Pollutant Transformation, Ground-based Pollutant Monitoring Multi Parameters - Preliminary Data - Fort McKay, Oil Sands Region

Long Term Air Pollutant and Meteorological Monitoring at Fort McKay’s Oski-ôtin site: Preliminary data

Continuous and integrated monitoring of multiple air pollutants along with meteorological conditions began in Fort McKay at the Oski-ôtin site in August 2013. The purpose of Oski-ôtin’s enhanced monitoring is to gain a clearer picture of the mixture, transport and fate of air pollutants produced from the different oil sands related activities. Compared to the pre-existing monitoring conducted by Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA) in Fort McKay and throughout the region, the Oski-ôtin site provides measurements for a larger number of pollutants using research grade instruments (configured to be more precise at lower concentrations). Instruments located at this site also monitor pollutants, winds and temperatures at multiple heights above the ground.

The Oski-ôtin site is located 0.6 km south of the Fort McKay WBEA air monitoring site (AMS 1 Bertha Ganter); therefore, peak concentrations of sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3), are generally similar at both sites in time and concentration. Oski-ôtin’s data shows that some pollutant concentrations at Fort McKay are regularly above regional background levels, including several volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO) and particle-related chemical species (e.g., sulphate, black carbon). Generally, these pollutant concentrations are not of immediate concern, but cumulative impacts in the long-term can be significant. Elevated VOC concentrations can contribute to odour events in Fort McKay.

Both preliminary data and final, validated data from the Oski-ôtin site are available. Preliminary data, collected from several scientific instruments over a range of time periods and averaged to thirty minutes, are available at weekly intervals, normally one week after the data have been collected. These preliminary data are subject to limited quality control and assurance, and data recorded during instrument malfunctions may be present. Various time lags may remain between parameters, and final calibrations have not been applied. Preliminary data are subject to change. It is recommended that people wishing to use these data first consult with the Principal Investigator to better understand potential limitations.