Reduction in the Release of Volatile Organic Compounds (Storage and Loading of Volatile Petroleum Liquids) Regulations (SOR/2025-88)

These regulations require petroleum liquid storage tanks and loading racks to be equipped with emissions control equipment to prevent volatile organic compounds, including cancer-causing benzene, from being released into local communities. Facilities across Canada subject to the regulations include petroleum refineries, upgraders, petrochemical facilities, petroleum liquid terminals and bulk plants, and steel plants. The operators of these facilities are required to install, inspect, maintain and repair equipment to ensure adequate emissions control performance to protect human health and the environment.

About the Interim Order

In May 2024, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change issued an Interim Order to mitigate the benzene emission risks from certain petrochemical facilities near the Aamjiwnaang First Nation near Sarnia, Ontario. The Interim Order immediately put in place some control measures from the proposed Regulations (that were published in February 2024).

Upon registration of the final Reduction in the Release of Volatile Organic Compounds (Storage and Loading of Volatile Petroleum Liquids) Regulations, the Interim Order ceased to have effect. However, equivalent requirements to control benzene emissions from any facility subject to the Interim Order apply immediately under the regulations, to ensure continued protection for the health of residents of nearby communities.

Additional information

• Reduction in the Release of Volatile Organic Compounds (Storage and Loading of Volatile Petroleum Liquids) Regulations

Related topics

• Pollution and waste management
• Managing substances in the environment
• Order Approving the Interim Order Respecting Releases of Benzene from Petrochemical Facilities in Sarnia, Ontario
• Interim Order Respecting Releases of Benzene from Petrochemical Facilities in Sarnia, Ontario

Related institutions

• Environment and Climate Change Canada

Related acts

• Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

Related regulations

• Reduction in the Release of Volatile Organic Compounds Regulations (Petroleum Sector)

Contact us

These regulations require petroleum liquid storage tanks and loading racks to be equipped with emissions control equipment to prevent volatile organic compounds, including cancer-causing benzene, from being released into local communities. Facilities across Canada subject to the regulations include petroleum refineries, upgraders, petrochemical facilities, petroleum liquid terminals and bulk plants, and steel plants. The operators of these facilities are required to install, inspect, maintain and repair equipment to ensure adequate emissions control performance to protect human health and the environment.

About the Interim Order

In May 2024, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change issued an Interim Order to mitigate the benzene emission risks from certain petrochemical facilities near the Aamjiwnaang First Nation near Sarnia, Ontario. The Interim Order immediately put in place some control measures from the proposed Regulations (that were published in February 2024).

Upon registration of the final Reduction in the Release of Volatile Organic Compounds (Storage and Loading of Volatile Petroleum Liquids) Regulations, the Interim Order ceased to have effect. However, equivalent requirements to control benzene emissions from any facility subject to the Interim Order apply immediately under the regulations, to ensure continued protection for the health of residents of nearby communities.

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These regulations require petroleum liquid storage tanks and loading racks to be equipped with emissions control equipment to prevent volatile organic compounds, including cancer-causing benzene, from being released into local communities. Facilities across Canada subject to the regulations include petroleum refineries, upgraders, petrochemical facilities, petroleum liquid terminals and bulk plants, and steel plants. The operators of these facilities are required to install, inspect, maintain and repair equipment to ensure adequate emissions control performance to protect human health and the environment.

About the Interim Order

In May 2024, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change issued an Interim Order to mitigate the benzene emission risks from certain petrochemical facilities near the Aamjiwnaang First Nation near Sarnia, Ontario. The Interim Order immediately put in place some control measures from the proposed Regulations (that were published in February 2024).

Upon registration of the final Reduction in the Release of Volatile Organic Compounds (Storage and Loading of Volatile Petroleum Liquids) Regulations, the Interim Order ceased to have effect. However, equivalent requirements to control benzene emissions from any facility subject to the Interim Order apply immediately under the regulations, to ensure continued protection for the health of residents of nearby communities.