130419-03MN107-App G7 Air Monitoring-IA2E.pdf - NIRB

5 QA/QCQA/QC procedures in 2012 included the use of an accredited lab for sample preparation andanalysis, and sample collection by appropriate personnel (trained by a professional air qualityspecialist). This report was prepared by environmental professionals. AEM's Partisol instruments aresent for calibration yearly.Procedures in 2013 will include the use of travel blanks as part of sample submissions.6 SUMMARY6.1 COMPARISON TO REGULATORY STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES6.1.1 GN Standards (for TSP, PM2.5, NO 2 )Although concentrations of suspended particulates were not directly comparable to GN standards, thevalues obtained in this monitoring program are expected to be higher than they would be if calculatedfor standard conditions (see Section 3.1).With the above assumption, GN standards for the measured parameters (TSP, PM2.5, NO 2 ) were notexceeded at any time point or monitoring location in 2012.6.1.2 Dustfall GuidelineResults of the dustfall collection program were compared to the Alberta Environment Department’srecreational area dustfall guideline for reference. This guideline was exceeded from January – May atDF-1, in March at DF-2, in February and May at DF-3, and in December 2011 and January 2012 atDF-4. However, the guideline has not been exceeded at any site since June 2012, when dustsuppression efforts were increased. It is not possible to apply dust suppressant in the winter.6.2 TEMPORAL AND SPATIAL TRENDSOverall, no trends were evident over the year or between sampling stations for suspendedparticulates (TSP, PM10 and PM2.5).Dustfall at all stations decreased in June 2012, likely as a result of an increase in dust suppressionefforts. Aside from the high values observed at DF-4 prior to re-location away from the road, no cleartrends between sites were observed.Concentrations of NO 2 were always lower at DF-1 compared to DF-2, likely because DF-1 is moreremote. No clear trends over the year were observed.7 RECOMMENDATIONSProfessional calibration of the Partisol instruments is recommended on an annual basis.11