Prince George City Council responded to a letter of correspondence at last night’s (Monday) meeting, regarding air quality surrounding Moccasin Flats.
The letter was penned by Dr. Amelia Merrick, and states the Millar Addition “has the worst air in Prince George.”
According to the Purple Air map, the one-week average PM2.5 AQI for the sensor adjacent to Patricia Boulevard is 50.
The map states at that level, air quality is acceptable, but there may be a risk for some people with 24-hour exposure, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
Merrick writes she’s asking for help to collect data on air quality, and provided three ideas:
- A partnership between the city and PGAIR and UNBC to collect historical data on air quality.
- Procure two Purple Air monitors, one for Lower Patricia and one for Upper Patricia.
- Invite student groups to conduct air quality research in the Millar Addition.
Merrick also suggested a clean up at Moccasin Flats for April 21st.
“The underlying matter, or one of them, is the unauthorized burning,” said Acting Director of Administrative Services Eric Depenau.
“There are actions being explored to help mitigate the hazards that fires pose within the encampment, as well as congestion on that site and the expansion we are starting to see of where people are taking shelter.”
Depenau noted “nuisance fires,” such as burning garbage, are being extinguished in the encampment by bylaw.
“If it’s not a fire that’s wood based, and used specifically for heating and cooking, it’s being extinguished,” he said.
“The fact is the air quality levels are unacceptable in the area, it’s unacceptable the encampment is impacting the neighbourhood disproportionately, with air quality,” said Councillor Kyle Sampson.
“I want folks to keep warm, be able to eat, but there are shelter options available to keep warm and there are various non-government organizations to provide meals, and if a fire can’t be clean burning and safe, then it’s not acceptable.”
Sampson also put forward a notice of motion for a community safety town hall meeting for May 1st.
“I live on the far side of the Millar Addition, but my building is quite impacted negatively by the air quality,” said Councillor Susan Scott.
“The individual suites, as I described to some friends earlier are not, but that’s because of the nature of the construction. Once you step out in the hallway, it can be quite unpleasant, and so I know what people in the Millar Addition are experiencing.”
Staff will be referring the letter to PGAIR, and Council has requested PGAIR return as a delegation to present to Council.