10. Conclusions

Canadian programs in science and technology, and actions on unintentionally produced POPs have focused mostly on dioxins and furans for those sources where the most information is available regarding formation, releases, prevention, and control techniques. Current actions focus on reducing releases from priority sources as a step towards the goal of minimization and virtual elimination while continuing to gather information on other less well defined sources.

Ongoing reporting of dioxins/furans and HCB releases and transfers to the National Pollutant Release Inventory will assist Canada and the public in tracking these substances and the efforts to manage these releases.

As documented in the report, Canada has in place legislation and policies that enable the effective management of unintentionally produced POPs, with the ultimate goal of virtual elimination of these substances.

Environmental assessment processes are in place, which in effect would require BAT (i.e., BAT achievable performance) for new waste incinerators, cement kilns, pulp mills, and thermal metallurgical processes such as iron sintering plants. Requirements for BAT can also be incorporated through existing provincial and territorial licensing and assessment processes. In addition, through implementation of Canada-wide Standards for Dioxins and Furans BAT is required for sources of priority in Canada such as steel manufacturing electric arc furnaces, and coastal pulp and paper boilers burning salt-laden wood. BAT and BEP are promoted through educational programs and technology change-out programs for other more diffuse sources such as on-site residential combustion of household wastes and residential wood combustion.

Canada will review its strategies for reducing and eliminating releases from unintentional production on a five year basis. In addition, Canada plans to update its National Action Plan every 5 years, subject to decisions of the Conference of the Parties and any other relevant factors.

Significant strides in the reduction and virtual elimination of dioxins and furans have been achieved to date in Canada. Building on these efforts, and as documented in this Plan, Canada is positioned to further contribute toward the reduction or elimination of POPs releases from unintentional production.

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