Asthmatics rejoice!
Now you’ll be able to tell just how good or bad the air quality is in Victoria.
The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) has installed six PurpleAir air quality monitors.
The monitors are the latest technology in measuring quantities of air pollutants such as dust, dirt, soot, smoke and pollutants from motorized vehicles or vessels.
Two were installed at the cruise ship terminal near Ogden Point, two at Fisherman’s Wharf and two at the International Marina in Victoria’s middle harbour.
With these installments, Victorians can see what the air quality is like in the city in real time on an interactive air quality map that is updated hourly with the fine particulate matter levels, or PM2.5 levels.
The air quality readings from GVHA monitors have consistently reported a score of 20 PM2.5 or less since they were installed. Anything below 20 PM2.5 is the ideal level for safely enjoying outdoor activities.
“Sustainability in our operations is driven by the GVHA’s guiding principles and continued commitment to the community,” said Ian Robertson, CEO of GVHA in a media release.
On top of consistently measuring air quality in Victoria, the GVHA also keeps their eyes on the Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) levels in James Bay that are emitted by the cruise ships that visit town.
They’ve been doing so since 2011 in partnership with the BC Ministry of Environment and Vancouver Island Health Authority.
This is all part of their commitment to making sure that Greater Victoria has safe air to breathe and that cruise ships, international vessels and seaplanes do not overly affect the quality of air.
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