Air Quality Regulatory Framework

Objectives & Standards

Air quality objectives are limits on the acceptable presence of contaminants in the atmosphere. These are established by government agencies to protect human health and the environment. Objectives and standards are used to guide air management decisions.

Legislation & Regulations

Air quality in B.C. is managed through a range of provincial acts and regulations (laws). The federal government also plays an important role, along with regional and municipal governments.

The Environmental Management Act and the Waste Discharge Regulation are the principal pieces of legislation for air quality and other environmental issues in British Columbia. These regulations set conditions on how certain classes of activities (e.g., a type of industry or business) may be undertaken.

Review the Legislation & Regulation page to learn about  the number of regulations that touch on air quality issues and how the different levels of government are involved.