ONTARIO PROVINCIAL NEWS

Ministry of Environment Proposal to Modernize Certificates of Approval

The Ministry of the Environment (MOE) is consulting on a new process for environmental approvals, particularly Air & Noise Certificates of Approval (CofAs).  The proposed system will have two paths; the first is a registry process and allows certain (less risky or harmful) activities to be registered as long as they meet specified eligibility requirements without a full air & noise impact assessment.  However, the organization registering the activity would be subject to compliance audits by the MOE.  Examples of activities potentially eligible for registration include standby power, comfort heating, HVAC systems, automotive body shops and paint booths and, printing and related activities.  The second path in the system would be similar to the current CofA process for other more risky or complex activities.

Also, under the new approvals framework single, site-wide, CofA’s are proposed for all media (i.e., air, noise, waste and wastewater).  Another proposition under the new approvals framework is for the Ministry to issue one CofA for multiple sites or for a “system”.  This would allow a CofA to be granted to include “activities that are of a similar nature and with similar emissions by the same business at multiple locations…”  A system-wide CofA would encompass approval “of a physically interconnected system operated by a single business or operator and that is used in its entirety for a specific purpose…”  Examples could include municipal waste treatment systems, energy distribution systems, and the like.

New Air Standards

Changes to amend the regulation covering CofAs (O. Reg. 419/05) for air pollutant limits have been proposed.  The table below identifies the compounds affected, their current limits and the proposed limits.

All as µg/m3	Current Half-hour guidelines	Current 24hr guidelines	Proposed Half hour guidelines				Proposed 24hr guidelines
Benzo(a)pyrene (PAH marker)	0.0033	0.0011	0.00015				0.00005
1,3-Butadiene	-	-	30				10
Manganese & manganese compounds	7.5	2.5	PM 2.5	PM 10		TSP	PM 2.5	PM 10			TSP
			0.3	0.6		1.2	0.1	0.2			0.4
Chromium and chromium compounds divalent & trivalent	5	1.5	1.5				0.5
Hexavalent Chromium	-	-	PM 10		TSP		PM 10			TSP
			0.0011		0.0022		0.00035			0.0007
Benzene	-	-	7.0				2.3
Nickel & Nickel compounds	5	2	PM 10		TSP		PM 10		TSP
			0.3		0.6		0.1		0.2*
Uranium & Uranium Compounds	-	-	PM 10		TSP		PM 10		TSP
			0.09		0.18		0.03		0.06
Dioxins, Furans & Dioxin-like PCBs (TEQs)	0.000015	0.000005	0.0000003 (WHO2005)				0.0000001 (WHO2005)

Under O. Reg. 419/05 the acrolein regulatory standard has been modified to 0.4 ?g/m³ and 4.5 µg/m³ for 24-h and 1-h averages, respectively.  Since the new standards are more lenient they came into effect on Feb. 1^st, 2010, without a phase in period.

Renewable Energy Approvals

The Renewable Energy Approvals (REA) process became law on September 24, 2009 making it easier to set up renewable energy projects in Ontario.  The REA consolidates multiple Provincial approvals to clarify and speed up the process and includes environmental assessments, certificates of approvals (Air and Noise) and municipal planning in addition to others.

 O. Reg. 452/09- Greenhouse Gas Emission Reporting Regulation

The Green House Gas reporting regulation was filed on Dec. 1^st, 2009.  The new regulation will support the Cap and Trade program implementation, and will be able to link to other trading systems.

In summary:

• The regulation applies to facilities that produce greenhouse gases from sources listed in the regulation as outlined in Table 1; i.e., electricity generation, cogeneration, glass production, lead production, petroleum refining, pulp and paper manufacturing, steel manufacturing, etc.
• Data will be reported for all facilities emitting 25,000 tonnes of CO₂e* per year or more.
• Reporting will start with calendar year 2010 emissions.
• Annual third-party verification of emissions will be required, beginning with 2011 emissions.
• Emissions should be reported by June 1^st 2011 for 2010.

*”CO₂e” means, when used in relation to a greenhouse gas, the carbon dioxide equivalent of the greenhouse gas.

HYGIENE UPDATES

Starting this month Ryan Dignard (ROHT) will be posting monthly highlights on industrial hygiene to help companies stay in compliance with Ontario’s Regulations.  Check our website for these news items.

What’s New:  Changes under the Occupational Health and Safety Act as of July 1, 2010 include:

• O. Reg. 833 was amended with 491/09 and includes definitions and requirements for use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when suitable “engineering controls” are not present.
• exposure limits for 2 new substances, polyvinyl chloride & butenes, and 11 are withdrawn.
• O. Reg. 490/09 – Designated Substances (DS) will replace all of the individual DS regulations by combining them into one regulation.

Tip of the Month:  Remember that worker exposure to chemical and physical hazards must be controlled and not exceed Ministry of Labour regulations through the use of engineering controls, administrative practices, and PPE.  PPE should only be used as a last resort when other control measures are not available or reasonably practical to implement.  All PPE should be suitable for its intended use.  Although PPE may be necessary, it can easily become a safety hazard if used improperly.

If you have questions about Industrial Hygiene please call Ryan at ext. 103.

AIRZONE NEWS

Our occupational health and safety department has continued to provide assistance with identifying worker exposures to airborne contaminants, including isocyanates and volatile organic compounds in occupational settings.  Moreover, we have also been aiding in characterizing and measuring chemicals in vapor intrusion studies, where contaminated ground or ground water are sources of indoor airborne contaminants.

Our permitting department continues to work on CofA’s (air & noise) to ensure that companies meet regulatory requirements.  Specifically for polymer manufacturers, commercial buildings and their diesel back up generators, rail car industries manufacturing, metal galvanizing processes and aerospace clients.

Contact Franco DiGiovanni [ext. 102, fdi-giovanni[at]airzoneone.com] or Phil Fellin (ext. 105) to enquire about these topics, or to review your air quality issues in light of new regulations.

To receive our newsletter via email please take a moment and sign up .