A major tightening of air pollution emission standards comes into force today for many Ontario industries. Regulation 419/05, under the Environmental Protection Act, bases air pollution standards on avoiding local impacts to human health and the environment, NOT on what is economically or technically achievable for the affected industries. For a brief video explanation, click here.To soften the blow to industry, the standards are being phased in. Some industries were affected by the first wave, in February 2010:
Metal Ore Mining
Fossil-Fuel Electric Power Generation
Petroleum Refineries
Basic Chemical Manufacturing
Resin, Synthetic Rubber, and Artificial and Synthetic Fibres and Filaments Manufacturing
Iron and Steel Mills and Ferro-Alloy Manufacturing
Non-Ferrous Metal (except Aluminum) Smelting and Refining
Another large group is affected today:
Pulp, Paper and Paperboard Mills
Other Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing
Chemical Manufacturing
Urethane and Other Foam Product (except Polystyrene) Manufacturing
Other Non-Metallic Mineral Product Manufacturing
Primary Metal Manufacturing
Coating, Engraving, Heat Treating and Allied Activities MEX
All Other Miscellaneous Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing MEX
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
Waste Treatment and Disposal
The rest of Ontario industries have until 2020 to comply with the new standards, to seek a temporary extension or to close and move out of the province.