The amount of lead (Pb) in outdoor air in Trail is measured at two locations, Butler Park and Birchbank. Data from Butler Park, a park in the heart of the community and closest to the smelter, is shown in Figure 1 indicated by the blue line.
At this time, Federal and BC Provincial governments do not have ambient air quality objectives or standards for Pb; however, it is reasonable to rely on standards from other jurisdictions when this is the case. The green dashed line in Figure 1 indicates 0.15 μg/m3 on a 3-month average (US EPA standard). The Butler Park monitoring station has met the US EPA standard since 2020.
Summary reports are provided at the bi-monthly public Trail Area Health & Environment Committee (THEC) meetings. Meeting minutes include the air quality reports and are available online.
There is no known safe level of Pb exposure. The Trail Area Health & Environment Committee (THEC) has a goal of continuous reduction of Pb in the community and the partners focus on efforts to achieve this.