Preamble

This document contains the discussion draft of the planned Off-Road Compression Ignition Engine Emissions Regulations. Its purpose is to solicit comments from stakeholders prior to publishing a formal proposal in the Canada Gazette Part I.

The planned regulations, under Part 7, Division 5 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, will establish emissions standards for diesel-fueled engines of model year 2006 and later, that are typically found in agricultural, construction and forestry machinery. Emission regulations for these off-road engines are among initiatives in the Federal Agenda on Cleaner Vehicles, Engines and Fuels, published in the February, 17, 2001 Canada Gazette, Part I.

The regulations are designed to align with "Tier 2" and "Tier 3" standards of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules for Nonroad Compression Ignition Engines1. Environment Canada plans alignment with U.S. EPA "Tier 4" standards2 when the final rule becomes available. "Tier 4" standards would be phased-in between 2008-14 as proposed in the U.S.

Along with the "Tier 4" standards the U.S. EPA proposes to limit the level of sulphur in off-road diesel fuel to 500 parts per million (ppm) in 2007, and to 15 ppm in 2010. Environment Canada plans to consult with stakeholders over the summer of 2003 with a view to matching these levels in Canada.

Recognizing that many engines are sold in both Canada and the U.S., the regulations minimize additional administrative requirements for engines that are certified by the U.S. EPA. Stakeholders are asked to comment on the existence or likelihood of engines not used in the U.S. being imported into Canada. Comments are also requested on any unique features on Canadian engines that could affect emissions.

Comments received by August 15^th, 2003 will be considered in developing a formal written proposal in the Canada Gazette Part I in the fall. Please provide your written comments to:

Mr. Morrie Kirshenblatt
Head, Off-Road Regulations Section
Transportation Systems Branch
Environment Canada
351 St. Joseph Blvd.
Gatineau, QC K1A-0H3

or via e-mail: offroad_comments@ec.gc.ca

1 Title 40, chapter I, subchapter C, part 89 of the United States Code of Federal Regulations
2 Documents pertaining to this proposed rulemaking can be retrieved from the U.S. Federal Register (http://www.epa.gov/nonroaddiesel/regulations.htm#5)