metro vancouver regional district climate action … · 14/2/2020 · information. 5.5 board...

February 3, 2020

METRO VANCOUVER REGIONAL DISTRICT CLIMATE ACTION COMMITTEE

REGULAR MEETING

Friday, February 14, 2020 1:00 p.m.

28th Floor Committee Room, 4730 Kingsway, Burnaby, British Columbia

A G E N D A1

1. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

1.1 February 14, 2020 Regular Meeting AgendaThat the Climate Action Committee adopt the agenda for its regular meeting scheduled for February 14, 2020 as circulated.

2. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES

2.1 January 17, 2020 Regular Meeting MinutesThat the Climate Action Committee adopt the minutes of its regular meeting held January 17, 2020 as circulated.

3. DELEGATIONS

4. INVITED PRESENTATIONS

5. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEE OR STAFF

5.1 2020 Liquid Waste Sustainability Innovation Fund ApplicationDesignated Speaker: Paul Kadota, Program Manager, Policy, Planning and Analysis Liquid Waste Services Department That the GVS&DD Board approve the allocation from the Liquid Waste Sustainability Innovation Fund of $330,000 over three years starting in 2020 for the Handheld Wastewater Microbial DNA Monitor project.

1 Note: Recommendation is shown under each item, where applicable.

Climate Action Committee

Climate Action Committee Regular Agenda February 14, 2020

Agenda of 4

5.2 2020 Regional District Sustainability Innovation Fund Applications

Designated Speakers: Jason Hingley, Division Manager, Financial Planning and Policy Regional Planning and Housing Services Department Mike Redpath, Director, Regional Parks Roger Quan, Director, Air Quality and Climate Change Parks and Environment Department That the MVRD Board approve the allocation from the Regional District Sustainability Innovation Fund for the following projects: a) Building Resilience: Exploring the Potential of Renewable Energy Building

Infrastructure: $200,000 over two years starting in 2020; b) Net-Zero Feasibility Study for Welcher Affordable Housing Development:

$160,000 over two years starting in 2020; c) Step Code Implementation Impacts for Building Envelope Rehabilitation of

Existing Buildings: $90,000 over two years starting in 2020; d) Targeted Invasive Plant Grazing in Metro Vancouver: $150,000 over three years

starting in 2020; e) Using eDNA Sampling Technology in Regional Parks: $68,000 over two years

starting in 2020; f) Preventing Smoke Emissions from Agricultural Waste Management: $140,000

over two years starting in 2020; g) Clean Air for Students and Schools (CLASS): $200,000 over two years starting in

2020; h) Mobile Monitoring of Fugitive and Other Industrial Air Emissions with "Flying

Labs": $100,000 in 2020.

5.3 2020 Water Sustainability Innovation Fund Applications Designated Speaker: Inder Singh, Director, Policy, Planning and Analysis Water Services Department That the GVWD Board approve the allocation from the Water Sustainability Innovation Fund for the following projects: a) UV Transmittance Analyzers for Continuous Monitoring of Disinfection By-

Products: $500,000 over three years starting in 2020; b) Earthquake Early Warning and Strategic Response System Pilot: $270,000 over

two years starting in 2020; c) Enhancing the Data Processing of the Water Flow Metering Network: $180,000

over two years starting in 2020.

5.4 Invasive Species Education and Outreach Materials Designated Speaker: Laurie Bates-Frymel, Senior Planner Regional Planning and Housing Services Department



Agenda of 4

That the MVRD Board direct staff to forward the report dated January 17, 2020, titled “Invasive Species Education and Outreach Materials” to member jurisdictions for information.

5.5 Board Appointments and Rescindments of Enforcement Officers

Designated Speaker: Kathy Preston, Lead Senior Engineer, Environmental Regulation and Enforcement Parks and Environment Department That the MVRD Board: a) pursuant to the Greater Vancouver Regional District Air Quality Management

Bylaw and the Environmental Management Act: i. appoint Metro Vancouver employee Nicole Gatto as an officer; and

ii. rescind the appointments of former Metro Vancouver employees Larry Avanthay, Kristen Beattie and Johanna Legge as officers; and

b) pursuant to section 28 of the Offence Act: i. appoint Metro Vancouver employee Nicole Gatto for the purpose of serving

summons under section 28 of the Offence Act for alleged violations under the Greater Vancouver Regional District Air Quality Management Bylaw; and

ii. rescind the appointments for the purpose of serving summons of former Metro Vancouver employees Larry Avanthay, Kristen Beattie and Johanna Legge.

5.6 Manager’s Report

Designated Speaker: Roger Quan, Director, Air Quality and Climate Change Parks and Environment Department That the Climate Action Committee receive for information the report dated January 27, 2020, titled “Manager’s Report”.

6. INFORMATION ITEMS

6.1 Final Report by Director Adriane Carr, Chair, Climate Action Committee on Second World Congress on Climate Change, September 26-28, 2019, Berlin, Germany.

6.2 Correspondence dated December 18, 2019 to Sav Dhaliwal, Chair, Metro Vancouver

Board of Directors re BC Tweed Air Discharge Approval Application from George V. Harvie, Mayor, City of Delta.

7. OTHER BUSINESS 8. BUSINESS ARISING FROM DELEGATIONS



Agenda of 4

9. RESOLUTION TO CLOSE MEETING Note: The Committee must state by resolution the basis under section 90 of the Community Charter on which the meeting is being closed. If a member wishes to add an item, the basis must be included below.

10. ADJOURNMENT/CONCLUSION

That the Climate Action Committee adjourn/conclude its regular meeting of February 14, 2020.

Membership:

Carr, Adriane (C) - Vancouver Dhaliwal, Sav (VC) - Burnaby Arnason, Petrina - Langley Township Baird, Ken - Tsawwassen First Nation Dupont, Laura - Port Coquitlam

Hocking, David - Bowen Island Kruger, Dylan - Delta McCutcheon, Jen - Electoral Area A McIlroy, Jessica - North Vancouver City McLaughlin, Ron - Lions Bay

Patton, Allison - Surrey Steves, Harold - Richmond van den Broek, Val - Langley City Yousef, Ahmed - Maple Ridge


Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the MVRD Climate Action Committee held on Friday, January 17, 2020 Page 1 of 5

METRO VANCOUVER REGIONAL DISTRICT CLIMATE ACTION COMMITTEE

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Metro Vancouver Regional District (MVRD) Climate Action Committee held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 17, 2020 in the 28th Floor Committee Room, 4730 Kingsway, Burnaby, British Columbia.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair, Councillor Adriane Carr, Vancouver Vice Chair, Councillor Sav Dhaliwal, Burnaby Councillor Petrina Arnason, Langley Township Chief Ken Baird, Tsawwassen (arrived at 1:02 p.m.) Councillor Laura Dupont, Port Coquitlam (departed at 3:29 p.m.) Councillor David Hocking, Bowen Island Councillor Dylan Kruger, Delta Councillor Jessica McIlroy, North Vancouver City Mayor Ron McLaughlin, Lions Bay Councillor Harold Steves, Richmond Councillor Ahmed Yousef, Maple Ridge

MEMBERS ABSENT: Director Jen McCutcheon, Electoral Area A Councillor Allison Patton, Surrey Mayor Val van den Broek, Langley City

STAFF PRESENT: Roger Quan, Director, Air Quality and Climate Change, Parks and Environment Jerry Dobrovolny, Chief Administrative Officer Genevieve Lanz, Legislative Services Coordinator, Board and Information Services

1. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

1.1 January 17, 2020 Regular Meeting Agenda

It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Climate Action Committee adopt the agenda for its regular meeting scheduled for January 17, 2020 as circulated.

CARRIED

2.1



2. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES

2.1 November 15, 2019 Regular Meeting Minutes It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Climate Action Committee adopt the minutes of its regular meeting held November 15, 2019 as circulated.

CARRIED 3. DELEGATIONS

No items presented. 1:02 p.m. Chief Baird arrived at the meeting. 4. INVITED PRESENTATIONS

4.1 Caitlin Cooper, Project Manager, Transport 2050, TransLink Caitlin Cooper, Project Manager, Transport 2050, TransLink, provided members with a presentation on Transport 2050 engagement, highlighting engagement activities for Transport 2050, integration with Metro 2050 and Climate 2050, survey respondent values and priorities, and Phase 2 trade-offs. Members commented on regional equity of mobility pricing, alternative modes of transportation, and issues related to congestion and reduction of automotive traffic. Presentation material titled “Transport 2050 Shaping the future of how we move and live in Metro Vancouver” is retained with the January 17, 2020 Climate Action Committee agenda.

4.2 Mike Manion, Chair, and Jack Bates, Metro Vancouver Agricultural Advisory Committee Mike Manion, Chair and Jack Bates, Metro Vancouver Agricultural Advisory Committee, spoke to members regarding concerns related to Metro Vancouver’s potential regulation of volatile organic compounds and cannabis production, highlighting development of best management practices for odour, industry viability, and infancy of the cannabis industry. Members discussed regional food security, B.C. Farm Industry Review Board and federal regulation, and impact to other farming commodities.



5. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEE OR STAFF

5.1 2020 Climate Action Committee Priorities and Work Plan Report dated January 8, 2020 from Roger Quan, Director, Air Quality and Climate Change, Parks and Environment, presenting the 2020 Climate Action Committee Work Plan and priorities. Members were provided with a presentation on the 2020 Climate Action Committee Work Plan and priorities, highlighting Climate 2050, Clean Air Plan, environmental planning, and Sustainability Innovation Fund projects and proposals. Members commented on ways that youth climate groups can be involved in the Climate 2050 process. Request of Staff Staff was requested to explore the feasibility of involving youth climate groups, such as the Sustainabiliteens, for outreach and community engagement activities related to Climate 2050. Members discussed electric equipment alternatives and options for landscaping companies. Request of Staff Staff was requested to investigate opportunities to promote electric non-road engines and alternative equipment programs, including hosting a workshop for industry and municipal staff. Presentation material titled “2020 Climate Action Committee Priorities and Work Plan” is retained with the January 17, 2020 Climate Action Committee agenda. It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Climate Action Committee endorse the work plan as presented in the report dated January 8, 2020, titled “2020 Climate Action Committee Priorities and Work Plan”.

CARRIED 3:04 p.m. Vice Chair Dhaliwal assumed the chair.

5.2 Second World Congress on Climate Change Adriane Carr, Chair, Climate Action Committee and Neal Carley, General Manager, Parks and Environment, provided members with a presentation on the Second World Congress on Climate Change, highlighting the urban heat island effect and the built environment, increasing extreme weather and severe storm events, legislated and voluntary climate action measures, and importance of youth engagement.



Presentation material titled “2nd World Congress on Climate Change – September 26 – 28, 2019 – Berlin, Germany” is retained with the January 17, 2020 Climate Action Committee agenda.

3:29 p.m. Chair Carr reassumed the chair; Councillor Dupont departed the meeting.

5.3 Metro Vancouver Comments on the BC Zero Emission Vehicle Act Regulations Intentions Paper Report dated January 6, 2020 from Morgan Braglewicz, Policy Analyst and Erik Blair, Air Quality Planner, Parks and Environment, seeking MVRD Board direction to write a letter to the Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources endorsing Metro Vancouver’s staff submissions on the BC Zero Emission Vehicle Act Regulations Intention Paper. It was MOVED and SECONDED That the MVRD Board write a letter to the provincial Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources endorsing Metro Vancouver’s staff submission on the BC ZEV Act Regulations Intentions Paper, as outlined in the report dated January 6, 2020, titled “Metro Vancouver Comments on the BC Zero Emission Vehicle Act Regulations Intentions Paper”.

CARRIED

5.4 Manager’s Report Report dated January 9, 2020 from Roger Quan, Director, Air Quality and Climate Change, Parks and Environment, providing members with information on the 2020 Standing Committee Events attendance, Best Practices for a Building Energy Benchmarking and Emissions Performance Program, consultation on the Clean Air Plan and Climate 2050 Roadmaps, and the development of cannabis production emissions regulation program. It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Climate Action Committee receive for information the report dated January 9, 2020, titled “Manager’s Report”.

CARRIED 6. INFORMATION ITEMS

6.1 Correspondence dated December 10, 2019 to Sav Dhaliwal, Chair, Metro Vancouver Board and Directors, from George V. Harvie, Mayor, City of Delta re Cannabis Greenhouses and Enforcement of Air Quality Management Bylaw No. 1082

7. OTHER BUSINESS

No items presented.



8. BUSINESS ARISING FROM DELEGATIONS No items presented.

9. RESOLUTION TO CLOSE MEETING

No items presented. 10. ADJOURNMENT/CONCLUSION

It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Climate Action Committee conclude its regular meeting of January 17, 2020.

CARRIED (Time: 3:48 p.m.)

____________________________ ____________________________ Genevieve Lanz, Adriane Carr, Chair Legislative Services Coordinator 36485670 FINAL


36236948

To: Climate Action Committee

From: Paul Kadota, Program Manager, Policy, Planning and Analysis Liquid Waste Services Department

Date: January 16, 2020 Meeting Date: February 14, 2020

Subject: 2020 Liquid Waste Sustainability Innovation Fund Application

RECOMMENDATION That the GVS&DD Board approve the allocation from the Liquid Waste Sustainability Innovation Fund of $330,000 over three years starting in 2020 for the Handheld Wastewater Microbial DNA Monitor project.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Climate Action Committee is responsible for overseeing the Sustainability Innovation Funds, and for making all funding recommendations to the respective Boards. Staff assist the Climate Action Committee in reviewing and evaluating all proposals that are submitted for consideration. This report presents one project recommended for funding, totaling $330,000 over three years, which will be funded through the Liquid Waste Sustainability Innovation Fund. The project proposes the use of handheld microbial DNA monitoring to more effectively detect wastewater treatment plant issues.

PURPOSE To present one project recommended for Sustainability Innovation Funding for the Climate Action Committee and the GVS&DD Board’s consideration.

BACKGROUND The Liquid Waste Sustainability Innovation Fund was created by the Board in 2004 to provide financial support to Liquid Waste Utility projects that contribute to the region’s sustainability. The GVS&DD Board adopted the Liquid Waste Sustainability Innovation Fund Policy on June 27, 2014, with further amendments in 2016, to guide the use and management of the Fund. The Policy describes a process of generating, submitting, evaluating and recommending proposals for funding each year.

The Climate Action Committee is responsible for overseeing the Fund, and for making all funding recommendations to the Board. Staff assist the Climate Action Committee in reviewing and evaluating all proposals that are submitted for consideration.

LIQUID WASTE SUSTAINABILITY INNOVATION FUND POLICY On an annual basis, Liquid Waste projects are submitted to an internal staff Steering Committee, representing a cross-section of the organization, to evaluate projects and initiatives based on the Fund’s evaluation criteria. As defined in the policy, projects need to fulfill the following criteria:

• Be overseen by the GVS&DD;• Be consistent with the authority and responsibility of the GVS&DD;• Be consistent with the objectives of the Integrated Liquid Waste and Resource Management

Plan and/or the Board Strategic Plan;

5.1


2020 Liquid Waste Sustainability Innovation Fund Application Climate Action Committee Regular Meeting Date: February 14, 2020

Page 2 of 3

• Consider partnerships including, but not limited to, member jurisdictions, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, and community groups;

• Result in a positive contribution, in the form of tangible results and/or measurable benefits, to the sustainability of the region; and,

• Demonstrate innovation and facilitate action. On an annual basis the Climate Action Committee receives an update report on the projects supported by the Fund including the deliverables, outcomes, and the measurable benefits of these projects to the region’s sustainability. A summary of past projects can be found on the Sustainability Innovation Program website. 2020 APPLICATION PROCESS An internal call for proposals closed on November 1, 2019 and one Liquid Waste proposal was considered by the cross-departmental Sustainability Innovation Fund Steering Committee, comprised of representatives from seven different departments within Metro Vancouver. The Steering Committee evaluated the submission and determined the proposal has strong alignment with promoting regional sustainability and innovation. The proposal recommended for funding by the Steering Committee is listed in the table below with additional detail provided in the executive summary (Attachment 1).

Recommended Allocation from the Liquid Waste Sustainability Innovation Fund Project Title Year Amount Requested

Handheld Wastewater Microbial DNA Monitor 2020-2022 $330,000

Handheld Wastewater Microbial DNA Monitor Secondary wastewater treatment is reliant upon a healthy microbial community. This project involves adapting a handheld DNA sequencing unit and validating its ability to provide accurate, rapid microbial characterization with Metro Vancouver wastewater. Near real-time microbial information will allow staff to more effectively detect wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) issues before they develop into operational challenges and implement prevention and control strategies to achieve optimal performance. The use of an artificial intelligence platform will facilitate operational decision-making. This project aligns well with Metro Vancouver’s Integrated Liquid Waste and Resource Management Plan. Environmental benefits include: increased resiliency for lower risk of regulatory non-compliance, and maximizing effluent quality. Social/community benefits include: educational opportunities for graduate students, outreach activities on genomic sciences to peer utilities, and development of a new wastewater monitoring paradigm that can lead to highly qualified professional positions. Rapid microbial DNA monitoring is significantly faster and cheaper than traditional laboratory DNA sequencing and can improve system performance, potentially reducing energy use and operating costs, and providing a foundation for future work on advanced wastewater process modelling and design. From a climate action perspective, improved understanding of microbial metabolism can be extended to optimize renewable natural gas production and to reduce energy demand at a treatment facility.


2020 Liquid Waste Sustainability Innovation Fund Application Climate Action Committee Regular Meeting Date: February 14, 2020

Page 3 of 3

This project will be completed in partnership with the University of British Columbia. ALTERNATIVES 1. That the GVS&DD Board approve the allocation from the Liquid Waste Sustainability Innovation

Fund of $330,000 over three years starting in 2020 for the Handheld Wastewater Microbial DNA Monitor project.

2. That the Climate Action Committee receive for information the report dated January 16, 2020,

titled “2020 Liquid Waste Sustainability Innovation Fund Application” and provide alternate direction to staff.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS If the Board approves Alternative 1, $330,000 for the project will be disbursed from the Liquid Waste Sustainability Innovation Fund over three years. The fund has budget to support Alternative 1. Approved projects will be incorporated into the applicable work plans and budgets within Liquid Waste Services. CONCLUSION The Liquid Waste Sustainability Innovation Fund was created by the Board in 2004 to provide financial support for Liquid Waste projects that contribute to the region’s sustainability. The Liquid Waste Sustainability Innovation Fund Policy guides the use and management of the Fund and describes the process of generating, submitting, evaluating and recommending proposals for funding each year. The Climate Action Committee is responsible for overseeing the Fund, and for making all funding recommendations to the GVS&DD Board. Staff assist the Climate Action Committee in reviewing and evaluating all proposals that are submitted for consideration. This report presents the Steering Committee’s recommendation to fund the Handheld Wastewater Microbial DNA Monitor project over three years. Additional details of the project are provided in the executive summary (Attachment 1). Staff recommend that the Climate Action Committee approve the Steering Committee’s recommendations for funding the proposal and forward the recommendations to the GVS&DD Board for consideration. Staff recommendations are presented as Alternative 1. Attachment 1. Liquid Waste Services Sustainability Innovation Fund – Executive Summaries References 1. http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality/sustainability-innovation-

program/Pages/default.aspx 36236948


http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality/sustainability-innovation-program/Pages/default.aspx


Sustainability Innovation Fund: Liquid Waste Services

Executive Summary

Project Name: Handheld Wastewater Microbial DNA Monitor

Amount Requested from Sustainability Innovation Fund: $330,000 (2020‐2022)

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to adapt a portable DNA sequencing unit (Figure 1) and prototype its ability to provide accurate, rapid characterization of microorganisms that are vital to effective secondary wastewater treatment. Over the past decade, a number of advances in wastewater treatment have been through the discovery of ways to promote desired microorganisms within the wastewater microbiome. This has led to the engineering of new process units with smaller footprints that lower costs and achieve higher quality effluent that enables opportunities for water reclamation and use. These advances were made possible through increased understanding of the complex dynamics of the microbial network using laboratory‐intensive DNA methods that provide results months after samples are taken.

The goal of this proposal is to develop a rapid, accurate, handheld DNA monitoring tool that provides effective monitoring and identification of wastewater microbial species. This near real‐time information will allow staff to more effectively detect issues before they develop into operational challenges, diagnose problems and severity, implement prevention and control strategies, and alter the treatment process to achieve optimal performance. In addition, the incorporation of an artificial intelligence platform promises to facilitate predictive decision‐making (Figure 2). Ultimately the handheld DNA sequencer can provide environmental, economic, social, and climate change mitigation benefits, and insight to new, more sustainable infrastructure designs.

Project Objectives: Short, mid, and long‐term project objectives correspond to the 3‐year project timeline:

Short‐term: Adapt and validate the hand‐held DNA sequencer with Metro Vancouver (MV)wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) samples.

Mid‐term: Create a WWTP‐specific microbial database. Each treatment plant can have a uniquemicrobial community; by determining what the baseline “normal” microbial DNA structure is for thespecific WWTP, changes to the microbial community can be diagnosed.

Long‐term: Prototype an artificial intelligence‐based platform that uses DNA sequence data to predictimpacts on process performance. With this information, WWTP staff can implement mitigationstrategies, enable immediate corrective actions, improve efficiency, and optimize wastewatertreatment.

Contributions to Regional Sustainability: This project provides environmental, social/community, and economic benefits that contribute to regional sustainability. Environmental benefits include: increased resiliency, lower risk of regulatory non‐compliance, and protection of the environment through development of enhanced monitoring, control, and design strategies. Social/community benefits include: educational opportunities for graduate students supported by this project, outreach activities on genomic sciences to peer utilities and other interested parties, and development of a new WWTP monitoring paradigm that can lead to highly

Attachment 1


qualified professional positions, possibly through new companies offering the expertise gained. Economically, rapid microbial DNA monitoring can improve system performance, potentially reducing energy use and operating costs, and providing a foundation for future work on advanced wastewater process modelling and design. Handheld DNA monitoring is also significantly cheaper than laboratory‐based DNA monitoring and provides WWTP operators a tool to directly assess the microbial community, creating increased staff expertise to identify future efficiencies. From a climate action perspective, improved understanding of microbial metabolism can be used to optimize renewal natural gas production and reduce energy demand.

This project also aligns with all 3 goals of MV’s Integrated Liquid Waste and Resource Management Plan:

WWTP process optimization reduces risk and improves effluent quality thus allowing MV to ProtectPublic Health and the Environment (Goal 1);

DNA monitoring enhances knowledge of microbial communities which in the future could be used topromote bacteria to produce extra renewable energy, to facilitate Use of Liquid Waste as a Resource(Goal 2); and,

Innovative approaches to traditional monitoring and treatment optimize system performanceresulting in Effective, Affordable and Collaborative Management (Goal 3).

Innovation Element: This project aims to prototype the first of its kind handheld DNA sequencing tool to generate near real‐time microbial community data to elucidate secondary WWTP process dynamics. The hardware and software platform, utilizing artificial intelligence, provides insight to optimize system performance, thus reducing operational risks and cost while providing environmental, social, and climate change mitigation benefits.

Tangible Benefits and Outcomes: Tangible benefits and outcomes of the project are:

A portable, low‐cost, rapid DNA sequencer that enables process optimization to reduce operationalcosts, energy consumption, and environmental risk, by providing an early warning of undesirablemicrobes that could reduce treatment efficiency and affect effluent quality.

Predictive decision making based on DNA data combined with a machine‐learning platform thatincorporates process performance data and microbial community profiles to inform process controlstrategies that optimize performance, and minimize environmental footprint.

Part of creating an adaptive learning ecosystem providing deep WWTP‐specific knowledge that allowsstaff to capitalize on increasingly advanced treatment technologies and processes to promote thedesign and operation of more sustainable WWTP infrastructure.

Members and other Partners: This project will be completed in partnership with the University of British Columbia (UBC) specifically with the research groups of Dr. Ryan Ziels in the Department of Civil Engineering, and Dr. Steven Hallam in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology. Through UBC, Carl Data Solutions’ machine‐learning algorithms will be applied to the microbial data to identify community signatures that indicate optimal process performance. UBC will leverage its allocated SIF funds to seek grants from agencies such as Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and Genome BC.


Figure 1: Oxford Nanopore Technologies MinION portable DNA sequencing device.

Figure 2: Overview of real‐time microbial monitoring for improved process control.

Secondary Treatment Onsite DNA Monitoring

Artificial Intelligence Model Process Control

DNA Extract ion Nanopore DNA Sequencing


36231293


From: Roger Quan, Director, Air Quality and Climate Change Parks and Environment Department


Subject: 2020 Regional District Sustainability Innovation Fund Applications

RECOMMENDATION That the MVRD Board approve the allocation from the Regional District Sustainability Innovation Fund for the following projects: a) Building Resilience: Exploring the Potential of Renewable Energy Building Infrastructure:

$200,000 over two years starting in 2020;b) Net-Zero Feasibility Study for Welcher Affordable Housing Development: $160,000 over two

years starting in 2020;c) Step Code Implementation Impacts for Building Envelope Rehabilitation of Existing Buildings:

$90,000 over two years starting in 2020;d) Targeted Invasive Plant Grazing in Metro Vancouver: $150,000 over three years starting in 2020;e) Using eDNA Sampling Technology in Regional Parks: $68,000 over two years starting in 2020;f) Preventing Smoke Emissions from Agricultural Waste Management: $140,000 over two years

starting in 2020;g) Clean Air for Students and Schools (CLASS): $200,000 over two years starting in 2020;h) Mobile Monitoring of Fugitive and Other Industrial Air Emissions with "Flying Labs": $100,000 in

2020.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Climate Action Committee is responsible for overseeing the Sustainability Innovation Funds, and for making all funding recommendations to the respective Boards. Staff assist the Climate Action Committee in reviewing and evaluating all proposals that are submitted for consideration. This report presents eight projects recommended for funding, totaling $1,108,000 over three years, which will be funded through the Regional District Sustainability Innovation Fund. The projects include three addressing affordable housing and climate change, two enhancing ecological health in Regional Parks, and three related to air quality improvement.

PURPOSE To present eight projects recommended for Sustainability Innovation Funding for the Climate Action Committee and the MVRD Board’s consideration.

BACKGROUND The Regional District Sustainability Innovation Fund was created by the Board in 2004 to provide financial support to Regional District projects that contribute to the region’s sustainability. The MVRD Board adopted the Regional District Sustainability Innovation Fund Policy in 2014, with further

5.2


2020 Regional District Sustainability Innovation Fund Applications Climate Action Committee Regular Meeting Date: February 14, 2020

Page 2 of 7

amendments in 2016, to guide the use and management of the Fund. The Policy describes the process of generating, submitting, evaluating and recommending proposals for funding each year. The Climate Action Committee is responsible for overseeing the Fund, and for making all funding recommendations to the Board. Staff assist the Climate Action Committee in reviewing and evaluating all proposals that are submitted for consideration. REGIONAL DISTRICT SUSTAINABILITY INNOVATION FUND POLICY On an annual basis, Regional District projects are submitted to an internal staff Steering Committee, representing a cross-section of the organization, to evaluate projects and initiatives based on the Fund’s evaluation criteria. As defined in the policy, projects need to fulfill the following criteria:

• Be overseen by the MVRD; • Be consistent with the authority and responsibility of the MVRD, which includes air quality

management, regional parks, housing, growth management, and inter-municipal initiatives such as ecological health and climate change mitigation and adaptation;

• Be consistent with the objectives of the Board Strategic Plan or other regional district plans as applicable;

• Consider partnerships including, but not limited to, member jurisdictions, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, and community groups;

• Result in a positive contribution, in the form of tangible results and/or measurable benefits, to the sustainability of the region; and,

• Demonstrate innovation and facilitate action. On an annual basis the Climate Action Committee receives an update report on the projects supported by the Fund including the deliverables, outcomes, and the measurable benefits of these projects to the region’s sustainability. A summary of past projects can be found on the Sustainability Innovation Program website. 2020 APPLICATION PROCESS An internal call for proposals closed on November 1, 2019 and nine Regional District proposals were considered by the cross-departmental Sustainability Innovation Fund Steering Committee, comprised of representatives from seven different departments within Metro Vancouver. The Steering Committee evaluated the submissions and determined the proposals have strong alignment with promoting regional sustainability and innovation. The proposals recommended for funding by the Steering Committee are listed in the table below with additional detail provided in the executive summaries (Attachment 1).

Recommended Allocation from the Regional District Sustainability Innovation Fund Project Title Year Amount Requested

Building Resilience: Exploring the Potential of Renewable Energy Building Infrastructure

2020-2021 $200,000

Net-Zero Feasibility Study for Welcher Affordable Housing Development 2020-2021 $160,000



Page 3 of 7

Recommended Allocation from the Regional District Sustainability Innovation Fund Project Title Year Amount Requested

Step Code Implementation Impacts for Building Envelope Rehabilitation of Existing Buildings 2020-2021 $90,000

Targeted Invasive Plant Grazing in Metro Vancouver 2020-2022 $150,000

Using eDNA Sampling Technology in Regional Parks 2020-2021 $68,000

Preventing Smoke Emissions from Agricultural Waste Management 2020-2021 $140,000

Clean Air for Students and Schools (CLASS) 2020-2021 $200,000

Mobile Monitoring of Fugitive and Other Industrial Air Emissions with "Flying Labs" 2020 $100,000

Total $1,108,000 Building Resilience: Exploring the Potential of Renewable Energy Building Infrastructure This project will include a cost benefit analysis and pilot installation of on-site renewable energy building infrastructure in one of Metro Vancouver’s affordable housing sites. Types of renewable energy building infrastructure may include geothermal, wind, or solar powered options. The project will explore the potential of building renewable energy to increase low carbon resilience in vulnerable populations by increasing energy security in the event of power outages, and reducing costs from electricity bills. Additionally, these technologies can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and augment the supply of locally-generated electricity. The results from this project will help create a business case to support member jurisdictions and other affordable housing providers as they seek to improve energy security in vulnerable populations and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By taking the first step in assessing the feasibility of renewable energy building infrastructure, Metro Vancouver can test the feasibility of this approach within the region and demonstrate regional leadership in building low carbon resilience. Net‐Zero Feasibility Study for Welcher Affordable Housing Development Metro Vancouver Housing Corporation (MVHC) is seeking funding through Metro Vancouver’s Sustainability Innovation Fund (SIF) to produce a comprehensive study exploring a multitude of energy consumption reduction and GHG reduction strategies for the Welcher Avenue Affordable Housing Development project (Welcher) with the ultimate objective of applying this to all future Metro Vancouver Housing developments. The Welcher project will be a Metro Vancouver Housing Corporation (MVHC) owned 50 to 65-unit, 4 or 5-storey, wood-framed apartment building providing rental units for primarily family occupancy with 80% of units consisting of two or more bedrooms. The design process began in late 2019, with a construction start anticipated for late 2020. The long-term goal of this study is to achieve net-zero energy consumption and carbon neutral construction and operation for all of MVHC’s housing development activities. The results of this study, if feasible, will be implemented into the construction of the Welcher project and guide the design and construction of the 1,350 new regional affordable housing units proposed under MVHC’s 10-Year Plan, released publically in late 2019. In addition, under this SIF application,



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MVHC will embark on a public speaking program to share knowledge gained with the regional development community and beyond, maximizing both sustainability and economic benefits. MVHC is also seeking partnership with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) under the Green Municipal Fund (GMF) program. Step Code Implementation Impacts for Building Envelope Rehabilitation of Existing Buildings The purpose of this project better understand the levels of the BC Building Code Step Code and its cost and performance implications for major renewals of MVHC’s existing housing stock. The current BC Building Code is written for implementation with new building construction, its application and costing does not align well for existing building renewals. A large portion of MVHC’s existing housing projects were constructed approximately 40 years ago and many major building components (roofing, windows, cladding, mechanical equipment, etc.) are reaching the end of their service lives. The near future requirement of major capital investment into the existing housing stock creates the opportunity for performance upgrades to align with Metro Vancouver’s strategies, plans and policies and the current building Step Code. An in-depth understanding of the economic and performance implications for existing buildings of the Step Code is of great interest as an affordable housing provider in the region. This study will create a guide for making informed decisions when designing and constructing upcoming major building renewals and provide insight on performance metrics (energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions) and marginal and long-term maintenance costs. Targeted Invasive Plant Grazing in Metro Vancouver Invasive plants are non-native flora that can damage infrastructure, threaten property and recreational values, reduce crop yields, increase public health and safety risk, or degrade sensitive ecosystems. Many invasive species are difficult to control so vegetation management professionals often turn to herbicides; however, several municipalities have pesticide use bylaws and staff are keen to find effective herbicide-free control methods. Targeted grazing with livestock (e.g. goats, sheep, cows) has not yet been tested in Metro Vancouver. Local practitioners have concerns about the availability of trained herds; costs compared to other control methods; long-term effectiveness; and unintended impacts such as potential damage to sensitive ecosystems, increased erosion, and spread of seeds via feces. To address these concerns, Phase 1 of this project sets out to investigate the feasibility, costs and benefits of targeted grazing in this region. If deemed feasible, cost effective and desirable for local invasive plants of concern, Phase 2 will involve field testing by contractors in suitable Metro Vancouver Regional Parks or other sites. Residents will also be invited to visit specific parks to see the goats ‘in action’ during this phase. Phase 3 will integrate learnings from Phase 1 and 2 into a regional best practice guide to inform integrated pest management decisions region-wide. Using eDNA Sampling Technology in Regional Parks Metro Vancouver Regional Parks is proposing to conduct a baseline inventory of aquatic indicator species in targeted locations within parks using an innovative new technology called environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling. Understanding the presence and distribution of key aquatic species is essential to informing park management decisions and supports the maintenance of ecosystem resilience. eDNA sampling is a relatively new method that relies on the detection of genetic materials collected from habitats and analyzed in a laboratory. This emerging technique uses less effort than traditional sampling, is more cost-effective, and is far less invasive to sensitive fish and wildlife species.



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The project will allow the sampling of at least 6 parks to collect baseline data for at least 10 different species including amphibian, reptile and fish species at risk in BC. Over 100 samples will be collected and sent to a laboratory for analysis, and we will work with the lab to develop 3 new ‘primers’ for species of interest in parks. Upon completion of the project, the data will be shared within and outside Metro Vancouver departments, including being added to the provincial wildlife database which contributes valuable information towards the Sensitive Ecosystem Inventory and other regional conservation initiatives. Preventing Smoke Emissions from Agricultural Waste Management Several thousand open-air burning events of vegetative debris occur in various sizes across the region each year. Open-air burning of agricultural residues creates smoke containing air contaminants that can adversely affect the environment and human health. Equipment such as grinders and air curtain burners can eliminate the need to burn or reduce emissions from open burning of agricultural debris. However, farmers are challenged by the costs of using emissions-reducing equipment and are not widely aware of the benefits of alternative waste management that would offset those costs. The first part of the project involves conducting a feasibility study to identify how local non-profit associations or charities could obtain long term funding for a program that offers emission-reducing equipment at a reduced rate to farmers, and to better understand the barriers to using alternative waste management methods. The study would identify business models, interested non-profit associations and charities, and funding sources. In the second part of the project, Metro Vancouver would work with farming associations, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Agricultural Land Commission, and educational institutions to produce a best management practices guide tailored to the region showcasing sustainable alternative waste management methods and their benefits to farmers and air quality. Clean Air for Students and Schools (CLASS) The Clean Air for Students and Schools (CLASS) project will pilot actions to reduce exposure to traffic-related air pollution in and around schools. Teachers, students, and parents will participate in the project so they can learn how to measure and manage air quality, and promote awareness. The project would involve partnering with a school(s) in the Metro Vancouver region to identify sources of traffic-related air pollution around the school and how to reduce exposure to them. Mitigative actions could be: changing the timing of the heating and ventilation system so outdoor air is not drawn into the school during rush hour, when concentrations of traffic-related air pollutants are expected to be higher; relocating drop-off areas; or promoting active transportation. Together with each partner school, the CLASS project will aim to implement appropriate mitigative actions and evaluate them based on aspects such as practicality, cost, and air quality improvement. Teachers, students, and parents will assist with measuring air quality using small, low-cost, user-friendly air sensors, similar to those studied in the Air Aware SIF project (2018). After the actions are piloted and evaluated, a report will be prepared for school districts on potential ways to reduce exposure to traffic-related air pollution, and air quality teaching tools will be created.



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Mobile Monitoring of Fugitive and Other Industrial Air Emissions with "Flying Labs" Air contaminants from industrial and commercial facilities can adversely affect the environment and human health. Sampling and monitoring can be used to better understand the potential impacts of air emissions and help identify actions to mitigate those impacts. However, it can be a challenge to adequately assess emissions that are sporadic or discharged from sources that are scattered or not contained within a facility’s site boundaries, particularly when the source is difficult to access or located in a potentially hazardous environment.

Drone-mounted monitoring and sampling equipment has become commercially available in recent years and is starting to be used by some air quality regulatory agencies. Such ‘flying laboratory’ devices are capable of measuring key air contaminants up to 150 metres above the ground. This project proposes a feasibility study involving mounting a ‘flying laboratory’ on a drone to determine whether the equipment could be effective for assessing emissions sources that are difficult to access in the region. A second stage would use the device to more fully characterize emissions in the region that are currently poorly described. The study would assess the costs and suitability of conducting emissions monitoring with drone-mounted systems to inform future decisions on the potential purchase of drone hardware.

ALTERNATIVES 1. That the MVRD Board approve the allocation from the Regional District Sustainability Innovation

Fund for the following projects:a) Building Resilience: Exploring the Potential of Renewable Energy Building Infrastructure:

$200,000 over two years starting in 2020;b) Net-Zero Feasibility Study for Welcher Affordable Housing Development: $160,000 over two

years starting in 2020;c) Step Code Implementation Impacts for Building Envelope Rehabilitation of Existing Buildings:

$90,000 over two years starting in 2020;d) Targeted Invasive Plant Grazing in Metro Vancouver: $150,000 over three years starting in

2020;e) Using eDNA Sampling Technology in Regional Parks: $68,000 over two years starting in 2020;f) Preventing Smoke Emissions from Agricultural Waste Management: $140,000 over two years

starting in 2020;g) Clean Air for Students and Schools (CLASS): $200,000 over two years starting in 2020;h) Mobile Monitoring of Fugitive and Other Industrial Air Emissions with "Flying Labs": $100,000

in 2020.

2. That the Climate Action Committee receive for information the report dated January 30, 2020,titled “2020 Regional District Sustainability Innovation Fund Applications” and provide alternatedirection to staff.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS If the Board approves Alternative 1, $1,108,000 for the eight projects will be disbursed from the Regional District Sustainability Innovation Fund over three years. The Fund has the budget to support Alternative 1.



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Approved projects will be incorporated into the applicable work plans and budgets. CONCLUSION The Regional District Sustainability Innovation Fund was created by the Board in 2004 to provide financial support for Regional District projects that contribute to the region’s sustainability. The Regional District Sustainability Innovation Fund Policy guides the use and management of the Fund and describes the process of generating, submitting, evaluating and recommending proposals for funding each year. The Climate Action Committee is responsible for overseeing the Fund, and for making all funding recommendations to the MVRD Board. Staff assist the Climate Action Committee in reviewing and evaluating all proposals that are submitted for consideration. This report presents the Steering Committee’s recommendation to fund the following project proposals:

• Building Resilience: Exploring the Potential of Renewable Energy Building Infrastructure • Net-Zero Feasibility Study for Welcher Affordable Housing Development • Step Code Implementation Impacts for Building Envelope Rehabilitation of Existing Buildings • Targeted Invasive Plant Grazing in Metro Vancouver • Using eDNA Sampling Technology in Regional Parks • Preventing Smoke Emissions from Agricultural Waste Management • Clean Air for Students and Schools (CLASS) • Mobile Monitoring of Fugitive and Other Industrial Air Emissions with "Flying Labs"

Additional details of each project are provided in the executive summaries (Attachment 1). Staff recommend that the Climate Action Committee approve the Steering Committee’s recommendations for funding the proposals and forward the recommendations to the MVRD Board for consideration. Staff recommendations are presented as Alternative 1. Attachment 1. Regional District Services Sustainability Innovation Fund – Executive Summaries References 1. http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality/sustainability-innovation-





Sustainability Innovation Fund: Regional District

Executive Summary

Project Name: Building Resilience: Exploring the Potential of Renewable Energy

Building Infrastructure


Purpose: This project will support Metro Vancouver’s greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets and climate change adaptation goals by reducing GHG emissions in rental housing through a cost benefit analysis and pilot installation of on‐site renewable energy building infrastructure. This work will help create a business case to support member jurisdictions and other affordable housing providers as they seek to reduce GHG emissions and improve energy security.

Project Objectives: Phase 1:

‐ Perform an analysis of renewable energy infrastructure suitable for housing complexes. ‐ Develop a strategy to reach a future with zero emission targets and low to zero emission building

codes. ‐ Create a business case for renewable energy infrastructure that can be used by MVRD members

and housing providers to implement sustainable building technology and policy.

Phase 2: ‐ Test the business case outcomes with a pilot project selected from within the MVHC portfolio. ‐ Measure GHG emissions and costs.

Contributions to Regional Sustainability: This project will reduce GHG emissions in Metro Vancouver’s affordable housing stock, lowering emissions in the region. Additionally, distributed renewable energy generation has the potential to help improve energy security by decreasing reliance on provincially supplied electricity. Climate change may lead to more frequent disruptions to the electrical grid due to extreme weather events. Improving energy security through distributed renewable energy generation in affordable housing could help make vulnerable populations more resilient to these potential impacts of climate change.

Given MVHC’s ambitious targets to expand its housing portfolio and meet regional, provincial and federal climate commitments, it is critical to identify infrastructure that will help reduce emissions, adapt to the impacts of climate change, and is cost effective to implement. As one of the largest housing providers in Metro Vancouver, MVHC can demonstrate leadership to change perspectives of housing providers in the region by proving how sustainable energy systems can be viable as a means to both reduce emissions and improve resilience, supporting regional low carbon resilience.

Attachment 1


Innovation Element: While the BC Step Code for buildings provides guidelines for building energy performance for new buildings, it does not directly regulate GHG emissions reductions through measures such as fuel switching from natural gas for heating to renewably generated electricity. Additionally, there is currently no regulation mandating emissions reductions for building retrofits. This project would go above and beyond existing regulatory requirements by analyzing the GHG emissions reductions associated with on‐site renewable energy generation.

The push to reduce emissions across all sectors, including buildings, will increase the demand for provincially supplied electricity in the coming decades. This shift in demand will require new solutions to augment the supply of renewably generated electricity to complement grid supplied electricity.

Even with actions taken to reduce emissions, our region will be affected by the impacts of a changing climate. This project presents an opportunity to explore the feasibility of using distributed renewable energy in buildings to improve resilience as part of an equitable climate change adaptation strategy.

Evaluating the feasibility of incorporating renewable energy in to building infrastructure is the first step towards understanding the role it could play in a climate resilient and low emissions region. By taking the first step, Metro Vancouver can demonstrate the feasibility of this approach within the region and lead the region in building low carbon resilience. Tangible Benefits and Outcomes: Economic/financial benefits:

‐ The cost‐benefit analysis will determine if renewable energy infrastructure is a financially viable alternative to current energy sources. The second phase of the project, the pilot installation, will yield quantitative data on any reduction in operational costs.

‐ If the business case is viable, installation of recommended equipment will be scheduled into the capital maintenance plan at life‐cycle replacement or as recommended through the building condition assessment.

Environmental benefits: ‐ Carbon emissions and the buildup of greenhouse gas are a primary cause of global warming.

Housing contributes a significant portion of all carbon emissions from urban centres. Installing renewable energy systems into housing will reduce the amount of carbon emitted.

Social/community: ‐ As one of the largest housing providers in Metro Vancouver, MVHC can demonstrate leadership

to change perspectives of housing providers in the region by proving how sustainable energy systems can be a viable. This can also lead to cost savings for both tenants and operations.

‐ Climate change may lead to more frequent disruptions to the electrical grid due to extreme weather events. Improving energy security through local renewable sources could help make vulnerable populations more resilient to the impacts of climate change.

Members and other Partners: To be confirmed based on site selection, to be determined in Phase 1. A consultant will be retained to support this work.



Executive Summary

Project Name: Net‐Zero Feasibility Study for Welcher Affordable Housing

Development


Purpose: To study the feasibility of achieving NetZero energy consumption and dramatically reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for the upcoming Metro Vancouver Housing Corporation (MVHC) Welcher Avenue affordable rental housing development as well as future housing developments. This study will provide critical insights needed to achieve sustainable building construction and operation.

Project Objectives: To produce a comprehensive study exploring a multitude of energy consumption reduction and GHG reduction strategies for the construction and operation of a multi‐family housing development. The study and ultimately implementation of energy use and GHG emission reduction strategies will serve as a proof‐of‐concept for MVHC and regional housing developments moving forward. Contributions to Regional Sustainability: Knowledge gained from the study will be shared with member municipalities, design and construction professionals, and housing providers to advance the body of sustainable construction and operation knowledge. Innovation Element: In alignment with Metro Vancouver’s Climate 2050 strategy, the proposed study will focus not only on energy efficiency, but also GHG emissions and embodied carbon leading to progressive and increasingly sustainable construction practices. Tangible Benefits and Outcomes:

Reduced energy use will lead to greater affordability for tenants. Reduced operational and embodied GHG emissions will positively contribute to Metro

Vancouver’s sustainability goals. Knowledge sharing could serve as a regional economic driver for the sustainable construction

industry.

Members and other Partners: A funding partnership with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities is being pursued for the feasibility study as well as future implementation.



Executive Summary

Project Name: Step Code Implementation Impacts for Building Envelope

Rehabilitation of Existing Buildings


Purpose: Background: BC Energy Step Code was introduced in 2017, it is written for implementation into new building construction. Housing’s existing buildings are the largest GHG emitter in the Metro Vancouver portfolio. In order to meet Metro Vancouver’s Climate 2050 goals (carbon neutral by 2050 and a 45% reduction from 2010 levels by 2030), Housing must make significant changes to our existing buildings.

This study is intended to review specific impacts of the BC Energy Step Code on major renewals to our existing Housing stock including reducing GHG emissions and energy consumption as well as improving tenant comfort.

Project Objectives: 1. Determine the individual costs of each upgrade that is required to achieve each Step Code Level

(2, 3, and 4) and the impacts on GHG emissions, energy consumption and tenant comfort of eachof upgrade in an existing building. This would help make informed and fiscally responsible designdecisions for future major renewal projects.

2. Educate other housing providers on this valuable information for existing buildings so that whenbuilding envelope renewals are planned, reductions in GHG emissions and energy use can becompleted in an informed and fiscally responsible way.

Contributions to Regional Sustainability: Reductions to GHG emissions and energy consumption in existing housing stock throughout the region when building envelope rehabilitations or major renewals are undertaken.

Innovation Element: BC Energy Step Code is fairly new in the industry and it was written for implementation into new building construction. The report findings will provide a practical guide for bringing about transformative changes to future major renewal projects for MVHC and others in the region.


Tangible Benefits and Outcomes: Economic/Financial Benefits:

Report guidelines and conclusions will provide insight into the financial viability of building renewal options.

Reduced energy demand and associated energy costs for both the tenants and MVHC would contribute to housing affordability and reduced life‐cycle maintenance costs.

Reduced capital costs for mechanical equipment and associated maintenance. Protection from future rising energy costs.

Environmental: Reduced GHG emissions Reduced primary energy demand Improvements in air quality

Social/community: Improved occupant comfort – temperature, air quality This will also allow Metro Vancouver to be seen as a leader in sustainable design, construction

and building operation. Reduced ecological footprint and example of sustainable multi‐family renewals for the local

affordable housing community.

Members and other Partners: Anticipated Partners: BC Non Profit Housing Association (BCNPHA), BC Housing, BC Building Envelope Council (BCBEC), others will be explored if project is implemented.



Executive Summary

Project Name: Targeted Invasive Plant Grazing in Metro Vancouver

Amount Requested from Sustainability Innovation Fund: $150,000

Purpose: To fill local knowledge gaps about livestock grazing as an herbicide‐free option for controlling invasive plants in Metro Vancouver.

Project Objectives: 1. Assess the feasibility, cost effectiveness, and potential unintended consequences of employing

livestock (e.g., goats, sheep, cows) to control invasive plants in this region. 2. Work with local researchers/contractors to test the efficacy of targeted grazing in suitable Metro

Vancouver Regional Parks or other locations. 3. Raise public awareness about the impacts of invasive species on Metro Vancouver Regional Parks. 4. Develop regional best practice guidance for consideration by member jurisdictions and other land

managers.

Contributions to Regional Sustainability: Invasive plants can damage infrastructure, threaten property and recreational values, reduce agricultural crop yields, increase public health and safety risk, and degrade sensitive ecosystems. Researchers predict that most invasive species will be able to adapt and some will thrive as our climate changes. Such invasions may also reduce the climate resilience of our natural habitats, agricultural systems and urban areas. However, many invasive species are difficult to control so vegetation management professionals often turn to herbicides. Several municipalities have pesticide use bylaws and staff are keen to find herbicide‐free control methods. This project will assess the cost effectiveness of targeted grazing as an non‐chemical invasive plant control technique in Metro Vancouver. If deemed feasible and cost effective, the use of livestock for vegetation management could also support small agricultural businesses.

Innovation Element: The efficacy of targeted invasive plant grazing has not been evaluated in Metro Vancouver, making this the first project of its kind in the region. Trained herds are currently limited, so this project may also create opportunities for local farmers with small herds.

Tangible Benefits and Outcomes: Phase 1 (2020) – Literature Review, Feasibility Study and Field Test Design

A consultant would produce a report assessing the feasibility and cost effectiveness of targeted invasive plant grazing in Metro Vancouver, filling local knowledge gaps.

Phase 2 (2020‐2021) – Field Testing

Field tests would be conducted by a contractor/researcher and a report would be produced summarizing the results in suitable Metro Vancouver Regional Parks or other locations.


This phase would involve: ‐ partnerships with researchers and non‐profit organizations, and ‐ inviting residents to visit specific parks to see the goats in action, while also raising

awareness about invasive species and associated impacts on infrastructure, property, crops yields, public health and sensitive ecosystems.

Phase 3 (2022) – Best Management Practices

A consultant would produce a best practice guide for targeted invasive plant grazing to help inform integrated pest management planning across the region.

Members and other Partners:

Member jurisdictions (to be determined based on location suitability) Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver University of British Columbia Kwantlen Polytechnic University University of the Fraser Valley



Executive Summary Project Name: Using eDNA Sampling Technology in Regional Parks Amount Requested from Sustainability Innovation Fund: $68,000 (2020) Purpose: Metro Vancouver Regional Parks contain some of the region’s most extensive and intact wildlife habitats, but the impacts of increasing urbanization and climate change are causing shifts in the abundance and distribution of species. A rapid assessment and documentation of baseline information on biodiversity is needed to aid in natural resource management and conservation efforts taking place in regional parks, but traditional sampling techniques are costly and time consuming over such a large land base. Metro Vancouver Regional Parks is proposing to conduct a baseline inventory of aquatic indicator species in targeted locations within parks using an innovative new technology called environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling.

Project Objectives: Understanding the presence and distribution of key aquatic species is essential to informing park management decisions and to support ecosystem resilience. eDNA sampling is a relatively new method that relies on the detection of genetic materials collected from habitats and analyzed in a laboratory. This emerging technique uses less effort than traditional sampling, is more cost‐effective, and is far less invasive to sensitive fish and wildlife species. The project will allow at least 6 parks to be sampled for at least 10 different species of conservation concern at nearly 50 sites. The project also aims to raise awareness about Metro Vancouver’s regional biodiversity values and will provide opportunities for collaboration between agencies, and public participation. Contributions to Regional Sustainability: This project will contribute to the region’s sustainability by gaining baseline information on ecological indicator species which will help assess and ultimately improve the health of its ecosystems. By better understanding the presence and distribution of key aquatic species in regional parks, and by tracking changes in these over time, staff will be better equipped to manage biodiversity in protected areas and support their resilience in the face of rapidly changing conditions. This will ultimately result in increased protection and enhancement of the natural environment supporting life in the region. The information collected will be shared with staff and partners and can be used to help make park management decisions and to better inform the public about the parks’ natural resources. This project will help build social and community capital by raising awareness about the biodiversity values in our region and by providing opportunities for the public to participate in the management of these species which we have a shared responsibility to protect. The collaboration between and amongst member municipalities, Metro Vancouver departments, and academic institutions will allow for improved communications between these agencies and the sharing of data to support landscape and site level planning.


The funds from the grant will support the purchase of equipment and supplies for trained staff to undertake surveys in‐house without the need for hiring consultants. Innovation Element: eDNA is a relatively new sampling method that uses naturally occurring genetic materials which are shed by organisms in their natural habitat to identify species using those areas. eDNA can originate from skin cells, waste, saliva, or plasma that animals like frogs and fish leave behind and can be collected from the water or soil which surrounds them. This technology has been developed over the last 10 years and has become a useful and reliable tool if used correctly. Since the technology is new, there are only primers for select species that the samples can be tested against. We are proposing to work towards the development of 3 new ‘primers’ to expand the scope of sampling not only for our project, but for all subsequent eDNA sampling projects in the future.

Tangible Benefits and Outcomes: The project will allow the Regional Parks Natural Resource Management team to engage in hands on sampling of at least 6 parks to collect baseline data for at least 10 different species of conservation concern including red‐legged frogs, western toads, coho salmon, coastal cutthroat trout, and others. The purchase of sampling equipment will allow the collection and processing of over 100 samples and funds for lab fees will enable their analysis. As well, we will work towards the development of 3 new ‘primers’. Upon completion of the project, the data will be shared within and outside Metro Vancouver departments, including being added to the provincial wildlife database which contributes valuable information towards the Sensitive Ecosystem Inventory and other regional conservation initiatives. 6 Parks sampled (~6 sites per park) 10 Species of conservation concern sampled for 140 Samples processed by the lab 3 New primers created to use for this and future projects 40 Volunteer hours 6 Park Associations or Parks Partner groups involved 6 Communications made and disseminated (Reports, videos, articles, posts) 4 External partnerships created or strengthened

Members and other Partners: This approach will require collaboration amongst Metro Vancouver departments, park areas and with community volunteers from member jurisdictions. Along with Water Services’ interest in collaborating on this, the District of North Vancouver has also expressed interest in inventorying north shore streams using eDNA techniques. Park Association and Park Partner volunteers will be invited to participate in sampling whenever possible and will be provided with a report of the results for the parks they care for. Results will also be shared with the wider community through the Metro Vancouver website, Regional Parks Stewardship Newsletter, and through social media posts. The aim is to improve awareness of the usefulness of this technique so that others can implement their own programs in our member municipalities thereby contributing to greater knowledge of regional biodiversity.



Executive Summary

Project Name: Preventing Smoke Emissions from Agricultural Waste Management


Purpose: Open‐air burning for the disposal of vegetative debris emits smoke containing air contaminants that can affect health and the environment, including climate change. Metro Vancouver is consulting on new ways to regulate emissions from open‐air burning in a simpler and less resource‐intensive manner for farmers and Metro Vancouver. Meanwhile, overcoming barriers to alternative waste management methods could both alleviate the regulatory burden associated with open‐air burning and reduce the impacts of smoke on health and the environment.

This project would assess the feasibility of alternative waste management methods and of having local non‐profit organizations offer emission‐reducing equipment at a reduced rate to farmers. The project would also develop a multi‐lingual best management practices guide, tailored to the region, to address additional barriers to the use of alternative waste management methods.

Project Objectives: The key objectives of the proposed project are to:

Reduce the impacts of smoke from open‐air burning on public health, local environment (regional haze), and climate change;

Facilitate compliance with Metro Vancouver’s current and potential air quality bylaws in order to reduce regulatory burden on farmers and lessen demands on Metro Vancouver resources for compliance promotion and enforcement; and

Increase the beneficial use of agricultural vegetative residues.

Contributions to Regional Sustainability: Environmental benefits: Reducing emissions of harmful air contaminants from open‐air burning of agricultural vegetative waste will improve local air quality and reduce contributions to climate change. Furthermore, increased use of alternative waste management methods such as chipping and recycling will turn agricultural residues into beneficial products in a sustainable manner. Social/community benefits: Improved local air quality will enhance health in agricultural communities where open‐air burning is more prevalent. Promoting alternative waste management methods and thereby reducing farmers’ regulatory burden associated with open‐air burning will aid in maintaining food security. Economic/financial benefits: Reducing barriers to alternative waste management methods will reduce visible smoke plumes and impacts on visual air quality, which have been demonstrated to result in impacts on tourism. Reducing incidences of open‐air burning will reduce demand on Metro Vancouver resources for regulating emissions from these activities.


Innovation Element: This project seeks to encourage the development of a new service offered by a non‐profit organization or charity that would provide emission‐reducing equipment to farmers at affordable rates with the assistance of funding from federal, provincial, or private grants and programs. The project proponents are not aware of any simple local programs to assist farmers with the costs of accessing emissions‐reducing equipment such as grinders and chippers. The Regional District of Central Okanagan offers a free chipping service for residents with agricultural residues from orchards, but there are restrictions on a regional district’s ability to deliver a similar program to assist agricultural businesses. Thus, Metro Vancouver would explore the innovative approach of encouraging non‐profit organizations or charities to offer such a program for businesses.

This project also aims to develop a locally pertinent best management practices guide in multiple languages for handling vegetative waste that showcases the benefits of using emissions‐reducing equipment. Such educational materials do not currently exist for the Metro Vancouver region.

Tangible Benefits and Outcomes: Tangible benefits of this project will include:

Region‐specific educational materials on alternative agricultural waste management; Increased awareness of feasible roles in protecting community health, natural resources, and the

climate amongst the farming community and local non‐profit organizations; Improved local air quality and health in communities with agricultural activity in proximity to

residences, institutions, and businesses; Reduced regulatory burden and costs for farmers to comply with Metro Vancouver’s air quality

management bylaw(s); and Decreased demand on Metro Vancouver’s resources required to administer and enforce open

burning approvals and a potential emission regulation.

Members and other Partners: The following organizations could provide input and guidance:

Non‐profit organizations such as the Ridge Meadows Recycling Society and the Lions Club that offer seasonal chipping programs of Christmas tree and shrub branches to residents;

Non‐profit agricultural organizations that identify and support climate‐friendly agricultural practices such as FarmFolk CityFolk;

Farming associations, such as the BC Agricultural Council and specific crop producers; Municipal fire departments and agricultural advisory committees; Post‐secondary educational institutions such as Kwantlen Polytechnic, the University of British

Columbia (UBC), and the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), which have expertise in agricultural practices and air quality management; and

Agricultural Land Commission (ALC).



Executive Summary

Project Name: Clean Air for Students and Schools (CLASS)


Purpose: Clean Air for Students and Schools (CLASS) will pilot actions to reduce exposure to traffic‐related air pollution in and around schools. We will involve teachers, students, and parents in the project so they can learn more about air quality and how to measure and manage it.

Identifying Actions: We propose partnering with a school(s) in the Metro Vancouver region and assessing the school and surrounding area to identify sources of traffic‐related air pollution and ways to reduce exposure to them. Mitigative actions could be:

changing the timing of the HVAC system so outdoor air is not drawn into the school during rush hour, when concentrations of traffic‐related air pollutants are expected to be higher;

installing vegetative buffers; relocating drop‐off areas; temporarily closing roads to personal vehicles near schools; promoting active transportation to schools.

Piloting Actions: Together with each partner school, we will aim to implement appropriate mitigative actions and evaluate our experience implementing these actions based on aspects such as practicality, cost, and if they led to an improvement in air quality. Teachers, students, and parents will assist with measuring air quality using small, low‐cost, user‐friendly air sensors, similar to those studied in the Air Aware SIF project (2018). Sharing Actions: After the actions are piloted and evaluated, we will write a report for school districts on potential ways to reduce exposure to traffic‐related air pollution, and create air quality teaching tools that can be used in classrooms. Project Objectives:

Create a report on school/building modifications and timing/location of activities to minimize exposure to traffic‐related air pollution.

Raise student awareness of air quality and how their actions can affect their exposure to traffic‐related air pollution.

Establish partnerships with school districts to reduce or prevent exposure to traffic‐related air pollution around schools.

Contributions to Regional Sustainability: Environmental

Improved air quality in and around schools with associated health benefits. Likely reduction in emissions of common air contaminants and greenhouse gases.


Social/Community

Healthier kids and schools. Promoting active transportation and walking or cycling to school together can increase a sense of

community. Schools, students, and parents will learn about actions that can influence personal exposure to

air contaminants. Potential benefits with respect to traffic safety during school commutes.

Economic/Financial

Active transportation and reduced vehicle idling can lower commuting and fuel costs. Building modifications can also have energy efficiency benefits (updating ventilation systems,

sealing drafts, etc.). Innovation Element: We will be investigating a variety of innovative actions to reduce exposure to traffic‐related air pollution around schools and will take a broad look at how changing behaviour (such as switching to active transportation) or adapting to traffic‐related air pollution (such as modifying the timing of building intake systems to avoid drawing in rush hour traffic pollution) can lower exposure to air contaminants. We will also be using small, low‐cost, air quality sensors to measure traffic‐related air pollution. Government agencies and researchers are exploring how these sensors can be used in special studies, and the CLASS project will demonstrate a practical application of these sensors. Lastly, the CLASS project will have an educational component that will involve teachers, students, and parents in measuring air quality and understanding how their actions or their school’s actions can affect exposure to air contaminants. Tangible Benefits and Outcomes:

A report on reducing exposure to traffic‐related air pollution inside and around schools. Improved air quality at partner schools. Air quality teaching resources for schools.

Members and other Partners: Metro Vancouver’s Air Quality and Climate Change team will work closely with the School Programs and Corporate Communications team to connect with schools and school districts. A collaborative approach between Metro Vancouver and the schools and school districts is essential to ensure the deliverables of this project are useful for schools and teachers.

We will also explore partnerships with the health authorities, member municipalities, TransLink, and academic institutions such as the University of British Columbia. The project objectives also align well with safe routes to school programs, and would potentially provide an air quality exposure aspect to those programs. We will explore opportunities to partner with organizations such as HASTeBC (Hub for Active School Travel).



Executive Summary

Project Name: Mobile Monitoring of Fugitive and Other Industrial Air Emissions

with "Flying Labs"

Amount Requested from Sustainability Innovation Fund: $100,000 (2020)

Purpose: Air contaminants emitted from industrial and commercial facilities have the potential to adversely affect the environment and human health. Sampling and monitoring can be used to better understand the potential impacts of air emissions and help identify mitigation actions. However, it can be a challenge to adequately assess emissions that are sporadic, not contained within a facility’s site boundaries, or discharged from scattered sources, particularly when the source of the discharge is difficult to access or located in a potentially hazardous environment. This proposed project will assess the feasibility and cost of using a ‘flying laboratory’ sensor array mounted on a drone to monitor fugitive and hard‐to‐access emissions from industrial sources and the resulting concentrations of air contaminants in the surrounding environment.

Project Objectives: The key objectives of the proposed project are to:

Assess the use of flying laboratories as a tool o to improve the promotion of compliance with Metro Vancouver’s air quality bylaws,

regulations, and permits, o to monitor emissions from Metro Vancouver’s facilities;

Enhance Metro Vancouver’s understanding of o emissions from industrial sources, o site‐specific factors that affect the dispersion of emissions, and o the impacts of emissions on the surrounding environment; and

Inform the development of evidence‐based emission limits and monitoring requirements for site‐specific air permits and sectoral emission regulations.

In the longer term, the success of this project has the potential to reduce emissions of air contaminants capable of causing direct or indirect impacts on health and the environment. The cost assessment element of this project could also inform future decisions by Metro Vancouver on the potential purchase of drone hardware that is capable of carrying air sampling and monitoring equipment.

Contributions to Regional Sustainability: A successful venture into the use of flying laboratories by Metro Vancouver will demonstrate leadership on environmental stewardship, help to mitigate threats to public health and the environment, and continue to enhance relationships with member jurisdictions and other stakeholders. Specifically, it will offer the following regional environmental, social/community, and economic/financial benefits.

Environmental benefits: The ability to identify emission sources impacting air quality in the Metro Vancouver region will be improved. There will be increased evidence to support actions that improve air


quality by reducing emissions from sources that contribute to ground‐level ozone formation, regional haze and climate change, amongst other health and environmental impacts.

Social/community benefits: Public trust in Metro Vancouver’s capacity to monitor and act upon emissions that are affecting communities within the region will be enhanced. Individuals conducting monitoring and sampling of emissions from elevated sources or distributed area sources with potentially hazardous surfaces will be exposed to less safety risk. Community complaints related to air quality impacts from industry will be reduced.

Economic/financial benefits: The cost to Metro Vancouver of addressing air quality complaints will be reduced if the flying laboratory can help identify the source of problematic emissions and contribute to effective emissions mitigation.

Innovation Element: Drone‐based technology has not been used in the Metro Vancouver region for air quality monitoring and regulation, however, this technology is starting to be used in some other jurisdictions. Governments in Poland and South Korea have used a drone‐mounted flying laboratory for air quality regulatory compliance activities. Fort McKay First Nation in Alberta has used drone‐mounted air quality sensors to monitor emissions from nearby oil and gas operations, and research agencies in Quebec are testing this technology for other industrial emission sources. Health Canada and other government agencies in Ontario, the US, Australia, Dubai and South Africa have used mobile technology for air quality monitoring near ground level.

The proposed project offers a novel expansion of Metro Vancouver’s mobile air quality monitoring capabilities and will allow an assessment of the suitability of flying laboratories for use in regulatory compliance promotion in the Metro Vancouver region and monitoring Metro Vancouver’s own facilities.

Tangible Benefits and Outcomes: Beneficial outcomes of this project would include:

Enhanced understanding of emissions from industrial sources and their impacts on the surrounding environment;

Information to guide evidence‐based emission limits and monitoring requirements in Metro Vancouver’s site‐specific air permits and sectoral emission regulations;

Enhanced compliance with Metro Vancouver’s air quality management bylaw(s); and Reduced emissions of air contaminants capable of causing direct or indirect impacts on health

and the environment.

Members and other Partners: There is interest from researchers at post‐secondary educational institutions including the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Vancouver Island University (VIU) in better understanding the spatial distribution of air contaminants and their sources. These researchers have or are setting up mobile monitoring equipment that can detect air contaminant plumes at ground level; drone‐mounted flying laboratories would be able to trace any hard‐to‐access source of air contaminants. Information obtained through Metro Vancouver’s air quality complaint phone line and online form could help guide the strategic and efficient deployment of ground‐oriented and flying monitoring equipment. Municipal staff have also expressed interest in working with Metro Vancouver to assess the sources of emissions, including fugitive emissions, from commercial activities that are associated with many air quality complaints from residents.


36206475


From: Inder Singh, Director, Policy, Planning and Analysis Water Services Department


Subject: 2020 Water Sustainability Innovation Fund Applications

RECOMMENDATION That the GVWD Board approve the allocation from the Water Sustainability Innovation Fund for the following projects: a) UV Transmittance Analyzers for Continuous Monitoring of Disinfection By-Products: $500,000

over three years starting in 2020;b) Earthquake Early Warning and Strategic Response System Pilot: $270,000 over two years starting

in 2020;c) Enhancing the Data Processing of the Water Flow Metering Network: $180,000 over two years

starting in 2020.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Climate Action Committee is responsible for overseeing the Sustainability Innovation Funds, and for making all funding recommendations to the respective Boards. Staff assist the Climate Action Committee in reviewing and evaluating all proposals that are submitted for consideration. This report presents three projects recommended for funding, totaling $950,000 over three years, which will be funded through the Water Sustainability Innovation Fund. The three projects include advancement of methods to monitor water disinfection by-products, an earthquake early warning pilot project, and enhancements to the water flow monitoring network.

PURPOSE To present three projects recommended for Sustainability Innovation Funding for the Climate Action Committee and the GVWD Board’s consideration.

BACKGROUND The Water Sustainability Innovation Fund was created by the Board in 2004 to provide financial support to Water Utility projects that contribute to the region’s sustainability. The GVWD Board adopted the Water Sustainability Innovation Fund Policy in 2014, with further amendments in 2016, to guide the use and management of the Fund. The Policy describes the process of generating, submitting, evaluating and recommending proposals for funding each year.

The Climate Action Committee is responsible for overseeing the Fund, and for making all funding recommendations to the Board. Staff assist the Climate Action Committee in reviewing and evaluating all proposals that are submitted for consideration.

5.3


2020 Water Sustainability Innovation Fund Applications Climate Action Committee Regular Meeting Date: February 14, 2020

Page 2 of 5

WATER SUSTAINABILITY INNOVATION FUND POLICY On an annual basis, Water projects are submitted to an internal staff Steering Committee, representing a cross-section of the organization, to evaluate projects and initiatives based on the Fund’s evaluation criteria. As defined in the policy, projects need to fulfill the following criteria:

• Be overseen by the GVWD; • Be consistent with the authority and responsibility of the GVWD; • Be consistent with the objectives of the Drinking Water Management Plan and/or the Board

Strategic Plan; • Consider partnerships including, but not limited to, member jurisdictions, academic

institutions, non-governmental organizations, and community groups; • Result in a positive contribution, in the form of tangible results and/or measurable benefits,

to the sustainability of the region; and, • Demonstrate innovation and facilitate action.

On an annual basis the Climate Action Committee receives an update report on the projects supported by the Fund including the deliverables, outcomes, and the measurable benefits of these projects to the region’s sustainability. A summary of past projects can be found on the Sustainability Innovation Program website. 2020 APPLICATION PROCESS An internal call for proposals closed on November 1, 2019 and three Water proposals were considered by the cross-departmental Sustainability Innovation Fund Steering Committee, comprised of representatives from seven different departments within Metro Vancouver. The Steering Committee evaluated the submissions and determined the proposals have strong alignment with promoting regional sustainability and innovation. The proposals recommended for funding by the Steering Committee are listed in the table below with additional detail provided in the executive summaries (Attachment 1).

Recommended Allocation from the Water Sustainability Innovation Fund Project Title Year Amount Requested

UV Transmittance Analyzers for Continuous Monitoring of Disinfection By-Products 2020-2022 $500,000

Earthquake Early Warning and Strategic Response System Pilot 2020-2021 $270,000

Enhancing the Data Processing of the Water Flow Metering Network 2020-2021 $180,000

Total $950,000



Page 3 of 5

UV Transmittance Analyzers for Continuous Monitoring of Disinfection By-Products This project will evaluate the use of UV Transmittance analyzers for continuous improvement of water quality monitoring within the transmission system. The implementation of UV Transmittance analyzers will be used to evaluate the potential for formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs) within the system. The analyzers will also be used to optimize ozone dosage at the Coquitlam Water Treatment Plant (CWTP) to proactively help minimize the formation of DBPs. The preferred type of instrumentation will be evaluated and installed at the treatment plant and key locations in the transmission system. Monitoring, analyses and data review will be included to determine outcomes of the project.

The results of the study would provide guidance to staff on the operation of the ozone facility to reduce the formation of DBPs and data collected will be useful for identifying areas in the transmission system with higher levels of DBPs. Also, findings from this project will be shared with the local health authorities, member jurisdictions and other water utilities.

Earthquake Early Warning and Strategic Response System Pilot This project will undertake the development, installation and testing of a pilot Earthquake Early Warning and Strategic Response System (EEW-SRS) within parts of Metro Vancouver’s water supply system. This project is a follow-up to the Water Sustainably Innovation Fund Earthquake Early Warning System assessment approved in 2017, which was the first of two anticipated steps towards assessing, reviewing, refining and validating an EEW approach for Metro Vancouver.

The pilot includes placement of a network of EEW-SRS sensors at the Seymour-Capilano Filtration Plant (SCFP), Coquitlam Water Treatment Plant (CWTP) and Metro Vancouver Head Office. These integrated early warning and strong motion detection sensors, with associated peripherals, will provide early warning alarms as well as measure the earthquake shaking on the instrumented facilities. This will permit:

• early warning alarms for staff life safety and initiation of automated measures (e.g. throttleor close valves); and

• post-earthquake information on the shaking intensity to assist staff in prioritizing re-entriesand facility damage assessment and repair.

The use of EEW-SRS, in general and for public water systems in particular, is at its infancy. Assessing and enabling the use of earthquake early warning and prioritized response technologies from the marketplace is an innovative and non-conventional extension of existing capabilities.

The pilot project will be completed in collaboration with Emergency Management BC, BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and Natural Resources Canada. Also, the results of the pilot will be shared with member jurisdictions and the Integrated Partnership for Regional Emergency Management to further the lessons learned and suggestions for future operationalization.



Page 4 of 5

Enhancing the Data Processing of the Water Flow Metering Network This project will evaluate software solutions that use Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) to enhance the data processing of the water flow metering network. Developed computer algorithms using ANN have powerful pattern classification and recognition capabilities that would help forecast water demand. The algorithm learns and generalizes from experience, making it useful in forecasting applications such as modeling water consumption over time and detecting unexpected trends in real-time. This project will involve setting up a software system, analyzing historic data from the flow metering network, generating forecasts and comparing them with live data, and reporting unexpected trends to staff for further investigation. The expected benefits include faster turnaround of finalized flow data used for billing and internal and external data requests. Faster turnaround will improve the ability of member jurisdictions to monitor their water usage and implement water conservation campaigns. As the water meter network continues to grow, this project will proactively support the efficient management of the water supply system. ALTERNATIVES 1. That the GVWD Board approve the allocation from the Water Sustainability Innovation Fund for

the following projects: a) UV Transmittance Analyzers for Continuous Monitoring of Disinfection By-Products: $500,000

over three years starting in 2020; b) Earthquake Early Warning and Strategic Response System Pilot: $270,000 over two years

starting in 2020; c) Enhancing the Data Processing of the Water Flow Metering Network: $180,000 over two

years starting in 2020. 2. That the Climate Action Committee receive for information the report dated January 30, 2020,

titled “2020 Water Sustainability Innovation Fund Applications” and provide alternate direction to staff.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS If the Board approves Alternative 1, $950,000 for the three projects will be disbursed from the Water Sustainability Innovation Fund over three years. The Fund has the budget to support Alternative 1. Approved projects will be incorporated into the applicable work plans and budgets within Water Services. CONCLUSION The Water Sustainability Innovation Fund was created by the Board in 2004 to provide financial support for Water projects that contribute to the region’s sustainability. The Water Sustainability Innovation Fund Policy guides the use and management of the Fund and describes the process of generating, submitting, evaluating and recommending proposals for funding each year. The Climate Action Committee is responsible for overseeing the Fund, and for making all funding recommendations to the GVWD Board. Staff assist the Climate Action Committee in reviewing and evaluating all proposals that are submitted for consideration.



Page 5 of 5

This report presents the Steering Committee’s recommendation to fund the following project proposals:

• UV Transmittance Analyzers for Continuous Monitoring of Disinfection By-Products • Earthquake Early Warning and Strategic Response System Pilot • Enhancing the Data Processing of the Water Flow Metering Network

Additional details of each project are provided in the executive summaries (Attachment 1). Staff recommend that the Climate Action Committee approve the Steering Committee’s recommendations for funding the proposals and forward the recommendations to the GVWD Board for consideration. Staff recommendations are presented as Alternative 1. Attachment 1. Water Services Sustainability Innovation Fund – Executive Summaries References 1. http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality/sustainability-innovation-





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Sustainability Innovation Fund: Water Services

Executive Summary Project Name: UV Transmittance Analyzers for Continuous Monitoring of

Disinfection By‐Products


Purpose: Evaluate the use of UV Transmittance (UVT) analyzers for continuous improvement of water quality monitoring within the Coquitlam Water Treatment Plant (CWTP) and transmission system. The implementation of UV transmittance analyzers will be used to evaluate levels of precursors and the formation of disinfection by‐products (DBP) within the system. The analyzers will also be used to optimize ozone dosage at the treatment plant to proactively help minimize the formation of DBPs. The preferred type of instrumentation would be evaluated and installed at the treatment plant and key locations in the transmission system. Monitoring, analyses and data review will be conducted to determine outcomes of the project.

Project Objectives: The long‐term objectives of this project are: To continuously monitor DBPs in the transmission system with UVT analyzers; and To optimization ozone dosage at CWTP to reduce the formation of DBPs and improve water quality in

the transmission system.

Contributions to Regional Sustainability: Gaining knowledge on the levels of DBPs will help Metro Vancouver better prepare for anticipated future regulatory changes by mitigating DBP formation through treatment plant operational changes. This knowledge facilitates the maintenance of a reliable, and resilient regional water supply system.

Social/Community Reducing DBPs in the transmission system has region‐wide benefits for public health by maintaining high quality drinking water.

Economic/Financial There are significant economic benefits by continuing to monitor and provide high quality drinking water to the region. There are potential economic benefits to optimize and potentially reduce the usage of ozone.

Attachment 1


34070171

Innovation Element: Metro Vancouver would be one of the first utilities in Canada to use UVT to continuously monitor DBPs in the transmission system. Current research on the use of UVT for disinfection by‐product detection is new and experience is relatively limited. Gaining a better understanding of DBPs in the transmission system will place Metro Vancouver in a better position to implement upgrades that might be required to meet future more stringent DBP regulations.

Tangible Benefits and Outcomes: The results of the study will be compiled in a report which would provide guidance to Metro Vancouver staff on the operation of the ozone facility to reduce the formation of DBPs. The data collected would be useful for identifying areas in the transmission system with higher levels of disinfection by‐products. The findings from this project would be shared with the local health authorities, member jurisdictions and other water agencies through presentations and publications by Metro Vancouver staff, and the consultant. The findings of the report will provide a better understanding of levels of DBPs in our transmission system and how adjustments to our existing treatment processes can reduce DBP formation. The knowledge gained would also be helpful in planning future treatment processes for the Coquitlam source. Members and other Partners: Water Services, Operations and Maintenance will lead this project, with participation from Water Services Interagency Projects and Quality Control (IPQC). Engineering and Construction will assist with the design and construction of the UVT monitoring locations. The results of the study will be shared with local health authorities and municipalities.


34235651


Executive Summary

Project Name: Earthquake Early Warning and Strategic Response System Pilot

Amount Requested from Sustainability Innovation Fund: $270,000 (2020 ‐ 2021)

Purpose: Undertake development, installation and testing of a pilot Earthquake Early Warning and Strategic Response System (EEW‐SRS) within parts of Metro Vancouver’s water supply system. This is a follow‐on from the 2018 SIF‐sponsored EEW assessment project which was the first of two anticipated steps towards assessing, reviewing, refining and validating the approach for Metro Vancouver. The pilot will entail placement of a network of EEW‐SRS sensors at the Seymour‐Capilano Filtration Plant (SCFP), the Coquitlam Water Treatment Plant (CWTP) and at Metro Vancouver Head Office. These integrated early warning and strong motion detection sensors, with associated peripherals, the “EEW‐SRS”, will provide earthquake early warning false‐tolerant alarms for earthquakes as well as measure the actual earthquake shaking on the instrumented facilities. This will permit both mitigation actions and after‐quake assessment of damage (to be tested under the pilot). Mitigation will include life safety and initiation of automated measures through CDAC/SCADA to throttle/close valves, command rotating equipment to go to a safe state, etc. After‐quake assessment of damage includes alerting staff on the shaking intensity of the earthquake at the instrumented facilities, thereby assisting staff in prioritizing re‐entries and further field damage assessment. The project will seek best practices and developing technologies from the market place for the pilot. The pilot system design will use non‐proprietary, open specifications, as much as possible, so as to ensure that the system is capable of ingesting EEW notifications from Emergency Management BC (e.g. from Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan)/ Ocean Networks Canada’s offshore network of instrumentation designed to detect subduction zone earthquakes off SW BC) and contribute strong motion data to the BC/NRCan networks that monitor earthquake impacts.

Project Objectives: To Pilot the EEW‐SRS at Metro Vancouver’s water system facilities so as to minimize the impacts of a potential large magnitude earthquake:

Early warning mitigation, e.g. shut down one cell of multi‐cell reservoir to preserve water; initiate a valve closure at a vulnerable main;

Providing early warning for staff to duck, cover and hold‐on in safety, enhancing safety; Enabling SCFP Control Room and Head Office staff to remotely assess shaking intensities post‐

event so as to assist in prioritizing response activities; Reporting on EEW‐SRS effectiveness, lessons learned and recommended next steps to

operationalize EEW‐SRS within Water Services and Metro Vancouver


34235651

Sharing the pilot results with municipalities, Integrated Partnership for Regional Emergency Management (IPREM) and others who may be looking into the application of EEW‐SRS within their operations.

Contributions to Regional Sustainability: Environmental The EEW‐SRS pilot will help identify the potential reduction in adverse environmental impacts (e.g. due to prevention of some water discharges) Social/Community Increased water availability for fire‐fighting; prevention of some injuries due to early warning; and faster response to repair and restoration of some of the water supply. Economic/Financial Potential for time and money saved due to water safe‐guarded in one cell of a two‐cell reservoir. Efficiency savings with prioritized response activities after earthquake damage.

Innovation Element: The use of P‐wave early warning and S‐wave damage assessment, in general and for water systems in particular, is at its infancy. While Metro Vancouver Water Services has taken and is undertaking measures to protect its infrastructure during an earthquake, the capability to use EEW‐SRS has not been explored to‐date. Assessing and applying that potential in the context of emerging early warning and prioritized response technologies in the marketplace constitute an innovative and non‐conventional extension of present capabilities to protect the water supply system.

Tangible Benefits and Outcomes: The deliverables from the pilot will include:

An installed pilot EEW‐SRS Functionality testing of EEW‐SRS. Selected vendor must provide capability for MV to perform:

o an end‐to‐end test using simulated earthquake signals at various intensities and real earthquake signals as received during the pilot phase;

o ongoing capability to monitor and report actual earthquake events, triggering automated actions; and

o optimization of EEW‐SRS thresholds for Metro Vancouver operations Staff report on EEW‐SRS effectiveness, lessons learned and recommended next steps for

operationalizing the system, at the end of the pilot in 2021 Members and Other Partners: The project will seek collaboration with Natural Resources Canada, BC Ministry of Transportation and infrastructure and Emergency Management BC.


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Executive Summary

Project Name: Enhancing the Data Processing of the Water Flow Metering

Network

Amount Requested from Sustainability Innovation Fund: $180,000 (2020‐2021) Purpose: Evaluate Artificial Intelligence (AI) software solutions that use Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) to enhance the data processing of the water flow metering network. Developed computer algorithms using ANN have powerful pattern classification and recognition capabilities that would help forecast water demand. The algorithm learns and generalizes from experience, making it useful in forecasting applications such as modeling water consumption over time and detecting unexpected trends in real‐time. This project will involve setting up a software system, analyzing historic data from the flow metering network, generating forecasts and comparing them with live data, and reporting unexpected trends to staff for further investigation.

The expected benefits include faster turnaround of finalized data used for billing and internal and external data requests. Faster turnaround will improve the ability of municipalities to monitor their water usage and implement water saving campaigns. As the water meter network continues to grow, this project will proactively support the efficient implementation of Goal 3.2.3 of the Drinking Water Management Plan

(i.e. all new municipal connections require a water meter), and will align with Goal 2.1.7 (“Reassess the merits of developing residential water metering programs and municipal rebate programs for water efficient fixtures and appliances”).

Project Objectives: Increase automation of the existing data quality control process thereby reducing the staff time

required to review the raw data; and Improve customer service by decreasing the time required to confirm final flow data used for

billing, data requests, and data sharing with municipalities.

Contributions to Regional Sustainability: Environmental Successfully reducing the lag time between consumption and releasing the finalized flow data will enhance the ability of municipalities to manage periods of high consumption (e.g. assess the effectiveness of water conservation campaigns, or by monitoring compliance with watering restrictions). Reducing the lag time can lead to more efficient water use. Social Increased water use accountability will increase the sustainability of region’s water resources, which will have a positive social impact. By implementing new technology to enhance the delivery of our services, Metro Vancouver will continue to be viewed as a progressive utility. Using the new application will result in a more automated and efficient data process, resulting in a more efficient communication process with municipalities.


33872222

Financial Utilizing software to complete repetitive tasks results in reducing the turnaround time for staff to finalize the water consumption data. The reduced staff time can then be re‐allocated to other priorities and will allow staff to manage the increasing number of new meters without additional staffing. Innovation Element: The project team will have access to leading edge AI/ANN software and expertise. To our knowledge, this project is unique in British Columbia. Metro Vancouver has a large data historian and a large number of well‐maintained flow meters, both of which are essential to the successful implementation of an ANN solution. The success of this project may encourage municipalities to implement similar analytical tools in their metering and billing programs, which aligns with goal 2.1.7 of the Drinking Water Management Plan.

Tangible Benefits and Outcomes: Several metrics will be used to determine the success of the project. For instance, the time to analyze and finalize data will be measured and reported as follows: Quantitative metrics (current process versus the enhanced process):

Average time to produce municipal monthly water bills. Average time spent on checking data quality per meter. Average response time to alert field crews to unexpected flows.

Qualitative metrics:

Analysis of individual flow meter trends during the implementation process.

Members and Other Partners: Water Services, Technical Services Metering & Billing Program staff will lead this project. As this project involves emerging technology, there is potential for partnership with university research groups (e.g.: PhD candidates in Civil Engineering or Computing Science faculties). Purchasing and Information Technology will also be engaged to assist with procurement and system compatibility and development, respectively.


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5.4


From: Laurie Bates-Frymel, Senior Planner Regional Planning and Housing Services


Subject: Invasive Species Education and Outreach Materials

RECOMMENDATION That the MVRD Board direct staff to forward the report dated January 17, 2020, titled “Invasive Species Education and Outreach Materials” to member jurisdictions for information.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Metro Vancouver, the Invasive Species Council of BC, the Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver, and members of the Regional Planning Advisory Committee – Invasive Species Subcommittee have collaboratively created two new outreach products to raise awareness about invasive species of concern across the region: an online course and a public brochure. Staff are seeking direction from the Board to share these materials with member jurisdictions.

PURPOSE To provide the Climate Action Committee and the MVRD Board with information about a new invasive species online course and public brochure, and seek direction to forward these outreach materials to member jurisdictions for information.

BACKGROUND Invasive species are non-native plants and animals that out-compete native species and can be highly destructive, competitive and difficult to control. They can threaten property and recreational values, infrastructure, agriculture, public health and safety, as well as ecological health. Conservation biologists have globally ranked invasive alien species as the second most serious threat to biodiversity after habitat loss.

In October 2018, the MVRD Board adopted the Ecological Health Framework, which illustrates Metro Vancouver's role in protecting and enhancing ecological health as it relates to its services and functions, and supporting regional efforts. The Framework commits Metro Vancouver to “continue to provide a forum for coordination and collaboration with member jurisdictions and other parties to develop best practices, ensure appropriate disposal options, and increase awareness of invasive species.”

At the request of member jurisdictions, the Regional Planning Advisory Committee (RPAC) – Invasive Species Subcommittee was created to assist with collaboration and coordination of invasive species management efforts within the region. The Invasive Species Subcommittee is composed of environment or parks staff from most member jurisdictions, as well as non-voting associates from the provincial and federal governments, non-profit organizations, several right-of-way land


Invasive Species Education and Outreach Materials Climate Action Committee Meeting Date: February 14, 2020

Page 2 of 3

managers, businesses, and Metro Vancouver staff from various departments. In 2019, Invasive Species Subcommittee members identified a work plan priority to create education and outreach products with regionally-consistent messaging. INVASIVE SPECIES OUTREACH MATERIALS With support from Metro Vancouver staff, the Invasive Species Council of BC, the Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver, and the RPAC Invasive Species Subcommittee collaboratively developed the following new outreach products. Online Course To improve awareness, detection, prevention, and control of invasive species in our region, an introductory online course was produced (Reference 1). It is intended for a general audience, but will be most useful for municipal staff, contractors, and volunteers. By completing this hour-long course, participants will learn about what makes a species ‘invasive’; how invasive species arrive here and spread; environmental, health, and economic impacts; key species to look out for in the Metro Vancouver region; relevant policies and regulations; and how to report and prevent their spread. The course also contains activities and Q&As to keep participants engaged. Brochure To support education about high priority invasive plants commonly found across the region, a four-fold brochure titled “Help Stop the Spread of Invasive Plants” was created (Attachment). The Invasive Species Subcommittee collaboratively identified the invasive plants (common garden escapees and others) to be featured. It provides photos, icons showing relative leaf sizes, information about potential impacts, and suggestions for how residents can help. Both the course and brochure have been posted on Metro Vancouver’s Invasive Species webpage. Pending direction from the Board, staff will forward the materials to member jurisdictions to support their outreach and education efforts. ALTERNATIVES 1. That the MVRD Board direct staff to forward the report dated January 17, 2020, titled “Invasive

Species Education and Outreach Materials” to member jurisdictions for information. 2. That the Climate Action Committee receive for information the report dated January 17, 2020,

titled “Invasive Species Education and Outreach Materials”, and provide alternate direction to staff.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS The MVRD Board-approved Regional Planning budget included $5,000 for the creation of content for the online course through a contract with the Invasive Species Council of BC. Automation of the course was facilitated by Metro Vancouver’s Management Systems and Utility Services Technical Knowledge Management team at a cost of $7,000 from within the approved GVS&DD 2019 budget. The brochure was created by Metro Vancouver’s design team within their approved 2019 budget.


http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/conserving-connecting/invasive-species/Pages/default.aspx

Invasive Species Education and Outreach Materials Climate Action Committee Meeting Date: February 14, 2020

Page 3 of 3

CONCLUSION Metro Vancouver, the Invasive Species Council of BC, the Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver, and members of the Regional Planning Advisory Committee – Invasive Species Subcommittee have collaboratively created two new education and outreach products to raise awareness about invasive species of concern across the region: an online course and a public brochure. These are now available on the Metro Vancouver website. Staff recommend Alternative 1, to distribute the outreach materials to member jurisdictions. Attachment “Help Stop the Spread of Invasive Plants” brochure produced by Metro Vancouver, the Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver and the Regional Planning Advisory Committee-Invasive Species Subcommittee, 2019. References 1. Invasive Species in Metro Vancouver: An Online Course for Staff, Contractors and Volunteers,

Metro Vancouver, the Invasive Species Council of BC, and the Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver, 2020.

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http://www.metrovancouver.org/Includes/invasive/story.html

Help Stop the Spread of Invasive Plants

What is an invasive plant?Many plants have been introduced to this region from other continents. Some of these plants are considered ‘invasive’ because the predators and diseases from their native regions are not here to keep them under control, so they spread rapidly and can cause many problems.

Why are invasive plants a problem?

In some cases, invasive plants:

• damage sensitive ecosystems, alter stream fl ows,and increase soil erosion

• are toxic to people and animals

• are highly fl ammable and increase the risk ofwildfi res

• reduce crop yields and harm livestock

• displace traditional food or medicinal species usedby Indigenous peoples

• damage buildings and pavement

• are costly to manage

In fact, municipalities in Metro Vancouver spend over $2 million per year controlling 11 priority invasive species.

Choose garden plants wisely

Research new plants for the garden to avoid picking an invasive species. (Yes, some are still sold in garden stores.)

Check out growgreenguide.ca for non-invasive plant and garden design suggestions.

Keep invasive plants under control

Keep fast-spreading invasive plants such as ivy, periwinkle and yellow archangel contained. Consider hiring a professional to control highly invasive species such as knotweeds and giant hogweed.

Be sure to replace invasive plants with a non-invasive alternative.

Put yard waste in its place

Do not place invasive plants in your backyard composter as the temperature will not become hot enough to completely destroy the seeds and roots.

To reduce the spread of invasive species, please dispose of yard waste and soil appropriately. Visit your municipality’s website for more information.

How can you help?

How can you help?

How can you help?

Other ways to lend a helping hand

Report invasive plantsDownload the ‘Report a Weed’ App from reportaweedbc.ca to identify and report invasive plants.

Join a stewardship groupSeveral stewardship groups organize invasive species removal parties in local parks.

Visit meetup.com and join the ‘Metro Vancouver Ecological Restoration Team’ or the ‘Lower Mainland Green Team’.

Learn more about invasive plants

Go to metrovancouver.org and search “invasive species”

Check out iscmv.ca for more information from the Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver.

Sep / 2019

How can you help?

ATTACHMENT


Common Invasive Plants in Metro Vancouver

English and Irish Ivies(Hedera helix and hibernica)

Common periwinkle (Vinca minor)

Cherry laurel(Prunus laurocerasus)

Butterfl y bush (Buddleia davidii)

Purple loosestrife(Lythrum salicaria)

Bamboo(Phyllostachys spp.)

Himalayan balsam(Impatiens glandulifera)

Daphne/spurge laurel(Daphne laureola)

Scotch broom(Cytisus scoparius)

Yellow fl ag iris(Iris pseudacorus)

Knotweeds(Fallopia spp.)

English holly(Ilex aquifolium)

Yellow archangel (Lamiastrum galeobdolon)

Giant hogweed (Heracleummantegazzianum)

Toxic - Don’t touch!

Garden escapees Others

Himalayan blackberry(Rubus armeniacus)

Climate Action Committee36573189

36202790


From: Kathy Preston, Lead Senior Engineer, Environmental Regulation and Enforcement Parks and Environment Department


Subject: Board Appointments and Rescindments of Enforcement Officers

RECOMMENDATION That the MVRD Board: a) pursuant to the Greater Vancouver Regional District Air Quality Management Bylaw and the

Environmental Management Act:i. appoint Metro Vancouver employee Nicole Gatto as an officer; and

ii. rescind the appointments of former Metro Vancouver employees Larry Avanthay, KristenBeattie and Johanna Legge as officers; and

b) pursuant to section 28 of the Offence Act:i. appoint Metro Vancouver employee Nicole Gatto for the purpose of serving summons under

section 28 of the Offence Act for alleged violations under the Greater Vancouver RegionalDistrict Air Quality Management Bylaw; and

ii. rescind the appointments for the purpose of serving summons of former Metro Vancouveremployees Larry Avanthay, Kristen Beattie and Johanna Legge.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Recent changes in staff have resulted in a need to update staff appointments as MVRD Board-designated officers under the Greater Vancouver Regional District Air Quality Management Bylaw, the Environmental Management Act and the Offence Act. Staff recommend that the MVRD Board appoint and rescind staff accordingly.

PURPOSE To appoint and rescind appointments of Metro Vancouver employees as Board-designated officers.

BACKGROUND Employment status changes for Metro Vancouver environmental regulatory staff have resulted in a need to update staff appointments to ensure appropriate authority to advance air quality management goals. Section 31 of the Environmental Management Act and the Greater Vancouver Regional District Air Quality Management Bylaw No. 1082, 2008 grant authority to Board-designated officers.

ROLE OF PERMITTING AND ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS Metro Vancouver’s Air Quality Regulatory Program supports the goals of the Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan by promoting compliance with air quality management bylaws and regulating the discharge of air contaminants.

5.5


Board Appointments and Rescindments of Enforcement Officers Climate Action Committee Regular Meeting Date: February 14, 2020

Page 2 of 2

Officers may enter property, inspect works, and obtain records and other information to promote compliance with the Environmental Management Act and MVRD air quality management bylaws.

The Offence Act allows regional districts to appoint bylaw enforcement officers for the purpose of serving summons for bylaw violations. Officers, if appointed for that purpose, may serve a summons in respect of alleged offences under the Greater Vancouver Regional District Air Quality Management Bylaw.

ALTERNATIVES 1. That the MVRD Board:

a) pursuant to the Greater Vancouver Regional District Air Quality Management Bylaw and theEnvironmental Management Act:i. appoint Metro Vancouver employee Nicole Gatto as an officer; and

ii. rescind the appointments of former Metro Vancouver employees Larry Avanthay, KristenBeattie and Johanna Legge as officers; and

b) pursuant to section 28 of the Offence Act:i. appoint Metro Vancouver employee Nicole Gatto for the purpose of serving summons

under section 28 of the Offence Act for alleged violations under the Greater VancouverRegional District Air Quality Management Bylaw; and

ii. rescind the appointments for the purpose of serving summons of former MetroVancouver employees Larry Avanthay, Kristen Beattie and Johanna Legge.

2. That the MVRD Board receive for information the report dated January 3, 2020, titled “BoardAppointments and Rescindments of Enforcement Officers” and provide alternate direction tostaff.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS There are no additional financial implications for expenditures as the MVRD appointees are already on staff, and there are no financial implications for expenditures for rescindments.

CONCLUSION Recent changes in staff have resulted in a need to update staff appointments as MVRD Board-designated officers under the Greater Vancouver Regional District Air Quality Management Bylaw, the Environmental Management Act and the Offence Act. Staff recommend that the MVRD Board adopt Alternative 1.

36202790



From: Roger Quan, Director, Air Quality and Climate Change Parks and Environment Department


Subject: Manager’s Report

RECOMMENDATION That the Climate Action Committee receive for information the report dated January 27, 2020, titled “Manager’s Report”.

Climate Action Committee 2020 Work Plan The attachment to this report sets out the Committee’s Work Plan for 2020. The status of work program elements is indicated as pending, in progress, or complete. The listing is updated as needed to include new issues that arise, items requested by the Committee, and changes to the schedule.

Clean Air Plan and Climate 2050 Consultation Update In September 2019, the MVRD Board directed staff to proceed with integrated engagement on the Clean Air Plan and the development of Climate 2050 Roadmaps.

Metro Vancouver hosted Clean Air Plan and Climate 2050 workshops on January 9 and 21, 2020 at the Anvil Centre in New Westminster and the SFU Wosk Centre for Dialogue in Vancouver, respectively. The workshops focused on three issue areas – buildings, industry and transportation. The events were well attended, with over 150 combined registrants representing a cross section of different stakeholder interests. Metro Vancouver staff have also engaged the public at community events in Electoral Area A, New Westminster and Vancouver, and presented to the District of North Vancouver City Council, Surrey Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee, and Vancouver International Airport Environmental Advisory Committee. Metro Vancouver continues to support youth leadership on climate action through the Youth 4 Action program (including the Sustainabiliteens).

In February, staff will attend community events in the City of Langley, Richmond and White Rock, and will host three webinars on buildings, industry and transportation. Metro Vancouver is also seeking additional feedback through an online questionnaire. Opportunities to provide feedback will be promoted through social media, online advertising, newsletters, outreach to associations, and on the Clean Air Plan and Climate 2050 consultation webpages on Metro Vancouver’s website.

Staff will report back to the Committee with additional details on the feedback received as part of the engagement process.

5.6


http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality/projects-initiatives/clean-air-plan/Pages/default.aspx

http://www.metrovancouver.org/climate2050

Manager’s Report Climate Action Committee Regular Meeting Date: February 14, 2020

Page 2 of 2

Climate 2050 Presentation in Electoral Area A On January 23, 2020, Metro Vancouver staff provided an overview presentation on Climate 2050 at the Westbrook Community Centre near the UBC campus. The presentation was part of an information session for residents of UBC/UEL in Electoral Area A hosted by Director McCutcheon. In addition to the Climate 2050 presentation, Director McCutcheon provided an overview of the services Metro Vancouver provides to residents and the role of the Electoral Area A Director as the residents’ representative. Attendees asked a number of questions about the impacts of climate change on regional services, the sources of greenhouse gas emissions, and the actions we can take to reduce emissions to reach our regional targets. Staff let residents know that Metro Vancouver is seeking feedback to inform the development of Climate 2050 and Clean Air Plan and the ways they can provide that feedback.

Open-Air Burning Consultation Update Staff are engaging with the public, businesses, and other levels of government on a proposed Metro Vancouver open-air burning emission regulation as a simpler and less resource-intensive alternative to current site-specific air emission approvals. When regulating these emissions through the authority delegated under the BC Environmental Management Act, Metro Vancouver must meet or exceed the requirements in the BC Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation updated in September 2019.

Presentations to municipal advisory committees, government and health agencies, businesses and the public are providing information about the proposals and how to provide feedback by March 13, 2020. Public workshops are planned in communities including the Township of Langley, Maple Ridge and Coquitlam, where vegetative debris is burned on agricultural and large residential properties. Opportunities to provide feedback will be promoted in local newspapers, agricultural newsletters, social media, and on the Open-Air Burning consultation webpage on Metro Vancouver’s website. Initial feedback from the agricultural community has conveyed frustration with regulatory burden, the challenges of managing waste materials in compliance with multiple regulations, and success stories about alternative waste management methods.

Attachment Climate Action Committee 2020 Work Plan

36696963


http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality/projects-initiatives/open-air-burning/Pages/default.aspx

Climate Action Committee 2020 Work Plan Report Date: January 27, 2020

Priorities 1st Quarter Status Climate 2050 and Clean Air Plan Discussion Papers: Nature and Ecosystems, Agriculture, and Waste

Pending

Climate 2050 - managing Metro Vancouver’s corporate energy and GHG emissions In progress Air Quality – proposed bylaw for residential wood burning In progress Air Quality - initiate consultation on expansion of Non-Road Diesel Engine bylaw In progress SIF (Sustainability Innovation Fund) – 2020 proposals In progress SIF – results of Air Aware citizen science air quality monitoring In progress SIF – results of electric vehicle fast charger demonstration at Metro Tower III In progress Ecological Health – invasive species – outreach materials In progress Participate in environmental assessment processes as required In progress 2nd Quarter Climate 2050 – electric vehicle programs review and recommendations Pending Air Quality – 9th annual Caring for the Air report Pending Air Quality - monitoring network review and upgrades In progress Air Quality - initiate consultation on review of air quality regulatory fees In progress Air Quality – second phase of consultation on proposals for managing cannabis production emissions

Pending

SIF – status report on previously approved projects In progress SIF – results of the Strata Energy Advisor pilot program and proposals for moving forward

In progress

SIF – design for public display of air quality monitoring data and outreach strategy

In progress

Ecological Health Framework – annual report Pending Ecological Health – invasive species – best management practices Pending Participate in environmental assessment processes as required Pending 3rd Quarter Climate 2050 Annual report – Metro Vancouver’s climate actions and carbon neutral progress

Pending

Climate 2050 and Clean Air Plan – Phase I engagement results Pending Climate 2050 and Clean Air Plan – modelling to support a carbon neutral region Pending Air Quality - outreach on reducing residential wood-burning emissions Pending Air Quality – second phase of consultation on open-air burning bylaw Pending Participate in environmental assessment processes as required Pending 4th Quarter Climate 2050 Roadmaps – Buildings, Industry, and Transportation In progress Climate 2050 – regional building emissions benchmarking program Pending Metro Vancouver’s Draft Clean Air Plan Pending Air Quality - initiate consultation on regulatory measures to meet ambient air quality objectives for nitrogen dioxide

Pending

ATTACHMENT


SIF – Metro Vancouver’s Sustainable Infrastructure and Buildings Policy Design Guide

In progress

Annual budget and 5 year financial plan Pending Ecological Health – regional ecosystem connectivity Pending Participate in environmental assessment processes as required Pending


6.1

Report by Metro Director Adriane Carr, Chair of Climate Action Committee on 2ND WORLD CONGRESS ON CLIMATE CHANGE

SEPT 26-28, 2019 – BERLIN, GERMANY

Highlights of Congress Presentations

1. Big-picture question: Is “excusable ignorance” a legally justifiable reason for inaction on climatechange? (presentation on “Historical Responsibility for Climate Change by Makoto Usami)• Answer is “No”, not since 1990 when 1st Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

Assessment Report was issued (IPCC started 1988)• Plead of ignorance is not justifiable if the information or the situation is confirmed to exist• Knowledge progressed over 200 years.

o 1824 – Greenhouse Gasses (GhG) effect first suggestedo 1859 - Experiments proved GhG effecto 1896 Global warming through greenhouse effect provedo 1977 – Exxon senior scientist James Black warned that CO2 emissions could lead to global

warmingo 1978 – James Black warned Exxon that doubling GhGs would lead to a global temperature

increase of 2-3 degrees Co 1988 – NASA scientist James Hanson warned US Congressional hearing that planet was

warming due to burning of fossil fuels

2. Overall Science of Climate Change• From geological point of view, Earth is cooling from its start as hot ball of fire• From climatological point of view, earth is now warming• Climate change caused by anthropogenic actions is considered to have started around 1900 AD.• Primary cause: burning of fossil fuels• Increasingly important cause is release of CO2 as permafrost thaws (methane is 30 times more

potent than CO2)• Number of earthquakes will increase with isostatic rebound as continental ice melts and increased

volumes and temperature of water seeping into faults

3. IPCC Reports• Several presenters noted that IPCC reports don’t cover all climate-related issues which is frustrating.

o The IPCC and its reports, by decision at its formation, do not cover biodiversity. Instead, aseparate convention was established: the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform onBiodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). Presenters asserted that it’s difficult for thepublic and elected decision-makers to link the two bodies of information.

o IPCC Report 5 (2014) was the first to differentiate and report specifically on urban areas.• Background information:

o The IPCC was established in 1988 and resulted from the Advisory Group on GreenhouseGasses which was set up by the International Council of Scientific Unions, United NationsEnvironment Program (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization.

o In establishing the IPCC and the process of Assessment and Special Reports, decision-makersdecided not to include biodiversity likely because negotiations were already ongoing in thepreparation of an International Biodiversity Convention to be signed at the UNCEDConference (Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro) in 1992.

o IPCC has 3 Working Groups and a Task Force WG 1: scientific aspects of climate WG 2: vulnerability, consequences and options WG 3: limitation and mitigation options Task Force: National Greenhouse Gas Inventories Programme


IPCC Assessment reports have been released in 1990 (AR1), 1992 (AR2), 1996 (AR3), 2007 (AR4), 2014 (AR5), with special reports in between including the October 2018 report on Global Warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius.

o The IPCC’s 6th full assessment report will be released in 2022. 4. Many Presentations Detailed Projected Temperature Increases

• Global warming to date is 1.1 degrees C • Climatologists predict global 3.2 degrees C increase by 2500 • In Turkey and Eastern Mediterranean baseline mean temperatures today are 25 degrees C in winter;

40-45 degrees C in summer o Optimistic projections for 2100 is an increase of mean temperatures of 4.5 to 15.8 degrees C o Worst case scenario projections for 2100 is an increase of mean temperatures of 8.5 to 19

degrees C

5. Many Presentations Focused on More Extreme Weather – Droughts, Heat Waves, Typhoons • 40% of India is now facing severe droughts and groundwater depletion. • Groundwater levels have changed from an average depth of 8.7 m below surface to 22 m below

surface, with some areas now at groundwater depths of 35-40 m below surface. • In Coastal China, more extreme marine heat waves have resulted in an increased number and

severity of typhoons and an increased number of super typhoons since 2000. o China is the number 1 country in the world in terms of the number of people impacted by

typhoons and associated coastal flooding.

6. Several Presentations Detailed Sea Level Rise • Since the IPCC Report #5 in 2013, scientists have determined that sea level rise is virtually certain

and accelerating. • In coastal China, prior to 2000, 22% of the coastline had retreated. In the last 20 years, 60-80% of

the coastline has retreated.

7. Several Presentations Detailed Urban Flooding • In India, thousands have died in urban floods due to increased extreme rainstorms exacerbated by

silt accumulations that have increased 57% due to loss of ground cover in surrounding hillsides plus a 47% expansion of generally impermeable surfaced urban areas.

8. Several Presententations Detailed Urban Heat Island Effects • Global warming is increasing urban heat island effects. • In Cyprus, urban temperatures are reaching 53 degrees C. • In India, cities have lost their natural winter seasons and face more extreme summer heat.

o In Delhi, where highs of 48 degrees C have been experienced, roads are melting (road temperatures were measured at 70 degrees C).

o Temperatures compared between one city (Jaipur) and a village 30 km away show significant difference in highs and lows. Temp lows: rural location is 11.5 degrees C colder in winter Temp highs: urban centre is 15.8 degrees C hotter in summer

9. A Number of Presentations Detailed Climate-Related Risks to Human Health • Air pollution and the related numbers of deaths have been exacerbated by changing temperatures.

o In China, the more than 131,000 deaths per year are attributable to SO2 pollution which is exacerbated by climate change.

• Climate change has resulted in colder winter temperatures in China. A particular cold snap in Beijing in 2013-2014 (temperatures dropped to minus 10 degrees C) contributed to the 147,624 admissions


to hospitals for strokes – 205 stroke admissions/day. Doctors confirm that cold temperatures were a key cause.

• Infectious diseases are predicted to spread, especially due to increasingly advantageous conditions for insects such as mosquitos (carriers of malaria and dengue fever), with expectations of increased incidence in currently colder northern countries

10. Loss of Biodiversity • Climate change is exacerbating the rate of extinction, especially with changes in water / rainfall

regimes and temperature, which affect both species and habitats. Currently, 75% of Earth’s land surface and 66% of ocean systems are altered; 85% of wetlands have been lost.

• 1 million species are currently at risk of extinction. • A number of presentations noted extreme die-back of marine organisms:

o Loss of sea cucumbers in South China Sea o Decline of fish due to increased coral bleaching, death of coral reefs

11. Adaptation / Resilience

• It was noted that the built environment itself currently has a greater causal effect in terms of the impacts of extreme and catastrophic events than climate change itself, thus mitigation and adaptation can be enhanced by changing the built environment, particularly by replicating natural systems).

• Adaptation is intended to decrease exposure to negative effects of climate change and increase resilience. Adaptive measures include early weather event warning systems, heat advisories, changing building codes and raising heights of buildings.

• Particularly important is replicating natural systems (trees, vegetation, permeable surfaces, water features) – in both urban and rural areas.

• In the loess plateau of China, planting sensitive and fragile lands with soil-binding crops has decreased both soil and water erosion and increased local economies.

• In China in 2012, Beijing was impacted by torrential rains affecting 1.6 million people and resulting in 79 deaths and losses valued at 11.8 billion yuen. China then invested in rebuilding and expanding infrastructure, including in nearby mountainous area that is the source of runoff into Beijing. Subsequently, in 2016, Beijing experienced an extreme rainstorm equal to 2012 with little negative effect.

12. Indigenous Knowledge • Local indigenous knowledge can provide answers as to how best to adapt to climate change. In

Taiwan, for example, indigenous peoples have experiential knowledge of how to predict typhoons and weather and how to build typhoon-resistant buildings and homes.

13. Terrestrial Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)

• The IPCC Special Report on CCS was released in 2005. • The first CCS project was in the 1970s in the USA to facilitate enhanced oil recovery (CO2 pushed

into the earth to drive oil up). • There are now 17 active CCS projects and an additional 5 in the works, 2 of which are in Canada

(Weyburn, Sask and Quest, AB). • There are thousands of gigatonnes of capacity for CCS (note: currently global emissions of CO2 are

30 gigatonnes/year).

13. Engaging Youth • Youth are currently driving change. It’s important to genuinely engage them so they don’t lose hope. • Advantages to engaging youth are their ideas, excitement, commitment, longevity. • Following the September 20, 2019 Climate Strike in New York, a community leader hooked up youth

with scientists, engineers and others working on tangible climate change solutions.


14. Funding

• There is a huge discrepancy between funds promised for climate action and funds delivered. • At the 2015 Paris Climate Summit, signators committed $100B US. • To date, $7B US has been delivered. • There is deep concern over funding and climate justice; specifically that funding for climate action

should not divert funding for ODA (Overseas Development Assistance which is intended to alleviate poverty and inequity). ODA funding is supposed to be .7% of GDP, but most developed countries do not achieve that commitment.

• To date, 21% of ODA funding is going to climate related projects. • A new mechanism is needed to fund climate action.

15. A Paradigm Shift is Needed

• The same thinking will not solve the problem, e.g., o Consumption is a social good vs. consumption does not lead to happiness. o Humanity controls nature vs. learning from indigenous peoples that humanity depends on

nature and should adapt to it and caretake it. o Advanced societies feature specialization and expert knowledge vs. we need more

integrated thinking, cross-disciplinary work.

18. Government Regulations, Incentives and Costs Germany case study was presented by keynote speaker Dr. Thomas Unnerstall. • Germany set goal 10 years ago of 40% decrease in GhGs by 2020 and 55% decrease by 2030. • Germany won’t get to their 2020 goal due to too many of the measures being voluntary. • Where government regulated, putting action into laws, and funded actions, GhG decreases were

achieved, e.g., government invested in renewables with public capital, guaranteed 20 year feed-in tarrifs and subsidies.

• Currently economy is 40% renewables (mostly wind). • The cost of the climate plan and energy transition for the average German household has been 25

Euros/month (0.7% of consumer spending). A big part of this cost was decommissioning nuclear plants, which is not climate change-related, but the result of public concerns over the safety and security of nuclear energy.

• Voluntary measures included consumers switching from gas/diesel vehicles to LEVs and ZEVs, but there were no laws requiring it, so it hasn’t happened.

• Germany is now in the second phase of its climate plan. o The cost of switching the economy to renewables and eliminating fossil fuels is much lower

now compared to 10 years ago because of the 90% reduction in the cost of photo-voltaics. o Second phase cost is 150-200 B Euros, with the biggest costs being expanding and

decentralizing the electricity grid for renewables and decommissioning coal. o The cost is 4 cents/kwh for centralized solar vs. 12 cents/kwh for decentralizing/household

solar. The arguments for decentralization are that renewable energy sources themselves, especially solar, are decentralized and there is potentially greater resilience and energy security. Decentralization of power is also often referred to as the democratization of energy production.

o Currently, 1.5 million German households have solar power on rooftops. o Cost for average German household for the second phase of the climate plan will be 5 Euros

per month (0.2% of consumer spending), significantly less than the 25 Euros per month for the first phase.

o Key message: cost of climate action is feasible. Cost should not be an argument against action. Governments must factor in the hidden costs of fossil fuels – e.g., Germany subsidized coal from 1970-2010 by 280 B Euros.


December 18, 2019

Sav Dhaliwal, Chair Metro Vancouver Board of Directors 4730 Kingsway Burnaby, BC V5H OC6

Dear Chair Dhaliwal,

Re: BC Tweed Air Discharge Approval Application

Metro Vancouver staff provided to Delta for comments, an application by BC Tweed for an Approval pursuant to the Greater Vancouver Regional District Air Quality Management Bylaw. The Approval is to authorize emissions from eight cogeneration engines at the BC Tweed greenhouse located on Hornby Drive in Delta.

At the December 16, 2019 Regular Meeting, Delta Council received the enclosed report from staff regarding BC Tweed Approval application and unanimously endorsed the following recommendation:

"THAT Metro Vancouver be requested to require that the emissions of all air contaminants from the BC Tweed Cannabis Greenhouse in Delta be addressed through an Air Quality Permit and that a temporary Approval for the discharge of air contaminants from a cogeneration facility not be considered."

I recently wrote to you on the subject of odourous air emissions from cannabis greenhouses in Delta and requested an update on actions taken by Metro Vancouver to bring cannabis-producing greenhouses into compliance with Metro Vancouver's Air Quality Management Bylaw. We are concerned that not all emissions from the BC Tweed site are being addressed through the subject Approval application. If an Approval is issued without consideration of the entirety of emissions from the cannabis greenhouse and overall potential impacts to the environment and human health, this could raise questions as to Metro Vancouver's authority to regulate the non-combustion emissions from a cannabis facility. At a minimum, an Approval would significantly delay a holistic and comprehensive review of facility emissions and their impact.

... 2

4500 Clarence Taylor Crescent, Delta, British Columbia, V4K 3E2 I 604.946.321 O I [email protected]

6.2


December 18, 2019 Page 2

As per the preceding resolution from Delta Council , I respectfully request that the Approval for the discharge of air contaminants from a cogeneration facility at the BC Tweed cannabis greenhouse in Delta not be granted at this time. All emissions, including odourous air contaminants, must be comprehensively addressed in a manner that ensures there are no negative impacts to the public or the environment.

Yours truly,

Gcdt.A \J.~

George V. Harvie Mayor

Enclosure

cc: Delta Council Sean McGill , City Manager Mel Cheesman, Director of Corporate Services


To: Mayor and Council

City of Delta · COUNCIL REPORT

Regular Meeting

From: Corporate Services Department

Date: December 11, 2019

BC Tweed Cannabis Greenhouse Air Discharge Approval Application

The following report has been reviewed and endorsed by the City Manager.

• RECOMMENDATION:

F.15

THAT Metro Vancouver be requested to require that the emissions of all air contaminants from the BC Tweed Cannabis Greenhouse in Delta be addressed through an Air Quality Permit and that a temporary Approval for the discharge of air contaminants from a cogeneration facility not be considered.

• PURPOSE:

To seek endorsement of Delta's proposed submission to Metro Vancouver on the subject of an Approval application submitted related to emissions from a cogeneration facility at a cannabis greenhouse in Delta.

• BACKGROUND:

BC Tweed Joint Venture Inc. (BC Tweed) the operator of a cannabis greenhouse located at 10250 Hornby Drive has applied to Metro Vancouver pursuant to the Greater Vancouver Regional District Air Quality Management Bylaw 1082, 2008 for an Approval. Attachment A is the notice of application.

An Approval is a short-term (up to 15 month) authorization of the discharge of air contaminants. Approvals are used for temporary emission sources and as an interim measure for permanent installations while work on a longer term Permit is underway.

BC Tweed is requesting authorization to discharge air contaminants from five 2 megawatt and three 1.5 megawatt cogeneration natural gas fueled engine systems at their cannabis greenhouse facility. The cogeneration system will operate for the purpose of supplying heat and electricity to BC Tweed's Delta greenhouse. The facility will be equipped with a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCA) system to reduce the discharge of air contaminants into the surrounding environment.


of 3 BC Tweed Cannabis Greenhouse Air Discharge Approval Application

December 11 2019

• DISCUSSION:

Delta Zoning Requirements

Delta's zoning bylaw was amended in September 2014 to allow combined heat and power generation (cogeneration) as an accessory use within the A 1 Agricultural zone subject to the facility being sized in accordance with the heat and power requirements of a co-located greenhouse. This amendment resulted in Delta's zoning bylaw being consistent with provincial guidelines for cogeneration facilities at greenhouses on agricultural land. BC Tweed has provided information in support of their application in the context of Delta's zoning bylaw requirements for cogeneration facilities. The installation is consistent with Delta's requirements, which include that the maximum output of cogeneration facilities is 1.0 megawatts per hectare of greenhouse area. The BC Tweed greenhouse is approximately 16 hectares in size and the proposed total cogeneration output is 14.5 megawatts.

BC Tweed has confirmed that the engines will be operated based on the electrical requirements of the greenhouse and there will not be excess power sold to BC Hydro. Given that there is no sale of electricity proposed, staff has confirmed with the Agricultural Land Commission that an application for a "non-farm use" is not required.

Approval Application

The air quality Approval application is specific to the cogeneration facility and does not address other emissions of air contaminants from the greenhouse facility. The maximum term for an Approval is 15 months. Unlike an Air Quality Permit application , an Approval application does not require formal public notification or a public comment period. Metro Vancouver staff has advised that the BC Tweed cogeneration facility is a permanent installation so a longer-term Air Quality Permit will be required prior to the end of the term of the Approval.

It is Delta staff's understanding that Metro Vancouver has advised all cannabis greenhouses that an Air Quality Permit is required for all emissions, including the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and odourous air contaminants that are released as part of the production of cannabis. Metro Vancouver is also currently consulting on a Cannabis Production and Processing Facility Emission Regulation that would apply to the small to medium sized operations. These facilities would not require an Air Quality Permit and could operate under the regulation if adopted as currently proposed. The larger facilities (currently proposed as greater than 50,000 m2 ) such as the BC Tweed cannabis greenhouse would still require an Air Quality Permit regardless of whether the regulation is adopted.

Staff is concerned that not all emissions from the BC Tweed site are being addressed through the subject Approval application. If an Approval is issued without consideration of the entirety of emissions from the cannabis greenhouse and overall potential impacts to the environment and human health, this could raise questions as to Metro Vancouver's authority to regulate the non-combustion emissions from a cannabis facility. It could also further delay any regulatory action in this regard . It is therefore


of 3 BC Tweed Cannabis Greenhouse Air Discharge Approval Application

December 11 , 2019

recommended that Metro Vancouver be requested to require that the emissions of all air contaminants, including odourous air contaminants, from the BC Tweed cannabis greenhouse be addressed through an Air Quality Permit which includes requirements for best available emission control technology, and that a temporary Approval for the discharge of air contaminants from a cogeneration facility not be considered.

Enforcement of Air Quality Management Bylaw

The first cannabis production in Delta greenhouses started approximately 18 months ago. To date, staff are not aware of any enforcement action taken by Metro Vancouver regarding the discharge of air contaminants from cannabis greenhouses without authorization. Attachment Bis a recent letter from Mayor George V. Harvie to the Chair of Metro Vancouver requesting details of the actions Metro Vancouver is taking to bring the cannabis greenhouses in Delta into compliance with the Air Quality Management Bylaw.

Implications: Financial Implications - There are no financial implications.

• CONCLUSION:

BC Tweed is seeking an Approval under Metro Vancouver's Air Quality Management Bylaw to allow for the discharge of air contaminants from a cogeneration facility at their Delta cannabis greenhouse. Metro Vancouver must regulate all emissions from the greenhouse. It is recommended that Metro Vancouver be requested to not grant this Approval and that the emission of all air contaminants, including odourous air contaminants, from the cannabis greenhouse be regulated through an Air Quality Permit that requires the use of best available control technology. It is noted that an Air Quality Permit application process would include public consultation and the opportunity for Delta to provide further comments.

~-Mel Cheesman Director of Corporate Services

Department submission prepared by: Mike Brotherston, Manager of Climate Action and Environment

• ATTACHMENTS:

A. Notice of Application for an Approval under Metro Vancouver's Air Quality Management Bylaw: BC Tweed Joint Venture Inc.

B. Letter dated December 10, 2019 from Mayor George V. Harvie to Chair Sav Dhaliwal, Metro Vancouver re: Enforcement of Air Quality Management Bylaw


metrovancouver

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NOTICE TAKE NOTICE THAT BC Tweed Joint Venture Inc. ("BC Tweed") of 10250 Hornby Drive, Delta, BC V4K 3N3 applies to the Metro Vancouver Regional District ("Metro Vancouver") pursuant to the Greater Vancouver Regional District Air Quality Management Bylaw 1082, 2008 for an Approval.

1. The purpose of this application is to request authorization to discharge air contaminants from five 2 MW and three 1.5 MW cogeneration natural gas engine systems at a greenhouse facility located at 10250 Hornby Drive, Delta, BC V4K 3N3.

This approval application addresses installation of the five 2 MW and three 1.5 MW cogeneration natural gas engine systems with appropriate control works at BC Tweed. The cogeneration system will operate for the purpose of supplying heat and electricity to BC Tweed·s Delta greenhouse. The system will be equipped with a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system to reduce the discharge of air contaminants into the surrounding environment.

2. The legal description of the land or premises where the plant, operation or source and treatment works are or will be located is PIO 006-801-731, north half of the north east quarter section 34 township 3 New Westminster district, except: part on SRW plan LMP41036.

3. The characteristics of the waste in specific terms including the content of potential pollution causing substances expressed in metric scientific units are as follows: a. Combustion processes: Primary fuel - Natural gas; b. Maximum Opacity: 5 Percent; c. Maximum total number of sources: 8; d. Maximum duration of discharge of air contaminants in hours per year: 8760; e. Requested approval term: 15 months

4. The volume of material to be discharged, emitted or stored (per specific time period) is as follows: T t I E . . f Ail S B ed R t d Li •t d E r t • oa m1ss1ons rom ources as on eoues e m1 s an or s 1ma es

Contaminant Emissions (tonnes/year)*

Nitrogen Oxide (NO,) 10.0

Carbon Monoxide (CO) 67.9

Ammonia (NH;) 5.0

Methane (CH4) 459.8

Sulphur Dioxide (S02) 0.8

Total Particulate Matter 3.7

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) 144.0 Total 691 .2

*DetaJ/ed methods for calculatmg emissions are contained m the full app/1cat1on document.

This Notice is published pursuant to the Environmental Management Act, the Public Notification Regulation, and the Greater Vancouver Regional District Air Quality Management Bylaw 1082, 2008. A person who may be adversely affected by the granting or amending of the permit described in this notice may, within 30 days of its publication, notify Metro Vancouver's District Director in writing stating how that person is affected. When making a decision on the permit or approval application, the District Director will consider the application, comments submitted and any responses provided by the applicant. Information collected during the comment period and the time following until a decision on the permit application has been made is collected under the authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Your personal information and comment will be forwarded to the permit applicant for response to the District Director. By submitting a public comment, you consent to such disclosure.

Please note that submissions in response to this notice may be made avallable to the public as part of the public record, subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Metro Vancouver Attention: Ray Robb, District Director 4730 Kingsway, Burnaby BC V5H OC6

Phone: (604) 432-6200 Fax: (604) 436-6707 Email: [email protected]

~ SERVICES AND SOLUTIONS FOR A LIVABLE REGION

Attachment A Page 1of1


December 10, 2019

Sav Dhaliwal, Chair Metro Vancouver Board of Directors 4 730 Kingsway Burnaby, BC V5H OC6

Dear Chair Dhaliwal,

Re: Cannabis Greenhouses and Enforcement of Air Quality Management Bylaw No. 1082

The emission of odourous air contaminants from cannabis greenhouses is a significant issue for our City. There are two very large greenhouses currently producing cannabis in Delta, and a third that is in the process of converting from a vegetable greenhouse to a cannabis facility. Another greenhouse, Pure Sun Farms on BQth Street, has announced plans to expand its cannabis operation to include area currently dedicated to vegetable production. The total area of greenhouses in Delta that produce cannabis or are in the process of converting to cannabis production is now approximately 6 million square feet.

Despite the installation of air filters in these facilities, we continue to experience strong odours at significant distances from cannabis-producing greenhouses in Delta. The lack of prescriptive requirements for odour control under Health Canada licences (which neither include performance outcomes nor require monitoring), allows significant odour issues to continue in our community.

I recognize that Metro Vancouver is in the process of developing a regulation to address air contaminants from small to medium-sized cannabis production and processing facilities. While this work is ongoing, it is our understanding that cannabis greenhouses discharging air contaminants without a permit or other approval contravene Metro Vancouver's Air Quality Management Bylaw. City of Delta staff are not aware of any Air Quality Permits that have been issued or applied for in respect of cannabis greenhouses located in Delta.

4500 Clarence Taylor Crescent. Delta, British Columbia, V4K 3E2 I 604.946.321 O I [email protected]


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December 10, 2019 Page2

Pursuant to your authority over the discharge of air contaminants, Delta urges Metro Vancouver to address odourous air contaminants from cannabis-producing greenhouses. We expect that this would include requirements that cannabis greenhouses employ the best available technology to control emissions, and implement appropriate compliance mechanisms to ensure the surrounding community is not negatively impacted.

I respectfully request an update on actions to bring the cannabis greenhouses in Delta into compliance with Metro Vancouver's Air Quality Management Bylaw. I am copying this letter to my fellow Mayors who have cannabis-producing greenhouses within their municipalities.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter; I look forward to your response.

Yours truly,

(Sou..' " . ,L--- ' George V. Harvie Mayor

cc: The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, PC, MP for Delta Ravi Kahlon , MLA Delta North Ian Paton, MLA Delta South Mayor Malcolm Brodie and Council, City of Richmond Mayor Jack Froese and Council , Township ofLangley Mayor Bill Dingwall and Council , City of Pitt Meadows Mayor Mike Morden and Council , City of Maple Ridge Delta Council Sean McGill, City Manager Mel Cheesman, Director of Corporate Services


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