Friday, March 8, 2024 – Parkland Update
Metro Vancouver will be closely monitoring as the Burnaby Parkland Refinery is working towards restarting operations on Sunday, March 10. For their full operational update, visit
burnabyrefinery.ca/news.
Throughout the startup phase, Metro Vancouver staff will assess real-time air quality data from our extensive air quality monitoring network. This network continuously monitors a number of key air contaminants, including particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, total hydrocarbons, reduced sulphur compounds, carbon monoxide, and black carbon.
Additionally, we will collect volatile organic compound (VOC) samples at air quality monitoring network stations located in North Burnaby, Vancouver, and Port Moody, analyzing over one hundred compounds, including benzene and 1,3-butadiene. Our mobile air monitoring unit (MAMU) is in the process of being positioned on Tsleil-Waututh Lands on the north shore of Burrard Inlet to monitor for specific air contaminants in addition to what is detected by our monitoring network stations.
On January 21, 2024, an incident at the Burnaby Refinery, operated by Parkland, resulted in emissions with a strong chemical smell. Odour was reported in parts of Vancouver and Burnaby, following the path of the easterly wind. Metro Vancouver received over 150 odour complaints on this day. Metro Vancouver Environmental Regulation & Enforcement Officers attended the site in response to air quality complaints that were received. Metro Vancouver Environmental Regulation & Enforcement has now initiated an investigation into the incident.
For ongoing updates from Burnaby Refinery, visit
burnabyrefinery.ca/news.
Air quality bulletins
Metro Vancouver will continue to monitor air quality and work closely with the health authorities (Fraser Health, Vancouver Coastal Health, and BC Centre for Disease Control). If members of the public smell odour in their area, they can report it to Metro Vancouver at 604-436-6777 or
online complaint form. If the need arises, Metro Vancouver will issue further air quality bulletins.
Air quality monitoring
Environmental regulation and enforcement
Metro Vancouver is responsible for issuing air emissions permits within the region, and assessing whether our requirements and bylaws are being met. Metro Vancouver Environmental Regulation & Enforcement has now initiated an investigation into the January 21 incident.
Metro Vancouver officers are responsible for ensuring activities and businesses comply with Metro Vancouver bylaws and site-specific air quality permits.
linkMore information about compliance and enforcement
Metro Vancouver also handles complaints about outdoor air quality and odour in Metro Vancouver. We ask for concerns to be reported through our
online complaint form or by phone to 604-436-6777 as the issue is occurring (whenever possible) to help us assess the issue most effectively. Additional information, including tips about making an air quality or an odour complaint is available on
air quality complaints.
Public health
Metro Vancouver works closely with regional health authorities. The regional health authorities have requested air quality monitoring data for the January 21 incident and the days following, in order to inform their assessment of potential health impacts.
If members of the public smell odour in their area, they can move inside if they are outdoors, and close windows, doors, and air intakes to help reduce their exposure to the contaminants causing the odour. Running a portable air cleaner that uses an activated carbon filter may help to reduce indoor concentrations of some odour-causing contaminants. Additionally, indoor spaces with air filtration, including libraries and community centres, may have lower concentrations of contaminants. Consider spending time in these spaces if you are affected and able to.
If you have chronic underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, asthma, and/or diabetes or are sensitive to air pollution, you may wish to reduce your outdoor physical activity if you find the air quality affecting you. If you are experiencing significant symptoms, including chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or wheezing, limit physical activity and seek prompt medical attention. Call 9-1-1 in the case of an emergency.