The Sudbury Star is the City of Greater Sudbury’s daily newspaper.
Mining giant Glencore is requesting an exception for the Sudbury smelter’s nickel emissions.
Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment is introducing new air quality standards come July 2016. Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations, a Glencore company, is applying for a Site-Specific Air Standard. Basically, it’s a temporary standard that – with approval from the ministry – gives the company more time to meet the new standards, and includes an action plan explaining how the company will get up to speed with those regulations.
“The new standard will be based on an annual averaging period, as opposed to the current standard that is based on a 24-hour averaging period,” Kate Jordan, a Ministry of the Environment spokesperson, said in an email. “For this reason it’s difficult to compare the two standards, but the current is 2 ug/m3 (micrograms per cubic metre of air) and the new is 0.04 ug/m3.”
A notice was sent to neighbours, informing of the application and a public meeting being held next month. Notices will also be printed in local newspapers. “The company is applying for a site-specific standard to allow us to research and implement the best technologies and processes in order to be in compliance with the new standard in the future,” it says.
“Ontario’s local air quality regulation is the main tool used by the ministry to control air emissions from industrial facilities and protect communities from air pollution,” Jordan said. “The ministry has introduced new or updated air standards that take effect on July 1, 2016.
“The site specific standard process ensures continuous improvements over time to reduce emissions. A site specific standard is based on technology that is available, and the approach focuses on actions to reduce emissions as much as possible.
“Community involvement and public comments play an important role in the ministry’s review of proposals for site specific standards. That is why the ministry requires companies to hold meetings with the community to discuss such proposals and consults with the public on applications when we receive them.”
For the rest of this article, click here: http://www.thesudburystar.com/2014/05/20/glencore-seeks-exception-to-air-standards