Air Quality in the Prairies

Current air quality conditions for the prairie provinces.

Manitoba

Air quality in Manitoba is generally good, with the exception of local issues relating to industrial sources or vehicle emissions. Manitoba relies heavily on clean hydro-electricity, so its per capita carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions are lower than those of the other two Prairie provinces .

However, two large metal smelters are significant sources of sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and mercury. As well, emissions from intensive livestock operations (ILOs) are a growing concern in Manitoba . Among other compounds, ILOs emit significant quantities of ammonia (NH₃), a particulate matter (PM) precursor.

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan is a major producer and user of fossil fuels. Saskatchewan is Canada 's second largest oil producer, and third largest natural gas and coal producer. Saskatchewan is the second highest per capita emitter of CO₂ as a result of its fossil fuel production and its heavy reliance on coal for electricity.

Air quality in Saskatchewan is generally good; however, dust from wind-blown soils, and smoke from the burning of crop residue periodically cause elevated levels of PM. Road dust from the many unpaved roads is also a contributor to PM. As well, emissions from ILOs are a concern in Saskatchewan .

Alberta

Alberta is Canada 's " Energy Province ," accounting for 69 per cent of all energy produced in Canada . As a result, Alberta is a major emitter of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and criteria air contaminants. Alberta is Canada 's primary producer of oil (55%), natural gas (80%) and coal (49%).

A large proportion of Alberta 's oil and natural gas is exported to the United States and to the rest of Canada . Some 13 per cent of Alberta 's oil and 31 per cent of Alberta 's natural gas are exported to the rest of Canada , while 61 per cent of its oil and 46 per cent of its natural gas are exported to the United States . Alberta provides about 10 per cent of the U.S. market for both natural gas and oil.

The province emits about 30 per cent of the CO₂, 26 per cent of the nitrogen oxides (NO_X) and 23 per cent of the SO₂ generated in Canada . Canada-wide, the upstream oil and gas sector produces about 7 per cent of Canada's GHGs, 12 per cent of its NO_X emissions and 12 per cent of its sulphur oxides (SO_X) output.

Flaring -- the burning off of industrial waste gases -- is used for worker and public safety; however, it is a significant source of toxic air pollutants such as benzene and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and hydrogen sulphide.

The majority of Canada 's natural gas dehydrators are located in Alberta , and these account for a significant portion of Canada 's benzene emissions.

Ozone levels in Edmonton are close to the Canada-wide Standards level. As well, emissions from ILOs are a growing concern in Alberta.

For more information visit Alberta's on-line air quality data website.