Response to comments: Code of practice for particulate matter emissions in the potash sector
This code of practice describes operational activities and associated environmental concerns relating to emissions of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from facilities in the potash sector in Canada. The recommended practices include the development and implementation of best practices to control and minimize emissions.
Key changes to the code
All comments received were considered and reflected in the final version including:
- modifying the original wording of recommendations R04 and R06 relating to the monitoring of emission control devices which will now allow for the sufficiency of existing facility-specific monitoring methods
- changing the strict hourly monitoring requirement following an excursion in order to accommodate other operational frequency intervals
- changing the language regarding inspection of cyclones to be less prescriptive
- modifying the wording of recommendation R14 related to material handling processes to allow for gradual improvements during retrofits and new construction, rather than immediate modifications to existing systems
- clarifying that the use of existing federal or provincially-sanctioned quantification methods to report emissions will be acceptable.
The draft was published on May 28, 2016 for a 60-day comment period. The final version was published on September 9, 2017.