Leaded aviation fuel safety concerns for the community

Petition: 515

Issue(s): Air quality; Corporate social responsibility; Human/environmental health; Toxic substances; Transport

Petitioner(s): A Canadian organization

Petitioner location(s): Qualicum Beach, British Columbia

Date received: 28 June 2024

Status: Reply pending / Replies pending

Summary: The petition raises concerns about aviation fuel containing lead. The petition highlights that lead has been eliminated in car fuel, paint, and pipes, and it references a Government of Canada statement that air travel is a main source of lead in the air. The petition claims that avgas, the main fuel used by smaller airplanes at most airports, still contains lead and is a major pollution source in communities. The petition emphasizes that lead is a health risk, particularly for children, and poses a serious health risk to children living and attending school near an airport. The petition notes that more than 1,000 residents live and work within 3 kilometres of Qualicum Beach Airport, British Columbia. The petition also states that an elementary school is under the approved flight path and that a public dog park attended by the community is 90 metres away from the airport runway.

The petition notes that unleaded fuels have been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration in the United States and are safe to use in most smaller airplanes. The petition questions why Canada continues to allow leaded aviation fuel when unleaded options exist. The petition requests that the Government of Canada prioritize the authorization of unleaded fuel options for airports and pilots. Additionally, the petition requests that Transport Canada work with local airport authorities, municipal governments, and communities when requests are proposed to change flight paths to reduce flights over populated areas.

Federal departments/organizations responsible for reply: Environment and Climate Change Canada; Transport Canada