CASA

 

 

FAQ     Online Calendar     eNews Sign Up    


Home » Air Quality

Air Quality

Quick Links:

Current air quality

Air quality is important to Albertans. The Clean Air Strategic Alliance (CASA), regional airshed zones, Alberta Environment and other organizations are working together to improve air quality in Alberta. This section will tell you about air quality, who monitors it, what you can do if a monitoring program is not operating in your area, and how to find out more.

What is air quality?

The quality of the air is dependent on the rate at which pollutants are emitted into the atmosphere and the ability of the atmosphere to disperse these pollutants. The movement and dispersion of air pollutants is controlled by wind, temperature, turbulence and the changes in these elements caused by local topography (mountains and valleys).

Air pollutants are substances such as carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, ozone, sulphur dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, total reduced sulphur, particulate matter (such as dust and smoke), hydrocarbons and ammonia.

Air pollutants come from many sources. Industrial sources such as energy and manufacturing facilities are considered point sources. Automobiles and residences are considered area sources.

Monitoring air quality

Monitoring stations measure the outdoor ambient air quality. Data from a number of stations, collected over time are used to determine air quality in a particular area. Several different methods and techniques are used but continuous and passive monitoring equipment are commonly used in Alberta.

All monitoring data undergoes quality control and quality assurance procedures. The data is then posted to the Alberta Ambient Air Data Management System (AAADMS) web site at http://www.casadata.org/ (CASA Data Warehouse).

Province-wide monitoring

The Alberta monitoring network provides core information for the evaluation of long-term trends and inter-relationships of air quality in the province. Alberta Environment is responsible for conducting province-wide monitoring.

Regional airshed zones

Airshed zones are established as a means of dealing with air quality issues in a specific region. At present there are seven airshed zones operating in Alberta. Two more zones are organizing: the Alberta Capital Airshed Zone and the Calgary Regional Airshed Zone.

Stakeholders in a local region drive the establishment of an airshed zone. CASA provides the framework within which an airshed zone functions although it operates independently as a non-profit society or association. Airshed zones are consensus-based and support the CASA vision.

Passive and/or continuous ambient air quality monitoring is conducted in each airshed zone and is funded by the partners in the airshed zone.

Concerned about the air quality in your area?

The Environmental Law Centre (ELC) has created the Community Action on Air Quality package. The package provides information on setting up environmental monitoring training programs and community monitoring groups. It is available as a free download or for purchase in print by calling the ELC at 1-800-661-4238.

 Alberta Environment is able to monitor air quality anywhere in Alberta accessible from a road through the use of its Mobile Air Monitoring Laboratory (MAML). The MAML responds to air quality concerns from a community and identifies potential problem areas. 

 Have a Complaint about Air Quality?

Alberta Environment operates a 24-hour Environment Hotline. If you witness or have information about a potential environmental emergency or a complaint, call 1-800-222-6514. You will not be identified to anyone.

 Air Quality and Your Health

Health Link Alberta  is a 24 hour a day, 7 day a week telephone advice and health information service. If you are concerned that your health is being impacted by air quality, you can get health advice by calling from anywhere in the province:

  • Calgary Health Region –403-943-5465
  • Capital Health Region –780-408-5465
  • Toll-Free – 1-866-408-5465

 Air Quality and Ecosystem Health

To learn more about the effects of air quality on the environment, contact Alberta Environment.