Program for New Environmental Technologies Evaluation (NETE)

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible Area

Technologies used in Ontario. Technologies used outside Ontario can be reviewed for application in Ontario.

Eligible Activities

What technologies are covered?
This program covers any innovative technologies which may be used to reduce emissions or discharges to the environment and which require approval under the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) or the Ontario Water Resources Act (OWRA) or the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).  These technologies may consist of any methodology, treatment process, equipment or material used to control pollution, treat waste or treat drinking water and other water supplies.

The technologies must also meet some of the following conditions:

Summary

What is being evaluated?
The potential of new and innovative technologies, which have not been previously approved for application in Ontario, will be evaluated.  The likelihood that these technologies will satisfy specific Ontario legislative and regulatory requirements will also be assessed.  The Ministry will also comment on the quality and sufficiency of information and data provided.  The Ministry will also offer guidance on the need for further testing.

The ministry will not verify the results of performance tests, or other tests, conducted on a technology by the owners.  Private testing agencies must be used to verify these test results.

How to apply for an evaluation?
An application for evaluation of a technology under this program is made by gathering the information listed below and sending it, along with a written letter, to the contact provided in this document.

What information should be submitted?
The initial information required should be technology specific.  However, where applicable, it should include the following:

(a) A detailed description of the technology:

(b) Details of the chemical formulation of any chemical, coating or construction material, including the proposed Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry numbers, together with any information on the application of the material for similar use elsewhere;

(c) Details of the technology's potential application in Ontario;

(d) Any performance data, such as treatment/destruction efficiencies, process emissions, monitoring results and characteristics of by-products and residuals.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
NETE Program - A Guide for Applicants
http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/envision/gp/3552.pdf

How is confidentiality ensured?
Any document, study report or letter that is sent to the ministry becomes Crown property and is subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information and the Protection of Privacy Act (the Act).  Please stamp documents submitted to the ministry as "confidential" if appropriate.  This would include any documents or materials which identify a trade secret or provide scientific, technical, commercial, financial or labour relations information that is being supplied in confidence, and where disclosure could be potentially harmful to your competitive position or result in an undue loss or gain to any person or organization.  For a more detailed explanation, please refer to section 17 of the Act.

How long will an evaluation take?
The ministry will make every effort to issue a written opinion within a month after all required information is received.  Some applications may be very complex and take more time to evaluate.  If the information provided is incomplete, the applicant will be asked to provide additional information.  The evaluation of an application will begin when all required information is received.

How much will it cost?
A fee for service schedule has been established as follows:

• $500 for the evaluation/assessment of a chemical, chemical coating or construction material for use in the processing, treatment or supply of  water;
• $1,500 for an opinion letter of technology assessment of a new technology meeting all the necessary requirements included in the earlier section What technologies are covered (page 1) and for which only limited data on the performance of the technology are available; and
• $2,500 for a certificate of technology assessment of a new technology meeting all the necessary requirements included in the earlier section What technologies are covered (page 1) and for which adequate data on the performance of the technology are available to provide a reasonable confidence level for the assessment and applications.

The fee would be payable to the Ministry when an application for an evaluation/assessment is made.  Cheques should be made out to the Minister of Finance, c/o the Ministry of the Environment.

How does this program differ from the federal Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) program?
The Ontario program will complement the federal Environmental Technology Verification Program.  The federal program is a nation-wide initiative for the verification of technology performance claims.  Ontario's program will streamline approvals for site-specific new technology applications, thereby strengthening and promoting the province's environment industry worldwide.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
ETV Canada
http://www.etvcanada.com/
see the document Environmental Technology Verification Program

• Important Notices

Ontario Contact(s):
Standards Development Branch
Technology Standards Section
Ontario Ministry of the Environment
7th Floor
40 St. Clair Avenue West
Toronto, Ontario  M4V 1M2
Telephone: (416) 327-8220
Fax: (416) 327-9187