Earlier this summer, the Canadian government finalized the Multi-Sector Air Pollutants Regulations [MSAPR]. This is the first time Canada has implemented nation-wide compulsory air pollutant limits on major industrial facilities. It is also the first regulation that addresses Base-level Industrial Emissions Requirements, one element of Canada's Air Quality Management System. The Air Quality Management System is a collaborative approach to air quality management involving all levels of government.
The regulations establish emissions targets for the following air pollutants:
- Nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from boilers and heaters
- NOx emissions from stationary spark-ignition engines that combust fossil fuels, and
- NOx and sulphur dioxide emissions from cement mixing facilities.
The MSAPR targets the following equipment types:
- boilers and heaters used to generate heat and steam for various purposes in industrial facilities in the following sectors: alumina and aluminum; base metal smelting; cement; chemicals and fertilizers; electricity; iron ore pellets; iron, steel and ilmenite; oil sands; potash; pulp and paper; and oil and gas,
- new and existing stationary spark-ignition engines used for compression, electric power generation and pumping in the oil and gas sector,
- new stationary spark-ignition engines in the following sectors: alumina and aluminum; base metal smelting; cement; chemicals and fertilizers; electricity; iron ore pellets; iron, steel and ilmenite; oil sands; potash; pulp and paper; and petroleum refineries, and
- grey cement manufacturing facilities.
The MSAPR came into force on June 17, 2016. Specific requirements will be phased in from January 1, 2018 and January 1, 2036.
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