Monitoring air quality gives us a better understanding of the sources, movements and effects of substances in the air. The Clean Air Act, which provides the basis for our monitoring activity, is the legal authority for controlling sources of air emissions within the province, and enables New Brunswickers to play a more active role in commenting on regulatory issues, including monitoring results and/or interpretations based on monitoring data.
In administering the Clean Air Act, the Department of Environment and Local Government is guided by specific objectives or standards that limit emission levels.
The Clean Air Act recognizes the growing interest of New Brunswickers in air quality issues by providing for public participation in the process of developing Air Quality Approvals for the province's major industries. Further, it requires the Department of Environment and Local Government to provide the public with increased access to information, including monitoring data. The Clean Air Act also provides for public participation opportunities in the setting of air quality objectives.