Ships 'major source' of fumes James Bay association wants vessels to use cleaner fuels - Times Colonist

Posted By Bill Cleverley, Times Colonist June 3, 2010

Cruise ships coming into Victoria should be required to use cleaner fuels, says the James Bay Neighborhood Association. The group also wants the city to consider staggering ship visits to improve air quality.
"The major source of sulfur-dioxide fumes in Victoria [is] the cruise ships," said chairman Tim Van Alstine. "That's not to say let's throw the baby out with the bathwater but if there's anything you can do to mitigate [you should]."
Results of air-quality research and dispersion modeling by the Vancouver Island Health Authority and province show 2009 sulfur dioxide levels at triple the values predicted, the association says.
From June through August, 24-hour sulfur-dioxide values exceeded World Health Organization maximum levels on almost a quarter of days when ships were in port. High levels of sulfur dioxide in the air can cause respiratory problems, especially for those with asthma.
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