Air Quality Study Results

In the early part of this year, collaboration between provincial and federal agencies, Wildsight, the East Kootenay Citizens for Clean Air, the University of Victoria, the College of the Rockies, and the Citizens for a Livable Cranbrook conducted a three-week study
(http://livablecranbrook.blogspot.com/2011/10/whats-our-air-quality-part-1.html
http://livablecranbrook.blogspot.com/2011/10/whats-our-air-quality-part-2.html)
to a mapping exercise that plotted levels of PM2.5 (particulate matter, 2.5 microns or less in diameter) in the Kimberley/Cranbrook area. PM2.5 is an air contaminant that has serious health impacts, especially to people at risk (the elderly, the very young, and those suffering from chronic cardio-respiratory conditions); and to anyone when concentrations are high.

The study took place during the peak of the heating season when smoke from wood-burning appliances was known to be affecting air quality. The analysis of the collected data identified relative levels of PM2.5, and most importantly, ‘hot spots’ (neighbourhoods where levels were consistently elevated ). A summary of this data is presented below. There are three areas of concern:

· Marysville

· Wycliffe/King Street Corridor

· South/Central Cranbrook (centred on 10th Street and 10th Avenue )

The results of the study have the potential to be used in a number of ways and recommendations were made in the summary report. At present the campaign is for awareness and hopefully a stimulus for those with wood burning stoves in these locations to seriously consider upgrading to a more efficient stove.

This data was released to the public at a special presentation
http://livablecranbrook.blogspot.com/2011/10/wood-heat-and-neighbourhood-air-quality.html
It is anticipated the technical document produced as a result of this study will be presented to City Council in the New Year.

The data is now ready for City Councils, Interior Health or any other agency who may wish to use it to promote better air quality in the communities of Kimberley and Cranbrook.

The complete document is available here:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/39034343/Air%20Quality%20Report.pdf

and a Guide to Residential Wood Heating is available here:
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/maho/enefcosa/upload/wood_heating_EN_W.pdf