EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Bulkley Valley – Lakes District (BVLD) in Northwestern BC, is marked by jagged mountain peaks and serene river valleys, the same features that make it a hub of resource activity and a hot-spot for particulate matter pollution. A combination of local sources, and local geography combine to give what would be a pristine northern paradise, a clouded grey hue of an unrinsed dishcloth.
The District has numerous air quality advisories each year, and community concern regarding local air quality, particularly particulate matter (PM), has led to some promising initiatives. But the truth is in the data, and despite local efforts more needs to be done to reduce particulate pollution, particularly finer particles or less than 2.5 μm (microns) in diameter (PM(2.5)), or sub-micron nano-sized particles formed largely via incomplete fuel combustion (PM(1)). Not only are small particles more difficult to see, they are also harder to measure and are more adept at triggering human health responses.
This micro-emissions inventory is considered “micro” because 1) it only inventories airborne particulate matter (PM) which is an extraordinarily diverse class of pollutant in terms of both chemical and physical properties; and 2) it covers a relatively small region (≈ 41500 km2) approximating the BVLD, and over-lapping mostly with the Bulkley-Nechako Regional District, but also with some of the Kitimat-Sitikine Regional District.
This report summarises the methods and premise used to estimate PM emissions from sources that may be making a substantial contribution to PM pollution in the area. Appendix B contains more detailed source information and is provided in digital form for further use. The goal was to provide an update of the year 2000 and 2001 MEI produced for the BVLD Airshed Management Society (Weinstein, 2005), and improve the spatial representation of emission sources and effects and
provide some guidance to local decision makers.
