In addition to the permanent monitoring program, Metro Vancouver conducts special air quality studies to:
- gather data in an area of particular concern not covered by the fixed network
- contribute to co-operative air quality research with other agencies
- respond to air quality emergencies.

Short-term monitoring projects may use a variety of instruments individually at a site or combined into one of the Mobile Air Monitoring Units (MAMU).

Current studies - Burrard Inlet Area Local Air Quality Study

The Burrard Inlet Area Local Air Quality Study (BIALAQS) will be the first in a series of neighbourhood or “local” air quality studies under the 2005 Air Quality Management Plan for Greater Vancouver.

Why is Metro Vancouver studying air quality in this area?

There are many air emission sources within the Burrard Inlet area including automobiles, buses, heavy construction equipment, industrial sources, locomotives, marine vessels, port operations, sea buses, small aircraft, and space heating. Metro Vancouver is conducting this study to determine how air quality varies within the Burrard Inlet area, and to assess whether the levels of air pollutants are higher in this area than other locations in Greater Vancouver.

Many of the emission sources in the Burrard Inlet area run on fossil fuels. When fossil fuels are burned they create a variety of air pollutants, including particles that are so small they can be inhaled deeply into the lungs. These particles can aggravate asthma, increase respiratory or cardiovascular hospitalizations, and in some studies have been linked to cancer and premature death.

Many people live relatively close to the emission sources within the Burrard Inlet area. According to the 2006 Canada Census, a relatively high percentage of elderly persons live within the Burrard Inlet area. This group is often more sensitive to the effects of air pollution.

What will this study involve?

Over the next two years (2008-2009), Metro Vancouver staff will:

• collect detailed information about air emission sources in the Burrard Inlet area,
• set up equipment to monitor air quality levels at several locations, and
• conduct air quality modeling in areas where monitoring is not possible.

For more information about this study contact Metro Vancouver at BIALAQS@metrovancouver.org.

In case of emergency

When requested by local, regional, provincial or federal emergency services, Metro Vancouver will use air quality monitoring systems as part of an emergency response effort. Data from these systems is used by on-site emergency staff to assess risks to emergency personnel and by health officials to determine the potential health risk of the event to the surrounding population and communities.