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This historical page is being kept for research or reference
purposes and will not be updated.

This historical page is being kept for research or reference
purposes and will not be updated.

List of Tables

Table 1: Canadian Mercury Cell Chlor-Alkali Plants: Status to 1990
Plant Location Date Mercury Cells Opened Date Mercury Cells Closed
Canadian-Oxy Ltd. Squamish, B.C. 1965 Operational
Prince Albert Pulp Co. Saskatoon, Sask. 1964 Nov. 1978
ICI Ltd., Cornwall Cornwall, Ont. 1935 Operational
Domtara Lac Quevillon, Que. 1961 May 1978
PPG Canada Inc. Beauharnois, Que. 1949 Nov. 1990
ICI Ltd., Shawinigan Shawinigan, Que. 1936 1978
ICI Ltd., Dalhousie Dalhousie, N.B. 1963 Operational
Canso Chemicals Ltd. Point Abercrombie, N.S. 1970 Operational
Dryden Chemicals Dryden, Ont. 1962 Oct. 1975
Dow, Thunder Bay Thunder Bay, Ont. 1966 Sept. 1973
American Can Marathon, Ont. 1952 Aug. 1977
Dow I - Sarnia Sarnia, Ont. 1948 Jan. 1973
Dow III - Sarnia Sarnia, Ont. 1970 July 1973
CIL - Hamilton Hamilton, Ont. 1965 June 1973
Alcan Arvida, Que. 1947 June 1976
a The Domtar plant is an operational pulp and paper plant. The captive mercury cell plant, which served the main plant, bas been closed but to date not decommissioned.


Table 2: Advantages and Disadvantages of the Diaphragm and Membrane Cell Chlor-Alkali Processes in Relation to the Mercury Cell Process

Advantages

  • Absence of mercury in process effluents, emissions, and sludge/residue
  • More compact construction permitted due to cell geometry, resulting in lower land and building costs
  • Cheaper construction cost due to increased use of plastic
  • Site decommissioning and closeout easier due to absence of mercury

Disadvantages

  • Potential release of asbestos from diaphragm cell
  • Weaker caustic soda produced (12-20% versus 50% from mercury cell process)
  • Evaporation of solution required to produce 50% caustic soda
  • Production affected by load changes


Table 3: Chlorine and Caustic Soda Production (tonnes) in Canada by the Mercury, Diaphragm, and Membrane Cell Processes for 1986 and 1989
Mercury Cell Diaphragm Cell Membrane Cell
Chlorine Caustic Soda Chlorine Caustic Soda Chlorine Caustic Soda
1986 210 000 231 000 782 000 1 385 000 56 500 62 000
% of total 20.03 13.77 74.58 82.54 5.39 3.69
Total chlorine 1 048 500
Total caustic soda 1 678 000
1989 210 000 231 500 1 258 000 1 385 000 56 500 62 000
% of total 13.77 13.79 82.52 82.52 3.71 3.69
Total chlorine 1 524 500
Total caustic soda 1 678 500


Table 4: Chlorine Production (%) by the Mercury, Diaphragm, and Membrane Cell Processes for 1986 and 1989
Year Mercury Cell Diaphragm Cell Membrane Cell
1986 20.03 74.58 5.39
1989 13.77 82.52 3.71
Difference -6.26 7.94 -1.68


Table 5: Sources, Characteristics, and Control of Wastewaters from Mercury Cell Chlor-Alkali Plants
Source Characteristic Contaminant Control
Dissolver slurry brine Ca, Mg, FeSO4,
Trace: Cr, Ti, Mo, V, Hg		 Precipitation as hydroxide, carbonate, or sulphate
Cell room wastes: leaks, spills, cell wash water Hg To wastewater treatment plant
Chlorine condensate Chlorine solution Stripping and recovery of chlorine (to process)
Recycle condensate
Spent sulphuric acid 50-70% H2SO4 with chlorine Chlorine removal by steam stripping,
Regenerated acid reused
Tail gas scrubber liquid Uncondensed chlorine gas Scrubbing with NaOH or Ca(OH)2 to produce a hypochlorite
Caustic soda filter wash Mercury Sand filters, with solids from filter backwash, sent to retort and supernatant recycled to caustic soda circuit
Hydrogen condensate from cooling of hydrogen gas Elemental mercury droplets in water To wastewater plant or returned to process
Storm water runoff Mercury and mercury compounds,
Variable flow rates and contamination		 That portion of storm water collected in runoff ponds is treated at wastewater treatment plant


Table 6: Sources, Characteristics, and Control of Emissions from Mercury Cell Chlor-Alkali Plants
Source Characteristic Contaminant Control
Cell room ventilation air Mercury vapour Adequate cell room ventilation through roof vents,
End box covers
Hydrogen by-product stream (strong and weak hydrogen streams) Mercury vapour,
Mercury droplets		 Condenser
Sulphur impregnated, activated carbon adsorbers
Cell end box ventilation system Mercury vapour Activated carbon adsorbers fitted to end box
Exhaust gases from the retorts Mercury vapour Condenser,
Activated carbon filter
Exhaust gases front tanks Mercury vapour Activated carbon adsorbers


Table 7: Sources, Characteristics, and Control of Emissions from Mercury Cell Chlor-Alkali Plants
Source Characteristic Contaminant Treatment/Disposal Options Comments
Brine saturator Gypsum,
Gangue		 Dewatering,
Solids to landfill with provincial permits
Recycled brine Ca, Mg, Fe Precipitation of divalent cations with BaCl2 soda
Caustic soda product Elemental mercury as suspended droplets Sand filtration,
Retorting of recovered solids,
Filter backwash to wastewater treatment plant
Wastewater treatment plant solids Elemental mercury,
Mercury sulphides		 Hazardous waste facilities,
Retorts		 Retorting requires control of carton and sulphur (combustibles)
Raw cell room sludge ("mud") Elemental mercury,
Mercury compounds		 Muds settled prior to water treatment,
Retorting of muds

Miscellaneous sources

  • Cell maintenance
  • Treated mercury butter
  • Retort solids
  • Demolished cell room concrete
 Mercury solids Retorting of solids to recover mercury,
Solids placed in drums and stored on-site for mercury recovery at off-site plants,
Placed in secure landfill,
Retorted		 Treatment method used depends on plant


Table 8: Federal and Provincial Regulations Pertaining to Mercury Cell Chlor-Alkali Plants
Source Federal British Columbia Ontario Quebec New Brunswick Nova Scotia
Effluents Chlor-Alkali Mercury Liquid Effluent Regulations Waste Management Act Environmental Protection Act Environmental Quality Act Clean Environment Act Environmental Protection Act
2.5 g of mercury per day per tonne of chlorine produced, multiplied by the plant's reference production rate Waste Management Board (WMB) Effluent Permit PE-0138
Total Hg = 0.005 mg/L (Quarterly average = 0.008 mg/L (maximum allowable))		 As per federal As per federal As per federal As per federal
Emissions Chlor-Alkali Mercury National Emissions Standards Regulations Waste Management Act Environmental Protection Act Environmental Quality Act Clean Environment Act Environmental Protection Act
Cell room,
End box,
H2 filters,
Retorts		 WMB Emission Permit PA-1711
Cell room area:50 μg/m3,
H2 vent stack:0.1 g per tonne of chlorine,
Cell vent stack:0.1 g per tonne of chlorine,
Ambient air: 1 μg/m3		 Ambient air quality standard: 2.0 μg/m3 over 24 hours As per federal As per federal As per federal
Solid wastes None WMB Solid Waste Permit PR-1627 Regulation 309


Table 9: Canadian Mercury Cell Chlor-Alkali Plants: Status to 1989
Plant Location Start-Up Number of Cells Rated Capacity (tonnes/day) Commercial Products Comments
Canadian-Oxy Ltd. Squamish, B.C 1965 26 184 NaOH, Cl2, HCI
ICI Ltd., Cornwall Cornwall, Ont 1935 54 NaOH,
6 KOH		 150 NaOH, Cl2,
KOH, H2, HCl, NaOCl
PPG Canada Inc. Beauharnois, Que. 1949 30 204 Cl2, NaOH, HCl Mercury cell ceased operating in November 1990
ICI Ltd., Dalhousie Dalhousie, N.B. 1963 38 94 O2, NaOH, HCl
Canso Chemicals Ltd. Point Abercrombie, N.S. 1970 27 79 O2, NaOH, H2


Table 10: Canadian-Oxy: Mercury Deposits in Effluent, 1986-1989
Year Total Chlorine Production (tonnes) Reference Chlorine Production Ratea (tonnes/day) Maximum Allowable Hg Depositb (kg/day) Average Actual Hg Depositc (kg/day) Violation Days Comments
1986 60 335 175.7 0.439 0.041 0 In compliance
1987 61 357 184.0 0.460 0.053 0 In compliance
1988 60 623 181.6 0.454 0.029 0 In compliance
1989 53 959 181.5 0.454 0.036 0 In compliance
  • a Averaged over 12 months.
  • b Maximum allowable Hg deposit = 0.0025 kg per day per tonne of Cl2 × reference Cl2 production rate (tonnes/day).
  • c Average actual Hg deposit = (total Hg deposited in effluent for the year)/365 days.


Table 11: Canadian-Oxy: Mercury Emissions, 1986-1989
Emission Source Mercury Emissions Allowablea (kg/year) Comments
g/(d·t) (kg/d) (kg/year)
Cell room ventilation 1986 2.63 0.484 176.8 335.8 Cell area is not enclosed. Mercury emissions are calculated from ambient mercury concentrations WMB Emissions Permit PA-1711 requires a mercury concentration of 50 μg/m3 in cell room area

Compliance with concentration limit in provincial permit
1987 6.94 1.277 466.3 335.8
1988 2.75 0.506 184.61 335.8
1989 2.95 0.542 197.98 335.8
End box 1986 0.0015 0.00027 0.10 6.716 In compliance
1987 0.0022 0.00041 0.15 6.716 In compliance
1988 0.00106 0.000195 0.071 6.716 In compliance
1989 0.00565 0.00104 0.380 6.716 In compliance
Hydrogen stream 1986 0.003 0.00005 0.02 6.716 In compliance
1987 0.0025 0.00046 0.17 6.716 In compliance
1988 0.00276 0.00139 0.509 6.716 In compliance
1989 0.0126 0.00231 0.842 6.716 In compliance
Retort Retorts not in service since 1983
Tanks No air pollution equipment installed
Total emissions (kg) 1986 176.82
1987 466.62
1988 185.19
1989 199.20
a Based on 5 g of mercury per day per tonne of chlorine rated capacity for the cell room and 0.1 g of mercury per day per tonne of chlorine rated capacity for the end box, hydrogen stream, and retort. Rated capacity = 184 tonnes of chlorine per day.


Table 12: Canadian-Oxy: Mercury Loss to Products and Solid Waste, 1986-1989
Year Mercury Loss
Products (kg) Solid Waste (kg)
1986 6.35 50.69
1987 12.05 28.27
1988 7.48 10.19
1989 8.09 38.45
Total 33.97 127.60


Table 13: Canadian-Oxy: Mercury Disposition and Chlorine Production, 1986-1989
Year Mercury Disposition Mercury Input (kg) Total Chlorine Production (tonnes) Total Mercury Losta (kg) Mercury Lost (g) per Tonne of Chlorine Produced
Effluent (kg) Products (kg) Solids (kg) Emissions (kg)
1986 14.95 6.35 50.69 176.92 1 379 60 335 248.91 4.13
1987 19.42 12.05 28.27 466.62 3 298 61 357 526.36 8.58
1988 10.7 7.48 10.19 185.19 2 956 60 623 213.56 3.52
1989 13.11 8.09 38.45 199.20 -163 53 959 258.85 4.80
Total 58.18 33.97 127.60 1 027.93 7 470 236 274 1 247.68 5.28 (average)
a Total mercury lost equals the sum of mercury in effluents, products, solids, and emissions.


Table 14: ICI, Cornwall: Mercury Deposits in Effluent, 1986-1989
Year Total Chlorine Production (tonnes) Reference Chlorine Production Ratea (tonnes/day) Maximum Allowable Hg Depositb (kg/day) Average Actual Hg Depositc (kg/day) Violation Days Comments
1986 42 995 112.25 0.281 0.0428 0 In compliance
1987 45 177 131.0 0.328 0.0319 0 In compliance
1988 44 576 138.17 0.345 0.0406 0 In compliance
1989 40 025 115.0 0.288 0.0330 0 In compliance
  • a Averaged over 12 months.
  • b Maximum allowable Hg deposit = 0.0025 kg per day per tonne of Cl2 × reference Cl2 production rate (tonnes/day).
  • c Average actual Hg deposit = (total Hg deposited in effluent for the year)/365 days.


Table 15: ICI, Cornwall: Mercury Emissions, 1986-1989
Year Mercury Emissions Allowablea(kg/year) Comments
g/(d·t) (kg/d) (kg/year)
Cell room ventilation 1986 1.53 0.2295 83.768 273.75 Cell room emission test conducted with a mercury sniffer and following Environment Canada's standard reference for mercury releases. In compliance.
1987 1.60 0.240 87.6 273.75
1988 1.71 0.257 93.81 273.75
1989 1.67 0.251 91.62 273.75
End box 1986 0.00183 0.000275 0.1002 5.475
1987 0.00119 0.0001785 0.0652 5.475
1988 0.0015 0.00023 0.084 5.475
1989 0.00167 0.00025 0.091 5.475
Hydrogen stream 1986 0.00971 0.00146 0.532 5.475
1987 0.0149 0.002235 0.8157 5.475
1988 0.000117 0.000018 0.0066 5.475
1989 0.00018 0.000027 0.0099 5.475
Retort 1986 0.0126 0.00189 0.689 5 months operation in 1986
1987 0.00927 0.00139 0.507 6 months operation in 1987
1988 Not in use
1989 Not in use
Tanks 1986-1989 Low Low Low No emission controls on tanks
Total emissions (kg) 1986 85.09
1987 88.99
1988 93.90
1989 91.72
a Based on 5 g of mercury per day per tonne of chlorine rated capacity for the cell room and 0.1 g of mercury per day per tonne of chlorine rated capacity for the end box, hydrogen stream, and retort. Rated capacity = 150 tonnes of chlorine per day.


Table 16: ICI, Cornwall: Mercury Loss to Products and Solid Waste, 1986-1989
Year Mercury Loss
Products (kg) Solid Waste (kg)
1986 23.66 20.30
1987 23.71 41.48
1988a 24.73 693.45
1989b 22.93 457.11
Total 95.03 1 212.34
  • a For 1988, 649.2 kg of the total solids produced (693.45 kg) were wastewater treatment plant sludges that had been accumulating since 1983 or earlier but were not disposed of until 1988.
  • b For 1989, 355.8 kg of the total solids produced (457.11 kg) were wastewater treatment plant sludges that bad been accumulating since 1983 but were not disposed of until 1989.


Table 17: ICI, Cornwall: Total Mercury Disposition and Chlorine Production, 1986-1989
Year Mercury Disposition Mercury Input (kg) Total Chlorine Production (tonnes) Total Mercury Losta (kg) Mercury Lost (g) per Tonne of Chlorine Produced
Effluent (kg) Products (kg) Solids (kg) Emissions (kg)
1986 15.62 23.66 20.30 85.09 4 364 42 995 144.67 3.36
1987 11.65 23.71 41.48 88.99 3 450 45 177 165.83 3.67
1988 14.81 24.73 693.45 93.90 3 447 44 576 826.89 18.55
1989 12.09 22.93 457.11 91.72 3 538 40 025 583.78 14.59
Total 54.11 95.03 1 212.34 359.70 14 799 172 773 1 721.17 9.96 (average)
a Total mercury lost equals the sum of mercury in effluents, products, solids, and emissions.


Table 18: ICI, Dalhousie: Mercury Deposits in Effluent, 1986-1989
Year Total Chlorine Production (tonnes) Reference Chlorine Production Ratea (tonnes/day) Maximum Allowable Hg Depositb (kg/day) Average Actual Hg Depositc (kg/day) Violation Days Comments
1986 29 869 88.65 0.222 0.0255 0 In compliance
1987 30 785 94.0 0.235 0.0198 0 In compliance
1988 31 012 94.0 0.235 0.0285 0 In compliance
1989 29 385 92.78 0.232 0.0193 0 In compliance
  • a Averaged over 12 months.
  • b Maximum allowable Hg deposit = 0.0025 kg per day per tonne of Cl2 × reference Cl2 production rate (tonnes/day).
  • c Average actual Hg deposit = (total Hg deposited in effluent for the year)/365 days.


Table 19: ICI, Dalhousie: Mercury Emissions, 1986-1989
Emission Sourcer Mercury Emissions Allowablea (kg/year) Comments
g/(d·t) (kg/d) (kg/year)
Cell room ventilation 1986 2.543 0.239 83.33 171.55 Noncompliance, third quarter 1986
1987 2.35 0.221 80.73 171.55 In compliance for 1987-1989
1988 2.17 0.204 49.53 171.55
1989 1.032 0.097 35.412 171.55
End box 1986 0.0072 0.000677 0.247 3.431 In compliance
1987 0.0405 0.00381 1.39 3.431 In compliance
1988 0.0455 0.00428 1.561 3.431 In compliance
1989 0.08 0.00752 2.744 3.431 In compliance
Hydrogen stream 1986 0.0836 0.00786 2.869 3.431 Noncompliance, third quarter 1986
1987 0.0793 0.00745 2.72 3.431 Noncompliance, third quarter 1987
1988 0.0704 0.00662 2.415 3.431 In compliance for 1988 and 1989
1989 0.0712 0.00669 2.443 3.431
Retort All retort emissions are directed to the end box. This practice had been in place since 1972
Tanks 1986-1989 Estimated to be low No air pollution control equipment for tanks
Total emissions (kg) 1986 90.45
1987 84.84
1988 53.51
1989 40.60
a Based on 5 g of mercury per day per tonne of chlorine rated capacity for the cell room and 0.1 g of mercury per day per tonne of chlorine rated capacity for the end box, hydrogen stream, and retort. Rated capacity = 94 tonnes of chlorine per day.


Table 20: ICI, Dalhousie: Mercury Loss to Products and Solid Waste, 1986-1989
Year Mercury Loss
Products (kg) Solid Waste (kg)
1986 18.19 305.89
1987 20.87 528.45
1988 23.68 258.01
1989 21.54 665.00
Total 84.28 1 757.35


Table 21: ICI, Dalhousie: Total Mercury Disposition and Chlorine Production, 1986-1989
Year Mercury Disposition Mercury Input (kg) Total Chlorine Production (tonnes) Total Mercury Losta (kg) Mercury Lost (g) per Tonne of Chlorine Produced
Effluent (kg) Products (kg) Solids (kg) Emissions (kg)
1986 9.30 18.19 305.89 90.45 2 413.0 29 869 423.83 14.19
1987 7.23 20.87 528.45 84.84 2 240.8 30 785 641.39 20.83
1988 10.42 23.68 258.01 53.51 1 034.2 31 012 345.62 11.14
1989 7.06 21.54 665.00 40.60 0.0 29 385 734.20 24.99
Total 34.01 84.28 1 757.35 269.40 5 688.0 121 051 2 145.04 17.72 (average)
a Total mercury lost equals the sum of mercury in effluents, products, solids, and emissions.


Table 22: Canso Chemicals: Mercury Deposits in Effluent, 1986-1989
Year Total Chlorine Production (tonnes) Reference Chlorine Production Ratea (tonnes/day) Maximum Allowable Hg Depositb (kg/day) Average Actual Hg Depositc (kg/day) Violation Days Comments
1986 21 887 63.63 0.1591 0.0085 0 In compliance
1987 22 186 64.87 0.1622 0.0107 0 In compliance
1988 16 755 53.65 0.1341 0.0099 0 In compliance
1989 12 847 39.06 0.0977 0.0066 0 In compliance
  • a Averaged over 12 months.
  • b Maximum allowable Hg deposit = 0.0025 kg per day per tonne of Cl2 × reference Cl2 production rate (tonnes/day).
  • c Average actual Hg deposit = (total Hg deposited in effluent for the year)/365 days.


Table 23: Canso Chemicals: Mercury Emissions, 1986-1989
Year Mercury Emissions Allowablea (kg/year) Comments
g/(d·t) (kg/d) (kg/year)
Cell room ventilation 1986 0.711 0.0562 20.5 144.175 In compliance.
1987 1.033 0.0816 29.8 144.175 In compliance.
1988 1.49 0.1178 43.0 144.175 In compliance.
1989 0.551 0.04356 15.9 144.175 In compliance.
End box 1986 0.0368 0.00291 1.062 2.884 In compliance.
1987 0.0228 0.001803 0.658 2.884 In compliance.
1988 0.00286 0.000226 0.0826 2.884 In compliance.
1989 0.00304 0.00024 0.0877 2.884 In compliance.
Hydrogen stream 1986 0.000162 0.0000128 0.0047 2.884 In compliance.
1987 0.000125 0.0000098 0.0036 2.884 In compliance.
1988 0.0001 0.0000079 0.0029 2.884 In compliance.
1989 0.000094 0.0000073 0.0027 2.884 In compliance.
Tanks 1986-1989 Low Low Low No air pollution control equipment for tanks
Total emissions (kg) 1986 21.567
1987 30.462
1988 43.086
1989 15.990
a Based on 5 g of mercury per day per tonne of chlorine rated capacity for the cell room and 0.1 g of mercury per day per tonne of chlorine rated capacity for the end box, hydrogen stream, and retort. Rated capacity = 79 tonnes of chlorine per day.


Table 24: Canso Chemicals: Mercury Loss to Products and Solid Waste, 1986-1989
Year Mercury Loss
Products (kg) Solid Wastea
Nonrecoverable Mercury (kg) Recoverable Mercury (kg)
1986 4.7 46.1 491.0
1987 3.3 44.4 679.1
1988 4.2 34.3 537.7
1989 2.6 26.0 449.5
Total 14.8 150.8 2 157.3
a Mercury in solid waste is separated into nonrecoverable and recoverable fractions. The nonrecoverable fraction is buried in a licensed landfill site on plant property. The recoverable fraction is stored on-site for recovery of the mercury at a later date.


Table 25: Canso Chemicals: Total Mercury Disposition and Chlorine Production, 1986-1989
Year Mercury Disposition Mercury Input (kg) Total Chlorine Production (tonnes) Total Mercury Lostb (kg) Mercury Lost (g) per Tonne of Chlorine Produced
Effluent (kg) Products (kg) Solidsa (kg) Emissions (kg)
1986 3.1 4.7 46.1 21.57 1 723.7 21 887 75.47 3.45
1987 3.9 3.3 44.4 30.46 861.8 22 186 82.06 3.70
1988 3.6 4.2 34.3 43.09 155.1 16 755 85.19 5.08
1989 2.4 2.6 26.0 15.99 0.0 12 847 46.99 3.66
Total 13.0 14.8 150.8 111.11 2 740.6 73 675 289.71 3.93 (average)
  • a Nonrecoverable mercury in solide waste.
  • b Total mercury lost equals the sum of mercury in effluents, products, solids, and emissions.


Table 26: PPG Canada: Mercury Deposits in Effluent, 1986-1989
Year Total Chlorine Production (tonnes) Reference Chlorine Production Ratea (tonnes/day) Maximum Allowable Hg Depositb (kg/day) Average Actual Hg Depositc (kg/day) Violation Days Comments
1986 55 192 152.8 0.382 0.1236 28 Average Hg deposit in compliance
1987 52 772 155.33 0.388 0.0343 0 In compliance
1988 55 910 156.58 0.391 0.0351 3 Average Hg deposit in compliance
1989 53 361 158.33 0.396 0.0320 0 In compliance
  • a Averaged over 12 months.
  • b Maximum allowable Hg deposit = 0.0025 kg per day per tonne of Cl2 × reference Cl2 production rate (tonnes/day).
  • c Average actual Hg deposit = (total Hg deposited in effluent for the year)/365 days.


Table 27: Violations of Federal Effluent Regulations, 1986-1989
Year Month Number of Days in Violation Mercury Discharged Above Allowable Limit (kg) Cause Remedial Action
1986 Feb. 2 0.690 Mercury-contaminated activated carbon entered the sewer Recommendations to prevent the loss of activated carbon were implemented
Feb. 1 0.002 The efficiency of the wastewater treatment system decreased The bed of activated carbon was changed
Apr. 4 0.639 Loss of efficiency of the old wastewater treatment system; the new system was being commissioned The secondary carbon bed was changed
Apr. 11 1.433 Infiltration of mercury-contaminated water into sewers (from mercury-contaminated soil around the pipes) Repairs were made to the storm sewers; repairs to sanitary sewers were planned for May 1986
May 8 1.264 The old treatment system overflowed and the treatment efficiency was low The sanitary sewers were upgraded and the new treatment system became operational in May 1986
Aug. 1 0.027 A mechanical breakdown in the filtration system allowed higher than normal mercury to pass for 1 hour The filter and mercury analyzer, which malfunctioned at the same time, were repaired; a backup analyzer was installed
Oct. 1 0.397 During an experiment to reduce mercury emissions to the air, a valve allowing mercury-contaminated water to enter the sewer was accidentally opened The interconnecting pipe was removed and will not be replaced
Total 28 4.452
1987 No violations
1988 July 1 0.671 An unplanned power outage resulted in the release of caustic soda to the cooling water An alarm system was installed
Aug. 1 0.168 An unplanned power outage resulted in the release of contaminated cooling water to the sewer Operating procedures were reviewed
Sept. 1 0.070 Heavy rainfall drowned the underground pumps Pumps were replaced, creating infiltration in the sewer pipes
Total 3 0.909
1989 No violations


Table 28: PPG Canada: Mercury Emissions, 1986-1989
Year Mercury Emissions Allowablea (kg/year) Comments
g/(d·t) (kg/d) (kg/year)
Cell room ventilation 1986 4.05 0.8272 301.92 372.3 Results of compliance tests for all emission sources are presented in Table 29.
1987 2.12 0.4317 157.59 372.3
1988 2.62 0.5339 194.87 372.3
1989 1.477 0.5391 196.77 372.3
End box(including tanks) 1986 0.00818 0.00167 0.6089 7.446
1987 0.0289 0.00589 2.15 7.446
1988 0.00721 0.00417 0.5367 7.446
1989 0.000651 0.000133 0.0485 7.446
Hydrogen stream 1986 0.0537 0.01095 3.997 7.446
1987 0.0108 0.002195 0.8012 7.446
1988 0.0110 0.00225 0.8209 7.446
1989 0.0383 0.0078 2.852 7.446
Residual gas vent 1986 0.0001087 0.0000221 0.0081 7.446
1987 0.0000298 0.000006 0.00222 7.446
1988 0.0000373 0.0000076 0.00278 7.446
1989 0.0001654 0.0000337 0.01232 7.446
Total emissions (kg) 1986 306.53
1987 160.54
1988 196.23
1989 199.68
aBased on 5 g of mercury per day per tonne of chlorine rated capacity for the cell room and 0.1 g of mercury per day per tonne of chlorine rated capacity for the end box and hydrogen stream. Rated capacity = 204 tonnes of chlorine per day.


Table 29: PPG Canada: Emission Compliance Tests, 1986-1989
Year Quarter Cell Room Hydrogen Stream End Box Residual Gas Vent NaOH Tanks
1986 1 Two tests in complianceTwo tests not in complianceAverage in compliance OK OK OK OK
2 OK OK OK OK OK
3 Two tests in complianceTwo tests not in complianceAverage not in compliance OK OK OK OK
4 OK OK OK OK OK
1987 1 OK OK OK OK OK
2 OK OK One test not in complianceAverage not in compliance OK OK
3 One test not in complianceAverage in compliance OK OK OK OK
4 OK OK OK OK OK
1988 1-4 Emission tests for all sources in compliance
1989 1 OK OK OK OK OK
2 OK OK OK OK OK
3 OK Three tests not in compliance OK OK OK
4 OK OK OK OK OK


Table 30: PPG Canada: Mercury Loss to Products and Solid Waste, 1986-1989
Year Mercury Loss
Products (kg) Solid Waste (kg)
1986 17.75 26.32
1987 19.18 19.78
1988 20.44 14.39
1989 17.19 9.55
Total 74.56 70.04


Table 31: PPG Canada: Total Mercury Disposition and Chlorine Production, 1986-1989
Year Mercury Disposition Mercury Input (kg) Total Chlorine Production (tonnes) Total Mercury Losta (kg) Mercury Lost (g) per Tonne of Chlorine Produced
Effluent (kg) Products (kg) Solids (kg) Emissions (kg)
1986 45.1 17.75 26.32 306.53 3 450 55 192 395.70 7.17
1987 12.51 19.18 19.78 160.54 6 900 52 772 212.01 4.02
1988 12.8 20.44 14.39 196.23 6 900 55 910 243.86 4.36
1989 11.69 17.19 9.55 199.68 6 900 53 361 238.11 4.46
Total 82.10 74.56 70.04 862.98 24 150 217 235 1 089.68 5.02 (average)
a Total mercury lost equals the sum of mercury in effluents, products, solids, and emissions.


Table 32: Mercury Loss (kg) to Effluents, 1986-1989
Plant 1986 1987 1988 1989 Total
Canadian-Oxy Ltd. 14.95 19.42 10.7 13.11 58.18
ICI Ltd., Cornwall 15.62 11.65 14.81 12.03 54.11
ICI Ltd., Dalhousie 9.30 7.23 10.42 7.06 34.01
Canso Chemicals Ltd. 3.1 3.9 3.6 2.4 13.0
PPG Canada Inc. 45.1 12.51 12.8 11.69 82.10
Total 88.07 54.71 52.33 46.29 241.40


Table 33: Mercury Loss (kg) to Emissions, 1986-1989
Plant 1986 1987 1988 1989 Total
Canadian-Oxy Ltd. 176.92 466.62 185.19 199.20 1 027.93
ICI Ltd., Cornwall 85.09 88.99 93.90 91.72 359.70
ICI Ltd., Dalhousie 90.45 84.84 53.51 40.60 269.40
Canso Chemicals Ltd. 21.57 30.46 43.09 15.99 111.11
PPG Canada Inc. 306.53 160.54 196.23 199.68 862.98
Total 680.56 831.45 571.92 547.19 2 631.12


Table 34: Mercury Loss (kg) to Products, 1986-1989
Plant 1986 1987 1988 1989 Total
Canadian-Oxy Ltd. 6.35 12.05 7.48 8.09 33.97
ICI Ltd., Cornwall 23.66 23.71 24.73 22.93 95.03
ICI Ltd., Dalhousie 18.19 20.87 23.68 21.54 84.28
Canso Chemicals Ltd. 4.7 3.3 4.2 2.6 14.8
PPG Canada Inc. 17.75 19.18 20.44 17.19 74.56
Total 70.65 79.11 80.53 72.35 302.64


Table 35: Mercury Loss (kg) to Solid Wastes, 1986-1989
Plant 1986 1987 1988 1989 Total
Canadian-Oxy Ltd. 50.69 28.27 10.19 38.45 127.60
ICI Ltd., Cornwall 20.30 41.48 693.45 457.11 1 212.34
ICI Ltd., Dalhousie 305.89 528.45 258.01 665.00 1 757.35
Canso Chemicals Ltd.a 46.1 44.4 34.3 26.0 150.8
PPG Canada Inc. 26.32 19.78 14.39 9.55 70.04
Total 449.30 662.38 1 010.34 1 196.11 3 318.13
a Nonrecoverable mercury in solid waste.


Table 36: Canadian-Oxy: Mercury Accountability, 1986-1989
Year Mercury Dispositiona (kg) Chlorine Production (tonnes) Mercury Inputb (kg) Mercury Inventoryc Mercury Consumptiond (kg) Variencee (kg) Mercury Consumption (g) per Tonne of Chlorine Produced
Initial (kg) Final (kg) Decrease (kg)
1986 248.91 60 335 1 379 123 241 123 991 -750 629 380.09 10.43
1987 526.36 61 357 3 298 123 991 126 420 -2 429 869 342.64 14.16
1988 213.56 60 623 2 956 126 420 128 837 -2 417 539 325.44 8.89
1989 258.85 53 959 -163 128 837 128 103 734 571 312.15 10.58


Table 37: ICI, Cornwall: Mercury Accountability, 1986-1989
Year Mercury Dispositiona (kg) Chlorine Production (tonnes) Mercury Inputb (kg) Mercury Inventoryc Mercury Consumptiond (kg) Variencee (kg) Mercury Consumption (g) per Tonne of Chlorine Produced
Initial (kg) Final (kg) Decrease (kg)
1986 144.67 42 995 4 364 122 874 125 991 -3 117 1 247 1 102.33 29.00
1987 165.83 45 177 3 450 125 958 129 194 -3 236 214 48.17 4.74
1988 826.89 44 576 3 447 129 194 131 759 -2 565 882 55.11 19.79
1989 583.78 40 025 3 538 131 759 134 504 -2 745 793 209.22 19.81
  • a Mercury disposition: sum of mercury in liquid effluent, air emissions, products, and impounded solids (not scheduled for recovery).
  • b Mercury input: sum of mercury purchased and mercury transferred into and out of the plant.
  • c Mercury inventory: sum of mercury in cell loops and process equipment and recoverable mercury in solids at the beginning and end of the year.
  • d Mercury consumption: net input of mercury to plant plus decrease in inventory.
  • e Variance: mercury consumption minus mercury disposition.

Source: Canadian Chemical Producers' Association (CCPA) "Annual Report of Mercury Use."


Table 38: ICI, Dalhousie: Mercury Accountability, 1986-1989
Year Mercury Dispositiona (kg) Chlorine Production (tonnes) Mercury Inputb (kg) Mercury Inventoryc Mercury Consumptiond (kg) Variencee (kg) Mercury Consumption (g) per Tonne of Chlorine Produced
Initial (kg) Final (kg) Decrease (kg)
1986 423.83 29 869 2 413.0 77 640 76 434 1 206 3 619 3 195.17 121.16
1987 641.39 30 785 2 240.8 76 434 78 247 -1813 427.8 -213.59 13.90
1988 345.62 31 012 1 034.2 78 247 79 226 -979 55.2 -290.42 1.78
1989 734.20 29 385 0.0 79 226 79 668 -442 -442 -1 176.20 NA
  • a Mercury disposition: sum of mercury in liquid effluent, air emissions, products, and impounded solids (not scheduled for recovery).
  • b Mercury input: sum of mercury purchased and mercury transferred into and out of the plant.
  • c Mercury inventory: sum of mercury in cell loops and process equipment and recoverable mercury in solids at the beginning and end of the year.
  • d Mercury consumption: net input of mercury to plant plus decrease in inventory.
  • e Variance: mercury consumption minus mercury disposition.

Source: Canadian Chemical Producers' Association (CCPA) "Annual Report of Mercury Use."


Table 39: Canso Chemicals: Mercury Accountability, 1986-1989
Year Mercury Dispositiona (kg) Chlorine Production (tonnes) Mercury Inputb (kg) Mercury Inventoryc Mercury Consumptiond (kg) Variencee (kg) Mercury Consumption (g) per Tonne of Chlorine Produced
Initial (kg) Final (kg) Decrease (kg)
1986 75.47 21 887 1 723.7 55 003.6 56 549.0 -1 545.4 178.3 102.83 8.15
1987 82.06 22 186 861.8 56 549.0 57 256.7 -707.7 154.1 72.04 6.95
1988 85.19 16 755 155.1 57 256.7 57 218.7 38.0 193.1 107.97 11.52
1989 46.99 12 847 0.0 57 218.7 57 134.1 84.6 84.6 37.61 6.59
  • a Mercury disposition: sum of mercury in liquid effluent, air emissions, products, and impounded solids (not scheduled for recovery).
  • b Mercury input: sum of mercury purchased and mercury transferred into and out of the plant.
  • c Mercury inventory: sum of mercury in cell loops and process equipment and recoverable mercury in solids at the beginning and end of the year.
  • d Mercury consumption: net input of mercury to plant plus decrease in inventory.
  • e Variance: mercury consumption minus mercury disposition.

Source: Canadian Chemical Producers' Association (CCPA) "Annual Report of Mercury Use."


Table 40: PPG Canada: Mercury Accountability, 1986-1989
Year Mercury Dispositiona (kg) Chlorine Production (tonnes) Mercury Inputb (kg) Mercury Inventoryc Mercury Consumptiond (kg) Variencee (kg) Mercury Consumption (g) per Tonne of Chlorine Produced
Initial (kg) Final (kg) Decrease (kg)
1986 395.70 55 192 3 450 81 984 79 397 2 587 6 037.0 5 641.3 109.38
1987 212.01 52 772 6 900 79 397 80 190.5 -793.5 6 106.5 5 894.49 115.71
1988 243.86 55 910 6 900 80 190.5 81 087.5 -897 6003.0 5 759.14 107.37
1989 238.11 53 361 6 900 81 087.5 79 507.5 1 580 8 480.0 8 241.89 158.92
  • a Mercury disposition: sum of mercury in liquid effluent, air emissions, products, and impounded solids (not scheduled for recovery).
  • a Mercury input: sum of mercury purchased and mercury transferred into and out of the plant.
  • a Mercury inventory: sum of mercury in cell loops and process equipment and recoverable mercury in solids at the beginning and end of the year.
  • a Mercury consumption: net input of mercury to plant plus decrease in inventory.
  • a Variance: mercury consumption minus mercury disposition.

Source: Canadian Chemical Producers' Association (CCPA) "Annual Report of Mercury Use."

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