Notice with respect to the availability of draft updated protocols and performance specifications for continuous monitoring of gaseous emissions from thermal power generation and other sources (EPS 1/PG/7)

Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

Under the provisions of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA), notice is hereby given that the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) makes available, to solicit public comments, the draft updated Protocols and Performance Specifications for Continuous Monitoring of Gaseous Emissions from Thermal Power Generation (EPS 1/PG/7 hereinafter PG/7).

The Draft PG/7 and Summary of the key changes are available as of April 13, 2022, on the Environmental Registry of the Department of the Environment.

For context, ECCC originally introduced two Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) protocol documents for quantification of emissions from thermal power generation. One applies to SO₂ and NO_x and is referred to as PG/7; the other one applies to CO₂ and is titled Reference Method for Source Testing: Quantification of Carbon Dioxide Releases by Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems from Thermal Power Generation (unofficially PG/8).

PG/7 was introduced in 1993 and updated in 2005, and it has recently been incorporated by reference in the Multi-Sector Air Pollutants Regulations. PG/8 was introduced in 2012 and was incorporated by reference in the Reduction of Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Coal-fired Generation of Electricity Regulations, and the Regulations Limiting Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Natural Gas-fired Generation of Electricity. In addition, the GHG Reporting Program (GHGRP) refers to PG/8 in its Quantification Requirements.

The majority of the PG/8 text is equivalent to PG/7. The key difference between the two protocol documents is that PG/8 has a separate section that allows the monitoring of O₂ as proxy of CO₂ emissions from the combustion of natural gas, oil, and coal.

Considering the above, and with the objective of reducing the regulatory burden on the industry, ECCC intends to merge the two protocol documents. The scope of the revision also includes expanding the applicability of PG/7 from thermal power generation to other stationary combustion sources. In essence, ECCC is opting to modify PG/7 through incorporation of the unique functionalities of PG/8, and subsequently rescinding PG/8. Note that the current versions of PG/7 and PG/8 will stay in effect in the regulatory context, until the newest version of the protocol document is incorporated into the respective regulations through regulatory amendments.

Therefore, the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change invites comments from stakeholders including Canadian citizens on the draft updated PG/7. Please email your comments on the updated PG/7 by August 15, 2022 to the following contact person.

Contact

Karl Abraham
A/Director
Electricity and Combustion Division
Environment and Climate Change Canada
351 Saint-Joseph Boulevard
Gatineau, Quebec
K1A 0H3

Email: ECD-DEC@ec.gc.ca