Earlier this summer, the Canadian government finalized the Multi-Sector Air Pollutants Regulations [MSAPR]. This is the first time Canada has implemented nation-wide compulsory air pollutant limits on major industrial facilities. It is also the first regulation that addresses Base-level Industrial Emissions Requirements, one element of Canada's Air Quality Management System. The Air Quality Management System is a collaborative approach to air quality management involving all levels of government.
The regulations establish emissions targets for the following air pollutants:
- Nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from boilers and heaters
- NOx emissions from stationary spark-ignition engines that combust fossil fuels, and
- NOx and sulphur dioxide emissions from cement mixing facilities.
The MSAPR targets the following equipment types:
- boilers and heaters used to generate heat and steam for various purposes in industrial facilities in the following sectors: alumina and aluminum; base metal smelting; cement; chemicals and fertilizers; electricity; iron ore pellets; iron, steel and ilmenite; oil sands; potash; pulp and paper; and oil and gas,
- new and existing stationary spark-ignition engines used for compression, electric power generation and pumping in the oil and gas sector,
- new stationary spark-ignition engines in the following sectors: alumina and aluminum; base metal smelting; cement; chemicals and fertilizers; electricity; iron ore pellets; iron, steel and ilmenite; oil sands; potash; pulp and paper; and petroleum refineries, and
- grey cement manufacturing facilities.
The MSAPR came into force on June 17, 2016. Specific requirements will be phased in from January 1, 2018 and January 1, 2036.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
