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Call for Input
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Codes of Practice/Guidelines
During the last two years Environment Canada has undertaken a
project towards updating the following three CCME publications
applicable to chemical plants and refineries:
- Environmental Code of Practice for the Measurement and Control
of Fugitive VOC Emissions from Equipment Leaks, 1993
- Environmental Guideline for the Control of Volatile Organic
Compounds Process Emissions from New Organic Chemical Operations,
1993
- Environmental Guidelines for Controlling Emissions of Volatile
Organic Compounds from Aboveground Storage Tanks, 1995
The original codes/guidelines were developed 8 to 10 years ago.
Since that time, changes in technology and practices as well as
experience gained by industry and regulatory agencies during implementation
have identified areas for improvement. In addition, the codes/guidelines
only address VOC's from a smog perspective. It was recognized
that as other issues arose, such as toxic or hazardous air pollutants,
the requirements recommended may be insufficient.
A consultant, SNC-Lavalin, was retained by Environment Canada
to review the existing codes/guidelines and develop recommendations
for modifications. Specifically this work involved
- determining the degree of implementation of the existing
codes/guidelines
- identifying areas of improvements including inconsistencies,
problem areas and gaps (unaddressed VOC sources)
- comparing the codes/guidelines to standards in other jurisdictions
including the US EPA
- identifying appropriate standards to address specific VOC
substances which are considered or expect to be declared toxic
under CEPA (ex: benzene, 1,3-butadiene, ethylene oxide, acrylonitrile,
acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, etc.)
- considering cost implications of proposed recommendations
Substantial information from the chemical and petroleum refining
industries was obtained through surveys and discussions.
A draft report
of recommendations has been completed and is included for
your information. You are invited to submit comments before August
29, 2003 on the recommendations contained in the draft report.
All comments should be provided in writing and directed to:
Rosanna Esposito,
Program Engineer,
National Office of Pollution Prevention
20th floor, 351 St. Joseph Blvd.
Environment Canada
Gatineau, Québec
K1A 0H3
Fax: 819-953-5595
A copy of the existing codes/guidelines can also be obtained
by contacting Ms. Esposito.
Stakeholder meetings to discuss comments received on the recommendations
for updating the three CCME codes/guidelines are scheduled for
Montreal November 26-27 and Calgary December 3-4. A Call for Delegates
will be forthcoming in September or October.
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