Air Quality Management System
Last updated on October 4, 2017The Air Quality Management System (AQMS) is a management system to protect human health and the environment. It does this through:
- new Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) for fine particulates and ozone,
- new Base-Level Industrial Emission Requirements for major industries and some equipment types,
- air zone management that supports actions to improve air quality and keep clean areas clean,
- enhanced coordination where air pollution crosses jurisdictional borders, and
- increased collaboration on actions to reduce transportation emissions.
For more information on AQMS and how it is being implemented in B.C., see the Air Quality Management System fact sheet (PDF).
Air Zone Management
As part of the province’s commitments under AQMS, seven air zones have been identified. Air zones are areas that typically exhibit similar air quality characteristics, issues and trends, and are the basis for monitoring, reporting and taking action under AQMS. For information on achievement of the national air quality standards and management levels in a map-based format, visit Environmental Reporting BC’s environmental indicators.
Reports
Beginning in 2015, annual air zone reports are being prepared for each air zone where sufficient monitoring data are available. These reports describe achievement of the national air quality standards, assignment of management levels to guide the level of response, and actions underway or planned to improve air quality.