Nova Scotia is overhauling its air quality regulations by expanding the list of monitored industrial pollutants from six to 26, marking the first major update since 1995.
The updated rules introduce stricter requirements under the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act for industrial facilities, such as manufacturing plants and power-generating stations that release emissions through stacks. They also address operations that generate dust, such as mines and quarries. By tightening controls on these sources, the regulations aim to reduce harmful air pollutants that can negatively impact both human health and the environment.
The 26 air pollutants will be regulated under law beginning June 1, 2026. They include: acrolein, ammonia, arsenic, benzene, benzo(a)pyrene, cadmium, carbon monoxide, chromium (hexavalent), cobalt, copper, dioxins and furans, formaldehyde, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, nitrogen dioxide, coarse particles, fine particles, total suspended particles, phenol, selenium, sulphur dioxide, total reduced sulphur, vanadium and zinc.
“Clean, maritime air is essential for healthy lungs. By strengthening air quality regulations and increasing the number of pollutants being monitored, Nova Scotia is taking an important step in preventing lung disease,” said Robert MacDonald, president and CEO of LungNSPEI. “Reducing exposure to air pollution will help lower the risk of conditions like asthma and COPD, improve health outcomes, and help Nova Scotians breathe easier.”
Industries and companies that have environmental approvals in Nova Scotia are required to submit air assessments and emissions data to the department, which air quality specialists use to ensure they are complying with the province’s laws. The department has two business relationship managers to support industry in understanding Nova Scotia’s regulatory requirements.
On April 15, the federal government released its updated national rating of greenhouse gas emissions by province and territory. The list shows that Nova Scotia has moved into first place in Canada for emissions reductions based on reporting for 2024. Officials say the province is on track to reach its 53 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. Emissions are expected to decline significantly beginning in 2026 and through 2030 as Nova Scotia’s 2030 Clean Power Plan advances and additional wind and renewable energy generation comes online.
