Regulatory Processes
As provided under O. Reg. 419/05, the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE) approved Site-specific Standards (then called "Altered Standards") for ArcelorMittal Dofasco in July 2010 for Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) and Total Reduced Sulphur (TRS). At the same time, ArcelorMittal Dofasco received Site-specific Levels for benzene and B(a)P even though standards for those contaminants are not effective until July 1, 2016.
ArcelorMittal Dofasco's Site-specific Standards and Levels expire on February 1, 2015.
ArcelorMittal Dofasco is now in discussions with the MOE towards the development of a Cokemaking Technical Standard under O. Reg. 419/05, which is intended to be the compliance mechanism for all four Ontario integrated steel facilities to address emissions of benzene and B(a)P starting July 1, 2016 when the new standards come into effect.
ArcelorMittal Dofasco has requested that the MOE provide ArcelorMittal Dofasco with regulatory transition for the 17-month period from February 1, 2015 (when the company's Site-Specific Standards and Levels expire) to June 30, 2016 (the effective date for benzene and B(a)P standards, and the date the Technical Standard is planned to become effective).
Specifically, ArcelorMittal Dofasco has requested:
1. The effective date of the existing Site-Specific Levels for Benzene and B(a)P be extended from February 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016
- To align with the effective dates for Benzene and B(a)P standards under O. Reg. 419/05; and
- To provide a regulatory "level playing field" with all other Ontario integrated steel producers, which are not subject to benzene and B(a)P emission limits.
Compliance beyond June 30, 2016 will be addressed either through the Coke Making Technical Standard or by applying for new Site-specific Standards.
2. The effective date of the existing Site-Specific Standards for SPM and TRS be extended from February 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016.
- To align the effective dates of all ArcelorMittal Dofasco compliance mechanisms under O. Reg 419/05.
At the time of ArcelorMittal Dofasco receiving Site-Specific Standards for 5 years, the Regulation only provided for such Standards to last for "5 years or up to 10 years in extenuating circumstances". A July 29, 2011 amendment to the Regulation extended the available term to "a minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 10 years".
ArcelorMittal Dofasco will apply for new Site-specific Standards for SPM and TRS to be effective July 1, 2016.
The MOE will rule on ArcelorMittal Dofasco's requests after the public has had an opportunity to comment. We invite you to submit comments or questions on these requests directly to the MOE:
| Jeff Burdon Standards Debelopment Branch Ministry of the Environment Jeff.burdon@ontario.ca |
Geoffrey Knapper Hamilton District Office Ministry of the Environment Geoffrey.knapper@ontario.ca |
ArcelorMittal Dofasco's request will also be posted by the MOE on their Environmental Bill of Rights (EBR) website.