Clarkson airshed study, a scientific approach to improving air quality : part II - the ambient air monitoring program

2006·2.8 MB·English

Clarkson
Airshed Study
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Part II – The Ambient Air Monitoring
Program
November 2006
Acknowledgements

This report has been prepared with contribution from the Ontario Ministry of the
Environment’s Central Region, Technical Support Section, and Halton-Peel
District Office, and from the Environmental Monitoring and Reporting Branch.
Environment Canada, National Air Pollution Surveillance program is also
acknowledged for providing air toxics data and analysis to this study.

Published November 2006
© Queen's Printer for Ontario
Printed in Ontario, Canada
PIBS: 6031
Executive Summary

Clarkson Airshed Study:
Part II - The Ambient Air Monitoring Program

In 2000, the Ministry of the Environment The stations were located strategically within a
(Ministry) initiated the Clarkson Airshed Study study area that included the Clarkson Airshed
(CAS) in order to address concerns by the [see Figure 3-2 in Section - Three of this report].
Ministry of Environment (Ministry), the public The target pollutants monitored at these stations
and other stakeholders about air quality, were: (i) total suspended particulates (TSP); (ii)
specifically levels of suspended fine particulate inhalable particulate matter (PM ); (iii)
10
matter, in the Clarkson area. The overall study respirable particulate matter (PM ); (iv)
2.5
consists of the following four parts: nitrogen oxides (NO ); (v) nitric oxide (NO); (vi)
x
nitrogen dioxide (NO ); and (vii) volatile organic
2
(i) identifying major sources of specific compounds (VOCs).
target pollutants;
The actual length of the program monitoring
(ii) conducting an ambient air monitoring period was extended from the originally
program in and around the airshed to scheduled 18 months to a period of 22 months in
determine whether or not air quality in order to collect additional ambient air quality
the area is “taxed” or is at risk; data over a second winter period.

(iii) determining contributions and impacts Data from the monitoring program indicated
from the major sources of the that:
emissions, through air dispersion
modeling; and • Annual average 98th percentile 24 hour
concentrations of PM measured during the
2.5
(iv) looking at abatement options that may CAS ambient air monitoring program at four
take area industries “beyond of the six CAS stations, exceeded the PM
2.5
compliance” as a means of improving project benchmark concentration of 30
airshed quality. μg/m3 both for 2004 and for the whole study
period (2003-2005).
This report presents the findings of Part (II) of
the study which was initiated in 2001, when the This benchmark concentration was based on
ministry began plans to conduct an 18-month the proposed Canada Wide Standard (CWS)
ambient air monitoring program in the Clarkson for PM of 30 ug/m3 and is used in this
2.5
Airshed area. program as part of the Ministry’s analysis of
CAS study area PM concentrations.
2.5
The scope of work involved the installation of
five new ambient air monitoring stations to These elevated levels were found to be
augment data collected from one existing
monitoring station.
particularly evident during smog events and • The concentration of dichloromethane
were due largely to vehicular emissions, exceeded the Ministry’s 24-hour AAQC and
long range transport and industrial source Reg 419 Schedule 3 standard of 220 μg/m3
emissions. The elevated concentrations on one day at one station. All other samples
occurred when the wind direction was were considerably below the appropriate
predominantly from the south and south criterion or standards for VOCs.
southwest.
• VOC concentrations in the Clarkson airshed
• Local industries were found to contribute as study area were found to be similar to major
much as 25 percent of the PM2.5 industrial areas such as Toronto and
concentrations in the airshed area. Hamilton. Based on a limited data set, two
VOCs of interest, acrolein and acrylonitrile,
• Although PM annual average require further monitoring and assessment.
10
concentrations were consistent from station The levels found for these two compounds
to station across the CAS, they did exceed exceeded the standards identified in Reg.
the 24 hour Ministry interim Ambient Air 419 Schedule 3; however, further work is
Quality Criteria (AAQC) value of 50 μg/m3 needed to confirm these measurements.
on a number of occasions These elevated
PM concentrations were also most evident The Ministry will carry out additional
10
during south to southwest wind conditions monitoring for both acrolein and acrylonitrile
and were tied to smog events, long range and will continue with Part III of the CAS study
transport and industrial source emissions. to evaluate the contribution of specific sources to
the air quality in the air shed.
In summary, these results confirm that, at
times, especially during smog events, the Part III will extend our assessment of long range
CAS study area represents a “taxed” or transport or transboundary impacts of key
compromised area with respect to respirable pollutants such as PM on the CAS study area.
2.5
particulate matter (PM ). Such an assessment will allow for a more
2.5
specific identification of pollutant concentrations
Additional findings of the ambient air within the study area that are directly attributable
monitoring program were: to the transboundary issue.

• Vehicular emissions were found to be a Following this, the Ministry will proceed with
significant source of Nitric Oxide (NO) Part IV of the CAS that will focus on achieving
and fine particulate matter (PM ). further abatement of the target pollutants from
2.5
the 57 identified emitters that operate in the area.
• Nitric oxide (NO) concentrations
recorded adjacent to the Queen It is expected that in 2007/2008, Part IV of the
Elizabeth Way (QEW) during the study will be initiated, which will include the
morning rush hour were found to be 36 establishment of an Advisory Committee
% higher than during the afternoon rush consisting of representatives from the local
hour. Through modeling of these public health department, municipalities, elected
emissions, however, NO concentrations officials rate payers associations, and Ministry
were predicted to decrease by 80% at representatives to liaise with industry and
300 metres from the roadway [Note: stakeholders with respect to the development and
There is no Ministry AAQC for this implementation of a permanent ambient air
parameter]. monitoring program for the community.
Table of Contents
Clarkson Airshed Study:
Part II - The Ambient Air Monitoring Program

CONTENTS PAGE

LIST OF FIGURES AND PHOTOGRAPHS i

LIST OF TABLES vi

SECTION – ONE: Glossary of Terms 1-1

SECTION – TWO Introduction/Background 2-1

SECTION – THREE Network Operation & Data Assessment
3.0 Description of the Monitoring 3-1
Program
3.1 Telemetry and Data Acquisition System 3-3
3.2 Data Review and Assessment 3-3
Methodology

SECTION – FOUR Pollutant Description and Monitoring
Methodology
4.0 General 4-1
4.1 Particulate Matter 4-2
4.1.1 Monitoring of Particulate Matter 4-2
4.2 Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) 4-3
4.2.1 Monitoring of VOCs 4-3
4.3 Nitrogen Oxides 4-4
4.3.1 Monitoring of Nitrogen Oxides 4-4
4.4 Meteorological Data Measurement 4-4

SECTION – FIVE Particulate Matter (PM , PM , TSP)
2.5 10
5.0 Summary of Monitoring for Particulate 5-1
Matter
5.1 Discussion of Monitoring Results 5-1
Table of Contents

CONTENTS PAGE

5.1.1 Respirable Particulate Matter (PM ) 5-2
2.5
5.1.1.1 Wind Sector Data Assessment 5-4
For PM
2.5
5.1.2 Inhalable Particulate Matter (PM ) 5-5
10
5.1.3 Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) 5-6
5.2 Summary of Results – Observations 5-7

SECTION – SIX Nitrogen Oxides (NO , NO, NO )
x 2
6.0 Summary of Monitoring for NO 6-1
x
6.1 Discussion of Monitoring Results 6-1
6.1.1 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO ) 6-1
2
6.1.2 Nitric Oxide (NO) 6-3
6.1.2.1 Wind Sector Data Assessment 6-3
for NO
6.1.3 Nitrogen Oxides (NO ) 6-6
x
6.2 Transportation Sector Assessment (QEW) 6-6
6.2.1 Modeling NO (Nitric Oxide) 6-7
Concentrations Downwind
of QEW
6.3 Summary of Results – Observations 6-8

SECTION – SEVEN Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
7.0 Summary of Monitoring for VOCs 7-1
7.1 Discussion of Monitoring Results 7-1
7.1.1 VOC Statistical Reports 7-3
7.1.2 Comparison of VOC Concentrations with 7-3
Ontario NAPS Station Data
7.1.3 Total VOCs 7-3
7.1.4 Individual VOCs 7-4
7.2 QA/QC Data Verification 7-10
7.3 Summary of Results – Observations 7-10

SECTION – EIGHT Conclusions & Next Steps
8.0 Conclusions 8-1
8.1 Next Steps 8-2

SECTION – NINE References 9-1
i
List of Figures and
Photographs
Clarkson Airshed Study:
Part II - The Ambient Air Monitoring Program

NUMBER AND TITLE OF FIGURE PAGE

FIGURE 3-1 Clarkson Airshed Study Area 3-2

FIGURE 3-2 Location of Air Monitoring Stations 3-2

FIGURE 3-3 Telemetry and Data Acquisition System 3-4

FIGURE 5-1 Clarkson: PM Statistical Report 2004 5-9
2.5

FIGURE 5-2 Clarkson: PM Statistical Report Whole Period 2003-2005 5-9
2.5

FIGURE 5-3 PM Annual Average – 2004 5-10
2.5

FIGURE 5-4 Pollution Rose – Station 44075 [QEW West] – Respirable 5-11
Particulates (PM )
2.5

FIGURE 5-5 Pollution Rose – Station 44086 [Residential] – Respirable 5-12
Particulates (PM )
2.5

FIGURE 5-6 Pollution Rose – Station 46117 [Industrial East] – Respirable 5-13
Particulates (PM )
2.5

FIGURE 5-7 Clarkson: PM Statistical Report 2004 5-14
10

FIGURE 5-8 Clarkson: PM Statistical Report Whole Period 2003-2005 5-14
10
ii
List of Figures and
Photographs

NUMBER AND TITLE OF FIGURE PAGE

FIGURE 5-9 Clarkson Air Shed Study – Monitoring Results 2004 5-6
(PM , PM )
2.5 10

FIGURE 6-1 Clarkson Air Shed Study – Monitoring Results 2004 6-2
(NO, NO and NOx)
2

FIGURE 6-2a Clarkson: NO 24 hr Statistical Report 2004 6-10
2

FIGURE 6-2b Clarkson: NO 24 hr Statistical Report Whole Period 6-10
2
2003 to 2005

FIGURE 6-3 Trend of Nitrogen Dioxide Annual Means GTA 2004 6-11
(including Clarkson Stations)

FIGURE 6-4a Clarkson: NO 24 hr Statistical Report 2004 6-12

FIGURE 6-4b Clarkson: NO 24 hr Statistical Report Whole Period 6-12
(2003-2005)

FIGURE 6-5 Station QEW [44075] – Nitric Oxide (NO) 6-13

FIGURE 6-6 Station QEW East [44080] – Nitric Oxide (NO) 6-14

FIGURE 6-7 Station Ford Dr [44083] – Nitric Oxide (NO) 6-15

FIGURE 6-8 Station Residential [44086] – Nitric Oxide (NO) 6-16

FIGURE 6-9 Station Industrial East [46117] – Nitric Oxide (NO) 6-17

FIGURE 6-10 Station Industrial Centre [46128] – Nitric Oxide (NO) 6-18

FIGURE 6-11aClarkson: NOx 24 hr Statistical Report 2004 6-19

FIGURE 6-11bClarkson: NOx 24 hr Statistical Report Whole Period 6-19
2003-2005
iii
List of Figures and
Photographs

NUMBER AND TITLE OF FIGURE PAGE

FIGURE 6-12 Average Nitric Oxide (NO) concentrations for each hour 6-20
for the entire monitoring period Station 44080 East QEW

FIGURE 6-13 Evaluation of QEW Rush Hour NO Impact 6-7

FIGURE 6-14 Change in NO Concentration With Distance From QEW 6-8

FIGURE 7-1a Clarkson – VOC Min, Max, Avg by Stations for the 7-12
Whole Monitoring Period

FIGURE 7-1b Clarkson – VOC Min, Max, Avg by Stations for the 7-12
Whole Monitoring Period

FIGURE 7-1c Clarkson – VOC Min, Max, Avg by Stations for the 7-12
Whole Monitoring Period

FIGURE 7-1d Clarkson – VOC Min, Max, Avg by Stations for the 7-12
Whole Monitoring Period

FIGURE 7-2a Clarkson – VOC Min, Max, Avg by Stations for the 7-13
Whole Monitoring Period

FIGURE 7-2b Clarkson – VOC Min, Max, Avg by Stations for the 7-13
Whole Monitoring Period

FIGURE 7-2c Clarkson – VOC Min, Max, Avg by Stations for the 7-13
Whole Monitoring Period

FIGURE 7-2d Clarkson – VOC Min, Max, Avg by Stations for the 7-13
Whole Monitoring Period

FIGURE 7-3a Clarkson – VOC Min, Max, Avg by Stations for the 7-14
Whole Monitoring Period

FIGURE 7-3b Clarkson – VOC Min, Max, Avg by Stations for the 7-14
Whole Monitoring Period
iv
List of Figures and
Photographs

NUMBER AND TITLE OF FIGURE PAGE

FIGURE 7-3c Clarkson – VOC Min, Max, Avg by Stations for the 7-14
Whole Monitoring Period

FIGURE 7-3d Clarkson – VOC Min, Max, Avg by Stations for the 7-14
Whole Monitoring Period

FIGURE 7-4 VOC Comparison (Clarkson STN vs Ontario STN) 7-15

FIGURE 7-5 VOC Comparison (Clarkson STN vs Ontario STN) 7-15

FIGURE 7-6 VOC Comparison (Clarkson STN vs Ontario STN) 7-16

FIGURE 7-7 QA/QC Data Verification Carbon Tetrachloride & 7-16
1,1,1-Trichlorethane

FIGURE 7-8 Clarkson – Average of Total VOC per Station – 7-4
Whole Period

LIST OF PHOTOGRAPHS PAGE

Clarkson Monitoring Stations – Stn 44075 QEW West – 9th line and North 3-6
of QEW - Oakville

Clarkson Monitoring Stations - Stn 44083 Ford Dr. – south of Ford Dr. West 3-6
of Royal Windsor Dr. – Oakville

Clarkson Monitoring Stations - Stn 44080 QEW East – MTO Rd. south 3-7
Sheridan Way, QEW – Oakville

Clarkson Monitoring Stations - Stn 44086 Residential – Deer Run, South 3-7
Winston Churchill Blvd. Dr. - Oakville

Clarkson Monitoring Stations - Stn 46117 Industrial East – Meadowood 3-8
Park - Mississauga