Acid precipitation in Québec: a status report (1996)

Acid precipitation has been a growing public and government concern since the late 1970s. Programs aimed at reducing acid precipitation precursor emissions have been introduced. The Ministère de l'Environnement et de la Faune (MEF) has invested huge sums -- some $10 million -- since the early 1980s to gain a better understanding and appreciation of the extent of the problem. Numerous studies have been conducted since the creation of the precipitation monitoring networks some fifteen years ago, and strict quality control programs have yielded reliable data. We now have enough information to quantify the problem and its impacts on the environment more accurately.

The aim of this multisectoral report is to paint a portrait of acid precipitation in Québec and discuss its impacts on the environment. The report, based on data collected by the MEF and the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune (MRNF), was prepared by MEF's Direction du milieu atmosphérique, Direction des écosystèmes aquatiques and Service de la qualité de l'atmosphère (Direction des politiques du secteur industriel), and by MRNF's Direction de la recherche.

Acid precipitation results from the emission, transport and transformation of acidifying substances such as sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NO_x). Dry deposition (gases and dust), which occurs during precipitation, is a major contributor to the acidification of a site.

• Status Report file
  • Part 1 (PDF, 1,9 Mo)
  • Part 2 (PDF, 3 Mo)