Canada is in the initial stage of revising the Federal Halocarbon Regulations (2003). Throughout March 2013 Environment Canada welcomes comments to a consultation document, in addition to holding public stakeholder meetings on the subject.
The Federal Halocarbon Regulations (2003) regulate the use of halocarbon substances (including HFCs) for refrigeration, air-conditioning, fire-extinguishing, and solvent systems under federal jurisdiction.
The proposed revisions aim to continue minimising releases of halocarbons to the environment while addressing various administrative and operational issues in a practical manner.
Proposed revisions focus on leakage prevention - no proposed prohibitions in AC&R sector
Several of the proposed revisions concern the recovery of halocarbons, the requirements regarding service logs and release reports, as well as the installation, servicing, leak testing and charging of systems. They include:
The proposed revisions do not go as far as to consider potential prohibitions of HFCs in new AC&R equipment. This, however, does not prevent the Canadian provinces from taking measures that go in that direction at the provincial level. For example, in its latest Climate Change Action Plan (2013-2020), Québec indicates that it intends to tighten the provisions of the provincial ‘Regulation respecting halocarbons’. The provincial regulation is expected to be revised to broaden its scope and very strictly limit the use of HFCs in refrigeration, freezer and air conditioning equipment in the commercial sector and arenas.
Consultation open until 31 March 2013
The consultation document includes targeted questions where specific information and/or input are being sought.
In addition to replies to the questions raised in this document, Environment Canada also welcomes and will consider other general comments.
Stakeholder meetings during March 2013
Environment Canada is also organising full-day public consultation meetings in March 2013. Meetings in Alberta and Nova Scotia took place on 12 and 14 March 2013 respectively, while there are two upcoming meetings in Québec:
Links
Visit the consultation page: http://www.ec.gc.ca/ozone/default.asp?lang=En&n=36D03905-1
The proposed revisions aim to continue minimising releases of halocarbons to the environment while addressing various administrative and operational issues in a practical manner.
Proposed revisions focus on leakage prevention - no proposed prohibitions in AC&R sector
Several of the proposed revisions concern the recovery of halocarbons, the requirements regarding service logs and release reports, as well as the installation, servicing, leak testing and charging of systems. They include:
- Recovery from Out of Service Systems: A refrigeration, air-conditioning or fire-extinguishing system may be out of service for up to a maximum time period of 12 months before the halocarbon must be recovered.
- Service Logs: Exempt small refrigeration and air-conditioning systems from the Service Log provisions
- Reporting of Releases of 100 kg or More: Require that releases of 100 kg of halocarbon or more be reported to Environment Canada within 3 days, followed by a 14-day written report.
- Charging Halocarbons for Leak-Testing: Prohibit the charging of any halocarbon for the purpose of leak-testing, unless recommended in the Refrigerant Code of Practice.
The proposed revisions do not go as far as to consider potential prohibitions of HFCs in new AC&R equipment. This, however, does not prevent the Canadian provinces from taking measures that go in that direction at the provincial level. For example, in its latest Climate Change Action Plan (2013-2020), Québec indicates that it intends to tighten the provisions of the provincial ‘Regulation respecting halocarbons’. The provincial regulation is expected to be revised to broaden its scope and very strictly limit the use of HFCs in refrigeration, freezer and air conditioning equipment in the commercial sector and arenas.
Consultation open until 31 March 2013
The consultation document includes targeted questions where specific information and/or input are being sought.
In addition to replies to the questions raised in this document, Environment Canada also welcomes and will consider other general comments.
Stakeholder meetings during March 2013
Environment Canada is also organising full-day public consultation meetings in March 2013. Meetings in Alberta and Nova Scotia took place on 12 and 14 March 2013 respectively, while there are two upcoming meetings in Québec:
- 19 March 2013 - meeting in French: Four Points Gatineau 35 Laurier Street Gatineau, Quebec
- 20 March 2013 - meeting in English: Four Points Gatineau 35 Laurier Street Gatineau, Quebec
Links
Visit the consultation page: http://www.ec.gc.ca/ozone/default.asp?lang=En&n=36D03905-1
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Mar 15, 2013, 11:35
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