Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta authorities are continuing to monitor air quality around the fire at the ECCO recycling facility in Calgary’s Shepard Industrial area, with officials saying fine particulate matter from smoke remains the primary air-quality concern.
Environment and Protected Areas Minister Grant Hunter said the province deployed environmental specialists, a mobile air-monitoring laboratory and additional equipment after receiving a request for assistance from the Calgary Fire Department.
According to the latest assessment, monitoring data indicate a low overall health risk for the general Calgary population. However, exposure levels can vary considerably depending on location, wind direction and the movement of the smoke plume.
People with existing heart or lung conditions, older adults, young children and pregnant individuals may be more susceptible to temporary effects such as eye and throat irritation, coughing or worsening respiratory symptoms.
PM2.5 Readings Under Watch
Provincial monitoring has recorded intermittent exceedances of PM2.5, rather than sustained high concentrations. Some periods reached levels comparable with the high-risk category of the Air Quality Health Index, with elevated readings generally concentrated in areas affected by the smoke plume.
Officials said no other pollutants have exceeded health-based thresholds so far.
The province is using multiple monitoring systems, including Calgary’s fixed Southeast air-quality station, a Mobile Air Monitoring Lab, portable particulate monitors and a PurpleAir sensor. Additional air samples have also been sent to laboratories for expedited analysis.
Investigation Into Facility Materials
Beyond air monitoring, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas will work with the City of Calgary to determine whether materials prohibited under the facility’s environmental authorisations were present.
The Class III landfill is authorised for inert waste only, while hazardous waste is prohibited at the storage site. If prohibited materials are found, the province could pursue enforcement under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act.
Officials said monitoring will continue throughout the incident and results will be made publicly available as they undergo quality checks and laboratory validation.
Residents affected by smoke or unusual odours have been advised to monitor changing conditions and seek medical advice through Health Link at 811 if concerned.
