Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy: Departmental Website Component of the 2012-2013 Report on Plans and Priorities

National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) information will be collected from industrial and other facilities on releases, disposals and transfers for recycling of pollutants of concern by June 1.

This information will be used to support the development and status reporting for FSDS indicators on releases of substances of concern. In particular, NPRI data will be used in the development and tracking of any emissions targets developed in consultation with provinces and territories.

Performance expectations:
NPRI information will be collected by June 1 and will be published based on the timelines shown below.

• Preliminary facility reported information will be published on the NPRI website within two months after June 1st;
• Reviewed (quality-controlled) facility-reported information will be published within six months after June 1st (December);
• Comprehensive emissions data (which includes facility reported data and additional area source calculations) will be published within 10 months after June 1st (April).
• Percentage of facilities reporting emissions to the National Pollutant Release Inventory which provide fully compliant reports in their initial response within mandated timeframes.

Comprehensive air emissions data on sources of key air pollutants in Canada will be published as part of the NPRI by April. Furthermore, data inputs for air quality models will be prepared to support research on options, costs and economic and social benefits. This information will be used by decision-makers to develop targets for regulatory action on air pollution.

This information will be used to support the development and status reporting for FSDS indicators on releases of substances of concern.

Timely, authoritative technology advice and assessment is delivered to support federal air pollutant regulatory decision making and program delivery and to advance clean technologies aimed at reducing air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. This includes advice and oversight to programs that advance clean technologies, including Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC), the Canadian Environmental Technology Advancement Centres (CETACs), the Green Municipal Fund (GMF), and Canada's Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Program.

Performance expectations:

• Publication of comprehensive air emissions data on sources of key air pollutants in Canada, as part of NPRI, annually by April.
• Satisfaction of government decision-makers with the timeliness, credibility and relevance of technology advice and assessment as measured through user group evaluation questionnaires and consultations. (Target: 80% by 2014.)

The AQHI is available through Environment Canada’s website, the Air Quality Health Index and media partners such as the Weather Network.

The strategy to focus on expansion from CMAs to rural Canada including select locations in the North remains as does the flexibility to accommodate requirements of those provinces (and CMAs) which have not implemented the AQHI.

Development continues on incorporating forest fire smoke into forecast models to improve the fine particulate component of the forecasts

Performance expectations:

• Percentage of the Canadian population (by province) living in forecast regions where current and predicted AQHI information is available: (Target – 80% by 2016.)

Timely, relevant and sound atmospheric science advice and assessment supports federal air pollutant regulatory decision making and program delivery.

Performance expectations:

• There will be a qualitative assessment of the satisfaction of government decision-makers (e.g. any federal air quality user groups) with the timeliness, credibility and relevance of atmospheric science advice and assessment related to air quality.
• Publication of peer-reviewed literature contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge, availability of monitoring data and maps to set baseline levels and track benefits of control measures as well as improvements of model capability to predict atmospheric conditions.

Implementation involves an on-going program to ensure compliance to the various vehicle and engine air pollutant emission regulations, including: administration of reporting requirements established under the regulations (e.g. end of model-year reporting for certain classes of on-road vehicles, defect reporting); an emissions testing verification program; and providing technical guidance to Canadian companies regarding compliance requirements. Visit this website for more information.

As transportation sources are responsible for 55% of criteria air contaminant emissions excluding open sources, this will help improve air quality across the country.

Performance expectations:

• The various classes of vehicles and engines that are covered by current regulations are tested for compliance with emissions standards.

Information on the implementation and compliance promotion of Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Concentration Limits for Automotive Refinishing Products Regulations and Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Concentration Limits for Architectural Coating Regulations which were published Canada Gazette, Part II in 2009 is available on the CEPA Registry.

For regulation of air pollutants from most land transportation (excluding locomotives), see 2.1.5 above. Environment Canada regulates benzene, a VOC, in gasoline, limiting the concentration to 1.5% per volume (for more information, visit this website).

Performance expectations:

• For regulation of air pollutants from most land transportation (excluding locomotives), see 2.1.5 above.
• Conduct compliance promotion activities to increase Stakeholder awareness of both the VOC Concentration Limits for Automotive Refinishing Products Regulations and the VOC Concentration Limits for Architectural Coatings Regulations.
• In 2012, a study is to be conducted to compare 2011 VOC emissions to 2005 baseline data for the automotive refinishing sector. This is to determine VOC percentage reductions, in order to validate the performance of these Regulations.

Canada and the United States have agreed to work together under the Canada-United States Air Quality Agreement to reduce transportation emissions by:

• harmonizing national vehicle and engine standards for emissions of smog-forming pollutants;
• optimizing vehicle and engine emissions‑testing activities, taking advantage of unique testing capabilities, and sharing emissions test data where appropriate to facilitate regulatory administration activities in both countries; and
• sharing information and discussing strategies and approaches on greenhouse gas emissions standards for motor vehicles.

As transportation sources are responsible for 55% of criteria air contaminant emissions excluding open sources, delivery of this implementation strategy will help improve air quality across the country.

Performance expectations:

• Recommendations on changes to Canadian fuel quality regulations take into consideration U.S. planned amendments and on-going harmonization of Canada–U.S. regulations in the area of transportation.

The activity will be implemented through the development of a new air quality management system in collaboration with the provinces, territories, and Health Canada.  The system will require air pollutant emission reductions from industrial sources and the achievement of new Canadian ambient air quality standards for particulate matter and ozone.

This activity contributes to achieving Target 2.1 by establishing Industrial Emission Requirements that will set a base level of environmental performance for major industrial sectors and by setting Canadian ambient air quality standards for particulate matter and ozone. Air quality will be monitored through regular reporting at the local and national levels.

Performance expectations:

• Federal regulations development will begin for key major industrial sectors and equipment types by 2013.
• Ambient air quality standards for particulate matter and ozone will be established under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act 1999 (CEPA 1999) by the end of 2013.

EC will coordinate with Transport Canada and brief other participants. EC will participate in related working groups such as the Working Party on Pollution and Energy (GRPE). For more information, visit this website.

As light- and heavy-duty vehicles accounted for 3940 kt of carbon monoxide in Canada in 2008, this will significantly contribute to the reduction of air pollutants.

Performance expectations:

• EC will assist in the development of stringent world-wide emission standards called Global Technical Regulations (GTRs).
• As a signatory to the 1998 agreement, Environment Canada will continue to attend meetings of the World Forum for the Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations and vote on GTRs in order to assist in the development of stringent emission standards world-wide.
• A GTR was approved for motorcycle emissions at the June 2011 meeting. Canada is working towards the implementation of this GTR in alignment with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

New regulations for emissions from marine engines and recreational vehicles (MERV) were released in February 2011 and in December 2011 for off-road diesel engines in alignment with U.S. standards. Regulations covering on-road vehicle engines were published in 2003 and were updated to require an on-board diagnostic system for heavy duty engines in October 2011 (visit this website for more information).

As transportation sources are responsible for 55% of criteria air contaminant emissions excluding open sources, this will help improve air quality across the country.

Performance expectations:

• In 2012-2013, Environment Canada will begin work on the draft regulations for off-road large spark-ignition engine emissions.

Within the North American Emission Control Area (ECA), which covers the majority of waters surrounding Canada and the United States and the French islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon, ships must significantly reduce their air pollutant emissions of sulphur oxides (SO_x), particulate matter (PM), and nitrogen oxides (NO_x). Canada’s health and environment will greatly benefit from the emissions reductions the ECA standards will provide.

EC with Transport Canada (TC) is developing regulations to implement Canada's portion of the ECA. EC will revise its sulphur standards in the  Diesel Fuel Regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 to implement the ECA in accordance with the IMO requirement and in alignment with U.S. regulatory actions.

For more information, visit this website.

As marine transportation accounted for 81 kt of SO_x in Canada in 2008, this will significantly contribute to the reduction of air pollutants.

Performance expectations:

• The ECA standards will enter into effect on August 1, 2012.
• Work to finalize regulations will continue.

The MOU with the Railway Association of Canada expired in December 2010. Air pollutant regulations under the Railway Safety Act are being developed by Transport Canada. Visit this website for more information.

In 2008, rail transportation accounted for 9% of transportation nitrogen oxide air pollutant emissions. Transport Canada’s and EC’s activities in this area will contribute to the reduction of air pollutants.

Performance expectations:

• Environment Canada provides expertise and advice to Transport Canada as needed.

The Vehicle Scrappage program offered rewards–such as free transit passes, car sharing memberships, $300 cash and rebates on the purchase of cleaner vehicles–to Canadians who retired their older, highly-polluting personal vehicles. The program was mainly delivered though Summerhill Impact, a not-for-profit organization with a network of local agents that delivered the program in each province and developed partnerships with incentive providers, vehicle recyclers, and call centres.

The program also directly contributed to the achievement of FSDS Target 1.1: Climate Change Mitigation.

Performance expectations:

• The program ended on March 31, 2011.

This activity will be implemented through continued work under the Canada-U.S. Air Quality Agreement (1991) and its three Annexes committing to work on (1) Acid Rain; (2) Scientific and Technical Activities and Economic Research; and (3) Ozone.  Consideration is being given to adding a fourth Annex covering particulate matter (PM). The Canada-U.S. Air Quality Committee is responsible for administering work under the Agreement. It publishes a joint progress report every two years. Visit this website for more information.

This activity contributes to achieving Target 2.1 by contributing to the reduction of transboundary air pollution.

EC will continue to conduct coordinated science activities under Sub-committee 2 of Canada–U.S. Air Quality Agreement.

Performance expectations:

For 2012–2013, these include:

• Meeting regular commitments under the Canada-U.S. Air Quality Agreement (AQA) which focuses on reducing emissions of acid rain and smog forming pollutants; and
• Participating in the annual meetings of the Canada-U.S. Air Quality Committee, and making progress in advancing discussions on a PM Annex to the AQA, and in further discussions/negotiations, where appropriate, to support ongoing bilateral collaboration to reduce transboundary air pollution.

Canada’s domestic and international obligations (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), Canada–U.S. Air Quality Agreement, etc.) will be met via the collection submission of data on emissions on key air pollutants from industrial facilities and/or comprehensive emissions data (which includes facility reported data and additional area source calculations).

The NPRI data is a key mechanism for allowing Canada to track progress against the various reporting obligations and demonstrate compliance with stated obligations.

Performance expectations:

• The timeline for submission of data to meet the various reporting obligations varies. A key deadline is the annual deadline of February 15^th to submit emissions data for key pollutants to the UNECE  and the collection of this data is done through the NPRI process.

This activity will be implemented through Environmental Stewardship Branch participation in the negotiations to revise the multi-pollutant, multi-effect Gothenburg Protocol under Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP).

This protocol contains emissions limits for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds. The revisions will also include commitments on particulate matter.

Canada’s commitments under this protocol will be based on its domestic and bilateral approaches under the Air Quality Management System and the Canada–U.S. Air Quality Agreement, respectively.

These commitments, once fulfilled, will serve to reinforce Canada’s commitment to addressing air pollution.

Performance expectations:

• Advancement of Canada’s positions on revisions to the Gothenburg Protocol by participating in the 50^th session of the Working Group on Strategies and Review, and the 30^th Session of the Executive Body; and
• Work to ensure the flexibility that may enable Canada to ratify the Protocol is maintained, and that the text takes account of Canada’s domestic and bilateral approaches.

The proposed extended producer responsibility regulations will be replaced by a Pollution Prevention Planning Notice.

The proposed Pollution Prevention Planning Notice will mandate importers and manufacturers of halocarbon refrigerants to implement stewardship programs, for responsible management of end-of-life ozone-depleting substances and HFCs used in refrigeration and air conditioning sectors.

Performance expectations:

• Proposed Pollution Prevention Planning notice is expected to be published in Canada Gazette, Part I in 2012.

HFCs are very potent greenhouses gases (GHG), which were initially introduced as a replacement for certain ozone-depleting substances. In collaboration with the U.S. and Mexico, Canada introduced a revised North American Proposal in April 2010 to add HFCs to the Montreal Protocol. The proposal would establish targets to reduce HFC consumption and production for both developing and developed countries. This is an approach which has a track record of success in eliminating similar substances used in the same sectors as HFCs. It is expected that this approach would contribute to avoiding significant emissions, thus minimizing negative impacts on the climate. This proposal was considered at the meeting of the Open-ended Working Group to the Parties to the Montreal Protocol in August 2011 and was further discussed at the Meeting of the Parties (MOP) in November 2011.

It is estimated that the cumulative benefits of the HFC phasedown amounts to reductions of 3,100 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (MMT of CO₂ equivalent) through 2020, and around 88,000 MMT of CO₂ equivalent through 2050.

Performance expectations:

• Canada, the United States and Mexico are considering re-submitting a proposal in 2012–2013.
• Continue to participate in negotiation meetings with our partners, the U.S. and Mexico.
• Participate in outreach activities to promote the amendment to the Montreal Protocol.
• Decision(s) and/or declarations adopted at relevant international fora contribute to advancing the objectives of the proposed amendment.

Compliance promotion relates to activities that are undertaken to increase the awareness and the understanding of new risk management instruments developed under Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999). Through these activities, information is provided regarding the compliance requirements, the benefits of complying with the law, as well as the consequences of non-compliance.

The approach to compliance promotion is collaborative and coordinated across the department’s programs and regions and with the Enforcement Branch of Environment Canada. It is achieved using various tools and approaches such as website postings, letters and emails, brochures, site visits, responses to inquiries and information sessions.

Performance expectations:

• In collaboration with enforcement and risk management, Compliance Strategies for risk management instruments related to air pollutants will be developed prior to publication in Canada Gazette-Part II Compliance promotion plan(s). Compliance strategies for sectors affected by the instruments related to air pollutants will also be developed.