Industrial Facilities Required to Plan for Environmental Emergencies

OTTAWA, August 20, 2002 - Environment Minister David Anderson today announced new draft regulations that will require industrial facilities that handle dangerous substances to develop accident prevention plans. The proposed regulations will also require companies to address emergency preparedness, response and recovery.

"Canadians want industrial facilities that use dangerous substances to have plans in place to respond quickly and effectively in the event of an emergency," said Minister Anderson. "These regulations will improve the protection of the health, safety and security of Canadians, their environment and their communities."

The proposed Environmental Emergency (E2) Regulations, under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999), target an initial list of 174 substances. Any companies that store or use the substances, above specified minimum quantities, will be required to provide information to Environment Canada about the maximum amounts and locations of the substances. This information will help police, fire and other emergency response personnel to respond effectively in an emergency.

The proposed regulations were published in the Canada Gazette on August 10, 2002 for a 60-day public comment period. Canadians have until October 8 to submit their comments to Environment Canada. Environment Canada will consider comments before finalizing recommendations to the Minister.

Approximately 1,500 facilities are expected to be required to comply with the proposed regulations. Facilities subject to regulations would be required to develop, implement and test an emergency plan within one year of the regulations coming into effect. The regulations are expected to be finalized and in place early in 2003.

"The E2 Regulations will increase the amount of information available to Canadians who live near industrial facilities," said Minister Anderson. "This is consistent with the government's commitment under CEPA 1999 to provide Canadians with increased access to information, and more opportunities to participate in the decision making process."

Information on the proposed regulations, including the 174 substances on the initial list, applicable minimum quantities, and the regulatory text, can be found at www.ec.gc.ca/ee-ue/plans/plans_e.cfm. Information about the E2 plans will be available to Canadians on Canadian Environmental Protection Act Environmental Registry on the Internet following Environment Canada review.