SASKATCHEWAN CELEBRATES CLEAN AIR DAY

Canadian Environment Week will be held June 3-9, 2012, and Clean Air Day will be celebrated on June 6. It is an opportunity to recognize the importance of the environment and celebrate the excellent quality of air we have in the province while raising awareness that we should not take them for granted.

Saskatchewan residents can take an active part in helping to reduce air pollution by using public transit, walking, cycling or turning off electronics when not in use. Addressing air quality issues and reducing greenhouse gas emissions will help maintain cleaner air and create a healthier environment for everyone.

"The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to maintaining the high quality of air in Saskatchewan," Environment Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. "Collaboration and co-operation with municipalities, industry, non-government organizations, and the public and other jurisdictions is the key to successful air management. By ensuring that on-going monitoring activities are conducted, we can accurately measure and manage air quality throughout the province to ensure residents continue to enjoy good quality air."

Over the past five years, air monitoring efforts have increased across the province. In recent months, a sixth air monitoring station was launched in North Battleford, supplementing the province's current coverage of sites in Buffalo Narrows, Prince Albert, Regina, Saskatoon and Swift Current. The mobile Saskatchewan Air Monitoring Lab allows monitoring to be conducted anywhere in the province that is accessible by road.

Air zones are being established throughout the province to enhance air quality management through increased and continuous monitoring on a regional basis. There are currently two air zones: the Southeast Saskatchewan Airshed Association in the Estevan region and the Western Yellowhead Air Management Zone in the Saskatoon- Lloydminster region. Comprised of stakeholders from government, industry and non-government organizations, the air zones address local and regional air quality and develop solutions to manage these issues.

"With Saskatchewan residents, business and government working together to reduce air emissions, we can help to ensure a high level of environmental quality, and provide economic and social benefits for present and future generations," Cheveldayoff said.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Barb Barootes
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6595
Email: barbara.barootes@gov.sk.ca