Appendix 7A Baseline Climate and AQ Jan-19-09 kh...Station Type Station Name UTM NAD83 Elevation mN...

Proposed HR Milner Expansion Project Environmental Impact Assessment Report

Appendix 7A: Baseline Climate and Ambient Air Quality

Maxim Power Corp. Page 7A-1 January 2009

Appendix 7A Baseline Climate and Ambient AirQuality

Environmental Impact Assessment Report Proposed HR Milner Expansion Project


January 2009 Page 7A-2 Maxim Power Corp.

7A.1 Baseline Climate and Meteorology

Climate and meteorology determine the transport and dispersion of industrial emissions, and hence play

a significant role in determining air quality downwind of emission sources. Several climate and

meteorological parameters can impact ambient air quality, including wind speed, atmospheric stability,

and mixing height. A more detailed discussion of each of these parameters is presented in Appendix 7C.

To determine the possible interactions between the Project and climate and the effect of climate on the

Project, the following aspects of the atmospheric environment were characterized:

air temperature

precipitation

wind

Meteorological data collected in the region near the proposed Project site were analyzed to characterize

the existing regional climate. Historical meteorological data are available for the Grande Cache Canadian

Climate Normal Station (CCNS) for the 30-year period from 1971 to 2000 (Environment Canada 2007).

Wind data are available from the Clean Air Strategic Alliance (CASA) data warehouse for the

Beaverlodge and Henry Pirker Continuous Monitoring Stations (CMS) (CASA 2008). The geographic

coordinates and elevations of monitoring stations for which meteorological data were analyzed are

provided in Table 7A-1 and the locations are shown on Figure 7A-1.

Table 7A-1 Location of Monitoring Stations Selected for Analysis

Station Type Station Name UTM NAD83 Elevation(m ASL)mN mE Zone

CCNS Grande Cache 362026 5974439 11 1250

CMS Beaverlodge 342152 6120215 11 750

CMS Henry Pirker 385444 6097322 11 655

NOTES:

CCNS – Canadian Climate Normal Station: 1971-2000 (Environment Canada 2008).

CMS - Continuous Monitoring Station. Clean Air Strategic Alliance: 2003-2007 (CASA 2008).

7A.1.1 Air Temperature

Table 7A-2 summarizes the historical seasonal and annual mean air temperatures at the Grande Cache

CCNS. A more detailed breakdown of the monthly mean temperatures is shown in Figure 7A-2. Extreme

maximum and minimum temperatures are presented in Figure 7A-3. The historical extreme temperatures

at this location range from -43.0°C to 32.0°C.

Table 7A-2 Historical Seasonal and Annual Mean Daily TemperaturesMeasured at the Grande Cache Meteorological Station

Station

Mean Daily Temperature(°C)

Winter1

Spring2

Summer3

Fall4

Annual

Grande Cache CCNS -7.0 2.4 12.4 2.9 2.7

SOURCE: Environment Canada (2008)

NOTES:1Winter months: December, January, February

2Spring months: March, April, May

3Summer months: June, July, August

4Fall months: September, October, November

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Location of Meteorological Stations Selected for Analysis

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Figure 7A-2 Historical Mean Daily Temperatures Measured at the GrandeCache Meteorological Station


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Figure 7A-3 Historical Extreme Maximum and Minimum TemperaturesMeasured at the Grande Cache Meteorological Station




7A.1.2 Precipitation

Table 7A-3 presents the monthly mean and maximum daily rainfall, snowfall and total precipitation for the

Grande Cache CCNS. Precipitation is an important factor in determining the potential impacts of climate

on the project. For example, extreme periods of rainfall or snowfall could delay construction activities.

June, July and August are typically the wettest months of the year in Grand Cache. The historical

maximum daily rainfall at the Grande Cache CCNS occurred during the month of June (88.9 mm). The

months with the most snowfall are December and March. The maximum historical daily snowfall in

Grande Cache was recorded during the month of May (61.2 cm). In Alberta, snowfall typically accounts

for 30 percent to 35 percent of the annual precipitation. A persistent snow cover can be expected in

Alberta from mid-November to late March (Environment Canada 1990).

The annual average precipitation recorded at the Grande Cache CCNS from 1971-2000 is 539.6 mm.

Monthly average precipitation ranges from 24.9 mm to 83.2 mm.

Figures 7A-4, 7A-5 and 7A-6 are graphical representations of the historical mean monthly and maximum

daily rainfall, snowfall and precipitation by month, respectively.

Table 7A-3 Historical Mean Monthly and Maximum Daily Rainfall Measured atthe Grande Cache Meteorological Station

Rainfall(mm)

Snowfall(cm)

Total Precipitation(mm)

MeanMonthly

MaximumDaily

MeanMonthly

MaximumDaily

MeanMonthly

MaximumDaily

January 3.4 13.0 23.2 44.0 24.9 44.0

February 1.5 9.0 25.7 22.0 26.6 22.0

March 3.2 8.0 28.8 25.0 30.5 25.0

April 9.2 23.8 16.9 17.5 25.6 24.6

May 42.9 41.0 14.1 61.2 57.8 62.8

June 67.9 88.9 1.2 15.0 69.0 88.9

July 83.2 59.1 0 0 83.2 59.1

August 69.3 49.6 0.9 9.4 70.1 49.6

September 46.3 29.5 6.0 36.0 52.5 39.0

October 18.4 16.0 16.1 30.0 34.3 30.0

November 6.2 21.8 28.3 20.8 33.6 32.0

December 4.1 24.9 30.5 40.1 31.5 38.1

Annual 355.6 - 191.7 - 539.6 -

SOURCE: Environment Canada (2008)





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Figure 7A-4 Historical Monthly Mean and Maximum Daily Rainfall Measured atthe Grande Cache Meteorological Station


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Figure 7A-5 Historical Monthly Mean and Maximum Daily Snowfall Measuredat the Grande Cache Meteorological Station



Maxim Power Corp. A-7 January 2009


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Figure 7A-6 Historical Monthly Mean and Maximum Daily Total PrecipitationMeasured at the Grande Cache Meteorological Station

7A.1.3 Wind

To characterize winds, data collected from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2007 at the Beaverlodge

and Henry Pirker Continuous Monitoring Station (CMS) were analyzed. These stations were selected

because they are two of the closest continuous monitoring stations to the Project site that collect wind

speed and wind direction data. The Beaverlodge station is located on the Agriculture and Agri-Foods

Canada Research site and the Henry Pirker station is located approximately 15 km south of Grande

Prairie.

Table 7A-4 shows a summary of the maximum and average recorded wind speeds at both locations. Also

presented is the frequency of recorded calms (defined as winds with speeds of less than 0.5 m/s) and

other wind speed classes. The mean and maximum wind speeds are comparable at both sites, however

the Beaverlodge site has a higher frequency of recorded calms.

Table 7A-4 Summary of Wind Speed Data as Observed at the Henry Pirkerand Hinton Continuous Monitoring Stations

Station

MaximumWindSpeed(m/s)

MeanWindSpeed(m/s)

Frequency of Wind Speed Classes(%)

Calms<0.5 m/s

0.5–2.1m/s

2.1–3.6m/s

3.6–5.7m/s >5.7 m/s

Beaverlodge 13.2 2.40 3.8 54.3 21.6 13.1 7.2

Henry Pirker 13.4 2.97 0.1 39.4 35.5 16.9 8.1

SOURCE: CASA (2008)




Wind roses are a graphic means of presenting wind speed and direction frequency data. The length of the

radial barbs gives the total percent frequency of winds from the indicated direction, while coloured

portions of the barbs indicate the frequency of associated wind speed categories. Figure 7A-7 presents

wind roses of annual wind speed and direction frequency distributions for the Beaverlodge and Henry

Pirker stations for the period of January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2007. The Beaverlodge wind rose

shows that the predominant winds at this site are from the west, while the Henry Pirker wind rose shows

that the predominant winds are from the west-southwest. Winds at the project site likely resemble those

measured at the Henry Pirker station, as the project is located in a valley where wind flow from the

southwest will be dominant due to terrain influences.

7A.2 Baseline Ambient Air Quality

Ambient air quality monitoring measurements provide an indication of air quality levels associated with

existing sources. This section provides an overview of the magnitude and trends associated with ambient

air quality measured at and around the project site.

This Appendix also includes a review of two recent dispersion assessments performed in this area for

regulatory purposes (Section 7A.2.3). The first was performed for Milner Power at the behest of AENV as

part of an Approval renewal of the H.R. Milner Generating Station (RWDI Air 2005). The most recent was

performed in conjunction with the Grand Cache Coal Application for the No. 8 Mine (AMEC 2008)

7A.2.1 Information Sources

An analysis was completed of ambient air quality monitoring data collected at selected continuous

monitoring stations at or near the Project site. Site-specific data were obtained from Milner Power Inc. for

the period of January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2007. Additional data were obtained from the Clean Air

Strategic Alliance (CASA) Database for the Beaverlodge monitoring station. This assessment will focus

on sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOX), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), fine particulate matter (PM2.5),

and ozone (O3), monitored continuously at the selected ambient air quality monitoring stations for the

period January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2007.

A summary of the station locations and parameters monitored are provided in Table 7A-5.

Table 7A-5 Summary of Continuous Ambient Monitoring Stations Selectedfor Analysis

Station NameUTM NAD 83 Zone 11 Elevation

maslParameters Monitored

mE mN

Site Specific 362000 5986000 915 SO2, NO2, NOX

Beaverlodge 342152 6120215 750 SO2, NO2, NOX, PM2.5, O3

SOURCE: CASA (2008), Milner Power Inc. (2007)

Milner Power Inc. also operates several static monitors in the area, including one TPM monitor, eight

dustfall monitors and eight total sulphation monitors. This data is presented and discussed in

Section 7A.2.2.

In addition to the information sources presented above, ambient air quality data measured locally is also

available. Grande Cache Coal Corporation operates one TPM monitor and one PM2.5 monitor close to the

Project site. This data is presented and discussed in Section 7A.2.3.




Beaverlodge

Henry Pirker

SOURCE: CASA (2008)

Figure 7A-7 Wind rose of Hourly Wind Speed and Direction FrequencyDistributions as observed at the Beaverlodge and Henry PirkerContinuous Monitoring Stations




7A.2.1.1 Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) Concentrations

Ambient SO2 concentrations are routinely measured on a continuous basis at both the site-specific and

Beaverlodge monitoring stations. Table 7A-6 provides an overview of the one-hour average frequency

statistics based on measurements for the 2-year period, January 2006 to December 2007. The one-hour

SO2 Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objective (AAAQO) of 450 µg/m3

was not exceeded at any time during

the period at either site. Figure 7A-8 shows the one-hour SO2 concentrations at both continuous

monitoring stations.

Table 7A-6 Summary of One-hour Average SO2 Concentrations (µg/m3)Measured at the Site-Specific and Beaverlodge MonitoringStations (AAAQO = 450 µg/m3)

One-hour Concentration(µg/m

3)

Site-Specifica

Beaverlodge

Maximum 199 139

99.9th Percentile 89.0 28.0

99th Percentile 57.6 9.68



Median 7.85 0.52

Average 10.6 1.48

Available Data (%) 81.2 95.1

NOTES:a

SO2 monitor failed during the period from June 15, 2007 to September 12, 2007. Therefore this data wasremoved from the analysis.

Table 7A-7 provides an overview of the 24-hour average frequency statistics for the two monitoring sites.

The 24-hour AAAQO for SO2 is 150 µg/m3

and was not exceeded at any time during the 2-year period.

Table 7A-7 Summary of 24-hour Average SO2 Concentrations (µg/m3)Measured at the Site-Specific and Beaverlodge MonitoringStations (AAAQO = 150 µg/m3)

24-hour Concentration(µg/m

3)

Site-Specifica

Beaverlodge

Maximum 49.7 18.2





Median 10.5 0.88

Average 10.6 1.47

NOTES:a





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Figure 7A-8 Ambient One-hour SO2 Concentrations Measured at the Site-Specific and Beaverlodge Monitoring Stations.




Table 7A-8 provides the annual average SO2 concentrations for 2006 and 2007 individually and for the

full 2-year period. The annual AAAQO for SO2 is 30 µg/m3. The AAAQO was not exceeded during either

of the 2-years.

Table 7A-8 Summary of Annual Average SO2 Concentrations (µg/m3)Measured at the Site-Specific and Beaverlodge MonitoringStations (AAAQO = 30 µg/m3)

Annual Average Concentration(µg/m

3)

Site-Specifica

Beaverlodge

2006 9.89 1.53

2007 11.5 1.52

Full Period 10.7 1.52

NOTES:a


SO2 Passive Sampling

Table 7A-9 provides a summary of SO2 passive sampling data for the period from May 2006 to July 2008.

Passive samplers are more accurate for the lower concentration levels, and therefore provide more

accurate concentrations for annual averages. Since there is only one complete year of data available

(2007), annual average concentrations for the three individual years were not calculated. Instead, the

period average and monthly maximum SO2 concentrations are presented.

Table 7A-9 Summary of Monthly SO2 Concentrations (µg/m3) from PassiveSampling

Station

SO2 Concentration(µg/m

3)

27 Month Average Monthly Maximum

Blue Bridge 1.71 8.11

Wynandie 2.55 4.45

Gas Line 6.55 11.0

Haul Road 6.11 12.3

7A.2.1.2 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) Concentrations

Ambient NOX and NO2 concentrations are monitored on a continuous basis at the site-specific continuous

monitoring station and the Beaverlodge monitoring station. Tables 7A-10 and 7A-11 provide an overview

of the one-hour average NOX and NO2 frequency statistics respectively, based on measurements for the

2-year period, January 2006 to December 2007. The one-hour NO2 AAAQO of 400 µg/m3

was not

exceeded at any time during the 2-year period. Figures 7A-9 and 7A-10 show the one-hour NOX and NO2

concentrations measured at both the site-specific and Beaverlodge monitoring stations. At the

Beaverlodge site, the highest concentrations are observed in the winter months and the lowest

concentrations are observed during the summer. The site-specific NOX and NO2 data does not show the

same trend.




Table 7A-10 Summary of One-hour Average NOX Concentrations (µg/m3)Measured at the Site-Specific and Beaverlodge MonitoringStations (no AAAQO)


3)

Site-Specific Beaverlodge

Maximum 741 234

99.9th Percentile 265 127




Median 7.52 5.45

Average 15.4 10.4


Table 7A-11 Summary of One-hour Average NO2 Concentrations (µg/m3)Measured at the Site-Specific and Beaverlodge MonitoringStations (AAAQO = 400 µg/m3)


3)


Maximum 126 73.0





Median 3.76 4.89

Average 7.63 8.27





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Figure 7A-9 Ambient One-hour NOX Concentrations Measured at the Site-Specific and Beaverlodge Monitoring Stations




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Figure 7A-10 Ambient One-hour NO2 Concentrations Measured at the Site-Specific and Beaverlodge Monitoring Stations




Table 7A-12 provides an overview of the 24-hour average frequency statistics for the site-specific and

Beaverlodge monitoring stations. The 24-hour AAAQO for NO2 is 200 µg/m3

and was not exceeded at

either site during the 2-year period.

Table 7A-12 Summary of 24-hour Average NO2 Concentrations (µg/m3)Measured at the Site-Specific and Beaverlodge MonitoringStations (AAAQO = 200 µg/m3)

24-hour Concentration(µg/m

3)


Maximum 35.7 43.6





Median 7.52 5.57

Average 7.59 8.25

Table 7A-13 provides the annual average NO2 concentrations for 2006 and 2007 individually and for the

full 2-year period. The annual AAAQO for NO2 is 60 µg/m3

and was not exceeded at either of the

monitoring stations.

Table 7A-13 Summary of Annual Average NO2 Concentrations (µg/m3)Measured at the Site-Specific and Beaverlodge MonitoringStations (AAAQO = 60 µg/m3)

Annual Average Concentration(µg/m

3)


2006 5.42 8.55

2007 9.68 8.50

Full Period 7.55 8.52

7A.2.1.3 Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Concentrations

Ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations are routinely measured on a continuous basis at

the Beaverlodge continuous monitoring station. Table 7A-14 provides an overview of the frequency

statistics based on one-hour and 24-hour measurements for the 2-year period, January 2006 to

December 2007. The 24-hour AAAQO of 30 µg/m3

was exceeded at this site on July 4, 2006 owing to five

consecutive hourly readings that are atypical of this area. These five hourly readings exceeded the

Alberta Ambient Air Quality Guideline (AAAQG) for 1-hour PM2.5 (80 µg/m3) (Alberta Environment, 2008).

Figure 7A-11 shows the one-hour and 24-hour PM2.5 concentrations for the Beaverlodge monitoring

station. Each figure shows a spike in PM2.5 concentrations in July of 2006, which is when the maximum

concentration at each station is observed. The observed concentrations during all other days are lower

than the AAAQOs.




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2.5

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g/m

3)

AAAQO = 30 µg/m3

24-hour

Figure 7A-11 Ambient One-hour and 24-hour PM2.5 Concentrations Measured atthe Beaverlodge Monitoring Station




Table 7A-14 Summary of One-hour and 24-hour Average PM2.5 Concentrations(µg/m3) Measured at the Beaverlodge Monitoring Station

One-hour 24-hour

Maximum 268 66.8





Median 2.20 2.41

Average 3.36 3.36

AAAQO (µg/m3) - 30

AAAQG (µg/m3) 80 -

7A.2.1.4 Ozone (O3) Concentrations

Ambient O3 concentrations are routinely monitored on a continuous basis at the Beaverlodge monitoring

station. Table 7A-15 provides an overview of the one-hour average frequency statistics based on

measurements for the 2-year period, January 2006 to December 2007. The one-hour AAAQO value of

160 µg/m3

was not exceeded at any time during the 2-year period.

Figure 7A-12 shows the one-hour concentrations measured at the Beaverlodge site during the 2-year

period. As seen in Figure 7A-12, there is a tendency for high concentrations in the spring and summer

and low concentrations in the fall and winter.

Table 7A-15 Summary of One-hour Average O3 Concentrations (µg/m3)Measured at the Beaverlodge Monitoring Station(AAAQO = 160 µg/m3)


3)

Maximum 130

99.9th Percentile 121

99th Percentile 108

95th Percentile 94.0

90th Percentile 85.6

Median 57.9

Average 57.2




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Figure 7A-12 Ambient One-hour O3 Concentrations Measured at theBeaverlodge Monitoring Station

7A.2.2 Static Monitoring Data

Milner Power Inc. operates static monitors in the project area, including one TPM monitor, eight dustfall

monitors and eight total sulphation monitors. The location of these monitors is shown in Figure 7A-13.

7A.2.2.1 Static TPM Monitoring

TPM concentrations are routinely measured at one monitoring station operated by Maxim Power Inc. A

summary of this monitoring data (1997-2008) is presented in Table 7A-16. This table displays for each

year the i) maximum 24-hour average concentration; ii) the maximum monthly average concentration, and

iii) the annual average concentration.

Figure 7A-14 shows the individual 24-hour TPM concentrations for each sampled day from January 5th

1997 through August 28th

2008. The TPM concentrations were taken, midnight to midnight every six days

on the National Air Pollution Surveillance (NAPS) schedule. Note that for the year 2002 individual daily

concentrations were reconstructed based on the data supplied in Milner compliance reports (monthly

maximum and monthly average concentrations). This was owing to loss of individual sample records.

These data show a number of dramatic changes in TPM. Three pattern are evident; i) Jan 1998 through

Dec 1999 (average TPM = 162 g/m3); ii) Jan 2000 through Dec 2003 (average TPM = 72 g/m

3); and iii)

Jan 2004 through August 2008 (average TPM = 257 g/m3). The second corresponds to the Grande

Cache Coal (GCC) mine closure (late 1999 through early 2004). The third shows the effect of the new

GCC mine haul road, which commenced activity near the Milner monitoring station in early 2004.

GCC TSP Monitor

2 - Near pond 3 - Near CN bldg

Haul Road

Wynandie

Station 1

Station 6

GCC PM2.5 MonitorMilner Continuous Monitor

4 - Waste ponds

9 - Blue bridge

5 - End of tracks

Gas Line

SusaCreek

Kamisak(Enterprise)

Joachim(Enterprise)

Victor Lake(Cooperative)

Wanyandie Flats(West Cooperative)

Sheep Creek

Roddy C

reek

Washy

Creek

Victor Lake

Muskeg

River

Peavine

Lake

Mitayimin Creek

CarconateCreek

GrandeCache

Lake

GrandeMountain

Town ofGrande Cache

313136

36

36 31

30

1924

25

31

30

19

18

07

01

12

13

24

25

06

07

18

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030405

33323635343332

0102030405

RGE 09 W6TWP 056

RGE 09 W6TWP 057

RGE 07 W6TWP 058

RGE 07 W6TWP 059

RGE 08 W6TWP 059

RGE 09 W6TWP 059

RGE 08 W6TWP 058

RGE 09 W6TWP 058

HR MILNER EXPANSION PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

Local Monitoring Station LocationsAB SKBC

NT

USA

FIGURE NO.

7A-13

Areaof

Interest

PREPARED BY

Data Provided By: Data Provided By: AltaLIS (2006), Government of Canada (2007), Colt Engineering (2008), Valtus (2006).NOTE: Drawing originally formated for 22 X 34 printing size.

LastModified:September24,2008

By:K.Poll

PREPARED FOR

JW-1033372-039

Dustfall Station

Dustfall and Sulphation Station

Sulphation Station

GCC Continuous PM2.5 Monitor

GCC Continuous TSP Monitor

Milner Continuous Monitor (SO2, NOx, TSP)

HR Milner Generating Station

Town Boundary

Road (Existing)

Highway 40

Enterprise/CO-OP Zone0 1 2 3

UTM Zone 11 - NAD 83

JW-1033372-035

kilometres -1:35,000




0

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m3)

Note: The GCC mine started decommissioning in 1999, was down from 2000 to 2003, and started recommissioning in 2004.

Figure 7A-14 24-hour TPM Concentration at Milner Air Quality Monitor: Jan 5 1998 through Aug 28 2008




Table 7A-16 Summary of Static TPM Sampling

YearMaximum 24-hour Average

Concentration(µg/m

3)

Maximum Monthly AverageConcentration

(µg/m3)

Annual AverageConcentration

(µg/m3)

1997 904 353 220

1998 666 324 193

1999 614 239 136

2000 974 426 124

2001 481 197 52

2002 233 159 57

2003 442 175 69

2004 438 224 94

2005 1,422 730 424

2006 661 415 219

2007 961 456 243

20081

888 562 355

NOTE:1

TPM data current to August 28, 2008

7A.2.2.2 Dustfall

Dustfall concentrations are routinely measured at eight monitoring stations operated by Maxim Power Inc.

The locations of these stations are shown in Figure 7A-13. Table 7A-17 provides an overview of the

monthly average frequency statistics based on measurements for the 4-year period, January 2004 to

December 2007. The average monthly dustfall concentrations measured at the eight monitoring stations

range from 24.0 to 204 mg/100cm2/30days. The maximum monthly dustfall concentration of 318 mg/100

cm2/30 days was observed at the Haul Road monitoring station. Figure 7A-14 shows the monthly dustfall

concentrations at all eight monitoring stations for the period of 2004 to 2007.

Table 7A-17 Summary of Monthly Dustfall Concentrations (2004-2007)

Monthly Dustfall Concentration(mg/100 cm

2/30 days)

2(Near

Pond)a

3(Near CNBuilding)

a

4(WastePond)

b

5(End ofTracks)

a

9(Blue

Bridge)b

Wynandiec

GasLine

cHaul

Roadc

Maximum 103 117 193 311 184 88.6 202 318

99th Percentile 86.1 100 188 282 130 88.6 193 315

95th Percentile 48.0 63.4 172.9 163 63.6 88.4 159 301

Average 25.7 32.7 68.1 51.7 24.0 40.5 82.4 204

Minimum 6.24 5.82 12.5 5.50 1.06 11.0 34.0 71.7

NOTES:a

Data available from January 2004 – March 2007b

Data available from January 2004 – December 2007c

Data available from April 2007 – December 2007




2 (Near Pond)

3 (Near CN Building)

4 (Waste Ponds)

5 (End of Tracks)

9 (Blue Bridge)

Wynandie

Gas Line

Haul Road

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Figure 7A-14 Monthly Dustfall Concentrations Measured Locally

7A.2.2.3 Total Sulphation

Total sulphation concentrations are routinely measured at eight monitoring stations operated by Grande

Maxim Power Inc. Table 7A-18 provides an overview of the average frequency statistics based on

measurements for the 3-year period, January 2004 to December 2006. The average total sulphation

concentrations at the eight monitoring stations range from 0.028 to 0.047 mg SO3/100cm2/day. The

maximum total sulphation concentration of 0.180 mg SO3/100cm2/ day was observed at monitoring

station 4. Figure 7A-15 shows the total sulphation concentrations at all monitoring stations during the

2004 to 2006 monitoring period.

Table 7A-18 Summary of Total Sulphation Concentrations (2004-2006)

Total Sulphation Concentration(mg SO3/100cm

2/day)

1(Hwy

to GP)

2(Nearpond)

3(Near CNbuilding)

4(WastePond)

5(End ofTracks)

6(Bottom ofAmb Hill)

7(HaulRoad)

9(Blue

Bridge)

Maximum 0.160 0.130 0.120 0.180 0.144 0.178 0.140 0.140

99th Percentile 0.154 0.127 0.117 0.170 0.139 0.165 0.125 0.137

95th Percentile 0.134 0.101 0.092 0.128 0.130 0.113 0.096 0.123

Average 0.045 0.030 0.028 0.047 0.041 0.041 0.031 0.034

Minimum 0.002 0.001 0.003 0.002 0.003 0.002 0.004 0.002




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Figure 7A-15 Total Sulphation Concentrations Measured Locally

7A.2.3 Local Monitoring Data

In addition to the information sources presented in the previous sections, ambient air quality data

measured locally is also available. Grande Cache Coal Corporation operates one Total Particulate Matter

(TPM) monitor and one Respirable Particulate (PM2.5) monitor close to the Project site.

7A.2.3.1 Particulate Matter Concentrations

Grande Cache Coal Corporation operates one Total Particulate Matter (TPM) monitor and one Respirable

Particulate (PM2.5) monitor close to the Project site. The location of these monitoring stations is shown in

Figure 7A-13. The TPM monitor is located north of the Project Site and Highway 40 and the PM2.5 monitor

is located in Wanyandie Flats. A summary of the available data for these two monitoring sites from 2005

to 2007 is presented in Table 7A-19. This data was taken directly from the air quality assessment report

completed for the Grande Cache Coal No. 8 Mine (AMEC 2008). The Grande Cache Coal Plant site

located adjacent to the Milner Project site.

As shown in Table 7A-19, the 24-hour TPM AAAQO of 100 µg/m3

was exceeded in 2007. The 24-hour

AAAQO for PM2.5 was exceeded in 2006 and 2007. Hourly PM2.5 data were not summarized in AMEC

(2008), so it is not known if the 1-hour AAAQG for PM2.5 was exceeded. While the 98th

percentile 24-hour

PM2.5 concentrations in 2006 and 2007 are elevated, insufficient data are available to determine if this

sites exceeded the Canada Wide Standard (CWS) metric of 30 µg/m3

averaged for three consecutive

years.




Table 7A-19 Summary of TPM and PM2.5 Concentrations Measured Locally

Year

TPM PM2.5

OperatingDays

24-hourMax

(µg/m3)

AnnualAverage(µg/m

3)

OperatingDays

98th

Percentile24-hour(µg/m

3)

AnnualAverage(µg/m

3)

2005 328 66 10.7 194 19 3.3

2006 365 83 14.7 343 41 5.5

2007 331 104 9.1 345 36 5.7

SOURCE: AMEC (2008)

7A.2.4 Recent Dispersion Assessments

The H.R. Milner Generating Station Air Assessment (RWDI Air, 2005)

RWDI Air (2005) was retained by Milner Power to conduct dispersion modelling of the main boiler stack of

the H.R. Milner plant in support of the AENV Approval renewal application. The ambient ground-level

concentrations of NOx, SO2, TPM, and PM2.5 were selected as the substances of concern for dispersion

modelling. The CALPUFF dispersion model was used to predict ground-level concentrations of each.

This assessment predicted exceedances of the one-hour and 24-hour SO2 AAAQO. As a result RWDI Air

recommended that the ambient monitor be relocated 300 m north of its current location to the position

indicated in the modelling as the point of maximum impingement for SO2. RWDI Air also recommended

that the Milner Power consider adding passive samplers for NO2 and SO2 to increase the spatial

distribution of the monitoring network, and to enable validation of the modelling results.

A comparison of predicted ground-level concentrations against measured concentrations determined that

NO2, SO2, and TPM predicted ground-level concentrations were higher, with the exception of PM2.5, which

was less.

The Grand Cache Coal assessment for the No. 8 Mine (AMEC, 2008)

AMEC (2008) was retained by GCCC to conduct dispersion modelling in support of an AENV Approval

amendment application for their proposed No. 8 Mine. The results of dispersion modelling, using emission

estimates, showed that most predicted concentrations are within AAAQO. The predicted 98th

percentile

daily PM2.5, was higher than Canada-wide Standard (CWS) metric, but not the three consecutive year

rolling average (meaning it does not exceed the CWS). The maximum 98th

percentile PM2.5 concentration

occurred 2 km northwest of the plant.

Some predicted TPM and NO2 concentrations were higher than the AAAQO at the point of maximum

impingement using conservative emission estimates; however, these receptors were adjacent to mine

and/or plant operations in areas where the public has no access. Predicted concentrations decrease

rapidly with distance from the emission sources.

The predictions obtained for receptors north of Highway 40 are below the AAAQO, with the exception of

annual NO2. These results were obtained using very conservative NOX emission assumptions. Estimated

emissions of SO2 from GCCC operations are much less than those of its nearest neighbour and therefore

SO2 was not considered. AMEC concluded that operation of the No. 8 Mine and plant are not expected to

compromise the air quality for the nearest residences to the mine.

AMEC’s comparison of predicted annual average, hourly and daily peak ground-level concentrations

against ambient concentrations determined that for Year 1 (first year of No. 8 Mine operations) SO2, NOx,




CO and PM2.5 were less than ambient concentrations, and TPM was greater than ambient background

concentrations. For Year 5 (future case scenario), NOx, and PM2.5 were less than ambient concentrations,

with the exception of CO and TPM, which were greater than ambient background concentrations

Gap Analysis

The most notable feature of these assessments is the disparity in the findings respecting the effects of the

Milner (M1) facilities discharge. The RWDI Air predictions are much higher than those of AMEC. The

findings of JWA’s modelling assessment for this work agree most closely with AMEC’s findings. JWA’s

review of the AMEC and RWDI Air work found two key differences in the latter work that explains this

disparity.

The first is RWDI Air’s use of a stack volume flow corrected to reference conditions (25°C and 1

atmosphere) in the modelling. Actual conditions must be used (168°C and 0.95 atmosphere). The result is

a modelled stack velocity nearly half of the actual velocity, resulting in under-estimated plume rise. The

second is the execution of CALPUFF using Pasquill-Gifford dispersion coefficients in place of the more

appropriate dispersion coefficients from internally calculated turbulence parameters (sigma v & sigma w)

derived from micrometeorological variables that are produced by CALMET. These latter parameters result

in a more realistic simulation of dispersion in this situation. Both these differences (individually and

additively) have the effect of producing higher predicted concentrations.

7A.3 References

7A.3.1 Literature Cited

AENV, 2007. Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objectives, Alberta Environment, October 2007.

AENV, 2008. Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objective and Guidelines, Alberta Environment, June 2008.

AMEC. 2008. Air Quality Assessment Grande Cache Coal Project No. 8 Mine. AMEC Earth &

Environmental. February 2008.

Environment Canada. 1990. The Climates of Canada. Minister of Supply and Services Canada. Canadian

Government Publishing Centre, Ottawa, Ontario. 176 pp.

Milner Power Inc. 2007. Site-Specific Ambient Monitoring Data from January 1, 2006 to December 31,

2007.

RWDI Air, 2008. Final Report: Dispersion Modelling of the H.R. Milner Power Plant Near Grande Cache,

Alberta. Project W05-1228. August 11, 2005.

7A.3.2 Internet Sites

CASA 2008. Clean Air Strategic Alliance Data Warehouse: Alberta Ambient Air Data Management

System. Available at: http://www.casadata.org/Reports/SelectCategory.asp. Accessed March

2008.

Environment Canada. 2008. Canadian Climate Normals 1971-2000. Available at:

http://www.climate.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/climate_normals. Accessed May 2008.

Appendix 7A Baseline Climate and AQ Jan-19-09 kh...Station Type Station Name UTM NAD83 Elevation mN...

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