Originally published in the Quesnel Cariboo Observer
Think, “Quesnel” and air quality is one of the first things that comes to mind. Living in our city forces us to wrestle with the issue of air quality’s affects on health. At the same time, some of the problems with air quality directly result from the jobs that allow many of us to live here. However, we can’t simply point the finger at industry for causing all pollution. Each of us contributes to air quality through the choices we make on a daily basis. At the centre of this concept of “air quality” lies “quality of life” and “quality of economy” – creating a complex web of circumstances.
Addressing this complex web are the individuals on the Air Quality Roundtable (AQRT). This multi-stakeholder group began developing the Airshed Management Planning process in 1999. This process addresses community air pollution concerns relating to the health of local residents and to the future economic development this region. Due to the efforts of the AQRT, Quesnel’s air quality is monitored 7 days a week 24 hours a day. The aim is to continuously improve the quality of our air by tackling all sources of pollution, from back yard residential burning to large industrial sources.
The good news is that all of us have the power to make choices that contribute to improving the air we breathe. A surprising fact is that it is particulate matter (P.M.) 2.5 which is our main concern in Quesnel and not the bad smell that we often associate with harmful air quality. Particulate matter comes from combustion sources from: industry, vehicle emissions, woodstoves, burning yard waste, forest fires, and land clearing fires. Reducing sources of PM2.5 and other pollutants in Quesnel can be achieved by making small but important lifestyle choices. Leaving our cars parked more often, purchasing a fuel efficient vehicle, choosing efficient wood stoves, composting yard waste instead of burning it, and choosing not to let our vehicle idle.
On both the economic development front and human health front, the reduction of air pollution will result in an improvement in our region’s livability. Improvement in air quality will encourage the development of value-added industry and tourism and help to promote our region to prospective employees and persons entering retirement.
The Air Quality Round Table is continuously advocating for and working towards better air quality in our community. By supporting groups like The Air Quality Round Table and making good personal choices in our daily lives, we will all be able to breathe easier.
Like to hear more about this important topic? If so, please visit: http://www.quesnelairshed.ca/