SESAA is the Southeast Saskatchewan Airshed Association, incorporated in October 2005. We are a non-profit organization of public, industry, government, and non-government members. Our goal is to collect credible, scientifically defensible air quality data for the southeast Saskatchewan region, and to make this data freely available to all stakeholders. Our objective is to bring together stakeholders from all backgrounds to identify local air quality issues and to develop innovative solutions for managing these issues. Diverse stakeholder representation recognizes concerns specific to the region, and encourages solutions that are tailored to address local needs.
“The value of an airshed management association to stakeholders”
What is an airshed?
An airshed is a geographic region that shares the same air quality characteristics.
The airshed boundaries may be established considering topographic features, meteorology, economic activities, pollution sources, political boundaries, and common air quality issues.
An airshed association or society is concerned about all of the residents and the environment within that area.
Why is an air shed monitoring program important?
We all need air; air that is clean and free from pollution is better for us.
How do we know what is clean or acceptable air? Who tells us this?
How do we measure that? Who decides what to measure?
What can we do about it? This is where an airshed association is vital.
Who should make airshed planning decisions?
Airshed planning decisions can be dealt with at a variety of levels.
This is a very important consideration; one should never under estimate the knowledge that front line people bring to a discussion; it is the most valuable.
They know about their concerns more than any think tank. They talk to each other and already have informal yet very strong networks.
Local input working together with industry and legislators has been shown to have the most success in making sound decisions.
Conclusion
Public participation needs to be encouraged throughout the planning process.
Industry as well as community groups, municipal governments, home and school associations can all play a role in the future of the area.
An airshed association offers members:
Peace of mind
Health of residents
Future growth to the area
Involvement in the decision making process
A real say in what happens in the region
A real synergy develops, relationships flourish, and development is encouraged through the consensus decision making process.
Future Plans:
8 Continuous air monitoring stations currently operating in the SESAA
Science Committee to determine future monitoring needs
More public presentations
New Board of Director members.
Contact information: SESAA Attn: Terry Gibson, Executive Director
Suite 309, 4246 Albert Street
Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 3R9
Email contact: tg4air@sasktel.net Phone 306 371 2478 (306 371 AIR8)
