ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY COMMITTEE REGULAR ......a) refer to staff the request from Steven Sheppard, on behalf of the University of British Columbia’s Collaborative for Advanced Landscape

AGENDA

ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

9:00 a.m. 2nd Floor Boardroom

4330 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC

Committee Members: Chair, Director Joe Trasolini, Port Moody Vice Chair, Director Linda Hepner, Surrey Councillor Brent Asmundson, Coquitlam Director Kim Baird, Tsawwassen Councillor Linda Barnes, Richmond Director Heather Deal, Vancouver Director Sav Dhaliwal, Burnaby Director Ralph Drew, Belcarra Director Catherine Ferguson, White Rock Director Gayle Martin, Langley City Councillor Lorrie Williams, New Westminster

Please advise Georgeta Stanese at (604) 432-6269 if you are unable to attend.

THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY.

September 6, 2011 / December 12, 2013

NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING

ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY COMMITTEE

9:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 13, 2011

2nd Floor Boardroom, 4330 Kingsway, Burnaby, British Columbia.

A G E N D A R E V I S E D 1. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

1.1 September 13, 2011 Regular Meeting Agenda Staff Recommendation: That the Environment and Energy Committee adopt the agenda for its regular meeting scheduled for September 13, 2011 as circulated.

2. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES

2.1 July 12, 2011 Regular Meeting Minutes Staff Recommendation: That the Environment and Energy Committee adopt the minutes of its regular meeting held July 12, 2011 as circulated.

3. DELEGATIONS

No items presented. 4. INVITED PRESENTATIONS

4.1 Lynn Lyons, A/Head, Marine Emissions, Transportation Division, Environment Canada Captain Jatinder Gill, Senior Marine Inspector, Compliance and Enforcement, Transport Canada Israr Waheed, Senior Marine Inspector, Compliance and Enforcement, Transport Canada

Subject: Progress toward reducing air emissions from ships 4.2 Ronan Chester, Manager, Strategic Environmental Initiatives, Port Metro

Vancouver Subject: Port Metro Vancouver’s Air Action Program

4.3 Greg Wirtz, President of North West CruiseShip Association

Captain Stephen Brown, President Chamber of Shipping of BC Subject: International Developments having National and Regional Impact

5. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEE OR STAFF

5.1 Attachment 1 - Coloured copies provided under separate cover 5.1 Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan (Report deferred from July 12, 2011 meeting of Environment and Energy Committee) Designated Speakers: Roger Quan, Air Quality Planning Division Manager Laurie Bates-Frymel, Air Quality Planner Jason Emmert, Air Quality Planner Metropolitan Planning, Environment and Parks Department

Recommendations: That the Board: a) adopt the Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan,

dated September 2011. b) forward the Plan to member municipalities, the Provincial Minister of

Environment, Federal Minister of Environment, the region’s Chief Medical Health Officers, First Nations, the Fraser Valley Regional District, the Northwest Clean Air Agency, and other key partners indicating the Board’s continuing interest in working with them to maintain good air quality in the Lower Fraser Valley airshed and reduce the region’s greenhouse gas emissions.

c) direct staff to continue to work with member municipalities and other partners to implement the actions in the Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan.

5.2 Greater Vancouver Regional District Air Quality Management Bylaw No. 1082, 2008 - Staff Appointments Designated Speaker: Ray Robb, Regulation and Enforcement Division Manager, Metropolitan Planning, Environment and Parks Department Recommendation:

That the Board, pursuant to the Environmental Management Act and Greater Vancouver Regional District Air Quality Management Bylaw No. 1082, 2008: Appoint Scott Brown and Sukhjeet (Sonny) Johal as Officers.

5.3 BC Ministry of Environment’s Environmental Best Management Practices for Urban and Rural Land Development: Air Quality BMPs

Designated Speakers: Laurie Bates-Frymel, Air Quality Planner Derek Jennejohn, Senior Engineer Metropolitan Planning, Environment and Parks Department Recommendation:

That the Environment and Energy Committee receive for information the report dated August 31, 2011, titled “BC Ministry of Environment’s Environmental Best Management Practices for Urban and Rural Land Development: Air Quality BMPs”.

5.4 Fraser River Ambient Water Quality Monitoring Report Designated Speaker: Andjela Knezevic-Stevanovic, Senior Engineer Utility Planning Department Recommendation:

That the Environment and Energy Committee receive for information the report dated August 17, 2011, titled “Fraser River Ambient Water Quality Monitoring Report”.

5.5 Manager’s Report Designated Speaker: Roger Quan, Air Quality Division Manager Metropolitan Planning, Environment and Parks Department Recommendation:

That the Environment and Energy Committee receive for information the report dated August 31, 2011, titled “Manager’s Report”. 6. INFORMATION ITEMS

6.1 Metro Vancouver’s Draft Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan – Correspondence dated July 6, 2011 from Richard Stewart, City of Coquitlam Mayor addressed to Lois Jackson, Chair, Metro Vancouver Board.

6.2 Draft Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan – Correspondence dated August 19, 2011 from Patricia Ross, Chair, Fraser Valley Regional District addressed to Lois Jackson, Chair, Metro Vancouver Board.

7. OTHER BUSINESS

No items presented.

8. RESOLUTION TO CLOSE MEETING No items presented.

9. ADJOURNMENT

Staff Recommendation: That the Environment and Energy Committee conclude its regular meeting of

September 13, 2011.


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MINUTES

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Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the GVRD Environment and Energy Committee held on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 Page 1 of 8

GREATER VANCOUVER REGIONAL DISTRICT ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY COMMITTEE

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) Environment and Energy Committee held at 9:03 a.m. on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 in the 2nd Floor Boardroom, 4330 Kingsway, Burnaby, British Columbia. PRESENT: Chair, Director Joe Trasolini, Port Moody Vice Chair, Director Linda Hepner, Surrey Councillor Brent Asmundson, Coquitlam Councillor Linda Barnes, Richmond Director Heather Deal, Vancouver Director Sav Dhaliwal, Burnaby (departed at 10:58 a.m.) Director Ralph Drew, Belcarra Director Gayle Martin, Langley City Councillor Lorrie Williams, New Westminster ABSENT: Director Kim Baird, Tsawwassen Director Catherine Ferguson, White Rock STAFF: Johnny Carline, Commissioner/Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Administrative Officer’s

Department Roger Quan, Air Quality Planning Division Manager, Policy and Planning Department Janis Olsen, Assistant to Regional Committees, Board Secretariat and Corporate

Information Department 1. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Environment and Energy Committee hear the late delegations, Ross Buchanan, 32nd Avenue Alliance and Helen Spiegelman.

CARRIED

1.1 July 12, 2011 Regular Meeting Agenda It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Environment and Energy Committee: a) amend the agenda for its regular meeting scheduled for July 12, 2011

by adding: i. 3.2 late delegation: Ross Buchanan, 32nd Avenue Alliance; ii. 3.3 late delegation: Helen Spiegelman; iii. 5.2 attachment 1: on-table attachment titled “Metro Vancouver

Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan”; and

b) adopt the agenda as amended. CARRIED

2.1

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2. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES

2.1 June 14, 2011 Regular Meeting Minutes It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Environment and Energy Committee adopt the minutes of its regular meeting held June 14, 2011 as circulated.

CARRIED 3. DELEGATIONS

3.1 Stephen R.J. Sheppard, Ph.D., ASLA, Professor, Director of

Collaborative for Advanced Landscape Planning (CALP), University of British Columbia (UBC) Stephen Sheppard, UBC, presented members with details of the CALP Community Climate Change Solutions (3Cs) Program. Members were asked to consider a funding request for Phase II and discussed Metro Vancouver’s funding history and CALP’s new Decision Theatre opening November 3rd, 2011. Presentation material titled “Community Climate Change Solutions Programs (3CS) Phase I Report / Phase II Proposal” is retained with the July 12, 2011 Environment and Energy Committee agenda. It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Environment and Energy Committee: a) refer to staff the request from Steven Sheppard, on behalf of the

University of British Columbia’s Collaborative for Advanced Landscape Planning (CALP), for Metro Vancouver funding support in the amount of $30,000 per year for a five-year period, including details of funding requested and granted from other funding agencies, and

b) report back to the Committee. CARRIED

3.2 Late Delegation: Ross Buchanan, 32nd Avenue Alliance

Ross Buchanan, 32nd Avenue Alliance (Alliance), asked members to consider assisting the Alliance in banning all diesel transport truck traffic from 32nd Avenue in the City of Surrey, and stopping the provincial expansion of the 32nd Avenue Corridor based on the following concerns:

· Setbacks from homes in some areas are only 10-13m · The Province informed the Alliance that Metro Vancouver and

TransLink maintain authority in the matter · Other negative impacts to residents include:

o increased noise - current levels exceed workplace safety standards; internal decibel levels exceed exterior limits for the City of Portland (Surrey does not have noise standards)

o seismic vibrations o exposure to diesel exhaust (responsible for 67% of lifetime

cancer risk, increased asthma and neurological brain damage)

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· further development of the nearby industrial zone will increase

impacts

Members were asked to consider launching an environmental assessment of the 32nd Avenue area relative to the planned highway expansion. Members discussed:

· Metro Vancouver’s jurisdiction and role in air quality assessments · Relevant Metro Vancouver and City of Surrey studies and reports · Suggestion that vehicle weight restrictions may reduce vibrations · Concerns that the provincial government imposed expansion of 32nd

Avenue (City of Surrey requested 16th Avenue) and are not following provincial guidelines for setbacks for busy roads (150m) in urban areas, and that elevated concentrations can be measured as far as 750m from truck routes

In response to questions, members were informed that:

· Legislation did not trigger an environmental assessment (existing roadway will not be increased more than two lanes over a continuous distance of more than 20km

· Performing environmental impact assessments are not within Metro Vancouver’s work plan or mandate; staff can assist with or comment on air quality assessments

On-table executive summary is retained with the July 12, 2011 Environment and Energy Committee agenda. Members discussed the need to seek clarification from the Ministry of Environment regarding Best Management Practices. Request of Staff Staff was requested to provide the Environment and Energy Committee with a report regarding provincial guidelines for Environmental Best Management Practices for Urban and Rural Land Development in British Columbia, clarifying who is responsible and the methods for implementation. It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Environment and Energy Committee direct staff to clarify with the Ministry of Environment on provincial Environmental Best Management Practices for Urban and Rural Land Development in British Columbia and the anomaly of 150m setbacks in urban areas.

CARRIED

3.3 Late Delegation: Helen Spiegelman Helen Spiegelman informed members of concerns related to Provincial legislation regarding the treatment of landfills and incinerators as follows:

· There is a need to apply different treatment for landfills and incinerators; incinerators produce dangerous fossil carbons and Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHGS); GHGs are preventable in landfills

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· Staff direction does not support Metro Vancouver ZeroWaste efforts

Members were asked to consider recommending the Metro Vancouver Board write a letter to the provincial government recommending a province-wide ban on disposal or organic materials in landfills by 2015, in line with Metro Vancouver’s ZeroWaste goals, and support for the differential treatment of landfills and incinerators in provincial legislation. On-table executive summary is retained with the July 12, 2011 Environment and Energy Committee agenda.

4. INVITED PRESENTATIONS

No items presented. 5. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEE OR STAFF

5.1 Draft of the Metro Vancouver Ecological Health Action Plan Report dated June 29, 2011 from Erin Embley, Environmental Planner, Ann Rowan, Senior Policy Analyst, Policy and Planning Department, and Craig Sobering, Park System Planner, Regional Parks Department, presenting the Environment and Energy Committee with the draft Ecological Health Action Plan (EHAP) describing how ecological health has been incorporated into Metro Vancouver’s plans and projects in addition to proposing 15 introductory projects to expand this work. Regarding the draft Ecological Health Action Plan (Plan), members discussed the public open house process and provided suggestions on the Plan as follows:

· Sensitive data mapping information be made available to local stewards and others; Inventory of existing projects be expanded

· Actions related to migratory birds, habitat and native and invasive plants be included

· Short and long-term priorities be identified during budgeting · Potential alignment of regional park corridors be identified

Regarding the Plan, members raised concerns as follows:

· Only some member municipalities are included in local projects · It is not clear that projects are proposed strategies (appear approved) · REAC, TAC and the Parks Committee should have the opportunity to

comment before public consultation begins Request of Staff Staff was requested to coordinate a special meeting of the Parks Committee, before public consultation begins on July 27, 2011, to consider the draft Ecological Health Action Plan.

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It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Environment and Energy Committee direct staff to conduct a

process for receiving feedback on proposed projects in the draft Metro Vancouver Ecological Health Action Plan, dated July 12, 2011 and report back with results to the Committee at its September meeting.

CARRIED Director Dhaliwal and Asmundson voted in the negative.

10:58 a.m. Director Dhaliwal departed the meeting.

5.2 Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan Report dated June 22, 2011 from Roger Quan, Air Quality Planning Division Manager, Laurie Bates-Frymel, Air Quality Planner, and Jason Emmert, Air Quality Planner, Policy and Planning Department, providing the Environment and Energy Committee with a summary of outreach and communications activities related to the draft Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan and resultant revisions to the Plan.

Regarding the Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan (the Plan), members suggested:

· In Strategy 1.1, roles and responsibilities should be identified for each action; Strategy 1.1.4 should identify the provincial government’s role

· Small craft harbours should be identified in roles and responsibilities of other governments and be included in the consultation process

Regarding the Plan, members raised concerns regarding:

· Potential liability to Metro Vancouver and lack of information on implications of not meeting provincial greenhouse gas (GHG) emission targets

· The lack of information on resource implications to municipalities and lack of engagement by the Province on the subject

Members discussed the need to develop a matrix with municipalities to identify resource implications prior to Board approval of the Plan. Deferral Motion It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Environment and Energy Committee: a) defer item 5.2 Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas

Management Plan (the Plan), to a future meeting; b) direct staff to:

i. develop a matrix, in consultation with municipal staff, to determine resource implications to municipalities; and

ii. report back to the Committee at its September meeting. CARRIED

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5.3 Implications of Provincial Greenhouse Gas Cap-and-Trade Program on Metro Vancouver Operations

Report dated June 30, 2011 from Trudi Trask, Senior Project Engineer, and Jeff Carmichael, Senior Economist, Policy and Planning Department describing to the Environment and Energy Committee the proposed provincial Greenhouse Gas Cap-and-Trade Program and concerns about potential implications to Metro Vancouver operations. Main Motion It was MOVED and SECONDED

That the Board write to the Provincial government to request that it correct inequitable greenhouse gas policies for waste disposal, by either charging for greenhouse gas emissions from both landfill and waste-to-energy facilities, or by excluding all waste disposal facilities from greenhouse gas emission charges.

Regarding implications to Metro Vancouver from the proposed provincial Greenhouse Gas Cap-and-Trade Program, members discussed concerns related to:

· Groups being treated differently regarding cap-and-trade and the need for a universal system of measuring

· Excluding waste disposal facilities from greenhouse gas emission charges and the downloading to municipalities

Amendment to the Main Motion It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Environment and Energy Committee amend the Main Motion, after the phrase “waste-to-energy facilities”, by removing the phrase “, or by excluding all waste disposal facilities from greenhouse gas emission charges”.

Members were informed of potential implications of the amendment.

Question on the Main Motion as Amended Question was then called on the Main Motion as Amended and it was

CARRIED Members raised concerns regarding a lack of information on the treatment of biogenic and fossil fuel sources and technical issues and agreed to defer the recommendation. Deferral Motion MOVED and SECONDED That the Environment and Energy Committee: a) defer the following motion to its September meeting:

“That the Board write to the Provincial government to request that it correct inequitable greenhouse gas policies for waste disposal, by either charging for greenhouse gas emissions from both landfill and waste-to-energy facilities”; and

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b) direct staff to invite the provincial government to speak to the Committee regarding the Provincial Greenhouse Gas Cap-and-Trade Program”, at a future meeting.

CARRIED

5.4 Local Governments and Carbon Neutrality Report dated June 30, 2011 from Trudi Trask, Senior Project Engineer, and Jason Emmert, Air Quality Planner, Policy and Planning Department, updating the Environment and Energy Committee on the Provincial government’s development of a framework for local government signatories to the British Columbia Climate Action Charter to meet the goals of carbon neutrality by 2012 and providing information on how concerns expressed by staff and member municipalities about the proposed framework will be relayed to the Province. Regarding local governments and carbon neutrality, members commented that:

· Metro Vancouver should share concerns regarding the purchase of carbon offsets with member municipalities

· There are concerns regarding the lack of mechanism to gauge financial implications for growing municipalities in the provincial guidebook

· The need to hear from experts with different perspectives on carbon neutrality (David Suzuki Foundation and others) to be better informed

Request of Staff Staff was requested, to invite presenters to speak to the Environment and Energy Committee regarding local governments and carbon neutrality, when the Committee considers the Regional Administrative Advisory Committee/Regional Engineers Advisory Committee’s “white paper”.

It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Environment and Energy Committee request that the Regional Engineers Advisory Committee (REAC)/Regional Administrative Advisory Committee (RAAC) forward the “white paper” summarizing REAC’s concerns regarding the Provincial Government’s framework on local government neutrality outlined in the “Becoming Carbon Neutral Guidebook” for the Committee’s consideration and possible Board endorsement.

CARRIED

5.5 Manager’s Report Report dated June 28, 2011 from Roger Quan, Air Quality Planning Division Manager, Policy and Planning Department, updating the Environment and Energy Committee on the 2011 Workplan and Solar Hot Water System at Metro Vancouver Head Office. Members discussed the solar hot water system at Metro Vancouver Head Office.

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Request of staff Staff was requested to present to the Environment and Energy Committee, details of the solar hot water system at Metro Vancouver Head Office, including a cost-benefit analysis of installation. It was MOVED and SECONDED

That the Environment and Energy Committee receive for information the report dated June 28, 2011, titled “Manager’s Report”.

CARRIED 6. INFORMATION ITEMS

No items presented. 7. OTHER BUSINESS

No items presented.

8. RESOLUTION TO CLOSE MEETING No items presented.

9. ADJOURNMENT

It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Environment and Energy Committee conclude its regular meeting of July 12, 2011.

CARRIED (Time: 11:37 a.m.)

____________________________ ____________________________ Janis Olsen Joe Trasolini, Chair Assistant to Regional Committees 5273196 FINAL

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INVITED PRESENTATIONS

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Environment and Energy Committee Meeting Date: September 13, 2011

To: Environment and Energy Committee From: Shelina Sidi, Senior Project Engineer Metropolitan Planning, Environment and Parks Department Date: August 24, 2011 Subject: Presentations on Actions to Reduce Emissions from Marine Vessels and

Port Operations in Metro Vancouver In recent years, the Environment and Energy Committee has received staff reports and invited presentations on emissions from marine vessels and port activities, and various initiatives to reduce those emissions. At the September 13, 2011 meeting, the following organizations have been invited to make presentations to the Committee: 4.1 Environment Canada (Ms. Lynn Lyons) and Transport Canada (Captain Jatinder Gill

and Mr. Israr Waheed) will provide an overview of the federal government's work to address air pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions from marine shipping. An update will be provided on the IMO's recent adoption of a new global Greenhouse Gas standard, the Energy Efficiency Design Index.

4.2 Port Metro Vancouver (Mr. Ronan Chester) will provide an overview of Port Metro

Vancouver’s Air Action Program. The presentation will highlight strategic initiatives, both corporate and port-wide, to reduce emissions and promote sustainability with a focus on collaboration.

4.3 The North West CruiseShip Association (Mr. Greg Wirtz) and the Chamber of

Shipping of BC (Captain Stephen Brown) will provide information on the shipping industry’s contributions to environmental sustainability as well as international developments having national and regional impacts on the marine transportation industry in Metro Vancouver.

5397498

4.1 – 4.3

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REPORTS

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To: Environment and Energy Committee From: Laurie Bates-Frymel, Air Quality Planner

Jason Emmert, Air Quality Planner Metropolitan Planning, Environment and Parks Department

Date: August 31, 2011 Subject: Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan Recommendations: That the Board:

a) adopt the Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan, dated September 2011.

b) forward the Plan to member municipalities, the Provincial Minister of Environment,

Federal Minister of Environment, the region’s Chief Medical Health Officers, First Nations, the Fraser Valley Regional District, the Northwest Clean Air Agency, and other key partners indicating the Board’s continuing interest in working with them to maintain good air quality in the Lower Fraser Valley airshed and reduce the region’s greenhouse gas emissions.

c) direct staff to continue to work with member municipalities and other partners to

implement the actions in the Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan.

1. PURPOSE To provide the Environment and Energy Committee and Board with a summary of outreach and communications activities related to the draft Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan and resultant revisions to the Plan. To present the new Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan to the Environment and Energy Committee and Board for their consideration. 2. CONTEXT The Provincial Environmental Management Act gives Metro Vancouver the delegated authority to “provide the service of air pollution control and air quality management and, for that purpose, the board of the regional district may, by bylaw, prohibit, regulate and otherwise control and prevent the discharge of air contaminants”. The provision of services related to air quality management has been guided by regional air quality management plans adopted by the Board, including previous plans adopted in 1994 and 2005.

5.1

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Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan Environment and Energy Committee Meeting Date: September 13, 2011 Page 2 of 7

One of the key items in the Environment and Energy Committee’s 2011 work program and priorities is an update to the air quality management plan. Staff presented a draft of a new Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan (IAQGGMP) to the Committee at its April 12, 2011 meeting, and described the continuation of goals and actions from the 2005 plan, but also outlined new priority areas, strategies and actions related to visual air quality and greenhouse gases. With regard to greenhouse gas emissions management, it is acknowledged that there is shared responsibility for both Metro Vancouver and municipalities. Under the Provincial Local Government (Green Communities) Statutes Amendment Act (Bill 27) local governments are required to set greenhouse gas emission targets, policies and actions in Official Community Plans and Regional Growth Strategies (i.e., municipalities and Metro Vancouver, respectively). This requirement extends to the Official Development Plan provisions in the Vancouver Charter. Outreach and Communications Overview At its April 12th, 2011 meeting, the Environment and Energy Committee provided staff with feedback and guidance on the draft Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan, and the proposed outreach and communications process. Since that time, the Committee has been kept apprised of outreach and communications activities throughout May, June and July. Metro Vancouver staff discussed the draft IAQGGMP with approximately 350 interested parties. Specifically, staff: • presented to regional committees, including TAC, REAC, MRTAC, Agricultural Advisory; • presented to several air quality-focused working groups; • hosted 7 half-day workshops with government partners and other interested parties; • held one public open house; • hosted two webinars; and • posted the draft plan on its website with an on-line feedback form.

A list of the organizations that provided feedback via workshops, letter, e-mail or online feedback is provided in Attachment 2. Key Stakeholder Comments and Responses Previous air quality management plans and consultation processes have demonstrated the importance that the citizens of this region place on good air quality. It has long been acknowledged that while Metro Vancouver has delegated authority for air quality within this region, it is located within a shared airshed. There are multiple levels of jurisdiction - international, national, provincial, regional and sub-regional – with different responsibilities for air quality, environment, energy, health, transportation, etc., over the myriad of sources that influence air quality in our region. With this in mind, Metro Vancouver has been able to establish a well developed network to facilitate inter-agency collaboration on air quality and climate change programs. This network was drawn upon to consult on and confirm the vision, goals, strategies, actions, roles and responsibilities in the new IAQGGMP. Metro Vancouver received comments from many interested parties and made a number of revisions to the draft plan in response. In general, there was significant support for many aspects of the plan, including: • the IAQGGMP Vision and Goals, • enhanced public outreach and communications related to air quality and climate change,

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Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan Environment and Energy Committee Meeting Date: September 13, 2011

Page 3 of 7 • the development of an Air Quality and Climate Change Academy in collaboration with

existing academic institutions, and • the development of an implementation matrix to clarify roles and timelines. A detailed listing of comments specific to the actions in the draft plan and responses is provided in Attachment 2. Highlighted comments of a general nature on the Plan and its goals, principles and implementation processes are provided in Table 1 below: Table 1: Highlighted Comments and Staff Responses Stakeholder – Comments Staff Response Business Council of BC – we are broadly supportive of the three high-level goals outlined in the Draft Plan. The challenge lies in determining the measures that can and should be adopted at the regional level to advance these goals, and in ensuring that such measures are not in conflict with the requirements for developing a sustainable, prosperous and competitive economy in Greater Vancouver. (June) BC Trucking Association – supports the IAQGGMP’s primary goals… has to balance the proposed strategies and actions to improve air quality and address climate change with their economic impact. (June) BC Ministry of Agriculture – In many cases we are already engaged with Metro Vancouver in these program areas and look forward to continuing to work with you. Moving forward, it may be worthwhile to add a cost-benefit analysis component for each strategy. (June)

Acknowledged. These comments match well with the Sustainable Region Initiative sustainability principles of protecting and enhancing the natural environment, providing for ongoing prosperity, and building community capacity and social cohesion. The IAQGGMP is a strategic plan which identifies high level actions for further exploration and refinement. As has been Metro Vancouver’s practice in the past, development of specific regulatory actions and programs would include consultation, complete with an evaluation of the costs and benefits for those specific actions. In terms of a cost-benefit analysis at the strategy level, the benefits associated with air quality programs and actions that lead to reduction in emissions or ambient concentrations generally far outweigh the costs. This is generally a result of the avoided health impacts and health care costs. Notwithstanding this, as noted above, the development of specific actions and programs typically includes an analysis of benefits and costs.

Several stakeholders – It is not clear whether the actions in the IAQGGMP will meet the region’s greenhouse gas emission reduction targets (June)

Due to the strategic nature of the IAQGGMP it is not possible to determine whether the actions in the IAQGGMP will meet the region’s greenhouse gas emission reduction targets at this time. However, emissions inventory data is a key component of ongoing performance measurement for the IAQGGMP, and will be used to forecast future emissions and quantify the range of the emission reductions that could be achieved with the implementation of the IAQGGMP.

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Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan Environment and Energy Committee Meeting Date: September 13, 2011 Page 4 of 7 Stakeholder – Comments Staff Response Burke Mountain Naturalists – Concerned about the cumulative air quality impacts of biomass energy generation (June) Business Council of BC - Metro Vancouver should encourage renewable cogeneration of heat and power (June)

In 2008 Metro Vancouver established the Boilers and Process Heaters Emission Regulation Bylaw to recognize the role of renewable energy sources (such as biomass), but also ensure good air quality. Improvements to biomass combustion and pollution control technology have brought biomass emissions close to levels achieved by natural gas combustion. However, Metro Vancouver also considers cumulative impacts in its permit approval process to ensure that local air quality remains acceptable. In response to a number of stakeholder comments, the following statement has been added under the IAQGGMP’s Achieve Co-benefits Guideline: “Actions will be developed carefully and in collaboration with stakeholders to avoid unintended consequences”.

City of Burnaby and West Coast Environmental Law – The plan lacks timelines with respect to the implementation of the strategies and actions that are proposed (May/June)

Clarification about timelines also has been added in the implementation matrix. Metro Vancouver will develop more action-specific implementation schedules in collaboration with our partners. As outlined in the plan, Metro Vancouver will take an adaptive management approach, responding to technological advances, changing regulatory regimes, air quality episodes and other issues.

Discussions with Municipalities Metro Vancouver staff had a number of discussions with municipal staff through standing regional committees as well as workshops, meetings and webinars. Discussions tended to centre on the actions where municipal involvement was requested, the associated resource requirements and timelines, and the process for both review and approval of the IAQGGMP. During the May/June time period, requests to extend the consultation period were received from Burnaby, Coquitlam and Vancouver. To accommodate these concerns, municipal staff was provided with an advance summary of the comments and revisions on the Plan on June 20th. The comment period on the draft Plan was extended for municipal staff by one month. The City of Coquitlam also sought clarification on the approval process for the Plan, and the flexibility that municipalities would retain in implementing the actions in the Plan, and ensuring they align with their existing work priorities and resource capacities. Metro Vancouver has the delegated authority for air quality management in the region and a Provincial mandate to develop regional greenhouse gas emission reduction actions. This authority is exercised through the development of air quality management plans that set the policy direction for our work, as well as the enactment and enforcement of air quality bylaws. Both air quality management plans and bylaws must be approved by the Board. And in the case of an air quality management plan, with the delegation of authority from the Province, there is no requirement for approval of the plan from the Minister of Environment, or from the municipalities. However, given the collaborative nature of air quality and climate change work, there are actions requested of other levels of government in the IAQGGMP. The actions for other governments are not mandatory, but it is clearly in Metro Vancouver’s best interests to consult at the earliest opportunity with other governments and seek their

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Page 5 of 7 support for joint actions. As with all actions in the Plan, Metro Vancouver is committed to working with its partners on further development and implementation. Some actions result in regulatory approaches or bylaws, which Metro Vancouver will administer, to the benefit of the municipalities. At its July 12th meeting, in response to feedback from municipalities, the Environment and Energy Committee directed staff to develop a matrix, in consultation with municipal staff, outlining resource implications for municipalities and report back to the Committee at its September meeting. This matrix was developed and is included as Attachment 3. Metro Vancouver staff discussed the draft matrix with the Regional Engineers Advisory Committee’s Climate Protection Subcommittee (REAC-CPS) during their regularly scheduled meeting on July 21st. Several REAC-CPS members coordinated responses from their respective municipalities. Members of TAC, REAC and MRTAC and other municipal staff also provided feedback. The implementation matrix is intended to be updated periodically. Metro Vancouver will use it as a basis to work in close collaboration with municipalities and other partners on implementation of the actions over the next five years or so. The New Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan The 2011 Plan is attached for the Committee’s consideration. It proposes new strategies and actions under each of three goals, and some of the key new areas are as follows: Goal 1: Protect human health and the environment

• Continued emphasis on reduction in diesel particulate matter emissions, identified as a key health priority subsequent to the 2005 AQMP.

Goal 2: Improve visual air quality

• The 2005 Plan included a goal to “improve visibility” and the IAQGGMP builds on that with new actions to reduce emissions of pollutants that contribute to visibility degradation and to develop a visual air quality program for the region.

Goal 3: Minimize the region’s contribution to global climate change

• Since 2005, Metro Vancouver has adopted targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and the Provincial government has enacted several significant pieces of climate action legislation. As a result, several new strategies and actions related to reducing greenhouse gas emissions are included in the IAQGGMP.

• An enhanced focus has emerged on short-lived climate forcers, which are substances that are now known to contribute to global climate change but do not persist in the atmosphere for as long as carbon dioxide. The IAQGGMP includes a strategy that focuses on short-lived climate forcers, including black carbon (e.g., diesel soot), ground level ozone and methane. The reduction of these potent yet short-lived pollutants can provide benefit in the near term while longer term actions to mitigate emissions and effects of long-lived greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide take effect.

The IAQGGMP also includes an expanded set of performance measures and provides direction on ongoing improvements to Metro Vancouver’s capabilities in monitoring and assessing air quality trends and identifying areas for improvement, and improving outreach and communication on air quality and climate change issues.

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Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan Environment and Energy Committee Meeting Date: September 13, 2011 Page 6 of 7 The IAQGGMP follows the format of other recent plans such as the Integrated Solid Waste and Resource Management Plan, Integrated Liquid Waste and Resource Management Plan, and the Regional Growth Strategy. It has the title “Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan”, recognizing the importance of the new actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The plan incorporates suggestions made by various partners and other interested parties during the outreach and communications process, as outlined in Table 1 and Attachment 2. Financial Implications At this time, the actions in the IAQGGMP that are to be led by Metro Vancouver can be accommodated within existing budgets. The Committee and Board will be kept apprised of progress on implementation of the Plan and will have oversight of Plan implementation costs as part of Metro Vancouver’s annual budgeting process. Significant new initiatives that involve senior levels of government will seek funding from those levels of government. However, municipalities will retain flexibility to implement actions that align with their existing work priorities and resource capacities. Next Steps Working with our partners, Metro Vancouver staff will use the IAQGGMP’s implementation matrix to set priorities for the 2012 work plan. Subsequently, Metro Vancouver will use it as a basis to further refine and implement the actions over the next 5 years. The implementation matrix will be updated periodically and used as a basis to work in close collaboration with municipalities and other partners. A very good mechanism has been established to collaborate on climate change actions, through the REAC Climate Protection Sub-Committee, as well as the Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Coordinating Committee on the Plan’s air quality actions. Staff will seek to build on these, along with other mechanisms like REAC and TAC, and additional working groups will be formed as needed with appropriate partners to ensure collaboration on other specific actions. 3. ALTERNATIVES The Board may: a) Adopt the Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan, dated

September 2011, and direct staff to forward the Plan to member municipalities, the Provincial Minister of Environment, Federal Minister of Environment, the region’s Chief Medical Health Officers, First Nations, the Fraser Valley Regional District, the Northwest Clean Air Agency, and other key partners indicating the Board’s continuing interest in working with them to maintain good air quality in the Lower Fraser Valley airshed and reduce the region’s greenhouse gas emissions.

b) Direct staff to undertake further work before resubmitting the Plan for consideration by

the Board. 4. CONCLUSION Residents of Metro Vancouver and our neighbouring areas place a high value on the quality of the air we breathe, and how our air quality can impact on our ability to view the scenic vistas in our region. A new Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan has been developed to continue to make progress in improving the air quality in Metro

ENV - 26 -


Page 7 of 7 Vancouver, and also to respond to new challenges since the 2005 Air Quality Management Plan was adopted. The most significant of these new challenges is climate change. Accordingly, the new Plan incorporates a number of new strategies and actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, along with new strategies and actions to build on and enhance previous work on smog-forming pollutants, health and environmental protection, and visual air quality. Staff has undergone an outreach and communications process on a draft Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan for the region and discussed the draft with other government partners, businesses, non-government organizations and the public from April to August 2011. These discussions have been largely very supportive of the draft plan, but with an understanding that we live in a shared airshed, and that ongoing collaboration will be needed to implement the Plan. ATTACHMENTS 1 Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan - dated September 2011

Coloured copies provided under separate cover (Doc. # 5419130). 2 Summary of Communications and Outreach Process (Doc. #5403761). 3 Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan - Implementation Matrix –

dated August 31, 2011 (Doc. #5413101). 5392232

ENV - 27 -


ENV - 28 -

Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas

MAnAGeMent PlAn

www.metrovancouver.org

SEPTEMBER 2011

Metro Vancouver

SUSTAINABLE REGION INITIATIVE... TURNING IDEAS INTO ACTION

ENV - 29 -

GStanese

Text Box

5.1 ATTACHMENT 1 Coloured copies provided under separate cover

ENV - 30 -

GStanese

Text Box

5419130

Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas

MAnAGeMent PlAn

www.metrovancouver.org

SEPTEMBER 2011

Metro Vancouver

SUSTAINABLE REGION INITIATIVE... TURNING IDEAS INTO ACTION

GStanese

Text Box

5.1 ATTACHMENT 1 Environment and Energy Committee - September 13, 2011

TaBlE of ConTEnTS

VIsIon .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................1

PARt one: PlAn oVeRVIew .............................................................................................................................................................................................2

Metro VancouVer SuStainability FraMework ....................................................................................................2

regional ViSion ................................................................................................................................................................2

context For the integrated air Quality and greenhouSe gaS ManageMent Plan ........................4

history ................................................................................................................................................................................4

trends, challenges, opportunities ..................................................................................................................................4

Partners: roles and responsibilities ................................................................................................................................5

aligning with other government initiatives ....................................................................................................................6

coordinating with other Metro Vancouver Plans ............................................................................................................9

PARt two: GoAls, stRAteGIes And ACtIons ............................................................................................................................12

goal 1: Protect Public health and the enVironMent ..................................................................................13

Strategy 1.1 reduce emissions of and public exposure to diesel particulate matter ..............................................13

Strategy 1.2 reduce air contaminant emissions from industrial, commercial, institutional (ici) and agricultural sources at both the regional and local level .........................................................15

Strategy 1.3 reduce air contaminant emissions from residential sources .................................................................17

Strategy 1.4 reduce air contaminant emissions from cars, trucks, and buses ..........................................................18

Strategy 1.5 increase public understanding of air quality issues and public engagement in clean air programs ....................................................................................................................19

goal 2: iMProVe ViSual air Quality .........................................................................................................................20

Strategy 2.1 reduce emissions of air contaminants and precursors that can degrade visual air quality ...............21

Strategy 2.2 develop a visual air quality management program for the lower Fraser Valley airshed in partnership with other government agencies ...........................................................21

goal 3: MiniMize the region’S contribution to global cliMate change ............................................22

Strategy 3.1 reduce emissions of short-lived climate forcers ....................................................................................23

Strategy 3.2 Support the region’s municipalities, businesses and residents to reduce their carbon footprints ....24

Strategy 3.3 reduce the carbon footprint of the region’s transportation system .....................................................26

Strategy 3.4 explore opportunities for carbon sequestration ....................................................................................28

Strategy 3.5 increase public understanding of climate change issues and encourage personal action ................28

table 1 Metro Vancouver Management Plan linkages ...............................................................................................10

table 2 Metro Vancouver’s ambient air Quality objectives .......................................................................................31

table a-1 Past trends in emissions and air Quality in the lower Fraser Valley airshed 1990—2010 .....................33

table a-2 Forecasted lower Fraser Valley airshed emission trends 2010– 2020 ....................................................35

table b-1 Potential impacts associated with air contaminants in the lower Fraser Valley airshed ......................37

Figures and tablesFigure 1 Metro Vancouver’s Sustainability Framework ..................................................................................................3

Figure 2 Metro Vancouver’s interconnected Management Plans.................................................................................9

PeRFoRMAnCe MeAsuRes .............................................................................................................................................................................................29

targets ..............................................................................................................................................................................29

Measuring and Monitoring .............................................................................................................................................30

ambient air Quality objectives .....................................................................................................................................31

emission Standards for regulated Sources ..................................................................................................................32

adaptive Management ...................................................................................................................................................32

APPendIx A: AIR QuAlIty And GReenhouse GAses ......................................................................................................33

APPendIx B: PotentIAl IMPACts AssoCIAted wIth AIR ContAMInAnts ..............................37

APPendIx C: Roles And ResPonsIBIlItIes oF otheR GoVeRnMents ...........................................40

1integrated air Quality and greenhouse gas Management Plan SEPTEMBER 2011 1

ViSion

inTEgRaTEd aiR QualiTy and gREEnhouSE gaS ManagEMEnT Plan

Healthy, clean and clear air is a foundation of the high quality of life, the robust and creative economy, and the spectacular natural beauty we enjoy in Metro Vancouver. Maintaining high standards for air quality in our region, for both current and future generations, is a key part of Metro Vancouver’s long-term vision. Clean air is essential to the health of all residents of the region, as well as to our local ecosystems which provide food, jobs, and recre-ational opportunities for all of us. Clear air provides us with unfettered views of the region’s natural beauty and some of our most iconic places. Metro Vancouver is committed to monitoring and continuously improving the air quality of the region. As a region we are also committed to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions to fulfill our obligation of minimizing our impact on the global climate.

This Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan recognizes the inextricable link between air quality, climate change and energy issues, and accordingly, integrates goals, strategies and actions related to both air contaminants and greenhouse gases.

The long-term vision for air quality and greenhouse gas management in Metro Vancouver is:

Healthy, clean and clear air for current and future generations.

integrated air Quality and greenhouse gas Management Plan SEPTEMBER 201122

PaRT onE: Plan oVERViEw

Metro Vancouver is a political body and corporate entity operating under provincial legislation as a

‘regional district’ and ‘greater boards’ that delivers regional services, planning and political leadership on

behalf of 24 local authorities. It comprises of:

city oF

coQuitlaM

corPoration oF delta

city oF langley

electoral area a (unincorPorated

area)

city oF

abbotSFord

Village oF

anMore

Village oF

belcarra

bowen iSland

MuniciPality

city oF burnaby

townShiP oF

langley

Village oF

lionS bay

diStrict oF

MaPle ridge

city oF new

weStMinSter

city oF north VancouVer

diStrict oF north VancouVer

city oF

Pitt MeadowS

city oF Port coQuitlaM

city oF

Port Moody

city oF richMond

city oF Surrey

tSawwaSSen FirSt nation

city oF

VancouVer

diStrict oF weSt VancouVer

city oF

white rock

Metro Vancouver sustainability FrameworkSince 2002 Metro Vancouver has formally put the concept of sustainability at the centre of its operating and planning philosophy and advanced its role as a leader in the attempt to make the region one which is explicitly committed to a sustainable future. This comprehensive endeavour became known as the Sustainable Region Initia-tive, or more familiarly as the ‘SRI’. In 2008, Metro Vancouver’s Board adopted a Sustainability Framework outlining its vision, mission, values, sustainability imperatives, and sustainability principles. Depicted in Figure 1, the Sustainability Framework provides the foundation for Metro Vancouver’s suite of plans, including the Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan (IAQGGMP).

Regional VisionMetro Vancouver has an opportunity and a vision to achieve what humanity aspires to on a global basis – the highest quality of life embracing cultural vitality, economic prosperity, social justice and compassion, all nurtured in and by a beautiful and healthy natural environment.

We will achieve this vision by embracing and applying the principles of sustainability, not least of which is an unshakeable commitment to the well-being of current and future generations and the health of our planet, in everything we do.

As we share our efforts in achieving this vision, we are confident that the inspiration and mutual learning we gain will become vital ingredients in our hopes for a sustainable common future.


...these are the foundation for Metro Vancouver’s three interconnected roles:

REgional ViSion the highest quality of life embracing cultural vitality, economic prosperity, social justice and compassion, all nurtured in and by a beautiful and healthy natural environment. achieved by an unshakeable commitment to the well-being of current and future generations and the health of our planet, in everything we do.

METRo VanCouVER RolE and MiSSion Serve the region and attain excellence in meeting these responsibilities. Plan for the future by developing and using an integrated system of plans. Facilitate collaboration with local governments and citizens.

ValuES integrity is our foundation. Passion for our work and pride in our accomplishments are our drivers. respect for the public and compassion in our relationships are our guideposts.

SuSTainaBiliTy iMPERaTiVES have regard for local and global consequences and long-term impacts. recognize and reflect the interconnectedness and interdependence of systems. be collaborative.

SuSTainaBiliTy PRinCiPlES Protect and enhance the natural environment. Provide for ongoing prosperity. build community capacity and social cohesion.

the Metro Vancouver sustainability Framework

METRiCS, TaRgETS and KEy dEliVERaBlES

Progress towards a sustainable region is measured by

which establish strategic priorities and key activities

figure 1 Metro Vancouver’s Sustainability Framework

Physical & Social developmentenvironmentutilities

ServicesProviding services to local governments and their communities

PolicyDeveloping and using an integrated system of plans; includes some regulatory responsibilities

Political forumBuilding and facilitating collaborative processes among governments and citizens

Drinking

Water

Liquid

Waste

Solid

Waste

Parks and

Greenw

ays

Air Q

uality

Clim

ate Chang

e and E

nergy

Eco

log

ical Health

Gro

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anagem

ent

Reg

ional E

merg

ency Manag

ement

Foo

d System

Affo

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Other issues including:

Transportation Policing Economic Dev’t Ports

1

2

3

Cultural G

rants and

Inform

ation


Trends, Challenges, OpportunitiesMetro Vancouver currently experiences good regional air quality relative to most other urban areas in North America. However, as the region’s population increases, it is expected that emissions of several key air contami-nants will also rise in the region over the next decade. Our challenge will be to develop and implement air quality management actions that reduce emissions in the face of regional growth, and allow us to meet our health-based air quality objectives. A detailed discussion of trends and forecasts can be found in Appendix A, and potential impacts in Appendix B.

The region’s fine particulate matter emissions are expected to rise as more buildings require heating, and marine vessel transport increases over the next decade. Fine particulate matter is associated with significant health problems, including hospital admissions and emergency room visits, aggravated asthma, acute respi-ratory symptoms, chronic bronchitis, decreased lung function and premature death. Children, the elderly and people with pre-existing lung and heart conditions are particularly at risk. Fine particulate matter can also impair visual air quality, making it difficult to see our beautiful vistas. Poor visual air quality can have a nega-tive impact on the well-being of residents and reduce tourism revenues.

Programs aimed at reducing particulate matter from diesel engines are just beginning to take effect. Emis-sions of diesel particulate matter are responsible for 67% of the lifetime cancer risk from air pollution in Metro Vancouver. It is now understood that, in addi-tion to providing significant health benefits, reducing black carbon (a component of diesel particulate matter) will help to mitigate climate change in the short-term.

Context for the Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan

HistoryIn 1971, the Pollution Control Act and the GVRD Let-ters Patent established the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD, now Metro Vancouver) as the single agency under which all provincial and municipal air pollution control activities in the Greater Vancouver urban area would be recognized. Section 31 of the Provincial Environmental Management Act gives the GVRD the authority to “provide the service of air pol-lution control and air quality management and, for that purpose, the board of the regional district may, by bylaw, prohibit, regulate and otherwise control and prevent the discharge of air contaminants”.

In October 2005, the Metro Vancouver Board adopted its second Air Quality Management Plan which included goals to minimize the risk to public health, improve visual air quality and minimize the region’s contribution to climate change.

Since the 2005 Air Quality Management Plan was adopted, several events have provided Metro Vancouver with additional tools for action. The Provincial govern-ment enacted several significant pieces of climate action legislation which mandated regional districts and municipalities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Under the Local Government (Green Communities) Statutes Amendment Act (Bill 27, 2008) regional districts are required to include targets, policies and actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in their Regional Growth Strategies. The Metro Vancouver Board adopted greenhouse gases targets as part of its Sustainability Framework and associated action plans.

In recognition of the strong connections between air quality and climate change, this Plan integrates actions to manage air quality with actions to manage green-house gases.


Increased agricultural production will cause ammonia and methane emissions to rise over the next decade. Ammonia has a pungent smell and can react with nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides in the air to form fine particulate matter, which impacts health and visual air quality. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas which contributes to global climate change.

Sulphur dioxide can also cause breathing problems in people with asthma, and may increase hospital admis-sions and premature deaths. Marine vessels are currently the largest source of sulphur dioxide emissions in the Lower Fraser Valley airshed. New International Mari-time Organization regulations will be implemented in 2012 that will help to reduce local sulphur dioxide levels and associated health risks.

Despite large reductions in emissions of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, concentrations of ground-level ozone in the region have remained stable over the past decade. Ongoing investigation of the most effective strategies for reducing ozone levels will provide Metro Vancouver with options and opportunities for improvement.

Greenhouse gas emissions contribute to global climate change including global warming. Although recent changes to provincial legislation provide Metro Van-couver and its member municipalities with mandates to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it will be particu-larly challenging to meet our greenhouse gas emission reduction targets as the region’s population increases.

The IAQGGMP seeks to reduce levels of these con-taminants to protect human health and the environ-ment, improve visual air quality and minimize our contribution to climate change.

Partners: Roles and ResponsibilitiesMetro Vancouver is situated within the Lower Fraser Valley airshed – an international airshed shared with the Fraser Valley Regional District to the east and Whatcom County in the State of Washington to the south.

Air quality and greenhouse gas management in Metro Vancouver requires close coordination between all levels of government, businesses, institutions and residents. Metro Vancouver works with other air quality, health, climate change and transportation authorities at the regional, provincial, federal and international levels to collaboratively plan and implement initiatives to improve air quality and address climate change. Metro Vancouver also works closely with municipal staff to coordinate air quality and climate actions at both the municipal and regional level.

Several partners have established legislation, policies and other initiatives which will assist Metro Vancouver in its efforts to protect human and environmental health, improve visual air quality and combat climate change. And conversely, many of the actions in this Plan will assist the work of other authorities, underscor-ing the need for a coordinated and collaborative approach.

The partner agencies listed below will continue to have key roles and responsibilities in the implementation of the Plan. Additional information on other governments is provided in Appendix C.


Aligning with other Government InitiativesgoVERnMEnT of Canada

The federal government regulates new vehicle perfor-mance and fuels, emissions from marine vessels, rail locomotives, non-road vehicles and engines, some industrial sources and toxic substances.

•Through a collaborative effort, the federal govern-ment and several provinces, industry and non-governmental organizations are developing the Air Quality Management System, a proposed frame-work for reducing air pollution in Canada that addresses emissions from all sources in a consistent manner with the flexibility to deal with regional differences in air quality. Metro Vancouver intends to work with the Government of Canada and other stakeholders in the development of new Canadian air quality standards, location-based air quality management and base-level emission requirements for industrial sectors which complement the actions in this Plan.

•Environment Canada’s efforts include, but are not limited to, regulations for: small gasoline powered engines (such as lawn and garden equipment); vola-tile organic compound concentration limits for automotive refinishing products, architectural coat-ings and other products; marine spark ignition engines such as personal watercraft and outboard engines; off-road recreational vehicles; and sulphur content limits for various grades of diesel fuel.

•The Government of Canada is committed to reduc-ing Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions by 17 per cent below 2005 levels by 2020 - a target that is inscribed in the Copenhagen Accord and aligned with that of the United States. Within Canada, the federal government is taking action to reduce green-house gas emissions through a sector-by-sector approach. Regulatory initiatives have already been implemented or announced for the transport and electricity sector. Examples include new regulations for passenger automobile and light trucks, renewable fuel regulations, and initiatives under development for new heavy-duty trucks.

7integrated air Quality and greenhouse gas Management Plan SEPTEMBER 2011

• In 2012 Transport Canada will begin enforcing the Canadian portion of the International Maritime Organization’s United States-Canada Emissions Control Area. Large ships within 200 nautical miles of the shoreline will be subject to strict standards to reduce both nitrogen and sulphur oxide emissions, as well as emissions of fine particles from exhaust.This action will significantly reduce sulphur dioxide and particulate matter emissions in the region, with associated benefits to human health.

PRoVinCE of BRiTiSh ColuMBia

The provincial government delegates air quality man-agement authority in the region to Metro Vancouver, but retains regulatory authority for the remainder of the province, including adjacent regional districts. Provincial legislation requires regional districts and municipalities in B.C. to reduce community greenhouse gas emissions. The Government of British Columbia is implementing several programs which will assist Metro Vancouver to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the region.

•Programs under the B.C. Air Action Plan will assist local air quality improvement efforts by providing funding for on-road vehicle emission reduction programs such as BC SCRAP-IT® and AirCare-On-Road, greener ports and marine vessels initiatives, anti-idling and wood stove replacement programs.

•The B.C. Climate Action Plan established enabling legislation for municipalities and regional districts, creating provincial programs that stimulate low carbon economic development, transit investments, building code upgrades, and providing incentives for individual household efficiency improvements and forest carbon sequestration.

•By facilitating investments in infrastructure that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as district energy systems and integrated resource recovery, the IAQGGMP will assist the B.C. Energy Plan to meet its goals for energy conservation and effi-ciency, and clean or renewable electricity generation.

•The Provincial Transit Plan will provide partial funding for expansion of major transit infrastructure including SkyTrain extensions and rapid bus service in the region. Programs to increase transit ridership, reduce automobile use, and provide a foundation of transportation infrastructure to support the devel-opment of healthier communities in the future, will help to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions per capita over the long term.


TRanSlinK

TransLink administers the regional AirCare vehicle inspection and maintenance program, plans, manages and finances public transit, and shares responsibility for the major road network and regional cycling with the municipalities in Metro Vancouver.

TransLink’s Transport 2040 plan establishes programs to meet the regional transportation challenges of the coming decades. Transport 2040’s first goal seeks to aggressively reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation by investing in improvements in bicycle, pedestrian, and transit access, and connecting modes of travel. Programs under this plan will help to achieve regional greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.

loCal goVERnMEnTS

Under the Local Government (Green Communities) Statutes Amendment Act (Bill 27, 2008) all local govern-ments in B.C. are required to include targets, policies and actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in their Official Community Plans (OCPs). The IAQGGMP will help municipalities to achieve their greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.

Many municipalities have also included objectives to support and encourage regional airshed management initiatives to improve air quality in their OCPs. Many of the IAQGGMP’s air quality improvement strategies will improve the health and wellness of municipal residents.

With the assistance of the B.C. Ministry of Environ-ment, municipalities and regional districts in the Sea-to-Sky/Howe Sound corridor have created the Sea-to-Sky Air Quality Management Plan. The Fraser Valley Regional District is also revising its 1998 Air Quality Management Plan.

Continued partnerships with adjacent districts will avoid duplication of effort for mutual benefit.


Coordinating with other Metro Vancouver PlansThe Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan is one plan among a suite of interconnected management plans developed around Metro Vancouver’s Sustainability Framework. Table 1 Linkages Between Metro Vancouver Plans summarizes key links where actions identified in other Metro Vancouver plans affect the Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan, and conversely where actions in this Plan make a contribution to the goals of other Metro Vancouver plans.

Air Quality

Regional Growth

Finance

DrinkingWater

FoodSystem

LiquidWaste

Parks &Greenways

Housing SolidWaste

figure 2 Metro Vancouver’s Interconnected Management Plans


REgional gRowTh STRaTEgy

A compact urban area, including transit-oriented development, reduces regional greenhouse gas and air contaminant emissions from transportation.

Complete communities promote walking, cycling, transit and reduced trip distances, all of which reduce greenhouse gas and air contaminant emissions.

Protecting forests and green space sequesters carbon.

InteGRAted AIR QuAlIty And

GReenhouse GAs MAnAGeMent

PlAn (IAQGGMP)

Minimizing air contaminant and greenhouse gas emissions will protect the region’s environment.

inTEgRaTEd Solid waSTE and RESouRCE ManagEMEnT Plan

Minimizing solid waste generation will minimize the production of greenhouse gases from waste disposal.

Maximizing reuse, recycling, material and energy recovery from the solid waste stream will minimize the production of greenhouse gases from landfills and other waste disposal.

Air contaminant and greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy recovery from waste are to be managed in a way that minimizes air emissions that impact public health and the environment.

IAQGGMP

Implementing an odour management program for solid waste recycling, recovery and disposal options will minimize odours from waste processing, increase public acceptability and increase siting options.

Promoting the development of district energy opportunities will encourage energy recovery from the solid waste stream.

dRinKing waTER ManagEMEnT Plan

Ensuring that drinking water is produced, distributed and used efficiently will minimize energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions.

IAQGGMP

Reducing deposition of air contaminants will minimize the contamination of water resources and foster the provision of clean, safe drinking water.

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Table 1 Metro Vancouver Management Plan Linkages

linkages Between Metro Vancouver Plans


PaRKS and gREEnwayS Plan

Protecting and enhancing regional landscapes and biodiversity sequesters carbon.

IAQGGMP

Reducing emissions of air contaminants and greenhouse gases will benefit natural systems and people enjoying recreational activities.

inTEgRaTEd liQuid waSTE and RESouRCE ManagEMEnT Plan

Energy recovery from sewage heat and biogas will reduce the need for additional energy production and associated greenhouse gas emissions.

Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from liquid waste management will contribute to the reduction of our total regional greenhouse gas emissions.

IAQGGMP

Implementing an odour management program will minimize odours from liquid waste.

Reducing emissions of air contaminants will improve water quality of storm runoff.

REgional food SySTEM STRaTEgy

Pilot projects for the recovery of energy on farms, including biogas, may reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture.

Reduction of food scraps going to landfill reduces greenhouse gas emissions (in the form of methane).

By facilitating the adoption of environmentally sustainable practices, emissions of greenhouse gases, ammonia, fertilizers and pesticides may be minimized.

IAQGGMP

Improved regional air quality should lead to greater crop productivity.

Efforts to reduce targeted air emissions (e.g., air pollutants or odours) may effect the operations of food producers and others in the food sector.

Regional greenhouse gas emission reductions may encourage carbon sequestration in the agricultural sector.

CoRPoRaTE CliMaTE aCTion Plan

Reducing Metro Vancouver’s corporate greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption helps reduce regional greenhouse gas emissions.

Recovering energy from Metro Vancouver utilities displaces fossil fuel-derived energy and therefore reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Using Metro Vancouver facilities and lands to sequester carbon supports regional greenhouse gas reduction goals and targets.

IAQGGMP

Planning and developing regional energy use and demand opportunities supports shift to renewable energy and energy recovery in our corporate

operations.

Supporting the development of regional infrastructure for low carbon vehicles will enable a corporate switch to low carbon vehicles.

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linkages Between Metro Vancouver Plans


PaRT Two: goalS, STRaTEgiES and aCTionS

GuIdelInes FoR AIR QuAlIty And GReenhouse GAs MAnAGeMent

This Plan outlines the goals, strategies, and actions for implementation within the Metro Vancouver region over the next decade. Recognizing that air pollution knows no boundaries, the measures in this Plan will protect air quality in the Lower Fraser Valley and adja-cent airsheds. Consequently, several initiatives will involve coordination and partnership with adjacent agencies. In addition to actions led by Metro Vancouver, this Plan identifies actions for other levels of govern-ment where appropriate.

The Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Man-agement Plan establishes three primary goals, which are addressed by 12 strategies and 81 actions for Metro Vancouver and its partners. The implementation of these actions requires collaboration and integration to ensure an informed and coordinated process.

aChiEVE Co-BEnEfiTS:

Reduce emissions of both air contaminants and green-house gases to improve health and visual air quality, while mitigating climate impacts. Actions will be devel-oped carefully and in collaboration with stakeholders to avoid unintended consequences.

ShaREd RESPonSiBiliTy:

Partner with public and private organizations to address common priorities and engage the public in Plan implementation.

innoVaTiVE aPPRoaChES:

Using market-based, community-based and other inno-vative approaches to complement conventional air quality management.

Although the strategies and actions in this Plan aspire to meet all three goals, they have been organized by their primary goal. Where actions provide benefit in more than one goal area that will be explained in the description of the action. The actions that fall under each strategy will be prioritized based on their potential to reduce public exposure to contaminants that pose the highest risk to human health, improve visual air quality and achieve greenhouse gas emission reductions.

Building on Metro Vancouver’s Sustainability Principles (Figure 1), the following guidelines will be used to develop and implement actions that effectively reduce air contaminants and greenhouse gas emissions. It is not imperative that each action meet all of the guidelines equally, however it is intended that implementation of this overall Plan will result in these guidelines being met.

PolluTion PREVEnTion:

Encourage the use of processes, practices, materials and energy in ways that avoid or minimize the creation of contaminants at the source, rather than remedial efforts after contaminants have been released to the environment.

ConTinuouS iMPRoVEMEnT:

Reduce emissions towards the long-term goal of reduc-ing overall ambient concentrations to levels that do not pose health and environmental concerns.


goal 1: Protect public health and the environment

The freedom to breathe clean air is a basic human right. Metro Vancouver is committed to minimizing the risk to public health from air pollution and protecting the environment. Addressing air contaminants will gener-ally benefit both human health and the environment.

Reducing emissions of particulate matter (including diesel particulate matter) and its precursors, as well as ozone precursors from the major sources in the Lower Fraser Valley airshed, will protect the health of Metro Vancouver residents and the environment. The follow-ing strategies and actions will achieve this goal.

Strategy 1.1 Reduce emissions of and public exposure to diesel particulate matterIn addition to increasing the risk of adverse heart and lung health outcomes, emissions of diesel particulate matter are responsible for 67% of the lifetime cancer risk from air pollution in Metro Vancouver. Diesel emissions often occur at ground level and close to where people live, work and play – resulting in higher expo-sures and increased health risk.

METRo VanCouVER will:

1.1.1 Explore measures and financing mecha-nisms to promote retrofits of on-road diesel engines and accelerate the use of cleaner alterna-tive fuels in partnership with interested public and private on-road diesel fleet managers and senior levels of government.

1.1.2 Implement Metro Vancouver‘s regulatory requirements for older, in-use non-road diesel engines, and promote further emission reductions by exploring additional funding sources.

1.1.3 Work with the AirCare Steering Com-mittee and other partners to develop enhanced programs for inspection and maintenance of heavy-duty vehicles in the Lower Fraser Valley airshed.

1.1.4 Work with municipalities, health author-ities, the Provincial government, and TransLink to develop air quality-focussed land use planning and urban design guidelines that will minimize resident exposure to diesel emissions and other traffic-related air pollution.


1.1.5 Participate in the B.C. Marine Vessel Air Quality Work Group to develop and implement emission reduction measures for ocean-going vessels, harbour vessels and port operations, including, but not limited to:

a. piloting and testing of emission control technology,

b. installation of improved engine technology,

c. installation of shore-power for cruise ships, container and other marine vessels, and

d. support for Port Metro Vancouver’s clean air programs such as the North-west Ports Clean Air Strategy and the Blue Circle Awards.

1.1.6 Assist the B.C. Locomotive and Rail Air Quality Working Group in identifying and imple-menting appropriate measures to reduce emis-sions from diesel locomotives.

aCTionS REQuESTEd of oThER goVERnMEnTS and agEnCiES:

1.1.7 Provincial and Federal Governments to enhance programs and provide funding to increase effectiveness of on-road and non-road engine retrofits, increase the use of cleaner alter-native fuels and promote uptake of new heavy-duty diesel vehicles and fuel saving technologies, as per Actions 1.1.1, 1.1.2 and 1.1.3.

1.1.8 Provincial government to introduce a vehicle retirement program for heavy-duty diesel vehicles, similar to the BC SCRAP-IT® Program, which provides incentives for truck drivers to replace higher-polluting vehicles with newer, cleaner units.

1.1.9 Federal Government to expedite the adoption of more stringent non-road engine and fuel emission standards to further reduce diesel particulate matter and greenhouse gas emissions.

1.1.10 Federal Government to enforce the Inter-national Maritime Organization’s Annex VI pro-tocol which contains air emission regulations, including more stringent Emission Control Area standards for marine vessels in Canadian waters.

1.1.11 Federal Government to adopt and enforce regulations that require the implementa-tion of stringent operational practices for the rail sector, such as railyard idling limits and manda-tory technology requirements.

1.1.12 Municipalities to consider potential air quality impacts of land use planning decisions by utilizing the land use planning and urban design guidelines to be collaboratively developed under Action 1.1.4.


Strategy 1.2 Reduce air contaminant emissions from industrial, commercial, institutional (ICI) and agricultural sources at both the regional and local levelIndustrial, Commercial and Institutional sources emit 20% of the fine particulate matter and 16% of the sulphur oxides in Metro Vancouver. Metro Vancouver has direct authority over industrial, commercial and institutional sources within the region through the administration of bylaws which includes the issuance of permits, compliance promotion and enforcement.

Livestock, manure handling and storage, and fertilizer application contribute 76% of the total ammonia emis-sions in the Lower Fraser Valley airshed. Agriculture is also responsible for 11% of the airshed’s inhalable particulate matter emissions. With limited jurisdiction over agricultural operations, Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley Regional District must work with the Provincial government to reduce emissions from this sector.

It is possible that air quality at the local community or neighbourhood scale can become degraded while regional air quality remains acceptable. Developing and implementing local air quality management pro-grams will help to minimize the risk to public health from air pollution.


1.2.1 Deliver a fair, effective and efficient regu-latory program and follow the guideline of con-tinuous improvement, to minimize emissions, adverse health impacts and environmental degradation.

1.2.2 Continue to develop and implement local air quality action plans to address neigh-bourhood air quality priority areas, in partnership with other governments, industry and other interested parties.


1.2.3 Investigate and implement additional targeted measures to address emissions of con-taminants (e.g., volatile organic compounds, ammonia, nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides) that contribute to ground-level ozone and sec-ondary fine particulate matter concentrations, in partnership with other governments, industry, academia and other interested parties.

1.2.4 Develop and implement an odour man-agement program including an odour manage-ment regulation that addresses key sources of odorous emissions, and effective complaint man-agement and communications processes.

1.2.5 Develop and promote the adoption of best management practices for local businesses, such as the construction/demolition industry and restaurants, including the use of solvents and solvent-containing products.


1.2.6 Federal Government to expedite ICI emission reduction programs which support con-tinuous improvement (e.g., reductions in the volatile organic compound content in consumer and commercial products).

1.2.7 Northwest Clean Air Agency and Wash-ington State Department of Ecology to continue to involve Metro Vancouver in the review of new industrial proposals and permit amendments as per the 1994 Interagency Agreement and require relevant facilities to upgrade to the best available technology whenever feasible.

1.2.8 B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and B.C Ministry of Environment to continue developing beneficial management practices to reduce emis-sions of particulate matter, ammonia, greenhouse gases, and odours from agricultural operations, in collaboration with the B.C. Agriculture Nutri-ent and Air Working Group.

1.2.9 B.C. Ministry of Agriculture to continue encouraging farmers/producers to adopt benefi-cial management practices that will reduce emis-sions of particulate matter, ammonia, greenhouse gases and odours from agricultural operations.


Strategy 1.3 Reduce air contaminant emissions from residential sourcesOccasionally some Metro Vancouver neighbourhoods experience elevated levels of wood smoke from fireplaces or wood stoves. Wood smoke is composed of fine par-ticulate matter and a mix of chemicals which can be hazardous to human health. These substances can increase the risk of heart and lung diseases such as asthma and emphysema, and increase susceptibility to illness.


1.3.1 Work with partners to enhance residen-tial wood smoke emission reduction programs and other education and outreach initiatives.

1.3.2 Work with municipalities, health author-ities, fire departments and other partners to explore regulatory options that will reduce resi-dential wood smoke emissions.

1.3.3 Explore incentives to encourage the removal of residential fuel oil devices where lower emission and more efficient options are available.

1.3.4 Investigate options and introduce mecha-nisms to reduce emissions from open burning.

1.3.5 Promote programs, such as the “Mow Down Pollution” program, that encourage resi-dents to exchange their old gas-fired lawn, garden and other household equipment for lower emis-sion models.


1.3.6 B.C. Ministry of Environment to explore regulatory and non-regulatory options to address residential wood burning and fuel oil devices at point of sale.


Strategy 1.4 Reduce air contaminant emissions from cars, trucks, and busesCars, trucks and buses emit 35% of the nitrogen oxides and 17% of all man-made volatile organic compounds in the Lower Fraser Valley airshed. Reducing emissions from cars, trucks and buses will protect the health of drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists and residents living close to transportation corridors.

The Actions under Strategy 3.3 will complement these health-related actions by reducing greenhouse gas emis-sions from vehicle travel.


1.4.1 Work with the provincial government, AirCare and the Fraser Valley Regional District to design and implement more effective and user-friendly emission inspection and mainte-nance programs for the most polluting light and heavy-duty vehicles.


1.4.2 TransLink to work with Metro Vancou-ver and municipalities to develop:

a. regional air quality targets and support-ing implementation strategies for inclusion in regional long-range trans-portation plans, and

b. air quality guidelines to optimize facility locations and fleet technology.

1.4.3 Municipalities to work with Metro Van-couver to develop idling reduction programs, including consideration of adopting Metro Van-couver’s model anti-idling bylaw.


Strategy 1.5 Increase public understanding of air quality issues and public engagement in clean air programsMetro Vancouver will inform the public about current air quality conditions and trends. A range of audience-appropriate engagement techniques will be explored, including community-based social marketing, to encourage the adoption of behaviours that will con-tribute to improving the quality of the air.


1.5.1 Work with partners to create a proactive adverse air quality episode mitigation program by developing voluntary and mandatory emis-sions reduction actions for municipalities, indus-try, businesses and residents, to be taken during air quality advisory periods.

1.5.2 Improve coordination with health authorities on air quality issues, including ensur-ing that adequate health protection information is available to the public during air quality advisories.

1.5.3 Work with the provincial government and other partners (such as health agencies, municipalities, and non-government organiza-tions) to create locally-relevant air quality and climate change materials for use by teachers and student environmental groups.

1.5.4 Develop and implement a communica-tions strategy to engage audiences which have been less accessible through Metro Vancouver’s existing air quality outreach programs.

1.5.5 Pursue the development of an Air Qual-ity and Climate Change Academy, in partnership with academic institutions and other partners, which will enhance air quality and climate change research, formal education, and public outreach within the region.


goal 2: Improve visual air quality

Clear, haze-free views improve the well-being of resi-dents and benefit the tourism industry. With improved visual air quality, the residents of Metro Vancouver and visitors can better enjoy the region’s magnificent scenery.

Visual air quality refers to our ability or inability to see through the atmosphere as a result of air quality condi-tions, excluding those associated with meteorological conditions like fog or rain. Reducing emissions of particulate matter and other contaminants, such as ammonia, that lead to secondary fine particulate matter formation, will improve visual air quality. Improving the clarity of views in the Lower Fraser Valley airshed will improve the well-being of residents and benefit the tourism industry. The following strategies and actions will achieve this goal.


Strategy 2.1 Reduce emissions of air contaminants and precursors that can degrade visual air qualityEven when pollutant levels meet our health-based standards, visual air quality can still be impaired. To protect visual air quality, it may be necessary under certain conditions to reduce particulate matter to levels that are better than Metro Vancouver’s ambient air quality objectives, which will result in additional health co-benefits.


2.1.1 Investigate and implement measures that will reduce ammonia emissions in the Lower Fraser Valley airshed in partnership with other governments.

2.1.2 Investigate and implement measures that will reduce fine particulate to levels that improve visual air quality.

2.1.3 Implement actions under Strategy 1.1 to reduce emissions of diesel particulate matter and Strategy 1.3 to reduce wood smoke emissions.


2.1.4 B.C. Ministry of Agriculture to continue encouraging farmers/producers to adopt benefi-cial management practices that will reduce fine particulate matter and ammonia emissions from agricultural operations as per Action 1.2.9.

Strategy 2.2 Develop a visual air quality management program for the Lower Fraser Valley airshed in partnership with other government agenciesCollaboration with federal, provincial and adjacent agencies will be necessary to develop, pilot and imple-ment an effective visual air quality program for the Lower Fraser Valley airshed.


2.2.1 Enhance monitoring and reporting of visual air quality conditions.

2.2.2 Implement a visual air quality pilot proj-ect, which includes:

a. developing a visual air quality index and a measurable visual air quality improve-ment target,

b. engaging interested parties and the public in improving visual air quality,

c. identifying potential visual air quality management approaches, and

d. evaluating visual air quality management options.


2.2.3 Environment Canada to continue sup-porting visual air quality monitoring and science in Metro Vancouver and adjacent districts.

2.2.4 Health Canada to continue supporting work that will enhance understanding of the link between improvements in visual air quality and health benefits.

2.2.5 B.C. Ministry of Environment and the Fraser Valley Regional District to continue sup-porting the development and implementation of the visual air quality improvement program in the Lower Fraser Valley airshed.


goal 3: Minimize the region’s contribution to global climate change

Climate change is occurring worldwide. The Metro Vancouver region has a global responsibility to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, thereby minimizing its contribution to global climate change.

Local actions are imperative to achieve regional green-house gas emission reduction targets and mitigate global climate change. In the process we can make the region more efficient and improve the quality of life for resi-dents by reducing our exposure to air contaminants, reducing the negative effects of rising global energy prices, and supporting the development of a regional green economy. The actions under Goal 3 are aligned closely with Metro Vancouver’s Corporate Climate Action Plan which outlines actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from Metro Vancouver’s own corporate operations, including the region’s drinking water, liquid waste, and solid waste systems. The following strategies and actions will achieve this goal.


Strategy 3.1 Reduce emissions of short-lived climate forcersA great deal of policy and research effort has concen-trated on reducing the most prevalent greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide, which can exist in the atmosphere for decades. Recent research has shown that ground-level ozone, black carbon (more commonly called soot), and methane have a larger impact on the global climate than previously understood. In contrast to carbon dioxide, these “short-lived” climate forcers last days to months in the atmosphere. By reducing these potent yet short-lived contaminants we can delay the worst impacts of climate change – effectively buying time in the next few decades while longer term actions to mitigate carbon dioxide emissions take effect. In addi-tion, reductions in emissions of black carbon and ground-level ozone precursors will also lead to air quality and health benefits.


3.1.1 Develop and implement strategies and actions listed under Goal 1 of this Plan to reduce diesel particulate matter and wood smoke which are key contributors of black carbon.

3.1.2 Develop and implement strategies and actions listed under Goal 1 to reduce the precur-sors to ground-level ozone including nitrogen oxides from cars, trucks, and buses and volatile organic compounds from industrial, commercial, institutional and agricultural sources.

3.1.3 Work with partners to develop and implement strategies and actions to reduce meth-ane emissions from landfills through organics diversion and methane capture.


3.1.4 B.C. Ministry of Agriculture to continue developing and implementing projects to reduce methane emissions from agricultural activities (e.g., methane recovery from livestock waste for use as biogas and other products).


Strategy 3.2 Support the region’s municipalities, businesses and residents to reduce their carbon footprintsIndustrial, commercial, and institutional (ICI) sectors are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in the region. In order to reach regional greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets, greenhouse gas emis-sions need to be decreased across the economy. Reduc-ing emissions from the ICI sectors often generate additional cost and efficiency benefits for their operations.

Emissions from agricultural operations include carbon dioxide emissions from farm machinery and methane emissions from livestock operations including manure and cattle digestive processes.

Heating for buildings makes up approximately 30% of regional greenhouse gas emissions. Buildings can reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by installing more efficient and low carbon heating systems. Direct and future emissions associated with construction and land development can be reduced by designing and locating new buildings and developments in a way that minimizes greenhouse gas emissions.


3.2.1 Explore the establishment of a regional climate action fund dedicated to funding a range of measures that will reduce regional greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.

3.2.2 Work with municipalities to establish a regional carbon credit ownership protocol to clarify the process of assigning carbon credit ownership among local governments in the region.

3.2.3 Assess the region’s low carbon energy (e.g., biomass, geothermal, etc.), waste heat recov-ery, and district energy opportunities and risks, and where appropriate work with municipalities to coordinate public and private investment in supporting infrastructure.

3.2.4 Provide greenhouse gas management training for the region’s small and medium-sized enterprises and link training to other related initiatives such as LiveSmartBC and the Trans-Link Travel Smart program.

3.2.5 Develop model greenhouse gas emission reporting protocols for inclusion in sustainable procurement policies, and promote adoption by municipalities and businesses.


3.2.6 Federal Government to support the development of an International Maritime Orga-nization regulation for greenhouse gas emissions from commercial marine vessels.

3.2.7 Federal Government to support the International Civil Aviation Organization’s cer-tification of sustainable low carbon fuels for use in aircrafts.

3.2.8 Fortis BC and BC Hydro to continue to assess energy efficiency improvement oppor-tunities for major energy users and implement effective incentive programs.

3.2.9 Provincial Government to earmark a portion of the carbon tax revenues and other funding sources for local government actions that will reduce community emissions.


3.2.10 Provincial Government to continue to increase the carbon tax provided that:

a. impacts to low income households are mitigated,

b. a portion of the funding is dedicated to a regional climate action fund for greenhouse gas emission reduction projects in the region, and

c. local governments continue to receive CARIP funds.

3.2.11 Provincial Government to investigate regulatory and incentive options for greenhouse gas emission reductions from heaters and boilers.

3.2.12 Provincial Government to continue set-ting more stringent energy and greenhouse gas performance standards for new and existing build-ings, developing standards for on-site renewable energy systems through the B.C. Building Code, and promoting best practices in building energy performance.

3.2.13 B.C. Ministry of Agriculture to continue investigating renewable energy technologies and low carbon farming techniques, in collaboration with Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley Regional District, municipalities and other partners.


3.3.5 Work with municipalities, TransLink, the Provincial Government, and the utility pro-viders to coordinate planning and investment in low carbon vehicle infrastructure (e.g., plug-in electric vehicles, natural gas vehicle facilities).

3.3.6 Work with TransLink, municipalities, and the Provincial Government to improve data collection and sharing which will inform trans-portation-related emission reduction strategies.


3.3.7 Provincial and Federal Governments to enact enabling legislation that generates addi-tional revenues for transit infrastructure.

3.3.8 Federal and Provincial Governments to enhance financial incentives to promote cleaner, fuel-efficient heavy and light duty vehicle pur-chases and the adoption of new low-carbon and efficient vehicle technologies.

3.3.9 Provincial Government to expand sup-port of Sustainable Fleet Management Programs (such as E3 and GreenFleets BC, IdleFree BC) as a central source for reducing emissions from private and public vehicle fleets.

Strategy 3.3 Reduce the carbon footprint of the region’s transportation systemOn-road vehicles are responsible for one-third of the region’s greenhouse gas emissions. Improving the effi-ciency of vehicles and reducing the number and length of vehicle trips can reduce the region’s impact on the global climate. Vehicle efficiency is largely driven by policies of senior levels of government, but the region can enable new low carbon technologies such as electric vehicles by providing supportive infrastructure. Simi-larly, Metro Vancouver’s role for planning regional growth will have a direct impact on the length and number of vehicle trips.


3.3.1 Work with municipalities and TransLink to implement elements of the Regional Growth Strategy that support land use patterns that reduce vehicle trips and increase walking, cycling, and use of public transit and support the efficient movement of goods.

3.3.2 Work with municipalities and TransLink to develop model bylaws that facilitate low carbon transportation choices, such as pedestrian-ori-ented design, road space allocation, cycling infra-structure, car sharing, low carbon vehicle infrastructure, etc.

3.3.3 Provide detailed greenhouse gas emission analysis of the regional transportation system in support of regional and municipal transportation planning, and jointly develop strategic actions to reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions.

3.3.4 Promote TransLink ’s TravelSmart trip reduction program through Metro Vancouver’s public outreach programs.


3.3.10 Provincial Government to extend the Greenhouse Gas (Vehicle Emissions Standard) Act to 2017 through 2025 and incrementally increase the stringency of these standards.

3.3.11 The Provincial Government to investigate combining air contaminants and greenhouse gases into a coordinated vehicle emission standard and increase its stringency.

3.3.12 The Provincial Government to review the B.C. low-carbon fuel standard to ensure pro-visions are meeting desired greenhouse gas reduc-tion goals and are not creating unintended economic and environmental consequences.

3.3.13 The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, in consultation with TransLink and other stakeholders, to investigate an equitable distance-based insurance option that helps encourage drivers to drive fewer kilometres.

3.3.14 The Provincial Government, TransLink, and municipalities to enhance transportation demand management measures, including user road pricing, fuel efficient vehicle incentives and outreach programs.

3.3.15 TransLink and municipalities to work with the private sector to improve the efficiency of goods movement through better logistics coor-dination between ports, carriers, shippers, and their customers.


Strategy 3.4 Explore opportunities for carbon sequestrationOpportunities to increase the carbon sequestration capacity of the region can create carbon credits which can be used towards Metro Vancouver’s goal of corporate carbon neutrality, or sold in a carbon market to generate revenues for the region. Sequestration projects can also have associated benefits by restoring green spaces and creating new areas with enhanced ecological services.


3.4.1 Explore carbon sequestration opportunities on Metro Vancouver’s corporate lands, such as:

a. reforestation,b. ecosystem restoration, andc. biochar.

3.4.2 Develop a regionally specific carbon storage and sequestration guide to aid in site specific land use and landscape decision making in Metro Vancouver.

Strategy 3.5 Increase public understanding of climate change issues and encourage personal actionPublic understanding and support for climate change actions is critical to their effectiveness over the long term. Even though Metro Vancouver and other govern-ments are leading many initiatives, action by individu-als, businesses, and community organizations will be necessary to meet aggressive greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.


3.5.1 Produce a consolidated climate change action guide which outlines public actions which will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

3.5.2 Raise public awareness and uptake of low carbon building and transportation options through Metro Vancouver’s outreach programs.

3.5.3 Pursue the development of an Air Qual-ity and Climate Change Academy, in partnership with academic institutions and other partners, which will enhance air quality and climate change research, formal education, and public outreach within the region.


Goal 3: Minimize the region’s contribution to global climate change

1. Percentage change in regional greenhouse gas emissions compared to 2007 baseline

2. Percentage change in greenhouse gas emissions per source sector

3. Percentage change in greenhouse gas emissions per capita and per vehicle

TargetsMetro Vancouver has adopted the following regional targets as part of its Sustainability Framework and associated action plans.

diESEl PaRTiCulaTE MaTTER:

•Reduce diesel particulates from vehicles, equipment and rail in the region by 50 percent by 2015 (com-pared to 2005).

gREEnhouSE gaSES:

•Reduce regional greenhouse gases 15 percent by 2015 and 33 percent by 2020 from 2007 levels.

PERfoRManCE MEaSuRESThe following performance measures will be used to monitor progress toward the Plan’s goals over the next decade.

Goal 1: Protect public health and the environment

1. Percentage change in annual emissions of air contaminants (region-wide and by sector)

2. Number of exceedances of regional and national objectives and standards

a. Metro Vancouver’s Ambient Air Quality Objectives

b. Canada-wide Standards for PM2.5 and Ozone

3. Percentage change in annually-averaged air contaminant concentrations at long-term

monitoring network stations

4. Percentage of hours with the Air Quality Health Index in the HIGH and LOW health risk

categories

5. Number of days that the region is under an air quality advisory

Goal 2: Improve visual air quality

1. Number of impaired visual air quality events

2. Number of days with visual air quality index in the worst and best categories


Measuring and MonitoringMetro Vancouver collects data related to air quality, greenhouse gases and energy use which can be used to identify priority areas for action in the IAQGGMP, and to allow measurement of the performance of the Plan. Air quality monitoring data, emissions inventories and forecasts, and Metro Vancouver’s public air quality complaint database provide the on-going information necessary to track progress.

The quality of our air is often described in terms of the amount of contaminants released by emission sources, and the concentrations measured at ambient (outdoor) monitoring stations. It is important to make a distinc-tion between the emissions themselves and the resultant ambient air quality. While the emissions released from industrial stacks, motor vehicle tailpipes, residential chimneys and the myriad of sources in the region do contribute to ambient air quality, some air contaminants discharged into the atmosphere undergo transforma-tions or reactions, leading to secondary pollutants. Two examples are the reaction of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds in the presence of sunlight to form ground-level ozone, and the reaction of nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides and ammonia to form secondary fine particulate matter.

To track the region’s emissions, Metro Vancouver com-piles detailed emission inventories of common air contaminants (including smog-forming pollutants) and greenhouse gases every five years. Emission inven-tories describe the types and amounts of air contami-nants released into the air by different sources. This information provides a baseline against which progress can be measured, and a projection of future emissions which helps to identify significant emerging regional sources.

To track ambient air quality levels, Metro Vancouver operates the Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitor-ing Network in partnership with Environment Canada, Fraser Valley Regional District and the B.C. Ministry of Environment. The network includes over 25 air quality monitoring stations located from Horseshoe Bay to Hope. Air quality and weather data is collected on a continuous basis and used to calculate the public air quality health index (AQHI). The network also allows staff to: collect information about air contami-nants that contribute to human health risk; track air quality trends; and evaluate the effectiveness of actions in the IAQGGMP.

Metro Vancouver also conducts specialized air quality monitoring studies to investigate problem areas, mea-sure the impact of specific emission sources and support regulatory decisions. These specialized studies are con-ducted using portable monitoring equipment to supple-ment the permanent monitoring network, and provide information about air quality at the neighbourhood level which may be used to develop local air quality action plans. Metro Vancouver has been upgrading its capabilities for undertaking specialized air quality studies.

Metro Vancouver also collaborates with other agencies and academic institutions to conduct air quality research, which allows us to better understand current and future trends, and develop effective programs to support the goals of the IAQGGMP.


Ambient Air Quality ObjectivesMetro Vancouver establishes Ambient Air Quality Objectives (AAQOs) based on current knowledge about air quality and health science, with consideration of other relevant objectives world-wide and local achiev-ability. Recognizing that health evidence suggests that there is no safe level for some contaminants, the AAQOs are a step towards the lowest observable effects levels. Metro Vancouver’s AAQOs are revised from time to time, consistent with the continuous improvement guideline. Metro Vancouver reviews its AAQOs when new information becomes available and when the federal or provincial government modifies their objectives.

air contaminant averaging timeambient air Quality objectives

μg/m3 parts per billion

Carbon monoxide1-hour 30,000 26,500

8-hour 10,000 8,800

nitrogen dioxide1-hour 200 107

annual 40 22

Sulphur dioxide

1-hour 450 174

24-hour 125 48

annual 30 12

ozone1-hour 160 82

8-hour 126 65

inhalable particulate matter (PM10)24-hour 50 -

annual 20 -

fine particulate matter (PM2.5)24-hour 25 -

annual 8 (6)* -

Table 2 Metro Vancouver’s Ambient Air Quality Objectives

While it is intended that air quality throughout Metro Vancouver region will always be better than Metro Vancouver’s AAQOs, natural events such as forest fires may result in unavoidable exceedances. Metro Vancou-ver’s AAQOs are part of an integrated management program comprising, but not limited to, the following components:

•Long-term surveillance monitoring,

•Reporting on the quality of the air,

•One of several decision factors in permit evaluation and regulation development, and

• Input to determining the need for and developing air quality management programs for area and mobile sources.

* Metro Vancouver adopted ambient air quality objectives for PM2.5 as part of the 2005 Air Quality Management Plan, based on the most stringent standards at the time and in advance of any Provincial objective. In 2009, the Provincial government adopted a 24-hour objective for PM2.5, as well as an annual PM2.5 objective of 8μg/m3 and a planning goal of 6 μg/m3. The 2011 IAQGGMP aligns Metro Vancouver’s objectives with those of the Province.

The potential impacts associated with each of these contaminants are described in more detail in Appendix B.


Emission Standards for Regulated SourcesMetro Vancouver has the delegated authority and responsibility to provide the service of air pollution control in the region. Regulatory services are delivered through development and administration of bylaws, emission regulations and permits for industrial, com-mercial and institutional emission sources, as well as compliance promotion and enforcement. The regulatory program aims to minimize emissions, thereby avoiding adverse health impacts and environmental degradation.

Regional emission regulations and permits typically include emission limits, which are emission standards applied at the “point of emission”. Permits generally are used to regulate larger industrial sources, and emis-sion limits in permits are legal requirements that restrict the quantity and quality of air contaminants emitted to the environment from a specific emission point (e.g., an industrial stack). In order to meet required emission limits and reduce their emissions, permit holders can be required to operate and maintain emission control works (such as technology like a baghouse or electro-static precipitator that reduces emissions of particulate matter). Permit holders may also be required to perform regular testing to demonstrate compliance with emis-sion limits.

Metro Vancouver also administers emission regulations which stipulate emission limits and other requirements for groups of smaller sources, such as service stations and industrial boilers. Emission limits are also imposed by other levels of government, including vehicle tailpipes (e.g., AirCare), and paints and solvents (federal limits).

Recalling the distinction between emissions and ambi-ent air quality, regulatory emission limits are used to manage emissions at the point of discharge from a particular source, while ambient air quality objectives are used to manage the end result of those emissions in the regional airshed.

Often, an emission limit will be prescribed for a given emission source at a facility to ensure that there are no adverse impacts beyond the facility’s boundaries. In particular, stringent emission limits on hazardous sub-stances can be stipulated in a permit or regulation to ensure there are no adverse health or environmental impacts from a facility on the neighbouring community.

Adaptive ManagementImplementation of the strategies and actions in the Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Manage-ment Plan will be reflected in annual work programs and budgets, and the annual Action Plan under the Sustainability Framework. Metro Vancouver will develop and periodically update an implementation framework in collaboration with its partners. A progress report will be prepared every two years and the Plan will be reviewed every five years.

A key feature of the IAQGGMP is adaptive manage-ment – monitoring progress, identifying challenges and finding solutions to overcome those challenges. Through monitoring, assessment and collaboration with partners, Metro Vancouver will continue to adapt its programs in response to technological advances, changing regulatory regimes, air quality episodes, and other issues.


aPPEndix a AIR QUALITy AND GREENHOUSE GASES – PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

Metro Vancouver currently experiences good regional air quality relative to most other urban areas in North America. The quality of our air is often described in terms of the amount of contaminants released by emission sources, and the concentrations measured at ambient (outdoor) monitoring stations.

PAst tRendsPast trends, based on these two measures of performance, are shown in Table A-1. Efforts to reduce emissions of most air contaminants in the Lower Fraser Valley airshed have been relatively successful over the past 20 years. Similarly, improvements in carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, volatile organic compounds and particulate matter levels have also been observed at regional air quality monitoring stations.

Table a-1 Past Trends in Emissions and Air Quality in the Lower Fraser Valley Airshed 1990—2010

* Based on global carbon dioxide concentration measurements at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra-tion’s Mauna Loa observatory.

PollutantRegional Emission

TrendRegional air Quality

Monitoring Trend

inhalable particulate matter (PM10)

fine particulate matter (PM2.5)

Sulphur oxides (Sox)

ammonia (nh3)

No discernible trend

diesel particulate matter

Insufficient monitoring record

ground-level ozone (o3) Not emitted

Short term peaks

Annual averages

oxides of nitrogen (nox)

Volatile organic Compounds

(VoCs)

Carbon monoxide (Co)

greenhouse gases (ghgs)

*


Smog-forming pollutants emissions are the sum of nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, volatile organic com-pounds, fine particulate matter and ammonia emissions.

CuRRent eMIssIonsThe following diagrams summarize the main sources that contributed to smog formation and greenhouse gas emissions in the Metro Vancouver region in the year 2010.

16% 14% 13% 10% 7% 4% 4% 3%22%

Car

s an

d T

ruck

s

Ag

ricul

ture

Plan

es a

nd T

rain

s

Hea

ting

Ind

ustr

ial*

Solv

ents

Mar

ine

Vess

els

Non

-roa

d E

qui

pm

ent

Tree

s an

d V

eget

atio

n

7%

Mis

c**

2010 Smog-Forming Pollutant Emissions inthe Metro Vancouver Region by Source

Plan

es a

nd T

rain

s

Hea

ting

Ind

ustr

ial*

Mar

ine

Vess

els

Car

s an

d T

ruck

s

Land

fills

Mis

c**

2010 Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Metro Vancouver Region by Source

32% 32% 21% 2%3% 2% 2%

Non

-roa

d E

qui

pm

ent

6%

*Permitted industrial sources

**Miscellaneous smog-forming pollutants are from burning, waste, and other sources.

the total smog-forming emissions for 2010 were 100,005 tonnes.

*Permitted industrial sources

**Miscellaneous greenhouse gas emissions are from burning, refueling, agriculture and other sources.

the total greenhouse gas emissions for 2010 were 16.3 megatonnes.

Greenhouse gas emissions are the weighted sum of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, expressed as carbon dioxide-equivalents.


FutuRe tRendsDespite recent air quality improvements, emissions of particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ammonia and green-house gases are predicted to rise as a result of projected increases in population, agricultural activity and trans-portation, as illustrated in Table A-2.

Table a-2 Forecasted Lower Fraser Valley Airshed Emission Trends 2010– 2020

* This trend includes the implementation of an International Maritime Organization Emission Control Area on the coasts of Canada and United States.

** Percentage of Canadian Lower Fraser Valley total. Diesel particulate matter emission trends are not available for Whatcom County.

Pollutantforecasted

Trend

forecasted Change

from 2010–2020

Major Sources in the lower fraser Valley airshed

inhalable

particulate

matter (PM10)

+7%

Miscellaneous area sources, building

heating, agriculture, burning,

non-road engines, wood products

industries, marine vessels

fine particulate

matter (PM2.5)

+4%Space heating, burning, miscellaneous

area sources, non-road engines

Sulphur oxides

(Sox)

(

)*

+17%

(-51%)*

Marine vessels, petroleum products

industries, primary metal industries

ammonia (nh3)

+9%Agriculture, miscellaneous area

sources, light-duty vehicles

diesel particulate

matter

-15%**Non-road engines, marine vessels,

heavy-duty vehicles

oxides of

nitrogen (nox)

-15%

Light-duty vehicles, non-road engines,

marine vessels, heavy-duty vehicles,

space heating, railways, non-metallic

mineral processing

Volatile organic

Compounds

(VoCs)

Levelling

off-3%

Vegetation, solvent evaporation, light-

duty vehicles, non-road engines

Carbon

monoxide (Co)

+4% Light-duty vehicles, non-road engines

greenhouse

gases (ghgs)

+5%Light-duty vehicles, building heating,

petroleum products, non-metallic

mineral processing


Current health research indicates that even low levels of fine particulate matter exposure are harmful to human health. Particulate matter also impairs visual air quality. Reducing regional emissions of particulate matter and its precursors (nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides and ammonia) will continue to protect the health of residents and improve visual air quality in the region.

Programs aimed at reducing diesel particulate matter are just beginning to take effect. Given the significant risk to human health and its role as a short-term climate forcer, Metro Vancouver will continue to implement and enhance programs to reduce emissions of diesel particulate matter.

Metro Vancouver will continue to partner with other governments and organizations to reduce emissions of sulphur oxides and ammonia. The largest source of sulphur dioxide emissions in Metro Vancouver is marine vessels, but the pending implementation of the Inter-national Maritime Organization’s Emission Control Area on the North American coasts will reduce sulphur oxides emissions significantly. Ammonia emissions are predicted to rise as a result of increased agricultural activity.

The severity of ground-level ozone episodes has dimin-ished since the 1980s and early 1990s. However, this trend has been mainly unchanged during the last ten to fifteen years, despite large reductions in emissions of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, which lead to ground-level ozone formation. Ongoing investigation of the most effective strategies for reducing ozone levels will provide Metro Vancouver with options and opportunities for improvement.

Despite recent efforts from governments, organizations, businesses and individuals in B.C. to combat climate change, emissions of greenhouse gases in Metro Van-couver continue to increase. Continued commitment and an expansion of efforts to engage the public will be key to achieving future reductions.


aPPEndix B POTENTIAL IMPACTS ASSOCIATED wITH AIR CONTAMINANTS Health, visual air quality and climate change issues arise when contaminants are emitted into the air at concentrations that may be harmful to human health and the natural and built environments. These contaminants can also undergo chemical reactions in the air to produce other contaminants, called secondary contaminants, which can additionally affect our health and environment. Table B-1 provides a summary of the possible effects associated with air contami-nants and greenhouse gases.

Table B-1 Potential Impacts Associated with Air Contaminants in the Lower Fraser Valley Airshed

Pollutant Description Health impacts Ecosystem impacts Climate impactsOther socio-

economic impacts

Inhalable particulate matter (PM10)

PM10 refers to microscopic solid and liquid particles, 10 micrometres or smaller, that are suspended in the atmosphere.

Aggravates respiratory and cardiovascular disease, reduces lung function, increases respiratory symptoms and can lead to premature death.

Contributes to acidification and nutrient enrichment of soil and surface water.

Affects radiative balance and climate.

Contributes to poor visual air quality, which affects the well-being of residents.

Poor visual air quality impacts tourism.

Damages or discolours structures and property.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5)

PM2.5 refers to microscopic solid and liquid particles, 2.5 micrometres or smaller, that are suspended in the atmosphere; can be emitted directly from sources or formed secondarily in the atmosphere.

Aggravates respiratory and cardiovascular disease, reduces lung function, increases respiratory symptoms and can lead to premature death.


Affects radiative balance and climate.

Contributes to poor visual air quality, which affects the well-being of residents.

Poor visual air quality impacts tourism.


Sulphur dioxide (SO2) *

Colourless gas with pungent odour that smells like a struck match.

Aggravates asthma and increases respiratory symptoms.

Contributes to acidification of soil and surface water and mercury methylation in wetland areas.


Ammonia (NH3)*

Ammonia is a colourless gas with a pungent smell.

Irritates eyes, nose and throat, and may induce coughing.

Contributes to nutrient enrichment of soil and surface water.

Odours affect the well-being of residents.



economic impacts

Black carbon (BC)*

Black carbon (or soot) comes from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biofuel, and biomass.

Black carbon absorbs radiation from the sun, increasing the rate of global climate change.

Health impacts of black carbon are closely linked with diesel particulate matter, which is responsible for 67% of the lifetime cancer risk due to air pollution in Metro Vancouver.

Higher water temperatures in oceans and rivers make them less hospitable to salmon and other fish.

Drier and hotter climates make it more difficult for species accustomed to coastal rainforests.

Black carbon has been identified as a short-lived climate forcer and cited as the second biggest contributor to global climate change after carbon dioxide, although its effects are not as long-lived.

Climate refugees may begin arriving in the region because of climate induced flooding, desertification, loss of drinking water, and other impacts.

Damage from increased frequency and intensity of storms.

Carbon monoxide (CO)

An odourless gas which, when inhaled, reduces our body’s ability to use oxygen.

Decreases athletic performance, aggravates cardiac symptoms, increases hospital admissions for cardiac diseases, and can lead to premature death.

Ground-level ozone (O3)

Very reactive oxygen species. Formed in the atmosphere from reactions involving NOx and VOCs in the presence of sunlight.

Aggravates respiratory and cardiovascular disease, decreases lung function and increases respiratory symptoms, increases susceptibility to respiratory infection and can lead to premature death.

Damages vegetation and impacts tree growth.

Ground-level ozone is identified as a short-lived climate forcer.

Reduces crop yields.

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) ♠*

Group of highly reactive gases that include nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2); NO2 is an odorous, brown and highly corrosive gas.

Aggravates respiratory disease and increases susceptibility to respiratory infections.


Volatile organic compounds (VOC) ♠*

A group of carbon-containing compounds that tend to evaporate quickly at ordinary temperatures.

Some VOCs are carcinogenic, such as formaldehyde and benzene.

Some VOCs are odourous, which affects the well-being of residents.



economic impacts

Methane (CH4)

A combustible gas, sometimes called natural or biogas.

Sources are decomposition of waste in landfills, manure from livestock, and digestive processes in cattle.

No direct health impacts, but climate change is expected to cause more high heat days during the summer months which can stress those with pre-existing heart and lung conditions.



Methane is a relatively potent greenhouse gas.

Compared with carbon dioxide, it has a higher global warming potential, but has been identified as a short-lived climate forcer, persisting in the atmosphere for around 10 years.



Carbon dioxide (CO2)

A colorless, odourless, and tasteless gas that is the by-product of combustion of fossil fuels. Also released through processes of deforestation and other land-use change.

No direct health impacts, but climate change is expected to cause more high heat days during the summer months which can stress those with pre-existing heart and lung conditions.



CO2 is the most abundant greenhouse gas and causes global climate change.

CO2 is long-lived in the atmosphere often remaining for more than 100 years.



* Contributes to PM2.5 formation with associated impacts

♠ Contributes to ground-level ozone formation with associated impacts

Based on:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2008) National Air Quality Status and Trends Through 2007. Report EPA-454/R-08-006, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Air Quality Assessment Division, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, November 2008.


aPPEndix C ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF OTHER GOVERNMENTS

Recognizing that Metro Vancouver does not have regu-latory authority over all air emission sources in the region, partnerships with other levels of government will be necessary in the following areas.

fEdERal goVERnMEnT:

•Environment Canada regulates emissions from on-road vehicles through standards for new vehicle performance and fuel composition, in-use fuel stan-dards, the quality of fuel produced, imported and sold in Canada, and emissions from marine vessels, non-road vehicles and engines, and some industrial sources across Canada. The Government of Canada and the Government of the United States of America are signatories to the US-Canada Air Quality Agree-ment, a commitment to controlling transboundary air pollution between the two countries.

•Environment Canada and Health Canada share responsibility under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) to assess and manage threats posed by toxic substances.

•Transport Canada has the mandate to enforce the International Maritime Organization’s regulations for marine vessels under the authority of the Canada Shipping Act. Transport Canada is also the authority responsible for Canadian railways.

•Port Metro Vancouver manages all port operations and mitigation of environmental impacts related to development and expansion proposals. Port Metro Vancouver is a non-shareholder, financially self-sufficient corporation which was established by the Government of Canada in January 2008 pursuant to the Canada Marine Act. Port Metro Vancouver is accountable to the federal Minister of Transport.

PRoVinCial goVERnMEnT:

•The government of British Columbia delegates air quality management authority to Metro Van-couver through the Provincial Environmental Man-agement Act, and the B.C. Ministry of Environment has regulatory authority for air quality management in the remainder of the Province.

• In 2007, the Government of British Columbia enacted the Greenhouse Gas Reductions Target Act which commits the Province to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 33 percent below 2007 levels by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050. Other provincial legislation, such as the Carbon Tax Act and other Greenhouse Gas Reduction Acts (Cap and Trade, Vehicle Emissions Standards, Renewable and Low Carbon Fuel Requirements); will assist the Province and local governments to meet their greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.

REgional and loCal goVERnMEnTS:

•The South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority (or TransLink) administers the regional AirCare vehicle inspection and maintenance pro-gram; plans, manages and finances public transit; and shares responsibility for the major road network and regional cycling with the municipalities in Metro Vancouver.

•Municipalities are required under the Local Govern-ment (Green Communities) Statutes Amendment Act (Bill 27) to include targets, policies and actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in their Official Community Plans. Several municipalities within Metro Vancouver have also adopted and enforce municipal bylaws, such as fire and anti-idling bylaws, which improve air quality.


fiRST naTionS:

•First Nations have constitutional rights which must be taken into account in the planning process. In April 2009 Tsawwassen became a treaty First Nation member of the Metro Vancouver Board when a treaty signed and ratified by the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia and Tsawwassen First Nation came into effect.

adjaCEnT REgional diSTRiCTS and aiRShEd PaRTnERS:

•Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) has been given authority for air quality planning and moni-toring through a provincial Order-in-Council. The FVRD is currently working to acquire regulatory powers similar to those of Metro Vancouver.

•Squamish-Lillooet Regional District has an inter-est in air quality management as stated in its Regional Growth Strategy, but air quality management authority within this district lies with the B.C. Ministry of Environment.

•Northwest Clean Air Agency is the local air quality authority with responsibility for Whatcom County, and has similar powers to Metro Vancouver.


ENV - 6 -

Summary of Communications and Outreach Process for Metro Vancouver’s Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan Since the April 12th, 2011 workshop with the Environment and Energy Committee, Metro Vancouver has discussed the draft Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan (IAQGGMP) with close to 350 interested parties. Specifically, Metro Vancouver staff:

• presented to regional committees (including TAC, REAC, MRTAC, Agricultural Advisory),

• presented to several air quality-focussed working groups: o Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Coordinating Committee, o Air & Waste Management Association-British Columbia & Yukon Chapter, o British Columbia Marine Air Quality Working Group, and o Regional Clean Air Communications Team.

• hosted 7 half-day workshops with government partners and other stakeholders, • held one public open house, • hosted two webinars, • posted the draft plan on its website with an on-line feedback form, and • consulted with municipal partners on the development of an implementation

matrix. Metro Vancouver staff has also worked with the Regional Engineers Advisory Committee’s Climate Protection Subcommittee (REAC-CPS) for over 2 years to identify and refine regional GHG emission reduction actions under the umbrella of the Regional Energy and Climate Action Strategy. Many of those actions have now been incorporated into the IAQGGMP. In addition, as directed by the Environment and Energy Committee on July 12th, Metro Vancouver worked with municipal staff (including members of REAC, REAC-CPS, TAC and MRTAC) to develop an implementation matrix that clarifies resource implications for municipalities. Key comments received and the staff responses/revisions to the draft plan are summarized below. Copies of the submissions received on the draft plan can be made available to the Committee members in hardcopy or electronic format.

5.1 ATTACHMENT 2

ENV - 31 -

Comment Response / Revisions

Gen

eral

The plan should outline costs, benefits and timelines for implementation.

The IAQGGMP is a strategic plan which identifies high level actions for further exploration and refinement. As has been Metro Vancouver’s practice in the past, development of specific regulatory actions would include consultation complete with an evaluation of the costs and benefits for those specific actions. It is intended that most of the actions in this plan will be further refined and implemented over the next five years. As outlined in the plan, Metro Vancouver intends to take an adaptive management approach, responding to technological advances, changing regulatory regimes, air quality episodes and other issues.

Include a matrix that clarifies the roles of other agencies for each action and whether the action will provide any co-benefits.

In consultation with municipal staff, Metro Vancouver compiled an implementation matrix clarifying roles and potential resource implications. Members of TAC, REAC, REAC-CPS and MRTAC and other municipal staff provided feedback. Metro Vancouver staff will update the implementation matrix periodically and it is our intention to use it as a basis to work in close collaboration with municipalities on implementation of the actions over the next five years.

Please clarify that the IAQGGMP is not a regulatory document, and therefore, municipalities retain flexibility to implement those actions that align with existing work priorities and resource capacities. Otherwise we must get approval from Council.

Metro Vancouver has the delegated authority for air quality management in the region and a Provincial mandate to develop regional greenhouse gas emission reduction actions. This authority is exercised through the development of air quality management plans that set the policy direction for our work, as well as the enactment and enforcement of air quality bylaws. Both air quality management plans and bylaws must be approved by the Board. And in the case of an air quality management plan, with the delegation of authority from the Province, there is no requirement for approval of the plan from the Minister of Environment, or from the municipalities. However, given the collaborative nature of air quality and climate change work, there are actions requested of other levels of government in the IAQGGMP. The actions for other governments are not mandatory, but it is clearly in Metro Vancouver’s best interests to consult at the earliest opportunity with other governments and seek their support for joint actions. As with all actions in the Plan, Metro Vancouver is committed to working with its partners on further development and

ENV - 32 -


implementation. Some actions result in regulatory approaches or bylaws, which Metro Vancouver will administer, to the benefit of the municipalities. Metro Vancouver staff will update the implementation matrix periodically and it is our intention to use it as a basis to work in close collaboration with municipalities. We have established a very good mechanism to collaborate on climate change actions, through the REAC Climate Protection Sub-Committee and will seek to build on that, along with other mechanisms like REAC, TAC, working groups for specific actions, etc.

Add a section in the plan that speaks to the process for priority setting and coordination going forward, as well as the expected plan review timeframe. Add clarity about the schedule for reporting on progress.

Added the following statement under Adaptive Management: “Metro Vancouver will develop and periodically update an implementation framework in collaboration with its partners. A progress report will be prepared every two years and the Plan will be reviewed every five years.”

Stra

tegy

1.1

Actions under Strategy 1.1 (reduce public exposure to diesel particulate matter) are only emission reduction focussed, not exposure reduction focussed.

In urban areas, diesel emission reductions will ultimately reduce exposure. However, the strategy has been changed to “reduce emissions of and public exposure to diesel particulate matter” to address this comment. Moved old Action 1.4.2 (planning and urban design guidelines – now 1.1.4) under this strategy to reflect its exposure reduction focus, and revised wording to reflect focus on diesel and other traffic-related pollutants.

Add an action for municipalities to utilize the urban design guidelines developed in Action 1.1.4.

Added new Action 1.1.12 for “Municipalities to consider potential air quality impacts of land use planning decisions by utilizing the land use planning and urban design guidelines to be collaboratively developed under Action 1.1.4”.

Some support for financing of retrofits for on-road heavy-duty diesel vehicles. Suggestion that funding should go toward promotion of uptake of new heavy diesel vehicles and fuel saving technologies. Suggestion to add an action to request funding from provincial and federal government to increase uptake of diesel retrofits and cleaner fuels.

Added new Action 1.1.7 for the “Provincial and Federal Governments to enhance programs and provide funding to increase effectiveness of on-road and non-road engine retrofits, increase the use of cleaner alternative fuels and promote uptake of new heavy-duty diesel vehicles and fuel saving technologies, as per Actions 1.1.1, 1.1.2 and 1.1.3”.

Introduce a scrappage program for heavy-duty diesel trucks.

Added new Action 1.1.8 for the “Provincial government to introduce a vehicle retirement

ENV - 33 -


program for heavy-duty diesel vehicles, similar to the BC SCRAP-IT® Program, which provides incentives for truck drivers to replace higher-polluting vehicles with newer, cleaner units”.

Stra

tegy

1.3

Broaden Strategy 1.3 (Reduce air contaminant emissions from residential heating sources) to include open burning, backyard burning and other residential sources.

Changed strategy 1. 3 to “Reduce air contaminant emissions from residential heating sources”.

Divide Action 1.3.1 (residential heating wood smoke reduction) into two actions: one mandatory and one voluntary-focussed. Further consultation is needed to determine a regulatory path forward.

Action 1.3.1 now states that Metro Vancouver will: “Work with partners to enhance residential wood smoke emission reduction programs and other education and outreach initiatives”. New Action 1.3.2 states that Metro Vancouver will: “Work with municipalities, health authorities, fire departments and other partners to explore regulatory options that will reduce residential wood smoke emissions”.

Suggest deleting Action 1.3.3 “Municipalities to adopt and implement bylaws to reduce residential wood smoke”. Further consultation is needed to determine a regulatory path forward.

Agreed. Deleted and replaced with new Action 1.3.2 above.

Add action regarding open burning. Added new Action 1.3.4 to “Investigate options and introduce mechanisms to reduce emissions from open burning”.

Add action to reduce emissions from lawn and garden equipment.

Added new Action 1.3.5 to “Promote programs, such as the “Mow Down Pollution” program, that encourage residents to exchange their old gas-fired lawn, garden and other household equipment for lower emission models”.

Add action for Provincial government regarding the Solid Fuel Burning Domestic Appliance Regulation.

Added new Action 1.3.6 for “B.C. Ministry of Environment to explore regulatory and non-regulatory options to address residential wood burning and fuel oil devices at point of sale”.

Stra

tegy

1.4

Suggestion to split Action 1.4.1 into heavy- and light-duty inspection programs to reflect the Committee’s desire to reduce diesel emissions from heavy-duty vehicles, although not all responses supported the need for an inspection program for heavy-duty vehicles.

Retained Action 1.4.1, but added new Action 1.1.3 under Strategy 1.1 for “Metro Vancouver to work with AirCare Steering Committee to develop enhanced programs for inspection and maintenance of heavy-duty vehicles in the Lower Fraser Valley”, which will focus on diesel particulate emission reductions.

ENV - 34 -

Action 1.4.4 should be revised to reflect that some municipalities have adopted anti-idling bylaws, while some are focussing on education. Action 1.4.2 (Metro Vancouver to help municipalities with idling reduction) is redundant with Action 1.4.4. Combine.

Revised former Action 1.4.4 (now 1.4.3) to “Municipalities to work with Metro Vancouver to develop idling reduction programs including consideration of adopting Metro Vancouver’s model anti-idling bylaw”.

Stra

tegy

1.5

Action 1.5.1 (air quality episode management) should mention how industry, businesses, residents and municipalities will be consulted.

Revised Action 1.5.1 to “Work with partners to create a proactive adverse air quality episode mitigation program by developing voluntary and mandatory emissions reduction actions for municipalities, industry, businesses and residents, to be taken during air quality advisory periods”.

Clarify “other partners” in Action 1.5.3. Revised Action 1.5.3 to “Work with the provincial government and other partners (such as health agencies, municipalities, and non-government organizations) to create locally-relevant air quality and climate change materials for use by teachers and student environmental groups”.

Stra

tegy

2.1

Add new actions to reflect recent Environment Canada findings that black carbon (e.g., diesel soot) and ammonia-based particulates are the main contributors to visual air quality degradation.

Added new Action to 2.1.3 “Implement actions under Strategy 1.1 to reduce emissions of diesel particulate matter and Strategy 1.3 to reduce wood smoke emissions”. Added new Action 2.1.4 “Provincial Government to continue encouraging farmers/producers to adopt beneficial management practices that will reduce fine particulate matter and ammonia emissions from agricultural operations as per Action 1.2.9”.

Stra

tegy

2.2

Add actions that reflect the contributions of other levels of government to the collaborative visual air quality improvement initiative.

Added new Action 2.2.3 “Environment Canada to continue supporting visual air quality monitoring and science in Metro Vancouver and adjacent districts”. Added new Action 2.2.4 “Health Canada to continue supporting work that will enhance understanding of the link between improvements in visual air quality and health benefits”. Added new Action 2.2.5 “BC Ministry of Environment and the Fraser Valley Regional District to continue supporting the development and implementation of the visual air quality improvement program in the Lower Fraser Valley airshed”.

ENV - 35 -

Stra

tegy

3.1

The Plan should include actions to reduce GHG emissions through opportunities with the region’s water, wastewater and solid waste.

Clarified that the Corporate Climate Action Plan is closely aligned with this Plan and addresses opportunities in these areas.

Action 3.1.3 to reduce methane from agriculture should be supported by MV (rather than MV-led). Actions would be more appropriately led by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Agreed. Moved agriculture components (b and c) from “Metro Vancouver will....” to new Action 3.1.4 “BC Ministry of Agriculture to continue developing and implementing projects to reduce methane emissions from agricultural activities (e.g., methane recovery from livestock waste for use as biogas and other products)”.

Change “waste” to “organics” in Action 3.1.3.

Agreed. New wording: “Work with partners to develop and implement strategies and actions to reduce methane emissions from landfills through organics diversion and methane capture”.

Stra

tegy

3.2

Rename this strategy to reflect the fact that several sources of the region’s economy are included under other strategies (e.g., transportation, agriculture).

Revised Strategy to “Support the region’s municipalities, businesses and residents to reduce their carbon footprints”.

Action 3.2.1 needs clarification regarding the source of funding for the Metro Vancouver Climate Action Fund.

Revised Action 3.2.1 to “Explore the establishment of a regional climate action fund dedicated to funding a range of measures that will reduce regional greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption”. Funding sources will be explored with member municipalities and other partners through the development of a fund terms of reference. Added new Action 3.2.9 for “Provincial Government to earmark a portion of the carbon tax revenues and other funding sources for local government actions that will reduce community emissions”. Moved the other carbon tax action (formerly 3.2.11) into this strategy, since it relates closely to the above action for the Provincial Government.

Action 3.2.2 (the regional carbon offset framework) should refer instead to a carbon ownership protocol for assigning ownership of carbon credits.

Revised Action 3.2.2 to “Work with municipalities to establish a regional carbon credit ownership protocol to clarify the process of assigning carbon credit ownership among local governments in the region”.

Action 3.2.3 (renewable energy and waste heat recovery) should include reference to district energy opportunities and identify need to work with municipalities.

Action has been revised to explicitly reference district energy systems and reflect opportunities to support the work of municipalities.

ENV - 36 -

Action 3.2.5 Clarification that this action refers to the development of a model greenhouse gas reporting protocol and not a comprehensive sustainable purchasing policy

Revised Action 3.2.5 “Develop model greenhouse gas reporting protocols for inclusion in sustainable procurement policies and promote adoption by municipalities and businesses.”

Some support for Action 3.2.6 to develop low carbon farming techniques, but it may duplicate provincial work. Development of techniques through the Colony Farm Agricultural Academy is not supported. Unlink the low carbon farming techniques from Academy. Add municipalities to the list of partners for this new action.

Added new Action 3.2.13 for “BC Ministry of Agriculture to continue investigating renewable energy technologies and low carbon farming techniques, in collaboration with Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley Regional District, municipalities and other partners”.

Add clarification to Action 3.2.11 (BC carbon tax revisions) that local governments will continue to receive CARIP funds and additional carbon tax revenues not necessarily tied to a regional climate action fund

Revised Action 3.2.11 (now 3.2.10) to “Provincial Government to continue to increase the carbon tax provided that: a) impacts to low income households are mitigated, b) a portion of the funding is dedicated to a regional climate action fund and/or greenhouse gas emission reduction projects in the region, and c) local governments continue to receive CARIP funds.”

Add clarification to Action 3.2.12 that this action refers to both new and existing buildings and that standards will increase in stringency over time.

Revised Action 3.2.12: “Provincial Government to continue setting high more stringent energy and greenhouse gas performance standards for new and existing buildings, develop standards for on-site renewable energy systems through the B.C. Building Code, and promote best practices in building energy performance.”

Stra

tegy

3.3

Revise Strategy 3.3 to reflect other forms of travel (not just vehicles).

Agreed. Revised Strategy 3.3 to “Reduce the carbon footprint of the region’s transportation system”.

Action 3.3.2 regarding car sharing model bylaws is far too narrow in scope.

Expanded action to: “Work with municipalities and TransLink to develop model bylaws that facilitate low carbon transportation choices, such as pedestrian-oriented design, road space allocation, cycling infrastructure, car sharing, low carbon vehicle infrastructure, etc.”

Add an action to support the region’s desire to move toward low-carbon transportation.

Added new Action 3.3.5 to:”Work with municipalities, TransLink, the Provincial Government, and the utility providers to coordinate planning and investment in low carbon vehicle infrastructure (e.g., plug-in electric vehicles, natural gas vehicles)”.

Add an action to increase access to vkt data and other sources of information.

Added new Action 3.3.6 to: “Work with TransLink, municipalities, and the Provincial Government to improve data collection and sharing to inform transportation-related emissions reductions strategies”.

ENV - 37 -

Add action to enact enabling legislation to generate funds for transit infrastructure.

Added new Action 3.3.7 for: “Provincial and Federal Government to enact enabling legislation that generates additional revenues for transit infrastructure”.

Distance-based insurance must acknowledge the potential affordability issues for people with long commuting distances and limited transit options.

Revised Action 3.3.13 to: “The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, in consultation with TransLink and stakeholders, to investigate an equitable distance-based insurance option that helps encourage drivers to drive fewer kilometres”.

Raising the low carbon fuel standard is not feasible.

Revised Action 3.3.14 to: “The Provincial Government to review the B.C. low-carbon fuel standard to ensure provisions are meeting desired greenhouse gas reduction goals and are not creating unintended economic and environmental consequences”.

Add action to reduce emissions by increasing the efficiency of goods movement.

Added new Action 3.3.15 for:”TransLink and the municipalities to work with the private sector to improve the efficiency of goods movement through better logistics coordination between ports, carriers, shippers, and their customers”.

Workshops and Meetings Feedback was gathered face-to-face during seven workshops and meetings.

Workshop / Meeting

Date Organizations in attendance

Environment and Energy Committee

April 12th, 2011 Chair, Director Joe Trasolini, City of Port Moody Vice Chair, Director Linda Hepner, City of Surrey Councillor Brent Asmundson, City of Coquitlam Director Kim Baird, Tsawwassen Councillor Linda Barnes, City of Richmond Director Heather Deal, City of Vancouver Director Sav Dhaliwal, City of Burnaby Director Ralph Drew, Village of Belcarra Director Gayle Martin, Langley City Councillor Lorrie Williams, City of New Westminster

Provincial Government (Victoria)

April 27th, 2011 BC Ministry of Environment – Environmental Management Branch BC Ministry of Environment – Climate Action Secretariat BC Ministry of Energy and Mines BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

REAC – Climate Protection Subcommittee

April 28th, 2011 City of Coquitlam City of North Vancouver City of Port Moody City of Richmond City of Surrey City of Vancouver Corporation of Delta District of North Vancouver

ENV - 38 -

Inter-governmental

May 9th, 2011 Environment Canada BC Ministry of Agriculture TransLink AirCare/EnviroTest Canada Coast Mountain Bus Company Vancouver Airport Authority Port Metro Vancouver Vancouver Coastal Health Fraser Health Authority BC Centre for Disease Control Fraser Valley Regional District Squamish-Lillooet Regional District

Municipalities May 13th, 2011 City of Burnaby City of Coquitlam City of New Westminster City of North Vancouver City of Port Moody City of Surrey City of Vancouver Corporation of Delta

Interested Parties

May 16th, 2011 BC Trucking Association Business Council of BC Greater Vancouver Home Builders' Association

REAC – Climate Protection Subcommittee (Implementation matrix discussion)

July 21st, 2011 City of Burnaby City of Coquitlam City of New Westminster City of North Vancouver City of Port Coquitlam City of Port Moody City of Richmond City of Surrey City of Vancouver Corporation of Delta Township of Langley BC Hydro TransLink

ENV - 39 -

Letters Metro Vancouver received letters from:

• Business Council of British Columbia • British Columbia Trucking Association • Burke Mountain Naturalists • City of Burnaby • British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture • Corporation of Delta • City of Coquitlam • City of Richmond • Fraser Valley Regional District.

E-mails The following organizations sent comments via e-mail:

• Environment Canada (AQ) • Environment Canada (GHGs) • City of Vancouver • City of Port Moody • Port Metro Vancouver • Genesis Engineering • Shell Canada • TransLink.

Online Comments Comments were received via our online feedback forms from:

• Community Energy Association • Pembina Institute for Appropriate Development • Sea-to-Sky Clean Air Society • Vancouver Area Cycling Association • West Coast Environmental Law • British Columbia Lung Association • Burns Bog Conservation Society/ Rivershed Society of British Columbia/ Soil

& Water Conservation Society - British Columbia Chapter • City of North Vancouver • City of New Westminster • City of Port Coquitlam • Chevron Canada Ltd • Vanport Sterilizers • British Columbia Agriculture Council • University of Alberta Campus Sustainability Office • Advanced Product Labs • Sunshine Coast Conservation Association • Hemmera • Public (5).

Metro Vancouver used two databases to inform interested parties about the outreach process. The first database consisted of the over 7,000 members of Metro Vancouver’s Sustainability Breakfast and Dialogue list serve. These individuals were invited to the public open house and webinars. The second database was developed by Air Quality Policy and Management Division staff, based on their experience with previous consultation processes. This database included over 600 individuals, businesses and organizations that fall within the categories described below.

ENV - 40 -

Government Agencies

Federal • Environment Canada • Health Canada • Transport Canada.

Provincial • British Columbia Ministry of Environment • British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture • British Columbia Ministry of Economic Development • British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources • British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure • British Columbia Centre for Disease Control.

Regional • Fraser Valley Regional District • Squamish-Lillooet Regional District • Sunshine Coast Regional District • TransLink • Vancouver Coastal Health Authority • Fraser Health Authority.

Metro Vancouver members • Bowen Island Municipality • City of Burnaby • City of Coquitlam • City of Langley • City of New Westminster • City of North Vancouver • City of Pitt Meadows • City of Port Coquitlam • City of Port Moody • City of Richmond • City of Surrey • City of Vancouver • City of White Rock • Corporation of Delta • District of Maple Ridge • District of North Vancouver • District of West Vancouver • Electoral Area A • Township of Langley • Tsawwassen • Village of Anmore • Village of Belcarra • Village of Lions Bay • Regional Engineers Advisory Committee • Regional Engineers Advisory Committee – Climate Protection Subcommittee • Technical Advisory Committee • Major Roads and Transportation Advisory Committee.

ENV - 41 -

United States • Northwest Clean Air Agency • Puget Sound Clean Air Agency • Washington State Department of Ecology • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

First Nations

• British Columbia Assembly of First Nations • Katzie First Nation • Kwikwetlem First Nation • Matsqui First Nation • Musqueam Indian Band • New Westminster FN / Qayqayt First Nation • Nlaka`pamux Nation Tribal Council • Semiahmoo First Nation • Squamish First Nation • Sto:lo First Nation • Tsawwassen First Nation • Tsleil-Waututh First Nation.

Crown Corporations

• Port Metro Vancouver • BC Housing • BC Hydro • Insurance Corporation of British Columbia • BC Transmission Corporation.

Not-for-profit Organizations

• Vancouver Airport Authority • Better Environmentally Sound Transportation • British Columbia Lung Association • British Columbia Sustainable Energy Association • Burke Mountain Naturalists • Burns Bog Conservation Society • Community Energy Association • David Suzuki Foundation • Eco Justice • Fraser Basin Council • Hub for Action on School Transportation Emissions (HASTE) • Jack Bell RideShare • Modo The Car Co-op • Pembina Institute for Appropriate Development • Rivershed Society of British Columbia • Sea to Sky Clean Air Society • Sierra Club of Canada - British Columbia Chapter/Kwantlen University • Society Promoting Environmental Conservation • Soil & Water Conservation Society - British Columbia Chapter • Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition • West Coast Environmental Law.

ENV - 42 -

Industry and Other Associations • Aggregate Producers Association of British Columbia • Association of Wall & Ceiling Contractors of British Columbia • British Columbia Automobile Association • British Columbia Chamber of Commerce • British Columbia Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America • British Columbia Construction Association • British Columbia Landscape & Nursery Association • British Columbia Ready-Mixed Concrete Association • British Columbia Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association • British Columbia Society Of Landscape Architects • British Columbia Trucking Association • Bowen Island Chamber of Commerce • British Columbia Construction Roundtable • British Columbia Environment Industry Association • Building Owners and Managers Association • Burnaby Board of Trade • Business Council of British Columbia • Canadian Construction Association - Green Building Resource Centre • Canadian Eco-Industrial Network • Canadian Federation of Independent Business in British Columbia & Yukon • Canadian Home Builders Association of British Columbia • Canadian Petroleum Products Institute • Cement Association of Canada • Coast Forest Products Association • Construction Safety Association of British Columbia • Construction Safety Network • Council of Construction Associations • Council of Forest Industries • Council of Tourism Associations of British Columbia • Delta Chamber of Commerce • Economic Development Association of British Columbia • Environmental Managers Association of British Columbia • Forest Products Association of Canada • Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce • Greater Vancouver Home Builders' Association • Homeowner Protection Office • Independent Contractors and Businesses Association • Landscape Committee for British Columbia Landscape Association • New Westminster Chamber of Commerce • Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Chamber of Commerce • Richmond Chamber of Commerce • Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia • Small Business British Columbia • Surrey Board of Trade • The Vancouver Board of Trade • Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce • Urban Development Institute • Vancouver Board of Trade • Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association • Vancouver Regional Construction Association

ENV - 43 -

• West Vancouver Chamber of Commerce • White Rock & South Surrey Chamber of Commerce.

Labour and Unions

• WorkSafeBC • International Union of Operating Engineers (Local 115) • British Columbia Federation of Labour • British Columbia Building Trades (British Columbia and Yukon Building and

Construction Trades Council). Private Industry and Businesses

• Envirotest Canada / Pacific Vehicle Testing Technologies Ltd. / AirCare • Coast Mountain Bus Company • British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. • Metro Vancouver permittees (148) • Canada Green Building Council, West Coast office • Canadian Bioenergy Corporation • Canadian Business for Social Responsibility • Centre for Integral Economics • Centre for Sustainable Community Development • Consulting Engineers of British Columbia • Greater Vancouver Gateway Council • Urban Development Institute • Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre • Vancouver Economic Development Commission • Various construction companies and developers • Canvas Energy • Methanex Corporation.

Agriculture

• Metro Vancouver’s Agricultural Advisory Committee • British Columbia Agricultural Council • British Columbia Farm Industry Review Board • British Columbia Greenhouse Growers' Association • British Columbia Landscape and Nursery Association • United Flower Growers Co-operative Association.

Academia

• University of British Columbia - School of Population and Public Health • University of British Columbia - Department of Geography • University of British Columbia - Earth & Ocean Sciences • University of British Columbia - Landscape Architecture • University of British Columbia - Sauder School of Business • University of British Columbia - School of Community and Regional Planning • Simon Fraser University - Department of Geography • Simon Fraser University - Faculty of Health Sciences • Simon Fraser University - Public Health • Simon Fraser University - School of Resource and Environmental Management • Simon Fraser University - Urban Studies • British Columbia Institute of Technology.

ENV - 44 -

Marine and Rail • Amtrak • Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway • Canadian National Railway • Canadian Pacific Railway • Railway Association of Canada • Rocky Mountaineer • Southern Railway of British Columbia • VIA Rail • West Coast Express • Neptune Terminals • Fraser Surrey Docks • BC Ferry Services Inc. • Chamber of Shipping of BC • Council of Marine Carriers • Seaspan International Ltd. • Vancouver Drydock Company Ltd. • Vancouver Shipyards • Washington Marine Group.

Air Quality Consultants and Contractors

• CD Nova • Envirochem Services Inc. • Genesis Engineering Inc. • Golder Associates • HBLanarc/Stantec • Levelton Consultants Ltd. • RWDI Air Inc. • SENES Consultants Limited • SNC-Lavalin Environment • Rescan Environmental Services Ltd. • Hemmera • IBI Group • RSS Consulting Ltd. • A. Lanfranco and Associates Inc. • Pottinger Gaherty Environmental Consultants.

5394089

ENV - 45 -


ENV - 46 -

5.1 ATTACHMENT 3

Metro Vancouver Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan (IAQGGMP) Implementation Matrix 31‐Aug‐2011

MV Muni Prov Fed Others Metro Vancouver Municipal Other 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

1.1.1

Explore measures and financing mechanisms to promote retrofits of on‐road diesel engines and accelerate the use of cleaner alternative fuels in partnership with interested public and private on‐road diesel fleet managers and senior levels of government.

Lead Partner Partner Partner

MV staff time for project management and consulting resources (options paper)

Funding will be requested from senior governments

1.1.2

Implement Metro Vancouver‘s regulatory requirements for older, in‐use non‐road diesel engines, and promote further emission reductions by exploring additional funding sources.

Lead Partner PartnerMV staff time for bylaw administration and enforcement

Additional funding sources will be explored

…

1.1.3

Work with the AirCare Steering Committee and other partners to develop enhanced programs for inspection and maintenance of heavy‐duty vehicles in the Lower Fraser Valley airshed.

Partner Partner PartnerMV staff time to participate on this steering committee

Potential resource implications for provincial government

1.1.4

Work with municipalities, health authorities, the Provincial Government, and TransLink to develop air quality‐focused land use planning and urban design guidelines that will minimize resident exposure to diesel emissions and other traffic‐related air pollution.


MV staff time for organization of a few workshops and consulting resources

Municipal staff time for a few workshops

Health authorities and TransLink staff time for a few workshops

…

1.1.5

Participate in the B.C. Marine Vessel Air Quality Work Group to develop and implement emission reduction measures for ocean‐going vessels, harbour vessels and port operations, including, but not limited to: a) piloting and testing of emission control technology, b) installation of improved engine technology, c) installation of shore‐power for cruise ships, container and other marine vessels, and d) support for Port Metro Vancouver's clean air programs such as the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy and the Blue Circle Awards.

Partner Partner Co‐lead Co‐leadMV staff time to participate in this working group

Potential resource implications for Federal government, port and marine stakeholders

…

1.1.6

Assist the B.C. Locomotive and Rail Air Quality Working Group in identifying and implementing appropriate measures to reduce emissions from diesel locomotives.

Co‐lead Partner Partner Co‐leadMV staff time to co‐chair this working group

Potential resource implications for Federal and Provincial government

…

1.1.7

Provincial and Federal Governments to enhance programs and provide funding to increase effectiveness of on‐road and non‐road engine retrofits, increase the use of cleaner alternative fuels and promote uptake of new heavy‐duty diesel vehicles and fuel saving technologies, as per Actions 1.1.1, 1.1.2 and 1.1.3.

Co‐lead Co‐leadMV staff time to liaise with the Federal and Provincial Government

Potential resource implications for Federal and Provincial government

…

Metro Vancouver will periodically update this matrix in collaboration with our partners as more precise information becomes available. It will be used as a basis to work in close collaboration with our partners to implement the actions over the next 5 years. Metro Vancouver will continue to coordinate and collaborate with its partners and the REAC-CPS on the Plan’s climate change actions, as well as the Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Coordinating Committee on the Plan’s air quality actions. Additional working groups will be formed with appropriate partners to ensure collaboration on other specific actions.

It should be recognized that the IAQGGMP is a strategic-level plan. During the development of specific actions, costs and benefits will be further evaluated. Some of the plan's strategies will require significant policy shifts, and others will require the allocation of financial resources outside of Metro Vancouver's budgets. In these situations, Metro Vancouver staff will consult with the appropriate stakeholders and present a more detailed assessment to the Board for consideration.

Roles Potential ResourcesStrategy Action

Strategy 1.1 Reduce emissions of and public exposure to diesel particulate matter

"…" indicates the continuation of an existing program

Possible Duration of this Action

MV IAQGGMP Implementation Matrix 9/2/2011ENV - 47 -

5.1 ATTACHMENT 3

MV Muni Prov Fed Others Metro Vancouver Municipal Other 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016Roles Potential Resources

Strategy ActionPossible Duration of this Action

1.1.8

Provincial government to introduce an early retirement vehicle program for heavy‐duty diesel vehicles, similar to the BC SCRAP‐IT® Program, which provides incentives for truck drivers to replace higher‐polluting vehicles with newer, cleaner units.

Lead PartnerMV staff time to liaise with the Provincial Government

Funding may be requested from Federal government

Potential resource implications for Provincial government

1.1.9

Federal Government to expedite the adoption of more stringent non‐road engine and fuel emission standards to further reduce diesel particulate matter and greenhouse gas emissions.

LeadMV staff time to liaise with the Federal Government

Potential resource implications for Federal government

1.1.10

Federal Government to enforce the International Maritime Organization’s Annex VI protocol which contains air emission regulations, including more stringent Emission Control Area standards for marine vessels in Canadian waters.


Potential resource implications for marine operators and the Federal government

1.1.11

Federal Government to adopt and enforce regulations that require the implementation of stringent operational practices for the rail sector, such as railyard idling limits and mandatory technology requirements.


Potential resource implications for rail operators and the Federal government

1.1.12

Municipalities to consider potential air quality impacts of land use planning decisions by utilizing the land use planning and urban design guidelines to be collaboratively developed under Action 1.1.4.

Partner Lead Partner

MV staff will provide staff support with respect to the implementation of the guidelines in Action 1.1.4 and possible bylaw changes

Municipal staff time to consider implementation of guidelines in Action 1.1.4 and possible bylaw changes (e.g. setbacks or urban design requirements)

TransLink staff time for participation

1.2.1

Deliver a fair, effective and efficient regulatory program and follow the guideline of continuous improvement, to minimize emissions, adverse health impacts and environmental degradation.

Lead

MV staff time for administration, enforcement and development of new regulatory measures as needed

…

1.2.2

Continue to develop and implement local air quality action plans to address neighbourhood air quality priority areas, in partnership with other governments, industry and other interested parties.

Lead Partner Partner Partner Partner

MV staff time for project development, data collection and analysis. Resources will depend on scope.

MV can conduct 2 special studies per year with existing resources. Additional resources will be required for > 2 studies per year.

Small amount of municipal staff time for project scoping and possible action plan development

Potential resource implications for the responsible emission source(s)

…


5.1 ATTACHMENT 3



1.2.3

Investigate and implement additional targeted measures to address emissions of contaminants (e.g., volatile organic compounds, ammonia, nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides) that contribute to ground‐level ozone and secondary fine particulate matter concentrations, in partnership with other governments, industry, academia and other interested parties.


MV staff time to investigate and implement measures

Additional resources may be required depending on scope

BC MoE, FVRD and other partners staff time

…

1.2.4

Develop and implement an odour management program including an odour management regulation that addresses key sources of odorous emissions, and effective complaint management and communications processes.

Lead Partner PartnerMV staff time to investigate and implement measures

Small amount of municipal staff time for program development process

Potential resource implications for businesses

…

1.2.5

Develop and promote the adoption of best management practices for local businesses, such as the construction/demolition industry and restaurants, including the use of solvents and solvent‐containing products.

Lead PartnerMV staff time to develop and promote BMPs


1.2.6

Federal Government to expedite ICI emission reduction programs which support continuous improvement (e.g., reductions in the volatile organic compound content in consumer and commercial products).

Lead PartnerMV staff time to liaise with the Federal Government

Potential resource implications for Federal government

…

1.2.7

Northwest Clean Air Agency and Washington State Department of Ecology to continue to involve Metro Vancouver in the review of new industrial proposals and permit amendments as per the 1994 Interagency Agreement and require relevant facilities to upgrade to the best available technology whenever feasible.

LeadMV staff time to liaise with NWCAA and WSDOE

No new resource implications for NWCAA or WSDoE

…

1.2.8

B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and B.C Ministry of Environment to continue developing beneficial management practices to reduce emissions of particulate matter, ammonia, greenhouse gases, and odours from agricultural operations, in collaboration with the B.C. Agriculture Nutrient and Air Working Group.

Lead PartnerSmall amount of MV staff time to assist with BMP development


Small amount of staff time for FVRD

…

1.2.9

B.C. Ministry of Agriculture to continue encouraging farmers/producers to adopt beneficial management practices that will reduce emissions of particulate matter, ammonia, greenhouse gases and odours from agricultural operations.

Lead PartnerMV staff time to liaise with BC Ministry of Agriculture

Potential resource implications for provincial government and the agricultural industry

…

1.3.1 Work with partners to enhance residential wood smoke emission reduction programs and other education and outreach initiatives.

Lead Partner Partner

MV staff time to develop programs and enhance public awareness

Potential funding from Provincial government

Involve other partners such as BC Lung Association, FVRD and the Wood Energy Technicians of BC

…

Strategy 1.2 Reduce air contaminant emissions from industrial, commercial, institutional (ICI) and agricultural sources at both the regional and local level


5.1 ATTACHMENT 3



1.3.2

Work with municipalities, health authorities, fire departments and other partners to explore regulatory options that will reduce residential wood smoke emissions.

Lead Partner PartnerMV staff time to explore regulatory options

Municipal staff time to explore options

Health Authority and fire department staff time to explore options

…

1.3.3 Explore incentives to encourage the removal of residential fuel oil devices where lower emission and more efficient options are available.

Lead PartnerMV staff time to explore options

Small amount of staff time to explore options

1.3.4Investigate options and introduce mechanisms to reduce emissions from open burning.

Lead Partner PartnerMV staff time to explore options

Municipal staff time to explore options

Provincial government staff time to explore options

1.3.5

Promote programs, such as the “Mow Down Pollution” program, that encourage residents to exchange their old gas‐fired lawn, garden and other household equipment for lower emission models.

Lead PartnerMV staff time to promote resident programs

Home Depot runs the Mow Down Pollution program

1.3.6

B.C. Ministry of Environment to explore regulatory and non‐regulatory options to address residential wood burning and fuel oil devices at point of sale.

Lead PartnerMV staff time to liaise with BC Ministry of Environment


1.4.1

Work with the provincial government, AirCare and the Fraser Valley Regional District to design and implement more effective and user‐friendly emission inspection and maintenance programs for the most polluting light and heavy‐duty vehicles.

Lead Partner Partner MV staff time

Resource implications for the provincial government and AirCare

Small amount of staff time for FVRD

1.4.2

TransLink to work with Metro Vancouver and municipalities to develop: a) regional air quality targets and supporting implementation strategies for inclusion in regional long‐range transportation plans, and b) air quality guidelines to optimize facility locations and fleet technology.

Co‐lead Partner Co‐lead

MV staff time for target, strategy and guideline development process

Municipal staff time for target, strategy and guideline development process

Resource implications for TransLink

1.4.3

Municipalities to work with Metro Vancovuer to develop idling reduction programs, including consideration of adopting Metro Vancouver’s model anti‐idling bylaw.

Partner LeadMV staff time to provide support

Municipal staff time for bylaw adoption, enforcement and/or education

…

1.5.1

Work with partners to create a proactive adverse air quality episode mitigation program by developing voluntary and mandatory emissions reduction actions for municipalities, industry, businesses and residents, to be taken during air quality advisory periods.

Lead Partner Partner Partner Partner

MV staff time for the development of episode mitigation program

Small amount of municipal staff time to implement short term emission reductions

Potential short‐term resource implications for industry and businesses

1.5.2

Improve coordination with health authorities on air quality issues, including ensuring that adequate health protection information is available to the public during air quality advisories.

Lead PartnerMV staff time to coordinate air quality advisories

Health Authority staff time …

Strategy 1.3 Reduce air contaminant emissions from residential sources

Strategy 1.4 Reduce air contaminant emissions from cars, trucks, and buses

Strategy 1 5


5.1 ATTACHMENT 3



1.5.3

Work with the provincial government and other partners (such as health agencies, municipalities, and non‐government organizations) to create locally‐relevant air quality and climate change materials for use by teachers and student environmental groups.

Lead Partner Partner PartnerMV staff time to develop and collaborate with others

Small amount of municipal staff time to coordinate messaging

BC Ministry of Education and Ministry of Environment staff time

1.5.4

Develop and implement a communications strategy to engage audiences which have been less accessible through Metro Vancouver’s existing air quality outreach programs.

LeadMV staff time and advertising resources

1.5.5

Pursue the development of an Air Quality and Climate Change Academy, in partnership with academic institutions and other partners, which will enhance air quality and climate change research, formal education, and public outreach within the region.

Lead Partner PartnerMV will host visioning sessions and consulting resources

Small amount of municipal staff time for visioning

May have resource implications for academic institutions and other partners

2.1.1

Investigate and implement measures that will reduce ammonia emissions in the Lower Fraser Valley airshed in partnership with other governments.

Lead Partner PartnerMV staff time to investigate options

Provincial government, federal government and FVRD staff time to explore options

Closely related to Actions 1.2.8 and 1.2.9

…

2.1.2 Investigate and implement measures that will reduce fine particulate to levels that improve visual air quality.

Partner Partner Partner PartnerMV staff time to investigate options


…

2.1.3Implement actions under Strategy 1.1 to reduce emissions of diesel particulate matter and Strategy 1.3 to reduce wood smoke emissions.

Lead Partner Partner PartnerMV staff time to investigate options


…

2.1.4

B.C. Ministry of Agriculture to continue encouraging farmers/producers to adopt beneficial management practices that will reduce fine particulate matter and ammonia emissions from agricultural operations as per Action 1.2.9.

Lead PartnerMV staff to liaise with BC Ministry of Agriculture

Potential resource implications for provincial government and the agricultural industry

…

2.2.1 Enhance monitoring and reporting of visual air quality conditions.

Co‐Lead Partner Co‐Lead Partner

MV staff time to site and maintain monitors, and maintain www.clearairbc.ca website

Federal government staff time to site and maintain monitors and collect images

…

Strategy 2.1 Reduce emissions of air contaminants and precursors that can degrade visual air quality

Strategy 1.5 Increase public understanding of air quality issues and public engagement in clean air programs


5.1 ATTACHMENT 3



2.2.2

Implement a visual air quality pilot project, which includes: a) developing a visual air quality index and a measurable visual air quality improvement target, b) engaging interested parties and the public in improving visual air quality, c) identifying potential visual air quality management approaches, and d) evaluating visual air quality management options.

Co‐Lead Co‐Lead Partner PartnerMV staff time to develop and coordinate initiatives

Provincial government staff time to develop and coordinate initiatives

…

2.2.3Environment Canada to continue supporting visual air quality monitoring and science in Metro Vancouver and adjacent districts.

Partner Partner Lead Partner

MV staff time to maintain monitors and develop emission inventories

Fed government staff time to analyse data and undertake scenario modelling

BC Ministry of Environment and FVRD to support visual air quality improvement initiatives

…

2.2.4

Health Canada to continue supporting work that will enhance understanding of the link between improvements in visual air quality and health benefits.

LeadMV staff time to liaise with Health Canada

Health Canada to provide health benefit information

…

2.2.5

B.C. Ministry of Environment and the Fraser Valley Regional District to continue supporting the development and implementation of the visual air quality improvement program in the Lower Fraser Valley airshed.

Lead PartnerMV staff time to liaise with BC MoE and FVRD

BC Ministry of Environment and FVRD to support visual air quality improvement initiatives

…

3.1.1

Develop and implement strategies and actions listed under Goal 1 of this Plan to reduce diesel particulate matter and wood smoke which are key contributors of black carbon.


3.1.2

Develop and implement strategies and actions listed under Goal 1 to reduce the precursors to ground‐level ozone including nitrogen oxides from cars, trucks, and buses and volatile organic compounds from industrial, commercial, institutional and agricultural sources.


Strategy 2.2 Develop a visual air quality management program for the Lower Fraser Valley airshed in partnership with other government agencies

See Strategies 1.1 and 1.3 See Strategies 1.1 and 1.3

See Actions 1.2.3, 1.2.6, 1.2.8, 1.2.9, and Strategy 1.4

See Actions 1.2.3, 1.2.6, 1.2.8, 1.2.9, and Strategy 1.4


5.1 ATTACHMENT 3



3.1.3

Work with partners to develop and implement strategies and actions to reduce methane emissions from landfills through organics diversion and methane capture.

Co‐lead Co‐lead Partner

Consistent with the Integrated Solid Waste and Resource Management Plan, MV staff time to develop and implement organics diversion projects including zero waste program. MV staff time to further develop methane capture at MV landfill sites. Additional capital expenditures will be determined as more detailed project plans are developed

Municipal staff time to develop organics collection programs as outlined in the ISWRMP and potential capital investment once programs are developed. Resources could be reallocated from traditional solid waste programs as savings are realized

Potential resource implications for private landfill operators

3.1.4

B.C. Ministry of Agriculture to continue developing and implementing projects to reduce methane emissions from agricultural activities (e.g., methane recovery from livestock waste for use as biogas and other products).

Partner Partner LeadMV staff time to liaise with Min of Agriculture and other partners

In municipalities with agriculture, staff time to liaise with Min of Agriculture and other partners

Potential resource implications for BC Ministry of Agriculture

3.2.1

Explore the establishment of a regional climate action fund dedicated to funding a range of measures that will reduce regional greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.

Lead Partner Partner Partner (Partner?)

MV staff time to work with partners to develop scope and Terms of Reference for the Climate Action Fund

Municipal staff time to provide municipal input into Terms of Reference for Climate Action Fund

Potential resource implications for the Provincial government

3.2.2

Work with municipalities to establish a regional carbon credit ownership protocol to claify the process of assigning carbon credit ownership among local governments in the region.

Co‐lead Co‐lead

MV staff time to liaise with municipalities on development of protocol on carbon credit ownership

Municipal staff time to liaise with MV on carbon ownership framework

3.2.3

Assess the region's low carbon energy (e.g., biomass, geothermal, etc.), waste heat recovery, and district energy opportunities and risks, and where appropriate work with municipalities to coordinate public and private investment in supporting infrastructure.


MV staff time to conduct analysis of energy opportunities. Consultant resources for project planning. New capital expenditures will need to be determined through more detailed project planning

Municipal staff time in cases where joint MV‐municipal projects would be mutually beneficial

BC Hydro and Fortis BC

3.2.4

Provide greenhouse gas management training for the region’s small and medium‐sized enterprises and link training to other related initiatives such as LiveSmartBC and the TransLink Travel Smart program.


MV staff time to evaluate 2010 and 2011 programs to determine Phase II model for future programs.

Municipal contribution would be determined on Phase II program model

Small amount staff time from LiveSmartBC and TransLink

…

Strategy 3.1 Reduce emissions of short‐lived climate forcers


5.1 ATTACHMENT 3



3.2.5

Develop model greenhouse gas reporting protocols for inclusion in sustainable procurement policies and promote adoption by municipalities and businesses.

Lead Partner PartnerMV staff time to develop model policies

Municipal staff time to contribute to model policy development


3.2.6

Federal Government to support the development of an International Maritime Organization regulation for greenhouse gas emissions from commercial marine vessels.

LeadMV staff time to liaise with Federal Government

Potential resource implications for Federal Government

3.2.7Federal Government to support the International Civil Aviation Organization’s certification of sustainable low carbon fuels for use in aircrafts.

LeadMV staff time to liaise with Federal Government

Potential resource implication for Federal Government

3.2.8

Fortis BC and BC Hydro to continue to assess energy efficiency improvement opportunities for major energy users and implement effective incentive programs.

LeadMV staff time to liaise with Fortis BC and BC Hydro

Potential resource implications for Fortis BC and BC Hydro

3.2.9

Provincial Government to earmark a portion of the carbon tax revenues and other funding sources for local government actions that will reduce community emissions.

Partner Partner Lead

MV staff time to liaise with Provincial Government and municipalities

Municipal staff time to liaise with MV and Provincial government

Potential resource implications for Provincial Government

3.2.10

Provincial Government to continue to increase the carbon tax provided that: a) impacts to low income households are mitigated b) a portion of the funding is dedicated to a regional climate action fund and/or greenhouse gas emission reduction projects in the region, and c) local goverments continue to receive CARIP funds.





3.2.11 Provincial Government to investigate regulatory and incentive options for greenhouse gas emission reductions from heaters and boilers.

LeadMV staff time to liaise with Provincial Government


3.2.12

Provincial Government to continue setting more stringent energy and greenhouse gas performance standards for new and existing buildings, develop standards for on‐site renewable energy systems through the B.C. Building Code, and promote best practices in building energy performance.





3.2.13

B.C. Ministry of Agriculture to continue investigating renewable energy technologies and low carbon farming techniques, in collaboration with Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley Regional District, municipalities, and other partners.

Partner Partner Lead Partner

MV staff time to liaise with BC Ministry of Agriculture, FVRD, and other partners

Municipal staff time to liaise with BC Ministry of Agriculture (in relevant municipalities)

BC Ministry of Agriculture staff time to develop programs and materials on low carbon farming techniques

3.3.1

Work with municipalities and TransLink to implement elements of the Regional Growth Strategy that support land use patterns that reduce vehicle trips and increase walking, cycling, and use of public transit and support the efficient movement of goods.

Lead Partner Partner

MV staff time for review of Regional Context Statements. liaise with municipalities, data analysis and project development

Municipal staff time to draft regional context statements, amend OCP where appropriate, and contribute to project development with MV and other partners

Translink staff time

Strategy 3.2 Support the region’s municipalities, businesses and residents to reduce their carbon footprints


5.1 ATTACHMENT 3



3.3.2

Work with municipalities and Translink to develop model bylaws that facilitate low carbon transportation choices, such as pedestrian‐oriented design, road space allocation, cycling infrastructure, car sharing, low carbon vehicle infrastructure, etc.

Co‐lead Partner Co‐leadMV staff time to develop model bylaws

Municipal staff time to contribute to bylaw development

TransLink staff time

3.3.3

Provide detailed greenhouse gas emission analysis of the regional transportation system in support of regional and municipal transportation planning, and jointly develop strategic actions to reduce transportation‐related greenhouse gas emissions.

Co‐lead Partner Co‐lead

MV staff time to conduct analysis of GHG profile of the regional transportation system and contribute to regional and municipal transportation planning processes.

Municipal staff time to liaise with MV staff on GHG implications of municipal transportation plans.

TransLink staff time to liaise with MV staff on GHG implications of transportation plans.

3.3.4Promote TransLink ’s TravelSmart trip reduction program through Metro Vancouver’s public outreach programs.

Lead Partner

MV staff time to liaise with TransLink on linking TravelSmart to MV programs.

Small amount of TransLink staff time to liaise with MV on Travel Smart Program

3.3.5

Work with municipalities, TransLink, the Provincial Government, and the utility providers to coordinate planning and investment in low carbon vehicle infrastructure (e.g., plug‐in electric vehicle charging stations, natural gas vehicle facilities).

Co‐lead Co‐lead Partner Co‐lead

MV staff time to liaise with partners to coordinate investments in low carbon vehicle infrastructure

Municipal staff time to develop low carbon vehicle infrastructure programs as appropriate



3.3.6

Work with TransLink, municipalities, and the Provincial Government to improve data collection and sharing which will inform transportation‐related emission reduction strategies.

Co‐lead Partner Partner Partner Co‐lead

MV staff time to liaise with TransLink and municipalities on data collection and sharing

Municipal staff time to liaise with TransLink and MV on data collection and sharing

TransLink staff time to liaise with MV and municipalities

3.3.7Provincial and Federal Governments to enact enabling legislation that generates additional revenues for transit infrastructure.

Partner Partner Co‐lead Co‐lead PartnerMV staff time to liaise with the Provincial and Federal Government

Municipal staff time

Potential resource implications for Federal, Provincial Government, and TransLink

3.3.8

Federal and Provincial Governments to enhance financial incentives to promote cleaner, fuel‐efficient heavy and light duty vehicle purchases and the adoption of new low‐carbon and efficient vehicle technologies.


Potential resource implications for Federal and Provincial Government.

TransLink staff time to be consulted.

3.3.9

Provincial Government to expand support of Sustainable Fleet Management Programs (such as E3 and GreenFleets BC, IdleFree BC) as a central source for reducing emissions from private and public vehicle fleets.

Partner Partner Lead PartnerMV staff time to liaise with the Provincial Government

Municipal staff time



Strategy 3.3 Reduce the carbon footprint of the region’s transportation system


5.1 ATTACHMENT 3



3.3.10

Provincial Government to extend the Greenhouse Gas (Vehicle Emissions Standard) Act to 2017 through 2025 and incrementally increase the stringency of these standards.

LeadPotential resource implications for Provincial Government

3.3.11

The Provincial Government to investigate combining air contaminants and greenhouse gases into a coordinated vehicle emission standard and increase its stringency.


3.3.12

The Provincial Government to review the B.C. low‐carbon fuel standard to ensure provisions are meeting desired greenhouse gas reduction goals and are not creating unintended economic and environmental consequences.


3.3.13

The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, in consultation with TransLink and other stakeholders, to investigate an equitable distance‐based insurance option that helps encourage drivers to drive fewer kilometres.

Partner Partner Co‐lead

MV staff time to liaise with ICBC, municipalities and other partners

Municipal staff time to liaise with MV and ICBC.

Potential resource implications for ICBC and TransLink

3.3.14

The Provincial Government, TransLink, and municipalities to enhance transportation demand management through measures such as user road pricing, parking charges and outreach programs.

Partner Partner Co‐lead Co‐lead

MV staff time to liaise with the Provincial Government, TransLink, and municipalities on TDM measures

Municipal staff time to liaise with the Provincial Government, TransLink, and MV on TDM measures

TransLink staff time to liaise with MV, Provincial Government and municipalities

3.3.15

TransLink and municipalities to work with the private sector to improve the efficiency of goods movement through better logistics coordination between ports, carriers, shippers, and their customers.

Partner Partner Partner Lead

MV staff time to liaise with TransLink, PMV, private sector and municipalities

Municipal staff time to work with TransLink, PMV and private sector on goods movement transportation

Potential resource implications for TransLink, Port Metro Vancouver and private sector

…

3.4.1

Explore carbon sequestration opportunities on Metro Vancouver’s corporate lands, such as: a) reforestation, b) ecosystem restoration, and c) biochar.

Lead

MV staff time to analyze carbon sequestration opportunities

3.4.2

Develop a regionally specific carbon storage and sequestration guide to aid in site specific land use and landscape decision making in Metro Vancouver.

Lead

MV staff time to develop a sequestration guide utilizing consulting resources as appropriate

Small amount of staff time to develop carbon sequestration guide

3.5.1 Produce a consolidated climate change action guide which outlines public actions which will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Lead Partner PartnerMV staff time to develop a regional climate action guide

Small amount of municipal staff time to coordinate messaging

Small amount of staff time from other partners

3.5.2 Raise public awareness and uptake of low carbon building and transportation options through Metro Vancouver’s outreach programs.

Lead Partner

MV staff time to develop and deliver public awareness programs

Small amount of staff time from other partners

Strategy 3.5 Increase public understanding of climate change issues and

Strategy 3.4 Explore opportunities for carbon sequestration


5.1 ATTACHMENT 3



3.5.3

Pursue the development of an Air Quality and Climate Change Academy, in partnership with academic institutions and other partners, which will enhance air quality and climate change research, formal education, and public outreach within the region.

Lead Partner

MV will host visioning sessions and utilize consulting budget as appropriate

Small amount of municipal staff time for visioning

May have resource implications for academic institutions and other partners

Goal 1&2 Lead 21 2 6 6 1

Goal 1&2 Co‐lead 4 0 2 3 3Goal 1&2 Partner 6 11 18 11 26

Goal 3 Lead 12 0 10 2 2Goal 3 Co‐lead 7 4 3 2 6Goal 3 Partner 10 18 6 5 15

Total 60 35 45 29 53

issues and encourage personal action

Roles in Italics indicate that action and resource implications only apply to those muncipalities where action is relevant


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To: Environment and Energy Committee From: Ray Robb, Regulation and Enforcement Division Manager Metropolitan Planning, Environment and Parks Department Date: August 17, 2011 Subject: Greater Vancouver Regional District Air Quality Management Bylaw No. 1082, 2008 - Staff Appointments Recommendation: That the Board, pursuant to the Environmental Management Act and Greater Vancouver Regional District Air Quality Management Bylaw No. 1082, 2008: Appoint Scott Brown and Sukhjeet (Sonny) Johal as Officers. 1. PURPOSE To update staff appointments under the Environmental Management Act and Greater Vancouver Regional District Air Quality Management Bylaw No. 1082, 2008. 2. CONTEXT Metro Vancouver’s Air Quality Regulatory Program supports the goals of the Air Quality Management Plan by promoting compliance with air quality management bylaws regulating the discharge of air contaminants. The Greater Vancouver Regional District Air Quality Management Bylaw 1082, 2008 delegates authority upon Board-designated Officers to advance air quality management goals. Officers may enter property, inspect works, and obtain records and other information to promote compliance with the GVRD Air Quality Management bylaws and the BC Environmental Management Act. The authority for staff to undertake these compliance promotion activities are derived from their appointment by the Board as Officers. Recent changes in Metro Vancouver staff have resulted in a need for the Board to update staff appointments pursuant to the Environmental Management Act and Greater Vancouver Regional District Air Quality Management Bylaw No. 1082, 2008. In accordance with Section 31 of the Environmental Management Act, Officers must be appointed by the Board. 3. ALTERNATIVES None presented. 4. CONCLUSION Recent changes in staff have resulted in a need to appoint new staff under the Environmental Management Act and Greater Vancouver Regional District Air Quality Management Bylaw No. 1082, 2008. 5381703

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Environment and Energy Committee Meeting Date: September 13, 2011 To: Environment and Energy Committee From: Laurie Bates-Frymel, Air Quality Planner

Derek Jennejohn, Senior Engineer Metropolitan Planning, Environment and Parks Department

Date: August 31, 2011 Subject: BC Ministry of Environment’s Environmental Best Management Practices

for Urban and Rural Land Development: Air Quality BMPs Recommendation: That the Environment and Energy Committee receive for information the report dated August 31, 2011, titled “BC Ministry of Environment’s Environmental Best Management Practices for Urban and Rural Land Development: Air Quality BMPs”. 1. PURPOSE To respond to the Environment and Energy Committee’s request of staff to clarify the BC Ministry of Environment’s Environmental Best Management Practices for Urban and Rural Land Development, specifically who is responsible for implementation, methods for implementation and the 150 metre setback from traffic in urban areas. 2. CONTEXT At its July 12th meeting, the Environment and Energy Committee received a delegation from the 32nd Avenue Alliance, a resident group concerned about heavy-duty diesel truck traffic along 32nd Avenue in Surrey, east of Highway 99. The Alliance expressed concerns about air quality, noise, safety and other impacts from the proposed expansion of 32nd Avenue, as well as the existing truck traffic along this road. During the discussion, the BC Ministry of Environment’s Environmental Best Management Practices for Urban and Rural Land Development were mentioned and the Committee raised questions about responsibility and methods for implementation, and setbacks from traffic. Best Management Practices for Land Development in BC The BC Ministry of Environment’s Develop With Care guidelines are intended to provide guidance on how to integrate environmental considerations to those who are involved in planning, implementing, reviewing and/or approving new and infill land development in British Columbia’s urban and rural areas. The Develop With Care guidelines were developed in 2006 with input from developers, local government staff, and community groups collected during several workshops. The Environmental Best Management Practices for Urban and Rural Land Development in British Columbia: Air Quality BMPs (BMPs), discussed at the July Committee meeting, was a supplementary document that was integrated into the Develop With Care guidelines. The air quality sections of the Develop With Care Guidelines are provided in Attachments 1 and 2.

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BC Ministry of Environment’s Environmental Best Management Practices for Urban and Rural Land Development: Air Quality BMPs Environment and Energy Committee Meeting Date: September 13, 2011 Page 2 of 3 Recommended Setbacks Higher levels of air contaminants from motor vehicles, such as fine particulate matter, diesel particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides are generally concentrated within 150 metres (500 feet) of freeways and busy roadways, and levels decrease with distance from the roadside. According to a growing body of scientific literature, people living near freeways and major roads have a higher risk of developing (or worsening) health problems such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, pneumonia and heart disease. Exposure to this pollution has also been found to hamper children’s ability to learn. Pregnant women, children and older adults, especially those with pre-existing cardiac disease, are at increased risk for health impacts of traffic-related air pollution. For these reasons, the BMPs recommend that buildings such as schools, daycares, hospitals, long-term care facilities and residences are setback 150 metres from busy roads (i.e. greater than 15,000 vehicles per day), in order to minimize health impacts associated with proximity to busy roads. There are no provincial requirements to implement the BMPs. Rather, the BMPs are intended as general advice regarding building placement and general land use that will reduce the risk to health by reducing exposure to high traffic volumes. When making decisions about new and infill land development, local governments can determine whether the recommended setbacks are practical or easily implemented within their community. It is also worth noting that the setbacks need not be vacant land. Setback areas could be developed with land uses and activities that expose fewer people, particularly vulnerable members of the population, to prolonged exposures to high volumes of traffic. If the setbacks can be accommodated, health risks will be reduced for residents. However, if the setbacks cannot be accommodated, the BMPs suggest that local governments require developers to take mitigation measures such as installing HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters in buildings housing vulnerable populations, or placing air intakes away from busy traffic corridors. Roles and Responsibilities Land use and transportation planning and decision-making authority lies with several agencies in our region. The provincial government is responsible for provincial roads. Responsibility for the Major Road Network is shared between municipalities and TransLink. Municipalities are responsible for community planning and municipal road maintenance. Municipalities process development permit applications and issue permits to land developers. In many cases, municipalities are in the best position to consider implementing the BMPs, particularly when selecting sites or reviewing applications for new facilities that primarily house vulnerable populations (such as schools, daycares, hospitals, and long-term care facilities). In the case of a proposed major transportation project involving modifications to a road, the B.C. Environmental Assessment Act requires a project proponent to assess the project’s impacts if it involves the addition of more than two lanes of paved public highway to an existing paved public highway over a continuous distance of greater than 20 km. For smaller transportation projects that do not trigger a formal environmental assessment, proponents may still wish to conduct an assessment where there are concerns about potential environmental impacts.

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BC Ministry of Environment’s Environmental Best Management Practices for Urban and Rural Land Development: Air Quality BMPs

Environment and Energy Committee Meeting Date: September 13, 2011 Page 3 of 3

Metro Vancouver is responsible for controlling industrial, commercial and some residential emissions in the region, but its jurisdiction over on-road vehicles is limited. Metro Vancouver also develops and implements regional air quality management plans, as well as providing regional planning services for growth management, affordable housing, agriculture and food systems, and ecological health. A new Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan is the subject of a separate report in this Environment and Energy Committee agenda package. There are a number of actions in this Plan that will address emissions from diesel engines as well as the development of air quality-focused land use planning and urban design guidelines that will seek to build on BMPs for land development to minimize resident exposure to diesel emissions and other traffic-related air pollution. These actions will involve collaboration with senior governments, municipalities, TransLink and others. 3. ALTERNATIVES None presented. 4. CONCLUSION The BC Ministry of Environment has developed air quality best management practices for land development in BC, including guidance on setback distances from busy roads, in order to minimize health impacts. These BMPs are not mandatory, but are intended as guidance for the relevant authorities. As part of its new Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan, there are actions proposed whereby Metro Vancouver staff will work with municipalities, TransLink, health authorities, the Provincial government and others to develop appropriate and locally relevant air quality-focused land use planning and urban design guidelines that will minimize resident exposure to diesel emissions and other traffic-related air pollution in Metro Vancouver. ATTACHMENTS 1 Develop With Care - Community Planning Guidelines for Air Quality (Doc. #5397533). 2 Develop With Care - Site Development Guidelines for Air Quality (Doc. #5398174). 5396833

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S E C T I O N 2 : C O M M U N I T Y P L A N N I N G

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ March 2006 Develop with Care 2-37

2 . 7 G U I D E L I N E S F O R A I R Q U A L I T Y A N D C L I M A T E

C H A N G E 2 . 7 G U I D E L I N E S F O R A I R Q U A L I T Y A N D C L I M A T E

C H A N G E

2.7.1 Air Quality 2.7.1 Air Quality Good air quality is essential to the health of British Columbians and local ecosystems. Poor air quality can result from industrial pollution, agricultural emissions, vehicle exhaust, open burning, woodstoves, fireplaces, and natural forest fires. Preservation of good air quality is an important part of urban and rural land development.

Good air quality is essential to the health of British Columbians and local ecosystems. Poor air quality can result from industrial pollution, agricultural emissions, vehicle exhaust, open burning, woodstoves, fireplaces, and natural forest fires. Preservation of good air quality is an important part of urban and rural land development.

Several B.C. communities are involved in airshed planning, including the Greater Vancouver Regional District http://www.gvrd.bc.ca/air/pdfs/AQMP.pdf; Bulkley Valley-Lakes District http://www.bvldamp.ca/; and Prince George http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/nor/pollution/environmental/air_mgmtplan_final.html.

INCLUDE AIR QU ALITY GO ALS IN COMMUNITY PL ANS INCLUDE AIR QU ALITY GO ALS IN COMMUNITY PL ANS Recognize air quality concerns in official community plans so that incompatible land uses such as polluting sources near schools, hospitals, and residences are avoided.

Recognize air quality concerns in official community plans so that incompatible land uses such as polluting sources near schools, hospitals, and residences are avoided.

Develop airshed plans that address the cumulative impacts from pollution sources within an airshed or community, and identify strategies to maintain or improve air quality. For more information, see the Guide to Airshed Planning in British Columbia

Develop airshed plans that address the cumulative impacts from pollution sources within an airshed or community, and identify strategies to maintain or improve air quality. For more information, see the Guide to Airshed Planning in British Columbia.

DEVELOP BYL AWS TO PROTECT LOC AL AIR QUALITY Require that any new or replacement wood-burning appliance meets the standards of the B.C. Solid Fuel Burning Domestic Appliance Regulation. California has prepared a

draft guide to include air quality considerations in decision making by local land use agencies. See Air Quality and Land Use Handbook: A Community Health Perspective http://www.arb.ca.gov/ch/ej_meetings/may_10_2004_draft_land_use_handbook.pdf.

Ensure that all open burning is conducted in accordance with the Environmental Management Act and other legislative requirements. For more information, see the Air Quality Legislation website.

Control or prohibit residential backyard burning. See the Model Municipal Bylaw for Regulating Residential Backyard Burning.

Prohibit burning in residential neighbourhoods during air quality advisories except where wood is the primary heating source.

Enact motor vehicle anti-idling bylaws to limit excessive on-site idling by heavy duty vehicles or in school pick-up areas and public transit exchanges. For more information on anti-idling policies, see Natural Resources Canada’s Idling website and Cracking Down on Idling: A Primer for Canadian Municipalities on Developing and Enforcing Idle-free Bylaws.

Use tree protection bylaws and other policies to encourage the planting and maintenance of urban forests. Trees play an important role in urban environments by filtering air pollutants and removing carbon. They also help reduce energy consumption by providing wind-breaks and shade (see the Tree Canada Foundation website).

A 1% increase in the urban forest can decrease ozone levels by 0.02% (Ohio State University 2002, cited by Evergreen 2003).

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http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/air/airquality/pdfs/airshedplan.pdf






http://www.qp.gov.bc.ca/statreg/reg/W/WasteMgmt/302_94.htm

http://www.qp.gov.bc.ca/statreg/reg/W/WasteMgmt/302_94.htm

http://www.qp.gov.bc.ca/statreg/stat/E/03053_00.htm

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/air/airregs.html

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/air/particulates/pdfs/bylaw.pdf

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/air/particulates/pdfs/bylaw.pdf

http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/transportation/personal/idling.cfm?attr=8

http://www.cleanairpartnership.org/gtacac/pdf/cracking_down_on_idling.pdf



http://www.tcf-fca.ca/programs/urbanforestry/benefits.htm

http://www.gvrd.bc.ca/air/pdfs/AQMP.pdf

http://www.gvrd.bc.ca/air/pdfs/AQMP.pdf

http://www.bvldamp.ca/

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/nor/pollution/environmental/air_mgmtplan_final.html



http://www.arb.ca.gov/ch/ej_meetings/may_10_2004_draft_land_use_handbook.pdf




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S E C T I O N 2 : C O M M U N I T Y P L A N N I N G

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ March 2006 Develop with Care 2-38

PROVIDE SETB ACKS FROM MAJOR TR ANSPORT ATION ROUTES Higher levels of air pollutants are found near freeways and busy traffic corridors. This can add to the health concerns of people who have asthma or cardio-vascular conditions. There are also specific concerns about locating buildings where people spend large amounts of time, and buildings that house vulnerable populations (e.g., children, elderly, pregnant women, and those who are ill) near busy traffic corridors.

Provide a minimum 150 m setback from busy roads for buildings such as schools, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and residences. A ‘busy road’ is defined as a road with more than 15,000 vehicles/day based on annual daily average traffic counts.

Promote clean transportation options. PHOTO: STEVE SAKIYAMA

Allow additional setbacks for buildings located along major truck routes. Elevated air pollutant concentrations are measurable as far as 750 m from truck routes. Heavy-duty trucks generally emit larger quantities of air pollutants, including diesel exhaust particulate, a probable human carcinogen.

Avoid creating street canyons (see box) which can trap air pollution. This can be achieved by staggering buildings that are perpendicular to predominant wind direction or allowing high-rise buildings only on one side of the street.

For supporting information on setbacks, see the Ministry of Environment Air Protection website.

2.7.2 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Global temperatures are rising, and most of the warming in the past 50 years has been due to human activities that release greenhouse gases (such as carbon dioxide and methane) into the atmosphere. This warming is resulting in changes to freshwater, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems.

The effects of greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by minimizing energy use and increasing carbon sequestration (uptake of carbon) by maintaining and increasing vegetation cover. See the B.C. Greenhouse Gas Action Guide for additional suggestions on ways to reduce

H/D Ratio Type of Roadway

<0.3 Wide Street 0.3 to 0.7 Canyon street without risk of pollution accumulation >0.7 Canyon street with risk of pollution accumulation

A street canyon is defined by calculating the ratio of the height (H) of the buildings and the width (D) of the street. The following table is used to define a street canyon:

S T R E E T C A N Y O N

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http://www.ghgactionguide.com/

http://www.ghgactionguide.com/

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S E C T I O N 3 : S I T E D E V E L O P M E N T A N D M A N A G E M E N T

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ March 2006 Develop with Care 3-32

The Government of Canada provides a list of technologies and practices that improve the energy and resource efficiency of commercial and multi-unit residential buildings. For more information, see http://www.advancedbuildings.org.

3 . 7 G U I D E L I N E S F O R A I R Q U A L I T Y A N D C L I M A T E

C H A N G E

3.7.1 Air Quality Air quality is a concern for human heath and the natural environment. Emissions from vehicles, especially diesel trucks, include probable carcinogens6.

LOC ATE BUIDINGS TO AVOID AIR QUALITY CONCERNS Do not place building air intake systems near loading docks or areas where vehicles often idle. Similarly, building intakes should not be located on a side of a building near a busy traffic corridor where vehicles may be idling in traffic congestion. This will help avoid indoor air quality problems.

Where proximity to traffic is unavoidable, use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) room cleaners or centralized filtration units to reduce exposure to particulate air pollution. Note that HEPA filters do not reduce exposure to gaseous air pollutants such as carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide or sulphur dioxide.

Retain, plant, and maintain healthy trees to help filter particulates and contaminants from the air and to moderate temperatures (see the Tree Canada Foundation website).

For more information, see the Air Protection website.

PROTECT AIR QU ALITY DURING DEVELOPMENT Require all traffic areas for new industrial and commercial developments to be paved to reduce dust. Use pervious paving or other integrated rainwater management techniques (see Section 3.6) to protect surface and ground water.

When clearing land, leave downed wood in buffer areas rather than burning it as ‘waste’. If you do plan to burn, check for municipal bylaws regarding open burning, or in unincorporated areas, review the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation.

Remind construction workers to turn off their vehicles while working at or visiting the site. This will save them gas money and protect air quality.

6 Cancer-causing agents.

Protect air quality. PHOTO: JUDITH CULLINGTON

Leave downed wood rather than burning it as waste. PHOTO: DAVE POLSTER

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http://www.advancedbuildings.org

http://www.tcf-fca.ca/programs/urbanforestry/benefits.htm

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/air/airquality/index.html

http://www.qp.gov.bc.ca/statreg/reg/E/EnvMgmt/145_93.htm

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To: Environment and Energy Committee From: Andjela Knezevic-Stevanovic, Senior Engineer Utility Planning Department Date: August 17, 2011 Subject: Fraser River Ambient Water Quality Monitoring Report Recommendation: That the Environment and Energy Committee receive for information the report dated August 17, 2011, titled “Fraser River Ambient Water Quality Monitoring Report”. 1. PURPOSE To report to the Environment and Energy Committee on Fraser River ambient water quality. 2. CONTEXT Ambient Monitoring Program The Fraser River Ambient Monitoring Program was initiated in 2002, fulfilling a commitment under the Liquid Waste Management Plan (LWMP), that Metro Vancouver would conduct an Ambient Receiving Environment Monitoring Program. In his approval of Metro Vancouver’s Integrated Liquid Waste and Resource Management Plan dated May 30, 2011, the Minister of Environment imposed a condition, which requires Metro Vancouver to continue the ambient monitoring programs specified in the 2002 LWMP. The program was developed and reviewed with the Environmental Monitoring Committee. The Environmental Monitoring Committee was struck in 2002 under the Liquid Waste Management Plan and included members representing the Federal Government (Environment Canada and the Port Authority), the Province (Environment, Health, and Agriculture Departments), the Universities (UBC and SFU), the Municipalities and a member of the public. The provincial Ministry of the Environment is partnering in the program. The objective of the program is to evaluate the overall environmental quality of the Fraser River reflective of the net effects of all inputs into the river. The types of questions that are frequently asked include: • What is the overall health status of the Fraser River? • Is the environmental quality changing from year to year? • What is Metro Vancouver discharging into the Fraser River? • What is the environmental quality of the Fraser River upstream of Metro Vancouver

compared to within the Greater Vancouver urbanized area? • Does the observed ambient environmental quality suggest any significant environmental

concerns?

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Fraser River Ambient Water Quality Monitoring Report Environment and Energy Committee Meeting Date: September 13, 2011 Page 2 of 4

The environmental indicators monitored under the Fraser River Ambient Monitoring Program are representative of the major environmental components within the river: water, sediment and biota, and consist of exposure indicators (water, sediment and fish tissue chemistry, as well as water and sediment bacteriology) and response indicators (fish health). The program is based on a five-year cycle, with water samples collected yearly, and sediment and fish samples collected once every five years. Water samples have been collected annually since 2003. Sediment samples were collected in 2006 and 2011. A comprehensive fish survey was undertaken in 2007. Specific objectives of the ambient water monitoring program include: • Acting as a measure of environmental performance for the total context of the Liquid

Waste Management Program • Identifying any environmental changes to the Fraser River • Characterizing changes in water quality as the Fraser River traverses Metro Vancouver • Evaluating long-term trends in water quality. The focus of the current report is on the water quality results of the Fraser River Ambient Monitoring Program up to 2010. The water quality sampling program consists of collecting samples at seven sites on the Fraser River starting at the upstream boundary of Metro Vancouver and ending at the mouths of the North Arm and Main Stem. Sampling is timed to coincide with the period of the lowest historical flows in the river, and a period of high rainfall (late January to early March) to capture the period of minimum dilution when Metro Vancouver’s wastewater treatment plants and stormwater discharges are at their highest. The program has succeeded in capturing these conditions in every year with the exception of 2005, when there were unseasonably high flows in the river during the sampling period carrying large inputs of sediments from upstream. Therefore, 2005 is not considered a representative year and has been taken out of the multi-year trend analysis. Samples were collected at all seven sites, once per week for five consecutive weeks each year of the program. Results to date Fraser River water quality over the last eight years has remained largely stable. In 2010, spatial patterns were similar to those observed in previous years. Concentrations of many parameters including fecal coliforms, total suspended solids and total copper were higher in the North Arm and/or near the mouth of the Main Arm, than in the Main Stem. Both, total suspended solids and copper showed slight increasing trends from upstream to downstream in the Main Arm and the North Arm. Eighteen of the parameters measured are subject to guidelines or objectives. Over the last eight years iron, copper, cadmium and dissolved oxygen were at times measured at concentrations that did not meet the Water Quality Guidelines or Objectives. In 2010 concentrations of all parameters except dissolved oxygen, met applicable Fraser River Objectives and Guidelines. The 30-day average dissolved oxygen concentrations at the mouths of the Main Arm and North Arm were slightly below the objective. Also, the minimum dissolved oxygen concentration for one sample at the mouth of the Main Arm was equal to the minimum objective within the limits of analytical precision. The cause of the lower dissolved oxygen level is unknown.

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Fraser River Ambient Water Quality Monitoring Report Environment and Energy Committee Meeting Date: September 13, 2011

Page 3 of 4 Iron was frequently above the guideline between 2003 and 2007. However, based on new information, the Province raised the total iron guideline and published a new guideline for dissolved iron in 2008. Since then, the new guidelines for both total and dissolved iron were met. The historical iron levels met the new guideline for dissolved iron but were above the new total iron guideline in 2004. Copper levels were frequently above the applicable water quality objective at the mouth of the North Arm up until 2007 and since then copper objectives were met at all sites. Cadmium concentrations were occasionally measured at or just above the guideline between 2003 and 2006. Since then, the cadmium guideline was met with the exception of 2009. In the majority of cases, the difference between the guideline and the results were within the range of analytical variability. Both anthropogenic and natural sources, including inputs from major tributaries, likely contribute to those variations observed across the Metro Vancouver portion of the river. Overall, the data shows that water quality in the lower Fraser River is protective of aquatic life. 3. ALTERNATIVES None presented. 4. CONCLUSION To frame the current results of the Fraser River Ambient Monitoring Program, the frequently asked questions set out above are addressed below: What is the overall health status of the Fraser River? • Overall, the data shows that water quality in the lower Fraser River is protective of

aquatic life and generally similar from upstream to downstream throughout the Metro Vancouver Zone.

Is the environmental quality changing from year to year? • Over the last eight years, Fraser River water quality has remained largely unchanged for

most parameters. There appears to be a slight improvement since 2007. The 2010 results for dissolved oxygen at the mouth of the Main and North Arms appear to be a temporary occurrence, as preliminary results for 2011 indicate that dissolved oxygen met the Fraser River Water Quality Objectives for all sites.

What is Metro Vancouver discharging into the Fraser River? • Metro Vancouver has three secondary wastewater treatment plants that have

continuous discharges into the Fraser River. The biggest of these by a large margin is the Annacis Island Wastewater Treatment Plant, the discharge of which comprises up to 1% of the flow of the river into which it is discharging. These plants meet Water Quality Objectives and Guidelines at the edge of their respective initial dilution zones (as defined by the Province). Consequently, in measuring the overall ambient quality of the river, we find any effects of these discharges not to be significant.

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Fraser River Ambient Water Quality Monitoring Report Environment and Energy Committee Meeting Date: September 13, 2011 Page 4 of 4

What is the environmental quality of the Fraser River upstream of Metro Vancouver compared to within the greater Vancouver urbanized area? • There is no significant variation in the overall ambient water quality of the Fraser River

as it flows through Metro Vancouver except that total suspended solids increased slightly as the river moves downstream, and even that was not observed in 2009.

Does the observed ambient environmental quality suggest any significant environmental concerns? • No. Eighteen of the parameters measured are subject to guidelines or objectives.

Copper, iron and cadmium were the only parameters that were frequently above the applicable water quality objectives over the eight years of monitoring. However, in the last three years copper and iron objectives were met. In 2007, 2008 and 2010 measured concentrations of cadmium were also below the guidelines or objectives. In 2009, cadmium concentrations were measured above the guideline three times (two marginally) at the two most upstream sites of entering the Metro Vancouver zone. In 2010, the 30-day dissolved oxygen concentrations near the mouths of the North and Main Arms did not meet the objective for the first time during the eight years of monitoring. Preliminary data from 2011 monitoring indicates that dissolved oxygen levels were met at these sites; therefore the measurements from 2010 appear to be a temporary occurrence.

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To: Environment and Energy Committee From: Roger Quan, Air Quality Division Manager Metropolitan Planning, Environment and Parks Department Date: August 31, 2011 Subject: Manager’s Report Recommendation: That the Environment and Energy Committee receive for information the report dated August 31, 2011, titled “Manager’s Report”. Environment and Energy Committee 2011 Workplan The Attachment to this report sets out the Committee’s work program and schedule for 2011. This does not include all items to be brought before the Committee but rather, the priorities previously determined by the Board and Committee. The list will be updated regularly to include new issues that arise, items requested by the Committee, and any changes in the schedule. The items highlighted in bold identify the work program elements that have been completed. The elements not highlighted in bold reflect the work program elements where work is still on-going. Colony Farm Park Plan and Academy for Sustainable Food Production This plan was put on hold in the fall of 2009 to allow further discussions with the Kwikwetlam First Nations (KFN) on possible First Nations land claims. Work on the project can now be resumed and KFN will be fully involved in the process as it moves forward. Discussions have been held with Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam and arrangements have been made for their further involvement in the ongoing discussions. An incubator farm on publicly owned land for new farmers is one of the actions to be led by Metro Vancouver in the implementation of the Regional Food System Strategy. This concept is being explored in the context of the proposed Colony Farm Park Plan. A special joint meeting of the Parks, Agriculture, Environment and Energy Committees has been scheduled for September 13th to present the main elements of the plan, bring forward new information, including a proposed Phase 1 program. The plan will be brought to the Board after this special meeting. Provincial Greenhouse Gas Cap-and-Trade Program At its July 12, 2011 meeting the Environment and Energy Committee considered a staff report on the Implications of the Provincial Greenhouse Gas Cap-and-Trade Program on Metro Vancouver operations, but deferred the report to the September meeting. This report will now be included in the October meeting agenda, to allow time for discussion with the Provincial government on new developments regarding this program, and to facilitate consideration of this issue along with other reports related to greenhouse gas management.

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Manager’s Report Environment and Energy Committee Meeting Date: September 13, 2011 Page 2 of 2 Metropolitan Planning, Environment and Parks Department Effective August 29, 2011, a new Metro Vancouver department known as Metropolitan Planning, Environment and Parks has been formed, bringing together the Parks Department and three divisions formerly in the Policy and Planning Department: Air Quality Policy and Management; Regional Development; and Regulation and Enforcement. The Manager of this new department is Mr. Gaëtan Royer, who joins Metro Vancouver from the City of Port Moody, where he held the position of City Manager since January 2004. Prior to that, he was Director of Community Services, managing a host of services including Parks, Environmental Services, Public Works and Utilities. He also spent 22 years with the Canadian Air Force. He holds a Bachelors degree in Architecture and a Masters degree in Urban Planning, and has trained as a Military Engineer. The remaining divisions in the former Policy and Planning Department will move to a new Solid Waste Department and a new Utility Planning Department. ATTACHMENT Environment and Energy Committee 2011 Workplan (Doc. # 5393553).

5394088

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Environment and Energy Committee 2011 Workplan

1st Quarter

Key priorities • 2011 Committee priorities • Propose Non-Road Diesel Soot Emission Reduction Bylaw • Propose Air Emission Fee Regulation changes to discourage emission of

harmful air contaminants

2nd Quarter

Key priorities • Corporate Climate Action Plan reporting • Status report on wood smoke emission reduction program • Fisheries projects in Metro Vancouver’s drinking watersheds • Work with other levels of government to complete program design for AirCare

program beyond 2011

3rd Quarter

Key priorities • Draft Ecological Health Plan • Complete review of 2005 Air Quality Management Plan • Develop an annual “state of the air” report • Incorporate actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from solid waste

management into the Corporate Climate Action Plan (dependent on Minister of Environment review of Integrated Solid Waste and Resource Management Plan)

• Fraser River ambient water quality reporting • Initiate visibility management pilot project in Lower Fraser Valley airshed

5.5 ATTACHMENT

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4th Quarter

Key priorities • Establish a collaborative funding system for diesel emission reductions • Ecological Health Plan • Burrard Inlet ambient water quality reporting • Complete studies, strategies and frameworks for energy use or energy recovery in

utility operations • Complete first phase of 2010 airshed emission inventory report • Replace Mobile Air Monitoring Unit • Acquire and deploy new continuous fine particulate monitoring instruments to meet

new Federal requirements • 2012 Program and Priorities

Note: Bold – completed items 5393553

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Documents

ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY COMMITTEE REGULAR ......a) refer to staff the request from Steven Sheppard, on behalf of the University of British Columbia’s Collaborative for Advanced Landscape