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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday February 28, 2007 - 5 Region believes model program would improve air quality assessment By Melanie Hennessey SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER The Region is looking to kick off a new program that would assess air quality across Halton. The proposal, which was supported by the health and social services committee Tuesday, calls for the health department's 2007 budget to be increased by $50,000 to develop a community-wide air quality modeling initiative that can be used to assess air quality and evaluate the contribution of new emission sources. A report from Halton Medical Officer of Health Dr. Bob Nosal to the committee explained that while air quality monitoring can't identify the contributions from different sources to local air quality, modeling can estimate those impacts. "Air quality modelling, conducted with sophisticated computer models, can fill in the gap left by air monitoring instruments and emission inventories," the report said. The modelling would use meteorological information, topography and emissions data to estimate the concentration of different air pollutants across the community. Kim Perotta, a senior policy analyst with the health department, told the committee about the major sources of air pollution, which include the transportation sector, fuel consumption and the industrial/commercial sector. "Ontario's air is significantly affected by U.S. sources, particularly coal-fired power plants in the mid-western U.S. However, local emission sources also have an important impact on local air quality and health," she noted. Perotta pointed out that in four major Ontario cities -- two of which neighbour Halton (Toronto and Hamilton) -- air pollution is responsible for seven to 10 per cent of all non-traumatic deaths each year. The committee went on to endorse a lengthy recommendation on the topic that directs the Region to: · Examine the portable monitoring equipment and/or resources that could be used to assess air quality in micro-environments such as traffic corridors; · Examine the policy instruments that might be used to support the development of `complete communities' that reduce the reliance on vehicles, in turn reducing emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases across Halton; · Develop and implement a health promotion program that educates the public about the link between air quality, human health, climate change and the environment and about actions that can be taken to improve air quality and/or slow down climate change. In addition, the committee supported a motion put forward by Oakville Councillor Fred Oliver to approve -- in principle -- the purchase of stationary air quality monitors, subject to a report back from staff on May 24. Oliver said, "This is more important than building roads. We're looking at the health and survival of our citizens." Halton Hills Councillor Clark Somerville thought this would present a tremendous opportunity to do monitoring on the Niagara Escarpment. The matter will go before regional council next Wednesday. -- Melanie Hennessey can be reached at mhennessey@miltoncanadianchampion.com. Granite Countertop p Installed in your home Up to 40 sq. ft. Kitchen $2,599.00 Plus GST Large kitchens please call for a no obligation quote Select from a variety of colours and edges Receive an Under-mount Sink (valued at $450) & Make Your Home Comfort More Affordable and a Granite Cutting Board at no extra charge CENTRAL AIR & FURNACE rs Parts & Labour Warranty LENNOX SALE ® Priced based on Mid-range Granite selection. Some restrictions apply. Up to $ 1000 Rebate *OAC * Instant (416) 213-9929 *10 Yea NO PAYMENT! Financing Available *Call for Details NO INTEREST! As Low As $ 3995 /month FOR 6 MONTHS AND O.A.C. NO DUCTS · NO PROBLEM Save $350 on ductless air conditioners W E S T 7 locations to serve you better! 905-849-4998 www.aireone.com 1-888-827-2665