Air Pollution

Over the past 20 years, rapid growth in the number and size of cruise ships arriving in Ogden Point has brought noxious emissions to the James Bay neighbourhood.

Even as sulphur dioxide levels from cruise ships have been reduced to required acceptable levels, other compounds are being emitted, especially greenhouse gases, particulate matter (black carbon), NOx and volatile organic compounds.  

Locally, there is concern about particulate matter. While scrubbers reduce large particulates, the higher levels of fine particulates are more of a health concern as ultrafine particulates more easily enter the lungs. A study found that concentrations of particulate matter on cruise ship decks were comparable to concentrations measured in polluted cities, including Beijing and Santiago.

In addition to “black clouds”, James Bay residents have commented on orange and brown plumes.  Residents with chemical sensitivities continued to report problems with other residual chemicals through 2019. In 2019, City of Victoria Mayor Helps spoke of “clouds of black smoke billowing over the legislature”.  Emissions do not ‘stay’ in James Bay; they are dispersed across the region. 

AIR POLLUTION ACTIONS NEEDED

• Begin transition to 100% electric shore power immediately – to be funded without taxpayer subsidies

• Make use of electric shore power mandatory for all ships or pay mandatory contribution fee-per-hour if not used.

• Use only lowest sulphur Marine Fuel Oil within 12 nautical miles of Victoria