Management frameworks are a key approach to manage the long term cumulative effects of development on the environment at a regional level. They build on existing environmental policy, legislation and regulation and provide an understanding of the current state of the environment, as well as emerging trends, challenges and opportunities. Each management framework includes: desired regional objectives, regional limits and triggers for key indicators (or plans to set them), approaches/ actions to achieve objectives, and an approach to monitoring, evaluation, and reporting including how to communicate the results to Albertans.

Three environmental management frameworks have been developed for the Lower Athabasca Region: air quality, surface water quality, and groundwater. These management frameworks are in effect as of September 1, 2012.

The management frameworks describe the monitoring that is being done. Using that monitoring information, Alberta Environment and Parks will be annually assessing ambient (outside) air and water quality conditions in relation to triggers and limits established in the Lower Athabasca region, and described in detail in the management frameworks.

The Lower Athabasca Regional Plan also calls for the surface water quantity management framework for the Lower Athabasca River to be updated in 2012, the implementation of the region's air quality management framework and a biodiversity management framework for the Lower Athabasca region to be developed in 2014.

Alberta Environment and Parks has developed environmental management frameworks for air quality and surface water quality under the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan. These frameworks are designed to maintain flexibility and proactively manage the cumulative effects of human activity on ambient air quality and surface water quality within the South Saskatchewan region. The frameworks facilitate sustainable resource management within the context of regional development and regulated regulatory processes. The frameworks do not replace existing regulatory processes. They contribute to managing growth pressures on air, land and water over the coming decades, adding to and complementing existing policies, legislation, regulations, and management tools.

Limits established within the frameworks represent levels at which the risk of adverse effects on environmental quality is becoming unacceptable. These are clear boundaries in the system not to be exceeded. Triggers are set in advance of limits as early warning signals and support proactive management.

Ambient air and surface water quality conditions in a region will be monitored with reference to the frameworks. If ambient conditions exceed a trigger level at specified regional monitoring locations, the management response includes assessing the need for action as outlined in the frameworks.

The nature of the management actions undertaken will depend on the circumstances and the kinds of approaches that will best support achievement of the regional outcomes and objectives. Management actions can include the use of regulatory tools (such as approval conditions and regulations) and non-regulatory tools (such as education and awareness initiatives and incentive programs).

This proactive and dynamic management approach will help ensure negative trends are identified and assessed, regional limits are not exceeded and the environment remains healthy for the region's residents and ecosystems.

Context for Decision-making

Decision-makers will make choices about activities on the landscape -- considering where ambient air and surface water quality and groundwater quality conditions are relative to final limits and triggers in the management frameworks. If ambient environmental conditions are approaching -- or exceed -- environmental limits at specified regional monitoring locations, there will be management actions either restricting further development or enabling changes to current management. Management changes may allow development to proceed in a way that meets the regional objectives and keeps the environmental condition below limits.

The establishment of ambient environmental limits provides context for decision-making by government and by potential applicants for new projects. The limits also encourage industries and other land users to employ best practices, new technologies and process improvements to minimize impacts on the region's air and water.

- Excerpts from documents identified above andLower Athabasca Regional Plan (2012) -