Urban and Regional Air Quality Management
Air Quality Study for the City of Toronto
As Project Manager and Technical Lead, Dr. Rakesh Singh led an extensive air quality study for the City of Toronto, focusing on the neighborhoods of South Riverdale, Leslieville, and the Beaches. This study aimed to create a comprehensive air quality modeling roadmap that accounted for local emissions within the city and emissions transported from other areas via long-range atmospheric transport. Dr. Singh’s role involved identifying and analyzing the myriad emission sources impacting these communities, with the ultimate goal of providing the City of Toronto with an effective and adaptable framework for assessing and managing air quality.
In addition to developing the roadmap, Dr. Singh introduced an innovative three-tiered CALPUFF/CALMET modeling approach, which provided a layered analysis of emission sources at different spatial scales, from localized city sources to regional transport influences. This three-tiered methodology enhanced the city’s ability to understand air quality dynamics and pinpoint pollutant sources affecting specific neighbourhoods, allowing for a targeted and strategic approach to mitigation.
Dr. Singh also developed an Observation-Based Model (OBM) specifically for ozone, designed to assess real-time and historical data to identify patterns and spikes in ozone levels, a common air quality challenge in urban areas. The OBM allowed for a more accurate assessment of ozone formation, particularly during high-temperature periods or when precursor chemicals were abundant due to city and transported emissions. By using these advanced modelling techniques, Dr. Singh provided Toronto with a robust, science-based approach to better understand, predict, and manage air quality issues, paving the way for data-driven policy decisions to improve urban air quality and protect public health. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Emissions and Air Quality Modelling Study in Halton Region
Dr. Rakesh Singh led an extensive air quality modelling study as Project Manager and Technical Lead for the Halton Region in Ontario, aiming to support regional air quality policy development through rigorous scientific analysis. In this role, he prepared and executed a comprehensive airshed model using the CALPUFF/CALMET system, integrating atmospheric and emissions data to provide a detailed view of pollutant dispersion across the region. This community-wide air quality modelling program was designed to offer stakeholders, policymakers, and the public insights into the sources and behaviour of pollutants in Halton Region’s unique airshed.
A significant component of the project was developing a high-resolution emissions inventory, which captured emissions data across various sectors, including industrial facilities, vehicular traffic, residential heating, natural (biogenic) sources, and agricultural activities. This granular inventory allowed for precise tracking of emissions from each sector, ensuring that the model reflected the complex interplay between local sources and transported pollutants from surrounding areas. The resulting data were critical for accurate simulations of air quality impacts under different conditions and potential future scenarios.
As part of the project, Dr. Singh also led the development of an Observation-Based Model (OBM) for ozone, which provided a robust framework to assess ozone formation dynamics specifically within the Halton Region. This OBM utilized observed ozone precursor data to offer high confidence in modelled ozone levels, a crucial aspect given the health impacts associated with ozone exposure.
The study’s outputs offered Halton Region a reliable foundation for evidence-based air quality policies, helping to guide future decisions around emission reductions, regulatory measures, and community health initiatives. Dr. Singh’s expertise in airshed modelling and policy support underscored his commitment to advancing public health and environmental quality in urban and suburban communities.
Emissions and Air Quality Assessment for a Road Expansion
Dr. Rakesh Singh served as Project Manager and Technical Lead for a detailed air quality assessment related to the proposed expansion of Derry Road in Mississauga, Ontario. The purpose of this assessment was to evaluate the potential impacts of the road expansion on local air quality across three specific scenarios: baseline air quality levels as of 2006, projected levels in 2016 without road improvements, and anticipated levels in 2016 with the proposed road improvements. This comparative approach allowed stakeholders to understand the impacts of infrastructure changes on emissions and air quality, supporting informed decision-making.
The air quality modelling involved the advanced use of the MicroFac© emission model and the CAL3QHCR dispersion model. The MicroFac© model was instrumental in estimating emissions from various types of vehicles, allowing for a precise breakdown of pollutants that could be expected under different traffic conditions. The CAL3QHCR model then simulated how these emissions would disperse in the local environment under typical meteorological conditions, accounting for the unique traffic and topographic features of the Derry Road corridor.
Dr. Singh's expertise ensured that each scenario's model outputs were robust and reflective of realistic traffic and emissions patterns, facilitating an accurate analysis of how the proposed road expansion could influence air quality. This assessment provided the City of Mississauga with a clear picture of the potential air quality benefits and challenges associated with the Derry Road improvements, aiding in the planning of mitigation measures to protect public health and the environment..
Trends Analysis of PM2.5 and It’s Components in Canada
Dr. Rakesh Singh served as Project Manager and Senior Technical Advisor for an impactful project commissioned by Environment Canada, focused on the detailed analysis of particulate matter (PM) trends, composition, and variations across Canada. The project's primary objectives included evaluating spatial distribution and seasonal patterns, as well as identifying long-term temporal trends of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and its specific components across selected monitoring stations in Canada.
To achieve these objectives, Dr. Singh led a thorough examination of PM2.5 data collected from various monitoring sites, assessing the complex factors influencing PM2.5 concentrations. He analyzed the spatial variation in PM2.5 levels across Canada to reveal areas with elevated concentrations and the distribution patterns across urban, rural, and industrial zones. Additionally, Dr. Singh’s team investigated seasonal differences to determine how PM2.5 concentrations fluctuated with changes in weather, temperature, and human activity, pinpointing periods of heightened risk for public exposure.
A significant component of the project was the detailed compositional analysis of PM2.5, which involved studying the individual chemical components such as sulfates, nitrates, organic carbon, elemental carbon, and metals. This analysis was essential for understanding the sources of particulate matter and identifying primary versus secondary pollutants—PM directly emitted versus that formed in the atmosphere from chemical reactions.
In addition to spatial and seasonal analyses, Dr. Singh spearheaded an investigation of temporal trends to determine how PM2.5 levels had evolved over time in response to regulatory measures, industrial activities, and population growth. By identifying these trends, Dr. Singh’s work helped reveal the effectiveness of past air quality policies and the need for future interventions to meet air quality standards.
The insights generated from this project contributed to Environment Canada’s broader efforts to mitigate air pollution and protect public health. Dr. Singh’s expertise was instrumental in advancing Canada’s understanding of PM2.5 dynamics, facilitating informed policymaking aimed at improving air quality and reducing health risks for Canadian communities.
Evaluation of Ground Level Ozone Levels in Eastern Canada
Dr. Rakesh Singh served as Project Manager and Senior Technical Advisor for a critical study conducted by Environment Canada, focusing on the evaluation of ground-level ozone (O₃) concentrations in Eastern Canada. The primary objective of this study was to investigate how specific weather elements influenced daily maximum 8-hour average ozone levels during the warm season across selected monitoring sites.
In his role, Dr. Singh led a comprehensive assessment of ground-level ozone, which is a major component of smog and poses significant risks to human health, ecosystems, and air quality. His approach involved analyzing meteorological data, such as temperature, solar radiation, wind speed, and atmospheric pressure, to determine their effects on ozone formation. Since ozone is a secondary pollutant formed through photochemical reactions between volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) in the presence of sunlight, understanding these weather interactions was crucial for predicting ozone levels.
Dr. Singh’s team used advanced statistical modeling techniques to correlate warm-season meteorological patterns with peak ozone concentrations, allowing them to identify specific conditions that exacerbate ozone formation. They found that high temperatures, stagnant air, and intense sunlight significantly increased ozone levels, particularly in urban and industrialized regions where emissions of VOCs and NOₓ were high. The findings demonstrated that prolonged heat waves, combined with these conditions, could lead to harmful ozone episodes.
In addition to quantifying these relationships, Dr. Singh’s team developed predictive models to help anticipate days of high ozone pollution based on forecasted weather conditions. This proactive approach provided Environment Canada with tools to issue timely advisories and mitigate health impacts by informing the public and vulnerable populations about potential risks.
The results of Dr. Singh’s work contributed to Environment Canada’s air quality management strategies by underscoring the need for adaptive policies that consider climate variability and its effects on ozone formation. His expertise provided a foundation for evidence-based actions, such as adjusting emission regulations and improving public awareness, to address the public health challenges posed by ground-level ozone in Eastern Canada.
Air Quality in Peel Region
Dr. Rakesh Singh served as the Technical Lead for an extensive air quality evaluation project in Peel Region, Ontario, aimed at helping the region develop a comprehensive air quality management plan. As a rapidly growing area, Peel Region faced challenges related to increasing emissions from diverse sources, including transportation, industry, residential activities, and natural sources. Dr. Singh's role was central in providing the analytical foundation and scientific guidance needed to assess current air quality conditions and project future trends.
Dr. Singh’s recommendations, based on this thorough evaluation, were instrumental in shaping Peel Region’s air quality plan. His expertise enabled the development of actionable goals and evidence-based policies aimed at reducing emissions, improving monitoring practices, and enhancing public awareness. These outcomes positioned Peel Region to address air quality challenges in a strategic, sustainable manner, ultimately contributing to healthier communities and environmental resilience in the region.
Air Quality Models for Local Air Quality Studies in BC
Dr. Rakesh Singh served as Project Manager and Technical Lead in preparing a comprehensive report for the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD), British Columbia, to assess the appropriateness and feasibility of various air quality models for local-scale studies. The primary objective of this project was to identify the most suitable air quality modelling techniques to support GVRD’s air quality management goals. This initiative was crucial for a region like Vancouver, characterized by its unique meteorology, topography, and diverse emission sources, which require sophisticated and adaptable modelling methods for accurate air quality assessments.
Dr. Singh’s responsibilities included evaluating a range of air quality models, from basic screening tools to advanced photochemical and dispersion models, to determine their effectiveness in simulating pollutant behaviour at local, neighbourhood, and community levels. His approach involved a detailed analysis of model capabilities, including their ability to account for Vancouver’s complex interplay of marine, urban, and mountainous environments, which influence pollutant dispersion and concentration levels across the region. By examining each model's strengths, limitations, data requirements, and technical feasibility, Dr. Singh provided a targeted assessment to support informed decision-making.
Dr. Singh’s report also included an evaluation of model adaptability for scenarios involving long-range transport, episodic pollution events, and seasonal variations—all critical elements of air quality dynamics in the Vancouver area. Furthermore, he provided guidance on model calibration, validation techniques, and best practices for input data collection, including local meteorological and emissions data, to ensure that modeling results would be robust and reliable for policy applications.
The findings and recommendations from Dr. Singh’s work have been integral to GVRD’s air quality management strategy, providing a solid foundation for selecting and implementing modeling tools that accurately capture air pollution patterns at various scales. His work has enabled GVRD to adopt air quality models that support proactive and evidence-based air quality interventions tailored to the unique needs of Greater Vancouver’s communities, advancing public health and environmental quality initiatives across the region.
Air Quality Study in Central Ontario
Dr. Rakesh Singh played a key role in an extensive air quality assessment study spanning central Ontario, which included urban centers from Long Point in the south, through the Niagara, Hamilton, and Waterloo regions, and extending east of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). This region-wide analysis was designed to evaluate air quality across diverse urban environments, examining nine selected centers as case studies. The purpose of these case studies was to provide a multifaceted assessment of air quality, comparing insights from cities in highly industrialized nations with those from developing urban contexts, thus addressing a spectrum of environmental, economic, and public health challenges.