PACHA has recently sent out a questionnaire asking all mayoral and council candidates to respond.  The directors have graded their answers.
The questions, grades and candidate's answers are found below.

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You may be aware that recently Premier Christy Clark announced a big expansion to the Asia Gateway, at the Ridley Port in Prince Rupert. Ms. Clark said by the end of this decade, the Ridley port will be handling more than two million containers per year.  Divided by 365 days, this equals to five and a half thousand containers per day.

These containers will then be transported into and through the downtown city of Prince George via the CN rail yards on First avenue.  This is a veritable tsunami of containers; in fact an 800% increase over current levels.  Current levels are seven hundred containers a day; by the end of the decade this will be five thousand five hundred per day.

CN was originally supposed to build their Intermodal in the BCR site, but unfortunately it got built on First Ave, right in the heart of the downtown.

This massive increase in rail traffic from 700 to 5,500 containers per day, is going to create significant air quality problems in the downtown; due to a parallel increase in emissions from the locomotives; emissions from the back loaded diesel trucks filled with raw logs filling up the containers going back to China and fugitive dust particles resulting from same, as well as the dust kicked up by the half ton trucks running in between the rails servicing the trains as they come in.

According to the research, emissions from rail and road engines and road dust, currently account for 50% of the fine air particulate pollution already in the downtown air.  An 800% increase will destroy any improvements gained by the  construction of the District Energy System and the Canfor upgrades.

In addition, the rail yards noise pollution, at all times of the night and day, is going to be deeply disturbing for the downtown and Millar Addition residents. Such an increase in air and noise pollution will make living in the downtown, a truly unhealthy, miserable experience.  This will likely end the dream of re vitalizing the downtown heart of Prince George.

(1) PACHA wants to know if this issue is a priority for you if you are elected to City Council?

(2) Please list the actions you are prepared to take regarding this issue if you are elected.

Your reply will be graded by the executive of PACHA and published on our website, to assist our 1,000+ members in their decision making process for the civic election.

yours sincerely,

Marie Hay
President
PACHA Peoples Action Committee for Healthy AIR

cc to the Millar Addition Citizens Coalition.

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Grades issued by PACHA directors:

A+   Lyn Hall
 
A     Dan Rogers
       Brad Gagnon
       Debora Munoz
 
B+   Jordan Gadsby
 
B     Dave Wilbur
       Dorothy Friesen
       Albert Koehler
       Frank Everitt
       Murry Krause
       Cameron Stolz
 
C+   Shari Green
       Myrt Turner
       Bruce Fader
       Brian Skakun
 
C     John Beebe
       Joanne Dickenson
       Harry Ulch
       Brandon Lewis
 
F    Scot Affleck

**No grade issued (late submission) - Garth Frizzell

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From: Lyn Hall
Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2011 8:07 AM
To: m hay

Subject: Question from PACHA
 
Hello Dr. Hay, thanks for the opportunity to respond to your questions.
 
1. PACHA wants to know if this issue is a priority for you if you are elected?
 
This issue is a priority for me if elected. In this campaign I've stated that the new Council should develop a plan of action within our first 90 - 120 days which sets priorities for our three year term and this should be one of those priorities.
 
2. Please list the actions you are prepared to take regarding this issue if elected?
 
The first action for council is to meet with PACHA to discuss the air quality issues and create a coordinated approach to resolving the concerns. Secondly, Council and representation from PACHA need to have a meaningful meeting with CN to inform them of our concerns. This meeting with CN should also develop a framework that will encompass a couple key points. 1. A time frame for discussions and 2. Create a reasonable implementation date for each of the requests. Without this dialogue there will be little chance for progress.
 
Some of the things that could be brought to the table for implementation are:
 
1. A buffer along first avenue that could be either a fencing or (green) tree buffer. The fencing buffer is being used in many cities to alleviate traffic noise from multiple lanes of traffic that are adjacent to neighbourhoods. This fencing is made of either a wood product or cement and has been quite successful in reducing noise. Another option is a burm similar to the one that was built along highway 16 between Ferry avenue and highway 97.
 
2. An adjustment by CN to their operating times, the idea would be to cease the moving of rail cars, trucks and inter-model from 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM as an example. This time frame would allow for some down time during the late evening and early morning hours.
 
3. Switching to electric locomotives to reduce noise and air pollution.
 
4. Currently the rail yard is a dirt and gravel base, this could be replaced by a blacktop surface that would reduce dust and potentially some noise.
 
 
Again thanks for the opportunity and I look forward to more discussions.
 
 
Lyn Hall
Prince George City Council Candidate

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From: dan rogers

Sent: Monday, November 14, 2011 2:03 AM

To: Dr. M. Hay

Subject: Re: Question from PACHA

Dear Marie Hay,
President, 
PACHA People’s Action Committee for Healthy AIR

Thank you for your most recent communication. We have received many questionnaires but I wanted to ensure I got back to you with a few thoughts.

(1) PACHA wants to know if this issue is a priority for you if you are elected to City Council?

Air quality is an extremely important issue in the City of Prince George and making progress on reducing fine particulate matter is an absolute priority of mine.  The City can play a role in improving air quality in three specific ways:

1. Provide Strong Corporate Leadership
We must be a leader in mitigating negative impacts to our air quality through our corporate operations. This ranges from improved sweeping operations to the establishment of “Free Fare for Clean Air” that provides free transit on air quality advisory days.  Council must also provide strong policy direction to the city’s representatives at the Air Quality Roundtable (PGAIR).  In cooperation with the Regional District of Fraser Fort George, the City must ensure any discussion on potential sites for future industrial development considers the impact on our air shed and does not allow industrial development on sites that would have a negative impact on our air shed.  Our corporate operations may also yield opportunities to work  with CN Rail to improve air quality by limiting the dust generated from trucks bringing pulp and lumber products to the inter model facility. This could be achieved through increased sweeping, enhanced dust suppression and/or paving of the yard (though that would have to be done at CN’s cost).

2. Supporting The Work of Others
We must continue to support the efforts of the Air Quality Round Table which is meant to bring all parties including industry to the table.   We must continue to provide funding for the Roundtable and also participate with the working group. The Roundtable must work directly with CN representatives locally to address growing concerns around the potential of increased fine particulate matter stemming from an increase in business activity.

3. An Advocate for change
The strong position I took in demanding answers from the Environment Minister and others following the high formaldehyde readings is an example of being an advocate, standing up for residents and their concerns around air quality. Another example of this approach is the support we provided to the federal government as it established the Green Transformation Fund that is aimed at improving the environmental initiatives of our pulp mills is a good example.  In this capacity, the City can also have a strong voice with federal regulators responsible for overseeing rail operations in Canada and the City can look for partners both locally and elsewhere in seeking public policy changes in Ottawa that would lead to the use of more efficient locomotives (best available technology) in urban areas so as to lessen the impact to our air shed from engine emissions
 
(2) Please list the actions you are prepared to take regarding this issue if you are elected.

As noted above, there is a role for Council, a role for City Administration and a role for the Air Quality Roundtable.
 
1. As Mayor, I have already initiated contact with CN Rail senior management to convey directly to them the ongoing concern of air quality in this City (and also raise our desire to see improvements to First Avenue as an overall beautification program).  By keeping the lines of communication open we can continue to reinforce our desire for incremental improvements to our air quality and to seek their cooperation in dealing with emissions from locomotives, emissions from diesel trucks bringing product to the facility on River Road,  and the accumulated fine particulate matter that is generated from overall operations of the railway.
2. As Mayor I will continue to encourage the shifting of operations to the south yard as a means to mitigate the impact to our air shed.  
3. I will ensure, where and when appropriate, that Council seeks policy changes at the federal level to improve our air shed through regulatory change.
4. I will direct City administration to both directly, and through the Air Quality Roundtable, to keep in touch with CN operations so there is a full understanding of what best available technology for rail operations exists and how that may be applicable for Prince George.    
5. With the support of Council we will support the Air Quality Roundtable (PGAIR) and encourage PGAIR to play a role in seeking CN Rail’s participation, support, and cooperation in improving the air-shed.
6. As Mayor, I will ensure the strong voices at the community level (PACHA and other neighbourhood coalitions) are heard and responded to by City Hall.
7. I will work to make sure the City keeps the public spotlight on air quality and ensures all orders of government understand the need for greater cooperation, action, and annual reporting on improvements to our air shed.    

Sincerely Yours,
Dan Rogers

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From: Brad Gagnon

Hi Dr. M. Hay and PACHA Board,

As many of you are aware I live in the Millar Addition and continual Air quality improvement is a priority for me and my family. 

The answer to question #1 is yes it is certainly a priority for me now and it will remain to be a priority if I am elected.  I am a firm believer that we must consider and address all pieces that contribute to community health and clean air is a big piece in Prince George.  I also believe that a key piece currently is that CN must address their growing contribution.  For the most part our air is improving but CN has not been doing their fair share.
 
To address this top priority specifically around CN as you are all well aware is not straight forward because of the federal regulation of rail the system.  There are a number of items that need action or need ongoing action.
 
First we must work with CN to have them fund a landscaped earthen berm along First Ave.   This is something we have to convince them that any good corporate citizen would do for the community that they are negatively affecting.  This will help reduce some noise and will have a huge positive visual impact along First Ave.
 
Second we must ask them to do a better job with respecting speed limits when shunting.  As many of you may be aware noise from shunting is very inconsistent some nights it shakes the neighborhood while others it’s just loud.  I have discussed this in detail with a CN employee and he tells me it is because of some employees shunting at speeds over the allowable limits.  Not only do high speed shunts cause excessive noise they do stir up more dust from the rail cars simply because of the physics at play.
 
We must establish a relationship with CN to convince them that even although we do not have direct control over their pollution we do have direct influence.  We must use our improving air quality statistics as a tool to convince them and the Federal Government that they must make changes to improve their contribution.  Things like changing to diesel fuel equivalent to the fuel every non federally regulated user must use.  Also encourage the purchase and use of lower emission newer technology diesel and electric locomotives.  In many ways this is directly tied to the use of low sulfur diesel.  They also must improve dust suppression, paving in gravel areas is key.
 
As a community we need to continue ensuring Air quality remains top of mind.  To do this PACHA needs to be kept up to date with the Cities ongoing discussions with CN.
 
If elected these are things I will work on but I also welcolme your suggestions.
 
Please contact me at anytime if you have questions or comments..
 
Cheers
Brad Gagnon

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From: Debora Munoz

Re: 800% increase in truck traffic due to massive expansion of CN’s Intermodal Containerization facility at CN Rail Yards on First Ave.
PACHA wants to know if this issue is a priority for me if elected to City Council?

Yes it is. Clean air was identified as the top environmental goal during the development of the Community’s long term Integrated Sustainability Plan, myPG.  Quotes from participants during the myPG process:  “Improve the air quality. Nobody would willingly live where the air quality will shorten their life.” (Workbook group) “A community with clean air throughout the city, through the utilization of green space, clean industry, less traffic and more active transportation.” (Survey respondent).
The Prince George Air Quality Dispersion Modelling Study, completed in October 2010 for the Ministry of Environment and Prince George Air Improvement Roundtable, concluded that PM 10 and PM2.5 concentrations are dominated by the dust emission sources, primarily those attributable to on-road vehicles. The study also includes a PG Air Emission 2016 Target of a 65% reduction in all major source categories with measures to inhibit or suppress road dust ranked as a high priority. This air emission reduction target is needed to lower all airshed PM 2.5 annual concentrations in order to meet the annual 5 ug/m3 target set out by PG AIR.

 A key component to the revitalization of the downtown is to make it more attractive to new residents and businesses. There are plans to focus intensive residential growth in the downtown with 36 new seniors housing units currently being built and talks of 400 units of student housing in the future. The proposed massive increase in CN’s container traffic into the downtown from 700 to 5500 containers per day has the potential to negatively impact attraction and retention in the downtown due to a substantial increase in air and noise pollution, as well as, result in negative impacts to human health and quality of life in the downtown and for Millar Addition residents; consequently this issue must be adequately addressed.
Please list the actions you are prepared to take regarding this issue if you are elected to City Council?
I initiated action regarding this issue at the regular meeting of council on November 7th, 2011. Dr. Marie Hay, President of People’s Action Committee for Healthy Air, sent a letter on behalf of PACHA, to Mayor Rogers and City Council on October 12th expressing concerns regarding CN’s increase in Intermodal activities and the associated 800% increase in container traffic proposed at the CN Rail Yards on 1st Ave. The letter was included in the information section of the November 7th meeting of Council. I pulled PACHA’s letter from the information section and added it to the regular agenda for discussion at the council table. This item was also raised at the Ramada all candidates forum on November 3rd. Good discussion has ensued on this issue and some of the short and long-term potential resolutions mentioned include:

• All council candidates agree it is important to assume a collaborative approach when engaging CN in search of resolutions
• Build a berm to help reduce the noise from rail car shunting
• Black top the gravel between the tracks to reduce dust emissions
• Encourage CN to use more emission efficient locomotives for train yard activities such as Tier-2, Green Goat, or similar Green Dove electrical trains used in Ontario
• Consider the accumulated by-products absorbed in the ground from the  1st Ave rail yard activities and the air pollution from increased use of diesel engines
• Encourage CN to move its Intermodal facility out of the downtown
At the November 7th meeting of Council I presented a motion to refer PACHA’s letter concerning increases to CN Rail Container traffic to City Representatives who sit on the PG AIR Improvement Roundtable for their review and consideration of next steps and requested a report come back to council by the end of January 2012 with ideas on how to address this serious environmental and community health issue. The motion was endorsed by all of council.  If re-elected to council I will work collaboratively will all concerned and continue to pursue short and long-term resolutions to this issue.

Submitted by: City Council Candidate Debora Munoz

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From: Jordan Gadsby

Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2011 1:39 PM

To: 'Dr. M. Hay'

Subject: RE: Question from PACHA

 Hi Dr. Hay, 

Thanks for the opportunity to respond and comment on this issue. 

There are many historical reasons, of which I’m sure you are aware, as to why the rail yards are located where they are on 1^st Ave. I didn’t know that the original plan was to have the intermodal facility located in the BCR Site or why that would have changed. It would certainly be nice for the city if CN were not located where it is on 1^st Ave. It has been suggested in the election campaign that the rail lines could be diverted around the city. This sounds nice, and may be a long term thing to look at, but I think it is unrealistic for the near future. CN has recently invested $20 million in the intermodal facility and I think that efforts to try and have it moved right now would prove to be futile. 

I am excited for the economic opportunities an expansion of this proportion represents for Prince George and the region. We do, however, have to pay very close attention to what the cost of this opportunity is. While Prince George does not have any direct jurisdiction over the operations of CN we do have options to pursue to ensure that environmental impacts are minimized. This expansion will provide increased revenue to CN and we should expect that they will use some of that to improve their operations in the city. There is a lot that can, and should, be done to improve the aesthetics of the facilities along 1^st Ave. In fact, I believe we are close to getting an agreement for an investment of $500,000 towards this. This should include a buffer that will minimize noise pollution in addition to improving the aesthetics. We should also be lobbying CN to investigate and implement new technologies for their operations that will reduce their environmental impact. This could include electric hybrid engines that would switch out of diesel mode to move through the city. If more of the rail yards were paved between the tracks this would reduce the amount of particulate that is kicked up into the air from traffic. 

These are just some of the things that could potentially be done to minimize the impact of the CN intermodal expansion while still welcoming the economic opportunity it presents for us. When pursuing these things we need to hold CN accountable as a corporate citizen of our community. We don’t have direct jurisdiction over their operations but we can negotiate with them, especially when it comes to granting rezoning or other permits as they relate to the land used for expansion. 

This isn’t an exhaustive list of things that could be done, but it is a start for how I would approach the issue. If elected, I look forward to working with partners such as PACHA to ensure that we are meeting our obligation to citizens of Prince George to provide the best possible mix of environmental responsibility and economic opportunity.  

Jordan Gadsby

Prince George City Council Candidate 

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From: Dave Wilbur

November 14th, 2011
Hi Dr. Hay 
Thank you for your November 11th 2011 e-letter.
I share your concern about the negative impact on the bowls air quality and the road infrastructure from the ramping up the volume of container traffic and ancillary truck traffic.
The obvious, but for the time being an unattainable solution, is moving the railway yards away from the bowl and our rivers. I will continue to hold on to that dream as the ultimate goal. It would have a tremendous positive impact on our airshed and would allow people greater access to the rivers.
 I have frequently stated that a major contributor to the fine particulate air quality problem in the bowl is operations in the CN 1st Avenue yards.  I have made this statement in the forum of open council meetings and directly to executive representatives of CN. In particular I raised this concern with CN in a meeting held at UBCM in September 2010. They have taken some action by employing some dust suppressant measures and reducing the 24/7 operation of their old technology locomotives.
 I have also called for replacement of the diesel locomotives with green locomotive technology. The Electro Motive (Hybrid) Diesel systems would be a vast improvement.
As you know our local government does not have the authority to direct CN to take any specific action to mitigate but we have reached out through PGAIR, and CN has been a valued participant in the PGAIR dialogue. I will continue to support this inclusive approach.
I will continue to speak about the absolute need to reduce the harm created by the container traffic operations.
I will also continue the dialogue with those who have jurisdiction, BC’s Ministries of Health, Environment and Transportation. This can most effectively be done through the Local government organizations- the NCLGA, the UBCM and the FCM. I am currently elected to the executive of the North Central Local Government Association and I will continue to deliver our message of concern at that level.

Regards,

Dave Wilbur

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From: Dorothy Friesen

Sent: Saturday, November 12, 2011 1:58 PM
To: Dr. M. Hay
Subject: air/noise quality
 
Dear Dr. Hay and members of PACHA - I live in the downtown area off 5th Avenue, so air quality and noise abatement are as important to me as to other residents. 
 
I understand that the City has had meetings with CN regarding the issue of air quality. Apparently they have brought in at least one electric engine.  The dust in their site is one of the contributing negative factors and I heard that the cost to pave is prohibitive.
 
I believe we must meet with CN much more regularly - not just here in Prince George but in their corporate offices and get the Federation of Canadian Municipalities on board to lobby the federal government to get improvements in the environmental regulations for railways.  The railways are an essential service for the movement of goods in Canada, but they must be responsible corporate citizens. 
 
I am on the FMC Citizen's Advisory Panel and they are good corporate citizens and are still able to make a profit.  I know that CN could do the same.  FMC produces hydrogen peroxide here in Prince George but is a Canadian company with world-wide business interests.  
 
The cost of paving may be prohibitive, but there are other dust-abatement methods they could institute, and start paving a little each year. 
 
We must do all we can to welcome their contribution to our economy but at the same time insist they follow our regulations for the betterment of our environment.
 
There are also modern methods of reducing pollution from the trucks that transport the goods, and I will look into ways that the City could regulate the trucks that operate within our city.  Perhaps the Air-Care program that operates in the Vancouver area should be brought here. You probably are more aware than I am whether this angle has been pursued.
 
Railways run through every good-sized City in Canada.  I will research what these cities have done to successfully work with the railway to address these issues.
 
I hope that all of you have taken the opportunity to have a look at my website:  http://dorothyfriesen.ca
 
Thank you for your concerns in the future of our City - let's work together to make it a BRGHT ONE!
 
Dorothy Friesen

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From: Albert Koehler

Sent: Saturday, November 12, 2011 1:34 PM

Subject: Re: Question from PACHA

Dear Dr. Hay,
 
I very much appreciate your email and the expressed concern regarding the potential of increased rail traffic.  It is a concern that should have been addressed already years ago by city council.  You are correct with the analysis that we are fighting air pollution on one end while potentially contributing to it on the other end.  A short term solution would be to pave the spaces between the tracks and build some sort of a barrier between 1st Avenue and the tracks, while at the same time negotiating with CN to use new diesel engines with a much lower emission than the old ones.  However this would be only a short term solutions and experience shows, that something like that becomes long-term and at the end we are not better off than before.
At the PG Citizen forum in the Ramada Hotel, I suggested to "move" the tracks.  I am serious about it, because I believe it would be the only long-term solution and allow the city to grow north towards the river.  Prince George is located at two rivers and the city has only limited access to them.  We are not utilizing the potential of location and making this city the most attractive city of BC, although we could.  It is all a decision making process only.
There have been plans in the past regarding moving the tracks and this has to be seriously looked at again.  When on council I would like to bring this issue up and on the agenda.  It would require input and involvement from all levels of government, as well as increasing awareness and educating all citizens of our city.
It can be done.
Please do not hesitate to contact me for a continued dialog.
Best wishes,
 
Albert
 
Dr. Albert Koehler, PEng
CEO, Tribotec International Ltd.
Past President, P.G.Chamber of Commerce
President, Northern Technology & Engineering Society of BC

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From: Frank Everitt

Dear Marie
 
The issue of clean air and the expanding transportation of container traffic through our City should be of concern to everyone. Although this traffic represents increased economic activity and jobs which is important to the growth of our City. We must be aggressive with CN on previous recommendations and also source out other possible solutions that will address the concerns of residents focused on improving the quality of our air and image of the City. I firmly believe that with a collaborative approach involving, the City, PACHA, Federal and provincial representatives we can pressure CN to move forward in addressing the issues raised.
CN has the technology and financial ability to implement some recommendations and solutions presented which include paving or cementing between the tracks, Incorporate the use of electric locomotives and the designing  of buffer walls found in many City’s to limit noise from vehicle traffic. Presenting  realistic solutions backed up with the support of the City, community coalitions Federal and Provincial Governments will garner the attention of CN, working in isolation will limited a progressive move forward to reach an amicable long term resolve.
 
 Frank Everitt For City Council

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From: Murry Krause
Sent: Saturday, November 12, 2011 2:47 PM
To: mdhay

Subject: Question from PACHA
 
Hi Marie,
 
Thank you for your question and thank you for raising it at a recent All Candidates Forum.
 
We have to find innovate ways to mitigate the effect that increased rail traffic is going to have on air quality, the downtown and the Millar Addition.  I have certainly heard of your proposal to find a way to suppress the dust in the CN yards by paving the road ways between the tracks.   I personally think that is an innovative and viable solution and will be an advocate for that happening.  I am also a supporter of a significant landscaped berm being developed along the east side of 1st avenue from bridge to bridge.  I would support large trees being planted to absorb sound and screen pollutants and shrub and evergreen planting to improve the aesthetic on a major gateway into our City on a year round basis.
 
See you later,
Murry

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From: Cameron Stolz
Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 1:15 AM
To: 'Dr. M. Hay'
Subject: RE: Queston from PACHA
 
Good evening Dr. Hay.
 
I would start off by stating that it’s important to understand that the vast majority of the future increase to 5,500 containers a day headed to Prince Rupert will not originate in Prince George.  They will be simply “passing through” our city.  This will cause some additional strain on our air shed. 
 
The air quality in our city has always been one of my priorities as a Councillor.  That is why I was such a champion for the District Energy System, given that it would result in taking 100 tonnes of particulate out of our air shed each year. 
 
PGAIR has identified that train emissions have a significant impact to our air quality.  As such, I along with my council colleagues have engaged in discussions with CN officials (both local and national) over the last three years.  Both sides have participated in these discussions in a cordial and professional manner.  It’s also important to recognize that a) CN is regulated solely by the Federal Government b) For a century now; the rail road has been an integral part of our community and will continue to be for the foreseeable future.
 
With my fellow councillors I have had extensive discussions with CN advocating for:
 
* track cleaning – that dust suppressant needs to be used
* construction of a berm with trees and a trail along 1st Avenue    
* train whistle usage – especially overnight
* options around locomotive engines – modernizing
* options of paving more of their lands to reduce dust
 
In recognizing the city’s limitations in influencing CN, I have taken a more pro-active role in trying to have these concerns addressed.  For two years now, I have served on for the Railway Association of Canada / Federation of Canadian Municipalities (RAC/FCM) Proximity Steering Committee.  I have been working on this committee promoting the best practices and encouraging their adoption not just by CN, but by all of the railways across our country.  The theory is that if the majority of the railways agree to something, then the rest (including CN) will follow.
 
My goal is to have CN address the issues that have been raised thus far.  In addition, I will also include concerns with noise from shunting rail cars and the speed the trains are traveling during shunting in any future discussions I have with them and at the RAC/FCM Proximity Steering Committee meetings.
 
Cameron
 
Cameron Stolz
Councillor
City of Prince George

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From: Shari Green
Sent: Sunday, November 13, 2011 5:12 PM
To: mdhay
Subject: re: Question for PACHA
 
Thanks Dr. Hay for the opportunity to respond.

Having lived a lifetime in Prince George, I am dedicated to the quality of life in this city. Continued effort and strong improvements in air quality, noise abatement, and social responsibility by industry operating in this community are priorities for me. I plan to ensure that Prince George is on the radar screen of those responsible in the federal and provincial governments for air quality, transportation, and water quality.

I will meet with Bud Smith, Chair of Ridley Terminals, attend the annual coal forum in Northeast British Columbia, and impress upon industry the expectations of our citizens for the best technology in locomotives, dust control and partnering with the City to develop a berm or sound barrier wall along First Avenue.

One simple thing CN could be doing is paving in between the rails to keep the dust down.

Wherever the City needs to press for additional scientific monitoring, I will do that with the provincial government and industry so that we can have a well informed public and a strong platform of information to hold industry accountable.

Shari Green

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From: Myrt Turner
Sent: Monday, November 14, 2011 11:29 AM
To: Dr. M. Hay
Subject: RE: Question from PACHA
 
Dear Dr.  Hay:  Here are my answers to the 2 questions that you posed.
(1) PACHA wants to know if this issue is a priority for you if you are elected to City Council ?
As a person who works downtown and a person who lives within 500 meters of a working gravel pit, fine air particulate is of great concern to me.  It is something that is visible to me on a daily basis – the dust coats my car and my current home is far more dusty than my previous home.  I have seen great improvements in air quality in the last decade but my son who has returned to Prince George from Toronto would not agree with me.  He complains regularly about breathing problems and the quality of air.  I am not a scientist nor do I pretend to understand the science of air quality but the evidence of poor air is visible to us and that cannot be ignored.  I am very concerned about the health impacts air quality on my family as well as the citizens of Prince George. 
This would be a priority to me if elected to city council. 
 
 
(2) Please list the actions you are prepared to take regarding this issue if you are elected.
Prince George is working toward becoming a green community.  We have a District Energy System and we are home to one of Canada’s greenest universities.  Since we cannot re-locate the intermodal terminal at the CN site, the Mayor and Council need to:
(2) take a leadership role in putting pressure on CN to reduce noise pollution by adhering to their own speed limits
(3) make the Millar Addition one of its top priorities in the work that is being done by Enhance PG so that this neighborhood’s quality of life can be protected
(4) Work with groups such as yourselves to come up with ways to mitigate the increased level of dust and pollutants that will result from increased container traffic
As I have previously stated, I am not a scientist and do not have solutions to the problems you have listed.  I know that we must do something and that the Mayor and Council must be committed to using the experts that we have within our community to develop strategies to reduce the impacts of both dust and noise pollution.   The image of our city as a dirty community or a smelly community is not in the best interests of our future growth or the health of our citizens.

Myrt Turner

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From: Bruce Fader
Sent: Saturday, November 12, 2011 9:48 PM
To: Dr. M. Hay
Subject: Re: Question for PACHA
 
Hello,

I am perhaps one of the rare few who likes the sound of train traffic, but I do get that is just me.

I fully agree that an 800% increase is massive and that it would cause many disruptions to city dwellers, both due to noise and particulate pollution.  I myself am no expert on the subject as to what could/should be done, so I would need to consult with others who do indeed know more before truly coming to a decision.

I do however know something about diesel.  Bio-diesel made from WFO (Waste Fry Oil) and the like is significantly cleaner than commercial diesel.  Perhaps we should be pressuring CN Rail to be using more bio diesel.  Likewise if we were to plant trees along the rail line this would absorb some of the pollution and reduce noise levels.

Lastly, here is my biggest suggestion: build a second Intermodel in Willow River to facilitate the Alberta bound traffic and thus reduce a significant amount of the Prince George based traffic/particulate.

Sincerely,
Bruce Fader

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From: Brian Skakun
Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2011 4:26 PM

I wanted to thank PACHA for the invitation to respond to these important questions. I have been very proactive when it comes to dealing with air quality issues. I will try to respond to the questions or points you have made one at a time. To me it has been important to not only talk the talk but to walk the walk when it comes to dealing with air quality issues. I have been a big supporter of City led initiatives regarding air quality improvements. I took an active role in dealing with the asphalt plants within city limits issue several years ago and even met Environment Minister Berry Penner in Victoria to express my concerns about the emissions from asphalt plants within City limits. I asked that the Provincial Government do all they can to change the environmental regulations and reporting of asphalt plants emissions. In 2010 I was involved with a meeting of top CN Rail Executives at the Union of BC Municipality Convention with the rest of Prince George City Council where a number of issues were discussed. The main point that I, the mayor and other Councillors drove home was the issue of our concerns about air quality, noise and beautification of the CN site in Prince George. A big challenge when dealing with CN Rail is that they are governed by federal legislation but that does not mean the City is helpless when dealing with them. I have said that CN Rail might be covered by federal legislation but we as a City can state in strong wording that if they want to do business here in Prince George they need to be a good corporate citizen and deal with many of the issues.

I have been on record as saying I am concerned with the emissions of the diesel locomotives and have discussed this issue publicly for several years. When Transport Canada offered an intensive program several years ago to help rail companies switch to electric hybrid locomotives I was very supportive of that initiative and spoke publicly about it and encouraged the City to do all it could with promoting this message.

Regarding locomotive exhaust emissions, CN rail can use a higher quality fuel including low and even ultra low diesel fuel, electric switching locomotives, low idle motor improvements, improved diesel engine technology, and improved rolling stock to reduce locomotive emissions. CN needs to ensure that if there is going to be an increase in hauling through Prince George, they have the containers stacked two high on each rail car to minimize the amount of trips, improve track structures to reduce friction, automatic engine shut off devices when idling too long, crew training of efficiencies and pollution reduction options.

Transport Canada has also allowed rail cars to carry more weight therefore reducing trips which will reduce emissions.

To deal with fugitive dust and problems associated with increased traffic the City will have to ensure the Clean Air Bylaw is followed and that fugitive dust issues are not only controlled but also improved.

The issue of back loaded diesel trucks is also a complex issue. I feel that the Province and the City need to work together to get the inefficient highly pollutant diesel trucks off the road until they are either tuned up and or replaced. This issue is not limited to just the back haul trucks. It is also important to work at finding solutions that will deal with the issue of the fine particulate pollution coming from diesel engines. The City also needs to look at the clean air bylaw and see if there are ways we can enforce bylaws and provincial regulations within city limits for these types of problems.

Re noise pollution: This issue will never be solved but can be mitigated by encouraging CN to do the majority of their switching outside the City bowl. We can also look at building landscaped burms around the CN yards to help with noise pollution and beautify the area at the same time. The City needs to also get aggressive and enforce the noise bylaw by ensuring CN does not switch cars during the evening and night time hours.

I will not say that I will be able to alone find solutions to these important issues but will need the support of the rest of the new council to make things happen. Just because CN falls under federal legislation does not mean the City cannot take a leading role in working with CN to resolve some of these issues. The City can also take a leading role to ensure CN follows the City bylaws. With the help of groups like Pacha the City can lobby senior governments to improve existing regulations that deal with these issues.

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From: John Beebe
Sent: Monday, November 14, 2011 9:00 AM
To: m hay
Subject: Re: QUESTION FROM PACHA

Hi
This is going to be a huge issue for the Council coming in to power We are definitely caught in a catch 22 situation, where we need the jobs this project creates, but we also need to find a way to protect the City from the enviromental issues this project creates.
I found out that CN has complete control over what they do and the City does not have hardly any say in the matter, But that doesn't mean we have to sit on our hands.
The City needs to clean up 1st ave. as it is one of the first impressions, visitors have of our City when they drive in.
If I get in to Council,I want all the info I can get on this issue and several others, this is a major concern of citizens and as such needs to be a priority for the next Council

Thanks John Beebe

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From: Joanne Dickenson
Sent: Saturday, November 12, 2011 6:53 AM
To: Dr. M. Hay
Subject: Re: Question from PACHA
 
There is not enough room downtown to accommodate that much traffic! We need to start the conversation, now, with CN on there plans to move to a larger, smarter site. I was a director on the BVLD Air Shed Society, I believe in clean air. The solution is there we have to start CN on the right track to move them to a better site for ALL the right reasons, health, safety, of there employees as well as the citizens of PG,as well as smart business sense and efficiencies. I believe that, YES it is a priority for all the right reasons. Joanne Dickenson, your candidate for council
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

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From: Harry Ulch
Sent: Monday, November 14, 2011 1:34 PM
To: Dr. M. Hay
Subject: Re: Question from PACHA
 
Dr M Hay, I answered PACHA  three years ago, and was marked as low as those who did not answer!!   I worked at BCRail for 31 years, I understand rail operations well, I represented Trainpersons on the Engine Committee; for one.  I understand that the more modern Locomotives have less fuel emissions;  burn less fuel.  Also we had older Yard service Locomotives re-done  (Cat conversions) we called them,  new Cat engines with new alternators instead of generators; these Locomotives were shut down when not in use, and they would automatic start when cold threaten; as equipped with a thermostatic control. I think by reasoning with CN, that Prince George is in a bowl, with air lingering, could make the case to have the most modern of their fleet here; and Locomotives that have this ability to shut-down instead of idling. I have a wealth of experience around the railways. I can expand on the topic; but not between now & when the polls close, for a great number of people, looking for my answers & time.   Of course, I support improving our Air. I also support your initiatives for cleaner air.

see attachment for my hand-out 

Sincerely, Harry Ulch 

** Please contact Mr. Ulch for his handout - PACHA

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From: Brandon Lewis
Sent: Monday, November 14, 2011 10:57 PM
To: Dr. M. Hay
Subject: RE: Question from PACHA

Hello Dr. Hay,

    I would like to start by thanking you for approaching the candidates
with this issue as we go into the election. All the citizens of Prince
George should be informed about the candidates going in to vote and
providing more information to them, such as this, will help them decide.

Air quality is an important issue to me and we need to continue to improve
upon recent changes. I believe that the increased amount of products coming
through Prince George will help our economy but also needs to be guided as
to not cause the harm as listed in your email. With the combined efforts of
CN, the Province of BC, and the city we should be able to come up with ideas
that will help to limit the damage done by the increased traffic in our rail
yard.

Some possible actions will include creating a sound barrier along 1st Ave.
to try and block the noise from entering the downtown. This could also be
used to help beatify the scenery as people drive through town or even just
come into town to shop or eat. Having CN ensure the use of a watering system
to keep the yard moist will help to keep down the amount of dust being
kicked up into the air. I don`t know if it is possible to have loading of
rail cars going back to China with the logs could be done somewhere else or
an additional Intermodal added but these are possibilities that could be
discussed to help with the problem.

I don`t have all of the answers or the best solutions but I would ensure to
take a very deep look at the issue with the city, the province, CN, and the
citizens of Prince George. There has to be a solution to help preserve the
work done to improving air quality already completed. I hope this answers
your questions and if you do have anymore please feel free to ask.

Thanks again,

Brandon Lewis, Mayoral Candidate

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From: Scot Affleck
Sent: Sunday, November 13, 2011 11:18 AM
To: 'Dr. M. Hay'
Subject: RE: Question from PACHA
 
Dear Dr. Hay: I send you greetings. Feel free to quote what I say verbatim. I admire your principles on air quality and that you administer to a “special interest group”. Again it speaks volumes for your principles and outlook on life. This is very good and noble.  Following this reply will be a long dragged out platform pertaining to my candidacy for a seat on city council. Tell you what. You admire my principles and I will admire yours. Deal? I don’t “pander” to special interest groups for that defining vote I need to get elected. Unlike an unnamed mayoralty candidate, I refuse to sell my soul for votes. Anyhow, methinks you should be directing your questions to Timmy at the Initiatives Prince George about this issue. It is on their website. And such an impressive website it is. On that website they have the ability to spin and portray canine droppings as a work of art suitable for display at the Louvre. In Paris. Talk to them. They think these large containers that are going to and fro through Prince George are the best thing that ever happened here. If you remember, after talking to Tim (take your BS filter with you) ask him for me how much money from this venture is being returned to the taxpayers vault under city hall. On a side note, I couldn’t help notice that you worship that sacred cow called “downtown revitalization”. So sad. At the bottom of the second page of my rant, I explain how I think of “downtown revitalization”. I tipped the sacred cow over. I have distributed over 500 copies of it (some to the media) and no one will say I’m wrong. No one has said touché, or taken issue with me about this train (pardon the pun) of thought at all. In closing keep up the good work. This is my “gritty little mill town” and my first responsibility, if elected, will to be the over taxed taxpayers in this ‘burg.   Again, verbatim in your dictionary?  I will be impressed if it is.
 
 
 Thanks again,
 
Yours truly.   Scot Affleck

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From: Garth Frizzell
Sent: Friday, November 18, 2011 10:41 AM
Subject: RE: Question from PACHA

PACHA wants to know if this issue is a priority for you if you are elected to City Council ?

The consequences of increased rail traffic on the Prince George airshed are certainly a priority for me.  We cannot risk losing all the air quality gains made in the last three years, and we cannot justify a lack of action addressing the problems of increased container traffic just because of the economic benefits it brings.

I have been re-elected three times to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in increasing roles of responsibility.  In the most recent FCM election, my colleagues elected me to chair the BC Caucus and sit on the national executive committee.

I mention this because it is not enough to say that this a federal jurisdiction, governed by the a Railway Act that predates Conferedation.  I bring this up to say that my priorities on making Prince George a better place to live do not stop just because another order of government is responsible.  When a change needs to be made provincially or federally to make our city better, I step up.  And I will step up on this issue.

Please list the actions you are prepared to take regarding this issue if you are elected.

 a) I commit to developing and maintaining a clear understanding of the best technologies available for low-emission locomotives (meeting or   exceeding EPA Tier 2)
 b) I commit to understanding the thresholds and impacts of the business decisions for use of low-emission locomotives by CN, and will push to learn the factors that influence those decisions.
 c) I commit to identifying local government best practices for working with rail companies, to meet the business thresholds required for   switching from diesel locomotives to low-emission locomotives.  It is vital to understand the consequences of a change in order to make that   change happen.
 d) I commit to helping develop a plan that would work for implementing best practices in Prince George for our airshed.
 e) I commit to learning the barriers to developing treed buffer zones along First Avenue, and to identify the ideal way to implement a buffer zone.
 f) I commit to reporting my progress in public on these commitments.

Garth Frizzell