Editor:
On behalf of the Prince Rupert Port Authority, I would like to clarify information contained in the Aug. 20 article regarding dust at Westview Terminal.
The PRPA actively monitors noise and dust in several ways, including electronic air quality equipment, passive dustfall collection, audio recording devices, 24-hour visual surveillance, and resident feedback and observation about specific nuisances.
The primary measurement for airborne dust is a real-time air quality monitor located between the terminal and the neighbourhood that measures the particles suspended in the air (i.e., the dust that can potentially impact people's health). These measurements have consistently been, and continue to be, far below provincial air quality
objectives.
The dust samples referred to in the article were from a monthly collection program that measures the dust deposited onto the ground on the terminal property. The report correctly notes that some of the June dustfall samples at these locations were abnormally high and exceeded provincial objectives.
We understand that there is a nuisance associated with dust, regardless of the source. The samples are being tested to identify the contributing sources of dust (e.g., wood pieces, road dust, insect parts, pine pollen, other industrial activities). This will allow us to continue to encourage those sources to find ways of reducing dust output where possible.
It is important for us to emphasize that there was no corresponding increase in measurement of the airborne particles that could impact human health.
Ken Veldman
Director, Public Affairs,
Prince Rupert Port Authority