Toward a Coordinated Policy Resource Management and Air Quality in the CRAZ Region

The Calgary Region Airshed Zone was pleased to welcome Jeni Moodley, SAIT Intern.  Jeni’s research into a holistic and coordinated policy approach to aggregate management was appreciated by the organization and municipal partners.

This research investigates whether a more holistic and coordinated policy approach to aggregate and natural resource management can improve environmental and operational outcomes. This analysis compares municipal policies, legislation, and land use bylaws and practices with those of municipalities in the CRAZ region and across Alberta. Key focus areas include Area Redevelopment Plans (ARPs), performance monitoring of dust and groundwater, and broader environmental management practices. The study assesses policy and legislation variation across municipalities, considering the benefits and limitations of parcel-by-parcel regulation versus a broader area-based approach. Special attention is given to how current zoning and re-zoning processes impact air quality, especially regarding PM2.5 emissions. Findings reveal opportunities for more integrated governance, enhanced environmental monitoring, and policy harmonization to better balance economic development with environmental protection. This research is based on the problem statement and questions outlined below, which followed a mixed methodology of consultations/interviews and review of documentation/articles.

Problem statement: There is a need to explore whether a more holistic and coordinated policy approach can lead to better environmental and operational outcomes.

Research questions

• How do municipal aggregate and natural resource management policies vary across municipalities?

• What are the benefits and drawbacks of treating aggregate operations on a parcel-by-parcel basis compared to a broader area approach?

• What are the implications of the current zoning and re-zoning processes on air quality, particularly concerning PM2.5 emissions?