Port Metro Vancouver and Metro Vancouver have come together to improve the monitoring of air quality on Burrard Inlet. Port Metro Vancouver will fund the purchase and installation of several new air quality and meteorological monitoring sites, to supplement existing air quality monitoring stations operated by Metro Vancouver.
The additions include two full stations that continuously monitor air quality and meteorological information, two meteorological sites, and four passive (non-continuous) sites, all in the East Vancouver area of Burrard Inlet. In addition, Port Metro Vancouver will also fund a portion of three years of operating costs associated with the passive sites. Metro Vancouver will operate and maintain the monitoring stations.
The two organizations will also provide funding for air quality dispersion modelling in the Burrard Inlet area. “As we address growing demand for trade to and from Canada, it is increasingly vital that Port Metro Vancouver balance that growth with the need to protect our environment and maintain the quality of life of our neighbours,” said Carrie Brown, Acting Director of Environmental Programs at Port Metro Vancouver, “These new air quality and meteorological monitoring stations will ensure we have more complete data to inform actions and programs in relation to air quality around the Burrard Inlet.”
Port Metro Vancouver is collaborating with port industry, governments and other stakeholders to lead in environmental innovation and sustainability. From shore power and the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy, to the Container Truck Licensing System and EcoAction, this work is being increasingly recognized, as evidenced by a recent nod from Corporate Knights’ Future 40 ranking, and endorsement of the EcoAction program by Sir Richard Branson’s Carbon War Room.