Alberta air emissions : trends and projections

This paper provided a summary of air emissions trends and projections for Alberta. Predicted regional distribution trends and industry sector emissions were presented. Historical and projected emissions included sulfur oxides (SOx) nitrogen oxide (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and ammonia (NH3). Results of the study indicated that carbon monoxide (CO) emissions were decreasing, while VOCs, NOx, SOx, PM2.5 and NH3 levels were increasing. Approximately 9 per cent of ammonia emissions were from point sources, while the majority of PM2.5 emissions were attributed to unpaved roads and construction operations. Agricultural animal operations accounted for most of the VOC source emissions in the region. Increased development of the oil sands industry is contributing to increases in VOC emissions. Increases in NH3 were attributed to growth in the agricultural sector and the increasing use of confined feeding operations in the region. Results of the study indicated that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Alberta will keep increasing as a result of Alberta's growing economy. It was concluded that emissions from other industrial sectors are also expected to increase. In 2005, Alberta's total GHG emissions were 233 megatonnes of CO2 equivalent, of which 168 megatonnes were attributed to industry. Results were presented in both graph and tabular formats. 3 tabs., 25 figs