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Canada proposes Multi-Sector Air Pollutants Regulations

5 June 2014

The Government of Canada has proposed, for the first time, industrial air pollutant emission legislation for some sectors of the economy, including certain categories of stationary engines. The proposed Multi-Sector Air Pollutants Regulations (MSAPR) will impose mandatory national performance standards on specific sector/equipment groups and establish consistent emissions limits for regulated industries across the country. As a co-benefit, the MSAPR legislation is also expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The proposed regulations include requirements for stationary spark-ignition gas-fired engines, as well as for non-utility boilers and heaters, and the cement manufacturing sector. Requirements for additional industrial sectors will be added to the regulations in the years ahead, said Environment Canada.

Once the regulations are implemented, affected industries will be required to reduce their emissions of NOx, SO2, volatile organic compounds, ammonia, and/or particular matter.

Stationary engines covered by the proposed regulations burn gaseous fuels and are typically used for gas compression in the upstream oil and gas sector (such as moving gas through pipelines), but can also be used for other purposes, such as back-up power generators for emergencies or in remote locations.

The proposed regulations would impose performance standards for both new and existing engines. The performance standards are expected to reduce NOx emissions by about 1.8 megatonnes between 2013 and 2035, according to Environment Canada.

The proposed text is expected to be published shortly in the Canada Gazette, Part I.

Source: Environment Canada