Natural Resources Canada
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Industrial Discharge Sites
Abstract
Industrial activities generate waste that is discharged into water bodies, the air or ends up in landfill sites. Air is the most common release medium. Ammonia, methanol, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide are by far the most common industrial pollutants released in Canada. Industrial discharge sites are concentrated in southern Ontario and Quebec, and around major cities in British Columbia and the Prairies.
Industrial activities generate waste which is discharged into water bodies, the air or ends up in landfill sites. The wastes are usually processed to some degree. Industrial wastes discharged into the air and water can disrupt ecosystems. For example, waterborne toxic contaminants from industrial sources has been one of the major causes of the degradation of the Great Lakes. Acid precipitation originating from industrial sources and automobiles and has been responsible for acidifying thousands of lakes in North America. An indirect indicator of threats to ecosystems and species is the concentration of major industrial sites that discharge airborne pollutants such as SO2 and NO2 . Industrial discharge sites are concentrated in southern Ontario and Quebec, on the west coast near Vancouver, and around major cities in British Columbia and the Prairies.
Other Maps in this Series:
- Population Variation by Ecoprovince, 1971 to 1996 Map | Read about this map
- Road Density Map | Read about this map
- Sewage Treatment Map | Read about this map
- Species at Risk Map | Read about this map
