Past consultations: National Pollutant Release Inventory

Find out what NPRI topics Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has consulted on in the past. Before changes are made to the National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI), the proposed changes undergo consultation with stakeholders. A list of the consultations that have taken place in preparation for each reporting year is provided below.

For more information on these consultations or to request a document listed on this page, please contact the NPRI. More information is also available on the changes to the NPRI over time and the changes to the NPRI substance list over time.

Reporting year

• 2016 and 2017
• 2014 and 2015
• 2012 and 2013
• 2011
• 2010
• 2009
• 2008
• 2007
• 2006
• 2005
• 2004
• 2003
• 2002
• 2001
• 2000
• 1999
• 1994-1998
• 1993

2016 and 2017 reporting years

Information on the changes that were considered for the 2016 and 2017 reporting years can be found on the proposals for changes to the NPRI page (along with the changes that are currently being considered for the 2018 and future reporting years). 

2014 and 2015 reporting years

In considering changes for the 2014 and 2015 reporting years, ECCC conducted consultation on the topics below, and released its final responses in July 2014.

• Substances added to the NPRI
• • 2-(2-Methoxyethoxy)ethanol (DEGME) (CAS RN 111-77-3) ¹
  • Thallium (and its compounds) at an alternate threshold ²
• Substances removed from the NPRI
• • Allyl chloride (CAS RN 107-05-1)¹
  • 1-Bromo-2-chloroethane (CAS RN 107-04-0)¹
  • C.I. Solvent Orange 7 (CAS RN 3118-97-6)¹
  • 3-Chloro-2-methyl-1-propene (CAS RN 563-47-3)¹
  • Ethyl chloroformate (CAS RN 541-41-3)¹
• Modification to existing substances: Changes to reporting thresholds
• • Acrylonitrile (CAS RN 107-13-1)³
  • Bisphenol A (CAS RN 80-05-7)¹
  • Hydrazine (and its salts) (CAS RN 302-01-2)¹
  • Isoprene (CAS RN 78-79-5)¹
  • Nonylphenol and its ethoxylates¹
  • Quinoline (CAS RN 91-22-5)¹
  • 2,6-Toluene diisocyanate (CAS RN 91-08-7)⁴
  • 2,4-Toluene diisocycanate (CAS RN 584-84-9)⁴
  • Toluenediisocyanate (mixed isomers) (CAS RN 26471-62-5)⁴
• Changes and clarifications to reporting criteria
• • Total reduced sulphur⁵
  • Underground releases^6,7
• Topics discussed but for which no change took effect for 2014 or 2015
• • Particulate matter size fractions (PM2.5, PM10 and total particulate matter)⁸
  • Hydraulic fracturing and in situ oil sands extraction^6,7
  • A proposal by the Canadian Environmental Law Association and EcoJustice to add 10 substances: 2,2-bis (Bromomethyl)-1,3-propanediol, tetrafluoroethylene, methyl eugenol, nitromethane, glycidol, phenolphthalein, and four nitroarenes^9,10

2012 and 2013 reporting years

 Environmental Defence submitted a proposal to add naphthenic acids to the NPRI¹¹ on November 11, 2010. Consultation on this issue was conducted through the NPRI Multi-Stakeholder Work Group (Work Group) and the recommendations of the Work Group¹² were finalized in June 2012. Environment Canada’s response to the proposal to add naphthenic acids to the NPRI¹³was released in December 2012, indicating that more information is required prior to considering this proposal. The proposal included the following topic:

• Topics discussed but for which no change took effect for 2012 or 2013
• • The addition of naphthenic acids (CAS RN 1338-24-5)

2011 reporting year

Environment Canada released a proposal for stakeholder consultation in September 2011¹⁴ and released its final decision in December 2011. The proposal included the following topic: 

• Modification to existing substances
• • Reduced reporting threshold for selenium (and its compounds)

2010 reporting year

Environment Canada released a consultation document in September 2010¹⁵ that included proposed changes on the following topics:

• Substances removed from the NPRI
• • Sulphur hexafluoride (CAS RN 2551-62-4)
• Changes to reporting criteria
• • Require reporting of provincial identification numbers from facilities in the upstream oil and gas sector.
  • Require reporting of information related to updates of the pollution prevention plan and whether the plan addresses energy or water conservation
  • Removal of the requirement to report Canadian and United States Standard Industrial Classification codes.
  • Removal of the requirement to report anticipated releases, disposals and recycling fields.

2009 reporting year

The Work Group submitted their recommendations to Environment Canada in July 2008 ¹⁶and Environment Canada released its response in February 2010¹⁷.

• Topics discussed but for which no change took effect for 2009
• • Reporting of VOC species from large stacks
  • Thresholds for criteria air contaminants
  • Reporting requirements for ammonia
  • The alternate threshold framework and its application for metals
  • Reporting of hexachlorobenzene for the manufacturing of rubber tires
  • Reporting of dioxins and furans for catalytic reforming operations at petroleum refineries
  • Expand the definition of a facility to include mobile sources

2008 reporting year

The Work Group report finalized in June 2007 provided an update on the status of the work of the various subgroups and, where applicable, Work Group recommendations arising from this work¹⁸.

• Changes to reporting criteria
• • Require reporting of dioxins, furans and hexachlorobenzene for facilities that do titanium dioxide pigment production using the chloride process
• Update on sub-groups, including the following:
• • Challenges and Opportunities Sub-group (formerly Long-term Direction and Scope Sub-group, formed in 2004)
  • Criteria Air Contaminants Sub-group (formed in 2005, work completed in February 2007)
  • Criteria Air Contaminants / Volatile Organic Compounds Sub-group (formed in February 2007)
  • Criteria Air Contaminants / Threshold Sub-group (formed in February 2007)
  • Alternate Threshold Sub-group (re-activated in 2006 after two years of inactivity)
  • Dioxins, Furans, and Hexachlorobenzene Sub-group (formed in 2006)

2007 reporting year

The 2006 final Work Group report presents background information on issues tabled with stakeholders, Environment Canada’s proposals, and the Work Group’s views and recommendations on proposed changes, and Environment Canada responses to the recommendations for the 2007 reporting year and beyond¹⁹.

• Substances added to the NPRI
• • Total reduced sulphur
  • The addition of nine polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons at an alternate threshold and the addition of a 5kg threshold per individual substance
• Modifications to existing substances
• • Changing the reporting of dioxins and furans from a total for the group to individual congeners
• Changes to reporting criteria
• • Inclusion of emissions of particulate matter from unpaved roads
  • Require reporting from pits and quarries with 500,000 tonnes or more of production per year.
  • Require reporting of changes in ownership or contact information and correction of errors in previously reported data (took effect for the 2006 reporting year).
• Substances/topics discussed but for which no change took effect for 2007
• • Data gaps related to criteria air contaminants
  • Long-term direction and scope sub-group
  • Alternate threshold framework
  • Substances for which changes have been deferred

2006 reporting year

Items discussed in considering changes for the 2006 reporting year, are described in Environment Canada's response that was released in November 2005²⁰ .

• Substances added to the NPRI at an alternate threshold
• • The addition of fifteen volatile organic compound species: furfuryl alcohol, tetrahydrofuran, six glycol ethers, and seven mineral spirits
  • The addition of three polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: acenaphthene, acenaphthylene, and fluorene
• Changes to reporting criteria
• • Removal of the exemption of primary extraction and crushing activities at mining facilities with the exception of pits and quarries.
  • Portable units were added to the definition of facility.
• Substances/topics discussed but for which no change took effect for 2006
• • Calcium oxide does not meet the criteria for addition
  • Total reduced sulfur
  • The removal of ethyl acetate from the O.Reg. 127/01, since it is already on the NPRI under Part 5
  • The deferral of the proposal for the addition of acetone
  • Road dust to be addressed for 2007 reporting year
  • Long-term direction and scope
  • Data gaps related to criteria air contaminants
  • Deferred issues
  • Modifications for dioxins, furans, and hexachlorobenzene
  • Reporting of biosolids

2005 reporting year

Items discussed in considering changes for the 2005 reporting year, are described in Environment Canada's response that was released in January 2005²¹.

• Substances/topics discussed but for which no change took effect for 2005
• • The proposed addition of perfluorooctanesulfonate (including its salts, and its precursors), hexachlorobutadiene, benzidine (and benzidine dihydrochloride), refractory ceramic fibers, tetrachlorobenzenes and pentachlorobenzene
  • The removal of 2-methoxyethanol
  • Modification to the listing of hexachlorobenzene, chlorinated paraffins and ethylene oxide
  • No changes to the listing of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and 2-butoxyethanol
  • Draft framework for listing of substances with an alternative threshold
  • Issues and initiatives related to the mining sector
  • Plans for harmonization of the NPRI with O. Reg. 127
  • Agreement between Environment Canada and the Forest Products Association of Canada
  • Review of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act
  • Longer-term vision and work plan

2004 reporting year

The Work Group recommendations for the 2004 reporting year, along with Environment Canada’s response, are included in the report published in November 2003 . The following topics were discussed²².

• Substances/topics discussed but for which no change took effect for 2004
• • Thallium
  • Polychlorinated biphenyls
  • Dioxins, furans and hexachlorobenzene
  • N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA)
  • Particulate matter speciation
  • Mining exemption review
  • Harmonization of NPRI and O.Reg.127/01
  • Alternate threshold framework
  • Substances deferred
  • Publication of data
  • Data quality
  • Detection limits and level of quantifications
• Other information items
• • Canada Gazette 2003 amendments
  • New reporting software
  • Reporting of greenhouse gasses
  • Wastewater requirements
  • Issues raised for future consideration

2003 reporting year

In August 2002, a draft of the Work Group’s recommendations was released for public review and comment. Taking into account feedback from stakeholders, the Work Group finalized its report for submission to Environment Canada and the response was released in February 2003²³. The reports include discussion of the following items:

• Substances added to the NPRI
• • Carbonyl sulphide (CAS RN 463-58-1)
  • Phosphorus (total)
  • Addition of 60 volatile organic compounds species at an alternate threshold
• Modifications to existing substances
• • 13 individually listed nonylphenols and ethoxylates were replaced by “nonylphenol and its ethoxylates”.
  • 4-tert-Octylphenol was replaced by “octylphenol and its ethoxylates” as a group.
• Modifications to reporting criteria
• • Require reporting of emissions from activities related to the operation of oil and gas wells.
  • The creation of a new reporting category that will combine on-site and off-site disposal activities into a single group.
• Other topics discussed but for which no changes took effect for 2003
• • Alternate threshold framework
  • The addition of greenhouse gases
  • Thallium
  • Beryllium
  • Nickel
  • Acetone
  • The mining exemption
  • Harmonization with provincial initiatives

2002 reporting year

Following public review of a draft of the Work Group’s recommendations during the summer of 2001, the Work Group recommendations for the 2002 reporting year were submitted to Environment Canada in October, 2001. Environment Canada’s response to these recommendations was released in January 2002²⁴. The reports include discussion of the following items:

• Substances added to the NPRI at an alternate threshold
• • Seven criteria air contaminants: sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, total particulate matter, PM₁₀ and PM_2.5
• Substances removed from the NPRI
• • Phosphoric acid (CAS RN 7664-38-2)
• Modification to existing substances
• • Reduced thresholds for:
  • • Lead and its compounds
    • Tetraethyl lead (CAS RN 78-00-2)
    • Cadmium and its compounds
    • Arsenic and its compounds
  • Hexavalent chromium compounds will now be listed separately from chromium and its compounds, and at an alternate threshold
• Modifications to reporting criteria
• • Require reporting from facilities operating combustion equipment
  • Require reporting from facilities engaged in painting and stripping of vehicles
  • Require reporting from terminals and other large fuel storage facilities
  • Require reporting from municipal water treatment facilities based on the annual average discharge quantity
  • Require reporting of dioxins and furans for biomedical/hospital and non-hazardous waste incineration if there are 26 tonnes or more
  • Added description of wood preservation
  • Add a more detailed breakdown of pollution prevention activities
• Other topics discussed but for which no changes took effect for 2002
• • Alternate threshold framework
  • Outstanding criteria air contaminant issues
  • Greenhouse gases
  • NPRI substances banned under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act
  • Nickel and its compounds
  • Carbonyl sulphide
  • Hexachlorobutadiene
  • Hexabromodiphenyl
  • Octachlorostyrene
  • Tetrabromobisphenol A
  • Inorganic chloramines
  • Phosphate

2001 reporting year

In continuation of the 1998-2000 consultations, and in consideration of changes for the 2001 reporting year, the primary focus of the Work Group was Objective 3; the future process for additions and deletions. The Work Group recommendations were included in the fifth report of the Work Group that was published in November 2000²⁵ and Environment Canada released the final response to these recommendations in December 2000²⁶.

The reports include discussion of the following items:

• Substances added to the NPRI
• • N,N-Dimethylformamide (CAS RN 68-12-2)
• Modifications to existing substance
• • Four listings of cresol were amalgamated into a single category under the name “cresol (mixed isomers)” (CAS RN 1319-77-3)
  • "Vanadium (fume or dust)” was changed to “vanadium (and its compounds, except when in an alloy” (CAS RN 7440-62-2)
• The permanent process for modifying the NPRI
• • The steps in the consultation process
  • Nominations by stakeholders
  • Decision factors to be applied to substances proposed for addition or deletion
  • Categories and criteria for candidates for alternate thresholds
• Candidate additions and deletions for future consideration
• • Criteria air contaminants
  • Aluminum salts
  • Carbonyl sulfide
  • Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases
  • Chloramines
  • Hexachlorobiphenyl
  • Hexachlorobutadiene and nitrosodimethylamine
  • Nonylphenol and its ethoxylates
  • Octachlorostyrene
  • Pentachlorobenzene
  • Tetrabromobisphenol A
  • Tetrachlorobenzenes and trichlorobenzenes
  • Pentachlorophenol
  • PM₁₀, radionuclides, and possibly other Priority Substance List 2 substances
  • Polychlorinated biphenyls
  • NPRI substances banned under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act
  • Other possible by-product substances
  • Other persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic substances
• 3,3’-Dichlorobenzidene and other salts removed from the list of candidate additions
• Other issues for improvement to the NPRI

2000 reporting year

In continuation of the 1998-1999 consultations, and in consideration of changes for the 2000 reporting year, the primary focus of the Work Group was Objective 2; consider substances for addition that would require lower reporting thresholds. The third report was published in September 1999²⁷²⁸, for public review and comment, and set the ground for recommendations presented in their fourth report which was submitted to Environment Canada in December 1999²⁹. Environment Canada then released the response to the recommendations for the 2000 reporting year in January 2000³⁰.

The reports include discussion of the following items:

• Substances added to the NPRI
• • Acrolein (CAS RN 107-02-8)
  • 4-tert-Octylphenol (CAS RN 140-66-9)
  • Oxirane, methyl-, polymer with oxirane, mono(nonylphenyl)ether (CAS RN 37251-96-7)
  • Polymeric diphenylmethane diisocyanate (CAS RN 9016-87-9)
  • Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins for facilities engaged in specified activities
  • Polychlorinated dibenzofurans for facilities engaged in specified activities
  • Hexachlorobenzene (CAS RN 118-74-1) for facilities engaged in specified activities
  • Addition of 17 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons at an alternate threshold
• Modification to existing substances
• • Reduced reporting threshold for mercury and its compounds
• General issues relevant to the use of alternate thresholds:
• • Number of thresholds
  • Definition of “release threshold”
  • Use of “release thresholds” versus “manufactured, processed or otherwise used thresholds” for alternate threshold substances
  • Treatment of “measured” versus “estimated” releases
  • Releases that are below the level of quantification
  • Concentration exemption
  • Minimum release quantity and breakdown to media
  • Removal of the employee threshold for specified activities
  • Implementation issues for the first round of alternate thresholds
• Other substances/topics discussed but for which no changes took effect for 2000:
• • Removal of the employee threshold for the discharge or treated or untreated wastewater
  • Refractory ceramic fibres
  • Micro pollutants/persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic substances
  • • Polychlorinated biphenyls
    • Hexabromobiphenyl
    • Octachlorostyrene
    • Pentachlorobenzene
    • Tetrabromobisphenol A
    • Pesticides: lindane, dicofol, methoxychlor, pendimathalin, trifluralin
  • Metals that meet the definition of toxic under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, such as hexavalent chromium, specific arsenic compounds, specific cadmium compounds, lead and its compounds
  • Other substances that meet the definition of toxic under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act: benzidine, 3,3-dichlorobenzidine and its salts, HCFC-225da, HCFC-225ca, and HCFC-225cb (and 13 other ozone depleting substances added in 1999)
  • Other: Acrolein, beryllium, 2,4,6-trichlorophenol, 2,3,4,6-tetrachlorophenol, trichlorobenzenes, nonylphenol and nonylphenol ethoxylates, short chain chlorinated paraffins

1999 reporting year

In July 1998, Environment Canada established an Ad Hoc Work Group to develop recommendations in three areas concerning the list of substances on the NPRI:

Objective 1: Additions and deletions for the 1999 reporting year

Objective 2: Alternate reporting thresholds

Objective 3: Future process for additions and deletions.

The Work Group focused primarily on Objectives 1 and 3 and began discussion of Objective 2. The Work Group released its “First Report for Public Comment” in November 1998³¹. All comments received were referred to the Work Group for further consideration. In March 1999, the Work Group released its recommendations to Environment Canada for 1999 additions³². In April 1999 Environment Canada released its final response to the recommendations of the Work Group³³.

The following topics were discussed in the above mentioned documents.

• Substances added to the NPRI:
• • Calcium fluoride (CAS RN 7789-75-5)
  • Chloro alkanes, C_10-13 (CAS RN 85535-84-8)
  • Chloro alkanes, C_6-18 (CAS RN 68920-70-7)
  • Hydrogen sulphide (CAS RN 7783-06-4)
  • Sulphur hexafluoride (CAS RN 2551-62-4)
  • Twelve nonylphenol and its ethoxylates
  • 2-Butoxyethanol (CAS RN 111-76-2)
  • Hexane (CAS RN 110-54-3)
  • Thirteen ozone depleting substances
  • 41 other substances
• Other substances discussed but for which no changes took effect for 1999:
• • Additions
  • • Non-pesticidal organotin compounds
    • Aluminum sulphate
    • Aluminum nitrate
    • Aluminum chloride
    • Ethanol
    • Polymeric dephenyl methane diisocyanate (PMDI)
    • Refractory ceramic fibres (to be added in 2000)
    • Pesticides
    • Wood preservatives
    • Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
    • Nutrients (nitrites, urea, and phosphates)
  • Additions at alternate thresholds
  • • Certain ozone depleting substances
    • Acrolein
    • Trichlorobenzenes
    • 2,3,4,6-Tetrachlorophenol
    • Beryllium and its compounds
    • 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol
  • Deletions
  • • Sulphuric acid (Environment Canada decided not to delete)
    • Hydrochloric acid (Environment Canada decided not to delete)
    • Acetone
    • Phosphoric acid
• Implementation issues
• • The burden associated with the addition of a significant number of new substances in 1999
  • Data quality in the first year for new substances
  • Lack of context for releases of some substances (where non-NPRI releases are significant)
• Decision factors for the addition and deletion of substances
• Integration of the criteria air contaminants inventory with the NPRI

1994 to 1998 reporting years reporting year

No consultation documents available.

1993 reporting years reporting year

The NPRI Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Committee (composed of representatives from industry, environmental groups, labour and the federal and provincial governments) proposed the design and reporting procedures for the NPRI, as outlined in the Final Report of the NPRI Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Committee³⁴ . The following items are discussed in the report:

• The agreed upon purpose of the NPRI, and the principles underlying its design
• Recommendations on the design of the NPRI, including the criteria for reporting, the information to be reported, and the list of substances
• Unresolved issues related to the purpose of the NPRI, the reporting conditions, the list of substances, and the information to be reported
• Recommendations on issues requiring further study and the consultative mechanism by which work should be pursued.
• Proposals for harmonizing the NPRI with other inventories