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10 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday June 15, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Region tackles air quality on a local level By Melanie Hennessey SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER A regional program to address air quality at the community level has taken a preliminary step forward. At a recent meeting, Halton Region's health and social services committee endorsed the initiative that would see a stationary air monitor set up in Milton -- since they already exist in south Halton -- and a portable monitor purchased to measure air pollution in locations across the community. It would also include air quality modelling, which uses sophisticated computer models to estimate the concentration of different air pollutants Father's Day Special Local Free Assembly Local Free Delivery Free Cover Bonus Father's Day Gift (with purchase while quantities last) and examine emission sources separately. Modelling can even predict the impact new emission sources or new policies would have on the airshed. "It can be used as a very powerful tool for either informing decisions or informing education," said Kim Perrotta, a senior policy analyst with the Region. A report from Halton Medical Officer of Health Dr. Bob Nosal noted residents in north Halton who are anxious about the pace of development in their communities, have expressed the need for better information about air quality in their area. "By siting an air monitoring station in Milton that monitors the five common air pollutants that have been most clearly linked to negative human health impacts -- ground-level ozone, fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide -- the Region could provide residents in north Halton with better information about the ambient air quality in the north end of the Region," Nosal's report said. "It would also allow the Region to track air quality in north Halton as growth and development occurs." The monitor would likely be placed on the northeast side of Milton, at least one kilometre south of Hwy. 401. Meanwhile, the portable monitor could be situated in different locations throughout Halton to measure air pollution, such as traffic corridors. "We want to use it to validate the air quality modelling," Perrotta said. The program is anticipated to get off the ground shortly after council approval, which is expected at its next meeting. Overall, it would cost $266,280 this year and an estimated $402,880 in 2008. Oakville Councillor Fred Oliver said he thinks if money can be found to save a tree -- referring to the tree in front of the Halton Regional Centre that residents, the Region, Town of Oakville and the Province pitched in to save -- then surely the budget can accommodate money for the airquality program. "All we want to do here is save human lives," he said. "Let's get on with it." In addition to monitoring and modelling, the air-quality program would include health promotion that would cost $75,000 a year to educate the public about the link between air quality, human health, climate change and the built-up environment. The 2008 budget for the project includes $50,000 for two contract positions to support air quality policy development when it comes to land-use planning. Committee members encouraged staff to look into expediting the policy development to better align it with the Sustainable Halton process. All In-Stock Accessories Are On Sale Oakville's Natural Stone Supplier PERMA "MASONRY & FIREPLACE DESIGN SPECIALISTS" w w w. c o b b l e s t o n e m b e r s . c a 406 SPEERS RD., OAKVILLE ACROSS FROM RONA LANSING 905.337.2066 Contractor Referral Program Providing A Full Line of Premium Grade Stone Products For Pools . Patios . Walkways . Retaining Walls . Gardens On Cornwall Road, East of Ford Drive Ph: 905-849-5557 www.boulders.ca Monday - Friday: 7am-5:30pm . Saturday: 7:30am-3pm Bangkok Thai Cuisine THE 2007 VOLVO C70. AT THE PUSH OF A BUTTON, IT TRANSFORMS FROM A COUPE TO A CONVERTIBLE IN UNDER 30 SECONDS. A 218 HP, 2.5-LITRE TURBOCHARGED ENGINE ADDS EXHILARATING PERFORMANCE TO THE ALREADY LUXURIOUS STYLING. FOR MORE DETAILS, VISIT US TODAY. 5.5 2007 VOLVO C70 % $ * 736 LEASE PER MO. LEASE RATE 48 MOS. NOW OPEN Father's Day Special 10% 30, 2007 Off Until June Come in today and try one of our freshly prepared Thai masterpieces! Delivery available within 5km, over $30.00 DORVAL DR. W. BRONTE RD. PACIFIC RD. Q.E.W. E. 3RD LINE SOUTH SERVICE RD. WYECROFT RD. (between Kerr and Dorval) 905.849.6663 KERR ST. 171 Speers Road, Oakville SPEERS RD.