1. Evolution of Air Pollution Monitoring in Ottawa
Natty Urquizo and Martha Robinson
Environmental Sustainability & Public Health
City of Ottawa
Hamilton February 2012

2. Reasons for Air Quality Monitoring
Although Ottawa has good air, OMA (2008) estimates over 500/yr premature deaths
Windsor – Quebec City Corridor is the most polluted in the country
There was a single NAPS for 2,700 km2 up to 2007
Measuring is essential for air pollution management

3. Pilot Project Overview
Map pollution concentration spatially hour by hour to identify patterns (“hot spots”)
One full year of monitoring (Jul’07-Jun’08) six major pollutants:
Nitrogen oxides (NO, NO2, NOx)
Ground Level ozone
Carbon Monoxide
Particulate Matter 2.5
Three months of integrating satellite data and ground monitoring stations

4. Pilot Project Partners
GeoConnections - NRCan, main sponsor
Transport Canada
Environment Canada
Ontario Ministry of the Environment
Ottawa International Airport
Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et des Parcs – Quebec

5. Ground Level Monitoring Locations

6. Validation One road side monitor
Mobile labs in 8 sites across the city
One road side monitor

7. Transportation Impact on NO2
Percentage of time when NO2 above 50 ppb
Standard:
EU 79 ppb/hr
US 100 ppb/hr
CAN 200 ppb/hr
NO2 > 50ppb

8. Maximum PM2.5
Standard
30 µg/m3
NO safe level
Local source

9. September 14th 2007 Episode Montreal Influence
The impact of transboundary pollution due to a high pressure system
Gradient shown by satellite data
Effects of precipitation

30. Added Value of satellite data
NO2 Ground Level (NAPS) NO2 OMI/Aura + NAPS + model

31. AQHI using satellite data
Air Quality Health Index

32. What do Single Pollutant Maps Mean?
Needed a health connection

33. Health Assessment Model
Translate Air Quality maps from the pilot project (2008) into meaningful health impacts (morbidity, mortality and $$$)
Use Air Quality Benefits Assessment Tool (AQBAT)
Obtain a tool for health impact assessments of changing traffic flows

37. Health Endpoint Report Dates: 10 Mar 08 to 14 Mar 08 Endpoint Cases Valuation ($) Acute Exposure Mortality Acute Respiratory Symptom Days Asthma Symptom Days Minor Restricted Activity Days Respiratory Emergency Room Visits Respiratory Hospital Admissions Adult Chronic Bronchitis Cardiac Emergency Room Visits Cardiac Hospital Admissions Child Acute Bronchitis Episodes Chronic Exposure Mortality Restricted Activity Days Elderly Cardiac Hospital Admissions 0 13 Total Valuation $110,000

38. Immediate or possible uses of the Health Assessment model
Assess Health Impacts of OC-Transpo Depot Expansion
Community demanded monitoring
Challenges using roadside monitors make this tool ideal
Assess Health impacts of areas with over 10,000 car/day

39. 3-D street level modeling
Six blocks of Albert Street were modelled and validated using two road side monitors
Measurements were at:
7 m above road
45 m above road

52. Findings
Pollution at sidewalk level are 90% higher than the one reported by MOE
Demonstrates the canyon effect of high density buildings
USES
Demonstrates the value of a step back approach in designing high buildings
Useful for urban design

53. Climate Change & Air Quality Forecast

54. Forecasting PM2.5

56. Need to incorporate traffic in Air Quality Forecasting

57. Roadside monitoring

58. Proximity to main Roads
Facility Type
Percentage of Records within
50 m
100 m
250 m
500 m
Schools
22.02
31.19
54.13
80.73
Old age homes
50.91
60.00
74.55
92.73
Day cares
53.66
63.41
80.49
87.80
Active Recreation
19.39
26.38
53.33
75.87
Active Rec on schools
18.04
29.11
50.63
75.95
TOTAL
22.55
30.93
55.03
78.23

59. Possible Partners for Municipalities
Ontario Ministry of the Environment (LRT)
Health Canada (UHI)
Public Health Agency of Canada (CC & AQ, UHI)
Environment Canada (AQHI)
Board of Education (School curriculum)
Other Municipalities (Roundabouts)
USEPA (vegetation), local universities
Current Partners:
HC (Airpointers)Public Health, Transportation Planners, Fire Services, Community planning & design, Traffic Operations, Public works, etc.

60. Conclusion
Developed meaningful tools for air quality management
Continue working on AQ monitoring using both satellite and roadside data
Looking for partners to do research projects i.e. Roundabouts, vegetation
Ultimate aim is to develop policies