2.0 Meeting Legal Requirements
The CRA is subject to a number of pieces of federal legislation and regulations designed to promote SD and protect the natural environment. The Agency however has a limited amount of exposure to these regulations and legislations. In cases where they do not apply directly to the Agency, we nevertheless take a due diligent approach to managing the materials and systems in question as a best practice. The following section provides a briefing on how the CRA managed its legal obligations in 2007-2008.
2.1 Alternative Fuels Act
The purpose of the Alternative Fuels Act is to accelerate the use in Canada of alternative transportation fuels (ATF) in motor vehicles operating in the federal fleet. The Act requires that 75% of vehicle acquisitions be ATF capable where cost effective and operationally feasible. During 2007-2008 the Agency purchased five vehicles. Of these, three were ATF capable and two were conventional fuel vehicles due to operational requirements; no hybrid vehicles were purchased in 2007-2008. As of March 31, 2008 the CRA has a total of 95 vehicles. Of these 13 (14% of the fleet) are hybrid vehicles, and 24 (25%) are ATF capable vehicles. As a demonstration of leadership for SD, the CRA exceeded the requirements of the Act and is committed to ensuring that all vehicle acquisitions are either hybrid or alternative fuel capable, where operationally feasible.
2.2 Auditor General Act (1995)
In addition to the tabling of SD strategies, the Auditor General Act (1995) also requires that ministers respond to environmental petitions brought forward by Canadians within a prescribed time frame. The Agency received one petition during the 2007-2008 period requesting data on the amount of recycled content contained in the paper used by the Agency to conduct its business. An acknowledgement of receipt and the response on the substantive issues raised in the petition were sent to petitioner within the time limits prescribed by the Act. The CRA response is available on the Auditor General's web site.[Footnote 3]
2.3 Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA 1999)
2.3.1 Federal Halocarbon Regulations
The regulations outline specific requirements for managing halocarbon-containing systems from purchasing of the systems through to disposal. The regulations also prohibit the release of halocarbons into the environment. In order to systematically manage our regulatory responsibilities, the CRA maintains an inventory of halocarbon-containing systems across the country. As of 2007-2008, the CRA had inventories in 86% (113/132) of our facilities, which includes, in total, over 1,300 systems.
No halocarbon releases were reported in 2007-2008; therefore no Halocarbon Release Reports were filed with Environment Canada. Moving forward, the SD division will continue to work with internal partners to identify and track halocarbon-containing system purchases.
2.3.2 Registration of Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products on Federal Lands and Aboriginal Lands Regulations
CRA owns and manages nine storage tanks systems that are used to store fuel for back-up electricity generators. A previous compliance audit recommended that corrective actions be taken to ensure compliance with regulations - the majority of this work was completed in previous years. However the remaining work to install and improve secondary containment at 875 Heron Road in Ottawa was scheduled for 2007-2008. This work was delayed and is now scheduled for completion in 2008-2009.
2.4 Conclusion
In 2007-2008 the CRA maintained compliance with all applicable environmental legislation and regulations. In keeping with the principle of continuous improvement, further steps are being taken to strengthen our systems and practices to ensure the CRA continues to meet all of its legal obligations. The mechanisms currently in place to ensure compliance continue to function well.
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