Our spring meeting started with a review of the 28 recommendations from the old air quality report including what was worked on and what has changed.
Dust advisories are still a significant concern in our area. A briefing paper is to be created showing how the connector will help with those issues in town.
A discussion was had on the best way to monitor air quality. Budget constraints, limited support, and limited flexibility are all issues. The possibility of putting in a monitoring device on the hospital grounds was discussed.
We had a discussion on why PM 2.5 is such a health issue that included ideas on how to continue to educate on air quality. Emissions was also a topic of interest.
Discussed changes in sweeping in the city and it’s impact on dust control including winter traction material.
Burning was another topic of discussion including wood stoves, burning advisories, and educating the public on options and good burning practices.
Vehicle emissions educational programs and public transport uptake was discussed.
Discussed the importance of community and regional planning in air quality including the importance of getting air quality awareness out to the public.
Discussed the importance of having more on board data and the purple air monitors.
Where do we go from here?
new terms of reference
who will be involved
have more defined goals and objectives
get more people involved in the program