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

These proposed regulations would require petroleum liquid storage tanks and loading racks to be equipped with emissions control equipment to prevent volatile organic compounds, including carcinogenic benzene, from being released into local communities. Facilities that would be subject to the proposed regulations include petroleum liquid terminals and bulk plants, petroleum refineries, upgraders, and petrochemical facilities across Canada. The operators of these facilities would be 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

The federal Minister of the Environment is authorized to issue an Interim Order under the existing authorities in the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (1999) when the Ministers of Environment and of Health believe that substances listed in CEPA as toxic are not adequately regulated by federal or provincial governments, and immediate action is required given the significant danger to human life and health, or to the environment.

On May 24, 2024, the Interim Order was approved by the Government of Canada, formally extending the Order for up to two years.

Alternative compliance plans submitted by one company were approved by the Minister of the Environment, requiring the company to complete all activities within 90 days from the date the approval is communicated to the company.

Related topics

• Pollution and waste management
• Managing substances in the environment
• Update on Path Forward for Addressing Emissions of Benzene and Other Volatile Organic Compounds from Petroleum Liquid Storage and Loading Operations
• 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
• Update on Interim Order to reduce benzene emissions in Sarnia

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 proposed regulations would require petroleum liquid storage tanks and loading racks to be equipped with emissions control equipment to prevent volatile organic compounds, including carcinogenic benzene, from being released into local communities. Facilities that would be subject to the proposed regulations include petroleum liquid terminals and bulk plants, petroleum refineries, upgraders, and petrochemical facilities across Canada. The operators of these facilities would be 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

The federal Minister of the Environment is authorized to issue an Interim Order under the existing authorities in the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (1999) when the Ministers of Environment and of Health believe that substances listed in CEPA as toxic are not adequately regulated by federal or provincial governments, and immediate action is required given the significant danger to human life and health, or to the environment.

On May 24, 2024, the Interim Order was approved by the Government of Canada, formally extending the Order for up to two years.

Alternative compliance plans submitted by one company were approved by the Minister of the Environment, requiring the company to complete all activities within 90 days from the date the approval is communicated to the company.

To read the information about these proposed regulations, please refer to Part I of the Canada Gazette in the “Legislative change” tab.

These proposed regulations would require petroleum liquid storage tanks and loading racks to be equipped with emissions control equipment to prevent volatile organic compounds, including carcinogenic benzene, from being released into local communities. Facilities that would be subject to the proposed regulations include petroleum liquid terminals and bulk plants, petroleum refineries, upgraders, and petrochemical facilities across Canada. The operators of these facilities would be 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

The federal Minister of the Environment is authorized to issue an Interim Order under the existing authorities in the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (1999) when the Ministers of Environment and of Health believe that substances listed in CEPA as toxic are not adequately regulated by federal or provincial governments, and immediate action is required given the significant danger to human life and health, or to the environment.

On May 24, 2024, the Interim Order was approved by the Government of Canada, formally extending the Order for up to two years.

Alternative compliance plans submitted by one company were approved by the Minister of the Environment, requiring the company to complete all activities within 90 days from the date the approval is communicated to the company.