Ontario Provincial Activities
Proposed Changes to the Ontario Emissions Trading Code
The Code is part of OReg 397/01, which places caps on airborne emissions of nitric oxide (NO) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) from specified fossil fuel-fired electricity generators. ? The Code described rules for the creation and trading of emission reduction credits.
The changes are to: (1) extend the types of project (defined using Standard Methods?) eligible for credit creation by allowing proponents to define new Standard Methods (e.g., installing low NOx burners ? already a Standard Method) as well as presenting other alternatives (e.g., fuel switching), (2) clarifying that reductions associated with the Environmental Leaders Program? are not allowed as an emission credit, and, (3) make administrative changes to the Code.
New Noise Screening Protocol for CofA Applications
As part of a CofA(Air) application, an assessment must also be made of noise impacts. ? As part of the Ministry of the Environment s (MOE) effort to provide further guidance on noise emissions, a new noise assessment form has been issued. ? The new form will assist applicants in screening their facilities for the requirement to have an acoustic assessment (noise measurement) of their facility. ? Often, noise assessments can be a costly addition to the air assessments required for a CofA application.
The screening assessment form uses a questionnaire to calculate a minimum separation distance between a noise source and a Point of Reception. ? The questionnaire is relatively simple to complete. ? If the actual separation distance is greater than the minimum calculated from the questionnaire then no further noise assessment is required.
Proposed Action: Ensure that the Noise Screening questionnaire is used as part of any new application, or application for an amendment to a CofA.
Consultations on Proposed New Dispersion Models and Risk Management Framework
On June 21st a number of proposals were put forward by the MOE to update air quality standards for 29 substances, update the air dispersion models and, as a consequence, introduce a risk-based implementation period to deal with facilities that might find it difficult to meet the new standards.
A 120-day comment period was announced ending October 19, 2004. ? During that period a number of individuals, companies and organizations submitted comments. ? Public stakeholder information sessions were also held during the comment period. ? A consultant s session was organized by the AWMA on September 1st. ? That session focussed on technical issues with emphasis on the proposed new models as well as discussions on the system capacity (the ability of the consulting sector plus the regulators at the MOE) to cope with the large amount of re-applications that may occur upon promulgation of the new standards.
On September 20th and 29th open presentations and consultations were held. ? Apart from MOE staff describing the proposed changes, presentations were also made by Ford USA and Pollution Probe on a test application of the proposed risk-based implementation. ? Ford USA reported some challenges in the implementation protocol and proposed some changes, but found the overall proposal to have merit. ? Pollution Probe also raised other concerns such as the complexity of the risk estimation and the workload impact on MOE staff.
Proposed Action: We consider it important for major industries to be actively involved in these consultations as the implications of the proposed new regulations and amendments can be significant on a facility.
Industrial Hygiene News
Beginning on June 30th 2004, the permissible occupational exposure limits for 4 substances outlined in Ontario Regulation 833 ? Control of Exposures to Biological or Chemical Agents – will be reduced considerably. ? In concurrence with the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist (ACGIH) exposure limits, the Ministry of Labour has approved a proposal to reduce the time-weighted average exposure values (TWAEV) and short-term exposure values (STEV) for manganese, butadiene, benzene and carbon monoxide. ? Most of these changes will take into effect in December 2005; however, the new TWAEV for manganese, which has been slashed 96%, was effective as of June 30th 2004.
Proposed Action: Review past industrial hygiene reports that included air monitoring for these substances and determine if there are any potential issues. ? Consider having repeat hygiene testing and, if necessary, implementing control measures to reduce employee exposures.
On the Federal Front ? News from Environment Canada
Proposed Regulation to Reduce Harmful Air Emissions from Off-Road Diesel Engines
December 2004 marked the end of the public comment period for proposed regulations to significantly reduce sulphur levels in diesel fuel used for rail, marine and off-road purposes. ? The regulations are expected to become final in early this year and come into affect in 2007. ? The Canadian regulations will match U.S. requirements, namely a significant reduction in sulphur in diesel levels from the current unregulated level to 500 parts per million by 2007 and 15 parts per million by 2012. ? The new-generation low-emission engines for off-road equipment, coming on to the market in model year 2006, need the low sulphur diesel fuel.
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