Air Monitoring Network
One of the main objectives of the SIA is to gather scientifically valid data about current local air quality as well as long term trends. In 1976 multi-stakeholder monitoring was agreed to and endorsed by local industries and Alberta Environment.
Four continuous air monitoring stations were commissioned in 1979 and two more industry operated stations were incorporated into the SIA network in 1982. Each parameter at each station is recorded continuously (once per second). These readings are averaged into 30-second values, which are transferred to a central computer database. The 30-second values are used to calculate 5-minute, 1-hour and daily averages.
In 1994 the SIA established a 24-hour response to various alarms and operating deviations. If an elevated reading is detected, the network manager is immediately paged and investigation is triggered.
Data Availability:
The 30-second data are presented using auto-updating graphs and are available to all SIA members, local emergency response agencies, and Alberta Environment. Trends showing the 5-minute, 1-hour and daily averages are also displayed.
The network manager submits a regular monthly performance report to Alberta Environment and to SIA members. Any exceedance of Alberta Guideline levels or other significant events are highlighted.
Two annual reports are prepared by the SIA:
- A Detailed technical review, which is submitted to Alberta Environment and SIA members, and
- An annual summary report - an abridged version of the technical report.