framework responses to ambient air quality levels
Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development will lead air quality analysis in the region. Once ambient air quality levels are known and the primary sources and spatial extent have been defined, the need for management action will be determined. Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development will collaborate with stakeholders to choose and implement appropriate management actions from Table 7 in the framework. If, upon analysis, the ambient air quality is placed into a level due to natural events (such as wildfire) or transboundary transport, this will be taken into consideration when management actions are chosen. If natural sources are deemed to be the main influence of ambient concentrations at a particular station, no additional management action may be required.
REGIONAL MANAGEMENT RESPONSE Of the four ambient air quality levels, Level 1 is the lowest and Level 4 the highest. Management actions associated with the lower levels are intended to provide time to address ambient concentrations to avoid reaching the higher levels. Management responses accumulate as the need for response moves from Level 1 up through each level to Level 4; responses for each level include all of the responses from the preceding level(s). The stringency of management actions, compliance tools, and associated implementation timelines increase if the ambient concentrations pass into higher levels. Ambient air quality triggers for nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide are set for the annual average and upper range of the hourly data. Triggers are set lower than the ambient air quality limit. Action levels and triggers for fine particulate matter and ozone are set lower than the Canada-wide Standards.
LEVEL 1 RESPONSE: MONITORING AND REPORTING Sulphur Dioxide and Nitrogen Dioxide If management actions are deemed necessary, steps would be taken as outlined on pages 37-40. Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development will continue to manage ambient air quality: UÊ to avoid or minimize degradation wherever reasonable or possible UÊ using existing management approaches, applying policies such as pollution prevention, continuous improvement and use of appropriate technology. The primary goal at this level is ongoing monitoring of ambient air quality levels. Therefore, no additional analytical or management activities are required in Level 1, although Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, airsheds or other parties may wish, at their discretion, to undertake additional monitoring or data assessment activities. This could extend to areas where there is currently no monitoring in place.
Fine Particulate Matter and Ozone UÊ Same as for sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. UÊ Address Alberta’s initiatives for continuous improvement and keeping clean areas clean.
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