Does Your Facility Need an Air Permit?
Is your facility planning to register under the Environmental Activity and Sector Registry (EASR) or apply for an Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA)? Or, maybe you’re unsure which type of air permit your operation requires under the Environmental Protection Act (EPA), R.S.O. 1990, Chapter E.19?
Whether you’re:
- Expanding your facility.
- Adding new production lines.
- Updating equipment or systems.
- Or starting a new operation.
…navigating the regulatory landscape in Ontario can be complex.
The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) requires specific industries and activities to either register under EASR or obtain an ECA depending on the environmental impact of their emissions.
Recent Changes to Air Permitting in Ontario You Should Know
As of April 2023, the MECP has introduced key updates for Air Dispersion Modelling:
- Adoption of AERMOD version 22112 and AERMET version 22112.
- Integration of the 2019 ASHRAE Handbook, Chapter 46 for HVAC intake/exhaust design.
- Updates to the Air Contaminants Benchmarks (ACB) List, including new benchmarks for metal compounds and other pollutants.
Local Reporting: Toronto ChemTRAC Program
If your business is in Toronto, you may also need to comply with ChemTRAC, which tracks the use and release of 25 priority substances. Reporting is due June 30 each year for the previous year’s data. Note: No data reporting is required from 2019–2023 due to pandemic-related pauses.
Federal Reporting: NPRI Requirements
All facilities across Canada may also need to report under the National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) by June 1 annually. Recent changes include:
New Substances Added:
- Chlorhexidine and its salts.
Substances Removed:
- Methyl iodide
- Hexachlorocyclopentadiene
VOC Reporting Changes:
- Lower reporting thresholds for speciated VOCs and individual stacks.
- Mandatory monthly breakdowns and basis of estimates for releases.
- Revised stack height thresholds and criteria for CACs (criteria air contaminants).
Not Sure What Applies to Your Facility?
We specialize in helping facilities:
- Determine whether EASR or ECA applies.
- Prepare and submit accurate applications.
- Complete emission modeling and reporting.
- Stay compliant with federal (NPRI), provincial (MECP), and municipal (ChemTRAC) requirements.