Measurement of nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide by satellite and passive monitors in Northeastern British Columbia, Canada.

The Peace River district of Northeastern British Columbia (B.C.) Canada is a region of natural gas production that has undergone rapid development since 2005. Both satellite data products and Willems badge passive sampler measurements of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and sulfur dioxide (SO₂) were used to assess the air quality implications from gas development activities. Both satellite data products between 2005 and 2013 and Willems badge passive samplers during six two-week exposure periods between August and November, 2013 have been considered in this study. All satellite data products and passive monitoring of these two pollutants in Northeastern B.C. found higher values in Taylor, Fort St. John, and Dawson Creek. This spatial distribution of higher values has resulted from the large gas development activities in these areas. The temporal analysis of satellite NO₂ data revealed higher values near Dawson Creek after 2007 with annual increment of 1.7%. It was also found that Taylor is half as polluted as one of the Canada's largest non-urban SO₂ emission source areas (Canadian oil sands areas in Alberta). --Leaf ii.