What Government is Doing
Everyone has a role to play in protecting our air, water and land - and in creating and maintaining a healthy environment and clean communities.
In Canada, each level of government (federal, provincial/territorial, municipal) has different responsibilities for protecting the environment.
Federal legislation supports the Government of Canada's lead role in the risk assessment and management of toxic substances, environmental assessment, disposal at sea and managing international agreements.
Pollutants reported to the NPRI - Link with Government Action
The NPRI helps governments and others create a more comprehensive picture of pollution, highlights progress, target areas for action and risk management and monitor business and environmental indicators. Here are some key examples of action that the federal government is or has taken on substances reported to the NPRI:
Ammonia was the toxic substance released in the largest quantity on-site. More than half of it was released to water by sewage treatment facilities. The management of wastewater (sewage) is a priority for governments in Canada.
Pollution prevention planning requirements under CEPA 1999 are being proposed to prevent and reduce emissions of certain toxic substances (including ammonia) by municipalities with higher-risk wastewater systems. Federal, provincial and territorial governments are also collaborating to develop a Canada-wide Strategy for municipal wastewater effluents (discharges).
Total on-site releases of benzene reported to the NPRI exhibited a downward trend (nearly 40%) between 1997 and 2001. The Benzene in Gasoline Regulations took effect in July 1999 and prohibit the supply of gasoline containing more than 1% benzene by volume. The regulations also prohibit the sale of gasoline that contains benzene at a concentration that exceeds 1.5% by volume. The levels of benzene in gasoline in 2000 were reduced by about 50% compared with 1994 levels, based on reports by primary gasoline suppliers.
In addition, the Gasoline and Gasoline Blend Dispensing Flow-Rate Regulations, which came into effect on February 1, 2001, prohibit the dispensing of fuel beyond a maximum flow rate of 38 litres per minute. Benzene emissions will be reduced as a result of this restriction.
Calcium fluoride was the toxic substance disposed of on-site in the largest quantity in 2001. Calcium fluoride was first added to the NPRI in 1999. Amounts disposed of on-site in 2001 were down about 13% compared with 2000. Most of it was generated during the production of aluminum and sent to on-site company landfills for disposal. Environment Canada is currently developing a Code of Practice for the Aluminium sector that will address among other things, calcium fluoride.
Hydrogen fluoride was among the toxic substances released in the largest quantities in 2001 by facilities reporting to the NPRI. All reported on-site releases of hydrogen fluoride were air emissions, and about 95% occurred as a result of electric power generation (coal-burning) and metal manufacturing - aluminum and alumina manufacturing in particular.
On-site releases of hydrogen fluoride in 2001 were comparable to amounts reported in 1997 and down nearly 10% compared with 2000. Environment Canada is currently developing a Code of Practice for the Aluminium sector that will address among other things, hydrogen fluoride.
