Clean Air Strategy

Heat, Health, Smog and Clean Air Response Plan

April, 2010

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Heat, Health and Smog Alerts and Responses 2

Air Quality Health Index

Air Quality Index - Smog Alert and Response

Heat Alert Protocol

Actions for Clean Air, Smog, Heat and Health

Transportation 9

Active Transportation Master Plan

Smart Commute Halton

Sustainable Green Fleet Guide and Procedure

By-law 2002-153: A by-law to provide for the control of the idling of vehicles

Sustainable Purchasing Procedure 11

Health Protection Air Quality By-law 11

Tables

Table 1: Air Quality Health Index categories and messages.

Table 2: Provincial and corporate responses to smog conditions.

Table 3: Year-round and Long Term Corporate Clean Air Actions for Smog, Heat and Health.

Figures

Figure 1: Province of Ontario local air quality monitoring sites.

Figure 2: Halton-Peel heat alert totals from 2003 – 2009.

Figure 3: Air Quality Index scale and forecast categories.

Figure 4: Halton- Peel smog alert totals from 1993 – 2009.

Appendices

Appendix A: Be Smog Smart entrance poster

Appendix B: Smog Alert/ Advisory entrance poster

Appendix C: Heat Alert Protocol

Appendix D: Heat Alert entrance Poster

Appendix E: Year Round ‘In the Office’ Strategies

Appendix F: Year Round ‘On the Road’ Strategies

Appendix G: 2002-153 A by- law to provide for the control of the idling of vehicles

References

Halton Public Sector Smog Response Plan

Halton Partners for Clean Air Plan

Halton Region

Environment Canada

Province of Ontario

Introduction

The Town of Oakville has had internal smog strategies in place since 1999 with a formal Halton Public Sector Smog Response Plan in place since 2000. The integration of the Public Sector’s Smog Response Plan and appropriate sections of the Halton Partners for Clean Air’s Clean Air Plan founded this internal Clean Air Strategy for town operations. This strategy will serve as a tool to help staff throughout each department continue to take actions to protect their own health and reduce the town’s contribution towards poor air quality.

Town staff have been active participants in the Greater Toronto Area – Clean Air Council (GTA- CAC) since 2002, working with all levels of government to address regional air quality issues. Through the GTA- CAC’s annual Smog Summit, Oakville has committed to implement clean air actions in Declarations over the past 10 years.

According to the Ontario Medical Association, it is estimated that the air pollution in Halton in 2005, contributed to approximately 190 premature deaths, 540 hospital admissions, 2,010 emergency room visits, and 1 million minor illness days each year. This has been valued at $17 million in health care costs and $13 million in lost-time for patients and caregivers. Those most at risk of developing an illness brought on by poor air quality are the very young, the elderly and those with a history of respiratory or cardiovascular illnesses.

This internal corporate strategy will: 1) increase staff awareness to the causes and remedies of poor air quality; 2) provide information to staff regarding provincial alerts to poor air quality, smog, health and heat; 3) help reduce smog emissions from municipal operations by implementing corporate strategies; 4) provide recognition and support for town programs aimed at improving local air quality; 5) provide specific actions to be taken year round and on smog days to lessen the town’s contribution to poor air quality and protect human health.

All part-time and seasonal Parks and Open Space summer staff receives a presentation from Environmental Policy on the smog reduction activities taking place within town operations in Oakville. All new full time hires receive a one page handout with their orientation packages alerting them to the clean air programs and strategies that have been put into place.

Source: NATHAN DENETTE/THE CANADIAN PRESS FILE PHOTO

Heat, Health, Heat and Smog Alerts and Responses

The Town of Oakville has put several corporate strategies into place to govern our own actions and to decrease the town’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. The following strategies and response plans will alert staff and residents to what response can be expected by all levels of government while faced with compromised local air quality.

Air Quality Health Index (AQHI)

Created by health care professionals and Environment Canada, the AQHI is a tool implemented to protect human health, especially in individuals that have pre-existing health issues such as emphysema, bronchitis, asthma or any other respiratory problem. The AQHI is most useful on days that are deemed to have poor air quality associated with low, moderate, high and very high health risks. This tool is designed to help make decisions to protect a person’s health by limiting short-term exposure to air pollution and adjusting activity levels during increased levels of air pollution.

Table 1: Air Quality Health Index categories and messages.

Health Risk

Air Quality Health Index

Health Messages

At Risk Population* General Population

Low 1 - 3 Enjoy your usual outdoor activities. Ideal air quality for outdoor activities.

Moderate

4 - 6

Consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if you are experiencing symptoms.

No need to modify your usual outdoor activities unless you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.

High

7 - 10

Reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors. Children and the elderly should also take it easy.

Consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.

Very High Above

10

Avoid strenuous activities outdoors. Children and the elderly should also avoid outdoor physical exertion.

Reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors, especially if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.

* People with heart or breathing problems are at greater risk. Follow your doctor's usual advice about exercising and managing your condition.

Source: http://www.ec.gc.ca/cas-aqhi/default.asp?lang=En&n=79A8041B-1

Air Quality Index

The Province of Ontario’s Air Quality Index (AQI) is an indicator of air quality, based on hourly pollutant measurements from several state of the art air quality monitoring stations. The ministry takes real-time air quality data from its AQI monitoring sites to produce AQI readings for each location. AQI readings are reported to the public and news media hourly. Hourly readings can be located on the Ministry’s website at http://www.airqualityontario.com as well as on the Weather Network.

Figure 1: Province of Ontario local air quality monitoring sites.

Source: www.airqualityontario.com

The concentrations of each pollutant is measured at each of the air quality monitoring stations and converted to a numerical scale beginning with 0. The calculated number for each pollutant is referred to as a sub-index, the highest sub-index for each station becomes the AQI for that hour. The lower the index, the better the local air quality is determined to be. The six most common air pollutants, or sub-indexes, are sulphur dioxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, total reduced sulphur compounds, carbon monoxide and fine particulate matter.

Smog is a form of air pollution, a mixture of many pollutants, but the two main ingredients of smog are ground-level ozone (O3) and particulate matter (PM). It is a complex mixture of air pollutants that is sometimes visible in the air. The noxious mixture of gases and particles is commonly associated with air pollution in urban areas.

Figure 2: Halton- Peel smog alert totals from 1993 – 2009.

Source: http://www.halton.ca/cms/One.aspx?portalId=8310&pageId=13733

Typically, May 1 until mid September is smog season, although this is completely dependent on weather and wind patterns. More smog days are experienced in summers that tend to be on the hot and dry side such as in 2005 and 2007. The smog season is being extended as average temperatures are on the rise.

Figure 3: Air Quality Index scale and forecast categories.

Source: http://www.airqualityontario.com/

Town of Oakville staff belongs to the Smog Alert Network and has had in place a notification process that Environmental Policy has been responsible for over the past six years. Once a poor air quality level is established by the Province of Ontario, Environmental Policy will report information to key personnel to relay to all staff, both in the field and in offices. Through this notification process the Strategy, Policy and Communications Department will be requested to update the town’s website in order to provide staff and residents with a link to Halton Regional Health Department’s news release.

Smog Watch, Advisory and Terminations are all issued by the Province of Ontario and is related to data received by the numerous Provincial local air quality monitoring stations. Provincial and Corporate Responses to smog information can be found in Table 2, below.

Table 2: Provincial and Corporate responses to smog conditions.

Air Quality Information

Provincial Action Corporate Action

Smog Watch

A ‘Smog Watch’ will be issued If there is 50 per cent chance that smog levels are to rise over the next 3 days.

Town staff will relate this information to key personnel to ensure Clean Air Actions are posted within each department.

Town staff will post a “Be Smog Smart” poster at all town facilities. This poster can be found as Appendix A.

Departments will be asked to adhere to the town’s smog day actions which are included in the email notification and on town posters.

Smog Alert / Advisory

A ‘Smog Alert / Advisory’ is issued when the subsequent 2 days of weather forecasts predict a smog alert is imminent, ie. temperatures are above 27 degrees C, high UV radiation and little wind, this predicts that the air quality index (AQI) will reach 50 and a smog day is forthcoming.

An email will be sent to all town staff alerting them of the Smog Alert.

The Strategy, Policy and Communications Department will be asked to update the town’s website to provide residents a link to Halton Regional Health Department’s news

release.

Posters will be located at main entrances of all town facilities as a means to notify town staff and residents of the poor air quality. This poster can be found as Appendix B.

Smog Termination

‘Smog Termination’ happens when Air Quality Index levels return to normal and the smog advisory is over.

A notification email will be sent to all town staff with email access.

Posters will be taken down.

Heat Alert Protocol

In July of 2007 staff developed the town’s Heat Alert Protocol – Operating Procedure in which strategies are laid out to disseminate information to and prepare staff and residents for the upcoming heat. Strategies include ensuring an adequate supply of water and sunscreen are on hand as well as knowing the signs and symptoms of heat stroke and dehydration. When a heat alert is issued, Halton Region will notify town staff and issue a news release. Environmental Policy will notify the town’s Heat Alert team which consists of staff from the departments of Recreation and Culture, Facilities Management and the Strategy, Policy and Communication Department. The Strategy, Policy and Communications Department will issue a media release and website update advising of which recreation centres, libraries and museums will be extending their hours of operation to be used as cooling centres.

A complete list of cooling centres and hours of operation can be found on the town’s website once a Heat Alert is issued. The town’s Heat Alert Protocol can be found as Appendix C.

Figure 4: Halton-Peel heat alert totals from 2003 – 2009.

Source: http://www.halton.ca/cms/One.aspx?portalId=8310&pageId=13692

Heat Alert posters have been created and should be posted at each facility during periods of extreme heat. A copy of the heat alert poster can be viewed in Appendix D. To request a heat alert poster for your facility please contact ext. 3948.

Actions for Clean Air, Smog, Heat and Health

Over the past several years town staff have implemented a variety of initiatives to help reduce our contribution to poor air quality and protect health. Year round long term actions for ‘In the Office’ Appendix E, and ‘On the Road’, Appendix F, have been posted in each department to alert town staff to what they can do each and every day to limit the release of harmful emissions into our natural environment. These year round strategies include information on energy and water conservation, sustainable purchasing, green fleet strategies and waste diversion. Specific actions taken on smog days to avoid degrading the already poor air quality should complement the year round strategies. Specific action for the following departments should be taking place during the smog season.

Parks and Open Space

• Suspend the use of approved pesticides, oil-based paints and other compounds that release volatile organic compounds. • Reschedule or suspend prescribed burns for forestry crew. • Continue to use and purchase equipment known to have a lesser effect on human health and the natural environment. • Increase naturalized areas for all public lands in order to reduce lawn cutting and approved pesticide use. • Suspend path sweeping. • Suspend or reduce the use of gas and diesel powered engines such as lawn mowers, chainsaws and leaf blowers between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Gas mowers create as much pollution in an hour as a car driving several thousand kilometres. If experiencing too many smog days and are falling being schedule, consider using manual tools or cleaner technology such as, four stroke engines instead of two stroke equipment.

Public Works

• Suspend road and path sweeping operations at 9 a.m. • Suspend road and roof resurfacing, paving and asphalting where possible. • Suspend the use of the fleet spray booth. • Restrict pavement marking until night.

Fire

• Suspend the use of demonstration fires for training. • Suspension of grass cutting at Fire Halls.

Transit

• Shut-off non-air conditioned, older model buses during lengthy layovers.

Transportation

The Departments of Engineering & Construction and Roads and Works Operations are responsible for the planning, design, construction and maintenance of Oakville's roads. Through cost effective and environmentally responsible means, the Town creates safe and convenient passage for users, provides an aesthetically pleasing environment and ensures the longevity of the Town's infrastructure. The town has made great efforts to increase the connectivity between Oakville Transit routes, major roadways, trails and pathways to better move people across town to their destinations without needing a personal vehicle, these initiatives are listed below.

Active Transportation Master Plan

The town recently completed an Active Transportation Master Plan (ATMP) study, which included a full review of our pedestrian and cycling facilities network, with an additional focus on how these initiatives blend with transit services. The study results assess current conditions and developed an implementation plan to improve and expand the network, and promote cycling and walking in Oakville. The study also reviewed safety, environmental benefits, performance measures, promotion, education, maintenance, and a number of other areas to be integrated with cycling and walking.

To view the complete document visit http://www.oakville.ca/activea2b.htm.

Smart Commute Halton

{smart●commute}: The act of travelling in a manner that reduces the stress on our lives, roads and environment. Smart commuting includes cycling, walking, carpooling and taking transit.

The town participates with Halton Region in Metrolinx’s Smart Commute program, which aims to reduce single occupancy vehicle trips across the GTA to help reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. Halton Region, Metrolinx’s and the town are working to encourage private businesses to also participate in the Smart Commute program.

As an employee of the Town of Oakville, you can register as a smart commuter via Portico and participate in any of the following Smart Commute initiatives:

• Purchase Oakville Transit monthly passes for half the regular price, less than one tank of gas. • Register for Carpool Zone at carpoolzone.ca and get matched with other town employees who take the same route to or from work and receive preferred parking • Use secure, free bike lockers to store your helmet, clothes and bike. • A guaranteed ride home as a smart commuter, so even without a personal vehicle, you’ll never be stuck at work. For more information contact Chris Clapham at cclapham@oakville.ca or ext. 3306.

Sustainable Green Fleet Guide and Procedure

It is estimated that Ontario’s municipal fleets, including transit fleets, contribute approximately 0.8 megatonnes (MT) GHG emissions – or about 43 per cent of Canada’s’ estimated 1.74 MT of municipal fleet emissions. As such, the objective of the Green Fleet Guide is to support the Sustainable Green Fleet Procedure EN-GEN 001-001, and accelerate the Town of Oakville’s fleet greening initiatives. This document will address opportunities and best practices for the Town’s fleet greening.

Our Green Fleet strategy optimizes efficiency in many ways including: choosing the most sustainable mode of travel possible, increasing fuel efficiency, route planning, and choosing the smallest vehicle able to do the job. We’re also increasing our use of alternative fuels and sustainable technologies including biodiesel, GPS technology and fuel management software, and purchasing hybrid and low emission vehicles.

All Town departments, staff, vehicles, transit fleet and off-road equipment are affected by this procedure. For more information on the town’s Green Fleet initiatives visit http://portico/DepartmentsR/Environment%20portal/sustainablegreenfleet/default.aspx.

The Use of Town Vehicles, Equipment and Facility Resource(s) – Policy and Procedure has been amended to reflect the prohibition on the use of drive-thru facilities, idling town vehicles, using cell phones or other electronic devices while driving town vehicles, and not smoking in town vehicles.

For more information on the above procedure please visit http://www.oakville.ca/A-BMG-002-001.htm

For more information on the Green Fleet Strategy and Drive Smart campaign, visit Portico or contact Suzanne Austin at saustin@oakville.ca or ext. 3910.

By-law 2002-153: A by-law to provide for the control of the idling of vehicles

The Town of Oakville also has also had an Anti-Idling By-law that has been in place since 2002. All staff and residents are to adhere to the by-law. This by-law makes it an offence to idle a vehicle for more than 5 consecutive minutes, except in certain circumstances.

A copy of the town’s idling by-law can be found as Appendix G.

Sustainable Purchasing Procedure

The town is committed to purchasing goods and services that have a smaller effect on human health and the environment compared to other products that serve a similar purpose.

Purchasing sustainable goods and services wherever possible helps improve to the town’s waste diversion rates and indoor and outdoor air quality, while reducing natural resource consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and the town’s overall impact on the environment.

The Sustainable Purchasing Procedure and accompanying handbook outlines how to incorporate the environmental effects of goods and services into purchasing decisions.

All purchasing decisions should give consideration to:

1. Making efficient use of natural resources including land, air, energy and water 2. Minimizing waste by limiting purchases and packaging while increasing our waste diversion rates 3. High quality materials that can be repaired or upgraded 4. Minimizing toxicity 5. Renewable or recycled materials 6. Reusable parts or reusability 7. Protection of indoor and outdoor air quality

To download the Sustainable Purchasing Handbook and for more information, visit the Sustainable Purchasing page on Portico, or contact Trisha Leszczynski at tleszczynski@oakville.ca or ext. 3948.

Health Protection Air Quality By-Law

The purpose of Health Protection Air Quality By-law 2010-035 is to protect the health of Oakville residents from the negative effects of fine particulate matter that measures 2.5 microns or less in aerodynamic mass diameter (fine PM) by collecting information on emissions from facilities within Oakville and implementing regulatory controls for "major emitters" as defined in the by-law.

An initial draft of the by-law was proposed at a special meeting of Council on December 22, 2009, and released for public review and comment. After a period of public review and comment, the town passed Health Protection Air Quality By-law 2010-035 on February 1, 2010. For more information visit the implementation web page at http://www.oakville.ca/24932.htm or email healthprotection@oakville.ca.

A smog alert has been issued for today.

Protect your health and avoid vigorous activity, especially if you are outdoors.

Do your part to help improve air quality:• Turn off computers and unplug electronics when not in use• Turn off lights when leaving a room• Set your air conditioner to 25oC • Carpool or take transit• Refuel your car before 9 a.m. or after 3 p.m.• Don’t idle• Limit your use of gas- and diesel-powered engines like

lawn mowers and leaf blowers

For more information visit www.halton.ca or www.airqualityontario.com.

Heat Alert Protocol - Operating Procedure

Procedure Number MS–Gen-00*-001

Page: 1 of 2

Parent Policy No.: Author: Recreation & Culture Authority: CAO

Section: Municipal Services Sub-Section: General

Effective Date: July 2007 Council/CAO Approval Date :*******

Replaces/Last Modified: New

Review by Date: 5 Years from approval date

Purpose Statement This procedure outlines the process to be followed to advise residents of cooling locations and recommended actions during periods when Heat Alerts are in effect. Scope This procedure applies to all appropriate Town owned facilities including: Community Centres Swimming Pools Libraries Town Hall Seniors’ Centres

Procedure The Town shall issue a public advisory upon receipt of a Heat Alert from the Region. The Environmental Policy Department will advise Senior Management Team (SMT)

and all Town employees of the Heat Alert from the Region. Each department will determine what programs/services will be cancelled and/or

modified are required and will advise the Strategy, Policy and Communications Department which will coordinate the information for release to the public.

The Strategy, Policy and Communications Department will issue a media release and website update advising of any facility/program schedule changes and the locations to be used as cooling stations during a heat alert. .

General information regarding heat alerts will be predetermined and posted on the Town web site throughout the summer months commencing May 1st.

The Corporation of the Town of Oakville Page 2 of 2 Procedure Error! Reference source not found., Heat Alert Protocol -

Operating Procedure

P:\Pictures\Heat, Smog, Air Posters\Final CAP with Appendices\Appendix C Heat Alert Protocol.docx

References and Related Documents The link below is to Enviro Canada’s Severe Summer Weather page on heat alerts- (they do not provide a definition) http://www.pnr-rpn.ec.gc.ca/air/summersevere/ae00s18.en.html Definitions Heat Alert

The following definition of a heat alert is from Region of Halton

https://www.halton.ca/health/services/air_quality/heat_alert.htm#Q1

• A Heat Alert is issued when the combination of high heat, high humidity and other weather conditions can be hazardous to your health.

• Environment Canada issues humidex advisories when the maximum daily humidex is expected to:

o exceed 40°Celsius (104°F) and/or o exceed 36 degrees Celsius for an extended period (3 or more days)

• If a humidex advisory is issued, then Halton Region Health Department will issue a Heat Alert.

• Smog can often accompany extreme heat.

High smog and high heat levels can increase health risks by adding more stress to the body.

Responsibilities The Environmental Policy Department will advise all departments and Town

employees of all Heat Alerts issued by the Region of Halton. Department Directors shall ensure that the Strategy, Policy and Communications

Department is advised of any program modifications resulting from the Heat Alert and shall confirm any facilities to be used as cooling stations.

The Strategy, Policy and Communications Department shall issue a media advisory and post relevant information on the Town web site.

Any Department modifying programs shall make the necessary arrangements and notify scheduled participants accordingly.

Check oakville.ca for information on extended hours at town facilities during the heat alert.

Stay cool:• Drink lots of water and avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages • Stay in an air-conditioned place if possible and go outdoors during

the coolest part of the day only • Avoid the sun and wear loose-fitting clothing, a hat, sunglasses

and sunscreen• Limit outdoor exercise — check the Air Quality Health Index before

planning outdoor activities: www.airqualityontario.com Remember to check in regularly with children and elderly neighbours or people with disabilities who may need extra help in hot weather.

in effect for Halton Region

Cool off at a community centre or town pool.

Year-round and Long Term Corporate Clean Air Actions for Smog, Heat and Health

Will commit to do more

Has been implemented

In the Office

Ensure your Clean Air Strategies are posted once you receive the email stating that poor air quality is expected within 24 hours or already here. Be sure that your Strategies are up to date and reflect new equipment, policies and procedures and that it is posted in a highly visible location for all staff.

Be sure that all on-duty staff without email access or that are in the field are notified if their work needs to be discontinued for a period of time

Refer to the Sustainable Purchasing Procedure for more information on how to purchase more environmentally friendly products and services to help reduce our impact on the natural environment. For more information visit http://portico/DepartmentsR/Environment%20portal/SustainablePurchasing/default.aspx

Air Quality

Refer to the Sustainable Purchasing Procedure for ways to purchase items with reduced toxicity. http://portico/DepartmentsR/Environment%20portal/SustainablePurchasing/default.aspx

Be sure that all materials purchased are low or absent of VOC’s.

Waste Reduction

Conserve paper by printing on both sides and using one sided paper in the printer for draft documents. If you have a printer incapable of double sided printing contact Environmental Policy at ext 3948.

Host wasteless meetings – avoid printing extra agendas and meeting minutes, use portico to keep files electronically in a central location that can be accessed by all committee members. Request real coffee cups, cutlery and plateware for meetings.

Ensure all non-confidential paper is being properly disposed of in the recycling bins Confidential papers are to be shredded and then recycled.

Refer to the Town’s Sustainable Procurement Procedures for all purchases. Begin to make purchases that will help to limit your waste by purchasing reusable, refillable and

Year-round and Long Term Corporate Clean Air Actions for Smog, Heat and Health

Will commit to do more

Has been implemented

rechargeable items such as pens, pencils, binders, and batteries.

Increase the page margins when printing documents and emails.

Limit your printing of unnecessary documents; try moving to electronic files where possible. Refrain from printing emails.

Send all CFL bulbs to Facilities Management for proper recycling

Recycle all old cell phones, batteries, sun and safety glasses through the Environmental Policy Department

Ensure all hazardous waste is sent for proper recycling, this includes but is not limited to paints, solvents, cleaning agents, motor oil and filters, propane tanks, varsol and pool chemicals. Alert Environmental Policy if there is an item that you are uncertain of where it should be disposed.

Purchase items in bulk when possible. This usually saves on cost and packaging.

Bring a reusable water bottle with you to work and fill up with chilled filtered water from our fountains. A reusable bottle can be purchased from Environmental Policy for only $5.

Energy Reduction

Adhere to email notifications on Smog or Heat alert days and minimize the use of non-essential lighting and electrical equipment

Allow for employees to adopt a flexible dress code – this will ensure the increased or decreased office temperature settings are more acceptable

Investigate and support the potential for alternate work arrangements – teleworking, teleconferencing.

Increase temperature settings in offices with air conditioning in the summer months.

Close all departmental blinds and curtains during working hours to limit the heating of offices due to outdoor temperatures

Ensure all power saving modes are set on your office equipment such as printers, faxes and

Year-round and Long Term Corporate Clean Air Actions for Smog, Heat and Health

Will commit to do more

Has been implemented

photocopiers.

Be sure that all eligible computers have Verdium Surveyor installed and that they are being shut down properly at the end of each day.

Request your department install light sensors to avoid wasting electricity in unoccupied offices and meeting rooms.

Select Energy Star qualified products since they consume less energy and will cost less over the life of the product.

Purchase energy efficient light bulbs for desk lamps and power bars for kitchenette appliances.

Refer to both the Town’s Sustainable Procurement Procedure and Sustainable Green Fleet Plan for more ways to reduce your energy costs and emissions.

Water Conservation

Request faucet aerators be installed on all eligible taps.

Request that any retired toilets get replaced with low flow toilets.

Be sure to report any leaky pipes or faucets to Facility staff as soon as possible.

Year-round and Long Term Corporate Clean Air Actions for Smog, Heat and Health

Will commit to do more

Has been implemented

On the Road

Be sure that all on-duty staff without email access or that are in the field are notified if their work needs to be discontinued for a period of time due to poor air quality or heat

Adhere to the town’s Sustainable Green Fleet Procedure for more information on how to green up our fleet operations. http://portico/DepartmentsR/Environment%20portal/sustainablegreenfleet/default.aspx

Ensure that you are equipped with sufficient water, sunscreen, hats, bug repellent etc.

Postpone strenuous outdoor activities to another day, if possible.

Support for TDM programs

Promote, encourage and challenge your staff to participate in Smart Commute Halton where the town offers discounted bus passes, secure bike lockers and preferential parking spots to all participants. For more information on Smart Commute visit http://portico/DepartmentsR/Environment%20Portal/smartcommute/default.aspx

Create interdepartmental rewards or competitions for the Clean Air Commute or Car Free Day. Challenge other departments or simply take part in the activities already arranged.

Investigate the potential for alternate work arrangements.

Anti-Idling

Support and abide by the town’s Anti-Idling By-Law and the town’s anti-idling policy for all public sector vehicles. http://www.oakville.ca/Media_Files/General/antiIdling2002_153.pdf

Ensure that all drop off zones at schools, daycares, town facilities, harbours, dog parks and receiving docks are designated as idle free zones.

Encourage participation in pilot projects testing new idle free technology.

Do not use drive-thru services during work hours in Town vehicles.

http://www.oakville.ca/A-BMG-002.htm

Request smog response training for staff from the Environmental Policy Department.

Year-round and Long Term Corporate Clean Air Actions for Smog, Heat and Health

Will commit to do more

Has been implemented

Fleet Procurement, Use and Maintenance

Drive the posted speed limit. Increasing your highway cruising speed from 100km/h to 120 km/h will increase fuel consumption by 20 percent.

Avoid gas line-ups. When possible, refuel equipment early in the morning or late at night. Avoid spilling gas, don’t “top up” the tank, and replace the gas tank cap tightly to minimize evaporation.

Refuel vehicles after sundown and before sunrise during the summer months if possible (minimum before 9 a.m. or after 3 p.m.) to reduce emissions that contribute to the formation of smog. Place prompts in the vehicle or on the gas cap to remind staff. Topping off releases gas fumes into the air and cancels the benefits of the pump's anti-pollution devices.

Don't be a jackrabbit. Accelerating and braking rapidly saves little time, uses more fuel and releases more CO2

and air pollutants into the environment.

Delay or postpone the discretionary use of work related vehicle trips. Encourage staff to group their inspections/site visits/sales calls by location to reduce distance and travel time. Decrease needless driving, carpool, teleconference and combine errands whenever possible.

Consider more environmentally friendly fuel options including ethanol-blended fuel and bio-diesel, if available, in your final decision.

Conduct routine inspections of all vehicles to ensure that they are well tuned, operating efficiently and meet the provincial Drive Clean standards. Keep our fleet properly maintained. Neglecting to replace worn-out oil and air filters results in poor engine performance, higher fuel consumption and possibly severe engine damage.

Keep tires properly inflated to cut down on drag and increase fuel efficiency. Check them each time you fill up your gas tank.

Place stickers on low emission or alternate fuel vehicles and encourage employees to use these vehicles.

Register staff into Smart Driver Training programs offered through the Sustainable Green Fleet initiative.

Turn engines off after 10 seconds, unless in traffic. More fuel is wasted if idling longer than 10

Year-round and Long Term Corporate Clean Air Actions for Smog, Heat and Health

Will commit to do more

Has been implemented

seconds.

Purchase the smallest vehicle necessary to meet your needs and consider fuel efficiency. Four-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, engine size, hybrid technology, vehicle weight and tire size all influence the amount of fuel your vehicle uses. Refer to the Town’s Green Fleet Strategy.

Suspend or reduce, when and where possible, the use of heavy equipment, trucks and diesel powered engines.

Minimize the use of harsh chemicals that contribute to smog formation when washing vehicles and equipment.

Suspend or reduce the use of air conditioning in vehicles where possible. Using your air conditioner in stop-and-go traffic can increase fuel consumption by as much as 20%. Try opening the windows or fresh air vents to cool your vehicle. Using your air conditioning during highway driving is relatively equal in fuel consumption as having the windows open because of the drag caused by the open windows.

For essential vehicle use, give priority to alternative fuel or low emission vehicles. Encourage the use and procurement of natural gas and other cleaner biofuels.

In the winter months, use a block heater on a timer when the temperature drops below zero degrees Celsius (32 degrees F). A block heater warms the oil and engine coolant, making it easier to start your vehicle and improving winter fuel economy by as much as 10%. Set your block heater on a timer to switch on two hours before you plan to drive.

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THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF OAKVILLE

BY-LAW NUMBER 2002-153

A by-law to provide for the control of the idling of vehicles

WHEREAS Section 102 of the Municipal Act authorizes a municipal council to pass a by-law and to make regulations for the health, safety, morality and welfare of the inhabitants of the municipality in matters not specifically provided for in the Act;

AND WHEREAS vehicles are sources of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxides and volatile organic compounds in the Town of Oakville’s outdoor air;

AND WHEREAS the levels of air pollution in the Town of Oakville are associated with adverse health effects, including deleterious effects on respiratory health;

THE COUNCIL ENACTS AS FOLLOWS:

1. DEFINITIONS

(1) IDLE - means the operation of the engine of a vehicle while the vehicle is not in motion and not being used to operate auxiliary equipment that is essential to the basic function of the vehicle and “idling” has a corresponding meaning;

LAYOVER - means stopping at a point along a transit route for a maximum of fifteen (1 5 ) minutes to allow a transit vehicle to adjust to service schedules;

(3) MOBILE WORKSHOP - means:

(a) a vehicle containing equipment that must be operated inside or in association with the vehicle; or

(b) a vehicle serving as a facility for taking measurements or making observations or conducting maintenance or construction operated by or on behalf of a municipality, public utility or police, fire or ambulance service.

STOPOVER - means a scheduled delay of a maximum of fifteen (1 5 ) minutes at a transit vehicle terminal to allow transit vehicles to adjust services schedules;

TRANSIT VEHICLE - means Oakville Transit vehicles, GO Transit vehicles, paratransit vehicles, tour buses and motor coaches;

VEHICLE - means a motor vehicle, trailer, traction engine, farm tractor, or road building machine as defined in the Highway Traffic Act, and any vehicle drawn, propelled or

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By-Law Number: 2002- 153

driven by any kind of non-muscular power but does not include cars or electric or diesel electric railways running exclusively upon rails.

2. PROHIBITIONS

No person shall cause or permit a vehicle to idle for more than five ( 5 ) consecutive minutes.

Section 2(1) does not apply to:

police, fire or ambulance vehicles while engaged in operational activities, including training activities, except where the idling is substantially for the convenience of the operator of the vehicle;

vehicles assisting in an emergency activity;

mobile workshops while they are in the course of being used for their basic function;

vehicles where the idling is required as part of a repair process or to prepare a vehicle for servicing;

armoured vehicles where a person remains inside the vehicle while guarding the contents of the vehicle or while the vehicle is being loaded or unloaded;

vehicles that remain motionless because of an emergency, traffic or weather conditions or mechanical difficulties over which the driver has no control;

vehicles engaged in a parade or race or any other such event authorized by Council;

transit and passenger vehicles while passengers are embarking or disembarking en route or at terminals;

transit vehicles while at a layover or stopover location, except where the idling is substantially for the convenience of the operator of the vehicle;

vehicles transporting a person where a medical doctor certifies in writing that for medical reasons, the person requires the temperature or humidity to be maintained within a certain range and the idling of the vehicle is necessary to achieve that temperature or humidity level;

vehicles when the ambient outside temperature is more than 27 degrees Celsius (27°C) or less than five degrees Celsius (5°C) and the idling of the vehicle is necessary to the operation of air conditioning or heating equipment respectively.

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By-Law Number: 2002-1 53

3. ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT

(1) This by-law shall be administered and enforced by the By-law Enforcement Section of the Town of Oakville.

(2) Any person who contravenes any provision of this by-law is, upon conviction, guilty of an offence and is liable to any penalty as provided in the Provincial Offences Act.

(3) The court in which a conviction has been entered and any other court of competent jurisdiction thereafter, may make an order prohibiting the continuation or repetition of the offence by the person convicted and such order shall be in addition to any other penalty imposed on the person convicted.

4. SHORT TITLE

This by-law may be cited as the “Anti-Idling By-law”.

PASSED by the Council this 12TH day of AUG. , 2002.

ANN MULVALE

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