What actions are being taken?
The downward trends in nitrogen dioxide levels in urban centers is mainly a result of improvements in industrial and vehicle emission controls. It is anticipated that nitrogen dioxide levels will continue to decline again as technology improves and alternate fuel sources are explored.
A working group of the Clean Air Strategic Alliance reviewed nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, from industrial sectors, to ensure that adequate guidelines were in place and that there was no danger of acid deposition effects. The resulting report is entitled 'Inventory of NOx emissions and control technologies in Alberta's upstream oil and gas industry'. It shows the extent to which cleaner technologies are now used in Alberta's upstream oil and gas industry.
In Alberta, acidifying emissions (including nitrogen dioxide) are managed under the Acid Deposition Management Framework. This framework is based on four levels of acid deposition, each corresponding to specific actions, or management practices. An updated report on nitrogen dioxide emissions is prepared and evaluated every five years to ensure that Alberta's targets are met. The 2004 acid deposition assessment was completed in 2006 and the final report and recommendations are available on Alberta Environment’s Acid Deposition Management website. Included in the 2004 assessment was a review of the Acid Deposition Management Framework and the addition of regional applications. The next acid deposition assessment will begin in 2009.
Alberta has three Air Quality Objectives for nitrogen dioxide: a one-hour objective of 212 parts per billion, a 24-hour objective of 106 parts per million, and a mean annual objective of 32 parts per billion.
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