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CEPA 1999 Annual Report : April 2003 to March 2004
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3 Information Gathering, Objectives, Guidelines and Codes of Practice
(Part 3)
Part 3 authorizes the Minister of the Environment to:
- establish environmental monitoring systems;
- collect and publish data on environmental quality in Canada;
- conduct research and studies on pollution control and environmental
contamination;
- formulate plans for pollution prevention and the control and abatement
of pollution; and
- publish information on pollution prevention, pertinent information
on all aspects of environmental quality and a periodic report on the
state of the Canadian environment.
this Part also authorizes the Minister of Health to:
- collect, process, correlate and publish on a periodic basis data
from any research or studies conducted relating to the role of substances
in illnesses or in health problems; and
- distribute available information to inform the public about the effects
of substances on human health.
3.1 Environmental Quality Monitoring
In Canada, air and water quality monitoring is carried out through partnerships
among provincial, territorial and federal governments, municipalities,
universities, air and water associations, environmental groups and volunteers.
www.ec.gc.ca/CEPARegistry/SandT/Monitoring.cfm
3.1.1 National Air Pollution Surveillance Network
The National Air Pollution Surveillance Network is a joint federal, provincial,
territorial and municipal network, established in 1969. It is primarily
an urban network, with 289 air monitoring stations in 177 communities.
In total, almost 800 continuous analyzers and samplers are used to provide
air quality measurements on such CEPA toxics as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
and dioxins and furans as well as heavy metals such as arsenic, lead and
mercury. Over the years, the network has produced one of the largest and
most geographically diverse databases of pollutants in Canada.
In 2003-04, 107 continuous analyzers/samplers were provided to the provinces
and territories to replace aging monitors and supplement existing ones.
A public website, which includes an interactive mapping application for
viewing and plotting historical trend data for designated National Air
Pollution Surveillance Network sites, as well as provincial/territorial
and other sites, was launched.
www.etc-cte.ec.gc.ca/naps/naps_summary_e.html
3.1.2 Canadian Air and Precipitation Monitoring
Network
The Canadian Air and Precipitation Monitoring Network is a non-urban
air quality monitoring network, which has been taking measurements since
1978. There are currently 26 measurement sites in Canada located in remote
and relatively pristine areas. One site in the United States ensures compatibility
of measurement methods with the Canadian network.
In 2003-04, the network continued to support ozone measurements by providing
the background information required for Environment Canada's environmental
prediction and air quality forecasts and exchanging data under the Canada
- United States Air Quality Agreement Ozone Annex (see Section
7.6.1).
Data have also been collected at selected sites on a wide range of other
pollutants, including CEPA toxics such as particulate sulphate, ammonium,
nitrate, gaseous sulphur dioxide and nitric acid. One additional measurement
site was added in the last year. In excess of 25 000 samples of all types
were analyzed in 2003-04 in support of Canadian environmental research
initiatives.
www.msc-smc.ec.gc.ca/natchem/particles/n_capmon_e.html
3.1.3 Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme
Environment Canada conducted research on spatial and temporal trends
of persistent organic pollutants as well as heavy metals in the Canadian
circumpolar Arctic. These studies have improved Environment Canada's understanding
of the sources, pathways and fates of these chemicals. Environment Canada
prepared final reports on Greenland diet samples and temporal trends studies
and co-authored papers on contaminants in Greenland. Synopsis reports
were also prepared for the Northern Contaminants Program (NCP) on temporal
trends of contaminants in seals, arctic char and sediments. Papers were
written to discuss spatial trends of metals in seals and spatial/temporal
trends of polychlorinated biphenyls in beluga whales. Human monitoring
data collected and published under the NCP and the international Arctic
Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) have allowed Health Canada
to show that long-range transport of pollutants into the Arctic has increased
human exposure through the traditional marine mammal diet of our Inuit
peoples to unacceptable levels. As a follow-up to this, AMAP has been
asked by the Arctic Council ministers to prepare another assessment of
Arctic contaminants within five years with a greater focus on human health.
www.amap.no
3.1.4 Canadian Atmospheric Mercury Measurement
Network
The standard operating procedures at the Canadian Atmospheric Mercury
Measurement Network (CAMNet) were improved to better detect both particulate
and reactive gaseous mercury. This enhancement will help provide a greater
understanding of mercury trends and processes in the environment.
A global mercury model continued to be developed to better understand
the cycling of mercury and its behaviour in the atmosphere with an increasing
emphasis on regional input. The model referred to as Global/Regional Atmospheric
Heavy Metals (GRAHM) is useful in identifying the global distribution
of mercury emissions and its impact on Canadian air quality.
3.1.5 Water Quality Monitoring
The commitment to better link and expand water quality monitoring networks
nationally through the development of a Canada-wide framework on water
quality monitoring was addressed by the completion of a comprehensive
report on elements and recommendations for such a framework, as well as
a successful Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Water Quality
Index workshop. In 2003, Environment Canada developed the Canadian Water
Quality Data Referencing Network, which responds to the need for enhanced
information access by obtaining and providing web-based information on
water quality monitoring activities within the provincial, territorial
and federal governments. The network was tested and verified by federal,
provincial and territorial partners in 2003. Translation efforts are under
way to provide web-based access to the network in 2004-05.
3.1.6 Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network
The Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network provides information
from various national and regional monitoring programs, more than 80 long-term
integrated ecosystem monitoring sites and a diversity of ecological monitoring
initiatives conducted by numerous collaborators at all levels of government,
as well as non-governmental organizations, community groups, academia
and volunteers. The network enhances Environment Canada's capacity to
collect, access, integrate, manage, interpret, apply and deliver sound
data and information on ecosystem changes and the presence of CEPA toxics
such as mercury. Notable results in 2003-04 included:
- implementation of a standardized set of ecosystem monitoring protocols
in over 200 monitoring stations across Canada, with an additional 17
monitoring plots added in 2003-04;
- expansion of the network to include 380 partners and associates across
Canada - over 140 individuals were trained to use the network's standardized
monitoring protocols; and
- the engagement of 3856 new citizen scientists through NatureWatch,
a suite of community-based monitoring programs that provides over 18
000 observations on ecosystem health throughout Canada.
www.eman-rese.ca/eman/
3.1.7 Integrated Atmospheric Deposition Network
The Integrated Atmospheric Deposition Network (IADN) is a Canada - United
States network that monitors concentrations of persistent, bioaccumulative
and toxic pollutants in the air and precipitation near the Great Lakes.
In 2003-04, the network measured the concentrations of polychlorinated
biphenyls, several organochlorine pesticides, several polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons and trace metals in the atmosphere at several stations located
on the shores of all of the Great Lakes. The results show that the lakes
are sensitive to atmospheric deposition of toxic chemicals and that concentrations
of these compounds are generally decreasing. In addition, data indicate
that future reductions of toxic chemical levels in the water will be directly
related to decreasing concentrations of these compounds in the atmosphere.
Based on recommendations from an international peer review conducted
in 2002 and stakeholder comments, a third Implementation Plan (IP3) for
the IADN has been prepared and endorsed by the Binational Executive Committee
to cover operation of the network for the years 2005 - 2010. Target activities
under IP3 include additional assessment of urban atmospheric inputs to
the lakes; improvements to the loadings calculation, including collaboration
with modellers; and improved outreach to the media and data users.
www.epa.gov/glnpo/fund/projects/99projects/integrated.html
3.2 Research
Scientific research is used to evaluate the impact of substances on the
environment and human health, determine the extent of exposure to contaminants,
guide risk assessments, develop preventive and control measures by identifying
pollution prevention and technology solutions and provide specialized
sampling and analytical techniques used in compliance promotion and enforcement.
Environment Canada and Health Canada scientists published hundreds of
articles, reports and papers during this reporting period. The following
examples illustrate the types and range of research effort undertaken
in 2003-04.
www.ec.gc.ca/CEPARegistry/SandT/Research.cfm
3.2.1 Air
Examples of research results produced in 2003-04 include:
- Measurement and emissions data on various formulations of bio-diesel
were compiled to help decision-makers ensure that new fuels will meet
existing and proposed regulatory requirements.
- Emissions data from diesel locomotives were obtained during field-testing
of different fuels and aftermarket emission control technologies. The
data will allow North American railroads to develop strategies to reduce
emissions.
- A program was initiated to investigate and develop sampling methodologies
to determine the efficiency of control devices treating the releases
of ethylene oxide from sterilization facilities. This will support the
guideline for the reduction of ethylene oxide from sterilization applications.
- Continuing research and development in the Canadian Arctic to further
improve the understanding of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) involved
the use of passive air sampling devices. The devices are designed for
use under Arctic conditions to measure the long-range transport of POPs.
The passive air samplers were used in trend analyses in the Arctic,
which revealed a link between climate fluctuations and POP distribution
in North America.
- Three classes of POPs considered part of the emerging chemicals of
interest for future controls - brominated flame retardants (e.g. PBDEs),
fluorinated surfactants (e.g. PFOS precursors) and polychlorinated naphthalenes
(PCNs) - were studied. Analytical methods have been developed for measuring
PBDEs and PFOS precursor compounds in air and used to identify a large
indoor/outdoor air gradient.
- Research and development work to predict the behaviour and distribution
of chemicals in the environment revealed that PBDEs are more likely
to shift from air to other media such as soil, vegetation and aerosol
organic matter. Cold temperatures further lower the concentration of
PBDEs in air. This new information will enhance the capability to predict
the long-range transport, bioavailability and persistence of these chemicals.
- Health Canada and Environment Canada have initiated a series of innovative
population exposure evaluations to characterize the spatial variability
of ambient air pollutants in Windsor, Ontario. The passive spatial monitoring
of nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) during each of the four seasons was completed and involved approximately
60 monitors throughout Windsor and the airshed, many of which have been
attached to hydro poles. Results from these and other spatial studies
will be used to facilitate health research under the Border Air Quality
Strategy.
3.2.2 Contaminated Sites
Examples of research results produced in 2003-04 include:
- Microbial identification and population dynamics in the remediation
of contaminated wetlands were assessed using DNA techniques. This information
can be used for improving remediation methods and for the regulation
of biological products used for bioremediation.
- Continual monitoring of the sand-capped contaminated sediment in
the north part of Hamilton Harbour has shown no upward migration of
heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or polychlorinated biphenyls
to date, suggesting that the sand-capping approach may be a viable option
for managing contaminated sites.
- New biological testing reference methods were designed to assess
the toxicity of contaminants in order to determine the useability of
the treated soils.
3.2.3 Hormone-Disrupting Substances
Examples of research results achieved in 2003-04 include:
- A bioindicator was developed and used to determine the level of exposure
of fish to estrogens in the Great Lakes "areas of concern."
This indicator of fish health has now been used across Canada. Evidence
of endocrine disruption in wild fish populations was confirmed in some
areas of concern. Results from these studies will be used to identify
appropriate management options.
- New methods or improved existing methods were developed for the determination
of acidic and neutral pharmaceuticals and personal-care products in
sewage samples. The analytical methods developed are essential to Environment
Canada as well as outside agencies for the study of the occurrence and
fate of these compounds in the environment. A database of pharmaceuticals
and personal-care products in sewage and sludge samples was also generated,
which can be used to develop future guidelines regarding wastewater
quality.
- The presence of estrogens in the St. Lawrence and Ottawa rivers and
their effects on male reproduction in two fish species - the spottail
shiner and the walleye - were determined. Physiological consequences
associated with exposure to low levels of estrogenic compounds under
field conditions include reduced sperm count, reduced sperm mobility,
intersex in males and delayed maturation of females.
- The response of fish to contaminants in effluents was evaluated.
Using the knowledge gained from the evaluation, bioassays were developed
that will identify reproductive changes and ultimately assist in predicting
fish responses to effluent mixtures. Results support the proposed use
of the life cycle tests as the definitive laboratory fish bioassay for
hormone-disrupting compounds and effluents that may affect fish growth,
development and reproduction.
- Ongoing research examined the neurodevelopmental toxicity of a mixture
of persistent pollutants that are characteristic contaminants of the
diet of northern peoples and whether such toxicity is mediated by their
disruption of thyroid hormone action.
- Laboratory studies are under way to evaluate developmental neurotoxicity
of polybrominated diphenyl ethers. Results will be used to identify
hazards associated with exposure in utero and during lactation.
3.2.4 Technology Development
Examples of research results achieved in 2003-04 include:
- Pilot-scale advanced wastewater treatment systems were commissioned
to investigate removal mechanisms for several toxic pollutants found
in municipal effluents. These projects will lead to a better understanding
of these compounds and will guide future wastewater technology development.
- Large-scale applications of Microwave-Assisted ProcessesTM
were investigated for their application in reducing energy
use, solvent use and greenhouse gas emissions in industrial processing,
such as those found in the commodity food oils industry and manufacturing
operations. Results obtained indicated that microwave-assisted synthesis
applications can lead to energy-use reductions in the order of 95% when
taking into account the overall energy production cycle (solvent production,
synthesis, purification, solvent removal).
- Laboratory tests were performed to investigate the possibility of
producing and recovering hydrogen gas during the initial phase of the
anaerobic digestion process at municipal wastewater treatment plants.
This process would offer a low-cost and sustainable technology for producing
hydrogen from waste material, which could reduce the reliance on fossil
fuels.
- A collaborative test program with industry was undertaken to develop
selective catalytic reduction control technology to reduce nitrogen
oxide emissions from urban bus engines.
- Passive air samplers were developed by Environment Canada scientists
to assess air concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs)
at regional, continental and global scales. This technology puts Canada
in a leading position for addressing the monitoring and research obligations
outlined in the Stockholm Convention on POPs under the United Nations
Environment Programme.
- A mobile laboratory known as the Canadian Regional and Urban Investigation
System for Environmental Research (CRUISER) was developed to measure
airborne pollutants. The vehicle is one of the most sophisticated mobile
laboratories in the world and is equipped with some of the world's most
advanced air quality measurement instrumentation. The CRUISER will take
measurements as part of the Border Air Quality Strategy to gain further
insight into areas sharing common air quality problems in Canada and
the United States.
3.2.5 Toxic Substances
Examples of research results achieved in 2003-04 include:
- Experiments to forecast particulate matter levels in real- time were
undertaken. Models were also used to test and refine the CWS Guidance
Document on Achievement Determination, which was based on an emission
scenario for Ontario, Quebec and the United States.
- Investigation of the removal of nonylphenol and other anthropogenic
contaminants from industrial and municipal sewage effluents contributed
to the risk management of nonylphenol and its ethoxylates.
- Research on mercury levels in fish in lakes in the Northwest Territories
and along the Mackenzie River has shown that elevated mercury levels
in fish are related to old fish and small lakes. The management implication
of these results suggests that increased fishing effort may be a viable
strategy for reducing mercury levels in the average fish by reducing
mean fish age and improving growth rates.
- In March 2003, a workshop was held at Environment Canada in cooperation
with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to discuss the current state of
science on atmospheric ammonia and initiate cooperative research efforts
on emissions, monitoring and modelling of gaseous ammonia as a factor
to be considered in the risk management of particulate matter.
- Measurements of hexachlorobutadiene released mainly from disposal
following industrial uses (e.g. heat transfer liquid, hydraulic fluid,
solvent) were taken from seven incinerators - four municipal solid waste
incinerators (Sydney, Charlottetown, Peel and Burnaby) and three hazardous
waste incinerators (St. Ambroise, Mercier and Corunna). The data were
used to assess the efficiency of the incinerators and compare the releases
with National Pollutant Release Inventory testing estimates submitted
by reporters.
- Emissions of 2-butoxyethanol, used mainly as a solvent for formulations
in paints and coatings, inks and cleaning products and to a lesser extent
as an additive to hydraulic fluids and in the chemical processing for
plasticizers and other compounds, were measured from 30 consumer products.
The results will support the risk management of this substance.
- Screening studies were conducted to identify some of the pathways
and to determine the releases of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) from polymer
resins used in solenoid valve casings into the environment. These data
were also utilized by Health Canada to assess the impact of HCB releases
in the workplace.
3.2.6 Wildlife
Examples of research results conducted in 2003-04 include:
- Mercury contamination in the Arctic was determined using eggs of
seabirds (thick-billed murre, northern fulmar and black-tailed kittiwake)
as indicators. Mercury in eggs collected in 2003 showed that levels
continue to increase since the program began in 1975. Results were reported
to the Northern Contaminants Program, Arctic Monitoring and Assessment
Programme, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and the
United Nations Environment Programme.
- The levels of lead in hatch-year ducks in Canada have decreased substantially
since the implementation of the Non- Toxic Shot Amendments to the
Wildlife Area Regulations and Migratory Birds Regulations, suggesting
that the Regulations have had their intended effects.
- Studies using rodents provided evidence that exposure to polybrominated
diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) may lead to behavioural disturbances, disruptions
in normal thyroid hormone activity and liver effects (PBDEs are used
primarily as a flame retardant in a wide variety of consumer goods,
such as hairdryers, televisions, computers, furniture upholstery and
cushioning).
3.2.7 Ecosystem Initiatives
3.2.7.1 Atlantic Coastal Action Program
The Atlantic Coastal Action Program is a community-based program that
includes a network of 14 ecosystem-based organizations across the four
Atlantic provinces. Since the program began in 1991, these groups have
undertaken hundreds of projects involving diverse partners and thousands
of volunteers. Science and monitoring projects have supported informed
decision-making, linking scientists with communities and science with
other forms of information. Examples of research conducted in 2003-04
include:
- Remedial action work focused on improving the methodology used to
quantify environmental concentrations of creosote, which is used in
Canada as a heavy-duty wood preservative for railway ties, bridge timbers,
pilings and large-sized lumber and is composed of hundreds of compounds,
the largest group being the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Assessment
of creosote contamination migrating from Marsh Creek into Saint John
Harbour indicated high variability in water-borne concentrations of
creosote, which led to an additional six creosote passive recovery devices
being installed and tested.
- An analysis of mercury in water and sediments and heavy metals, dioxins
and furans in sediments and fish conducted in the Madawaska River showed
a few samples with elevated levels of metals. Follow-up tests are planned.
- In partnership with Environment Canada, the Bedeque Bay Environmental
Management Association has been involved in a three-year project to
monitor water quality and toxicity of agricultural runoff from potato
fields in Prince Edward Island to determine the effectiveness of buffer
zones in reducing the content of contaminants such as ammonia nitrates
in runoff. The results of the study indicated that a 10-metre buffer
is effective at reducing pesticide concentrations but less effective
in reducing the toxicity of the runoff.
atlantic-web1.ns.ec.gc.ca/community/acap/defaultasp
?lang=En&n=B85A3121-11&referer=sitemap
3.2.7.2 St. Lawrence Action Plan, Vision 2000
Phase III of the St. Lawrence Vision 2000 Action Plan started in 1998
and ended in March 2003. Phase III had three main objectives: to protect
ecosystem health; to protect human health; and to involve communities
along the St. Lawrence River in restoring the uses of the river and making
the river more accessible. A new 2004-2009 Canada-Quebec agreement on
the St. Lawrence should be signed soon. Examples of research conducted
in 2003-04 include:
- Knowledge acquired about the toxicity of municipal effluents led
to the identification of promising courses of action to promote the
reduction of industrial pollution at source, particularly by small and
medium-sized enterprises connected to municipal wastewater treatment
plants.
- A project was initiated to review the existing sediment quality criteria.
The data accumulated over the last 10 years are being taken into account,
as well as the measurement of background levels in the St. Lawrence
and recent data on the toxicity of clays in the Champlain Sea.
- Environment Canada helped to complete the development of restoration
plans to secure 16 000 cubic metres of extremely contaminated sediments
in the mouth of the St. Louis River - a tributary of the St. Lawrence
River - and over 40 000 cubic metres of sediments contaminated with
hydrocarbons and metals from a bay at the Port of Montreal (sector 103).
www.slv2000.qc.ca/index_a.htm
3.2.7.3 Great Lakes
Great Lakes 2000 was formally launched in 1989 as the Great Lakes Action
Plan to fulfill Canada's commitments under the 1972 Canada - U.S. Great
Lakes Water Quality Agreement to protect and sustain the world's largest
freshwater ecosystem.
Activities for improving the environment focus on restoring degraded
areas, reducing and preventing pollution and protecting human and ecosystem
health. Examples of research conducted in 2003-04 include:
- A number of studies by Canada and Ontario are under way to investigate
the occurrence and fate of several CEPA toxics, which includes hormone-disrupting
substances and fire retardants, as well as other emerging chemicals
of concern, such as pharmaceuticals and veterinary drugs.
- Environment Canada has initiated studies to evaluate the effects
of toxic chemicals and effluents on thyroid and retinoid function and
is also reassessing Great Lakes fish health to determine if there is
evidence of biological effects from hormone disruption.
www.on.ec.gc.ca/water/greatlakes/action-plan-e.html
3.2.7.4 Georgia Basin Action Plan
The federal-provincial Georgia Basin Action Plan (2003-2008), was announced
on April 2, 2003, and is a renewal of the Georgia Basin Ecosystem Initiative
(1998-2003). Examples of research conducted in 2003-04 include:
- A research and monitoring plan for 20 substances of priority concern
in the Georgia Basin was developed with implementation of the priority
research and monitoring areas to be undertaken over the next four years.
- An emissions inventory of over 200 hazardous air pollutants was under
way in order to develop a list of air pollutants for decision-makers
in the Lower Fraser Valley to address emissions.
- Studies were conducted on the effects on salmonid and amphibian early
life stages from exposure to effluents from a Vancouver area wastewater
treatment plant, which included hormone-disrupting substances and galaxlolide,
a common fragrance found in many soaps and shampoos. The effects of
this exposure to galaxlolide continue to be studied.
www.pyr.ec.gc.ca/GeorgiaBasin/
3.2.7.5 Northern Ecosystem Initiative
In October 2003, Environment Canada announced a five-year contribution
of $10 million to improve environmental decision- making in Canada's North.
This funding renewed the Northern Ecosystem Initiative program which supports
research activities to enhance the health and sustainability of communities
and ecosystems across Canada's North. Examples of research conducted in
2003-04 include:
- An investigation of linkages between mercury levels in Arctic ecosystems
and climate warming was undertaken. Initial results suggest that there
is a linkage supporting the assumption that one consequence of the warming
predicted for the Arctic is the potential for increased mobilization
and bioavailability of heavy metals such as mercury. It was also found
that forest fires may play a role in the fractionation of stable isotopes
of mercury and thus help explain measured increases in northern lakes.
- The development of a web-based Metadata Inventory for Labrador provides
a central location for information on past and current contaminants
projects. As well, work began on developing a cooperative approach for
setting future priorities for research, monitoring and assessment of
contaminants in Labrador (www.lcwg.ca).
www.pnr-rpn.ec.gc.ca/nature/ecosystems/nei-ien/dh00s00en.html
3.3 Guidelines and Codes of Practice
3.3.1 Environmental Quality Objectives
In 2003, a document entitled Guidance on the Site-Specific Application
of Water Quality Guidelines in Canada: Procedures for Deriving Numerical
Water Quality Objectives was published. This report provides scientific
and technical guidance on the development of site-specific water quality
objectives and discusses their role in the management of Canada's water
resources.
3.3.2 Environmental Quality Guidelines
In 2003-04, two Canadian Environmental Quality Guidelines, developed
under the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, were finalized,
and 20 others were under development (see Table 1). The Sediment Quality
Index is expected to provide for consistent reporting on sediment quality
based on a suite of sediment quality guidelines.
www.ec.gc.ca/ceqg-rcqe
Table 1: Canadian Environmental Quality Guidelines from March
2003 to April 2004
Guideline |
Published |
In progress |
Water |
Mercury** (inorganic and methyl);
methyl tertiary butyl ether |
alcohol ethoxylates*; aluminum; dimethenamid;
diisopropanolamine*; guidance framework for
the management of phosphorus in freshwater systems; imidacloprid;
marine eutrophication guidance framework; permethrin; phosphorus ecoregion
guidelines for Ontario; sulfolane*; uranium |
Sediment |
N/A |
sediment quality index |
Soil |
N/A |
benzene**; carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons**; diisopropanolamine*;
ethylbenzene; propylene glycol; sulfolane*;
toluene; uranium; xylenes |
Tissue |
N/A |
|
* In partnership with industry
** Toxic under CEPA 1999
3.3.3 Drinking Water Quality Guidelines
In 2003-04, Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality continued
to be developed by the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Committee on Drinking
Water. Guidelines for trichloroethylene and for enteric viruses were approved
for public consultation, while work is ongoing for other guidelines, including
arsenic, trihalomethanes, bromodichloromethane, chlorite/chlorate, haloacetic
acids and corrosion control.
3.3.4 Release Guidelines
Guidelines for the reduction of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions
in the wood furniture manufacturing sector were developed under the authority
of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment in January 2004.
The overall goal of these guidelines is to achieve a maximum reduction
of VOC emissions from the wood furniture manufacturing sector in Canada
while conforming to the principle of best available technologies economically
achievable. These guidelines are meant to provide a basis for provincial
and regional governments in developing management instruments to achieve
their own specific VOC emission reduction objectives.
www.ccme.ca/publications/index.html#178
3.3.5 Codes of Practice
Two codes of practice were finalized (see Appendix A):
- Code of Practice for the Reduction of Dichloromethane Emissions
from the Use of Paint Strippers in Commercial Furniture Refinishing
and Other Stripping Applications - The code of practice, published
on April 16, 2003, provides guidance for commercial paint stripping
operations regarding actions that can serve to reduce emissions and
use of dichloromethane.
www.ec.gc.ca/CEPARegistry/guidelines/Codes.cfm
- Code of Practice for the Environmental Management of Road Salts
- Published on April 3, 2004, the code is designed to help municipalities
and other road authorities better manage their use of road salts in
a way that reduces harm to the environment while maintaining road safety.
It recommends that road authorities develop salt management plans and
implement best management practices.
www.ec.gc.ca/ozone/DOCs/SandS/RAC/EN/cop/index.cfm
3.4 State of the Environment Reporting
State of the environment reports and environmental indicators provide
Canadians with timely and accurate information, in a non- technical manner,
about current environmental issues and foster the use of science in policy-
and decision-making. Indicators, reports, data and tools are housed at
or referenced through Environment Canada's State of the Environment Infobase.
www.ec.gc.ca/soer-ree/English/default.cfm
3.4.1 Environmental Indicators
In 2003-04, Environment Canada published two indicator reports:
- Environmental Signals: Canada's National Environmental Indicator
Series 2003 - This report depicts trends in the environment through
the use of 55 environmental indicators, organized under four themes:
ecological life-support systems; human health and well-being; natural
resources sustainability; and human activities (www.ec.gc.ca/soer-ree/English/Indicator_series/default.cfm).
- Environmental Signals: Headline Indicators 2003 - This report
highlights a set of 12 key indicators that are aimed at providing a
broad overview of trends in Canada's environment in areas that are important
to Canadians, such as toxic substances, air quality, solid waste and
recycling and wastewater treatment (www.ec.gc.ca/soer-ree/English/headlines/toc.cfm).
3.4.2 Regional Reports
Environmental indicator and state of the environment reports were also
released or completed for several ecosystems in Canada during 2003-04:
- Georgia Basin Ecosystem Initiative: a 5-Year Perspective -
This report provides updates on the four key goals of the initiative:
supporting sustainable communities; achieving clean air; conserving
and protecting habitats and species; and achieving clean water (www.pyr.ec.gc.ca/georgiabasin/reports/5_year_perspective/summary_e.htm).
In April 2003, Environment Canada supported the renewal of the Georgia
Basin Ecosystem Initiative, to be renamed the Georgia Basin Action Plan
(www.pyr.ec.gc.ca/georgiabasin/index_e.htm).
- State of the Great Lakes 2003 - This fifth biennial report
issued by the governments of Canada and the United States assesses the
environmental status of each Great Lake, the St. Lawrence River, and
the St. Clair - Detroit River Ecosystem and provides assessments on
43 indicators (binational.net/sogl2003/index.html).
- St. Lawrence Vision 2000 Five-Year Report 1998-2003 - This
report describes the extensive results achieved in each of the areas
of action in Phase III of the program, including monitoring, sustainable
shipping and almost 100 technology transfer and development projects
(www.slv2000.qc.ca).
3.4.3 Environmental Indicators and State of the
Environment Reporting Strategy
In response to the challenge of managing and sharing knowledge creatively
to better serve Canadians, Environment Canada is preparing a report entitled
Environmental Indicators and State of the Environment Reporting Strategy,
2004-2009: Environment Canada. Throughout 2003, there were internal
and public consultations on the strategy. Two supporting documents were
drafted: Current Status, Trends, and Perceptions regarding Environmental
Indicators and State of the Environment Reporting in Canada and
Environmental Indicators and State of the Environment Reporting: An
Overview for Canada.
3.4.4 Canadian Sustainability Indicators Network
Environment Canada is leading the development of the Canadian Sustainability
Indicators Network. This network is facilitating the exchange of knowledge
and information on activities and best practices for the development and
delivery of indicators and reporting among federal departments, provinces,
regions, communities and non-governmental organizations. A national meeting
was held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in November 2003, under the theme of
"mixing strategic thinking and knowledge sharing." Several virtual
learning workshops have been held over the Internet, bringing together
practitioners from across Canada.
www.csin-rcid.ca/main_e.htm
3.5 Information Gathering
3.5.1 National Pollutant Release Inventory
The National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) provides Canadians with
access to pollutant release and management information from companies
located in their communities. The NPRI tracks releases to air, water and
land, transfers to disposal facilities and recycling and pollution prevention
activities for over 300 pollutants, such as mercury, dioxins and furans,
hexachlorobenzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Changes made in 2003 for the 2004 reporting year include the addition
of carbonyl sulphide and phosphorus (total) to the inventory and changes
to the listings for nonylphenols and octylphenols. As of 2003, reporting
is also required on the releases of individual volatile organic compound
species from a list of 60 selected compounds. In addition, the reporting
exemptions were modified so that releases from oil and gas wells are now
subject to reporting.
A web-based "toolbox" and a guidance document were made available
in 2003 to improve assistance to facilities on the reporting process.
These tools highlight important changes to reporting, explain the reporting
requirements and provide methods for estimating releases.
www.ec.gc.ca/NPRI
3.5.2 Greenhouse Gas Reporting
As a significant step towards meeting international obligations and domestic
climate change objectives, Environment Canada instituted the first phase
of mandatory reporting of greenhouse gas emissions. On March 13, 2004,
an information-gathering notice was issued, requiring major emitters of
greenhouse gases to report emissions of greenhouse gases for 2004 by June
1, 2005. Facilities emitting an amount greater than or equal to 100 kilotonnes
of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2004 are required to report. Statistics
Canada is the data collection agency, while the Greenhouse Gas Division
of Environment Canada will be responsible for addressing enquiries of
a technical nature. This first phase lays the foundation for the development
of a harmonized and efficient "single-window" mandatory reporting
system for greenhouse gas emissions in Canada. The information collected
on greenhouse gas emissions will be published and accessible by Canadians.
www.ec.gc.ca/pdb/ghg/ghg_home_e.cfm
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