Canada’s Air Pollutant Emissions Inventory Report 2022: chapter 2.12

2.12 Hexachlorobenzene (HCB)

In 2020, approximately 8.1 kg of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) were emitted in Canada (Table 2–14). Waste Incineration was the largest contributor in 2020 with 61% (5.0 kg) of total HCB emissions. Ore and Mineral Industries was the second-largest contributor, with 33% (2.7 kg) of total emissions, attributed to the Iron and Steel Industry sector, which represented 11% (0.89 kg) of the national total. Within the same category, the Cement and Concrete Industry and Non-Ferrous Refining and Smelting Industry sectors contributed to 9.5% (0.77 kg) and 8.9% (0.72 kg), respectively, of the total HCB emissions.

Overall, HCB emissions decreased by 81% (34 kg) from 1990 to 2020. HCB emissions decreased between 1990 and 2014 and have remained relatively stable since 2014 (Figure 2–12). The decrease is partly due to a drop in emissions from Waste Incineration since 1998, specifically as a result of a decline in the use of batch incinerators for municipal waste incineration. For example, the use of conical burners has declined steadily in Newfoundland and Labrador (Newfoundland Municipal Affairs and Environment, 2017). 

Emission reductions were also observed in the Electric Power Generation (Utilities) category as a result of reduced HCB emissions reported at several coal plants. Between 2019 and 2020, Ore and Mineral Industries experienced a decrease in HCB emissions of 40 % (1.8 kg), mostly due to a decrease in Non-Ferrous Refining and Smelting Industry of 73% (2.0 kg), in part owed to the permanent closure of a non-ferrous metal smelter in December 2019.

The most significant changes in HCB emissions from 1990 to 2020 include:

• Incineration and Waste: decrease of 68% (10 kg), with:
  • Waste Incineration: decrease of 68% (11 kg)
• Electric Power Generation (Utilities): decrease of 98% (11 kg), with:
  • Coal (Electric Power Generation): decrease of 98% (10 kg)

Figure 2–12: Trends in Canadian HCB emissions (1990 to 2020)

Table 2–14: National summary of annual HCB emissions

Notes:
Totals may not add up due to rounding.
0.00 Indicates emissions were truncated due to rounding.
- Indicates no emissions

Note:
Refer to Annex 4.4 for more information on international marine navigation and air transportation reporting emissions.

References, Chapter 2, 2020 Emissions and trends

[AB] Government of Alberta. 2018. Methane Emission Reduction Regulation. A.R. 244/2018. [2018 Dec 12]

[BC] British Columbia Government. 2021. Oil and Gas Activities Act - Drilling and Production Regulation. B.C. Reg. 282/2010. [Amended 2021 Mar 4].

[EC] Environment Canada. 2001. Environmental Code of Practice for Integrated Steel Mills – CEPA 1999 Code of Practice. 

[ECCC] Environment and Climate Change Canada. 2014. Annual Public Report of Environmental Performance Agreement Concerning Atmospheric Emissions of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons between Environment and Climate Change Canada and Rio Tinto Alcan. 

[ECCC] Environment and Climate Change Canada. 2017. 2015 Progress report: pollution prevention planning by ase metals smelters and refineries and zinc plants. 

[ECCC] Environment and Climate Change Canada. 2018a. Base metal smelters sector: environmental performance agreements overview. Gatineau (QC).

[ECCC] Environment and Climate Change Canada. 2018b. Regulations respecting reduction in the release of methane and certain volatile organic compounds (upstream oil and gas sector) (SOR/2018-66). 

 Newfoundland Municipal Affairs and Environment. 2017. Solid Waste Management Strategy Performance Monitoring Report. [PDF]

[SK] Government of Saskatchewan. 2020. The Oil and Gas Emissions Management Regulations (OGEMR) [Amended 2020].