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Continuous monitoring involves drawing air through a commercial analyzer calibrated to produce an output that is proportional to the ambient concentration of the compound being monitored. This methodology provides the greatest resolution but is also the most costly.
The PAMZ continuous monitoring program monitors more parameters from a wider range of sources than those previously monitored in the zone. These include: sulphur dioxide (SO2), hydrogen sulphide (H2S), total reduced sulphur compounds (TRS), nitrogen oxides (NOX), ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), methane, non-methane and total hydrocarbons (CH4, NMHC, THC), and ammonia (NH3). Inhalable particulate matter 10 microns in diameter and smaller (PM10) and respirable particulate matter 2.5 microns in diameter and smaller (PM2.5) are monitored at the continuous stations using intermittently–operated samplers.
The continuous monitoring program utilizes data collected at four continuous monitoring stations. The analyzers used in the program are capable of detecting low level concentrations of compounds that may be associated with chronic human and livestock health disorders as well as the higher levels associated with the health concerns resulting from acute exposures. The intensive QA/QC program associated with the monitoring and the data management make it possible to detect subtle changes and trends in data. This allows for assessment of the impacts of various emission-producing operations within the zone. Various meteorological parameters, such as wind speed and direction, are also monitored continuously to gain a better understanding of possible sources and behaviors of the different pollutants.
The portable station is housed in a portable trailer that is located northeast of Crossfield for one month of every quarter to assess the impact of emissions from the City of Calgary and its surrounding areas on the zone’s southern region. When not at Crossfield the portable station is currently used to gather data to address regional air quality issues and to fill data gaps for specific geographic locations within the zone. While the station is not used to respond to specific complaints, a resident or a cluster of residents with a history of air quality complaints or concerns may warrant the use of the portable AQM trailer to collect data to assist in the assessment of the issue or any follow-up actions taken. General monitoring locations are selected by the Technical Working Group and finalized by the Program Manager. Their selections are based on recommendations from the PAMZ Issues Response Group. As reported earlier, the Issues Response Group receives this input primarily at an annual public meeting held specifically for this purpose and also through stakeholder input received at regular board meetings.
The continuous program’s major components are:
- One continuous fixed monitoring station owned and operated by PAMZ located southeast of Caroline.
- One continuous fixed monitoring station owned and operated by Alberta Environment located in the City of Red Deer.
- Two continuous portable monitoring stations owned and operated by PAMZ.