Coal dust spread to residential areas of Delta is minimal: air quality stats
Posted December 19, 2014 7:00 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
DELTA (NEWS1130) – It’s been a concern for people in Delta ever since Fraser Surrey Docks presented plans to increase coal-train traffic, but the latest air quality stats suggest coal dust is not a significant problem in residential areas.
Five sample stations have been set up throughout the municipality.
“The report suggested that there is a bit of coal dust that they’re finding right near the railway tracks, but it doesn’t seem to be spreading out much farther past that,” says City Councillor Ian Paton.
“The results are well below any BC air quality guideline standards. It’s kind of a funny thing; you sort of see it, but I don’t think we’ve ever had too many effects from it,” he adds.
The samples are submitted to a special review committee set up to keep tabs on the air quality.
The amount of coal dust generated by passing trains has become a concern, since coal train traffic is set to increase.
Once the coal-transfer facility is completed at Fraser Surrey Docks, an extra coal train a day will be running through Delta, White Rock, and South Surrey.
