Canada - United States
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Progress Report 2018
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The International Joint Commission Requests
Your Comments on This Report
The Canada-U.S. Air Quality Agreement directs the International Joint Commission (IJC) to invite public
comments on progress reports prepared by the Air Quality Committee and provide a synthesis of
comments to the Governments of Canada and the United States in order to assist them with
implementing the Agreement.
The IJC is interested in your views on the draft 2018 Progress Report reflecting the Governments'
important work being carried out under the Agreement:
What do you think about the ongoing efforts of our two countries to address transboundary air quality?
What issues do you think should have the highest priority?
What do you think about the information provided in this report?
The IJC invites you to send written comments on this draft progress report until June 30, 2021, using one
of the following methods:
1. Online at www.iic.ora/en/what/enaaaement/consultations
2. Email at AirQualitv@ottawa.iic.ora
3. Mail at:
Canadian Section United States Section
Secretary, Canadian Section Secretary, U.S. Section
International Joint Commission International Joint Commission
234 Laurier Avenue West, 22nd Floor 1717 H Street NW, Suite 835
Ottawa, ON K1P 6K6 Washington, DC 20006
United States spelling is used throughout this report except when referring to Canadian titles.
ISSN 1910-5223
Cat. No.: En85-1E-PDF
Unless otherwise specified, you may not reproduce these materials in this publication in whole or part,
for the purposes of commercial redistribution without prior written permission from Environment and
Climate Change Canada's copyright administrator. To obtain permission to reproduce Government of
Canada materials for commercial purposes, apply for Crown Copyright Clearance by contacting:
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Public Inquiries Centre
7th Floor, Fontaine Building
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Telephone: 819-997-2800
Toll Free: 1-800-668-6767 (in Canada only)
Email: ec.enviroinfo.ec@canada.ca
© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, represented by the Minister of the Environment
and Climate Change Canada, 2020
Canada - United States Air Quality Agreement Progress Report
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLE iv
INTRODUCTION 1
ACID RAIN ANNEX 2
Acid Deposition Trends 3
Acid Rain Commitments and Emission Reductions 4
S02Emission Reductions 4
NOx Emission Reductions 6
Preventing Air Quality Deterioration and Protecting Visibility 9
Emissions/Compliance Monitoring 11
OZONE ANNEX 13
Ambient Levels of Ozone in the Border Region 14
Emissions and Emission Trends in the PEMA 18
Actions to Address Ozone 22
SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL
COOPERATION AND RESEARCH 25
Emission Inventories and Trends 25
Scientific Cooperation 28
Air Quality Model Evaluation International Initiative 28
Collaborative Projects on Nitrogen and Sulfur Deposition 30
CONCLUSION 31
APPENDIX A:
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS 32
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LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLE
FIGURES
Figure 1. 1990 Annual Wet Sulfate Deposition 3
Figure 2. 2017 Annual Wet Sulfate Deposition 3
Figure 3. 1990 Annual Wet Nitrate Deposition 3
Figure 4. 2017 Annual Wet Nitrate Deposition 3
Figure 5. Total Canadian S02 Emissions, 1990-2017 4
Figure 6. S02 Emissions from CSAPR and ARP Sources, 1980-2017 6
Figure 7. Annual NOx Emissions from CSAPR and ARP Sources, 1990-2017 8
Figure 8. Annual Average Standard Visual Range (km) 2000-2004 10
Figure 9. Annual Average Standard Visual Range (km) 2013-2017 11
Figure 10. Ozone Annex Pollutant Emission Management Area (PEMA) 14
Figure 11. Ozone Concentrations along the United States-Canada Border
(Three-Year Average of the Fourth-highest Daily Maximum 8-hour Concentration), 2015-2017 15
Figure 12. Annual Average Fourth-Highest Daily Maximum 8-hour Ozone Concentration for Sites
within 500 km of the United States-Canada Border, 1995-2017 16
Figure 13. Average Ozone Season (May-September) 1-hour NOx Concentrations for Sites
within 500 km of the United States-Canada Border, 1995-2017 16
Figure 14. Average Ozone Season (May-September) 24-hour VOC Concentrations for Sites
within 500 km of the United States-Canada Border, 1995-2017 17
Figure 15. Canada NOx Emission Trends in the PEMA Region, 1990-2017 19
Figure 16. Canada VOC Emission Trends in the PEMA Region, 1990-2017 20
Figure 17. U.S. NOx Emission Trends in PEMA States, 1990-2017 21
Figure 18. U.S. VOC Emission Trends in PEMA States, 1990-2017 21
Figure 19. U.S. and Canadian National Emissions by Sector for Selected Pollutants, 2017 26
Figure 20. National S02 Emissions in the United States and Canada from All Sources, 1990-2017 27
Figure 21. National NOx Emissions in the United States and Canada from All Sources, 1990- 2017 27
Figure 22. National VOC Emissions in the United States and Canada from All Sources, 1990- 2017 28
TABLES
Table 1. PEMA Emissions, 2017 18
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INTRODUCTION
In 1991, the United States and Canada established an Air Quality Agreement (Agreement) to address transboundary
air pollution. The Agreement initially focused on reducing levels of acid deposition, or acid rain, in each country,
and in 2000, the Agreement was amended to also address ground-level ozone. A bilateral Air Quality Committee,
established in the Agreement, is required to issue a report every two years, highlighting progress on the
commitments included in the Agreement and describing the continued efforts by both countries to address
transboundary air pollution. This is the 14th such progress report under the Agreement.
Working collaboratively under the Agreement, both countries have made remarkable progress in reducing acid rain
and controlling ozone in the transboundary region, improving the environment and achieving better air quality for
citizens in the United States and Canada. Significant reductions in emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO.), nitrogen oxides
(NO.), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have resulted from regulatory and non-regulatory programs—some
of which are specifically designed to meet commitments set in the Agreement—implemented by both countries.
In addition, the Agreement has provided a mechanism, in the form of work plans, for cooperation on the development
and implementation of harmonized regulations to reduce vehicle and engine emissions and for addressing
emissions from the oil and gas sector.
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ACID RAIN ANNEX
Acid deposition, more commonly known as acid rain, occurs when emissions of S02 and NOx, from power plants,
vehicles, and other sources, react in the atmosphere (with water, oxygen, and oxidants) to form various acidic
compounds that exist in either a wet form (rain, snow, or fog) or a dry form (gases and particles). These acidic
compounds can harm aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems (particularly forests); affect human health; impair visibility;
and damage automotive finishes, buildings, bridges and monuments.
The Acid Rain Annex to the 1991 Agreement established commitments by both countries to reduce emissions
of S02 and NOx, the primary precursors to acid rain, from stationary and mobile sources. The Agreement also
included provisions aimed at the prevention of air quality deterioration, protection of visibility, and continuous
monitoring of emissions. Reductions in S02 and NOx emissions in both Canada and the United States between
1990 and 2017 have led to major decreases in the wet deposition of sulfate and nitrate over the eastern half of the
two countries. Implementation of various regulatory and non-regulatory actions for more than two decades in
Canada has significantly reduced emissions of S02 and NOx and ambient concentrations. Similar implementation,
especially regulatory programs in the electric power sector, has significantly reduced emissions of S02 and NOx
and ambient concentrations in the United States as well.
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ACID DEPOSITION TRENDS
Wet deposition of sulfate and nitrate is measured by precipitation chemistry monitoring networks in Canada and
the United States. The measurement data, presented in kilograms per hectare per year (kg/ha/yr), are the basis for
binational spatial wet deposition maps.
Figures 1 and 2 show the spatial patterns of annual wet sulfate deposition of non-sea-salt sulfate, which is
measured sulfate with the contribution of sea salt sulfate removed, in 1990 and 2017, respectively, along with point
values at sites in less densely measured regions. Figures 3 and 4 show the patterns of wet nitrate deposition for the
same years, The lower Great Lakes region consistently received the highest wet deposition of both sulfate and
nitrate in the 28-year period. Sulfate deposition in 1990 exceeded 26 kg/ha/yr over a large area of eastern North
America, while in 2017, no areas in North America received more than 10 kg/ha/yr of sulfate. Similarly, nitrate
deposition exceeded 19 kg/ha/yr in many parts of the northeastern United States and southern Ontario and Quebec
in 1990, and in 2017, it falls below 13 kg/ha/yr throughout North America, except for a small area of eastern Lake
Erie, which is still below 16 kg/ha/yr.
Figure 1, 1990 Annual Wet Sulfate Deposition Figure 2. 2017 Annual Wet Sulfate Deposition
Sources: The Canadian National Atmospheric Chemistry
Database and Analysis Facility (www.canada.ca/en/
environment-climate-change/services/air-pollution/monitoring-
networks-data/national-atmospheric-chemistry-database-html)
and the United States National Atmospheric Deposition Program
(http://nadp.slh.wisc.eduA
Sources: The Canadian National Atmospheric
Chemistry Database and Analysis Facility
(www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-chanae/
services/air-pollution/monitorino-networks-data/
national-atmospheric-chemistrv-database.html) and the
United States National Atmospheric Deposition Program
(httD://nadp.slh.wisc.edu/y
Sources: The Canadian National Atmospheric Chemistry
Database and Analysis Facility (WWW.canada.ca/en/environment-
climate-change/services/air-Dollution/monitoring-networks-
data/national-atmospheric-chemistrv-database.html) and the
United States National Atmospheric Deposition Program
(http://nadp.slh.wisc.edu/).
Sources: The Canadian National Atmospheric
Chemistry Database and Analysis Facility
(www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/
services/air-pollution/monitoring-net works-data/
national-atmospheric-chemistrv-database.html') and the
United States^ National Atmospheric Deposition Program
(http://nadp.slh.wisc.edu/').
Figure 3. 1990 Annual Wet Nitrate Deposition Figure 4. 2017 Annual Wet Nitrate Deposition
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ACID RAIN COMMITMENTS
AND EMISSION REDUCTIONS
S02 Emission Reductions
* CANADA
Actions driving S02 emission reductions include the implementation of the Canada-Wide Acid Rain Strategy for
Post-2000, which serves as the framework for addressing the issues related to acid rain. The goal of the strategy is
to ensure that the deposition of acidifying pollutants does not further deteriorate the environment in eastern
Canada and that new acid rain problems do not occur elsewhere in Canada.
Canada has met its commitments to reduce S02 in the Agreement. In 2017, Canada's total S02 emissions were
approximately 955 thousand metric tons (1.05 million short tons1), about 71 percent below the national cap of 3.2
million metric tons (3.5 million short tons). The 2017 emissions level also represents a 69 percent reduction from
Canada's total S02 emissions of 3.1 million metric tons (3.4 million short tons) in 1990 (see Figure 5).
Figure 5. Total Canadian S02 Emissions, 1990-2017
National SO, Cap: 3,2 million metric tonnes
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The largest contribution of S02 emissions originates from three industrial sectors: non-ferrous smelting and
refining; coal-fired electric power generation; and the upstream oil and gas, which includes the exploration and
production of crude oil. These three sectors accounted for 75 percent of national S02 emissions in 2017. The majority
of overall reductions in national S02 emission levels can be attributed to the S02 emission reduction actions undertaken
by the province of Ontario, mainly from the permanent closure of coal-fired electric power generation facilities.
Although Canada has been successful in reducing these acidifying pollutants, many areas across Canada are still
exposed to concentrations that exceed the capacity of the soils and surface waters to neutralize the acidic deposition,
most notably in eastern Canada. A number of measures are being undertaken to reduce S02 and NOx emissions
from certain industrial sectors as part of Canada's Air Quality Management System (AQMS), which will also reduce
the impact of acidifying pollutants on soils and surface waters.
1 One metric ton is equal to 1,1 short tons,
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UNITED STATES
The United States has met its commitment to reduce S02 emissions. The national Acid Rain Program (ARP), the
regional Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR), the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), and the CSAPR Update were
designed to reduce emissions of S02 and NOx from the electric power sector. Since 1995, S02 emissions have fallen
significantly under these programs. These reductions occurred while the demand for electricity remained relatively
stable and were the result of continued increases in efficiency, installation of state-of-the-art pollution controls, and
the switch to lower emitting fuels. Most of the power sector emission reductions since 2005 were from early reduction
incentives and stricter emission cap levels under CAIR. The CAIR S02 program began on January 1,2010, and was
replaced by the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) S02 program on January 1,2015.2 In May 2017, implementation
of the CSAPR update began to further reduce seasonal NOx emissions.3
Electric generating units in the ARP emitted 1.2 million short tons (1.1 million metric tons) of S02 in 2017, well below
the ARP's statutory annual cap of 8.95 million short tons (8.1 million metric tons). ARP sources reduced emissions
by 14.4 million short tons (13.1 million metric tons, or 92 percent) from 1990 levels and 16 million short tons
(14.5 million metric tons, or 93 percent) from 1980 levels (see Figure 6).
In 2017, sources in the CSAPR S02 program and the ARP collectively reduced S02 emissions by 10.0 million short
tons (9.1 million metric tons, or 89 percent) from 2000 levels, and 8.9 million short tons (8.1 million metric tons), or
87 percent from 2005 levels (before implementation of CAIR and CSAPR). All ARP and CSAPR sources emitted a
total of 1.3 million short tons (1.2 million metric tons) of S02 in 2017.
Annual S02 emissions from sources in the regional CSAPR S02 program alone fell from 7.7 million short tons
(7.0 million metric tons) in 2005 to 0.8 million short tons (0.7 million metric tons) in 2017, a 90 percent reduction.
In 2017, S02 emissions were about 1.2 million short tons (1.1 million metric tons) below the regional CSAPR
emission budget.
In addition to the electric power generation sector, emission reductions from other sources not affected by the ARP
or CSAPR, including industrial and commercial boilers and refining, have contributed to an overall reduction in
annual S02 emissions. National S02 emissions from all sources fell from 23.1 million short tons (20.9 million metric
tons) in 1990 to 2.7 million short tons (2.4 million metric tons) in 2017, a reduction of 88 percent.
2 See www.epa.gov/csapr for more information on the CSAPR program,
3 See www.epa.gov/airmarkets/final-cross-state-air-pollution-rule-update for more information on the CSAPR Update,
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Figure 6. S02 Emissions from CSAPR and ARP Sources, 1980-2017
20
1980 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2017
All ARP units, including future CSAPR S02 units ARP units covered by the CSAPR S02 Program
ARP units not covered by the CSAPR S02 Program CSAPR S02 units not in ARP
Notes: For CSAPR units not in the ARP, the 2015 annual SO, emissions were applied retroactively for each pre-CSAPR
year following the year in which the unit began operating. There are a small number of sources in CSAPR but not in ARP.
Emissions from these sources comprise about 1 percent of total emissions and are not easily visible on the full chart.
Source: EPA, 2019
NOv Emission Reductions
A
* CANADA
Canada has met its commitment to reduce NOx emissions from power plants, major combustion sources, and metal
smelting operations by 100,000 metric tons (110,000 short tons) below the forecasted level of 970,000 metric tons
(1.1 million short tons). This commitment is based on a 1985 forecast of 2005 NOx emissions.
Emissions of NOxfrom all industrial sources, including from electric power generation, totaled 772,4744 metric tons
(851,505 short tons) in 2017. Transportation sources contributed 52 percent of total Canadian NOx emissions in 2017,
with the remainder produced by the upstream petroleum industry (26 percent), electric power generation facilities
(8 percent), and other sources. Canada continues to develop programs to further reduce NOx emissions nationwide.
In June 2016, Canada published the Multi-sector Air Pollutants Regulations to limit NOx emissions from industrial
boilers, heaters, and stationary gaseous fuel-fired engines; and NOx and S02 emissions from cement manufacturing
facilities. The regulations establish mandatory national air pollutant emissions standards for major industrial
facilities. The regulations will significantly reduce emissions that contribute to acid rain and smog. ECCC analysis
predicts that the regulations will result in a reduction of 2.0 million metric tons (2.2 million short tons) of NOx
emissions in the first 19 years (equivalent to taking all passenger cars and trucks off the road for about 12 years).
These industrial emission requirements are a key element of Canada's AQMS.
4 Total includes NO,, emissions from the following sources: ore and mineral industries, oil and gas industry, electric power generation
and manufacturing,
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On January 2020, emission intensity limits for NOx and S02 for cement manufacturing facilities entered into force.
NOx emission intensity limits for new stationary gaseous fuel-fired engines (>75 kW) came into force in 2016. Limits
for existing stationary gaseous fuel-fired engines (> 250 kW) will be phased-in starting in 2021, with final limits in
force by 2026. The regulations provide multiple compliance options for regulatees to achieve the limit. Finally,
regulated limits were established for new and existing industrial gaseous fuel-fired boilers and heaters (> 10.5GJ/
hour). As of June 2019, emission intensity limits are fully in force for modern and transitional boilers and heaters.
Limits will be phased in for pre-existing boilers and heaters based on their current classification. These limits must
be met by 2026 for Class 80 boilers and heaters and by 2036, for Class 70 boilers and heaters. Most regulatees
have registered (engines, boilers and heaters) or completed the first reporting requirements (cement).
UNITED STATES
The United States has met its commitment to reduce NOx emissions, To address NOx emissions, the ARP NOx program
requires emission reductions through a rate-based approach on certain coal-fired power plants, while CSAPR
achieves emission reductions through a market-based, emission trading program from fossil fuel-fired power plants,
Overall, NOx emissions have declined dramatically under the ARP, the former NOx Budget Trading Program (NBP),
the CAIR NOx program, and the CSAPR program, with the majority of reductions coming from coal-fired units, Other
programs—such as regional and state NOx emission control programs—also contributed significantly to the annual
NOx emission reductions achieved by sources in 2017,
In 2017, sources in both the CSAPR NOx program and the ARP reduced NOx emissions by 5,4 million short tons
(4,9 million metric tons) or 84 percent from 1990 levels, 4,1 million short tons (3,7 million metric tons) or 80 percent
from 2000 levels, and 2,6 million short tons (2,4 million metric tons) or 72 percent from 2005 levels, Together, all ARP
and CSAPR sources emitted a total of 1,1 million short tons of NOx in 2017 (see Figure 7),
Annual NOx emissions from sources in the CSAPR NOx program alone fell from 2,3 million short tons (2,1 million
metric tons) in 2005 to 580,000 short tons (530,000 metric tons) in 2017, a 75 percent reduction, For more detailed
information on the United States NOx programs, see www.epa.gov/airmarkets.
In addition to ARP and CSAPR, other NOx ozone season and annual programs, as well as state NOx emission control
programs, contributed significantly to the NOx reductions that sources achieved in 2017, Annual NOx emissions from
the power sector as well as all other sources fell from 25,2 million short tons (22,8 million metric tons) in 1990 to
10,7 million short tons (9,7 million metric tons) in 2017, a reduction of 58 percent,
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Figure 7. Annual NOx Emissions from CSAPR and ARP Sources, 1990-2017
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ARP units also in CSPAR NOx annual program
CSAPR NO annual units not in ARP
Notes: For CSAPR units not in the ARP, the 2015 annual NO., emissions were applied retroactively for each pre-CSAPR
year following the year in which the unit began operating. There are a small number of sources in CSAPR but not in ARP.
Emissions from these sources comprise about 1 percent of total emissions and are not easily visible on the full chart.
Source: EPA, 2019
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Preventing Air Quality Deterioration and Protecting Visibility
Canada
Canada has continued to address the commitment to prevent air quality deterioration and ensure visibility protection
by implementing the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA1999) and the Impact Assessment Act, 2019
and by following the principles of "continuous improvement" and "keeping clean areas clean". These principles
underpin Canada's AQMS and the associated Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS).
The British Columbia Visibility Coordinating Committee (BCVCC) continues to work towards developing a visibility
management framework for the Lower Fraser Valley (LFV) in southwest British Columbia. Modeling work by
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has further strengthened scientific understanding of visual
air quality, including the development of a statistical model to estimate light extinction from routine air quality
measurements and investigations of the visibility impact of emission reduction scenarios. This modeling work
has guided policy decisions to improve visual air quality.
The British Columbia Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy partnered with Metro Vancouver to
commission a Sustainability Scholar from the University of British Columbia to develop a research report regarding
LFV visual air quality. The recently completed report synthesizes findings of the LFV Visual Air Quality Pilot Study,
which also provides the basis for completing the final BCVCC report. Thorough data analysis will be conducted,
and the final BCVCC report will be completed with overall findings and recommendations. A BCVCC meeting is
planned for 2020, at which time the data analysis results will be presented and future activities will be discussed.
The report for the pilot study can be found at: https://sustain.ubc.ca/sites/default/files/2019-37 Lower%20
Fraser%20Vallev%20Visual%20Air RavaniCecato.pdf.
United States
The United States continues to address its commitment to air quality and visibility protection through several Clean
Air Act programs, including New Source Review (NSR) and the Regional Flaze Program. The NSR program requires
that new or modified sources obtain pre-construction permits in areas that meet the National Ambient Air Quality
Standards (NAAQS) (i.e., attainment areas) and in areas that exceed the NAAQS (i.e. nonattainment areas).
Nonattainment area NSR permits for major sources require air pollution controls that represent the lowest achievable
emission rate (LAER) and emissions offsets. Emissions offsets are actual emission reductions, generally obtained
from sources in the vicinity of a proposed source or modification, that offset the proposed emissions increase and
provide a net air quality benefit.
NSR permits for major sources in attainment areas are known as prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) permits
and require air pollution controls that represent the best available control technology (BACT), as well as a demonstration
that the project's emissions will not cause or contribute to a violation of any NAAQS or PSD increments. The PSD
program also protects the air quality and visibility in Class I areas (i.e., national parks exceeding 6,000 acres and
wilderness areas exceeding 5,000 acres). The NSR program also requires pre-construction permits for smaller
sources of air pollution by way of the minor NSR program. Requirements for getting a minor NSR permit are
generally less prescriptive than the requirements for a major NSR permit.
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The Clean Air Act established the goal of improving visibility in the nation's 156 Class I areas and returning these
areas to visibility conditions that existed before human-caused air pollution. In January 2017, EPA issued a final rule
updating the Regional Haze Program, including revising portions of the visibility protection rule promulgated in
1980 and the Regional Haze Rule promulgated in 1999, The Regional Haze Program is divided into iterative 10-year
implementation periods with the goal of achieving natural conditions by 2064. The CAA requires states to develop a
long-term strategy for making "reasonable progress" toward the national visibility goal, The first required plans had
to primarily address a one-time best available retrofit technology (BART) requirement that applied to certain older,
larger stationary sources of visibility impairing pollutants. The first and subsequent plans must include measures
necessary to make reasonable progress toward the national goal. Additional information on EPAs Regional Haze
Program can be found at www.epa.aov/visibilitv.
Figures 8 and 9 show the annual average "standard visual range" (the farthest distance a large, dark object can
be seen during daylight hours) within the United States for the period 2000-2004 and 2013-2017, respectively. This
distance is calculated using fine and coarse particle data from the IMPROVE network. Increased particle pollution
reduces the visual range, Between 2000-2004 and 2013-2017, the visual range increased throughout the United States
with the largest increase occuring in the eastern United States. The visual range under naturally occurring conditions
without human-caused pollution in the United States is typically 50-90 miles (80-140 kilometers [km]) in the east
and 110-150 miles (180-240 km) in the west. Additional information on the IMPROVE program and visibility in U.S.
National Parks can be found at http://vista.cira.colostate.edu/improve/.
Figure 8, Annual Average Standard Visual Range (km) 2000-2004
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Figure 9. Annual Average Standard Visual Range (km) 2013-2017
• IMPROVE sites
Source: U.S. NPS, 2019 (data from IMPROVE website: http://vista.cira.colostate.edu/improve/
Emissions/Compliance Monitoring
Commitments in the Agreement require Canada and the United States to apply continuous emissions monitoring or
methods of comparable effectiveness to certain electric utility units. Both countries meet these commitments by
using continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS) and rigorous reporting programs. Canada and the
United States each monitor more than 90 percent of eligible S02 emissions with CEMS.
Canada
Canada continues to meet its commitment to monitor and estimate emissions of NOx and S02 from new and existing
electric utility units with a capacity rating greater than 25 megawatts. CEMS, or other comparable monitoring
methods, have had widespread use in Canada's electric utility sector since the late 1990s. Currently, most new and
existing base-load fossil steam plants and natural gas turbines with high emission rates operate CEMS technology.
Coal-fired facilities, the largest source of emissions from the sector, have S02 and NOx CEMS installed at more than
93 percent of their total capacity. In addition, under Canada's National Pollutant Release Inventory, a mandatory
reporting program, electric power generating facilities are required to report their air pollutant emissions (including
NO and S02) annually. CEMS also serves as a monitoring approach to demonstrate compliance with several
aspects of the Multi-Sector Air Pollutants Regulations.
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United States
EPA has developed detailed procedures to ensure that sources monitor and report emissions with a high degree of
precision, accuracy, reliability, and consistency. Most emissions of SCX, carbon dioxide, and NOx are measured with
CEMS, which monitor important information such as the amount of pollution emitted from a smokestack (pollutant
concentration) and how fast the emissions occur. In 2018, CEMS monitored over 99 percent of S02 emissions from
CSAPR sources, including 100 percent from coal-fired units.
Additionally, other large emission sources that are equipped with pollution control devices are regulated under the
Compliance Assurance Monitoring (CAM) rule. The CAM rule includes criteria that define the monitoring, reporting,
and record keeping that should be conducted by a source to provide a reasonable assurance of compliance with
emission limitations and standards. EPA rigorously checks the completeness, quality, and integrity of monitoring
data. In addition to electronic audits, EPA conducts targeted field audits on sources that report suspect data.
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Ground-level ozone is a pollutant that forms when emissions of NO and VOCs and other pollutants react in the
atmosphere in the presence of sunlight. Cars, trucks, buses, engines, industries, power plants and products such as
solvents and paints are among the major man-made sources of ozone-forming emissions. A key component of smog,
ground-level ozone, can cause or exacerbate respiratory illnesses, and is especially harmful to young children, the
elderly, and those suffering from chronic asthma and/or bronchitis. Exposure to ground-level ozone can damage
vegetation, reduce growth, and have other harmful effects on plants and trees. This can make them more susceptible
to attack from insects and diseases and reduce their ability to withstand droughts, windstorms, and man-made
stresses such as acid rain.
The Ozone Annex, added to the Agreement in 2000, commits the United States and Canada to address transboundary
ground-level ozone by reducing emissions of NOx and VOCs, the precursors to ozone, from stationary and mobile
sources and from solvents, paints, and consumer products. The commitments apply to a defined region in both
countries known as the Pollutant Emission Management Area (PEMA), which includes central and southern Ontario,
southern Quebec, 18 states, and the District of Columbia, where emission reductions are most important for reducing
transboundary ozone (See Figure 10).
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Figure 10. Ozone Annex Pollutant Emission Management Area (PEMA)
AMBIENT LEVELS OF OZONE
IN THE BORDER REGION
Ozone concentrations, or ambient levels, in the PEMA have gradually decreased since 1995. Similarly decreasing
trends in concentrations are found for both NOx and VOCs. Regulatory and non- regulatory programs designed
to meet emissions commitments in the Ozone Annex, as well as programs designed to meet program goals for
Canada and the United States individually, have contributed to the reductions in ozone concentrations.
Figure 11 illustrates ozone concentrations in the border region—sites within 500 km (310 miles) of the United States-
Canada border. The figure shows that higher ozone levels occur near the Great Lakes and along the United States
eastern coast, The lowest values are generally found in western and eastern Canada. Levels are generally higher
within and downwind of urban areas. The figure illustrates the regional pattern of ozone concentrations. Ozone is
depicted in this figure as a 3-year average (2015-2017) of the annual fourth-highest daily maximum 8-hour
concentration, in parts per billion (ppb), by volume. Only sites that met data completeness requirements (based
upon 75 percent or more of all possible daily values during the EPA-designated ozone monitoring seasons) were
used to develop this map.
Canada - United States Air Quality Agreement Progress Report
14
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Figure 11. Ozone Concentrations along the United States-Canada Border (Three-Year Average of the Fourth-highest
Daily Maximum 8-hour Concentration), 2015-2017
Notes: Data are the 2015-2017 averages of annual fourth-highest daily values, where the daily value is the highest running 8-hour
average for the day.
Source: Environment and Climate Canada NAPS Network Canada-wide Database, 2019; (http://data.ec.aaca/data/air/monitor/
national-air-Dollution-surveillance-naps-program/). U.S. EPA Air Quality System (AGS.) Data Mart (www.epa.aov/airdata).
Figure 12 shows the trend of ozone concentrations reported as the annual average fourth-highest daily maximum
8-hour ozone concentration for sites within 500 km of the United States-Canada Border for 1995-2017. Trends of NO
X
and VOC concentrations for the same time period are shown in Figures 13 and 14. Ambient concentrations of NOx
and VOCs reflect the significant reductions in emissions of these ozone precursors. Ozone concentrations reflect
not only precursor concentrations, but also meteorological conditions for ozone formation. While some of the lowest
ozone concentration levels are associated with cool, rainy summers (2004, 2009,2014), ozone concentration levels
are mainly due to the emission reductions programs described in this report,
Canada - United States Air Quality Agreement Progress Report
15
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Figure 12. Annual Average Fourth-Highest Daily Maximum 8-hour Ozone Concentration for Sites within 500 km
of the United States-Canada Border, 1995-2017
Canada United States
Source: U.S. EPA and Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2019
Figure 13. Average Ozone Season (May-September) 1-hour NOx Concentrations for Sites within 500 km
of the United States-Canada Border, 1995-2017
Canada United States
Source: U.S. EPA and Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2019
Canada - United States Air Quality Agreement Progress Report
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Figure 14. Average Ozone Season (May-September) 24-hour VOC Concentrations for Sites within 500 km
of the United States-Canada Border, 1995-2017
Canada United States
Source: U.S. EPA and Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2019
Canada - United States Air Quality Agreement Progress Report
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EMISSIONS AND EMISSION TRENDS
IN THE PEMA
Table 1 shows 2017 Canadian and United States emissions in the PEMA. In the Canadian PEMA, the sectors that
contribute the most to the area's annual NOx emissions are on-road and non-road transportation. The sectors that
contribute the most to NOx in both the Canadian PEMA and the United States PEMA are transportation and industrial
sources. The predominant sectors that contribute to annual VOC emissions in the Canadian PEMA are solvent utilization
processes and non-industrial fuel combustion. Transportation and solvent utilization are the predominant sectors
for VOC emissions in the United States PEMA.
Table 1. PEMA Emissions, 2017
Emissions Category
2017 Annual
2017 Ozone Season
NO
X
VOCs
NO
X
VOCs
1000
Short
Tons
1000
Metric
Tons
1000
Short
Tons
1000
Metric
Tons
1000
Short
Tons
1000
Metric
Tons
1000
Short
Tons
1000
Metric
Tons
Canadian PEMA Region: Annual and Ozone Season Emissions
Industrial Sources
69
63
58
52
30
27
24
22
Non-industrial Fuel Combustion
45
41
136
123
12
11
18
16
Electric Power Generation
11
10
0
0
4
4
0
0
On-road Transportation
162
147
61
55
64
58
25
22
Non-road Transportation
125
114
71
65
61
55
28
25
Solvent Utilization
0
0
197
179
0
0
84
76
Other Anthropogenic Sources
4
4
80
72
2
2
40
36
Forest Fires
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
Biogenic Emissions
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
TOTALS
416
378
603
547
172
156
218
198
TOTALS without Forest Fires and Biogenics
416
378
603
547
172
156
218
198
U.S. PEMA States: Annual and Ozone Season Emissions
Industrial Sources
530
481
496
450
221
200
207
188
Non-industrial Fuel Combustion
315
286
185
168
131
119
77
70
Electric Power Generation
337
306
13
12
141
128
5
5
On-road Transportation
1,041
944
534
484
434
394
223
202
Non-road Transportation
796
722
674
611
332
301
281
255
Solvent Utilization
0
0
1,160
1,052
0
0
484
439
Other Anthropogenic Sources
59
54
503
456
25
23
210
191
Forest Fires
6
6
109
99
3
3
45
41
Biogenic Emissions
145
132
4,671
4,237
60
54
1,948
1,767
TOTALS
3,229
2,931
8,345
7,569
1,347
1,222
3,480
3,158
TOTALS without Forest Fires and Biogenics
3,078
2,793
3,565
3,233
1,284
1,165
1,487
1,350
Notes: Short tons and metric tons are rounded to the nearest thousand. Totals in rows may not equal the sum of the individual columns.
Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada and U.S. EPA, 2019.
Canada - United States Air Quality Agreement Progress Report
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Figures 15 and 16 show Canadian NOx and VOC PEMA emission trends for the years 1990 through 2017. For NOx,
nearly all source categories show an overall decrease in emissions with the greatest reductions originating from
electric power generation. Over the same time period, each category of VOC sources shows an overall decrease
with most of the reductions coming from non-road transportation sources, industrial sources and on-road transportation
sources. The percent decrease in emissions from 1990 to 2017 for NOx is 51 percent and for VOCs is 56 percent. The
sharp increase in NOx emissions for on-road transportation in 2002 is due to a different estimation method
beginning with that year.
Figure 15. Canada NO Emission Trends in the PEMA Region, 1990 -2017
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Non-Industrial Fuel Combustion
Non-Road Transportation
Electric Power Generation
Industrial Sources
Other Anthropogenic Sources
Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2019
Canada - United States Air Quality Agreement Progress Report
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Figure 16. Canada VOC Emission Trends in the PEMA Region, 1990-2017
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Figure 17. U.S. NOx Emission Trends in PEMA States, 1990-2017
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Non-Industrial Fuel Combustion NOx
Other Anthropogenic Sources NO
Non-Road Transportation NOx
Electric Power Generation NO
Industrial Sources NOx
Solvent Utilization NO
Source: U.S. EPA, 2019
Figure 18. U.S. VOC Emission Trends in PEMA States, 1990-2017
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Non-Road Transportation VOC
Electric Power Generation VOC
Industrial Sources VOC
Solvent Utilization VOC
Source: U.S. EPA, 2019
Canada - United States Air Quality Agreement Progress Report
21
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ACTIONS TO ADDRESS OZONE
Canada and the United States continue to implement programs designed to reduce emissions of NOx and VOCs.
Emissions from power plants and from vehicles remain a focus of these programs.
Canada
Canada is implementing a series of regulations to align Canadian emission standards for vehicles, engines, and
fuels with corresponding standards in the United States.
Four regulations which set emission performance standards on on-road and off-road vehicles are in effect. They include:
On-Road Vehicle and Engine Emission Regulations; Off-Road Small Spark-Ignition Engine Emission Regulations;
Off-Road Compression-Ignition Engine Emission Regulations; and Marine Spark-Ignition Engine, Vessel, and Off-Road
Recreational Vehicle Emission Regulations. Regulations that have been subject to recent amendments are set out below.
Regulatory initiatives for gasoline include Sulphur in Gasoline Regulations and Benzene in Gasoline Regulations, which
have limited the level of sulfur and benzene content in gasoline. In addition, Sulphur in Diesel Fuel Regulations set
maximum limits for sulfur in diesel fuels. Sulfur in gasoline impairs the effectiveness of emission control systems
and contributes to air pollution. Reducing the sulfur content in gasoline enables advanced emission controls and
reduces air pollution.
In July 2015, ECCC published final Regulations Amending the Sulphur in Gasoline Regulations (SiGR Amendments),
which introduced lower limits on the sulfur content of gasoline from an average of 30 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg)
to 10 mg/kg, in alignment with the EPA Tier 3 fuel standards. The SiGR Amendments were published with Regulations
Amending the On-Road Vehicle and Engine Emission Regulations and Other Regulations Made Under the Canadian
Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (ORVEER). The ORVEER Amendments introduce stricter limits on air pollutant
emissions from new passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and certain heavy-duty vehicles beginning with the 2017
model year in alignment with the EPA Tier 3 vehicle standards. These two regulatory initiatives work in concert to
reduce vehicle air pollutant emissions.
In October 2017, ECCC published amendments to the Off-Road Small Spark-Ignition Engine Emission Regulations.
These amendments apply to small spark-ignition (SSI) engines found in lawn and garden machines, light-duty
industrial machines, and light-duty logging machines. The amendments incorporate the more stringent EPA Phase
3 exhaust emission standards and include new evaporative emission standards for engines that have complete fuel
systems attached. The amendments introduced tighter air pollutant emission standards for the 2019 and later model
year SSI engines in Canada. Canada continues to work synergistically with the United States on administering,
verifying and enforcing its vehicle and engine emission regulations.
The federal government also continues to address VOC emissions through various regulations. The Tetrachloroethylene
(Use in Dry Cleaning and Reporting Requirements) Regulations were published in March 2003 with the goal of
reducing PERC use in dry cleaning in Canada to less than 1,600 metric tons per year. In 2017, dry cleaners reporting
under the regulations used less than 380 metric tons (419 short tons) of PERC.
The Solvent Degreasing Regulations, which took effect in July 2003, required a 65 percent reduction in annual
consumption of trichloroethylene (TCE) and PERC from affected facilities by 2007. This usage has continued to
decline. Under the regulations, ECCC issues annual allowances (consumption units) for use of PERC or TCE to
qualifying facilities. Consumption units issued for 2018 represented a reduction of 88 percent respectively, for both
TCE and PERC relative to the baseline.
Canada - United States Air Quality Agreement Progress Report
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ECCC has taken action to reduce VOC emissions from consumer and commercial products. The Volatile Organic
Compound (VOC) Concentration Limits for Automotive Refinishing Products Regulations and the Volatile Organic
Compound (VOC) Concentration Limits for Architectural Coatings Regulations were published in 2009. By 2016,
these two regulations had contributed to an estimated reduction in VOC emissions from surface coatings of
43 percent, compared to 2004 levels.
In June 2019, the department proposed Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Concentration Limits for Certain Products
Regulations to establish concentration limits for VOCs for about 130 product and sub-categories, including personal
care, automotive, and household maintenance products; adhesives, adhesive removers, sealants, and caulks. It is
estimated that between 2023 and 2030, the proposed regulations could result in 200 metric kilotons of VOC
emission reductions.
The Code of Practice for the Reduction of Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Emissions from Cutback and Emulsified
Asphalt came into effect in February 2017. The main objective of the Code is to encourage the use of low VOC-
emitting asphalt products. It is anticipated that compliance with the Code would result in annual VOC emission
reductions of up to 5,000 metric kilotons from the use of asphalt.
ECCC has taken action to put in place requirements to limit VOC emissions from industrial facilities. In April 2018,
ECCC published Regulations Respecting Reduction in the Release of Methane and Certain Volatile Organic
Compounds (Upstream Oil and Gas) which came into effect in January 2020. These regulations introduce operating
and maintenance standards for the upstream oil and gas industry, ensuring that fugitive and venting emissions of
hydrocarbon gas will be reduced across the oil and gas sector. ECCC proposed Regulations Respecting the Reduction
in the Release of Volatile Organic Compounds (Petroleum Sector) in 2017, which would reduce emissions of VOCs
from refineries, upgraders and certain petrochemical facilities
New Canadian ambient air quality standards (CAAQS) for fine particulate matter (PM25) and ground-level ozone were
established as objectives under the CEPA1999, by the federal government in 2013, having been approved by federal,
provincial, and territorial Ministers of the Environment. In 2017 new standards were established for S02 and N02. These
health- and environment-based standards are regularly reviewed to ensure they are set at the appropriate level,
reflecting the latest scientific information and technological advances. A review of the 2020 ozone standard was
completed in 2019 resulting in a more stringent standard for 2025 being established in June 2019. A review of the
PM25 standards was initiated in 2018. The CAAQS are objectives underpinned by four air quality management levels
with thresholds that require increasingly more stringent action as the air quality in a given air zone approaches the
level of the standard.
United States
The U.S. EPA has established National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for six principal pollutants shown to
be harmful to public health and the environment, including ground-level ozone. In 2015, EPA revised the level of
ozone NAAQS from 0.075 ppm to 0.070 ppm. When EPA establishes a new or revised NAAQS, the Clean Air Act
directs EPA to designate all areas in the country as attainment (meeting the standard), nonattainment (not meeting
the standard or contributing to a nearby area that is not meeting the standard), or unclassifiable (insufficient
information to support a nonattainment or attainment designation). EPA completed designations for the revised
NAAQS in 2018, with 52 areas designated as nonattainment. Nineteen of these nonattainment areas are fully or
partially located in the ozone PEMA.
Ozone nonattainment areas are subject to planning and emission reduction requirements as specified in the Clean
Air Act. The requirements and attainment dates vary according to the severity of the air quality levels in each area.
State plans must provide for expeditious attainment of the NAAQS, taking into account existing national emission
reduction programs (e.g., since 2000 EPA has finalized numerous emissions and fuel standards for cars, trucks, and
nonroad engines); adoption of reasonably available control measures on local sources in the area; and regional
emission reductions from programs designed to address interstate transport of air pollution that affects the ability
Canada - United States Air Quality Agreement Progress Report
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of downwind states to meet and maintain the NAAQS.
EPA has addressed interstate transport of air pollution contributing to ozone nonattainment pursuant to three
successive multi-state programs: the NBP in 2000, CAIR in 2005, and CSAPR in 2012 (with 2016 update). The EPA
implemented the NBP under the NOx State Implementation Plan Call from 2003 to 2008 to reduce ozone season
NOx emissions in eastern states. Starting in 2009, the NOx annual and ozone season programs under EPA's CAIR
took effect. These programs addressed regional interstate transport of fine particulate matter and ozone by requiring
28 eastern states to make reductions in S02 and NOx emissions that contribute to fine particle and ozone pollution
in downwind states. All affected states chose to meet their emission reduction requirements by controlling power
plant emissions through the CAIR NOx annual trading program and the CAIR NOx ozone season trading program. In
addition to the CAIR NOx ozone season program and the former NBP, prior programs, such as the Ozone Transport
Commission's NOx Budget Program, and current regional and state NOx emission control programs (i.e., CSAPR)
have contributed significantly to the ozone season NOx reductions.
From 2015 to 2018, ozone season NOx emissions from sources in the CAIR NOx ozone season program decreased
by 92,000 short tons (83,500 metric tons) or 24 percent. NOx ozone season program emissions decreased from
1.5 million short tons (1.4 million metric tons) in 2000 to 297,000 short tons (269,000 metric tons) in 2018, a decrease
of 76 percent. CSAPR replaced CAIR on January 1,2015. For more information on the CAIR and CSAPR NOx programs,
see www.epa.gov/airmarkets. In May 2017, implementation of the CSAPR Update program began.
In addition to implementing existing United States vehicle, non-road engine, and fuel quality rules to achieve both
VOC and NOx reductions, EPA continues implementation and updating of New Source Performance Standards to
achieve VOC and NO reductions from new and modified existing sources. Reductions of NO emissions are also
X ^ X
being achieved through rules on solid waste incineration units and guidelines that impact new and existing
incineration units.
Canada - United States Air Quality Agreement Progress Report
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SCIENTIFIC
AND TECHNICAL
COOPERATION
AND RESEARCH
EMISSION INVENTORIES AND TRENDS
The United States and Canada have updated and improved their emission inventories and projections for a number
of important pollutants, including particulate matter less than or equal to 10 microns (PM,0), PM2J3, VOCs, NOx, and
S02, to reflect the latest information available, In Canada, the emissions inventory data are for the year 2017, as
published in Canada's 2019 Air Pollutant Emissions Inventory. The United States emissions data are based on
national and state-level trend information from the 2017 National Emission Inventory (https://www.epa.gov/
air-emissions-inventories/air-pollutant-emissions-trends-data).
Canada - United States Air Quality Agreement Progress Report
25
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Figure 19 shows the distribution of emissions by source category grouping for S02, NOx, and VOCs. The following
observations can be made:
Canadian S02 emissions originate mostly from the non-ferrous smelting and refining industry, upstream
petroleum industry, and coal-fired electric power generation. The relative contribution from electric power
generation utilities is lower in Canada due to the large hydroelectric and nuclear capacity in place.
S02 emissions in the United States originate primarily from coal-fired combustion in the electric power sector
and from industrial boilers.
In Canada, non-road and on-road vehicles account for the greatest portion of NOx emissions, followed by the
upstream petroleum industry.
Similarly, in the United States non-road and on-road vehicles account for the greatest portion of NOx emissions,
followed by industrial sources.
Solvent utilization and industrial sources contribute more than half the total VOC emissions in both Canada and
the United States.
Figure 19. U.S. and Canadian National Emissions by Sector for Selected Pollutants, 2017
U.S. S02 Emissions - 2017
Total: 2.5 million tonnes/year — 2.7 million tons/year
¦ On-road Transportation: 1%
¦ Non-road Transportation: 3%
¦ Industrial Sources: 38%
I Non-industrial Fuel Combustion: 4%
I Electric Power Generation: 50%
~ Solvent Utilization: 0%
¦ Other Anthropogenic Sources: 4%
U.S. NO Emissions - 2017
X
Total: 9.7 million tonnes/year —10.7 million tons/year
¦ On-road Transportation: 35%
¦ Non-road Transportation: 25%
¦ Industrial Sources: 22%
¦ Non-industrial Fuel Combustion: 5%
¦ Electric Power Generation: 11%
~ Solvent Utilization: 0%
¦ Other Anthropogenic Sources: 3%
Canadian S02 Emissions - 2017
Total: 1.0 million tonnes/year —1.1 million tons/year
~ On-road Transportation: 0%
¦ Non-road Transportation: 2%
¦ Industrial Sources: 71%
Non-industrial Fuel Combustion: 2%
¦ Electric Power Generation: 26%
~ Solvent Utilization: 0%
~ Other Anthropogenic Sources: 0%
Canadian NO Emissions - 2017
X
Total: 1.8 million tonnes/year — 2.0 million tons/year
¦ On-road Transportation: 22%
¦ Non-road Transportation: 30%
¦ Industrial Sources: 35%
Non-industrial Fuel Combustion: 5%
¦ Electric Power Generation: 8%
~ Solvent Utilization: 0%
~ Other Anthropogenic Sources: 0%
U.S. VOC Emissions - 2017
Total: 12.5 million tonnes/year —13.7 million tons/year
¦ On-road Transportation: 13%
¦ Non-road Transportation: 12%
¦ Industrial Sources: 27%
Non-industrial Fuel Combustion: 3%
~ Electric Power Generation: 0%
Solvent Utilization: 22%
¦ Other Anthropogenic Sources: 23%
Canadian VOC Emissions - 2017
Total: 1.8 million tonnes/year — 2.0 million tons/year
¦ On-road Transportation: 8%
¦ Non-road Transportation: 9%
¦ Industrial Sources: 43%
¦ Non-industrial Fuel Combustion: 13%
~ Electric Power Generation: 0%
Solvent Utilization: 18%
¦ Other Anthropogenic Sources: 9%
Notes: Emissions exclude natural sources (biogenics and forest fires). Percentages may not add up to 100 due to rounding.
Sources: Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2019; EPA, 2019
Canada - United States Air Quality Agreement Progress Report
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Figures 20, 21, and 22 show emissions trends from 1990 through 2017 in Canada and the United States, for S02, NOx,
and VOCs, respectively. Both countries have seen major reductions in emissions.
In Canada, the reductions in S02 emissions came from the non-ferrous smelting and refining industry, coal-fired
electric power generation, and the upstream petroleum industry. For NOx, the reductions were from coal-fired electric
power generation and transportation-related sources. The VOC reductions came from transportation-related sources
such as off-road and on-road vehicles.
In the United States, the reductions in S02 emissions came mostly from electric power generation and industrial
sources. Reductions in NOx emissions came from on-road and off-road transportation, and from electric power
generation. Reductions in VOC emissions came from on-road and off-road transportation as well as from other
anthropogenic sources.
Figure 20. National S02 Emissions in the United States and Canada from All Sources, 1990-2017
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Figure 21. National NOx Emissions in the United States and Canada from All Sources, 1990- 2017
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Source: U.S. EPA and Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2019
SCIENTIFIC COOPERATION
Air Quality Model Evaluation International Initiative
Since its start in 2008, the Air Quality Model Evaluation International Initiative (AQMEII) has been coordinated by
the European-Commission Joint Research Center (JRC) and the EPA. The primary goal of this project is to promote
the collaboration of the European and North American regional scale air quality modeling communities on
evaluation of air quality models. The key elements driving the AQMEII process are regular, dedicated workshops;
the organization of international model evaluation studies; and the dissemination of findings from these studies in
the peer-reviewed literature.
To date, AQMEII has completed three phases of collaborative model evaluation and intercomparison activities and
is currently and the fourth phase is currently underway. These collaborations involved a total of 37 groups from
17 countries. Besides co-chairing AQMEII with the JRC, EPA also contributes Community Multiscale Air Quality
Modeling (CMAQ) simulations to these collaborative activities, allowing comparison of various aspects of CMAQ to
other state-of-science regional air quality models used by the North American and European modeling communities.
ECCC has contributed simulations using its AURAMS (AQMEII-1) and GEM-MACH models (AQMEII-2, AQMEII-4), as
well as contributing to the design of the study protocols through participation in the AQMEII steering committees.
In the first phase of AQMEII (2010-2012), chemical transport models were applied by different groups over the
North American and European continents and extensively evaluated based on the comprehensive model evaluation
framework presented by Dennis et al. (2010). This framework promotes a gradual and fit-for-purpose multi-stage
evaluation process that includes operational, diagnostic, dynamic and probabilistic (i.e., uncertainty) evaluation.
While all these model evaluation modes were employed in Phase 1, most of the contributions focused on operational
and probabilistic evaluation as noted in Schere et al. (2012), who reflected on lessons learned from that activity.
Canada - United States Air Quality Agreement Progress Report
28
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Phase 2 of AQMEII (2012-2014) focused on applying and evaluating on-line coupled or integrated chemistry transport
models and meteorological models. Such modeling systems attempt to close some or all of the feedback loops that
exist between atmospheric dynamics and composition. A key feature of AQMEII-2 was a detailed evaluation of the
impacts of air pollution on weather and the skill of fully coupled models on weather forecasts (Makar et al, 2015a,b5).
The model evaluation framework presented by Dennis et al. (2010) also formed the basis for the work under AQMEII
Phase 2. Compared to Phase 1, contributions covered a fuller range of this framework, most notably diagnostic
evaluation as well as some aspects of dynamic and probabilistic evaluation.
Some of the key findings from Phase 2 of AQMEII included:
It is important to include interactions between meteorology and chemistry (especially aerosols and ozone) in
online coupled models;
Aerosol indirect and direct effects often counteract each other - direct effects are weaker on the annual scale;
The aerosol indirect effect (cloud microphysics implementation) is a prime cause of model differences;
The representation of aerosol indirect effects needs to be further developed and improved in online coupled
models; and
Inter-model variability typically is greater than the feedback effects simulated with a given model. This last
finding implies that factors other than feedback effects such as emissions, boundary conditions, and process
representations of chemistry and/or transport remain the key determinants for overall model performance.
Phase 3 of AQMEII (2014-2018) was aimed at applying and comparing modeling techniques to provide information
on the impact of long-range transport on regional air quality. Modeling this phenomenon requires representing
relevant processes at hemispheric-to-regional scales, either by using global or linked global-regional scale modeling
systems. AQMEII contributed to coordinated modeling exercises to apply and intercompare these modeling
approaches in partnership with the Task Force on Hemispheric Transport of Air Pollution (HTAP) and the Model
Intercomparison Study for Asia (MICS-Asia). Results were published in the journal Atmospheric Chemistry and
Physics in a special issue entitled "Global and regional assessment of intercontinental transport of air pollution:
results from HTAP, AQMEII and MICS".6 The special issue contains publications that investigate various aspects of
modeling intercontinental transport of air pollution such as publications evaluating the joint HTAP, AQMEII and
MICS modeling experiments, publications developing new methodologies to assess intercontinental transport or
air pollution, and publications describing and evaluating observational and emission data sets used to study
intercontinental transport.
Phase 4 of AQMEII focuses on performing systematic intercomparisons of atmospheric deposition estimates from a
variety of modeling systems used in the U.S. and Europe. A Steering Committee was formed in 2018 and has conducted
an analysis of the aspects to be considered in the planned evaluation activities. The Steering Committee included
representatives from ECCC and EPA. The analysis performed by the Steering Committee included a harmonization
of the nomenclatures (for example, making sure that a specific definition of a resistance or conductance would
comprise the same processes across different models, since no common nomenclature exists in general and across
schemes), a harmonization of the reported land use categories to make sure that sophisticated land descriptions
5 Makar, P.A., Gong, W, Milbrandt, J„ Hogrefe, C„ Zhang, Y„ Curci, G, Zabkar, R, Im, U„ Balzarini, A„ Baro, R, Bianconi, R„ Cheung, P„ Forkel,
R, Gravel, S, Hirtl, H„ Honzak, L, Hou, A„ Jimenz-Guerrero, P„ Langer, M„ Moran, M.D, Pabla, B„ Perez, J.L., Pirovano,G„ San Jose,R„ Tuccella, P,
Werhahn, J„ Zhang, J, Galmarini, S, Feedbacks between air pollution and weather, part 1: Effects on weather, Atmospheric Environment, 115,
442-469, 2015a.
Makar, PA„ Gong, W„ Hogrefe, C, Zhang, Y„ Curci, G„ Zabkar, R„ Milbrandt, J„ Im, U„ Balzarini, A„ Baro, R, Bianconi, R„ Cheung, P„ Forkel, R,
Gravel, S„ Hirtl, H, Honzak, L„ Hou, A„ Jimenz-Guerrero, P, Langer, M„ Moran, M.D., Pabla, B„ Perez, J.L., Pirovano,G, San Jose,R, Tuccella, P,
Werhahn, J„ Zhang, J, Galmarini, S,
Feedbacks between air pollution and weather, part 2: Effects on chemistry, Atmospheric Environment, 115, 499-526, 2015b,
6 Available at www.atmos-chem-phvs.net/special issue390.html.
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could be comparable with less sophisticated ones, and a determination of variables and parameters which can be
used to represent equivalent deposition-related pathways across models with different deposition formulations. Study
protocols were released in the summer of 2019, with model runs expected to be completed in early 2020 and data
analysis completed in fall 2020. It is anticipated that results from this activity will help more robustly characterize
the uncertainties in current estimates of deposition fluxes, identify key knowledge gaps, and study implications for
the use of these estimates for ecological assessments.
Collaborative Projects on Nitrogen and Sulfur Deposition
The atmospheric deposition of nitrogen, sulfur and other chemical species to underlying surfaces is an important
exposure pathway that can contribute or lead to the degradation of air, land and water quality as well as reductions
in the benefits humans may derive from ecosystems. Understanding the processes and outcomes associated with
atmospheric deposition is needed to characterize progress toward meeting targeted reductions in deposition in the
US and Canada.
Scientists at the US EPA and ECCC actively participate in the National Atmospheric Deposition Program's (NADP)
Total Deposition (TDep) Science Committee. The mission of TDep is to improve estimates of atmospheric deposition
by advancing the science of measuring and modeling atmospheric wet, dry, and total deposition of species such as
sulfur, nitrogen, and mercury. TDep provides a forum for the exchange of information on current and emerging issues
within a broad multi-organization context including atmospheric scientists, ecosystem scientists, resource managers,
and policy makers. One of the goals of the NADP's TDEp Science Committee is to provide estimates of total sulfur
and nitrogen deposition for use in critical loads and other ecological assessments.
In 2019, TDep members and collaborators issued a white paper - Science Needs for Continued Development of
Total Nitrogen Deposition Budgets in the United States. This document describes the current state of the science
and remaining knowledge and data gaps related to improving measurements and models of reactive nitrogen
deposition and better understanding sources of reactive nitrogen to support review of the U.S. secondary national
ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) and further develop critical loads7 as a framework for managing deposition
of nutrients and acidity. Though focused on the U.S., this document can serve as a roadmap for researchers and
policy makers across North America.
EPA and ECC scientists are continuing to collaborate on projects that combine network measurement data and air
quality models to estimate total deposition. A comparison of the US product from TDep with the first results from the
Canadian project ADAGIO (Atmospheric Deposition Analysis Generated by optimal Interpolation from Observations) is
underway. This comparison will support the goal of combining the results from the two approaches to obtain one set
of deposition maps for North America. The measurement-model fusion approaches used by the US and Canada, as
well as Sweden, are now leading the way for the use of measurement-model fusion on a global scale; scientists from
the TDep and ADAGIO projects are members of the recently-formed leadership team for a Measurement-Model
Fusion for Global Total Atmospheric Deposition initiative sponsored by the World Meteorological Organization.
Much of the collaborative work discussed above was summarized in an article titled, Ongoing U.S,-Canada
Collaboration on Nitrogen and Sulfur Deposition in the Air and Waste Management Association's magazine for
environmental managers. This article, co-authored by Canadian and US scientists, was included in the June 2019
special issue describing cross-border environmental issues. It provided an overview of the past, current and
planned activities related to deposition, such as monitoring network and modelling intercomparison studies,
cooperation on measurement-model fusion projects as described above, and sharing data to improve satellite
estimates of reactive nitrogen dry deposition.
7 Critical loads are used to quantify the amount of atmospheric deposition (load) that can be tolerated by ecosystems without significant
harm or change occuring,
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Canada and the United States continue to meet their commitments in the 1991 Agreement. Since the establishment
of the Agreement both countries have made significant progress in reducing acid rain and controlling ozone in the
transboundary region.
Despite the results achieved under the Agreement, the pollutants covered by the Agreement (SO,, NOx, VOCs)
remain a concern and continue to have significant impacts on human health and the environment in both countries.
Continued bilateral efforts are needed to reduce the transboundary impact of these pollutants and to ensure that
transboundary air pollution does not affect each country's ability to attain and maintain its national ambient air
quality standards for pollutants such as ozone and PM25, or to protect the health and environment of its citizens.
The Agreement provides a formal and yet flexible vehicle for addressing transboundary air pollution and as such
provides a framework under which the two countries continue to cooperate to address ongoing, emerging and
future air quality issues.
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APPENDIX A:
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
AND ACRONYMS
ARP Acid Rain Program
Agreement Air Quality Agreement
AQMS (Canada) Air Quality Management System
AQS (EPA) Air Quality System
BACT Best Available Control Technology
BART Best Available Retrofit Technology
BCVCC British Columbia Visibility
Coordinating Committee
CAA Clean Air Act
CAM Compliance Assurance Monitoring
CAAQS Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards
CAIR Clean Air Interstate Rule
CAPMon Canadian Air and Precipitation
Monitoring Network
CASTNET Clean Air Status and Trends Network
CEM Continuous Emissions Monitoring
CEPA1999 Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CI Continuous Improvement
CO Carbon Monoxide
C02 Carbon Dioxide
CSAPR Cross-State Air Pollution Rule
CSN PM2.5 Chemical Speciation Network
CWS Canada-wide Standards
D.C. District of Columbia
DOT Department of Transportation
ECA Emission Control Area
EGU Electric Generating Unit
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
Eq/ha/yr equivalents per hectare per year
FIPs Federal Implementation Plans
GHG greenhouse gas
HN03 Nitric Acid
IMPROVE Interagency Monitoring
of Protected Visual Environments
ISA Integrated Science Assessment
KCAC Keeping Clean Areas Clean
kg/ha/yr kilograms per hectare per year
kW Kilowatts
LAER Lowest Achievable Emission Rate
LFV Lower Fraser Valley
mg/kg Milligrams per kilogram
MW Megawatt
NAA Non-Attainment Area
NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards
NADP National Atmospheric Deposition Program
NAPS National Air Pollution Surveillance
NatChem National Atmospheric Chemistry Database
NBP NO,, Budget Trading Program
NCore National Core Monitoring Network
NEI National Emissions Inventory
NO Nitrogen Monoxide
N02 Nitrogen Dioxide
N03 Nitrate
NOx Nitrogen Oxides
NOy total reactive nitrogen
NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
NPRI National Pollutant Release Inventory
NPS National Park Service
NSPS New Source Performance Standards
NSR New Source Review
NTN National Trends Network
03 ground-level ozone
OTC Ozone Transport Commission
Pb Lead
PEMA Pollutant Emission Management Area
PERC Tetrachloroethylene
PH measure of the activity
of the solvated hydrogen ion
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ORVEER Regulations Amending the On-Road Vehicle
and Engine Emission Regulations and Other
Regulations Made Under the Canadian
Environmental Protection Act, 1999
PM25 Particulate matter less than or equal to
2,5 microns, known as fine particles
PM10 Particulate matter less than or equal to
10 microns
ppb parts per billion
ppm parts per million
PSD Prevention of Significant Deterioration
SiGR Regulations Amending the Sulphur
in Gasoline Regulations
SIP State Implementation Plan
SOx Sulfur Oxides
S02 Sulfur Dioxide
S042- Sulfate
TCE Trichloroethylene
ueq/L micro-equivalents per liter
ug/m3 micrograms per cubic meter
VOCs Volatile Organic Compounds
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