A new study suggests that in terms of air pollution, Alberta’s oilsands aren’t that hard on the environment.
Alberta’s oilsands are often criticized for their effects on the north’s air, land and water. The Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (which monitors the region’s airshed) asked St. Albert air quality scientist Warren Kindzierski to look at air quality trends in the Fort Chipewyan, Fort McKay and Fort McMurray region over a 10-year period. Kindzierski released his study in late December.
The study found that, with two exceptions, there were no statistically significant changes in pollutant levels at the region’s monitoring stations during the study period (1998 to 2007). Two stations detected more nitrogen oxides (chemicals associated with smog), while three showed slight drops in particulate levels (chemicals associated with lung disease). Sulphur dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon and total sulphur levels did not change noticeably.
The Wood Buffalo association has noted similar trends in its regular air quality surveys, says Kevin Percy, the group’s lead scientist. “With one or two minor exceptions … there are no significant positive or negative trends in air quality as measured at our stations.”
The region’s air hasn’t become worse, but it hasn’t improved either, he says. “While we certainly have some odour challenges in the area, that’s not something that’s been an issue year after year.”
Pollutant levels have been below provincial guidelines more than 99 per cent of the time. These results aren’t much of a surprise given the sheer size of the region, Kindzierski says — the Wood Buffalo airshed covers about 11 per cent of the province, giving oilsands pollutants plenty of room to spread out. “Air quality in Fort MacKay is better than it is in Edmonton,” he adds, which you’d expect given its population (525, according to Statistics Canada).
This is very good news from a public health perspective, Kindzierski says, as it suggests the air isn’t getting any worse despite years of development. But this is by no means a free pass for the oil industry. Continued development could make the air worse and would continue to notably impact greenhouse gas levels and water pollution.
The study is available at www.phs.ualberta.ca/reports.cfm.
Feeder watchers will have a chance to take part in a national bird survey this month.
Bird Studies Canada is organizing its 13th annual Great Backyard Bird Count this month. The count has over 90,000 Canadian and American bird-watchers log bird sightings in their area for about 15 minutes, creating a snapshot of bird populations.
It’s much less formal than the Christmas Bird Count, says organizer Dick Cannings, which must be done at specific times and places. “Anybody can do it anywhere they like.”
The surveys are used to track migration patterns, Cannings says, and are most effective for feeder birds such as chickadees. Last year’s count detected an invasion of pine siskins into the eastern U.S. due to the failure of seed crops up north, for example.
These surveys are particularly good at spotting changes over time, says Peter Demulder, a local member of Bird Studies Canada. “About five years ago we never saw any house finches in this part of the world,” he notes — now, about 10 or so show up each winter. Ravens were also rare 10 years ago around Edmonton; now, they’re commonplace.
The count runs from Feb. 12 to 15. For details, visit birdsource.org/gbbc.
