Industrial Air Quality Monitoring in Fort St. John

The five mandatory parameters of ambient air quality assess the level of air pollution and its impact on both human health and the environment. These parameters include:

1. Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM): These tiny particles, which can be inhaled into the lungs, are a mixture of dust, dirt, soot, and liquid droplets suspended in the air. They can cause respiratory issues and cardiovascular diseases.
2. Ground-Level Ozone (O₃): This pollutant forms when sunlight reacts with pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Ground-level ozone is a significant health threat and contributes to the formation of smog.
3. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂): A gas produced by the combustion of fossil fuels, nitrogen dioxide is a major contributor to air pollution. Long-term exposure can lead to respiratory problems and aggravate lung diseases.
4. Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂): This gas is primarily emitted from industrial processes and the burning of fossil fuels such as coal. It can lead to the formation of acid rain, harm respiratory health, and negatively impact ecosystems by contributing to soil and water acidification.
5. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): These chemicals are emitted from products such as paints, solvents, and fuels, as well as from industrial processes. VOCs can contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and smog, posing risks to human health, particularly the respiratory system.

Air quality is measured using a range of instruments and techniques that provide valuable insights into the pollutants present in the environment. These methods include:

• Portable hand-held air quality monitors: These compact devices are used for quick, on-the-go measurements of pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and particulate matter, providing immediate results in various environments.
• Direct monitoring program instruments: These specialized tools allow for the instant measurement of criteria pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), and carbon monoxide, ensuring that air quality is continuously monitored in real-time.
• Stationary ambient air monitoring systems: These more permanent installations, such as our advanced AQM units, are strategically placed in specific locations to measure pollutants over time, providing long-term data and insights into air quality trends in the area.

Each of these methods helps ensure that air quality is accurately assessed, providing the information necessary to manage environmental impacts and maintain compliance with safety regulations.

The two primary types of air monitoring are passive air monitoring and active air monitoring.

• Passive air monitoring: This method involves placing air sampling devices in a specific location for a set period of time. The device collects pollutants through natural air movement, such as diffusion, over the course of the monitoring period. Passive monitoring is often used for long-term assessments.
• Active air monitoring: Active monitoring uses instruments with pumps or fans that actively draw air samples through a filter or sensor. These devices provide real-time data on air quality, measuring various pollutants. Active air monitoring is commonly used for more detailed, immediate assessments.

Air quality monitoring services are essential for various industries including:

• Oil and gas operations
• Mining facilities
• Pulp and paper mills
• Construction sites
• Manufacturing plants

Any industrial operation that produces emissions or particulate matter should implement air quality monitoring to ensure workplace safety and regulatory compliance.