Continuous Monitoring Continuous monitoring equipment provides an almost instantaneous measurement of ambient concentrations for several pollutants. These include hydrocarbons, hydrogen sulphide, total reduced sulphurs, oxides of nitrogen, ozone, particulate matter and sulphur dioxide as well as meteorology. This monitoring method can provide a measurement of pollutant concentration for intervals as short as one minute, although the most commonly reported sampling interval is one hour. Continuous monitoring is used to determine the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI).

Time-Integrated Monitoring In some cases, a more detailed investigation is needed to determine what pollutants are present in the air. In these situations, time-integrated monitoring is used and involves collecting of samples over a period of time commonly ranging from one to 24 hours. These samples are then analyzed at a laboratory to determine air pollutant concentrations. Time-integrated monitoring is often used to identify concentration and composition of particulate matter and hydrocarbons in the air.

Passive Monitoring is named for the technique used to collect samples. This method is often used in rural and remote areas and requires no power to operate. Pollutants are collected on reactive surfaces, which are then sent to the laboratory for analysis. Passive monitors usually sample for an entire month. Analysis provides a monthly average for pollutants being monitored.

Soil Acidification Monitoring for changes in forest soils, specifically changes caused by acidifying substances, is an important part of understanding the effects of atmospheric deposition. This type of monitoring involves collecting a sample of soil and sending it to a laboratory for analysis. Soil acidification parameters are soil attributes that can be directly affected by acidic inputs, and which in turn could affect other components of the ecosystem. These attributes include pH, exchangeable base saturation, aluminum, and base cations.

Beaver River Valley Meteorology Monitoring Project is a focused study that aims to understand the meteorological patterns of the Beaver River Valley and the role these patterns have in potentially affecting air quality in the region. The underlying assumption of the project is that valleys are deep and steep, and are therefore likely to generate flows, drawing air from above the valley ridge and into and along the river valley system. This small network of monitoring stations collected data on wind speed, wind direction, temperature, and relative humidity.