Potash sector: code of practice overview

The code of practice for the management of PM_2.5 emissions in the potash sector in Canada has been in effect since September 9, 2017.

Objective

This code of practice aims to identify and promote best practices intended to control and minimize fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) air emissions. Adoption of best practices will facilitate continual improvement in environmental performance for PM_2.5 in this sector.

Target audience

The code of practice is intended to be used by potash mining facilities, whether they use conventional underground mining or solution mining.

Adopting the code of practice

If the code of practice applies to your facility, you are encouraged to:

• apply best practices appropriate to your facility
• monitor new or modified procedures on a regular basis and retain information to demonstrate that the objectives of the code are being met
• quantify PM_2.5 emissions from your facility on a regular basis using standard methods
• submit annual reports containing total emissions of PM_2.5 by source as well as the methodology used to quantify those emissions
• submit details on the implementation of the recommendations in the code every 2 years

Read the code of practice

Code of practice for managing particulate matter emissions in the potash sector

Reporting

If your facility was in operation prior to December 31, 2017:

• annual reports are due by June 1 every year for the previous calendar year (Jan 1 to Dec 31)
• details regarding implementation of the recommendations in this code are due by June 1 of every odd year for the previous calendar year (Jan 1 to Dec 31)

If your facility started operating after December 31, 2017:

• annual reports are due by June 1 of the year immediately following the first full or partial calendar year of operation
• details regarding the implementation of the recommendations in this code are due by June 1 of the second year immediately following the first full or partial calendar year of operation, and every 2 years thereafter

You should send your annual reports by email to mmp-tmm@ec.gc.ca.

Performance results to date

ECCC has published a progress report for the potash code of practice, based on a 5-year performance review since being published in 2017. The emission intensity of PM_2.5 for the sector has shown a reduction of ~20% when comparing the 2016 baseline year to the stable average emission intensity from 2018-2022. Continued research into the effectiveness of the recommendations within the Code will promote continuous improvement and further overall effectiveness. Additional analysis, data collection, and engagement with industry will continue in future review periods.

Related information

• Canada-wide air quality management system
• Summary of instruments to implement base-level industrial emission requirements (BLIERs)

Past consultations

• Proposed code of practice (2016)
  
• Response to comments on the proposed code of practice

Contact us

Mining and Processing Division
Environment and Climate Change Canada
351 St-Joseph Boulevard
Gatineau QC  K1A 0H3

Email: mmp-tmm@ec.gc.ca