RDOS Air Quality

• Is a region wide function that includes all municipal and rural areas in the RDOS (MAP)
• Is a function of the RDOS Public Works Department (POWER POINT)

Main Objectives

• Engine Emissions Reduction Programs
• Wood Smoke Reduction Programs
• Eliminate Garbage Burning

Email address: info@rdos.bc.ca

Phone: 250-490-4212 or Toll Free: 1-877-610-3737 ext. 4212

RDOS Air Quality Management Plan

The Air Quality Management Plan identifies the following pollutant sources as those that need to be addressed through a combination of Public Education and Pollution Reduction Programs: Garbage, Wood, and Yard Waste Burning, Engine Emissions and Dust.

The Air Quality Management Plan is a living document, and will remain flexible and responsive to changing public priorities, to financial partnerships, to new program opportunities and to current research.

For a copy of the Plan click here.

Okanagan Similkameen Airshed Coalition Committee

The Central Okanagan, North Okanagan, and Okanagan-Similkameen Regional Districts share a common airshed where air pollutants emitted in one area often affect other areas.

The three Regional Districts formed a partnership to develop strategies for Valley-wide improvements in air quality.

The current benefits of this partnership include:

• Providing a forum for exchange of information among federal, provincial, regional and municipal governments pertaining to airshed analysis, management, and policy.
• Development of increased co-operation and collaboration among federal, provincial, regional and municipal governments to achieve an integrated airshed approach.
• Development of common policy and programs to achieve more efficient and effective communication strategies to raise public awareness of air quality issues.
• Development of a Valley wide plan “ Towards an Okanagan & Similkameen Valley Air Quality Management Plan”

October 2009 Okanagan Similkameen Airshed Coalition Conference

RDOS Air Quality Projects

• Woodstove Change Out Program
• Burn-it-Smart Workshops
• On site chipping of orchard waste – pilot project
• Agricultural Plastic Collection & Recycling Program – click for details
• Public, Government and Committee presentations
• Preparation and Distribution of Informational Publications
• Public Displays
• Public Service Announcements – on CHBC, “The Chimney Smoker”, “Backyard Burner” “Anti-idling”, radio and print publications
• Channel 18 - coverage on the hazards of wood smoke and on the burning of prohibited materials
• National Clean Air Day Events
• Addressing public concerns
• 'Let’s Drive Green!' - Free Vehicle Emission Testing

Last Updated Jan15, 2009