A new study conducted by Metro Vancouver has found that levels of pollutants were significantly higher near that intersection than in areas with less traffic. They specifically looked at the area of Clark Drive and 11th Avenue. Nitrogen dioxide levels in the area were found to be 28 per cent higher, fine particulate matter was 30 per cent higher and levels of black carbon – which is related to soot from diesel engines – were 60 per cent higher. Concerns are high as the Port of Vancouver is expanding its downtown terminals, Centerm and Vanterm. The port is legally required to conduct an environmental assessment, but not necessarily one that looks at health impacts, though there are programs in place to mitigate some of the environmental impacts.
