The Environmental Emergency Regulations, developed under section 200 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) 1999 came into force on November 18, 2003. The federal government has established a list of 174 hazardous or flammable substances that are harmful to human health and the environment if released in an environmental emergency.
Facilities that store or use any of the listed substances above specified quantities outlined in the regulations, called threshold quantities, must prepare and implement environmental emergency plans by November 18, 2004. The plan must ensure appropriate risk management measures are taken to prevent uncontrolled, unplanned or accidental releases of these substances into the environment. Facilities also have an obligation to notify and report releases of a regulated substance that can affect human health or the environment.
Generally, these hazardous or flammable materials are chemicals that are normally produced in large quantities in Canadian commerce. At threshold quantities, these substances can create a toxic plume or cause a vapour cloud explosion. For hazardous substances, the list identifies the potential for these substances to become airborne, their dispersion potential and toxic properties. For flammable substances, the threshold quantity is the amount and concentration required to create a compression wave capable of knocking a person down at a distance of 100 metres.
Emergency Plans
The four phases of emergency management are prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. To increase safety regarding the uncontrolled or accidental releases of any of the listed flammable or hazardous substances, the regulations require that facilities prepare and implement an environmental emergency plan.
The plan must include the training of staff, current contact information, typical release scenarios, and ensure that all necessary equipment for an emergency is available. These environmental emergency plans will ensure industry is fully prepared in the event of a chemical emergency and will guarantee a faster response from all parties involved.
Currently, a database is being created to assist local firefighters and police officers to determine which substances are contained at a specific location and what to expect in the case of a fire or an emergency.
Industry Reaction
As a result of the new Environmental Emergency Regulations, some companies are opting to reduce their chemical inventories or have switched to safer chemicals in their plants. These changes stem from increased knowledge of the dangers associated with the listed chemicals.
For instance, 12 pulp and paper mills recently switched from a toxic chemical to one that won't cause a hazardous vapour cloud. Other companies are diluting the chemicals they use in order to decrease the amount handled which helps to lower the risk.
Periodic Review and Evaluation
Environment Canada will undertake a periodic review and evaluation of the regulated list of toxic and hazardous chemicals, as well as other key components of these regulations.
These changes are an important step in the effort to achieve stronger protection for human health and the environment against uncontrolled or accidental releases of hazardous substances.
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