Continuous air quality management

Each day on this website, we post fine particle concentration data (PM2.5) from our local monitoring station.

The PM2.5 concentration reference standard is set out in the Clean Air Regulation (QLR Q-2, r 4.1). It takes into account monitoring site locations and the various potential sources of fine particles. Thirty (30) µg/m3 is the maximum 24-hour average concentration. The fine particle concentrations recorded by the monitoring station do not, in themselves, identify the exact sources of the fine particles.

In 2015, the QPA purchased air quality monitoring equipment and installed it on port property and in the community. The data from the monitoring stations present on port property will allow the QPA to conduct further analysis and complete its preventive monitoring and mitigation process.

Station - 3rd Avenue in Limoilou

March 17, 2024

3

Average daily PM2.5

over 30

Standards (30)

25.6 to 30

25.5 or under

Port of Québec in Beauport

Station 3rd Avenue in Limoilou

North

Year:

PM2.5

Before December 1st, 2017, the cumulative data came from the 2nd Avenue station.

Year:

Nb of days

PM2.5

In 2015, for the 167 days measured, the values obtained were under the standard in 100% of the time, i.e. for 167 days.

Port of Québec in Beauport

Station 3rd Avenue in Limoilou

North

Station - 8th Avenue in Limoilou

March 17, 2024

5

Average daily PM2.5

over 30

Standards (30)

25.6 to 30

25.5 or under

Port of Québec in Beauport

Station 8th Avenue in Limoilou

North

Year:

PM2.5

Year:

Nb of days

PM2.5

In 2015, for the 167 days measured, the values obtained were under the standard in 100% of the time, i.e. for 167 days.

Port of Québec in Beauport

Station 8th Avenue in Limoilou

North

How to interpret the data?

To help users understand the data, the QPA posts PM2.5 concentration data in the form of graphics and numbers. If the 24-hour average concentration exceeds 30 µg/m3, the graphic will be red. The QPA has also set an alert threshold of 85% of the maximum concentration, i.e., 25.5 µg/m3. If the concentration is greater than or equal to this threshold, the graphic will be yellow. It will be green when the concentration is under 25.5 µg/m3.

QPA action plan for high concentrations at monitoring stations

Should high PM2.5 particle concentrations be detected, and meteorological data suggest that some of these particles could be coming from facilities on Port of Québec property, the QPA will immediately carry out any additional checks or analyses needed. If necessary, the QPA will post on the website the particle concentration data in its possession and the steps taken to address it with the tenant(s) in question.

Methodological limitations

The particle concentrations posted on the QPA website are in PM2.5. Readings are taken at a single location in the community and may be affected significantly by a number of factors, including traffic, heating, industrial activity, and even natural sources.

For more information on air quality in Limoilou and greater Quebec City, please visit the website of the Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques (CMDDELCC) which can be accessed directly from this website.

We can all do our part for air quality

Environment Canada recommends simple actions you can take on your own to reduce air pollution. To learn what key actions you can work on right now, visit:

https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/air-quality-health-index/what-you-can-do-to-improve.html

Fine particle concentration data is provided each day on this website to keep the public informed. This data is presented in the form of graphics in an effort to reach a broad audience and make it easy for the public to understand. The QPA reserves the right to provide any additional information it deems necessary to further contextualize the data presented on this website.