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Good news, fresh air

The Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change has released its annual air quality report (for 2013). According to the Ministry, the report is a good news story for Sault Ste. Marie.

The Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change has released its annual air quality report (for 2013).

According to the Ministry, the report is a good news story for Sault Ste. Marie.

There were no smog days for our area and the city recorded 'very good' to 'good' air quality 97 per cent of the time.

Sulphur dioxide concentrations in Sault Ste. Marie were down 53 per cent. 

Annual averages of fine particulate matter (tiny particles from aerosols, smoke, fumes, dust, fly ash and pollen) were down by 30 per cent across the province.

According to the report, province-wide emissions of harmful pollutants have decreased and air quality has improved "significantly" over the last 10 years.

The report states the phase-out of coal, industrial air standards and programs such as Drive Clean are working to improve air quality across Ontario.

The province states the elimination of coal to produce electricity is equivalent to taking seven million cars off the road.

Regular readings from all 40 Air Quality Index Stations across the province met Ontario's air standards for levels of nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide.

The province states because of new air monitoring technology, the 2013 report contains more accurate information about particle pollution such as smoke and dust from factories.

The report comes on the one year anniversary of the last coal plant closure in Ontario.

The 2013 report marks 43 years of reporting on Ontario's air quality.


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Darren Taylor

About the Author: Darren Taylor

Darren Taylor is a news reporter and photographer in Sault Ste Marie. He regularly covers community events, political announcements and numerous board meetings. With a background in broadcast journalism, Darren has worked in the media since 1996.
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