The release of the draft screening assessment report on gas oils (from Stream 2 of the Petroleum Sector Stream Approach) was announced in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on May 12, 2012, the start of its 60-day public comment period.

The draft screening assessment proposes to conclude that the two gas oils (Chemical Abstracts Service numbers 64741-59-9 and 64741-82-8) are not entering the environment in concentrations or quantities or under conditions that pose a risk to the environment or to human health, and therefore, that these gas oils do not meet any of the criteria set out in section 64 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. Under section 64, substances are considered harmful if they are entering or could enter the environment in quantities or concentrations or under conditions that:

• have or may have an immediate or long-term harmful effect on the environment or its biological diversity;
• constitute or may constitute a danger to the environment on which life depends; or
• constitute or may constitute a danger to human life or health in Canada.

For complete information, please consult the Chemical Substances website: http://www.chemicalsubstanceschimiques.gc.ca/petrole/group-2/index-eng.php

Contact: Martin Lacroix, 819-994-9226, Program Development and Engagement Division