Abstract

The South Fraser Perimeter Road (SFPR) is a $1.2 billion 40km long freeway project that has been proposed as one component of the BC Government’s Provincial Gateway Program. There are many environmental and health impacts associated with the construction of this freeway, particularly when it comes to air pollution. Our project consists of three main components concerning the relationship between the construction of the SFPR and air pollution. First, we developed several maps and tables in order to determine those community assets and populations that would most likely be impacted by air pollution from the SFPR. Second, we developed maps to see if there is a significant correlation between the proposed route of the SFPR and the location of low-income neighborhoods and immigrant populations. Finally, we predicted how much the vehicle pollutants Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) and Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM_2.5) would likely increase as a result of the construction of the SFPR. The results section of our project discusses at length the impacts of air pollution on human health and the environment. The conclusion of our project suggests alternative ways to transport goods and people throughout Metro Vancouver without the construction of the SFPR.