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5.0 Sector progress: Smog precursor reductions and related activities

This section identifies a number of key areas of improvement in reductions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) made by ASAP partners.

5.1 Transportation Sector

This sector is experiencing significant growth—characterized by increases in total number of vehicles, typical vehicle size and total number of vehicle kilometres per year. While progress continues to be made, pressures on smog reduction efforts are being experienced.

Four work groups make up this sector: Cleaner Fuels, Cleaner Vehicles, Transportation Demand Management and Off-Road Vehicles and Equipment. Most activity in this reporting period was in the Cleaner Fuels and Cleaner Vehicles work groups (sectors).

5.1.1 Drive Clean program

Vehicles are the largest local source of smog-causing pollutants. A cross-cutting initiative, referenced by both work groups in the 1998 Smog Plan, was the implementation of Ontario's Drive Clean program. Drive Clean is expected to achieve a 22 per cent reduction of fleet emissions in the program area (15 per cent NOx and 28 per cent VOCs) when fully implemented (2005/06)—about one-tenth of the target of a 45 per cent reduction in smog precursors. Phase 1 of Drive Clean began in April 1999 for light duty vehicles in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton-Wentworth areas. Biennial inspection is required for passenger vehicles four to 19 years old. In September 1999, heavy duty vehicles in the Drive Clean program also began annual emission testing throughout Ontario (diesel only; non-diesel testing is restricted to same areas as passenger vehicles). Heavy duty vehicle testing is expected to reduce emissions of airborne particulates by 220 tonnes in the first full year (2000). In 2001, the passenger vehicle testing program will be extended to other smog-prone urban and commuter zones in Ontario.

Marketing the Message to the Motoring Public

This program focuses on lifestyle change and communicates the program as well as the reasons for it. This social marketing campaign cross-cuts into the Community Engagement strategy described in Section 4.

The engagement plan now links the Drive Clean program directly with public health, while adding individual activities for direct public engagement.

Ontario government takes a leadership role to reduce smog

During a Smog Alert, the provincial government takes action to reduce smog at its own facilities. In addition, the Ontario Public Service is also keeping "clean hands" through implementing Drive Clean inspections and maintenance for government fleet vehicles.

Automotive Industries Association of Canada

The Automotive Industries Association of Canada and its members played a leadership role in the development of Drive Clean, assisting in the collection of preliminary data and meeting regularly with the Ministry of the Environment and with other stakeholders to discuss standards and implementation models. It is a member of the Minister's Advisory Committee and continues to promote the program's features and benefits to the industry at large, including more than 800 Drive Clean facilities serviced and supplied by AIA members.

Progress highlight

Signing on in 1997 under the Plan through a Letter of Cooperation, the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association reports implementation and delivery on voluntary actions including: providing on-board diagnostic systems (OBD-II) when appropriate fuels are available; phasing in enhanced evaporative emissions control systems; phasing in of on-board refuelling vapour recovery systems; and, phasing in reductions from light duty trucks. Harmonizing these activities with the U.S. is a foundation of their commitments.

Achievement of lower emission vehicles for the market is dependent on the availability of low sulphur fuel.

5.1.2 Cleaner Vehicles

Ontario is actively participating with the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment to ensure that its interests are represented. Nationally, Tier II standards for super ultra low-level emission vehicles (SULEVs) are expected to achieve NOx and VOC emission reductions for beyond 2004. As yet, the quantity of reductions has not been calculated.

The Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association (CVMA) has reported considerable progress under its Letter of Cooperation. While progress has been made, the CVMA urges Ontario to lead, through the CCME, the promotion of improved national fuel requirements aimed at "optimizing the environmental benefit of the emission control technology on the new vehicles."

Automotive assembly facilities in Ontario have implemented projects aimed at reducing VOC emissions from their surface coating facilities, and these facilities are developing and implementing programs to meet the CCME New Source Performance Standards and Guidelines for the Reduction of Volatile Organic Compound Emissions from Canadian Auto OEM Coating Facilities, August 1995 (see Section 5.4.3, Surface Coating Automotive Parts).

Selected case studies—Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association^*

Project	Facility	VOC Reduction (tonnes/yr)
Conversion of waterborne base coat paints	DaimlerChrysler Bramalea Assembly Plant	143 tonnes
Paint shop replacement	Ford Ontario Truck Plant	Greater than 400 tonnes
Reduction in use of paint purge	General Motors Oshawa Autoplex—Truck Assembly Centre	200 tonnes
Solvent management program	DaimlerChrysler Windsor Assembly Plant	430 tonnes
Colour coat automation	Ford Oakville Assembly Plant	65 tonnes

^* refers to case studies reported in the Fifth Progress Report from the Task Force of the Canadian Automotive Manufacturing Pollution Prevention Project.

The CVMA member companies and other manufacturers are still committed to participating in the Memorandum of Understanding on pollution prevention.

5.1.3 Cleaner Fuels

On June 4, 1999, Environment Canada published the final regulation limiting the sulphur level of gasoline. The regulation requires a maximum annual average level of 30 parts per million by Jan. 1, 2005, with a phase-in period between July 1, 2002, and Dec. 31, 2004, during which the average level of sulphur in gasoline must be less than 150 ppm. Current average levels of sulphur in gasoline in Ontario are over 500 ppm. This regulation also harmonizes our standard with those of 49 U.S. states for sulphur in gasoline.

The Ontario Ministry of the Environment has played a vital role in supporting the regulations to limit the sulphur level of gasoline, thereby reducing particulate matter and acid rain.

Vapour recovery for gasoline fuel delivery is also in place. The MOE believes it is most cost effective to address refuelling of vehicles through onboard vapour recovery. In the1998 model year, 40 per cent of the new vehicles had onboard vapour recovery. By 2000, all new vehicles will have this equipment. A regulation governing fuel dispensing rates has been published in Gazette I. The comment period is over, and most comments are positive. A final regulation is anticipated by the end of the year.

Natural gas as a clean alternative

The Canadian Natural Gas Vehicle Alliance has been active in promoting natural gas as an alternative fuel, pointing out that compared with tailpipe emissions from gasoline, toxins such as benzene are reduced by up to 100 per cent, VOCs by 92 per cent, sulphur dioxide by 83 per cent, carbon monoxide by 40 per cent, carbon dioxide by 25 per cent or more, and nitrogen oxides by 10 per cent or more. Compared to diesel, particulate matter is cut by well over 90 per cent. In addition, automotive natural gas systems are pressurized, eliminating vapour emissions from refuelling and evaporation.

"Anti-Smog Action Plan is important in bringing the business communitiy into the pollution-reduction effort. Our members are making a major contribution through the Drive Clean inspection and maintenance program and would like to challenge other business sectors to make similar contributions to smog reduction."
David Leonhardt,
Public and Government Relations Director,
Canadian Automobile Association

5.1.4 Clean Marine Partnership

The various boating associations and the MOE first started to work together on a boater education program in 1995 to reduce the impact of grey water discharge from boats. At the suggestion of the boating associations, the education program was broadened to include other sources of pollution, i.e. black water, bilge water, fuelling, products used on boats and solid waste disposal.

The Clean Marine Partnership consists at present of five national and provincial boating associations (Canadian Marine Manufacturers Association, Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons, Ontario Boating Forum, Ontario Marina Operators Association and Ontario Sailing Association), the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Environment Canada, Terra Choice Environmental Services (Environmental Choice Program) and Georgian College.

For the past three years, the Partnership has been implementing a three-pronged strategy for reducing mostly water pollution from recreational boating in Ontario:

Clean Marine Products: Promoting the manufacture, distribution and use of green marine products.

Clean Marine Practice: Pollution prevention at marinas and yacht clubs through implementing Best Environmental Practices.

Clean Marine Promotion: An environmental education and public awareness program aimed at boaters, marinas and yacht clubs.

The potential for reduction in emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the recreational boating sector is considerable because a new four-stroke marine engine produces only one-tenth the level of emissions of a fuel-injected two-stroke and one-40th the level of emissions of a regular two-stroke marine engine. The four- stroke marine engines are now available in all sizes for a variety of marine applications, but their market penetration continues to be low despite their superior environmental performance.

The opportunity exists to achieve the ASAP target of a 45 per cent reduction by 2015 in total VOCs and NOx emitted by marine sources in 1990.

5.2 Industry and Manufacturing Sector

By far the largest emissions sector, the industry and manufacturing sector, is represented in four sectoral work groups, with more than 20 sub-sectoral work groups working on emission reduction plans.

5.2.1 NOx Emissions Working Group

Progress in this sector is characterized by the recent development of the Canadian Portland Cement Association's Letter of Cooperation (LOC); proposed changes for environmental protection in the electricity sector as proposed in Bill 35; and changes in the rapidly diversifying natural gas industry. The electricity and natural gas industry reports are summarized in Section 6, Energy, Electricity Restructuring and Environmental Protection.

In the cement manufacturing industry, the Letter of Cooperation (LOC) from the Canadian Portland Cement Association (CPCA) identifies a process for establishing baseline information, implementing monitoring instrumentation in its members' plants, and reporting data and progress to the ministry on a regular basis. The CPCA's estimate of total NOx emissions by its members in 1990 is in the order of 13.1 kilotonnes per year. The CPCA has already estimated reduction of 1.5 kT/year since 1990 through efficiency improvements and process changes.

The CPCA has currently estimated emissions based on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's AP-42 emission factors for cement manufacturing, which reflect only the changes in process types but not any improvements from kiln operating conditions. Using these factors, total NOx emissions were reduced 3.5 per cent, while clinker production increased 10.7 per cent NOx emissions per unit of production declined by 12.8 per cent.

On Sept. 28, 1998, the CPCA wrote to the Minister of the Environment to outline the association's plan to address smog issues in Ontario. The important features of the CPCA plan include:

• support for the Ontario Anti-Smog Accord;
  
  
• a scheduled, multi-year plan for NOx reductions;
  
  
• extensive monitoring program to include continuous emissions monitoring at all Ontario plants;
  
  
• sharing of NOx emissions data with the MOE;
  
  
• NOx reductions where economically possible; and,

"The members of the Cement Association of Canada are committed to the Anti-Smog Action Plan. The collaborative approach provides the flexibility necessary to maintain a balance between environmental, economic and societal needs. We look forward to building on our achievements made since 1990 and to developing new technologies which will improve the air quality in Ontario."

Mike Pawlicki, Chair, Ontario Environment Committee Cement Association of Canada

Canadian Portland Cement Association—Quick Starts

The Canadian Portland Cement Association (CPCA) has prepared a White Paper detailing cement kiln NOx emission generation. An evaluation of control techniques, feasibility and cost effectiveness has been completed and submitted to the MOE. The CPCA will report on results of Quick Starts by December 2000.

Both short term and long term targets for NOx and PM will be identified by July 2001. Protocols for monitoring particulates have been identified, and monitoring is taking place in selected North American plants.

• investigation of particulate emissions by the industry.

The CPCA's commitment for further reduction in NOx emissions will be further developed after new monitoring data and processes are assessed.

5.3 NOx and VOCs Emissions Working Group

Three major sub-sectors are represented in this work group: Iron and Steel; Petroleum Refining and Chemicals.

5.3.1 Iron and Steel sector

The Iron and Steel sector has made considerable progress in realizing reductions from its coke ovens by minimizing leaks in new maintenance programs. This sector is on track with reduction plans.

In addition to signing Ontario's Smog Accord, Ontario steel companies have subsequently signed the Canadian Steel Producers Association (CSPA) Statement of Commitment and Action (SCA). The SCA states that Ontario companies will develop written objectives and targets to reduce the amount of NOx generated.

The previously reported NOx and VOC reductions prior to 1996 originated from Atlas, Dofasco, Stelco Hilton Works and Lake Erie Steel. To date, NOx and VOC reductions include those from other plants such as Slater, Gerdau, Algoma and Ivaco.

The Iron and Steel sector achieved a two kilo-tonne NOx reduction from the base year 1996 to the end of 1998 and committed to achieve a further 1.5 kT by 2001. It has also achieved a 0.4 kT reduction in VOCs and is committed to an additional 0.6 kT reduction in VOCs by 2001.

Iron and Steel NOx Emission Reduction Plan

The Iron and Steel NOx Emission Reduction Plan is illustrated by the following accomplishments:

• Complying with national emission guidelines for commercial and industrial boilers and heaters. The Canadian Steel Producers Association (CSPA) Participants are investing significant capital in low NOx combustion technology for new and modified boilers and furnaces. By demanding the lowest possible emission level, the CSPA is encouraging the development of low NOx burners and methods for predicting and reducing NOx emission levels from industrial furnaces. Emission guidelines are based on currently available low NOx burner technology.
  
  
• Iron and Steel Sector participation in the Canadian Industrial Program For Energy Conservation (CIPEC). Since 1990, the steel sector has reduced specific energy consumption by 19 per cent (Voluntary Challenge and Registry Inc., 1998 Annual Report). The steel sector has extended its commitment to improve specific energy consumption by one per cent per year to the year 2010.

Other Initiatives

• Stelco Hilton Works has allocated funds for the purchase of portable emission monitoring equipment (NOx , SO2, O2 and CO) and for annual testing of emission sources. The emission monitoring program will improve the quality of the emission inventory, identify emission reduction opportunities, and help to ensure that boilers and furnaces are operated and maintained to minimize emissions.
  
  
• The installation of vent emission control technology at some facilities is reducing VOC emissions from by-product plant process and product storage vessels. For example, at Lake Erie Steel Company, vent emission controls have been installed on the tar decanters, tar dehydrators and tar storage tanks. In 1999 construction was scheduled to begin on the vent emission controls for the light oil plant area. Programs are also in place to maintain and repair coke oven batteries and improve the sealing of coke oven doors. These activities reduce the escape of VOC emissions from the coking process.
  
  
• The CSPA Participants (Algoma, Dofasco, Lake Erie Steel and Stelco Hilton Works) are publicly committed (Statement of Commitment and Action) to comply with the Strategic Options Report (SOR) recommendation on benzene emission reduction. The steel sector has prepared an Environmental Best Practice Manual for benzene emissions from by-product plants. The resulting emission reduction commitments (in terms of grams per tonne of coke produced) are 68 per cent by 2000, 82 per cent by 2005 and 84 per cent by 2015.

Iron and Steel particulate emission reductions

Reduction of particulate emissions has been an on-going activity at steel plants for many years. Process changes for particulate emission reductions in 1998 include: improved emission control using high efficiency filter baghouses; improvements in electric arc furnace off-gas controlsystems; increased use of water cooling for off-gas systems; and "pave, clean, green" activities that include routine paving and mobile sweeping programs for the purpose of dust suppression.

CPSA Partners are developing a particulate emission inventory and have in place strategies for emission reductions. "Pave, Clean, Green" approaches and fugitive emissions and dust capture techniques are being implemented at Atlas, Dofasco, Gerdau Courtice and Slater Steel.

Canadian Steel Producers Association—progress highlight

The Canadian Steel Producers Association reports a steady reduction in nitrogen dioxide from 10,065 tonnes a year (1990-92) to 8,028 tonnes a year in 1998. Significant capital is being invested in low NOx combustion technology for boilers. Procurement policies in place at Gerdau Courtice, Dofasco, Stelco Hilton Works and Lake Erie Steel have played a sig- nificant role in NOx reductions.

"The ASAP partnership provides us with the flexibility to make effective emission reductions which will contribute both to achieving the Ontario air quality goals and to maintaining our competitive position. We are reducing NOx, VOC, SO2, and particulate emissions by integrating the Ontario emission reduction goals into our business decisions and long term planning. In fact, we have already made great progress by reducing NOx emissions by 20% and VOCs by 39% since 1990. We are committed to making further progress on our performance."
Vasudha Seth
Chair, Canadian Steel Producers Association, Environment
Committee
General Manager Environment & Energy, Dofasco Inc.

Progress Highlight

Canadian Petroleum Products Institute (CPPI) member companies are implementing Quick Start initiatives and have identified long term reductions. They forecast NOx reductions of 0.4 kilotonnes a year from the 14 kT baseline (1990) and VOC reductions of 11.9 kT from the baseline of 47 kT (1990) to the year 2005. The CPPI is embarking on an initiative to develop an emissions inventory for primary and secondary emissions of particulate matter from member facilities.

5.3.2 Petroleum Refining sector

The Petroleum Refining sector has made progress in quantifying fugitive emissions and reductions. Reductions are being calculated based on the guidelines from the Canadian Council of Ministers on the Environment for fugitive emissions from equipment leaks (LDAR—Leak Detection and Repair) and from above-ground storage tanks.

The Canadian Petroleum Products Institute (CPPI) will be making substantial contributions toward cleaner fuels by making reductions in sulphur and benzene content, as well as providing a lower vapour pressure gasoline. The institute reports that projecting forecasts into the year 2010 and 2015 is difficult owing to emerging product formulations such as levels of sulphur in gasoline and the overall level of demand for products.

CPPI Anti-Smog Action Plan Report March 1999 Quick Starts

	Initiative	Reduction Target	Implemented
1	Lower vapour pressure summer gasoline 11.5 psi to 10.5 psi 10.5 psi to 9.0 psi	VOC 10.5 kT/yr VOC 8.0 kT/yr	1989 1997
2	Lower sulphur on-road diesel—500 ppm	SO2 4 kT/yr SO4 0.1 kT/yr	1997
3	Reduction in gasoline benzene content to 1%(v)	VOC 0.7 kT/yr	1999
4	Gasoline distribution vapour recovery (Stage 1)	VOC 19 kT/yr	1993-97
5	Leak detection & repair programs at refineries	VOC 10 kT/yr	1994-98
6	Tank vapour controls	Incl. In #5	1998
7	Low NOx burner technology for boilers & process heaters	NOx reduction of 50% with new low NOx technology	Under way
8	Energy conservation	1%/yr energy intensity improvement Achieved 2.2%/yr NOx reduction to be quantified	1998

5.3.3 Chemicals Sector

The Chemicals Working Group is projecting achievement beyond the ASAP target. The Canadian Chemical Producers Association (CCPA) jointly with Environment Canada, the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Alberta Environment is developing a national Memorandum of Understanding and Annex to address VOCs and other pollutants. To date, the companies have reduced VOC emissions from the 1990 baseline level by 43 per cent.

Progress Highlight

Dupont achieves 38% reduction in VOCs since 1996

At its Maitland site, Dupont Canada Inc. manufacturers intermediate chemicals for nylon, specifically adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine. The chemical reaction process used to produce adipic acid results in the emissions of VOCs. Dupont added equipment and process steps in an effort to improve yield. By incorporating this "new twist" in the existing technology, Dupont achieved a significant reduction in waste genera- tion and VOC emissions. Dupont's innovation has resulted in a 38 per cent reduction in VOC emissions since 1996.

"The ASAP process is an innovative approach to deal- ing with a pressing air quality issue. For the first time, all stakeholders who can make a change are around the table working in partnership to achieve improved air quality."
Bob Clapp
Vice President Ontario Division, Canadian Petroleum
Producers Association

CPPI Anti-Smog Action Plan Report March 1999 Longer Term Initiatives

	Initiative	Target	Implemented
1	Energy conservation	1%/yr	2000+
2	Lower sulphur gasoline	30 ppm Reduction in tailpipe emissions from auto fleet; NOx 15% VOC 6.5% (S) VOC 9.5% (W)	2005
3	Leak detection & repair	Ongoing program
4	Storage tank vapour control	Program in place to achieve 10kT/yr reduction in VOC	2008
5	Low NOx burners	All burners replaced—50% NOx reduction	2015
6	Develop PM methodology & protocols	Methodology & protocols in place	2000
7	Quantify PM emissions based on protocols	Inventory available	2001

5.4 Surface Coating Emissions Work Groups

5.4.1 Surface Coating Automotive Manufacturing

Five automotive companies, the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association and the Ministry of the Environment have drafted a Memorandum of Understanding. In the MOU, the companies agree to achieve the standards set out in the New Source Performance Standards and Guidelines for the Reduction of Volatile Organic Compound Emissions from Canadian Automotive OEM Coating Facilities by 2005, CCME, October 1997. More than half of the 15 assembly plants have already achieved the VOC emission standard.

In addition, companies participating in the Canadian Automotive Manufacturing Pollution Prevention Project have reported on VOC emission reductions of 4,500 tonnes per year.

Progress Highlight

Late in 1998, the Chrysler Pillette Road Assembly Plant reported on a project it implemented to achieve the interim CCME standards. The facility implemented a five-part program:

• product substitution (new paint reducer, reusable equipment covers and water soluble coatings);
  
  
• facility improvements (upgrade spray booth purge capture, install purge pots in the spray booth, install dedicated spray guns and seal spray booth walls);
  
  
• solvents management (employee training, routine booth audits and plant specific training manuals);
  
  
• supplier co-operation (material usage trending); and
  
  
• bench marking other facilities for best practices.

5.4.2 Surface Coating Automotive Refinish

Eighteen area-based auto body associations formed an association in May 1998 to develop a self-management proposal similar to that of the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (motor vehicle dealers). They recommended that standards and codes of practice for auto body refinishing be made ministry policy and included as conditions in Certificates of Approval. A mandatory education and training program was also proposed. The Canadian Paints and Coatings Association proposed that the VOC coating content requirements in the CCME standard be regulated in Ontario and across Canada. These proposals, which would reduce VOC emissions by 45 per cent, are being considered by the government.

The Ontario Ministry of the Environment has worked in consultation on two documents for the development of codes and standards: National Standards for the VOC Content of Canadian Commercial / Industrial Surface Coating Products—Automotive Refinishing, CCME, October 1998; and, National Standards and Guidelines for the Reduction of VOCs from Canadian Commercial / Industrial Surface Coatings—Automotive Refinishing, CCME, October, 1998.

5.4.3 Surface Coating Automotive Parts

Reflective of the growth and increased parts outsourcing in the automobile industry, this sector's emissions have increased by 236 per cent since 1990 (from 4,675 tonnes a year to 11,000 tonnes in 1996).

A review of VOC emission control technologies, codes of practice, coatings application equipment and coatings in Canada and the United States was carried out. The review suggested the following actions to reduce emissions:

• Specification on the VOC content of coatings for metal and plastic substrates (equal to U.S. EPA)—five per cent reduction in VOC emissions expected;
  
  
• Minimum transfer efficiencies for application equipment (equal to the best of the U.S. states)—39 per cent reduction in VOC emissions expected;
  
  
• Codes of operating practice (equal to the best of the U.S. states)—five to 10 per cent reduction in VOC expected; and,
  
  
• Use of VOC emission control technology for facilities using more than 25 tonnes of VOCs per year—22 per cent reduction in VOC emissions expected. Some U.S. states offer the installation of VOC emission control technology as an option to the use of compliant coatings, application equipment standards and codes of practice.

Four large facilities in Ontario have VOC emission control equipment. Most facilities use high efficiency transfer equipment and high-solids solvent-based coatings and have aggressive codes of operating practice in place. Some facilities have switched to water-based coatings. An MOE study is currently under way in concert with industry and suppliers to assess the technical and economic feasibility of VOC emission control equipment and further quantify the VOC reductions.

5.4.4 Wood Products

There are about 20 large and 100 small furniture manufacturing facilities in Ontario. The work group is composed of 17 large manufacturers and suppliers of coatings and application equipment, the Ontario Furniture Manufacturers Association, the Canadian Paint and Coatings Association, the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturing Association and the Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association.

A review of VOC emission control technologies, codes of practice, coatings application equipment and coatings in Canada and the United States was carried out. The review suggested the following actions to reduce emissions:

• Specification on the VOC content of coatings (equal to U.S.EPA)—five per cent reduction in VOC emissions expected;
  
  
• Minimum transfer efficiencies for application equipment (equal to the best of the U.S. states)—15 per cent reduction in VOC emissions expected;
  
  
• Codes of operating practice (equal to the best of the U.S. states)—five to 20 per cent reduction in VOC emissions expected; and,
  
  
• Use of VOC emissions control technology for facilities using more than 25 tonnes of VOCs per year—38 per cent reduction in VOC emissions expected. Some U.S. states offer installation of VOC emission control technology as an option to the use of compliant coatings, application equipment standards and codes of practice. Very few facilities in the U.S. have exercised this option.

No facilities in Ontario have VOC emission control equipment. Most large facilities use high efficiency transfer equipment and have aggressive codes of operating practices in place. Some facilities have switched to water-based coatings. In the summer of 1998, the ministry in concert with the industry and suppliers initiated a study to assess the technical and economic feasibility of VOC emission control equipment and the potential for the implementation of codes of practice to achieve much greater VOC emission reductions.

5.4.5 General Metal Finishing

The work group as a whole has not met to report on progress. One member, however, John Deere Welland Works, has continued to see progress in VOC reductions. Reporting 0.1771 kilotonnes a year of VOCs in 1990, the company moved forward to identify and implement Quick Starts and identify short term targets.

5.4.6 Consumer Coatings

The Canadian Paint and Coatings Association (CPCA) and Environment Canada signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 1995 regarding annual reporting of the volume of VOCs contained in consumer paint sold in Canada. In 1997, the CPCA reported that the VOC emissions from consumer/trade coatings were 24.7 per cent below 1990 levels—a further reduction of 513 tonnes since 1995. The CPCA has begun to develop and implement a Paint Care program similar to the Canadian Chemical Producers Association's Responsible Care Program.

5.4.7 Can Coatings

With an estimated 1,000 tonnes a year of VOC emissions, Ball Packaging Products has moved forward with quick starts identified when joining the ASAP Partnership. For example, incinerators have been installed; product substitution is ongoing; modifications in incinerators have improved the capture rate. Continual improvements are expected in these areas over the longer term. Ball estimates that emission reductions of more than 48 per cent (480 tonnes) have been achieved through these measures.

Reductions Through Procurement Policies

John Deere reports continuous improvement with its solvent management process:

• Reduced the aromatic content of the make-up solvent from 55% to 0.6%
  
  
• Substituted less volatile solvent ingredient in flowcoat paint;
  
  
• Reduced flowcoat operating pressure from 19% to 17%; and,
  
  
• Switched to paint with better electrostatic wrap for topcoat.

John Deere's paint supplier is proposing to reformulate the flowcoat paint to reduce the make-up solvent by 20 per cent by 1999/2000. The long-term reduction plan which is now in place identifies conversion to waterborne flowcoat paint and eliminates adding the flowcoat process make-up solvent by 2005.

Industrial Architectural and Maintenance Coating Work Group

This sub-sector has begun to meet as a result of an initiative launched in October 1998 by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment to develop standards and codes of practice for the traffic paints and industrial maintenance coating sub-sectors. Baseline emissions for 1990 have been identified, and emissions for 1995 and 1997 have been received by the Ministry of the Environment.

Baseline emissions for traffic paints were 3.2 kilotonnes a year in 1991 and 1.1 kT/yr for industrial maintenance coatings. For traffic paints, an 8 per cent reduction (300 tonnes/yr) has been reported; while industrial maintenance coatings have increased 124 tonnes/yr (11 per cent growth).

The work group has met a number of times over the past few months. Regulatory requirements in the U.S. were reviewed. Options for reducing VOC emissions were examined, including: standards on the VOC content of the coatings; use of water-based paints; use of more efficient application equipment; and improved codes of practice.

Most work group participants agreed that traffic marking provided the greatest potential for VOC reductions and they decided to pursue the traffic marking sector first. In the traffic marking sector, most agreed that the industry could switch from solvent-based coatings to water-based coatings for maintenance coating jobs, while solvent-based coatings must be retained for construction coating jobs because of weather conditions. With this change, a significant reduction in VOC emissions would be realized.

5.5 General Solvent Use Emissions Work Group

5.5.1 Commercial and Industrial Printing

The anti-smog action plan and the proposed development of a CCME Code for the printing industry provided the impetus for the Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA) to establish a VOC Reduction Task Force in Ontario in 1998. This Task Force, comprising mainly packaging printers (printing on plastics), has a mandate to provide input on VOC reduction plans for this sector. The initial actions of the task force included education seminars on current and project reduction technologies, planning activities for data gathering and emis- sions inventories. This task force has also agreed to become an official work group.

A CCME Environmental Code of Practice for the Reduction of Volatile Organic Compound Emissions From The Commercial/Industrial Printing Industry was published in August 1999.

In the lithographic (paper printing) sector, many companies have reduced VOC emissions through pollution prevention actions, e.g., material substitution to eliminate alcohol from fountain solutions. Through Ontario's Printing and Graphics pollution prevention Memorandum of Understanding, several companies are also reporting VOC reduction success stories, totalling over 400 tonnes per year of VOCs reduced.

5.5.2 Plastics Processing Work Group

The Plastics Processing Work Group, a provincially led group, was formed in 1997. It comprises 11 companies, three government departments (including Environment Canada), and the Canadian Plastics Industry Association. Four sub-sector groups were formed, covering expanded polystyrene foam, extruded polyethylene foam, vinyl and composites. These represent about half of the total emissions for the sector. In 1998, each reviewed its VOC emissions, identified issues and challenges and outlined initiatives and alternative strategies for reducing VOCs.

A 12 per cent (300 tonne) reduction in VOC emissions from the 1990 baseline of 2.5 kilo- tonnes a year had been realized by 1997. This has been achieved by various means, such as resin reformulation by suppliers, process and equipment changes and industry consolidation.

The CCME guideline for VOC reduction from the plastics processing industry has been a key focus for discussion of reduction strategies for this work group. This code is intended to be applied to new facilities only.

Plastics Processing Work Group

The Plastics Processing Work Group has made a general commitment to continue to reduce VOC emissions, including reductions at existing facilities, to the extent possible under Best Available Control Technology, Economically Achievable (BACTEA) principles.

5.5.3 Asphalt Cutback and Emulsion Sector

Road building departments of the various levels of government—municipal, provincial and federal—are major users of these materials. VOC emissions result from the use of solvent-based liquid asphalts in road building operations.

The major user of liquid asphalts in Ontario, the Ministry of Transportation, has taken a lead within Canada by specifying emulsion rather than cutback in its procurement policies over the past 20 years. Now, the readily available asphalt emulsion (a low-solvent, water-based asphalt alternative) represents more than 97% of the total liquid asphalt used in Ontario. This has resulted in significantly lower VOC emissions—currently estimated to be some two to five kilo-tonnes a year.

5.6 Consumer Products Work Group

For this initiative, Ontario is awaiting the out-come of the Environment Canada national process. While there is some discussion continuing around the 1990 baseline emissions data, a task force has been formed. A key feature in the discussions will be whether Canada should harmonize with the U.S. standard. Once Environment Canada proposes a recommenda- tion, Ontario can determine the course of action it wishes to take.

This sector is represented at the ASAP table through the Canadian Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association and the Canadian Manufacturers of Chemical Specialties Association, which report that "long term targets are to be harmonized with U.S. products, anticipated to give approximately 20% reduction in VOC emissions. Details are being developed with Environment Canada because products are distributed nationally."

Windshield Washer Fluid Sub-Sector Work Group

In June 1998, the CCME initiative was expanded to include windshield washer fluid. A work group has been formed and has met a number of times. A draft report, Assessment of the Environmental impact of VOC solvent emissions from windshield and the potential reduction in VOC Solvent Emissions from the use of Windshield Washer Fluid (WWF), was prepared. The 1995 emissions estimate is 24,000 tonnes per year. Further investigation of a number of emission reduction options includes: limiting the VOC content of WWF; restricting the sale of summer and winter formulations (winter 38 per cent VOC, summer four per cent); public education; and a more efficient application system.

The work group consists of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association, four car companies, three chemical companies, the container manufacturers and the Automotive Industries Association.

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