Code of practice for the management of air emissions from pulp and paper facilities: chapter 1

1 Introduction

1.1 Background

At a meeting of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) on October 11, 2012, federal, provincial and territorial environment ministers approved further action to protect the health of Canadians and the environment including the adoption of measures to improve air quality in Canada through a comprehensive new Canada-wide system: the Air Quality Management System (AQMS). Ministers agreed to a flexible approach to implementation that would help jurisdictions ensure good air quality outcomes, while maintaining competitiveness throughout Canada. The AQMS has several components, including Base Level Industrial Emission Requirements (BLIERs) that set a base level of performance for major industries in Canada.

The BLIERs are intended to serve as quantifiable requirements in the form of performance standards that can be incorporated into an instrument such as a regulation. They should result in compliance of all major industrial sources in Canada, regardless of the air quality where the factories and industrial facilities are located, with an acceptable basic environmental performance level.

The expert group that developed the BLIERs for pulp and paper was composed of representatives from federal and provincial governments, one non-governmental organization and representatives from the pulp and paper industry. At the federal level, the group included representatives from departments of the Environment, Natural Resources and Health.

A consensus was reached in December 2011 on the Pulp and Paper BLIERs for sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and total particulate matter (TPM), which were accepted by the CCME.

1.2 Description of the pulp and paper sector

The Canadian pulp and paper is present throughout Canada, except in Prince Edward Island and the territories.

The pulp and paper facilities that are subject to the code of practice are defined in the “Definitions” section.

1.3 Code of practice objectives

The objectives of this code of practice are to recommend and promote best practices to facilitate and encourage ongoing improvements in the environmental performance of pulp and paper facilities in Canada with respect to SO₂ and TPM air emissions from combustion sources.

The recommendations set forth in the code of practice are not intended to limit the use of other technologies and practices that could provide equivalent or superior environmental protection. The recommendations may need to be interpreted based on the individual conditions and concerns of each facility. In addition, implementing the recommendations does not exempt the facilities from their obligation to comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

The code of practice may be applied voluntarily by pulp and paper sector companies, facilities and associations. It may also be adopted in whole or in part by provincial regulatory agencies.

It may serve as a reference for the implementation of best practices to ensure the ongoing improvement of environmental performance in pulp and paper facilities in Canada.