action Committee - Page 5

6 5.2 Metro Vancouver Staff Submission to the B.C. Climate Leadership Plan, Phase II Engagement Report dated March 22, 2016 from Jason Emmert, Air Quality Planner, Planning, Policy and Environment, outlining the content of the Metro Vancouver staff Phase II submission to the Province on the Climate Leadership Plan and seeking GVRD Board support for those comments via a letter to the Minister of Environment. Discussion ensued on the impact of the building code on pathways to net zero buildings. It was MOVED and SECONDED That the GVRD Board write to the Minister of Environment conveying its support for the Metro Vancouver Phase II staff submission on the Provincial Climate Leadership Plan. CARRIED Councillor Stevenson absent at the vote. 5.3 New Canadian Air Quality Management System and Implications for Metro Vancouver Report dated March 15, 2016 from Derek Jennejohn, Lead Senior Engineer, Planning, Policy and Environment, informing the Committee of implementation of the new national Air Quality Management System and its implications for air quality management in Metro Vancouver. It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Climate Action Committee receive for information the report dated March 15, 2016, titled New Canadian Air Quality Management System and Implications for Metro Vancouver. CARRIED 5.4 Manager s Report Report dated March 29, 2016 from Roger Quan, Director, Air Quality and Climate Change, Planning, Policy and Environment, updating the Committee on the work plan, Health Canada reports on diesel exhaust and coarse particulate matter, and the Emotive Campaign events. It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Climate Action Committee receive for information the report dated March 29, 2016, titled Manager s Report. CARRIED Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the GVRD Climate Action Committee held on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 Page 3 of 4 Climate Action Committee - Page 6

7 6. INFORMATION ITEMS It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Climate Action Committee receive for information the following Information Items: 6.1 Correspondence re: Environmental Assessment of the Proposed Woodfibre LNG Project Near Lions Bay, dated February 15, Correspondence re: Odour Management for Solid Waste Facilities a. letter from Chair Moore to Mayor Brodie and Council, dated March 4, 2016 b. letter from Mayor Brodie to Chair Moore, dated November 23, 2015 CARRIED 7. OTHER BUSINESS No items presented. 8. BUSINESS ARISING FROM DELEGATIONS No items presented. 9. RESOLUTION TO CLOSE MEETING No items presented. 10. ADJOURNMENT/CONCLUSION It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Climate Action Committee adjourn its regular meeting of April 6, CARRIED (Time: 2:50 p.m.) Deanna Manojlovic, Assistant to Regional Committees Derek Corrigan, Chair FINAL Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the GVRD Climate Action Committee held on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 Page 4 of 4 Climate Action Committee - Page 7

8 5.1 To: From: Climate Action Committee Ann Rowan, Program Manager, Collaboration Initiatives External Relations Department Date: April 27, 2016 Meeting Date: May 4, 2016 Subject: 2016 GVRD Sustainability Innovation Fund Applications RECOMMENDATION That the GVRD Board approve the allocation of funding from the GVRD Sustainability Innovation Fund to the following projects: a) Transit-Oriented Affordable Housing Fund: $100,000 in 2017; b) The Regional Park Solar-Powered Conversion Project: $100,000 in 2017; and c) City of Langley Urban Agriculture Demonstration: $50,000 in PURPOSE This report summarizes the staff evaluation of applications for support from the GVRD Sustainability Innovation Fund and provides recommendations for the Climate Action Committee s consideration. BACKGROUND The GVRD Sustainability Innovation Fund was created by the Board in 2004 to provide financial support to Regional District projects that contribute to the region s sustainability. The GVRD Board adopted the GVRD Sustainability Innovation Fund Policy on October 24, 2014 to guide the use and management of the Fund. The Policy describes a process of generating, submitting, evaluating and recommending proposals for funding each year. The Climate Action Committee is responsible for overseeing the Fund, and for making all funding recommendations to the Board. Staff assist the Climate Action Committee in reviewing and evaluating all proposals that are submitted for consideration. This report brings forward the 2016 projects recommended for consideration of funding for the GVRD Sustainability Innovation Fund. GVRD SUSTAINABILITY INNOVATION FUND POLICY On an annual basis, GVRD projects are submitted to an internal staff Steering Committee, representing a cross-section of the organization, to evaluate projects and initiatives based on the Board s evaluation criteria. Evaluation criteria includes the following elements: be led by a GVRD function; be consistent with the regional district portfolio of responsibilities, which includes air quality management, regional parks, regional planning and housing policy, as well as initiatives in the areas of ecological health, climate change mitigation and climate change adaptation; promote the specific sustainability theme targeted by the Fund in the given year; Climate Action Committee - Page 8

9 2016 GVRD Sustainability Innovation Fund Applications Climate Action Committee Meeting Date: May 4, 2016 Page 2 of 4 result in a positive contribution, in the form of tangible results and/or measurable benefits, to the sustainability of the region; and be innovative and focused on action, with the potential for knowledge sharing and leveraging change. The Sustainability Innovation Fund is not designed to support business as usual projects that a department would undertake as part of its normal operations, nor is it in place to support projects that would normally be funded through a department s capital plan. The Fund can be used to include features to a project that improve or supplement the sustainability elements of a project. Preference is generally given in the evaluation process to GVRD projects that involve one or more member local governments, particularly if such involvement can be used to leverage additional funding from a local government or other source. In order to promote equity in the involvement of members, efforts will be made to involve a variety of members in different projects. Within one year of receiving funding, project proponents are required to submit a report noting the project s accomplishments and deliverables, or in the case of multi-year grants, submitting an annual report on the project s status APPLICATION PROCESS An internal call for proposals was made to various GVRD services, including Air Quality and Climate Change, Regional Planning, and Regional Parks, and identified the themes for 2016 as: Decreasing regional greenhouse gas emissions; Supporting natural systems and/or complete communities. Four proposals were received as of the closing date, March 1, The proposals were advanced for further consideration by the cross-departmental Sustainability Innovation Fund Steering Committee, comprised of representatives from Water Services, Liquid Waste Services, Financial Services and Planning, Policy and Environment using the criteria provided in the Policy. STEERING COMMITTEE REVIEW In March, the Steering Committee evaluated the submissions and determined three of the proposals have superior merit with strong alignment to promoting regional sustainability and innovation. The proposals readily met the criteria established in the Policy for the Fund and demonstrated a clear understanding of the dimensions of sustainability. The proposals deemed deserving of financial support under the Sustainability Innovation Fund are listed in the table below with additional detail provided in the executive summaries (attached). The projects recommended for funding by the Steering Committee are presented in the following table: Climate Action Committee - Page 9

10 Project Title Transit-Oriented Affordable Housing Fund The Regional Park Solar-Powered Conversion Project City of Langley Urban Agriculture Demonstration Project 2016 GVRD Sustainability Innovation Fund Applications Climate Action Committee Meeting Date: May 4, 2016 Page 3 of 4 Recommended Allocation from the GVRD Sustainability Innovation Fund Year Amount Requested Potential External Partners Amount to be Secured through Grants 2017 $100,000 N/A N/A 2017 $100,000 N/A N/A 2017 $50,000 Total $250,000 City of Langley Kwantlen Polytechnic University Transit-Oriented Affordable Housing Fund. This project will assess the viability of creating a fund specifically designed to accelerate the construction of new rental housing in transit oriented communities to respond to the affordability challenges within the region. The assessment will be based on learnings from similar funds that exist in North America and if viable, the key deliverable of the project will be the identification of potential funding sources and a governance structure for a Transit-Oriented Affordable Housing (TOAH) Fund in Metro Vancouver. The Regional Park Solar-Powered Conversion Project. This is a pilot project testing whether solar energy can be used to replace gas-powered generators used at park and utility facilities where access to electricity does not exist or would be expensive. If viable, the use of solar energy would reduce the greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants from the use of generators and the associated noise. Results will be shared within Metro Vancouver and its members as well as the members of the British Columbia Parks and Recreation Association. City of Langley Urban Agriculture Demonstration Project. This project is the first phase of a field test on whether a utility right of way can be used productively for urban agriculture purposes while contributing to the amenities of a residential neighbourhood. The project involves working the City of Langley and Kwantlen Polytechnic University to develop a site and implementation plan during this first phase; subsequent phases will involve creating an urban farm site that supports the education of young and aspiring farmers. Further details on the project proposals are provided in the Executive Summaries included in the Attachment to this report. ALTERNATIVES 1. That the GVRD Board approve the allocation of funding from the GVRD Sustainability Innovation Fund to the following projects: a) Transit-Oriented Affordable Housing Fund: $100,000 in 2017; b) The Regional Park Solar-Powered Conversion Project: $100,000 in 2017; and c) City of Langley Urban Agriculture Demonstration: $50,000 in That the GVRD Board receive for information the report titled 2016 GVRD Sustainability Innovation Fund Applications dated April 27, 2016 and provide alternate direction to staff. N/A Climate Action Committee - Page 10

11 2016 GVRD Sustainability Innovation Fund Applications Climate Action Committee Meeting Date: May 4, 2016 Page 4 of 4 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS As of December 31, 2015 the balance in the GVRD Sustainability Innovation Fund was $17.8 million. If the Board approves alternative one, $385,000 will be disbursed from the Fund in This includes $135,000 in funding approved in 2015 and $250,000 for projects recommended for funding in this report. The annual contribution to the Fund is $347,000 which will maintain a balance of approximately $17.8 million. Supplemented by accrued interest, the Fund will be able to provide support for innovative proposals in subsequent years. The maximum amount available for individual projects on an annual basis is $100,000 with a total maximum amount available of $600,000 in annual disbursements from the GVRD Reserve Fund. Approved projects will be incorporated into the 2017 work plans and budgets for the various GVRD functions involved. SUMMARY / CONCLUSION The GVRD Sustainability Innovation Fund was created by the Board in 2004 to provide financial support to Regional District projects that contribute to the region s sustainability. In 2014 the GVRD Board adopted the GVRD Sustainability Innovation Fund Policy to guide the use and management of the Fund. The Policy guides the use and management of the Fund and describes the process of generating, submitting, evaluating and recommending proposals for funding each year. The Climate Action Committee is responsible for overseeing the Fund, and for making all funding recommendations to the Board. Staff assist the Climate Action Committee in reviewing and evaluating all proposals that are submitted for consideration. This report presents the Steering Committee s recommendations for consideration by the Climate Action Committee, with additional details of each project provided in the executive summaries (attached). Staff recommend that the Climate Action Committee endorse the Steering Committee s recommendations for funding three proposals and forward the recommendations to the GVRD Board for consideration. Staff recommendations are presented as alternative one. Attachment GVRD Sustainability Innovation Fund Executive Summaries Climate Action Committee - Page 11

12 ATTACHMENT Sustainability Innovation Fund: GVRD Executive Summary Project Name: Transit-Oriented Affordable Housing Fund Purpose: In the face of the affordability challenges in the region, this project will assess the viability of creating a fund specifically designed to accelerate the construction of new rental housing in transit oriented communities. The assessment will be based on learnings from similar funds that exist in North America and if viable, the key deliverable of the project will be the identification of potential funding sources and a governance structure for a Transit-Oriented Affordable Housing (TOAH) Fund in Metro Vancouver. Recommendation: The Steering Committee recommends funding for this project in the amount of $100,000 in Project Objectives: The Transit-Oriented Affordable Housing (TOAH) Fund Business Case project will undertake a detailed evaluation of a promising market-based tool that could potentially catalyze and accelerate the construction of a significant number of new affordable market and non-market rental housing units in transit-oriented locations. A TOAH is an innovative financing tool which levers private sector funding, with public and non-profit funds, on a revolving basis, to enhance the financial viability of building rental housing that would target households earning less than $50,000 per year. The business case is an essential first step to establish the need, financial viability and potential governance structure of a TOAH fund. Contributions to Regional Sustainability: This project will evaluate the viability of creating a TOAH fund in Metro Vancouver and will identify the fundamentals for establishing it. If established, the fund would contribute to social diversity and housing affordability, workforce recruitment and retention. Building new rental housing close to transit should reduce the financial burden on low to moderate income and renter households as well as reduce regional greenhouse gases as these households switch from driving to transit. Innovation Element: A TOAH Fund does not exist in Canada. This would be the first and would firmly establish Metro Vancouver as a leader and innovator in developing a means to combine the financing of affordable housing near transit. Tangible Benefits and Outcomes: 1. A working understanding of the viability of a TOAH fund and practical recommendations on how to implement it based on similar funds and best practices. 2. A TOAH fund will be evaluated as another potential tool in addressing housing affordability in this region. 3. If successful, Metro Vancouver would be viewed as a leader and innovator in funding affordable housing near transit. Climate Action Committee - Page 12

13 Members and other Partners: The success of this project will be assured by including key stakeholders in a project advisory committee or as partners. We would approach partners involved in the present Mixed Income Transit Oriented Rental Housing Study (MITORH) such as BC Housing, BC Non-Profit Housing Association, TransLink and VanCity. The Roundtable on Affordable Housing in Transit Oriented Locations, consisting of experts in affordable housing, finance, transit, as well as municipal representatives, first convened in January 2015, will be consulted at key points. Municipal members will be involved through technical and political committees of the GVRD. Amount Requested from Sustainability Innovation Fund: $100,000 Climate Action Committee - Page 13

14 Sustainability Innovation Fund: GVRD Executive Summary Project Name: The Regional Park Solar-Powered Conversion Project Purpose: This is a pilot project testing whether solar energy can be used to replace gas-powered generators used at park and utility facilities where access to electricity does not exist or would be expensive. If viable the use of solar energy would reduce the greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants from the use of generators and the associated noise. Results will be shared within Metro Vancouver and its members as well as the members of the British Columbia Parks and Recreation Association. Recommendation: The Steering Committee recommends funding for this project in the amount of $100,000 in Project Objectives: The Regional Park Solar-Powered Conversion Project aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with routine construction and maintenance tasks in regional parks. This project will implement a green energy system to replace the gas-powered power generation at the workshop at Colony Farm Regional Park, in order to demonstrate the potential for similar conversions at other sites. In addition it will reduce the need for staff to drive to workshops at nearby regional parks when they need use of more sophisticated machinery and tools. The implementation of a solar-powered workshop will reduce diesel and greenhouse emissions while improving staff productivity. This project leverages an ideal solar power generation site: the building sits in an open field and has significant rooftop real-estate. This situation allows the regional parks staff to pilot a small-scale green energy project that could potential replicated in similar sites throughout the region. Extending conventional electricity to the site from the main park road has been explored several times since the mid-1990s, but has been deemed too costly and complex to be feasible. Contributions to Regional Sustainability: Switching to a green, off-grid renewable energy source achieves reduction in carbon footprint of regional park operations activities, contributes to improvements in regional air quality, and increases operational efficiencies while reducing fuel expenses. If successful, this pilot project will produce environmental and public health benefits for the region and financial benefits for Metro Vancouver. The pilot project at Colony Farm has the potential to be replicated to other sites within the regional parks system and remote Metro Vancouver utility facilities as well as to municipal parks and other municipal facilities. Innovation Element: This project presents an innovative, sustainable solution to powering the workshop at Colony Farm and ensuring projects can be completed on site. Rather than advocating a traditional approach of extending conventional electricity to the site, the project proposes an off-grid renewable energy source. There is currently no precedent in the regional parks system for using solar power to support operations. Climate Action Committee - Page 14

15 Tangible Benefits and Outcomes: 1. Increased renewable energy use, reduced fuel expenditure, and reduced GHG emissions 2. Increased staff productivity 3. Contribution to regional sustainability at the pilot site and through future adoption at other Metro Vancouver and municipal sites Members and other Partners: Staff from at least three member municipalities have expressed interest in participating in a project advisory group. Project staff would also provide support to group members in assessing suitability of candidate municipal sites and in adapting project plans for suitable sites. Also planned is a presentation at the British Columbia Parks and Recreation Association annual symposium on the results of this pilot which could inform development similar systems at parks across the province. Amount Requested from Sustainability Innovation Fund: $100,000 Climate Action Committee - Page 15

16 Sustainability Innovation Fund: GVRD Executive Summary Project Name: City of Langley Urban Agriculture Demonstration Project Purpose: This project is the first phase of a field test of whether a utility right of way can be used productively for urban agriculture purposes while contributing to the amenities of a residential neighbourhood. The project involves working the City of Langley and Kwantlen Polytechnic University to develop a site and implementation plan during this first phase; subsequent phases will involve creating an urban farm site that supports the education of young and aspiring farmers. Recommendation: The Steering Committee recommends funding for this project in the amount of $50,000 in Project Objectives: The purpose of the City of Langley Urban Agriculture Demonstration Project is to advance the first phase of an urban agriculture initiative with the City of Langley and Kwantlen Polytechnic University s (KPU) Institute for Sustainable Horticulture. The objective of this demonstration project is to bring urban agriculture to a 10 hectare powerline corridor right-of-way (ROW) in a residential neighbourhood. The origin of this project was the City s desire to make better use of under-developed municipally-owned land; the urban agriculture project will provide an accessible, educational and economic amenity consistent with the development of this neighbourhood in Langley as a complete community. Given that there are similar ROW sites in all member municipalities, this project presents a strong opportunity to field test an approach with a high potential for being replicated in other jurisdictions, and to develop a framework for transferring the knowledge and lessons learned to other Metro Vancouver communities. The first phase of the project involves developing a business case for using under-developed municipal land for urban agriculture. This will involve site assessment, creating a detailed site plan and concept plan, and developing an implementation and operations plan. This work will also yield detailed cost estimates required for the construction, and ongoing operations of the urban farm. Contributions to Regional Sustainability: The urban agriculture project advances regional sustainability through creating a productive natural system within an urbanizing neighbourhood while providing educational opportunities for the community and in particular students interested in food production and urban agriculture. Innovation Element: The project proposes an innovative approach that stitches together City of Langley assets with the expertise of KPU; it unlocks the potential for underused lands to make a tangible contribution to the City of Langley s progress as complete community. Given the project site is located at the boundary between the City and the Township of Langley, the project offers the potential of inter-municipal partnerships and increasing the benefits of access to urban agriculture and locally produced food. Tangible Benefits and Outcomes: This project will test the viability of increasing the amount of food producing lands; if successful it will serve as a knowledge transfer model that can be shared with other communities in the region. The project Climate Action Committee - Page 16

17 also addresses a regionally identified need to increase training opportunities for new entrants in the food production sector. Members and other Partners: City of Langley and Kwantlen Polytechnic University Amount Requested from Sustainability Innovation Fund: $50,000 Climate Action Committee - Page 17

18 5.2 To: From: Climate Action Committee Fred Nenninger, Director, Policy Planning and Analysis Liquid Waste Services Department Date: April 27, 2016 Meeting Date: May 4, 2016 Subject: 2016 Liquid Waste Sustainability Innovation Fund Applications RECOMMENDATION That the GVS&DD Board approve the allocation from the Liquid Waste Sustainability Innovation Fund, subject to securing the required external grants, for the following projects: a) Smart Sewers Development of Wireless In-Situ Sensors: $200,000; and b) Hydrothermal Processing Pilot Facility: $4 million. PURPOSE This report summarizes the staff evaluation of applications for support from the Liquid Waste Sustainability Innovation Fund and provides recommendations for the Climate Action Committee s consideration. BACKGROUND The Liquid Waste Sustainability Innovation Fund was created by the Board in 2004 to provide financial support to Liquid Waste projects that contribute to the region s sustainability. The GVS&DD Board adopted the GVS&DD Sustainability Innovation Fund Policy on June 27, 2014 to guide the use and management of the Fund. The Policy describes a process of generating, submitting, evaluating and recommending proposals for funding each year. The Climate Action Committee is responsible for overseeing the Fund, and for making all funding recommendations to the Board. Staff assist the Climate Action Committee in reviewing and evaluating all proposals that are submitted for consideration. This report brings forward the 2016 projects recommended for consideration of funding for the GVS&DD Sustainability Innovation Fund. LIQUID WASTE SUSTAINABILITY INNOVATION FUND POLICY On an annual basis, Liquid Waste projects are submitted to an internal staff Steering Committee, representing a cross-section of the organization, to evaluate projects and initiatives based on the Board s evaluation criteria. Evaluation criteria includes the following elements: Consistent with the portfolio of responsibilities of the liquid waste function within Metro Vancouver; Contribute to the sustainability of GVS&DD infrastructure, facilities and/or operations; Support resource conservation, organizational climate change and energy objectives, integrated resource recovery, and water research; Climate Action Committee - Page 18

19 2016 Liquid Waste Sustainability Innovation Fund Applications Climate Action Committee Meeting Date: May 4, 2016 Page 2 of 4 Demonstrate innovation and facilitate action. The Sustainability Innovation Fund is designed to support projects of the liquid waste utility that contribute to the region s sustainability objectives as captured in the Integrated Liquid Waste and Resource Management Plan and Board Strategic Plan. The Fund will be used to support the following types of projects: Opportunity projects in the capital project planning process. Generally, opportunity projects benefit from a demonstration or pilot project stage or require a payback period that is longer than normally considered in the capital planning process at Metro Vancouver. Innovative projects that are outside the liquid waste core functions that address crosscutting organizational objectives. Public engagement and education programs designed to change behaviour or otherwise involve residents and businesses in the realization of the goals of the Integrated Liquid Waste and Resource Management Plan and Board Strategic Plan. On an annual basis the Climate Action Committee will receive a report on the projects supported by the Fund including the deliverables, outcomes, and the measurable benefits of these projects to the region s sustainability APPLICATION PROCESS An internal call for proposals within Liquid Waste Services closed on March 1, 2016 and three proposals were received. All proposals were advanced for further consideration by the crossdepartmental Sustainability Innovation Fund Steering Committee, comprised of representatives from Water Services, Liquid Waste Services, Financial Services and Planning, Policy and Environment using the criteria provided in the Policy. STEERING COMMITTEE REVIEW In March, the Steering Committee evaluated the submissions and determined two of the proposals have superior merit with strong alignment to promoting regional sustainability and innovation. The two proposals readily met the criteria established in the Policy for the Fund and demonstrated a clear understanding of the dimensions of sustainability. The proposals deemed deserving of financial support under the Sustainability Innovation Fund are listed in the table below with additional detail provided in the executive summaries (attached). The projects recommended for funding by the Steering Committee are presented in the following table: Climate Action Committee - Page 19

20 2016 Liquid Waste Sustainability Innovation Fund Applications Climate Action Committee Meeting Date: May 4, 2016 Page 3 of 4 Project Title Smart Sewers Development of Wireless In-Situ Sensors Hydrothermal Processing Pilot Facility Recommended Allocation from the GVS&DD Sustainability Innovation Fund Year Amount Requested $200, $4 million Potential External Partners Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Climate Change and Emissions Management Corporation-Sustainable Development Technology Canada Amount to be Secured through Grants $300,000 $5 million Federation of Canadian Municipalities Total $4.2 million $5.3 million Both projects are expected to occur over three calendar years and the above allocations represent partial funding to each project, providing the needed leverage to procure grants from external sources. The timing of successful grants may require a portion of the allocations to occur as early as the fall of Smart Sewers - Development of Wireless In-Situ Sensors. To design, prototype, develop and evaluate a wireless in-situ sensor that detects gasses dissolved in wastewater to help mitigate hydrogen sulphide, the root cause of odour from and corrosion of municipal and Metro Vancouver liquid waste assets. This technology from the University of British Columbia aims to minimize complaints and preserve infrastructure valued in billions of dollars. Hydrothermal Processing Pilot Facility. To design, fabricate, commission and evaluate a hydrothermal processing pilot facility at the Annacis Island WWTP. Hydrothermal processing is an alternative to managing solids at treatment plants and works by converting the organic matter to oil. It has the potential to displace digestors and biosolids production the current approach to managing solids at treatment plants. This emerging technology, founded on U.S. Department of Energy patents, has the potential for Metro Vancouver s future facilities to be zero-net energy, produce zero biosolids, reduce GHG emissions, and yield net cost savings. Further details on the project proposals are provided in the Executive Summaries included in the Attachment to this report. ALTERNATIVES 1. That the GVS&DD Board approve the allocation from the Liquid Waste Sustainability Innovation Fund, subject to securing the required external grants, for the following projects: a) Smart Sewers Development of Wireless In-Situ Sensors: $200,000; and b) Hydrothermal Processing Pilot Facility: $4 million. 2. That the GVS&DD Board receive for information the report titled 2016 Liquid Waste Sustainability Innovation Fund Applications dated April 27, 2016 and provide alternate direction to staff. Climate Action Committee - Page 20

21 2016 Liquid Waste Sustainability Innovation Fund Applications Climate Action Committee Meeting Date: May 4, 2016 Page 4 of 4 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS As of December 31, 2015 the balance in the Liquid Waste Sustainability Innovation Fund was $14.0 million. If the Board approves alternative one, $4.2 million will be disbursed from the Fund over the years 2017 to The annual contribution to the Fund is $1,127,000 and this, along with accrued interest, will maintain a balance in excess of $10 million to ensure that the Fund is available to provide support for innovative proposals in subsequent years. The total amount disbursed from the Fund in any year is at the discretion of the GVS&DD Board. Approved projects will be incorporated into the 2017 work plans and budgets for Liquid Waste Services. SUMMARY / CONCLUSION The Liquid Waste Sustainability Innovation Fund was created by the Board in 2004 to provide financial support for GVS&DD projects that contribute to the region s sustainability. In 2014 the GVS&DD Board adopted the GVS&DD Sustainability Innovation Fund Policy to guide the use and management of the Fund. The Policy guides the use and management of the Fund and describes the process of generating, submitting, evaluating and recommending proposals for funding each year. The Climate Action Committee is responsible for overseeing the Fund, and for making all funding recommendations to the GVS&DD Board. Staff assist the Climate Action Committee in reviewing and evaluating all proposals that are submitted for consideration. This report presents the Steering Committee s recommendations for consideration by the Climate Action Committee, with additional details of each project provided in the executive summaries (attached). Staff recommend that the Climate Action Committee endorse the Steering Committee s recommendations for funding two proposals and forward the recommendations to the GVS&DD Board for consideration. Staff recommendations are presented as alternative one. Attachment Liquid Waste Services Sustainability Innovation Fund Executive Summaries Climate Action Committee - Page 21

22 ATTACHMENT Sustainability Innovation Fund: Liquid Waste Services Executive Summary Project Name: Smart Sewers Development of Wireless In-Situ Sensors Project Description: To design, prototype, develop and evaluate a wireless in-situ sensor that detects gasses dissolved in wastewater to help mitigate hydrogen sulphide, the root cause of odour from and corrosion of municipal and Metro Vancouver liquid waste assets. This technology from the University of British Columbia aims to minimize complaints and preserve infrastructure valued in billions of dollars. Recommendation: The Steering Committee recommends funding for this project in the amount of $200,000 for Project Objectives: Over a three year period, develop in-situ sensors for the detection and measurement of liquid-phase sewer gas in wastewater such as hydrogen sulphide. Smart phones, tablets or laptops can be used to collect, organize and review the sensor data. The field deployment of wireless in-situ sensors will facilitate monitoring of greenhouse and odorous gases to control corrosion mitigation systems and manage sewer odours. This will prevent infrastructure failure, extend asset life, and improve systemwide operations. Contributions to Regional Sustainability: Bacteria in wastewater systems produce sewer gases that can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, threaten worker safety, generate odour complaints, and protect infrastructure asset value. With the proposed sensors, Metro Vancouver will be able to monitor site-specific sewer gases and identify needed control and mitigation measures. The sensors will aid in better understanding the mechanisms of biologically-derived odorous gases and acids, enabling efficient implementation of preventative measures. Innovation Element: Professors at the School of Engineering, University of British Columbia (UBC) have developed prototypes of the patentable core sensor technology to be adapted for use in sewer networks. The sensors have been tested at UBC laboratories to detect hydrogen sulphide dissolved in liquid and are deemed ready for further development for application to sewers. The plan includes application design and fabrication at UBC, pilot testing at the Annacis Research Centre, followed by field installation and testing. The sensors will be supported by software that allows data acquisition and organization, as well as communication to portable interfaces such as smart phones, laptops, and tablets; devices already used by staff. Sensors that directly measure dissolved hydrogen sulphide (H2S) in liquid are currently not available. If successful, this proposal could lead to the first of its kind in the world with anticipated patents and economic benefit to Canada. Climate Action Committee - Page 22

23 Tangible Benefits and Outcomes: The liquid-phase sensor devices will provide a new tool to support decision-making in terms of monitoring conditions in the sewer and for controlling odour and corrosion mitigation systems. Supports odour mitigation efforts to reduce or eliminate public complaints and to protect the sewer infrastructure from corrosion. Data provided by deployed sensors can facilitate reporting and help develop management strategies as well as set design parameters for more efficient new facilities. If commercialization of patented sensors is viable, this can bring economic benefit to Canada and holders of the intellectual property are open to considering royalties to Metro Vancouver. Members and other Partners: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Amount Requested from Sustainability Innovation Fund: $200,000 Climate Action Committee - Page 23

24 Sustainability Innovation Fund: Liquid Waste Services Executive Summary Project Name: Hydrothermal Processing Pilot Facility Project Description: To design, fabricate, commission, and evaluate a hydrothermal processing pilot facility at the Annacis Island WWTP. Hydrothermal processing is an alternative to managing solids at treatment plants and works by converting the organic matter to oil. It has the potential to displace digestors and biosolids production the current approach to managing solids at treatment plants. This emerging technology, founded on U.S. Department of Energy patents, has the potential for Metro Vancouver s future facilities to be zero-net energy, produce zero biosolids, reduce GHG emissions, and yield net cost savings. Recommendation: The Steering Committee recommends funding for this project in the amount of $4 million for Project Objectives: Over a three year period, implement a pilot-scale Hydrothermal Processing facility at a Metro Vancouver site for performance testing and evaluation of this emergent technology. Hydrothermal Processing is a sludge treatment technology that yields carbon conversion rates of nearly 100% compared to a more typical 50% with existing technology such as anaerobic digestion. The high conversion to biofuels provides revenue potential, reduces corporate greenhouse gas emissions, and lowers overall operating costs. Contributions to Regional Sustainability: The hydrothermal process yields biocrude, methane gas and carbon dioxide. The biocrude can be sold to a refinery as a replacement for regular crude oil or used in engines to produce heat and power. The methane gas can fuel engines or boilers. If successful, this technology will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuels and substantially eliminate the hauling of wastewater sludges and biosolids. Innovation Element: The first pilot-scale Hydrothermal Processing unit was successfully built, performance tested and delivered in 2015 to the world s largest oil refinery operated by Reliance Energy of India. The U.S. Department of Energy is now having the second pilot-scale unit fabricated for its own use, and this proposal involves building and setting up a third pilot scale unit specifically for wastewater sludges. If successful, Hydrothermal Processing could be the technology that ultimately succeeds anaerobic digestion, redefining the design of future wastewater treatment facilities. Climate Action Committee - Page 24

25 Tangible Benefits and Outcomes: 1. Metro Vancouver could own the third pilot-scale Hydrothermal Processing unit to help accelerate its development and be the first wastewater utility to host the technology, underscoring the innovation goal of the Integrated Liquid Waste and Resource Management Plan. 2. The pilot is sized to accommodate sludges produced at a small wastewater treatment plant, providing a real-world solution. The produced biocrude can be refined together with regularcrude oil in typical refineries. This points to the potential of an ongoing revenue stream. 3. Depending on use, the biocrude from the pilot facility can displace up to 1500 tco2e per year. 4. For the pilot-scale sludge input, biosolids production will be eliminated, resulting in proportionately lower operating costs. Members and other Partners: Climate Change and Emissions Management Corporation Sustainable Development Technology Canada ($4 million) and Federation of Canadian Municipalities ($1 million) Amount Requested from Sustainability Innovation Fund: $4 million Climate Action Committee - Page 25

26 Climate Action Committee - Page 26

27 5.3 To: From: Climate Action Committee Inder Singh, Director, Policy, Planning and Analysis Water Services Date: April 27, 2016 Meeting Date: May 4, 2016 Subject: 2016 Water Sustainability Innovation Fund Applications RECOMMENDATION That the GVWD Board approve the allocation from the Water Sustainability Innovation Fund for the following projects: a) Assessing Densification Impacts on Water Demands: $155,000; and b) Mountain Lake Tapping Project: $125,000 PURPOSE This report summarizes the staff evaluation of applications for support from the GVWD Sustainability Innovation Fund and provides recommendations for the Climate Action Committee s consideration. BACKGROUND The Water Sustainability Innovation Fund was created by the Board in 2004 to provide financial support to Water Utility projects that contribute to the region s sustainability. The GVWD Board adopted the GVWD Sustainability Innovation Fund Policy on June 27, 2014 to guide the use and management of the Fund. The Policy describes a process of generating, submitting, evaluating and recommending proposals for funding each year. The Climate Action Committee is responsible for overseeing the Fund, and for making all funding recommendations to the Board. Staff assist the Climate Action Committee in reviewing and evaluating all proposals that are submitted for consideration. This report brings forward the 2016 projects recommended for consideration of funding for the GVWD Sustainability Innovation Fund. WATER SUSTAINABILITY INNOVATION FUND POLICY On an annual basis, Water projects are submitted to an internal staff Steering Committee, representing a cross-section of the organization, to evaluate projects and initiatives based on the Board s evaluation criteria. Evaluation criteria includes the following elements: Consistent with the portfolio of responsibilities of the water function within Metro Vancouver; Contribute to the sustainability of GVWD infrastructure, facilities and/or operations; Support resource conservation, organizational climate change and energy objectives, integrated resource recovery, and water research; Demonstrate innovation; and Facilitate action. Climate Action Committee - Page 27

28 2016 Water Sustainability Innovation Fund Applications Climate Action Committee Meeting Date: May 4, 2016 Page 2 of 4 The Sustainability Innovation Fund is designed to support projects of the water utility that contribute to the region s sustainability objectives as captured in the Drinking Water Management Plan and the Board Strategic Plan. The Fund will be used to support the following types of projects: Opportunity projects in the capital project planning process. Generally, opportunity projects benefit from a demonstration or pilot project stage or require a payback period that is longer than normally considered in the capital planning process at Metro Vancouver. Innovative projects that are outside the drinking water core functions that address crosscutting organizational objectives. Public engagement and education programs designed to change behaviour or otherwise involve residents and businesses in the realization of the goals of the Drinking Water Management Plan or the Board Strategic Plan. On annual basis the Climate Action Committee will receive a report on the projects supported by the Fund including the deliverables, outcomes, and the measurable benefits of these projects to the region s sustainability APPLICATION PROCESS An internal call for proposals within Water Services closed on March 1, 2016 and four proposals were received. Three proposals were advanced for further consideration by the cross-departmental Sustainability Innovation Fund Steering Committee, comprised of representatives from Water Services, Liquid Waste Services, Financial Services and Planning, Policy and Environment using the criteria provided in the Policy. STEERING COMMITTEE REVIEW In March, the Steering Committee evaluated the submissions and determined two of the proposals have superior merit with strong alignment to promoting regional sustainability and innovation. The two proposals readily met the criteria established in the Policy for the Fund and demonstrated a clear understanding of the dimensions of sustainability. The proposals deemed deserving of financial support under the Sustainability Innovation Fund are listed in the table below with additional detail provided in the executive summaries (attached). The projects recommended for funding by the Steering Committee are presented in the following table: Project Title Assessing Densification Impacts on Water Demands Recommended Allocation from the GVWD Sustainability Innovation Fund Year Amount Requested Potential External Partners Amount to be Secured through Grants 2017 $155,000 N/A N/A Mountain Lake Tapping Project 2017 $125,000 N/A N/A Total $280,000 Climate Action Committee - Page 28

29 2016 Water Sustainability Innovation Fund Applications Climate Action Committee Meeting Date: May 4, 2016 Page 3 of 4 Assessing Densification Impacts on Water Demands. This project will assess the impacts of urban densification and other smart growth strategies in the region on water use trends by analyzing how water use changes with re-development in representative study areas across Metro Vancouver. It will also encourage water-wise development plans by highlighting the effectiveness of densification and green buildings at reducing water consumption while promoting regional growth. Mountain Lake Tapping Project. This project will provide access to an additional increment of water supply to the GVWD system and improve downstream aquatic habitat during periods of drought. This project will trial, troubleshoot and prove the effective use of equipment and successfully integrate solar-powered controls / instrumentation. Further details on the project proposals are provided in the Executive Summaries included in the Attachment to this report. ALTERNATIVES 1. That the GVWD Board approve the allocation from the Water Sustainability Innovation Fund for the following projects: a) Assessing Densification Impacts on Water Demands: $155,000; and b) Mountain Lake Tapping Project: $125, That the GVWD Board receive for information the report titled 2016 Water Sustainability Innovation Fund Applications dated April 27, 2016 and provide alternate direction to staff. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS As of December 31, 2015, the balance in the Water Sustainability Innovation Fund was $10.03 million. If the Board approves alternative one, $280,000 for the 2017 projects will be disbursed from the Fund, in addition to the previously approved contribution of $545,000 for 2016 projects. The annual contribution to the Fund is $723,000 and this, along with accrued interest, will maintain a balance of approximately $10.7 million at the end of 2017 to ensure that the Fund is available to provide support for innovative proposals in subsequent years. The total amount dispersed from the Fund in any year is at the discretion of the GVWD Board. Approved projects will be incorporated into the 2017 work plans and budgets for Water Services. SUMMARY / CONCLUSION The Water Sustainability Innovation Fund was created by the Board in 2004 to provide financial support to Water Utility projects that contribute to the Region s sustainability. In 2014 the GVWD Board adopted the GVWD Sustainability Innovation Fund Policy to guide the use and management of the Fund. The Policy guides the use and management of the Fund and describes the process of generating, submitting, evaluating and recommending proposals for funding each year. The Climate Action Committee is responsible for overseeing the Fund, and for making all funding recommendations to the Board. Staff assist the Climate Action Committee in reviewing and evaluating all proposals that are submitted for consideration. This report presents the Steering Committee s recommendations for consideration by the Climate Action Committee, with additional details of each project provided in the executive Climate Action Committee - Page 29

30 2016 Water Sustainability Innovation Fund Applications Climate Action Committee Meeting Date: May 4, 2016 Page 4 of 4 summaries (attached). Staff recommend that the Climate Action Committee endorse the Steering Committee s recommendations for funding two proposals and forward the recommendations to the GVWD Board for consideration. Staff recommendations are presented as alternative one. Attachment Water Services Sustainability Innovation Fund Executive Summaries Climate Action Committee - Page 30

31 ATTACHMENT Sustainability Innovation Fund: Water Services Executive Summary Project Name: Assessing Densification Impacts on Water Demands Purpose: This project will assess the impacts of urban densification and other smart growth strategies in the region on water use trends by analyzing how water use changes with re-development in representative study areas across Metro Vancouver. It will also encourage water-wise development plans by highlighting the effectiveness of densification and green buildings at reducing water consumption while promoting regional growth. Recommendation: The Steering Committee recommends funding for this project in the amount of $155,000 for Project Objectives: 1. To assess the impacts of urban densification and other smart growth strategies in the region on water use trends by analyzing how water use changes with re-development in representative study areas across Metro Vancouver. 2. To encourage water-wise development plans by highlighting the effectiveness of densification and green buildings at reducing water consumption while promoting regional growth. Contributions to Regional Sustainability: Improving Metro Vancouver s ability to assess future water needs in the region contributes significantly to supporting utility sustainability. Drinking water resources can be better planned and managed according to the needs of the region. Improving our water use projections will also put us in a better position to build added resiliency to our water systems, required in the face of climate change projections. Innovation Element: Similar to most other water utilities in North America, Metro Vancouver water use projections are largely based on historical water demand data and population projections. This analysis will enhance our water use projection capabilities by also accounting for land-use changes and sustainable infrastructure trends. Since the Metro Vancouver region is currently seeing rapid population growth and redevelopment, Water Services has the opportunity to gather pertinent data and explore the effects of densification on water use in the region. Tangible Benefits and Outcomes: This project will enhance water demand forecasting capabilities, allowing for a broader understanding of the evolution of growth in the region and its impacts on water use with the following tangible benefits and outcomes: 1. A metric for estimating how water consumption changes with densification and green building initiatives. 2. Projections on how water use in the region will shift in the future based on development as defined in the Regional Growth Strategy. Climate Action Committee - Page 31

32 Members and other Partners: N/A Amount Requested from Sustainability Innovation Fund: $155,000 Climate Action Committee - Page 32

33 Sustainability Innovation Fund: Water Services Executive Summary Project Name: Mountain Lake Tapping Project Purpose: This project will provide access to an additional increment of water supply to the GVWD system and improve downstream aquatic habitat during periods of drought. This project will trial, troubleshoot and prove the effective use of equipment and successfully integrate solar-powered controls / instrumentation. Recommendation: The Steering Committee recommends funding for this project in the amount of $125,000 for Project Objectives: 1. Provide an additional increment of pristine drinking water supply to the distribution system during periods of drought. 2. Improve downstream aquatic habitat during periods of drought. 3. Trial, troubleshoot and prove the effective use of large diameter syphon equipment and successfully integrate solar-powered controls / instrumentation. Contributions to Regional Sustainability: Increasing available water supply with a low carbon footprint and providing downstream environmental benefits during periods of drought. Producing the blueprints for a large diameter syphon system that can be replicated within the Metro Vancouver watersheds and shared with other water supply utilities. Building additional resiliency and innovation into the existing water supply. Innovation Element: There are a number of challenges and uncertainties with this work that will need to be addressed during the operational phase of this project. This project aims to successfully run a large diameter syphon using solar powered instrumentation for flow monitoring and valve controls at a remote mountain location. The mountain cirque lake at which this project is proposed holds plenty of water, but is currently unavailable to the drinking water supply system without what would otherwise be costly infrastructure. This project accesses an additional water supply increment with a low carbon footprint and with a net environmental benefit by adding downstream aquatic habitat. The syphon would be powered by atmospheric pressure differentials and conveyed into the existing drinking water supply system with gravity via natural watercourses. Tangible Benefits and Outcomes: This project will provide an estimated 1.1 billion litre water supply increment to the Metro Vancouver system as well as downstream environmental benefits if the syphon equipment works as planned. Members and other Partners: N/A Amount Requested from Sustainability Innovation Fund: $125,000 Climate Action Committee - Page 33

34 5.4 To: From: Climate Action Committee Ray Robb, Division Manager, Environmental Regulation and Enforcement Legal and Legislative Services Department Date: April 7, 2016 Meeting Date: May 4, 2016 Subject: Greater Vancouver Regional District Air Quality Management Bylaw No. 1082, 2008 Officer Appointment RECOMMENDATION That the GVRD Board, pursuant to the Environmental Management Act and Greater Vancouver Regional District Air Quality Management Bylaw No. 1082, 2008: a) Appoint Michael Hughes and Luke Smith as Officers; and b) Rescind Donna Hargreaves and Karen Pyne as Officers. PURPOSE To appoint and rescind staff as Officers pursuant to the Environmental Management Act (the Act) and Greater Vancouver Regional District Air Quality Management Bylaw No. 1082, 2008 (the Bylaw). BACKGROUND Changes in Metro Vancouver staff requiring appointment as Officers have resulted in a need for the Board to update staff appointments pursuant to the Act and the Bylaw. In accordance with Section 31 of the Act, Officers must be appointed by the Board. AIR QUALITY REGULATORY PROGRAM Metro Vancouver s Air Quality Regulatory Program supports the goals of the Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan by promoting compliance with air quality management bylaws and regulating the discharge of air contaminants. The Bylaw permits the Board to delegate authority upon Board designated Officers to advance air quality management goals. In order to enter onto lands, conduct inspections to assess compliance, and collect evidence on facilities to enforce Metro Vancouver s air quality bylaws and the Act, staff must be designated, by the Board, as Officers under the Bylaw. Officers may enter property, inspect works, and obtain records and other information to promote compliance with the Greater Vancouver Regional District Air Quality Management bylaws. ALTERNATIVES 1. That the GVRD Board, pursuant to the Environmental Management Act and Greater Vancouver Regional District Air Quality Management Bylaw No. 1082, 2008: a) Appoint Michael Hughes and Luke Smith as Officers; and b) Rescind Donna Hargreaves and Karen Pyne as Officers. 2. That the GVRD Board provide alternate direction to staff. Climate Action Committee - Page 34

35 Greater Vancouver Regional District Air Quality Management Bylaw No. 1082, 2008 Officer Appointment Climate Action Committee Meeting Date: May 4, 2016 Page 2 of 2 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS There are no financial implications for expenditures as the positions are existing budgeted positions. SUMMARY / CONCLUSION Changes in Environmental Regulation and Enforcement staff has resulted in a need to appoint new staff and rescind previous appointments as Officers under the Environmental Management Act and the Greater Vancouver Regional District Air Quality Management Bylaw No. 1082, Alternative 1, which is recommended, formalizes these appointments Climate Action Committee - Page 35

36 5.5 To: From: Climate Action Committee Julie Saxton, Air Quality Planner Planning, Policy & Environment Department Date: April 8, 2016 Meeting Date: May 4, 2016 Subject: Caring for the Air 2016 Report RECOMMENDATION That the GVRD Board receive for information the report dated April 8, 2016, titled Caring for the Air 2016 Report. PURPOSE To present the 2016 edition of the annual Caring for the Air report and provide information about the outreach activity conducted for the 2015 edition of Caring for the Air. BACKGROUND The 2016 edition of Caring for the Air provides an update about climate change and air quality activities carried out by Metro Vancouver and partners in the Lower Fraser Valley airshed in Information presented in the report includes reporting of ambient air quality for 2015 in plain language summaries, updates about government initiatives to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and key air contaminants, and actions that can be taken by individuals. Metro Vancouver s Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan (IAQGGMP) contains strategies and actions to raise awareness and enhance understanding of the actions being taken to improve air quality, and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and other air contaminants. Caring for the Air was developed and first published in 2012 to provide information about key air quality and climate change initiatives in accessible plain language. The Board Strategic Plan confirms the IAQGGMP strategies and actions related to outreach and communications. It includes strategic direction to Improve public understanding of the value of clean air and greenhouse gas reductions, and actions to achieve both, and more specifically, to: a) Educate the public about Metro Vancouver s air quality monitoring and management activities. b) Publicize tangible actions that individuals and businesses can take to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and other air contaminants. c) Publish materials, such as Caring for the Air, that present evidence-based findings about air quality in the region in language that is accessible to a broad audience. Caring for the Air provides annual updates about activities to improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect against the effects of climate change. It also reports on the performance measures used to monitor progress in these areas. The reports published between 2012 and 2015 included information about air quality, visual air quality and climate change Climate Action Committee - Page 36

37 Caring for the Air 2016 Report Climate Action Committee Meeting Date: May 4, 2016 Page 2 of 4 adaptation and mitigation as well as background material to provide helpful context and guidance about technical elements of the activities described. The publication is made available in hard copy and electronically to other government agencies and organizations, including member municipalities, libraries and healthcare providers, and the public. To expand appeal and enhance readers experiences, electronic editions provide additional content, links to informative background material and opportunities to share information through social media. Inclusiveness with broad accessibility, wide availability and ongoing distribution of Caring for the Air throughout the year have contributed to the establishment of branding for Metro Vancouver s air quality and climate change programs. AIR QUALITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE OUTREACH THROUGH CARING FOR THE AIR Caring for the Air 2015 Distribution and Feedback Increased awareness of the 2015 edition of Caring for the Air was achieved through expanded outreach, including the promotion of electronic copies and distribution of printed copies of the report directly to the public during activities attended by Metro Vancouver staff including an Air Quality Health Index campaign, electric vehicle events, an air quality permitting information session, Burn It Smart workshops and GLOBE Brochures highlighting key features in the publication were developed and over 400 were distributed to physicians in conjunction with Doctors of BC. Positive feedback was received as a result of this distribution, with the articles about local and transported air pollution, information on performance indicators and updates about air quality monitoring being mentioned specifically. Requests were also made by several recipients to be provided with future editions. Eight articles from the 2015 edition of Caring for the Air also formed the basis of posts in the Metro Vancouver Blog. Presentation of information in the blog provided opportunities for relevant seasonal updates about air quality and climate change activities and to guide people to the availability of useful resources, such as air quality information from their nearest monitoring station through Airmap when air quality advisories are in place. Blog posts were enhanced by the inclusion of related Metro Vancouver videos. A public opinion survey was commissioned in the fall of 2015 to assess audience reactions to the Caring for the Air 2015 report. Interviews were conducted with 800 residents of Metro Vancouver. Two-thirds of respondents had a positive initial reaction to the report, with particular comments on the level of detail and positive messaging demonstrating that air quality can be improved. The majority of respondents found the publication easy to understand (88%), relevant (88%) and engaging (82%). Half of the respondents indicated that the amount of content was about right and more than half (53%) indicated they would be likely to forward a copy to friends or family. Content from the Caring for the Air 2015 report is estimated to have reached over 2500 people, excluding the 800 survey participants, through printed copies, brochures, direct , web-based electronic versions and blog entries. In addition, graphics and other material from the report are used in other outreach activities, such as invited presentations. Climate Action Committee - Page 37

38 Caring for the Air 2016 Report Climate Action Committee Meeting Date: May 4, 2016 Page 3 of 4 Inside Caring for the Air 2016 The 2016 edition of Caring for the Air highlights the progress made on air quality and climate change projects undertaken by Metro Vancouver and partners in the Lower Fraser Valley in 2015 and underscores the relevance of these initiatives to residents of the region. Reference material provides context to improve understanding of the value of the actions being taken in the region to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and air contaminants. Articles describe actions relevant to strategic direction provided by the GVRD Board, including initiatives to integrate local renewable energy sources into community energy systems to enhance resiliency, air quality monitoring activities in 2015 and four projects currently in progress with member municipalities to develop innovative approaches to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Caring for the Air 2016 also highlights advancements made in other key action areas, including: The development of the Health Impact Assessment tool; Further reducing exposure to diesel soot through increased restrictions on older, dirtier engines under Metro Vancouver s Non-Road Diesel Engine Emission Regulation; The benefits of wood stove exchanges and incentives available through Metro Vancouver; The residential wood smoke forecasting tool; and Opportunities to recover energy from waste produced in the region. The review of air quality conditions in 2015 includes two articles that describe the negative effects of wildfire smoke that occurred in The first article summarizes the impacts of smoke on air quality during the summer of 2015 and a second article outlines some of the health impacts that were observed during a period when wildfire smoke was observed in the region. Graphics to summarize ambient air quality in 2015, and trends in levels of four key air contaminants in the Lower Fraser Valley over the last 10 years, as well as discussion of the key findings and events leading to air quality advisories and bulletins being in effect in the airshed have also been included. Background information is provided in several articles, such as the opening article which highlights the linkages between air quality, climate change, and a healthy environment. Contextual material is included in other articles about important policy-relevant agreements on climate change, suggestions on how to reduce emissions associated with two modes of transportation, a community initiative to help residents reduce heat loss from their homes, guidance on how to keep indoor air clean, and a summary of air protection and climate change initiatives in place under Vancouver Fraser Port Authority s Air Program. Climate Action Committee - Page 38

39 Caring for the Air 2016 Report Climate Action Committee Meeting Date: May 4, 2016 Page 4 of 4 Outreach through traditional media and social media to increase awareness and readership of Caring for the Air will continue in This will build on established audiences for Caring for the Air and help to publicize actions Metro Vancouver and partners are taking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to climate change and improve air quality to enhance liveability in the region. ALTERNATIVES This report is provided for information only. No alternatives are presented. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS The Caring for the Air report describes projects and programs that were undertaken within approved program budgets and work plans or by successful application to the GVRD Sustainability Fund. The report also provides information about collaborative work with external organizations on initiatives supported by their resources as well as relevant initiatives that are entirely the responsibility of external organizations. SUMMARY / CONCLUSION The Board Strategic Plan contains direction to improve public awareness of the value of clean air and greenhouse gas reductions, and actions to achieve both. The annual Caring for the Air report provides a valuable vehicle for sharing information about air quality and climate change in the region in a manner that is accessible, relevant and of general interest to a wide range of readers. The fifth edition provides updates, reviews and news about actions, activities and performance measures related to the work being conducted by Metro Vancouver and other organizations in the region in Caring for the Air complements other outreach activities and publications, such as the State of the Air report produced by the BC Lung Association, which describes air quality programs throughout British Columbia, and Metro Vancouver s annual technical air quality monitoring report, the Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Report. Attachment Caring for the Air 2016 (Doc # ) Climate Action Committee - Page 39

40 5.5 ATTACHMENT Caring for the Air Metro Vancouver 2016 WHAT S INSIDE? Information on what s being done about our most pressing air quality and climate change issues including: Trends in air quality The state of the air in 2015 The effects of energy use on climate and air quality How to conserve energy Cleaning up dirty diesels Wildfires and smoke impacts Innovative solutions to address climate issues Climate Action Committee - Page 40

41 THE LOWER FRASER VALLEY AIRSHED Metro Vancouver is situated within the Lower Fraser Valley. Air pollution can freely cross our borders both from and into the surrounding areas. These include the Fraser Valley Regional District to the east, Whatcom County in the State of Washington to the south, Vancouver Island to the west and Howe Sound and the Sunshine Coast to the north. Managing air quality successfully requires effective collaboration with our neighbours and other levels of government, and participation from businesses, public institutions, non-government organizations, and residents. Many of the articles in this publication reflect these partnerships. WE WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE CONTRIBUTIONS MADE TO THIS PUBLICATION BY: Sarah Henderson, BCCDC Kathleen McLean, BCCDC Barbara McMillan, Cool North Shore Christine Rigby, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority BC Wildfire Service PHOTO CREDITS: Widgeon Marsh (page 1): David Sheffield Leaves (page 1): Sarah Brace, David L. Peterson, Darci Bowers, US Forest Service Thermal house (page 8): Cool North Shore Burrard Inlet (page 11): Bart Frymel Chart satellite photo background (page 13): We acknowledge the use of data products or imagery from the Land, Atmosphere Near real-time Capability for EOS (LANCE) system operated by the NASA/GSFC/Earth Science Data and Informations System (ESDIS) with funding provided by NASA/HQ. Fraser Valley view (page 15): Laurie Bates - Frymel Strata building (page 20): RDH Building Science Inc. Burns Bog (page 20): Conor Reynolds Climate Action Committee - Page 41

42 Connections in the Environment THE LINKS BETWEEN ECOLOGICAL HEALTH, AIR QUALITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE Air pollution can negatively affect the health of our environment by causing long-term changes in water quality, soil chemistry, and plant life, as well as increasing toxins in fish, birds and wildlife. As living systems, from plants to animals, become more stressed by the effects of climate change, the consequences of air pollution may be magnified. Metro Vancouver s Ecological Health Action Plan is being reviewed in The new plan will highlight the links between ecological health, climate change and air quality, and include actions that will protect and enhance our natural environment. High levels of ground-level ozone can damage plant tissues and reduce growth in some sensitive plant species. Ozone enters plants through pores in the leaf called stomata and changes plant biochemistry and how well they function. Visible injury to leaves, premature leaf loss, less photosynthesis, and less growth may occur in sensitive plant species. Nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide can be deposited or carried by rain, snow, and fog into ecosystems where they can acidify soils, lakes, streams and wetlands. Although nitrogen is an essential plant nutrient, excess nitrogen in soils and surface waters can also disrupt soil nutrient cycling and affect biodiversity. Some heavy metals, pesticides and other air pollutants can accumulate in fatty tissues, build up within the food chain and ultimately cause behavioral, neurological, and reproductive problems in both wildlife and humans. These substances can also be transported long distances in the air, accumulating in cold regions such as high alpine areas and the Arctic. Although the Government of Canada and other jurisdictions have banned the use of many of these chemicals, recovery times are slow because they do not break down easily or quickly. CONTROL EXPOSED Ocean Spray (Holodiscus discolor) leaf damage after exposure to high levels of ozone Metro Vancouver and our partners have made significant progress in reducing air emissions in our region and will continue to do so to protect our health and our environment. In this year s Caring for the Air, you can explore how our use of energy is at the heart of our impacts on the environment, how air quality issues are being addressed and actions we can take to protect our climate. Climate Action Committee - Page 42 Caring for the Air Metro Vancouver

43 Energy Efficiency at Home HOW WE HEAT OUR HOMES Heating our homes is the source of about 15 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the region. Most homes in Metro Vancouver are heated using electricity, natural gas or solid fuels, such as firewood. An inefficient heating system or poorly insulated home can add to your energy bills and increase greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions. Here are some ideas about how to heat your home efficiently and benefit from more comfortable living spaces, lower energy costs, better air quality and a smaller carbon footprint. IMPROVE ANY HEATING SYSTEM WITH INSULATION Improving the insulation and seal of your home can often save money on your heating bills. It is cheaper to install insulation than a new heating system and requires no maintenance. Insulation in the attic is the best place to start; proper installation can reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions from heating by 20 to 60 percent. You can also insulate walls and floors, and around windows, doors and electrical outlets. But before you DIY, check out the PowerSmart fact sheets at BC Hydro s website for how to improve the insulation in your home safely. Better insulated homes are warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. See how some residents on the North Shore are learning about the heat loss from their homes on page 8. HEAT PUMPS Heat pumps can be a very efficient and climate friendly way to heat and cool your home. Heat pumps take heat from the air outside to heat your home in winter and keep heat outside to cool your home in summer. Heat pumps can be installed in many single family homes and some townhomes. To find out which type of heat pump may best suit your home, talk to a professional HVAC specialist or a certified home energy advisor. Make sure to ask about your eligibility for any utility rebates. If you are considering a heat pump, look for information on BC Hydro s website or in publications from Natural Resources Canada. 2 Caring for the Air Metro Vancouver 2016 Climate Action Committee - Page 43

44 Energy Efficiency at Home OTHER ENERGY SYSTEMS FOR YOUR HOME Energy isn t only used for heating your home. It is also used for heating water, cooling your home in the summer, for running your lights, refrigerator, stove, and home electronics. Sources of energy such as solar panels on the roof of your home, district energy systems and other community-based energy sources (see page 6) can help to meet these needs. Improved battery technology and a steep drop in price have made these technologies more competitive compared to traditional energy systems. Alternative energy technologies can reduce your reliance on fossil fuel energy and offer the benefits of low or no emissions while maintaining modern home comforts. FURNACES AND BASEBOARDS WOOD BURNING APPLIANCES Some wood burning appliances are much more efficient than others. Wood stoves and inserts that were manufactured before 1994 and open hearth fireplaces burn wood inefficiently. This wastes firewood, can cause excessive smoke in the air in your neighbourhood and creates dust inside your home. There are many cleaner, energy saving options, ranging from gas to certified high-tech wood stoves. Newer low emission appliances can reduce smoke and dust, as well as cut heating expenses. To find out about cleaner wood burning units, check out the list of EPA Certified Wood Heaters. Metro Vancouver is currently offering homeowners a cash incentive to upgrade their fireplace or wood stove. There is information about the wood stove exchange program on Metro Vancouver s website. Remember, if you burn wood, make sure it is dry or seasoned. Wet wood creates excessive smoke which is wasted fuel. Check out the effects of wood smoke and how we are trying to minimize impacts in neighbourhoods on page 19. Furnaces and baseboards fuelled by natural gas or electricity (see page 4 for more information about where electricity and natural gas currently come from) are the most common types of home heating systems. BC s low carbon hydroelectricity produces the fewest emissions, but heating larger homes with electric furnaces and baseboards can be less efficient and more expensive to operate than heat pumps (see heat pumps). Furnaces that force warm air through a duct system in your home can use electricity or natural gas. They vary in efficiency and there is often a certain amount of heat loss from the duct system. Baseboard heaters use electricity or hot water heated by a home boiler. Boiler systems typically use natural gas to heat water that then circulates through piping connecting the baseboards. Both electric and hot water heat can also be delivered through in-floor radiant systems, a comfortable and efficient option for anybody planning a major renovation or build. No matter what system you choose to heat your home, to save money and minimize environmental impact it is important that it is efficient and appropriate for your home. You can find more information about home heating options by going to Natural Resources Canada s website and searching energy-efficient products. Climate Action Committee - Page 44 Caring for the Air Metro Vancouver

45 Energy Resources THE ENERGY AROUND US As anyone who is looking for a place to plug in their smartphone knows, energy is essential to our everyday lives, but most of us spend little time thinking about where our energy comes from. The way in which our energy is produced and transmitted to us has big implications for the health and well-being of our region and the planet. We need to start thinking differently about how we produce and use energy. ENERGY USE BY RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES IN METRO VANCOUVER 29% 71% BRITISH COLUMBIA HORNE RIVER BASIN MONTNEY SHALE BASIN ELECTRICAL ENERGY DIRECT FOSSIL FUEL ENERGY W.A.C. BENNETT DAM WHERE DO WE GET OUR ENERGY NOW? Much of the energy currently used in Metro Vancouver homes comes from remote suppliers in BC and Alberta. Natural gas to heat our homes is piped from northeastern BC and Alberta. Most of the gasoline and diesel used in our vehicles and other equipment comes from oil refined in western Canada and much of it is extracted from western Canadian oil fields including the oilsands. Approximately 90 percent of the electricity used powering our homes is produced by hydroelectric dams in southeastern, central and northeastern BC (the remaining 10 percent comes largely from burning natural gas or other fossil fuels in BC and elsewhere). MICA DAM REVELSTOKE DAM NICOLA SUBSTATION LOWER MAINLAND HYDRO TRANSMISSION OIL AND NATURAL GAS ROUTES OIL FIELDS 4 Caring for the Air Metro Vancouver 2016 Climate Action Committee - Page 45

46 Energy Resources WHAT ARE THE IMPACTS ON OUR ENVIRONMENT FROM ENERGY USE? Because our energy primarily comes from fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas, our energy use has a negative impact on global climate and local air quality. When we use fossil fuels they release carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These greenhouse gases are changing our climate. Climate change is expected to contribute to extreme weather, such as droughts, floods and storms, being more frequent and intense, raise sea levels, and dramatically change ecosystems. Burning fossil fuels locally also releases air contaminants such as nitrogen oxides and particular matter, which contribute to the formation of smog. Climate Action Committee - Page 46 Caring for the Air Metro Vancouver

47 Energy Resources COMPONENTS OF A COMMUNITY ENERGY SYSTEM NEIGHBOURHOOD ENERGY RECOVERY SOLAR DISTRICT ENERGY GEOEXCHANGE LOCAL RENEWABLE ENERGY Locally generated energy has the potential to provide a large portion (potentially up to 40 percent) of our energy needs. It can make our region more resilient in the face of factors affecting energy supplies from elsewhere - natural disasters, price fluctuations, production disruptions - and reduce the negative impacts of non-renewable sources. Municipalities and private businesses across the region are tapping into energy sources, such as waste heat from sewer pipes, rooftop solar energy systems and heat pumps, to supplement the provincial electricity grid and reduce our greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions. ENERGY RECOVERY FROM WASTE Metro Vancouver is responsible for the management of both the liquid waste (sewage) and solid waste (garbage) produced in our region. After waste has been reduced as much as possible and useable materials have been recovered, energy is generated from the remaining waste. The liquid waste produced by homes and businesses in our region contains significant amounts of heat energy. Facilities such as the Southeast False Creek Neighbourhood Energy Utility in Vancouver recover this energy and use it to heat buildings. Liquid waste at Annacis Island and Iona sewage treatment plants is a source of biomethane gas that is used to power engines in the treatment plants to generate electricity and heat. Non-recyclable solid waste from our region is disposed of in the Vancouver Landfill in Delta, the Cache Creek Landfill and the Metro Vancouver Waste to Energy facility in Burnaby. Heat from waste combustion at the Metro Vancouver Waste to Energy Facility in Burnaby is used to generate electricity to sell to BC Hydro. Energy is also captured at the Vancouver Landfill, by using landfill gas to both generate electricity to sell to BC Hydro and provide heat to a large greenhouse complex. 6 Caring for the Air Metro Vancouver 2016 Climate Action Committee - Page 47

48 Energy Resources The map shows the solar energy potential in the region, illustrating that there is significant solar energy potential throughout the region despite our rainy climate. Maps showing other renewable energy resources can be found at energyexplorer.ca. WHERE ARE THE BEST OPPORTUNITIES IN METRO VANCOUVER? To visualize community-based energy opportunities in our region, researchers at UBC, with support from Metro Vancouver, have created a tool called the Community Energy Explorer. This resource provides easy-to-understand information about our region s energy supply, energy demand, and renewable energy potential. When all of these opportunities are brought together, low carbon neighbourhoodscale energy systems will help reduce our energy use and our impact on the planet. The Community Energy Explorer can also help residents, business and governments better understand low carbon energy opportunities and meet commitments made in the Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan. Climate Action Committee - Page 48 Caring for the Air Metro Vancouver

49 Healthier Homes KEEPING HEAT IN AND THE AIR CLEAN AT HOME MAKING THE INVISIBLE VISIBLE Residents on the North Shore have been learning that energy efficiency can make for a fun evening. Cool North Shore is a grassroots organization that helps neighbours get together to learn about how they can improve their home s energy efficiency. In addition to information, there are resources and discounts on related products and services, Cool Neighbourhoods participants can access thermal imaging of their homes, like the example on the right, provided by local fire departments. Thermal imaging allows homeowners to see areas of air and heat loss, providing valuable information and leaving powerful impressions. Using thermal imaging cameras, problems in the walls or roofs (such as a gap in the insulation or leak in the frame) can be spotted. Neighbours gather afterwards and discuss the steps they will take to improve their homes. More information about the initiative can be found at CLEAN INDOOR AIR Healthy indoor air is also important. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can cause respiratory symptoms such as wheezing and coughing, especially in children, the elderly and people who have diabetes, lung or heart disease. In a properly maintained home, most of the airborne PM2.5 comes from outside, but PM2.5 can also be emitted inside your home from a number of sources. Some air cleaners, such as High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, can reduce indoor PM2.5 levels provided they are the right size for your home and filters are changed regularly. However, ozoneproducing air purifiers are not recommended because ozone can irritate your respiratory tract and make breathing difficult. SOURCES OF PM2.5 IN YOUR HOME Wood-burning appliances Heating and ventilation Cooking Cigarette smoking Soft Furnishings TIPS TO REDUCE PM2.5 LEVELS If you must burn wood, choose a properly-sized certified wood stove and make sure the door closes tightly. Use smart burning practices and have your chimney cleaned annually. Maintain furnaces and ventilation systems properly and replace filters as recommended by the manufacturer. All combustion appliances should be inspected by a qualified technician annually. Turn on your stove s exhaust fan while cooking, especially when frying. Make your home a no-smoking zone. PM2.5 levels increase with every smoker in the building. Replace your old vacuum with a newer more efficient model and allergen-trapping carpets with hard tile, wood or linoleum floors. Central vacuums that vent outdoors away from living spaces may be a better option for people with allergies or asthma. 8 Caring for the Air Metro Vancouver 2016 Climate Action Committee - Page 49

50 Healthier Communities CREATING HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES Cities are always evolving - new condos are developed, a separated bike lane is created, a hospital is re-located, a road is expanded, or a new bridge is built. All of these changes can impact public health, both in good and bad ways. Now, decision makers, planners and engineers can weigh the pros and cons of these types of transportation and development activities using a tool called Health Impact Assessment (HIA). HIA not only helps to identify the health benefits and negative health consequences of a project before it is constructed, but recommends solutions. Community members are often involved in the HIA process to ensure community values are incorporated. Air quality impacts can be considered in an HIA. Let s walk through a fictional HIA, looking at exposure to traffic-related air pollution among other potential health impacts. A city is planning a new transit-oriented community near a busy truck route and the staff decide to undertake an HIA with the support of the local health authority. Together with members of the community, they identify housing affordability, safety, noise, air quality and active transportation as important health considerations. Using available data, the HIA identifies that this project will enhance the health and well-being of the community in many ways, but recommends a few modifications to reduce exposure to diesel soot from the nearby truck route. Recognizing that exposure is a particular concern for infants, the elderly and those who have diabetes, and lung or heart disease, the city could require the developer to: Locate amenities in which people spend less time (such as parking lots, utilities, garages, laundries, bathrooms or corridors) on the side of the site/ building closest to the road to act as a buffer. Install high efficiency filtration in daycares, classrooms, hospitals and senior homes. Place the air intakes on the side of buildings with the cleanest air (furthest away from the truck route). The HIA could also recommend ways to reduce noise, improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and provide affordable housing. For more information about HIA, check out Metro Vancouver s Guidebook for Health Impact Assessment of Transportation and Land Use Planning Activities. Climate Action Committee - Page 50 Caring for the Air Metro Vancouver

51 Diesel Emissions CLEANING UP DIRTY DIESEL MACHINES Emissions of diesel soot from diesel engines threaten human health and contribute to climate change. Nonroad diesel engines, including industrial machines and construction equipment such as excavators, forklifts, and generators, are the largest source of human exposure to diesel particulate matter in the region. A Metro Vancouver bylaw to control and reduce emissions from non-road diesel engines has been in place since The bylaw targets older, dirtier engines (known as Tier 0 or Tier 1 engines) that either pre-date or have limited emissions controls. To operate in Metro Vancouver, these engines are required to register, display a label and pay fees that increase each year. As of late 2015, more than 2,300 Tier 0 and 1,200 Tier 1 engines are in the system and of those, just over 1,200 Tier 0 and 800 Tier 1 engines are currently authorized to operate. I HEAR YOU KNOCKING BUT YOU CAN T COME IN Important new operating prohibitions are now in effect. The oldest (Tier 0) engines that were not registered before 2015 are prohibited from operating in Metro Vancouver. A similar prohibition will begin in 2020 for unregistered Tier 1 engines. GET 80% CASH BACK As fees for older engines increase, the incentive to reduce emissions becomes more attractive. This is because operators are eligible for fee refunds if they permanently retire older, dirtier equipment, or if they reduce their emissions by using an approved emissions reduction measure. Up to 80% of fees paid over the previous three years can be recovered. Operators are taking advantage of these financial incentives over 60 Tier 0 engines have been officially retired and can never again operate in Metro Vancouver. Others are upgrading their older engines by installing emissions controls, thereby reducing or even eliminating their fees. More information about the program can be found by searching non-road diesel at 10 Caring for the Air Metro Vancouver 2016 Climate Action Committee - Page 51

52 Clean Air at the Port AIR INITIATIVES AT THE PORT OF VANCOUVER The Port of Vancouver is Canada s largest port, home to many different enterprises moving goods and passengers safely while protecting the environment and considering local communities. The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority s air programs include numerous initiatives to reduce emissions that contribute to air quality degradation and climate change. Since 2015 the port authority s Non- Road Diesel Emissions Program has targeted emissions from older, higher emitting non-road diesel equipment. Port tenants must report equipment and usage, and pay a fee for use of older non-road diesel equipment. Since 2007, the EcoAction Program has recognized best practices by charging lower fees when vessels go beyond requirements to reduce air emissions. Shore Power has been available at the Canada Place Cruise Terminal in Vancouver since 2009 and will be operational at two container terminals - Centerm in Vancouver and Deltaport in Delta - in Since 2008, the Container Truck Licensing System has had increasingly stringent environmental requirements for container trucks. Project and Environmental Reviews include an assessment of air emissions and management requirements as appropriate. Air monitoring and modelling is conducted, typically in collaboration with Metro Vancouver, to measure and estimate levels of air contaminants around the port. To better understand the amounts of air contaminants released due to port activities, the port authority produces a port-wide emissions inventory every five years and a corporate emission inventory every year. These activities help the port authority work towards achieving the targets laid out in the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy, a collaborative effort between the Port of Vancouver and the ports of Seattle and Tacoma to reduce emissions in the Salish Sea area. More information about the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority s environmental initiatives can be found at air-energy-climate-action/ Climate Action Committee - Page 52 Caring for the Air Metro Vancouver

53 Transportation Emissions GETTING AROUND WITH LOWER EMISSIONS Driverless Cars Many of us have fantasized about the day we can step into a vehicle, tell it where we d like to go, and sit back as we are whisked away to our destination. That day is near. Autonomous vehicles (AVs), or driverless cars, use sensors, GPS, and computer vision to see their surroundings and obstacles to determine which way to go. AVs are actively being developed by major automotive manufacturers around the world. The implications of autonomous vehicles for road safety are obvious, but what about air quality and climate change? Here are some potential environmental benefits of AVs: Fuel smart driving: Gone are jackrabbit starts and whiplash-inducing braking. AVs mean lower emissions because of the smoother, more fuelefficient ride. Route optimization: AVs can route trips to minimize travel time and distance, avoid obstacles and accidents, and take advantage of faster HOV lane access when appropriate. Not only does it save you time, but lower fuel consumption means less impact on the environment as well as your wallet. Car-sharing friendly: A system of automated shared vehicles, similar to a taxi service, could offer an alternative to private vehicle ownership. With car-sharing, costs are pay-per-use rather than flat-rate (as is the case today with privately-owned vehicles). Studies show that usage, and hence emissions, decrease when costs are based on use. In addition, shared AVs are conducive to electric vehicle use because trips can be optimized with the battery range in mind. The amount of infrastructure (parking space, road space, refuelling infrastructure) dedicated to vehicles could then also be reduced, with potential benefits for all taxpayers and residents. Pleasure Boats The waterways of our region are used by many for leisure as well as offering a personal transportation option. While the sulphur content standards for recreational boats are not as stringent as those for larger marine vessels, emissions from recreational boats can still be reduced though some simple actions. Four-stroke engines are more efficient and less polluting than old two-stroke engines changing the engine could help reduce emissions by 50 to 90%. 12 Caring for the Air Metro Vancouver 2016 Fuel consumption can be reduced by: Climate Action Committee - Page Eliminating unnecessary idling. -- Keeping the hull of the vessel clean - spray wash it and repaint it as necessary to reduce drag. -- Avoiding spilling gasoline during fueling. -- Lightening the load on the vessel by avoiding carrying unnecessary items - excess weight drastically affects fuel consumption. -- Taking it a little easy on the throttle - don t be a jack rabbit, at least not all the time.

54 Wildfire Smoke SMOKY SKIES IN 2015 Dry conditions during spring and summer led to high and extreme wildfire danger ratings in much of the province in summer This summer saw the third largest area burned in BC as a whole since 2004, but in contrast to previous years, several large fires occurred in areas adjacent to Metro Vancouver in 2015, causing unprecedented smoke impacts for our region Smoke from burning biomass, such as wildfires, can cause levels of fine particulate matter in our air to increase. On July 5, 2015, residents of Metro Vancouver awoke to strangely coloured surroundings caused by very high levels of fine particles in smoke from wild fires burning north of Squamish and Pemberton. AREA BURNED IN COASTAL REGION (HECTARES) Over the course of the day on July 5, concentrations of fine particulate matter reached 300 μg/m 3. Normal levels for Metro Vancouver are less than 15 μg/m 3. An air quality advisory was issued and remained in place until July 10. Until this event, residents had not spent more than four consecutive days under an air quality advisory since Wildfire smoke continued to occasionally cause degraded air quality in the summer of 2015; two more air quality advisories were issued in August. In total, wildfire smoke degraded air quality for eight days. Smoke can also be emitted from local sources of biomass burning, such as residential wood burning for home heating, backyard burning to clear garden waste, and open burning of vegetative waste from agricultural and forestry operations. Pollutant levels produced by these sources are typically lower than those produced by forest fires, but they can be more common, particularly during the heating season. This chart shows the area of land burned due to wildfires in the Coastal region of BC over the last 12 years Climate Action Committee - Page 54 Caring for the Air Metro Vancouver

55 Wildfires and Health HEALTH IMPACTS OF WILDFIRE SMOKE Extreme events occasionally cause unusually high levels of air pollution in our air. One example occurred in July 2015, when our region was impacted by thick smoke from wildfires burning near Pemberton. Smoke from burning wood is a complex and ever-changing mixture of fine particles (PM2.5) that can be inhaled deep into the lungs and many different gases that can be harmful to human health. Larger particles in wood smoke, such as ash, cannot be inhaled and so do not affect human health to the same degree. Researchers have been studying the health effects of smoke in the province since the extreme fire season of 2003 to better understand how many people are affected, and how serious the impacts are. This helps government agencies provide better information to help people prepare for smoky days. People who should take extra care on days with degraded air quality include anyone with asthma, a heart, lung, or other chronic disease, infants and children, pregnant women, and seniors. When you add all of these people up, a large portion of the population is directly or indirectly affected by the negative health impacts of air pollution. Individuals can protect themselves by knowing how to reduce their exposure and working with their doctor to develop an action plan if their health is negatively affected. Strategies could include avoiding strenuous activities that elevate respiration and heart rates, seeking cleaner air in public buildings with air conditioning and filtration systems, such as community centres, libraries and shopping malls, or using a portable HEPA air cleaner in one room at home. People with asthma are particularly susceptible to air pollution. Since 2012 the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) has used daily data on doctor visits for asthma and prescriptions filled for Ventolin to assess the health impacts of wildfire smoke. The chart (right) shows that on the smoky days that occurred at the beginning of July 2015 there was a marked increase in doctor visits for asthma for a period of four days. The bars indicate the actual number of asthma-related doctor visits each day in an area (the Health Service Delivery Area, or HSDA) that includes Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, and Maple Ridge. Green bars indicate that the number of visits are within the expected range, yellow bars are slightly higher than expected, and pink bars are much higher than expected. The blue line shows fine particulate matter, or PM 2.5, measurements from the regional air quality monitoring network maintained by Metro Vancouver. The red line shows estimates from a model created by BCCDC that incorporates data from satellites. Asthma Physician visits for HSDA North Fraser (#22) May 11 to July 10, 2015 ASTHMA VISITS COUNTS MAY 11 MAY 18 MAY 25 JUNE 01 WEEKENDS & HOLIDAYS (VISITS LOWER) NORMAL (VISITS IN EXPECTED RANGE) JUNE 08 UNUSUAL (VISITS ABOVE 95% OF EXPECTED RANGE) RARE (VISITS ABOVE 99.9% OF EXPECTED RANGE) JUNE 15 JUNE 22 JUNE 29 JULY 06 JULY 10 DAILY AVERAGE FROM AVAILABLE MONITORS ESTIMATES FROM THE BCCDC MODEL PM Caring for the Air Metro Vancouver 2016 Climate Action Committee - Page 55

56 2015 in Review AIR QUALITY IN 2015 An air quality advisory was in place for five days in July due to smoke from wildfires burning outside the region causing high levels of fine particulate matter in the air (see page 13). Two further advisories had to be issued in August due to wildfire smoke. TREND IN FINE PARTICULATE MATTER NEW 6 Ground-level ozone was elevated for short periods in the summer of An air quality advisory was issued on June 27 during a heat wave and remained in place for 48 hours. The July wildfire smoke advisory was expanded to also include ground-level ozone for the last two days of the advisory. A new program of issuing air quality bulletins has been developed to advise people when localized degraded air quality is occurring during cool weather months. The bulletins are published on Metro Vancouver s website to let people know where short-lived elevated levels of air pollutants have been recorded and actions that can be taken to reduce emissions to help improve air quality. One air quality bulletin was issued in November 2015 for Langley, Surrey, Richmond, New Westminster, Pitt Meadows and Delta. Regional trends show how air quality across the region has changed over time. Averaged measurements from monitoring stations between Horseshoe Bay and Hope are used to represent outdoor air quality conditions for the region. The trends show that improvements have been made over the last decade for most air pollutants, including sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide (see chart), even while the region s population has grown. AVERAGE LEVEL COMPARED TO Same air, same air quality, just new measurements TRENDS IN GAS PHASE AIR POLLUTANTS OLD GROUND LEVEL OZONE PM2.5 CONCENTRATION (μg/m3) Several key emission reduction actions have brought about improvements in the region s air quality. Sulphur dioxide levels have continued to improve mainly due to stricter requirements reducing sulphur in marine fuels. Improved vehicle emission standards and the AirCare program have been largely responsible for the decrease in nitrogen dioxide levels. Current research indicates that the increasing average levels of ground-level ozone (see chart) are partly the result of an increase in ozone formed outside Canada coming into the region. However, peak groundlevel ozone levels (not shown), which occur during summertime hot and sunny afternoons, are better now than in the 1980s and early 1990s NITROGEN DIOXIDE SULPHUR DIOXIDE Climate Action Committee - Page 56 Caring for the Air Metro Vancouver

57 Air Quality in Data Summary FINE PARTICULATE MATTER (PM2.5) IN 2015 Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standard 24 hour (µg/m 3 ) Fraser Valley Regional District Whatcom County Metro Vancouver CANADA In 2015, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels throughout the region were better than the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standard (see map above). Measurements averaged over the entire year were within Metro Vancouver s annual objective. Peak levels based on averages over 24 hours, were worse than the short-term objective (25 μg/m 3 ) at all stations in July. This was due to wildfire smoke (see page 13). Additional exceedances of the objective occurred in August, also because of wildfire smoke. Short-term elevated levels of PM2.5 were seen in the spring and fall in several locations, thought to be caused by wood burning. USA 28 µg/m 3 Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standard GROUND-LEVEL OZONE IN 2015 Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standard (ppb) Fraser Valley Regional District Metro Vancouver Whatcom County ppb Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standard CANADA USA The map above shows that the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standard for ground-level ozone was met at all monitoring stations in 2015, except for Agassiz which exceeded the standard by 1 ppb. Metro Vancouver has also established its own 8-hour objective for ozone to help manage peak levels of this pollutant during the summer months. Due to extreme temperature events and wildfire situations, ozone levels were elevated in the eastern parts of the airshed for brief periods and two advisories related to ozone were issued in the summer of Metro Vancouver s 8-hour objective (65 ppb) and 1-hour objective (82 ppb) were exceeded on a few occasions at stations in Mission, Agassiz and Hope. Air quality objectives describe the generally accepted limits on air pollutants that protect our health. More information about objectives can be found in the Air Quality Objectives factsheet at metorvancouver.org. Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) are air quality objectives for fine particulate matter and groundlevel ozone that replaced the Canada-Wide Standards in These objectives form one part of a national Air Quality 16 Caring for the Air Metro Vancouver 2016 Climate Action Committee - Page 57

58 Air Quality in Data Summary SULPHUR DIOXIDE IN 2015 Annual Average (ppb) 0.2 Fraser Valley Regional District Whatcom County Metro Vancouver CANADA USA 11 ppb Annual Average Objective Average levels of sulphur dioxide were less than 1 ppb at all stations in 2015 (see map above). This is a significant decrease compared to previous years and can be attributed to stricter marine fuel requirements that came into effect at the beginning of Levels were also better than short-term air quality objectives throughout 2015 except for two single hours when Metro Vancouver s Interim Objective was exceeded at Burnaby-Capitol Hill. Since the largest emission sources in the region are marine vessels and the oil refinery in Burnaby, the highest sulphur dioxide levels are observed in the Burrard Inlet area, near these sources. NITROGEN DIOXIDE IN 2015 Annual Average (ppb) Fraser Valley Regional District Whatcom County Metro Vancouver CANADA Nitrogen dioxide concentrations were better than Metro Vancouver s long-term and short-term air quality objectives throughout Annual averages are shown on the map. More than half of the regional emissions of nitrogen oxides (which includes nitrogen dioxide) come from transportation sources. As a result, the highest average nitrogen dioxide concentrations are measured in highly urbanized areas near busy roads. USA 21 ppb Annual Average Objective Management System (AQMS) that is being rolled out across Canada to protect human health and the environment. Under the national system, an air zone like the Lower Fraser Valley is assigned a management level based on the concentrations measured and how they compare to CAAQS. However, the management level will take exceptional events, such as the impact of wildfires that are outside of the air zone, into consideration. Climate Action Committee - Page 58 Caring for the Air Metro Vancouver

59 Monitoring Update NETWORK NEWS REGIONAL AIR QUALITY MONITORING NETWORK Metro Vancouver s air quality program relies on its extensive network of air quality monitoring stations, which report a detailed hour-by-hour picture of the air quality conditions where people live and work. Some stations are small stand-alone structures while others are found in larger community buildings at schools and parks. Data from the stations are used to assess the effectiveness of initiatives to improve air quality and to report the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI), which provides information about the effects of air quality on your health. Realtime data are also made publicly available through airmap.ca. community/pages/default.aspx. The newest air quality monitoring station was opened in New Westminster in November This station is the 29th permanent station in the network and measures fine particulate matter, ground-level ozone, and nitrogen oxides. It is in the Sapperton area of New Westminster, close to busy commuter and commercial traffic routes. Two new meteorological stations were installed in East Vancouver in Both stations provide wind speed and wind direction information to help assess sources of air quality issues in the area. SPECIALIZED STUDIES Sometimes, questions need to be answered about specific air quality concerns. Specialized air quality monitoring studies to assess local air quality issues use portable instruments, the mobile air monitoring unit (MAMU) and laboratory analyses. Municipal staff and elected officials often assisted with securing temporary sites for these studies. In 2015 the MAMU was kept busy in specialized monitoring studies in Lions Bay, North Vancouver, Vancouver and two locations at Tsawwassen Lands in Delta. Monitoring was completed for specialized studies in Delta, North Vancouver, Tsawwassen Lands and Vancouver in 2015; results will be reported during Monitoring was also initiated in Lions Bay to assess smoke from residential wood burning and traffic emissions, and in Vancouver to assess air quality beside busy roads and levels of sulphur dioxide near port areas in These studies have continued into VAQR LAUNCH The visual air quality rating (VAQR) is a new tool that was launched in August 2015 to keep people informed about how air pollutants can degrade our views. The VAQR uses air quality measurements from the monitoring network to categorize visual air quality in terms that reflect what people are experiencing. Your current VAQR can be found by visiting 18 Caring for the Air Metro Vancouver 2016 Climate Action Committee - Page 59

60 Residential Wood Smoke RESIDENTIAL WOOD SMOKE FORECASTING TOOL Wood smoke from home heating is a significant source of fine particulate matter (PM2.5); it accounts for more than a quarter of the fine particles released to the air in our airshed. Wood smoke also contains hundreds of other air pollutants, some of which are toxic and can cause cancer or other health problems. Metro Vancouver has been working to reduce smoke from residential wood burning through initiatives such as the wood stove exchange program and Burn It Smart workshops, most recently held in Maple Ridge and Bowen Island. These initiatives help reduce emissions but sometimes, even when clean burning techniques and modern devices are being used, smoke can build up because calm, still air, particularly occurring in winter and overnight, prevents the smoke dispersing. Smoky outside air can also be drawn into fresh-air furnace intakes or open windows causing levels of fine particles inside the homes of wood burners and their neighbours to increase. A new tool is available to help you minimize the potential impacts of wood burning on your neighbours. Each day, calculations are made to forecast weather conditions in municipalities in Metro Vancouver for the next 24 hours and translate them into forecasts of whether wood smoke is expected to dissipate. The forecast is available to residents through Metro Vancouver s air quality phone line ( ). After selecting your municipality (or your nearest municipality for people in the electoral area), a message will provide advice that either burning is not recommended; you should check to see whether your smoke is affecting your neighbours; or best wood burning practices should be used to minimize smoke impacts. By following the guidance provided on the phone line, air quality in your neighbourhood will be improved and the risk of health impacts reduced. Climate Action Committee - Page 60 Caring for the Air Metro Vancouver

61 Applying Innovation PIONEERING SOLUTIONS IN THE LIVABLE REGION The Sustainability Innovation Fund was built from over a decade of GST rebates received by Metro Vancouver. Through an annual call for proposals, funding is provided for Metro Vancouver initiatives or joint initiatives with municipalities and other partners to explore creative approaches to increasing livability in our region. In 2015, several climate projects were supported. THE SMART DRIVING STUDY Cars and light trucks are responsible for one-third of the region s greenhouse gas emissions. The Smart Driving Study will pilot the effectiveness of new smart technologies in reducing fuel consumption, emissions and our impact on climate. Residents of Metro Vancouver will be recruited to have a smart plug-in device fitted in their vehicles to track real-time fuel consumption. By comparing participants fuel consumption before and after training, the study will determine whether training and feedback from the smart device is helping people drive more efficiently. STRATA ENERGY ADVISOR There are currently over 5,500 strata corporations, also known as condominium buildings, in Metro Vancouver. Many strata buildings are older and need to undertake major repair projects such as replacing windows. These renewal projects offer opportunities to improve the energy efficiency and reduce GHG emissions. Metro Vancouver, partner municipalities and the Condominium Home Owner s Association (CHOA) are collaborating to create a Strata Energy Advisor Program. The energy advisor will help strata councils incorporate energy efficiency into major building renewal projects, leading to more climate-friendly buildings. HOME ENERGY LABELLING PROGRAM PILOT Home energy labels provide information about how much energy is used in a home and the resulting greenhouse gas emissions. The Home Energy Labelling Pilot Program will use novel mapping tools to increase the awareness and use of these labels, ultimately to help generate interest and demand by people for homes that are more energy efficient. 20 Caring for the Air Metro Vancouver 2016 BURNS BOG RESTORATION TRIALS Metro Vancouver has identified carbon sequestration in natural ecosystems as important for reducing and offsetting greenhouse gas emissions in the region. Restoration of ecologically compromised areas in Burns Bog may reduce methane emissions and improve the bog s ability to store carbon. In 2016, plots within damaged areas of the bog will be established to collect baseline data about plant cover, plant health, water levels and water chemistry. The project team will then restore plots using different approaches before evaluating each approach and its potential for application to larger areas. Climate Action Committee - Page 61

62 Climate Impacts WHY 2 DEGREES? Two degrees Celsius may not sound like much just the difference in temperature between a warm summer day and a slightly warmer summer day but it is an important marker for the impacts of climate change. The target for global climate policy, agreed at the Climate Conference in Paris in December 2015, is to keep warming to no more than two degrees Celsius. This is generally regarded by climate scientists, climate policy makers and global leaders as the limit needed to avoid dangerous tipping points. 5 C IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE SEA LEVEL RISE THREATENS MAJOR CITIES A small change in average temperature on the global scale hides bigger temperature swings already being seen around the planet. For example, polar regions have experienced warming of more than two degrees over recent decades, resulting in losses of sea ice and ice sheets in amounts never before recorded. A two degree increase in the global average is expected to result in dramatic changes to regional-scale weather patterns. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, warming of more than two degrees will also contribute to sea level rise, extreme summer temperatures, prolonged droughts, intense precipitation leading to unprecedented floods, species extinction and an increase in the frequency of severe storms. 4 C RISING NUMBER OF SPECIES FACE EXTINCTION 3 C INCREASED RISK OF DANGEROUS FEEDBACK LOOPS SIGNIFICANT WATER SHORTAGES IN MEDITERRANEAN AND SOUTHERN AFRICA RISING INTENSITY OF STORMS, FOREST FIRES, FLOODING AND HEAT WAVES 2 C FALLING CROP YIELDS Our society will still need to adapt to be resilient to the changing climate. Coordinated effort between national governments, as well as collaboration between the federal, provincial and local levels of government within Canada, are needed for successful action. Local governments in the Metro Vancouver region already have a long history of working together on climate action, and have identified many opportunities not only to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but also take advantage of important co-benefits like job creation, community-building and energy resilience. 1 C 0 C EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO CORAL REEFS SMALL MOUNTAIN GLACIERS DISAPPEAR Climate Action Committee - Page 62 Caring for the Air Metro Vancouver

63 SERVICES AND SOLUTIONS FOR A LIVABLE REGION If you have any questions or comments about Caring for the Air, please contact us at AQinfo@metrovancouver.org Electronic copies of this and previous editions of Caring for the Air can be found on metrovancouver.org 22 Caring for the Air Metro Vancouver Climate Action Committee - Page 63

64 5.6 To: From: Climate Action Committee Erin Embley, Regional Planner, Planning, Policy and Environment Department Date: April 8, 2016 Meeting Date: May 4, 2016 Subject: Metro Vancouver s Grow Green Website RECOMMENDATION That the Climate Action Committee receive for information the report dated April 8, 2016, titled Metro Vancouver s Grow Green Website. PURPOSE This report provides the Climate Action Committee with an overview of key information and tools found on Metro Vancouver s forthcoming website, Grow Green ( which was prepared using funds provided through the GVRD Sustainability Innovation Funds. BACKGROUND The GVRD Board approved the development of a Grow Green website through the Sustainability Innovation Fund in June Metro Vancouver staff, with input from the UBC Botanical Garden, are close to completing work on the website. With the launch of the website nearing, this report provides the Climate Action Committee with an overview of the key information and tools found on the website. Grow Green Website Purpose and Content The Grow Green website advances a number of Metro Vancouver sustainability objectives by helping residents design lawns and gardens that conserve water, capture and retain rainwater, use compost, and increase biodiversity. The website also directly supports the Metro Vancouver Board Strategic Plan direction regarding public education around water use: Promote water conservation through public education campaigns and other tools. The information provided through Grow Green will aim to increase public awareness of the potential for private green spaces to provide ecological services, and to promote ecological health and biodiversity within urban areas. Broad interest in gardening will be leveraged, as well, to help integrate key sustainability campaigns underway at Metro Vancouver and within many municipalities. The Grow Green website provides residents with a customizable plant list and garden designs showing them how to manage their green spaces sustainably. The plant list database, developed in partnership with UBC Botanical Garden, contains regionally appropriate and locally available plants as well as beautifully designed garden templates. The target audience for the Grow Green website is novice gardeners and the website is suitable for a range of households, including single-family homes with yards, townhouses with small individual yards or common spaces, and condos or apartments with patios. Climate Action Committee - Page 64

65 Metro Vancouver s Grow Green Website Climate Action Committee Meeting Date: May 4, 2016 Page 2 of 3 Grow Green users can customize their online experience by their available space or by individual plants. To access a personalized garden design template, users answer a series of questions about their available space, including the amount of sun and water it receives, resulting in an attractive garden design that meets their needs. The design is a template containing plants that are regionally available, site-specific, support biodiversity, and in most cases are drought tolerant. Users who are looking for individual plants can search the plant database directly. Users can also create their plant list by refining plant characteristics such as plant height, type of foliage, bloom color, or sun tolerance. Grow Green Website Development Metro Vancouver developed the Grow Green website concept as a tool to support larger regional sustainability initiatives and to link water use, wildlife habitat, invasive species, use of compost, food security and stormwater absorption to private lawns and gardens. The creation of the website has involved several development stages, including: Presenting the Grow Green website concept to planning, parks, engineering, and environment staff at the City of Richmond and the City of Port Coquitlam, with positive feedback. Conducting focus groups to assess the need for a gardening portal, key audiences, and webdesign considerations. Applying for $80,000 from the GVRD Sustainability Innovation Fund (Attachment), which was approved by the GVRD Board in June Conducting public surveys to understand the needs and expectations of the future users of the sites. Partnering with the UBC Botanical Garden to co-develop the website. This included developing plant lists and garden designs which reduce water use and provide habitat for pollinators. Contracting Lees + Associates to graphically render garden designs for the website. Grow Green Website Next Steps Following the launch of the Grow Green website, staff will disseminate the website by issuing a media release, through Google ads, and through social media. Staff will also work internally and with members to highlight the connection between Grow Green and complementary Metro Vancouver initiatives such as using compost, reducing outdoor water use and increasing stormwater absorption. Metro Vancouver staff will also communicate and strengthen connections to key stakeholders local nurseries, master gardeners, and community organizations to promote the site to users. ALTERNATIVES This is an information report. No alternatives are presented. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS In 2015, the GVRD Board approved the allocation of $80,000 through the GVRD Sustainability Innovation Fund to develop the Grow Green website. This funding was used to hire Justason Market Intelligence to conduct surveys and focus groups, and Lees + Associates to develop graphic content. Climate Action Committee - Page 65

66 Metro Vancouver s Grow Green Website Climate Action Committee Meeting Date: May 4, 2016 Page 3 of 3 Current maintenance and planned future improvements through 2016 fall within existing Regional Planning budget and staff resources. SUMMARY / CONCLUSION The GVRD Board approved the development of a Grow Green website through the GVRD Sustainability Innovation Fund in June The Grow Green website, which is nearing completion, advances a number of Metro Vancouver sustainability objectives by helping residents design lawns and gardens that conserve water, capture and retain rainwater, use compost, and increase biodiversity. It provides users with a customizable plant list and garden designs and is suitable for novice gardners in various types of households. Following launch of the website, staff will disseminate the website by issuing a media release, through Google ads, and through social media. Attachment Metro Vancouver Grow Green Sustainability Innovation Fund description (Doc # ) Climate Action Committee - Page 66

67 PROJECT NAME: 5.6 ATTACHMENT Metro Vancouver Grow Green Recommendation The Steering Committee recommends funding for this project in the amounts of $40,000 for 2015, and $40,000 for Project Overview Metro Vancouver Grow Green would be a web-based tool designed to provide residents throughout the region with information on sustainable lawn and garden care. The website would support and draw attention to related Metro Vancouver and municipal campaigns, including those that promote water conservation (e.g., lawn sprinkling regulations), the capture and retention of rainwater on site, the use of compost, and practices that increase biodiversity in urban areas. The first stage of the project would involve developing the website architecture and navigation. Attention would be given to making the site engaging, informative and useful for a range of households, including those in single-family units with yards, those in town houses with small individual yards or common spaces, and those in condos and apartments that are equipped with patios. Template designs for the full range of spaces would be developed and linked to data on intra-region soil types and rainfall patterns, as well as native plant types that are available for purchase locally. The primary target audience would be novice gardeners interested in sustainability. The second stage of the project would involve working closely with municipal partners and key stakeholders local nurseries, master gardeners, community organizations to gather and develop content for the site. At this second stage of the project, data on the tangible benefits of sustainable lawn care would also be refined and provided to users. an ible ene ts and Outcomes Practical information to guide residents who are motivated to promote sustainability Recognition on the part of residents that private green spaces contribute ecosystem services and are an important component of the green infrastructure network throughout the region Improved integration of key regional and local campaigns on water conservation, storm water management, ecological health and the use of compost Municipal Members and Other Partners Staff from the City of Coquitlam and the City of Richmond were engaged in the development of the proposal, and have provided letters of support. Projected Expenses In 2015: $55,000, including $15,000 in staff time In 2016: $51,000, including $11,000 in staff time Amount Requested from GVRD Sustainability Innovation Fund In 2015: $40,000 In 2016: $40,000 Innovation Element Grow Green would stand out across North America as a unique web-based tool. Resources promoting sustainable lawn care and gardening exist; however, they are not well-integrated with supporting campaigns, they rely on a relatively high level of experience and knowledge on the part of the user, and they typically present long lists of native plants that are difficult to obtain. The Grow Green project, if successful, could result in a single portal that integrates many of Metro Vancouver complementary sustainability campaigns, while also promoting the development of partnerships with local nurseries and master gardeners. The potential value to residents who are motivated to create private green spaces is considerable. Contributions to Regional Sustainability The information provided through Grow Green would aim to increase public awareness of the potential for private green spaces to provide ecological services, and to promote ecological health and biodiversity within urban areas. Broad interest in gardening would be leveraged, as well, to help integrate key sustainability campaigns underway at Metro Vancouver and within many municipalities Climate Action Committee - Page 67 GVRD Sustainability Innovation Fund 3

68 5.7 To: From: Climate Action Committee Roger Quan, Director, Air Quality and Climate Change Planning, Policy and Environment Department Date: April 20, 2016 Meeting Date: May 4, 2016 Subject: Manager s Report RECOMMENDATION That the Climate Action Committee receive for information the report dated April 20, 2016, titled Manager s Report. Climate Action Committee 2016 Work Plan Attachment 1 to this report sets out the Committee s Workplan for The status of work program elements is indicated as pending, in progress, or complete. The listing is updated as needed to include new issues that arise, items requested by the Committee, and changes to the schedule. Air Quality Monitoring in North Vancouver Moodyville Metro Vancouver has completed a report on an air quality monitoring study in the Moodyville neighbourhood of North Vancouver (Attachment 2). The study initiated by Metro Vancouver through a request by the City of North Vancouver s Low Level Road and Port Area Community Liaison Committee was conducted to gain a better understanding of air quality in the area and to help address air quality concerns raised by some residents in regard to nearby transportation projects and industries. The study compared measured air quality levels to Metro Vancouver s ambient air quality objectives and to other monitoring stations in the region, and established some baseline monitoring in the Moodyville neighbourhood ahead of anticipated and potential development. Metro Vancouver s mobile air monitoring unit (MAMU) was located in the neighbourhood for approximately nine months in 2014 and 2015, measuring air pollutants that are known to have effects on human health or environment: carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ground-level ozone (O3), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), inhalable particulate matter (PM 10) and black carbon (BC). In addition, coal particle analysis was performed and meteorological measurements were made to assist in identifying contributing sources of air pollutants. The monitoring study showed that pollutant levels in Moodyville were below (i.e., better than) Metro Vancouver s air quality objectives and were generally similar to other areas of the region for most pollutants. Emissions from transportation (vehicle traffic and marine vessels), residential, and industrial sectors were evident in the air quality patterns in Moodyville. Vehicle traffic emissions were most noticeable in the carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide measurements while marine vessel emissions were shown to influence sulphur dioxide levels. Fine particulate matter results showed a potential influence of smoke from residential wood burning in winter. Coal content Climate Action Committee - Page 68

69 Manager s Report Climate Action Committee Meeting Date: May 4, 2016 Page 2 of 3 analysis undertaken on the particulate samples provided a qualitative indication confirming the presence of coal. Inhalable particulate (PM 10) concentrations in Moodyville exceeded Metro Vancouver s 24-hour objective on one short-lived occasion when Metro Vancouver was under an air quality advisory due to forest fire smoke from outside the region. While the inhalable particulate exceedance was understood to be triggered by an influence outside of the region, the study indicated slightly higher average levels compared with other air quality stations. These higher average levels are thought to be a result of a combination of local construction, road dust, and industrial emissions. The North Shore is currently well served by three permanent air quality monitoring stations: North Vancouver-Second Narrows, North Vancouver-Mahon Park and Horseshoe Bay. A fourth station is proposed for the Norgate community in North Vancouver in advance of Metro Vancouver s new Lions Gate Secondary Waste Water Treatment plant. Regional Invasive Species Task Force On April 13th, 2016, Metro Vancouver hosted the inaugural meeting of the Regional Planning Advisory Committee's (RPAC) Regional Invasive Species Task Force (RIS Task Force). The RIS Task Force was formed by RPAC in 2016 as a task-oriented technical task force of the Metro Vancouver Regional Planning Advisory Committee. The RIS Task Force reports to RPAC which in turn provides advice to staff related to issues and reports provided to the GVRD Board through the Climate Action Committee. The purpose of the RIS Task Force is to provide a venue for staff from member municipalities, Electoral Area A, First Nations and senior levels of government to vet ideas, contribute input and advice, share ideas, and create a work plan to guide regional priority projects. As its first items of business, the RIS Task Force elected its 2016 Chair (Nadia Chan, City of Surrey) and Vice Chair (Angela Negenman, City of North Vancouver), and adopted its Terms of Reference (Attachment 3). Members also discussed the RIS Task Force's 2016 work plan which includes priorities to: a) identify appropriate disposal sites; b) investigate better soil management options; c) investigate options for control near water bodies; and d) research emerging practices and new threats. This RIS Task Force plans to meet four times in Attendance at 2016 Standing Committee Events As part of the Manager s Report at its February 3, 2016 meeting, Committee members were advised of funding approved in the 2016 budget for members to attend a number of events that fall under the purview of the Climate Action Committee. Committee members are reminded to notify the Committee Chair of their interest in attending any of the remaining events during the year, listed below. Final approval on attendance rests with the Board Chair. Climate Action Committee - Page 69

70 Manager s Report Climate Action Committee Meeting Date: May 4, 2016 Page 3 of 3 Air & Waste Management Association AWMA Annual Conference and Exhibition 2016 Place and Date: New Orleans, Louisiana, June 20-23, 2016 Number of attendee(s): 1 The Air & Waste Management Association (AWMA) is a professional organization that provides a forum for information exchange on air quality and waste management issues. Quality Urban Energy Systems of Tomorrow QUEST 2016 Conference Place and Date: Calgary, Alberta, October 17-19, 2016 Number of attendee(s): 2 QUEST is a non-profit organization that conducts research, engagement and advocacy to advance Smart Energy Communities in Canada - communities that improve energy efficiency, enhance reliability, cut costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Their annual Conference is expected to bring together all levels of government, utilities & energy service providers, and the real estate sector to build partnerships, profile best practices, and explore ongoing opportunities for advancing smart energy communities. Climate Change Adaption Conference 2016 Place and Date: Toronto, Ontario, October 9-10, 2016 Number of attendee(s): 1 Climate Change Adaptation 2016, the 5th international conference, is an interactive platform to connect colleagues around the world to learn about best practices, and establish network with future collaborators in the Climate Change domain. Attachments 1. Climate Action Committee 2016 Work Plan (Doc # ) 2. Air Quality Monitoring Study in the Moodyville Neighbourhood of North Vancouver Report, April 18, 2016 (Doc # ) 3. RPAC Regional Invasive Species Task Force - Terms of Reference, April 13, 2016 (Doc # ) Climate Action Committee - Page 70

71 5.7 ATTACHMENT 1 Climate Action Committee 2016 Work Plan Report Date: April 20, 2016 Priorities 1 st Quarter Status Submit Written Argument and present Oral Summary Argument to National Energy Board for Trans Mountain Expansion Project Conduct workshop with Climate Action Committee to seek direction on development of an integrated regional climate action framework Consider 5 year work program related to the development of air quality bylaws and regulations and provide direction to staff Report on consultation program initiated in 2015 regarding proposed amendments to GVRD Air Quality Management Bylaw No. 1082, 2008 and GVRD Air Quality Management Fees Bylaw No. 1083, 2008, and present proposed bylaw amendments to the Climate Action Committee for GVRD Board approval Advise BC Environmental Assessment Office of Metro Vancouver s participation in working group related to George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project Initiate review and revision of Ecological Health Action Plan, including broad consultation process Complete Urban Forest Adaptation Guidelines complete complete complete complete complete pending complete 2 nd Quarter Review proposals made to the three Sustainability Innovation Funds and make recommendations to the Board on proposals to support in the period. Prepare fifth annual Caring for the Air report and expand outreach Report on the development of the next phase of the energy and greenhouse gas reduction program for small- and medium-sized businesses Launch website to assist electric vehicle owners living in strata buildings to access charging Review workplan and consultation process for Invasive Species project Initiate consultation on proposed amendments to Non-road Diesel Engine Emission Regulation Participate in environmental assessment processes as requested Review Metro Vancouver GrowGreen website for amateur gardeners (Sustainability Innovation Fund project initiated in 2015) Report on Water Conservation Research and 2016 Campaign (Sustainability Innovation Fund project initiated in 2015) in progress in progress in progress pending in progress pending in progress in progress pending Climate Action Committee - Page 71

72 3 rd Quarter Report on progress on implementation of corporate energy management program Implement additional energy and greenhouse gas reduction offset projects that will achieve and maintain Metro Vancouver s carbon neutral status Present a draft policy on internal carbon pricing, to ensure greenhouse gas emissions are considered in Metro Vancouver business decisions Launch Home Energy Labelling campaign (Sustainability Innovation Fund project initiated in 2015) Initiate consultation on proposed regulatory mechanisms to reduce discharge of odorous air contaminants from permitted sources Initiate consultation on proposed amendments to Automotive Refinishing Regulation Develop new programs in partnership with other levels of government to address air quality and greenhouse gas emissions from on-road light- and heavyduty vehicles Report on the implementation of the Strata Energy Advisor pilot project (Sustainability Innovation Fund project initiated in 2015) Consider approach to greenhouse gas emissions reduction target as a component of Metro 2040, the regional growth strategy 4 th Quarter Propose amendments to Automotive Refinishing Emission Regulation Bylaw, for Board adoption Adopt Integrated Regional Climate Action Strategy Report on the results of the Smart Drive Challenge (Sustainability Innovation Fund project initiated in 2015) Participate in environmental assessment processes as requested Consider proposed 2017 climate action, air quality, environmental planning and energy programs and budget Engage with external agencies on proposed regulatory mechanisms to reduce emissions from residential wood burning Report on Reducing Grease in Sewers Behaviour Change Pilot Project (Sustainability Innovation Fund project initiated in 2015) pending in progress in progress in progress pending pending pending pending pending pending pending pending pending pending pending pending Climate Action Committee - Page 72

73 5.7 ATTACHMENT 2 April 18, 2016 North Vancouver Moodyville Air Quality Monitoring Study Climate Action Committee - Page 73

74 This report was prepared by the Air Quality and Climate Change Division of Metro Vancouver. Cover Photo: Taken from Google Earth. Published: April Several government partners are acknowledged for contributing to the monitoring network including: Fraser Valley Regional District, Environment Canada and BC Ministry of Environment. Other partners acknowledged for providing funding to the monitoring network are: Vancouver Airport Authority, Chevron Canada Ltd., Kinder Morgan Canada, and Port Metro Vancouver. Questions on the report should be directed to or the Metro Vancouver Information Centre at Contact us: Metro Vancouver Air Quality and Climate Change Division 4330 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC V5H 4G Disclaimer and Conditions: 1. Permission is granted to produce or reproduce these data, or any substantial part of them, for personal, noncommercial, educational and informational purposes only, provided that the data are not modified or altered and provided that this disclaimer notice is included in any such production or reproduction. 2. While the information in these data is believed to be accurate, these data and all of the information contained therein are provided as is without warranty of any kind, whether express or implied. All implied warranties, including, without limitation, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are expressly disclaimed by Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley Regional District. Metro Vancouver reserves the right to update data files from time to time and will not be held responsible for the validity of the archives maintained by other parties. It is the user s responsibility to ensure that the data is up-to-date and to followup with Metro Vancouver should any questions related to the data arise. 3. The information provided in these data is intended for educational and informational purposes only. These data are not intended to endorse or recommend any particular product, material or service provider nor is it intended as a substitute for engineering, legal or other professional advice. Such advice should be sought from qualified professionals. Climate Action Committee - Page 74

75 Executive Summary An outdoor air quality monitoring study was conducted in the Moodyville neighbourhood of North Vancouver. The study initiated by Metro Vancouver through a request by the City of North Vancouver s Low Level Road and Port Area Community Liaison Committee was conducted to gain a better understanding of air quality in the area and to help address air quality concerns raised by some residents in regard to nearby transportation projects and industries. Metro Vancouver s Mobile Air Quality Monitoring Unit (MAMU) collected air quality measurements over approximately 9 months in 2014 and 2015 including air pollutants that are known to have effects on human health or environment: carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ground-level ozone, fine particulate matter, inhalable particulate matter and black carbon. In addition, coal particle analysis was performed and meteorological measurements were made to assist in identifying contributing sources of air pollutants. The study compared measured air quality levels to Metro Vancouver s ambient air quality objectives and to other monitoring stations in the region, and established some baseline monitoring in the Moodyville neighbourhood ahead of anticipated and potential development. The monitoring study showed that pollutant levels in Moodyville were below Metro Vancouver s air quality objectives and were generally similar to other areas of the region for carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ground-level ozone, fine particulate matter, and black carbon. Emissions from transportation (vehicle traffic and marine vessels), residential, and industrial sectors were evident in the air quality patterns in Moodyville. Vehicle traffic emissions were most noticeable in the carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide measurements while marine vessel emissions were shown to influence sulphur dioxide levels. Fine particulate matter results showed a potential influence of smoke from residential wood burning in winter. Inhalable particulate concentrations in Moodyville exceeded Metro Vancouver s 24-hour inhalable particulate objective on one short-lived occasion when Metro Vancouver was under an air quality advisory due to forest fire smoke from outside the region. While the inhalable particulate exceedance was understood to be triggered by an influence outside of the region, the study indicated slightly higher average levels compared with other air quality stations. These higher average levels are thought to be a result of a combination of local construction, road dust, and industrial emissions. The coal content analysis for the particulate samples were found to provide a qualitative indication confirming the presence of coal, however due to the subjectivity and limitations of the analysis care must be taken when reviewing the coal content percentages. North Vancouver Moodyville Air Quality Monitoring Study Climate Action Committee - Page 75 Page iii

76 Table of Contents Executive Summary Introduction Overview Air Contaminants and Emissions Regional Air Quality Trends Study Area Burrard Inlet Area Local Air Quality Study Methods Monitoring Location Study Period Monitoring Methods Continuous Measurements Filter Samples Meteorology Results Comparison of Measured Levels of Air Quality Carbon Monoxide (CO) Sulphur Dioxide (SO 2) Nitrogen Dioxide (NO 2) Ozone (O 3) Fine Particulate (PM 2.5) Inhalable Particulate (PM 10) Black Carbon (BC) Meteorology Coal Particle Analysis Conclusions Climate Action Committee - Page 76

77 1.0 Introduction 1.1 Overview An outdoor air quality monitoring study was conducted in the Moodyville neighbourhood of North Vancouver near Burrard Inlet. A request for air quality monitoring was made to Metro Vancouver through the Low Level Road and Port Area Community Liaison Committee established by the City of North Vancouver. The study was initiated to gain a better understanding of air quality in the area and to help address air quality concerns raised by some residents in regard to nearby transportation projects and industries. Working with the City of North Vancouver to determine a suitable location for monitoring, Metro Vancouver deployed the Mobile Air Quality Monitoring Unit (MAMU) in the Moodyville neighbourhood on East 2 nd Street between Moody Avenue and Ridgeway Avenue. Measurements taken by MAMU included pollutants that are routinely monitored at air quality monitoring stations throughout the region as well as air samples which were analyzed for coal particles. The duration of the study was approximately nine months between April 2014 and February Monitoring was conducted in two separate monitoring periods with a short gap between periods to serve another need for MAMU elsewhere in the region. Metro Vancouver conducts specialized monitoring studies to inform decisions about air quality management in the region and to protect the region s good air quality. Data collected during this study is presented and discussed in this technical report. 1.2 Air Contaminants and Emissions Contaminants measured during this study are routinely monitored at stations throughout the region. They included pollutants that are known to have effects on human health or the environment: carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO 2), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2), ground-level ozone (O 3), fine particulate (PM 2.5), inhalable particulate (PM 10) and black carbon (BC). In addition, meteorological measurements were collected to assist in identifying contributing sources of air pollutants. Carbon monoxide is produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels containing carbon. The principle source within Metro Vancouver is motor vehicle emissions with a large percentage coming from the transportation sector. Other sources include fuel combustion for building heating and commercial and industrial operations. Sulphur dioxide is formed primarily by the combustion of fossil fuels containing sulphur. Within Metro Vancouver the major sources of SO 2 are marine vessels, an oil refinery, and non-road engines (e.g., construction equipment, lawn mowers, etc.). The geographical distribution of sulphur dioxide emissions is influenced mainly by ocean-going vessels in the marine areas and a petroleum refinery in Burnaby. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are produced by the high temperature combustion of fossil fuels. Nitrogen oxides refers to the combination of nitric oxide (NO), which is the principal nitrogen oxide produced by combustion processes, and nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) which is rapidly formed from NO in the air. Common NO X sources include boilers, building heating systems and internal combustion engines. In the Lower Fraser Valley (LFV), transportation sources account for approximately 63% of NO X emissions, with stationary and area sources contributing the remainder. North Vancouver Moodyville Air Quality Monitoring Study Page 1 Climate Action Committee - Page 77

78 Ground-level ozone is a secondary pollutant, formed in the atmosphere by the interaction of nitrogen dioxide and volatile organic compounds in the presence of sunlight. Within Metro Vancouver, ozone has historically been more elevated in the eastern parts of the region during the summer months. Fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) is emitted from a variety of sources including industry, transportation, heating and non-road engines. Some fine particulate may be directly related to specific sources (e.g., black carbon or diesel particulate matter from diesel fuel combustion), but studies indicate that a considerable proportion of ambient fine particulate is also created in the atmosphere by the reaction of other air pollutants. In particular, ammonia emissions from a variety of sources including agricultural operations can react with nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide to produce ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulphate particles, which at times can represent up to two-thirds of the fine particulate. Exposure to fine particulate is one of the major air quality and health issues in Metro Vancouver. In addition, it is a major cause of visibility degradation. Inhalable particulate (PM 10) is emitted from a variety of sources with the largest contribution from road dust (35%). Road dust is made up of material that has been previously deposited on the road surface such as mud and dirt track-out, leaves, vehicle exhaust, tire debris, brake linings, and pavement wear. Traffic or wind resuspends the road dust into the air. Other major contributors to PM 10 are transportation, construction and demolition, residential wood heating, agriculture and industry. There are also natural sources of PM 10 such as wind-blown soil, forest fires, ocean spray and volcanic activity. Black carbon (BC) is carbonaceous material formed by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biofuels, and biomass, and is emitted directly in the form of fine particles (PM 2.5). Non-road engines (primarily diesel fuelled), heavy duty vehicles, rail and marine vessels are significant sources of BC emissions. Other significant sources in the region include agricultural burning, open and prescribed burning, wild fires and residential heating. Air quality objectives and standards are used as benchmarks to characterize air quality. Metro Vancouver s ambient air quality objectives are shown in Table 1. The objective or standard is achieved if the ambient concentration is lower than (i.e., better than) the objective. North Vancouver Moodyville Air Quality Monitoring Study Page 2 Climate Action Committee - Page 78

79 Table 1: Metro Vancouver s ambient air quality objectives. Contaminant Averaging Period μg/m 3 Units ppb Carbon monoxide (CO) 1-hour 30,000 26,500 8-hour 10,000 8,800 Nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) 1-hour Annual Sulphur dioxide (SO 2) 1-hour 196* 75* 24-hour Annual Ozone (O 3) 1-hour hour Inhalable particulate matter (PM 10) 24-hour 50 Annual 20 Fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) 24-hour Annual 25 8 (6)** Note: The 8-hour and 24-hour objectives are intended to be compared against concentrations calculated as a rolling average. Metro Vancouver objectives are not to be exceeded, meaning the objective is achieved if 100% of the validated measurements are at or below the objective level. * The 1-hour SO 2 objective is interim and intended to apply to all applications for authorizations of new or significantly modified discharges under GVRD Air Quality Management Bylaw No made on or after May 15, 2015 but not intended to apply to existing facilities. Significantly modified refers to an increase in authorized quantity of emission of greater than 10%. The interim SO 2 objective will be revisited after the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment adopts a new Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standard, likely in ** Metro Vancouver s Annual PM 2.5 Planning Goal of 6 µg/m 3 is a longer term aspirational target intended to support continuous improvement. 1.3 Regional Air Quality Trends In the last ten or more years regional air quality has steadily improved for most pollutants, including CO, NO 2, SO 2 and PM 2.5. Even with population growth in the region, improvements have been achieved through key actions. For example, sulphur dioxide levels improved as sulphur was reduced in vehicle and marine fuels and emissions from the cement industry decreased. Improved vehicle emission standards and the AirCare program are largely responsible for the lower carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide levels. Peak ground-level ozone levels, which occur during hot and sunny summer afternoons, are better now than in the 1980s and early 1990s. But despite levels of the pollutants that form ground-level ozone being lower, average levels of ground-level ozone are increasing. Although this is partly a result of the increase in groundlevel ozone found throughout the world, Metro Vancouver and partners have developed a ground-level ozone North Vancouver Moodyville Air Quality Monitoring Study Page 3 Climate Action Committee - Page 79

80 strategy to address increasing levels of this pollutant throughout the year, and maintain the improvements achieved with respect to peak summertime levels. 1.4 Study Area Air quality in the North Vancouver neighbourhood in which this study was conducted, Moodyville, is influenced by a combination of vehicle traffic, residential, commercial and industrial emission sources along with temporary construction emissions from roadway and industrial expansion. Industrial emission sources in the area include Neptune Terminals, Richardson Grain Terminal, and Cargill Grain Terminal. Residential and commercial emission sources in the neighbourhood are dominated by heating sources. The presence of a bus depot results in emissions from a fleet of buses. Figure 1 shows some of the emission sources in the neighbourhood. Figure 1: Location of MAMU study site (red) and surrounding emission sources (blue). Neptune Terminals is one of the largest multi-product bulk terminals in North America. The terminal has been in operation since 1970 and handles Canadian potash, steelmaking coal (also known as metallurgical coal), and imported phosphate rock used in the production of fertilizer. In 2013, Neptune received a project permit from Port Metro Vancouver to upgrade the terminal s coal system. The upgrade includes a second railcar dumper, additional conveyors, and replacement of the existing ship loader. The proposed expansion will increase coal shipments from 8.5 to 18.5 million tonnes per year. Richardson s Terminal facility currently handles approximately three million tonnes of grain and oilseeds each year and is a major exporter of canola and cereal grains to countries along the Pacific Rim. With demand for these products increasing the terminal is currently operating at maximum capacity. With changes to the Canadian Wheat Board and other changes in the Canadian grain industry, Richardson expects to handle in excess of five million tonnes of grains and oilseeds with additional storage capacity. Richardson received a project permit from Port Metro Vancouver to construct a new concrete grain storage facility that will hold 80,000 metric tonnes of grains and oilseeds. Construction started in 2013 and continued through North Vancouver Moodyville Air Quality Monitoring Study Page 4 Climate Action Committee - Page 80

81 Cargill s North Vancouver Terminal was built in 1968 by Saskatchewan Wheat Pool and purchased by Cargill in Total storage capacity is 210,000 metric tonnes and includes products of wheat, barley, canola and peas. In March of 2015, Cargill received a project permit from Port Metro Vancouver for a rail improvement project which will allow the terminal to increase annual volume from 3.4 to 5 million metric tonnes. The rail improvements including reconfiguration of the existing rail track system, a new lead track and installation of a new rail car indexer to increase capacity and efficiencies at the terminal. The upgrades to the Cargill facility, occurring after this study was completed, started in 2015 with completion anticipated sometime in The Third Street bus depot is located near the study site approximately two blocks northwest of the location of MAMU. The 70 year old depot is utilized by a fleet of 85 buses serving the North Shore. The bus depot contributes to emissions from buses during morning start-up and from buses entering and exiting the depot throughout the day. The bus depot was originally scheduled to be relocated in 2015 to Burnaby, however the closure has been delayed so that alternative locations in North Vancouver can be assessed. Traffic emissions in the area include those from major arterial streets as well as local residential streets. Major arterial streets include Low Level Road to the south, Third Street and Keith Road to the north and the Upper Levels Highway (Hwy 1) which has the highest traffic volume in the City of North Vancouver about 2.5 km to the north of the study site. During the air quality study period there were several construction projects conducted nearby including the Low Level Road Project and Richardson Terminal expansion. The Low Level Road Project involved the realignment and elevation of approximately 2.6 km of the Low Level Road, between St. Georges Avenue and 3rd Street East, providing space for two new rail tracks to improve rail switching efficiency and capacity for Port tenants. The Richardson Terminal expansion included construction of a new 80,000 metric tonnes concrete grain storage facility. 1.5 Burrard Inlet Area Local Air Quality Study Specialized air quality monitoring studies complement the permanent air quality monitoring network stations in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. The studies, conducted for finite durations, typically allow for characterization of air quality at finer spatial scales, such as at the neighbourhood scale, and allow investigation of air quality problems on the local scale. The Burrard Inlet Area Local Air Quality Study was a comprehensive study conducted in 2008 to 2010 that included a large study area and deployment of a range of air quality monitoring technology at several sites. The study concluded that the Central Burrard Inlet Area experienced unique air quality compared to other areas in the LFV and that: Levels of SO 2 were elevated. PM 2.5 levels were periodically elevated. Black carbon levels were slightly elevated. Vanadium and nickel levels were elevated. Levels of NO 2 were similar to the rest of the region. Unique episodes of poor air quality occurred. North Vancouver Moodyville Air Quality Monitoring Study Page 5 Climate Action Committee - Page 81

82 The study noted that the Central Burrard Inlet Area monitoring sites tended to capture a large range of localized situations in closer proximity to large emissions sources than the rest of the region. Comparatively higher SO 2 levels were attributed to the high level of marine activity in Burrard Inlet, the high sulphur content of marine fuel, and petroleum refining. Comparatively higher PM 2.5 and black carbon levels were attributed to higher levels of diesel soot from marine engines, cargo handling equipment, truck traffic and rail locomotives. 2.0 Methods 2.1 Monitoring Location Metro Vancouver operates an extensive ambient air quality monitoring network with 29 air quality monitoring stations located throughout the Lower Fraser Valley 1. The monitoring network collects air quality data from Horseshoe Bay to Hope every hour of the day, seven days a week. It provides the means to track air quality trends, measure the performance of air management programs, identify problem areas, inform the development of new policies and actions, and provide data to the public. Operated by Metro Vancouver, the monitoring network is one of the most comprehensive in the world. Current air quality information is available at Metro Vancouver s website There are currently three air quality monitoring network stations on the North Shore with two located in North Vancouver and one in West Vancouver. Selection of the study site followed investigations of a number of possible locations with a focus on establishing a representative location within the community of Moodyville. When establishing a location for MAMU considerations include: access to adequate electrical power; space to accommodate the 28 foot-long MAMU; a level surface; a site that is open to unobstructed air flow; and the avoidance of overhead power lines. Several sites were investigated by Metro Vancouver staff to determine the suitability for the study. With the assistance of staff at the City of North Vancouver, a site was chosen on East 2 nd Street in front of 622 East 2 nd Street. The location of MAMU is shown in Figure 2 and identified as S125. Also shown in Figure 2 are other nearby air quality monitoring network stations used for comparison in this report. They include North Vancouver-Mahon Park (T26), North Vancouver- Second Narrows (T6), Vancouver- Downtown (T1), North Burnaby (T24) and Burnaby-Capitol Hill (T23). A description of each of these stations is given in Table 2. Other network stations used for comparison in this report that are located outside the area on Figure 2 are Burnaby-Kensington Park (T4), Port Moody (T9), Burnaby South (T18) and Horseshoe Bay (T35). 2.2 Study Period Monitoring began April 4, 2014 and was completed on February 25, During this period there was a fiveweek gap while MAMU was redeployed for a brief study in White Rock from September 9, 2014 to October 15, The monitoring schedule was planned to allow for air quality measurements to be taken for the majority of each season of the year. 1 North Vancouver Moodyville Air Quality Monitoring Study Page 6 Climate Action Committee - Page 82

83 Figure 2: Location of MAMU study site (red) and network stations (orange). North Vancouver Moodyville Air Quality Monitoring Study Page 7 Climate Action Committee - Page 83

84 Table 2: Existing air quality monitoring network stations used in the study ID Site Name Site Characteristics and Description T1 T4 T6 Vancouver- Downtown Burnaby- Kensington Park North Vancouver- Second Narrows Located in the Robson Square Complex in downtown Vancouver, this station is situated in an area of dense traffic surrounded by mixed multiple-story and highrise residential and commercial buildings. This station, located in North Burnaby, is situated in a mixed neighbourhood which includes residential, industrial, commercial, and park land-use which is typical of other surrounding areas. Located in the District of North Vancouver near Second Narrows Bridge in a busy commercial and industrial setting situated on an active works yard adjacent to many nearby emission sources. T9 Port Moody Located in Rocky Point Park within an area that has experienced a reduction in industrial sources and an increase in mobile and residential sources over the last two decades. T18 Burnaby South Located at Burnaby South Secondary School, this monitoring station is established in a residential area on the top of the south slope of Burnaby. T23 Burnaby-Capitol Hill This site, located atop Capitol Hill in North Burnaby is situated at the boundary of a residential neighbourhood adjacent to the Chevron oil refinery. The station is located at the top of the hill directly south of the refinery. T24 North Burnaby This site is located in a park adjacent to the tank farm and product distribution center of the Chevron refinery. The site was chosen based on dispersion modelling of emissions from the refinery and tank farm, located between the major emission source and the neighbouring community. T26 North Vancouver- Mahon Park This station measures air quality in the residential areas of central North Vancouver. On bench-land above the harbour and away from major traffic corridors, this station is situated so as to represent air quality for a wider region along the North Shore mountains. T35 Horseshoe Bay This station is located at Gleneagles Elementary School in West Vancouver adjacent to Highway 1 and the traffic holding area for the BC Ferry terminal at Horseshoe Bay. 2.3 Monitoring Methods Metro Vancouver s Mobile Air Monitoring Unit (MAMU) was used to conduct this study. MAMU (Figure 3) is used to supplement the network of air quality monitoring stations when measurements are required for local air quality studies or air quality emergencies. During the study period, MAMU was equipped with the same instrumentation as the monitoring network stations and was connected to the central data acquisition system using cellular communications. MAMU systems are subject to the same quality control and quality assurance procedures as the other monitoring stations used in the study. North Vancouver Moodyville Air Quality Monitoring Study Page 8 Climate Action Committee - Page 84

85 Figure 3: Metro Vancouver s MAMU at the Moodyville study site Continuous Measurements The majority of pollutants measured by MAMU employ continuous monitors which provide data in real-time every minute of the day. These data are collected automatically on a continuous basis, transmitted to Metro Vancouver s Head Office in Burnaby, and stored in an electronic database. The continuous monitors used in this study measured CO, SO 2, NO 2, O 3, PM 2.5, PM 10 and BC Filter Samples Non-continuous data were also collected as part of this study including measurements of PM 2.5 and coarse particulate matter (PM 10 - PM 2.5). These non-continuous measurements were made using a dichotomous particulate sampler with two-week samples collected on filters. Filter samples were collected periodically throughout the study and filters were sent for laboratory analysis to determine the presence of coal particles Meteorology MAMU measures several meteorological parameters including air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and wind direction using a telescoping tower. All meteorological parameters were measured at a height of ten metres above the ground. North Vancouver Moodyville Air Quality Monitoring Study Page 9 Climate Action Committee - Page 85

86 3.0 Results 3.1 Comparison of Measured Levels of Air Quality In this section, a summary of air quality measurements collected during the study period are provided along with comparisons to measurements from nearby network stations for the same period. A brief discussion is also included comparing the measurements with Metro Vancouver s ambient air quality objectives. Table 3 summarizes the maximum and mean concentrations of pollutants measured during the study and compared to the relevant Metro Vancouver air quality objective. The mean is calculated as the average of all data collected during the study period. Table 3: Air quality results at the study site (MAMU-Moodyville). Contaminant Averaging Period Measurement Air Quality Unit Maximum Mean Objective Carbon monoxide (CO) 1-hour (ppb) 1,250 26,500 8-hour (ppb) 770 8,800 Nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) 1-hour (ppb) Annual (ppb) Sulphur dioxide (SO 2) 1-hour 24-hour Annual (ppb) (ppb) (ppb) * Ozone (O 3) 1-hour 8-hour (ppb) (ppb) Fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) 24-hour Annual (μg/m 3 ) (μg/m 3 ) (6)** Inhalable particulate matter (PM 10) 24-hour Annual (μg/m 3 ) (μg/m 3 ) Black Carbon (BC) 24-hour Annual (μg/m 3 ) (μg/m 3 ) * The 1-hour SO 2 objective is interim and intended to apply to all applications for authorizations of new or significantly modified discharges under GVRD Air Quality Management Bylaw No made on or after May 15, 2015 but not intended to apply to existing facilities. Significantly modified refers to an increase in authorized quantity of emission of greater than 10%. The interim SO 2 objective will be revisited after the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment adopts a new Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standard, likely in ** Metro Vancouver s Annual PM 2.5 Planning Goal of 6 µg/m 3 is a longer term aspirational target intended to support continuous improvement. North Vancouver Moodyville Air Quality Monitoring Study Page 10 Climate Action Committee - Page 86

87 3.1.1 Carbon Monoxide (CO) Carbon monoxide was measured at concentrations well below Metro Vancouver s carbon monoxide objectives at the MAMU-Moodyville study site. The maximum (i.e., the highest concentration measured) hourly CO concentration was 1,250 ppb and the maximum 8-hour rolling average was 770 ppb. These measurements are well below Metro Vancouver s 1-hour and 8-hour CO Objectives of 26,500 and 8,800 ppb, respectively. Figure 4 presents the 1-hour and 8-hour CO maximum, 98 th percentile and average concentrations at the study site (MAMU-Moodyville), along with the comparison network stations. The maximum concentration is shown alongside the 98 th percentile and study period average for both 1-hour and 8-hour rolling averages. In Figure 4 the 1-hour average is shown on the left while the 8-hour average is shown on the right. The values provided in these figures have been calculated with measurements collected during the study period. To provide appropriate comparisons, data collected at the comparison network sites were not considered during the 5- week period (between September 9 and October 15, 2014) when MAMU was not located in Moodyville. The MAMU-Moodyville study site exhibited similar average CO concentrations to other nearby network monitoring sites. Carbon monoxide is typically very low throughout the region and is therefore not generally considered an outdoor contaminant of concern. The monthly averages and maximums show the seasonality of pollutants and are provided in Figure 5. The monthly averages and maximums at the study site are similar to the other network stations. Graphs of daily CO patterns are shown in Figure 6. The graphs demonstrate the differences between weekdays and weekends along with differences between summer and winter. Review of daily CO patterns provides an indication of traffic emission influences. Most stations exhibit higher winter concentrations on weekdays compared with weekends with many stations showing a large peak in the morning that corresponds relatively well with morning traffic patterns. MAMU shows a similar diurnal pattern as North Vancouver-Mahon Park, however MAMU exhibits a larger peak on winter mornings during the week, likely the result of proximity to vehicle emission sources. Since MAMU was parked directly on the street it is possible that carbon monoxide emissions from vehicles parked near MAMU would influence measurements on start-up. A pollution rose is provided in Figure 7 showing the distribution of wind direction and carbon monoxide concentrations when winds are blowing from the direction shown on the compass. The higher carbon monoxide concentrations greater than 0.4 ppm (400 ppb) were selected to highlight from which directions elevated levels of carbon monoxide originated. Care must be taken when reviewing pollution roses, as they do not show how close the pollution source is to the monitor nor does it indicate if a pollutant plume changed direction during its path. Figure 7 indicates that the majority of highest CO concentrations came from the northeast and eastnortheast, and are likely due to traffic emissions. North Vancouver Moodyville Air Quality Monitoring Study Page 11 Climate Action Committee - Page 87

88 Figure 4: Carbon monoxide monitoring 1-hour and maximum 8-hour rolling average, 98 th percentile and study period average. Figure 5: Monthly average and 1-hour maximum carbon monoxide. Figure 6: Daily patterns of carbon monoxide. Figure 7: Moodyville pollution rose carbon monoxide. North Vancouver Moodyville Air Quality Monitoring Study Page 12 Climate Action Committee - Page 88

89 3.1.2 Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) Sulphur dioxide was measured at concentrations below Metro Vancouver s sulphur dioxide objectives at the MAMU-Moodyville study site. The study site also experienced similar concentrations as other air quality stations located near Burrard Inlet (Figure 8). The maximum hourly SO 2 concentration at the study site was 24 ppb which is low compared with Metro Vancouver s 1-hour Interim SO 2 Objective of 75 ppb. Similarly, the maximum rolling 24-hour average of 5 ppb was well below Metro Vancouver s 24-hour Objective of 48 ppb. Burnaby North had the highest overall study period average of 1.6 ppb, Vancouver-Downtown had the next highest average of 1.5 ppb followed by Second Narrows and MAMU-Moodyville both with an average of 1.4 ppb. These study period averages are all well below the annual objective of 12 ppb. The monthly average and maximum SO 2 concentrations are provided in Figure 9. The monthly averages for the MAMU-Moodyville study site followed a similar pattern as other network stations. The highest monthly average was recorded in August with a value of 2.5 ppb at both MAMU and Second Narrows. Both the MAMU study site and Second Narrows station are a similar distance from Burrard Inlet and would be expected to be influenced similarly by SO 2 emissions from marine vessels. The monthly 1-hour maximum concentrations do not follow a well-defined seasonal trend. The highest monthly 1-hour maximum concentrations occur at Burnaby-Capitol Hill. These peak concentrations occur due to the close proximity of the oil refinery and generally correspond to specific meteorological conditions (e.g., inversions). In the LFV sulphur dioxide is typically very low away from major emission sources such as marine vessel activities and the oil refinery in Burnaby. The Burnaby South station provides an example of lower SO 2 concentrations at a location relatively removed from the influence of SO 2 emission in Burrard Inlet. Graphs of daily SO 2 patterns are shown in Figure 10 for SO 2. Sites located away from Burrard Inlet show little variation throughout the day while sites located near the inlet indicate the influence of local emission sources. The two North Vancouver stations, N. Vancouver-2nd Narrows and N. Vancouver-Mahon Park, along with the MAMU study site show the most pronounced morning and evening peaks in summer. The morning peaks are thought to be mainly the result of emissions from ocean-going vessels. A pollution rose is provided in Figure 11 which shows the distribution of wind direction and sulphur dioxide concentrations when winds are blowing from the direction shown on the compass. The higher sulphur dioxide concentrations were selected to highlight from which directions elevated levels of sulphur dioxide originated. Figure 11 indicates that the majority of highest SO 2 concentrations came from the Burrard Inlet area, which are most likely to be caused by marine vessel emissions. North Vancouver Moodyville Air Quality Monitoring Study Page 13 Climate Action Committee - Page 89

90 Figure 8: Sulphur dioxide monitoring 1-hour and maximum 24-hour rolling average, 98 th percentile and study period average. Figure 9: Monthly average and 1-hour maximum sulphur dioxide. Figure 10: Daily patterns of sulphur dioxide. Figure 11: Moodyville pollution rose sulphur dioxide. North Vancouver Moodyville Air Quality Monitoring Study Page 14 Climate Action Committee - Page 90

91 3.1.3 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) Hourly nitrogen dioxide concentrations measured at the MAMU-Moodyville study site were below Metro Vancouver s nitrogen dioxide objectives. The maximum hourly NO 2 concentration measured by MAMU was 58 ppb which is about half the 1-hour NO 2 Metro Vancouver Objective of 107 ppb (Figure 12). The North Vancouver-Second Narrows station had the highest 1-hour maximum with a value of 93 ppb and Vancouver- Downtown had the highest study period average of 17 ppb. The monthly average and 1-hour maximum concentrations at the MAMU study site are similar to the other network stations (Figure 13). The highest average NO 2 concentrations occurred at Vancouver-Downtown, where the station is located near to a busy road in a densely trafficked area. Graphs of daily NO 2 patterns are shown in Figure 14. Most stations exhibit higher winter concentrations on weekdays compared with weekends with many stations showing a large peak in the morning that corresponds relatively well with morning traffic patterns. A pollution rose is provided in Figure 15 showing the distribution of wind direction and nitrogen dioxide concentrations when winds are blowing from the direction shown on the compass. The NO 2 pollution rose shows a similar pattern as CO with the majority of highest concentrations occurring when the wind is blowing from the north-east, east-northeast and east, likely due to traffic emissions. North Vancouver Moodyville Air Quality Monitoring Study Page 15 Climate Action Committee - Page 91

92 Figure 12: Nitrogen dioxide monitoring 1-hour maximum, 98 th percentile and study period average. Figure 13: Monthly average and 1-hour maximum nitrogen dioxide. Figure 14: Daily patterns of nitrogen dioxide. Figure 15: Pollution rose nitrogen dioxide. North Vancouver Moodyville Air Quality Monitoring Study Page 16 Climate Action Committee - Page 92

93 3.1.4 Ozone (O3) Hourly and 8-hour ozone concentrations measured at the MAMU-Moodyville study site were below Metro Vancouver s ozone objectives. The highest hourly and 8-hour ozone concentrations were 58 and 52 ppb, respectively (Figure 16). These maximum concentrations were below the 1-hour and 8-hour Metro Vancouver Objectives of 82 and 65 ppb, respectively. The monthly average and maximum hourly concentrations at the study site are similar to the other network stations (Figure 17). Measurements of ozone taken throughout the LFV air quality monitoring network in summer shows that ozone concentrations are lower in the more western parts of Metro Vancouver and around the Burrard Inlet area and higher in the eastern parts of Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. Graphs of daily ozone patterns are shown in Figure 18. All stations exhibit similar patterns. In the summer, O 3 concentrations are low through the night and begin increasing near sunrise with the highest (peak) concentrations occurring in the afternoon. On very hot sunny days, typically during a summertime episode, the O 3 peak occurs later in the day. Winter shows a similar pattern and afternoon peak although it is greatly attenuated compared with the summer. Ground-level ozone is a secondary pollutant created by the interaction of nitrogen dioxide and volatile organic compounds in the presence of sunlight. Since ozone is not emitted directly, a pollution rose has not been included. North Vancouver Moodyville Air Quality Monitoring Study Page 17 Climate Action Committee - Page 93

94 Figure 16: Ozone monitoring 1-hour and maximum 8-hour rolling average, 98 th percentile and study period average. Figure 17: Monthly average and 1-hour maximum ozone. Figure 18: Daily patterns of ozone. North Vancouver Moodyville Air Quality Monitoring Study Page 18 Climate Action Committee - Page 94

95 3.1.5 Fine Particulate (PM2.5) Fine particulate was measured at concentrations below Metro Vancouver s fine particulate objectives at the MAMU-Moodyville study site (Figure 19). The maximum 24-hour rolling average PM 2.5 concentration measured was 24.3 µg/m 3 which is below the 24-hour Metro Vancouver Objective of 25 µg/m 3. During the study period the Burnaby South and North Vancouver-Second Narrows monitoring stations measured exceedances of the PM 2.5 objective when an air quality advisory was in effect for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley because of elevated particulate matter primarily due to smoke from wildfires outside of the region. North Vancouver-Second Narrows had the highest overall study period average of 6.6 µg/m 3, Port Moody and Burnaby-Kensington Park both had the next highest average of 6.4 µg/m 3 followed by Burnaby South with an average of 6.3 µg/m 3. At the MAMU-Moodyville study site an average of 5.7 µg/m 3 was measured, which was below the annual objective of 8 µg/m 3 and also below the planning goal of 6 µg/m 3. The monthly average and maximum 24-hour rolling average PM 2.5 concentrations are provided in Figure 20. The monthly average concentrations at the study site followed a similar pattern as other network stations and were of similar magnitude. The highest monthly average was recorded in August at the North Vancouver-Second Narrows station and the highest monthly 24-hour rolling average was measured in November at the Burnaby South station. Graphs of daily PM 2.5 patterns are shown in Figure 21. Summer days exhibited little daily variation while the winter displayed higher PM 2.5 concentrations in the evenings compared with the daytime. The evenings in winter are likely elevated due to reduced atmospheric mixing coupled with regional and local emissions sources, such as smoke from residential wood burning. A pollution rose is provided in Figure 22 showing the distribution of wind direction and the highest PM 2.5 concentrations when winds are blowing from the direction shown on the compass. The PM 2.5 pollution rose shows a pattern of the highest PM 2.5 occurring when winds are blowing from the northeast, east-northeast as well as the west-southwest. There are also some higher concentrations from the south but not as frequent as from the other dominant wind sectors. The west-southwest component occurs in the summer during hot conditions corresponding to the daytime sea-breeze which blows inland from the Strait of Georgia to the west. Overall, PM 2.5 concentrations at MAMU-Moodyville were comparable or lower than most stations included in this report. North Vancouver Moodyville Air Quality Monitoring Study Page 19 Climate Action Committee - Page 95

96 Figure 19: Fine particulate monitoring maximum 24-hour rolling average, 98 th percentile and study period average. Figure 20: Monthly average and 24-hour rolling average maximum fine particulate. Figure 21: Daily patterns of fine particulate. Figure 22: Moodyville pollution rose fine particulate. North Vancouver Moodyville Air Quality Monitoring Study Page 20 Climate Action Committee - Page 96

97 3.1.6 Inhalable Particulate (PM10) Due to the availability of instrumentation, PM 10 monitoring was installed at the MAMU-Moodyville study site later than other instrumentation. Measurement of PM 10 began June 26, Inhalable particulate concentrations exceeded Metro Vancouver s 24-hour PM 10 objective on one occasion at the study site (Figure 23). The maximum 24-hour rolling average PM 10 concentration was 52.1 µg/m 3 which is above the 24-hour rolling average objective of 50 µg/m 3. The exceedance occurred on August 12, 2014 when an air quality advisory was in effect for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley because of elevated particulate matter primarily due to smoke from wildfires outside of the region. The PM 10 objective exceedance occurred for six hours at that time. The monthly PM 10 average and maximum 24-hour rolling average are provided in Figure 24. The monthly concentration averages at the Moodyville study site were generally higher than the other network stations. The highest monthly 24-hour averages were higher at the study site compared with the other network sites with the exception of November when Burnaby South measured the highest 24-hour concentration. Graphs of daily PM 10 patterns are shown in Figure 25. Since the PM 10 monitoring began in mid-summer at the study site, the data completeness criteria were not met and therefore summer trends are not shown. At most stations, weekdays exhibit higher concentrations than weekends, likely the result of greater traffic volumes (road dust) and work related activities (outdoor burning, agricultural activities, industrial processes, etc.). A pollution rose is provided in Figure 26 showing the distribution of wind direction and the highest PM 10 concentrations at the MAMU-Moodyville study site when winds are blowing from the direction shown on the compass. The PM 10 pollution rose shows a pattern of the highest PM 10 mainly coming from the south and westsouthwest, and also from the northeast. North Vancouver Moodyville Air Quality Monitoring Study Page 21 Climate Action Committee - Page 97

98 Figure 23: Inhalable particulate monitoring maximum 24-hour rolling average, 98 th percentile and study period average. Figure 24: Monthly average and 24-hour rolling average maximum inhalable particulate. *Data completeness requirements were not met in summer. Figure 25: Daily patterns of inhalable particulate. Figure 26: Pollution rose inhalable particulate. North Vancouver Moodyville Air Quality Monitoring Study Page 22 Climate Action Committee - Page 98

99 3.1.7 Black Carbon (BC) There are no provincial, federal or Metro Vancouver objectives for black carbon. Shown in Figure 27, the highest 24-hour rolling average BC concentration occurred at Burnaby South, which was likely due to a local combustion source for a short period of time. The monthly BC average and maximum 24-hour rolling average are provided in Figure 28. The monthly averages and maximums at the MAMU-Moodyville study site are similar to the other network stations. Black carbon is generally greater on weekdays compared with weekends, shown in Figure 29. This pattern is especially evident at a station located in an industrial area, North Vancouver Second Narrows, where greater amounts of BC are clearly measured on weekdays. A pollution rose is provided in Figure 30 showing the distribution of wind direction and the highest BC concentrations when winds are blowing from the direction shown on the compass. The BC pollution rose shows a similar pattern as CO, with the majority of highest concentrations coming from the northeast to east sectors. However unlike CO, higher concentrations of BC were measured when winds were blowing from the south. North Vancouver Moodyville Air Quality Monitoring Study Page 23 Climate Action Committee - Page 99

100 Figure 27: Black carbon monitoring maximum 24-hour rolling average, 98 th percentile and study period average. Figure 28: Monthly average and 24-hour rolling average maximum black carbon. Figure 29: Daily patterns of black carbon. Figure 30: Moodyville pollution rose black carbon. North Vancouver Moodyville Air Quality Monitoring Study Page 24 Climate Action Committee - Page 100

101 3.2 Meteorology An understanding of meteorology is important to understand air quality patterns and trends. The state of the atmosphere determines pollutant dispersion and ambient ground-level concentrations. Meteorology measured at the MAMU-Moodyville study site included wind speed and direction, air temperature and relative humidity. A wind rose illustrates predominant wind directions at a monitoring location. Figure 31 shows the frequency distribution of wind direction and wind speed for the study period at the MAMU-Moodyville study site. The study site exhibits a predominant wind from the east-northeast (21%), east (16%), northeast (12%) and westsouthwest (9%) of the time. Figure 31: Wind rose for entire study period at MAMU-Moodyville study site. 3.3 Coal Particle Analysis Dichotomous particulate sampling was conducted at the MAMU-Moodyville study site throughout the study. This sampling involved collecting filter samples of particulate matter at two size fractions: 10 to 2.5 µm (coarse), and under 2.5 µm (fine) over two-week periods. The purpose of the sampling was to collect sufficient particulate matter to determine whether coal particles were present. Samples collected were shipped to an external contract laboratory to conduct a detailed coal particle analysis using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectrometry to provide information about the elemental composition of selected particles. A total of 10 coarse and 10 fine filter samples were provided to the laboratory for coal particle analysis of the two-week samples. The analysis was performed using a Hitachi S-2600N system. North Vancouver Moodyville Air Quality Monitoring Study Page 25 Climate Action Committee - Page 101

102 During the design of the MAMU study at Moodyville, Metro Vancouver recognized the importance of an informative coal particle analysis, but recognized that there are some limitations with the current methods for quantifying coal content within a sample of particulate matter. Prior to contracting a laboratory for the coal particle analysis, Metro Vancouver anticipated that the coal particle analysis would provide semi-quantitative results at best. Through the process of working with the laboratory it became evident that the quantitative results provided should be considered descriptive indicators. Limitations of the analysis methodology became apparent during the review of the laboratory results and report. Since results were not as robust as anticipated and the identification and counting of coal particles is believed to be subjective, care should be taken when interpreting the coal content analysis and the results should be considered a qualitative indication of the presence of coal. It should also be noted that the coal content analysis is based on the number of particles and not mass of particles. For example, if a total of ten particles each of different mass was counted on a filter and eight of them were identified as coal, the sample would be assigned a coal content percentage of 80% regardless of the size or mass of the particles. The results from the coal particle analysis are given in Table 4. Each filter contained a sample collected over 14 days, with the exception of the September 5 th filter that contained a 3-day sample. Table 4: Coal content analysis results. Sampling Coarse Particulate Matter Fine Particulate Matter Start Date Concentration Coal Content Concentration Coal Content (µg/m 3 ) (%) (µg/m 3 ) (%) 11-Jul Jul Aug Aug Sep * 71* 8.5* 82.3* 13-Nov Nov Dec Dec Jan *Filter sampled for three days, while all other filters sampled 14 days The coal content analysis for the particulate samples were found to have a range of coal content by particle number. Due to the subjectivity and uncertainty of the analysis conducted, care should be used when North Vancouver Moodyville Air Quality Monitoring Study Page 26 Climate Action Committee - Page 102

103 interpreting these numbers. These coal content numbers are thought to provide a qualitative indication of the presence of coal, i.e., based on the analysis, it can be concluded that while there is coal present in the samples collected, the quantification of the % content should be considered with caution. North Vancouver Moodyville Air Quality Monitoring Study Page 27 Climate Action Committee - Page 103

104 4.0 Conclusions The Moodyville local air quality monitoring study was conducted in the Moodyville neighbourhood of North Vancouver for approximately 9 months in 2014 and The objectives of the study were to compare air quality levels to Metro Vancouver s ambient air quality objectives, compare air quality levels to other areas monitored by Metro Vancouver in the region and specifically the Burrard Inlet Area, and to establish baseline monitoring in the Moodyville neighbourhood ahead of anticipated and potential development. Metro Vancouver s mobile air monitoring unit (MAMU) measured air pollutants that are known to have effects on human health or environment: carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO 2), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2), groundlevel ozone (O 3), fine particulate matter (PM 2.5), inhalable particulate matter (PM 10) and black carbon (BC). In addition, coal particle analysis was performed and meteorological measurements were made to assist in identifying contributing sources of air pollutants. The monitoring study showed that pollutant levels measured by MAMU were below Metro Vancouver s air quality objectives and were generally similar to other areas of the region for CO, SO 2, NO 2, O 3, PM 2.5, and BC. Carbon monoxide was measured at concentrations well below Metro Vancouver s carbon monoxide objectives. The majority of highest CO concentrations came from the northeast and east-northeast, and are likely due to traffic emissions. Sulphur dioxide was measured at concentrations below Metro Vancouver s sulphur dioxide objectives. Sulphur dioxide levels in Moodyville were similar to other monitoring sites near Burrard Inlet with influences of ship emissions apparent in the measurements. The majority of highest SO 2 concentrations were shown to originate from the Burrard Inlet area. Nitrogen dioxide was measured at concentrations below Metro Vancouver s nitrogen dioxide objectives and were similar to other network stations. Similar to CO, the majority of highest NO 2 concentrations occurred when the wind was blowing from the north-east, east-northeast and east, likely due to traffic emissions. Ozone concentrations measured at the study site were below Metro Vancouver s ozone objectives. Measurements of ozone taken throughout the LFV air quality monitoring network in summer shows that ozone concentrations are lower in the more western parts of Metro Vancouver and around the Burrard Inlet area and higher in the eastern parts of Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. Fine particulate was measured at concentrations below Metro Vancouver s fine particulate objectives. During the winter, higher PM 2.5 concentrations were measured in the evenings, which is likely due to reduced atmospheric mixing coupled with regional and local emissions sources, such as residential wood smoke. Overall, PM 2.5 concentrations at Moodyville were comparable or lower than most stations included in this report. North Vancouver Moodyville Air Quality Monitoring Study Page 28 Climate Action Committee - Page 104

105 Levels of PM 10 were found to be elevated in Moodyville in comparison to other areas of the region where PM 10 is monitored. Inhalable particulate concentrations exceeded Metro Vancouver s 24-hour PM 10 objective on one occasion. Notably the exceedance was short-lived and occurred when Metro Vancouver was under an air quality advisory due to forest fire smoke transported from outside of the region. While the PM 10 exceedance at Moodyville was understood to be triggered by an influence outside of our region it is thought that the study site has higher average PM 10 levels compared with other air quality stations in the region. These higher average levels are thought to be a result of a combination of local construction, road dust, and industrial emissions. The coal content analysis for the particulate samples were found to have a range of coal content by particle number. Due to the subjectivity and uncertainty of the laboratory analysis conducted, care should be used when interpreting these numbers. These coal content numbers are thought to provide a qualitative indication confirming the presence of coal, but the quantification of coal content is believe to be subject to some uncertainty given the range of results observed. North Vancouver Moodyville Air Quality Monitoring Study Page Climate Action Committee - Page 105

106 Regional Planning Advisory Committee Regional Invasive Species Task Force Terms of Reference 5.7 ATTACHMENT 3 April 13, 2016 Invasive species are non-native flora or fauna which have been introduced to an area without the predators and pathogens that would help keep them in check in their native habitats. Some of these invasive species are highly destructive, competitive and difficult to control. They can threaten property and recreational values, infrastructure, our agricultural base, public health and safety, as well as the ecological health and diversity of our native environment. Conservation biologists have globally ranked invasive alien species as the second most serious threat to biodiversity after habitat destruction. Metro 2040: Shaping our Future, the regional growth strategy, and the Ecological Health Action Plan commit Metro Vancouver to protect sensitive ecosystems and enhance ecosystem services (e.g., pest control, pollination, biodiversity, food, fresh water, raw materials, recreation, tourism, aesthetic appreciation and cultural heritage) in our region. Metro Vancouver Regional Parks and several member municipalities have adopted operational invasive species management plans, but containment and control of spread across municipal boundaries remain challenging. It is anticipated that the Regional Invasive Species Task Force will assist with ongoing efforts to increase coordination, awareness, detection, tracking and control of invasive species into, throughout and beyond our region. 1.0 PURPOSE and FUNCTION To provide a venue for staff from member municipalities, Electoral Area A, First Nations and senior government departments to vet ideas, contribute their input and advice, collectively implement priority initiatives, and to advise the Regional Planning Advisory Committee on progress. Specific functions of the Regional Invasive Species Task Force include: Sharing information and experiences about existing local government invasive species management programs and initiatives; Creating a work plan to guide regional priority projects, ensuring alignment of the work plan and local government invasive species plans; Developing regionally-relevant public outreach and education materials to increase awareness about invasive species, effective removal and disposal techniques, and native plant alternatives; Vetting and sharing research on promising regulatory and non-regulatory initiatives, proven control methods, and ideas from key stakeholders that might contribute to the elements of the workplan; Climate Action Committee - Page 106

107 Supporting local governments to bolster the case for increasing invasive species management budgets; Advising Metro Vancouver staff regarding regional invasive species priorities; and Advising the Regional Planning Advisory Committee and the Climate Action Committee on progress. 2.0 ESTABLISHMENT AND AUTHORITY The Regional Invasive Species Task Force was formed by the Metro Vancouver Regional Planning Advisory Committee in It is a task-oriented technical Task Force of the Metro Vancouver Regional Planning Advisory Committee. The Task Force reports to the Regional Planning Advisory Committee which in turn reports to the GVRD Board through the Climate Action Committee. 3.0 MEMBERSHIP Membership in the Regional Invasive Species Task Force is to include staff representation from Metro Vancouver member municipalities, Electoral Area A, First Nations, senior government departments. Additional or temporary members may be named by the Chair. 4.0 OFFICERS The Regional Invasive Species Task Force will have a Chair, to be elected by the Task Force from among the representatives on the Task Force. The Task Force will also have a Vice-Chair to be elected at the first meeting of the year. 5.0 MEETINGS The Task Force will meet four times annually, with dates to be determined, or as needed at the call of the Chair. The Task Force will report to the Regional Planning Advisory Committee. 6.0 RESOURCES Metro Vancouver staff from the Planning, Policy and Environment Department provides administrative and professional support to the Task Force. Staff is responsible for developing meeting agendas, taking minutes, summarizing and presenting relevant research, confirming priorities with the Task Force, and managing projects where appropriate and funding is available. 7.0 WORKPLAN The objective for the Task Force is to assist with the implementation of several short and medium term regional invasive species research and coordination priorities, such as investigating regional Climate Action Committee - Page 107

108 best practices for proper invasive species disposal, development of public outreach and education materials, soil management and pesticide use near water bodies Climate Action Committee - Page 108

109 6.1 THE CORPORATION OF DELTA Office of The Mayor, Lois E. Jackson April 6, 2016 Mayor Greg Moore. Chair Metro Vancouver Board of Directors 4330 Kingsway Burnaby, BC VSH 4G8 Dear Chair Moore, u..., Info Copy:...,::-.,I.JI..... _.. _, Fila Na.: Doc. No.: CAO Tracker No.: Re: Deltaport Third Berth - Final Report on Adaptive Maoagement Strategy As part of the regulatory approval for the Deltaport Third Berth project, the BC Environmental Assessment Office required that Port Metro Vancouver undertake an eight year Adaptive Management Strategy to identify and mitigate any environmental impacts from the port expansion project. At a recent meeting of Delta Council, we were pleased to receive a very informative presentation from Dr. Ron Ydenberg from the Deltaport Third Berth Scientific Advisory Committee. Dr. Ydenberg is one of three independent scientists who have been responsible for reviewing and making recommendations with respect to the Adaptive Management Strategy. I would like to suggest that Dr. Ydenberg be invited to make his presentation to the Metro Vancouver Board or Climate Action Committee. He provides an excellent overview of the environmental monitoring undertaken during the last eight years around Deltaport and provides a comprehensive summary of the results and conclusions contained in the final report. cc. Carol Mason, Chief Administrative Officer, Metro Vancouver Dr. Ron Ydenberg, Director, Centre for Wildlife Ecology, Simon Fraser University Delta Council Delta Environment Advisory Committee George V. Harvie, Chief Administrative Officer Sean McGill, Director of Human Resources & Corporate Planning Mike Brotherston, Manager of Climate Action & Environment Clarence Taylor Crescent, Delta, British Columbia, Canada V4K 3E2 T I F I E mayor\(j,de!ta.ca Climate Action Committee - Page 109