Alberta’s Minister responsible for the environment stated that the recent smoky conditions in parts of Calgary due to a fire at a landfill pose a low health risk to most of the city. However, certain areas have experienced intermittent spikes in air pollution levels, reaching high-risk levels.
To address the situation, the province has deployed a mobile air quality monitoring laboratory to assess the levels of fine and coarse particulate matter. The primary concern identified in the air quality data is the presence of particulate matter (PM) 2.5 from the smoke, which has exceeded Alberta’s ambient air quality guidelines.
PM 2.5 refers to tiny particles less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter that can lead to severe health issues like lung and heart diseases. The Minister noted that the exceedances of PM2.5 have occurred periodically, with some monitoring periods showing concentrations comparable to the high-risk category of the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI). These elevated levels have been localized and influenced by changing plume and wind conditions.
The Minister highlighted that the areas most at risk of exposure are those directly downwind of the fire. The fire originally started on September 6 at ECCO Recycling and Energy Corp.’s former landfill site and reignited on September 9. The materials at the site are reported to be dry construction materials, and no new waste has been accepted since 2024.
In response to worsening air quality, the Calgary Fire Department issued a warning to residents in nearby communities to take precautions. Concerned about the situation, Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas and Coun. Rob Ward have requested detailed air quality testing results from the province.
Samples of air quality are undergoing expedited laboratory analysis to determine the composition of the smoke. The Minister assured that all air-monitoring data and laboratory results will be made publicly available for transparency.
Besides monitoring air quality, the province is collaborating with the city to investigate the presence of any unauthorized materials at the site. The landfill is authorized to accept inert waste only, not hazardous materials. Depending on the findings, enforcement actions such as warning letters, administrative penalties, or prosecution may be pursued.