Comment on: Addition of naphthenic acids to the National Pollutant Release Inventory

Current status: Closed

This consultation ran from January 15, 2018 to July 10, 2018.

We consulted Canadians about adding naphthenic acids and their salts to the National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) beginning in 2020. Naphthenic acids and their salts is a broad category of substances found in oil sands waste.

Who was the focus of this consultation

The Government of Canada engaged with:

  • a multi-stakeholder work group (includes representatives from industry associations, environmental non-government organizations, and Indigenous organizations)
  • members of the public

Key questions for discussion

We sought ideas and input around the following topics:

  • should NPRI add classically defined naphthenic acids (as defined in the consultation document), or should naphthenic acid fraction compounds (NAFCs) be added instead?
  • should NPRI restrict the requirement to report naphthenic acids to those facilities involved in the oil sands extraction sector?

The input gathered through this process was used to determine if naphthenic acids and their salts would be added to the NPRI beginning in 2020.

  • Idea number one: Substance definition and sector requirements 

    Environment and Climate Change Canada should require reporting of naphthenic acid compounds (not just naphthenic acids) and they should clarify which sectors are required to report..

  • Idea number two: Reporting thresholds 

    Some stakeholders stated that the proposed reporting thresholds are too high.

  • Idea number three: Estimating and analytical methods 

    Some stakeholders expressed concern regarding the analytical methods recommended and the challenges associated with estimating releases and disposals from oil sands extraction facilities.

  • Idea number four: Future research 

    Environment and Climate Change Canada should provide a clear plan and timeline for developing analytical and quantification methods be established.

Contact us

National Pollutant Release Inventory
351 St-Joseph Blvd. 5th Floor
Gatineau, QC K1A 0H3
Email: inrp-npri@ec.gc.ca

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