“Protecting the health and safety of Albertans is our top priority. Within hours of receiving a request for assistance from the Calgary Fire Department, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas deployed environmental experts, a mobile air monitoring lab and additional monitoring equipment to assess air quality around and downwind of the fire.

“Health and environmental partners continue to review air quality monitor data and assess potential health impacts. For the general Calgary population, the available monitoring data suggest a low overall risk to health. The greatest potential for exposure has been in areas directly downwind of the fire during periods of elevated smoke concentrations. Individuals with underlying heart or lung conditions, older adults, young children and pregnant individuals may experience temporary symptoms such as eye or throat irritation, cough or worsening of existing respiratory conditions.

“EPA is using several complementary tools to monitor air quality:

  • The fixed Calgary Southeast air-quality station provides continuous readings used to calculate the hourly Air Quality Health Index.
  • EPA's Mobile Air Monitoring Lab (MAML) is a fully equipped mobile air-monitoring station that can be repositioned as needed to track smoke movement and maintain coverage of the plume. The MAML measures fine and coarse particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen oxides, ozone, sulphur dioxide, hydrogen sulphide and total reduced sulphur, total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, methane and non-methane hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and ammonia, along with wind and other weather conditions.
  • EPA has deployed portable particulate monitors that measure particulate matter in areas near the facility, and a PurpleAir sensor that provides near real-time measurements of fine particulate matter (PM2.5).
  • Separate air samples collected using vacuum canisters were sent for expedited laboratory analysis to provide additional information on the composition of the smoke.

“Alberta’s public health officials reviewed the air-quality data collected by EPA. PM2.5 exceedances have occurred intermittently rather than continuously, with some monitoring periods reaching concentrations comparable to the high-risk category of the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI). Elevated concentrations have generally been localized and influenced by changing plume and wind conditions. No other exceedances of health-based thresholds have been identified to date.

“Monitoring continues, and current data shows that health risks vary based on smoke exposure, location and weather conditions. Air quality monitoring indicates that fine particulate matter (including PM2.5) from smoke is the primary air quality concern associated with the fire and the only pollutant that has exceeded Alberta ambient air quality guidelines.

“Air quality can change over short distances as smoke moves with the wind. Those in areas affected by smoke or fire odours should remain aware of changing conditions and monitor for symptoms. Anyone with concerns about their health is asked to call Health Link at 811 to speak with a registered nurse.

“EPA will continue to publicly release all air-monitoring data and laboratory results collected in response to this incident so Albertans can access timely information about local air-quality conditions. This includes data from the fixed station, the MAML, portable particulate monitors and the PurpleAir sensor, as well as laboratory results from the vacuum canisters. Available preliminary information will be published promptly, clearly identified as preliminary, and updated as quality assurance and laboratory validation are completed:

  • EPA’s MAML and portable particulate monitoring air quality data can be found on alberta.ca. Updates will be posted as they become available.
  • Hour-by-hour AQHI results from the Calgary Southeast station for the past 24 hours are available through Environment and Climate Change Canada.
  • Air quality conditions continue to fluctuate as smoke movement and wind patterns change. Residents are encouraged to monitor current conditions using Alberta’s AQHI website and Environment and Climate Change Canada’s WeatherCAN app, which provides current AQHI information and allows users to receive customized air-quality notifications.

“Separate from the air monitoring work, EPA will coordinate with the City of Calgary to investigate whether any materials not permitted under the facility’s environmental authorization(s) were present at the landfill or storage site. The Class III landfill is authorized to accept inert waste only, and hazardous waste is prohibited at the storage site. If evidence emerges, including through the fire investigation, that prohibited materials were present at either location, EPA may undertake an investigation under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act. Depending on the findings and severity of any offence, enforcement action could include a warning letter, administrative penalties or prosecution.

“EPA will continue to monitor air quality for the duration of the incident. Data collected to date has been shared with City of Calgary officials and Alberta’s public health officials, and ongoing monitoring information will continue to be shared with them.

“Albertans deserve clear, up-to-date information and confidence that their health and environment are being protected. We will continue to publicly share monitoring results, support emergency responders and carefully review all available evidence as investigations into this incident continue.”

Related information