Harper Government Announces First-Ever Mandatory National Emission Standards for Major Industries

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The federal Minister of the Environment recently  announced  that the Government of Canada will begin to regulate industrial air pollutant emissions through requirements in the proposed Multi-Sector Air Pollutants Regulations.

The first phase of requirements includes industrial boilers and heaters, stationary engines, such as those used for gas compression or back-up generators, and the cement manufacturing sector. Specifically, the Regulations will limit the amount of nitrogen oxides (NOX) emitted from modern (new) and original (existing), gaseous-fuel-fired non-utility boilers and heaters used by industrial facilities. It will also limit the amount of NOX emitted from modern and original stationary spark-ignition gaseous-fuel-fired engines used by industrial facilities (i.e., those used for gas compression or back-up generators). Finally it will limit the amount of NOX and sulphur dioxide (SO2) emitted from cement kilns.

Requirements for additional industrial sectors will be added to the regulations in the years ahead. Once fully implemented, industries will be required to reduce their emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur dioxide (SO2), volatile organic compounds, ammonia, and/or particular matter, which are all contributors to smog and increased health risks.

CWWA is uncertain if the legislation will impact our member operations but we are working with our Technical Committees and Environment Canada to assess the relevance.

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