Experts are proposing placing an air quality monitor inside Exshaw as part of Lafarge’s Fugitive Dust Control Best Management Practice Program (FDCBMP-P).
After looking at three potential areas, consultant WSP suggested a site off Windridge Road would be the best location for the monitor as part of the Ambient Air Monitoring Program (AAMP).
“(The site is) downwind from Lafarge, on flat, unobstructed land and has power (sources) available,” said Kyle Howe of WSP.
WSP is a consulting firm and was hired to give its expert opinion on how Lafarge should move forward with fugitive dust, ambient air modelling and particulate matter monitor placement.
Lafarge held a public meeting on Oct. 28 to update and receive feedback from the community regarding the newest proposal, among other practices.
WSP would be able to monitor data and give transparent reporting to Lafarge on their findings. WSP would also be able to use its expertise to break down the data to Lafarge and inform the cement plant as to investigating any spikes in air quality risks that may occur.
At the end of the month, Lafarge must submit a program plan to provincial regulators Environment and Parks, as well as a proposal for an AAMP as part of its plant expansion extension approval this past June. Alberta Health Services will be required to be consulted for the AAMP. The program’s intention is to prevent or reduce fugitive dust generated by the cement plant’s activities – a major concern in MD of Bighorn hamlets Exshaw and Lac Des Arcs (LDA).
Lafarge currently has four active air quality monitors.
Along with the Windridge Road site, two other locations considered for monitors are Exshaw’s Central Park and Windridge Park.
After discussion last month that a monitor in the LDA community would be considered, Howe said at the October meeting a monitor wouldn’t be placed in LDA as of now for numerous reasons. Previous studies show that collecting data is challenging in that area, said Howe, and dust may not necessarily be coming from the Lafarge plant. However, WSP “have not forgotten” about the community across the river.
As part of the meeting, Lafarge gave an update on its FDCBMP-P, such as a proposed proximity extension in truck sweeper services along Highway 1A, extending from Lafarge’s gate to the Exshaw Legion area. Lafarge awaits a response from Alberta Transportation on the matter.
Stronger communication with the community is being called a bottom line with Lafarge. A call for feedback about how it’s going and strategies to improve communication was requested.
A point brought up at the meeting by Jen Smith, a Canadian Rockies Public Schools Exshaw ward trustee, was enhanced transparency between Lafarge and CRPS. The east end of Lafarge’s property runs adjacent to Exshaw School, which has about 150 students.
In 2014, several incidents involving Lafarge and the school occurred, such as a minor lime dust release that forced the school board to take precautionary action and keep students indoors for a day.
