Two draft screening assessment reports under Stream 2 of the Petroleum Sector Stream Approach of the Chemicals Management Plan have been released for a 60-day public comment period. These propose to conclude that certain chemicals are (petroleum and refinery gases) or are not (heavy fuel oils and low boiling point naphthas) entering the environment in concentrations or quantities or under conditions that pose a risk to the environment or to human health.

Under section 64 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, 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.

Substances that meet the criteria set out in section 64 may be added to Schedule 1 of the Act and be considered for various risk-management measures.

1.    Heavy Fuel Oils (HFOs) and Low Boiling Point Naphthas (LBPNs)

The release of the draft screening assessment reports  on HFOs and LBPNs was announced in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on April 21, 2012, the start of its 60-day public comment period.

The draft screening assessments proposes to conclude that the five HFOs and the three LBPNs 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 HFOs and LBPNs do not meet any of the criteria set out in section 64 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.

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

2.    Petroleum and Refinery Gases (PRGs)

The release of the draft screening assessment report on PRGs was announced in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on April 28, 2012, the start of its 60-day public comment period.

The draft screening assessment proposes to conclude that the four PRGs are entering the environment in concentrations or quantities or under conditions that pose a risk to human health, and therefore, that PRGs do not meet one or more of the criteria set out in section 64 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.

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