TCE / PERC: Environment Canada Orders a Usage Phase Down and Emissions Reduction

Notwithstanding the constant changes that have affected the precision cleaning industry over the last two decades, industrial based solvents have enjoyed relatively stable market environments and have not been affected by government regulated reductions or phase outs until recently.

Effective October 2003, Environment Canada has posted phase out schedules for two of the most commonly used chemistries in the industrial marketplace. Trichloroethylene (TCE) and Perchloroethylene (PERC) will be eventually phased out over the next few years due to concerns for worker safety and considerable environmental concerns. In general, these products are tied to usage credits that will limit companies to previously set allocations for usage between 2004 and 2006 and then an additional 65% allowance drop by 2007. Despite their solid performance in industry, this could create substantial issues for various companies trying to maintain established cleaning standards and conform to these regulations.
Further to the initial reductions in 2004, on February 1st, 2010, the Ministry of the Environment of Ontario (MOE) will be implementing a significant reduction in the amount of TCE emissions that users will be allowed to emit from their stacks.

The reduction is very significant and makes far more difficult for most users to comply with these requirements, depending on their specific Point of Impingement (POI) readings that are determined by appropriate ESDM (Emissions Summary Dispersion Model) calculations approved by the MOE.

In general, new schedule 2 requirements state that TCE emissions based on a ½ hour Averaging Time will be reduced from 3,500 μg/m³ ( micro grams per meter cubed) to only 36 μg/m³. Schedule 3 will also apply to TCE with a 24 hour standard of only 12 μg/m³.

Gem Craft Chemical Limited can capably assist TCE users to determine if their POI numbers will be in compliance to MOE standards. If we determine that users cannot meet these requirements with their existing equipment, we can either:

1. Retrofit existing equipment
2. Supply / install new units that may achieve the desired emission standards
3. Supply / install alternative “drop in” chemistries that would both replace TCE and also eliminate any requirements for ministry reporting!

Despite these changes and the substantial impact that it will have on manufacturing in Canada, Gem Craft Chemical is working diligently to advise customers of these issues and assisting others to find replacement products that are acceptable to Environment Canada. Gem Craft is working diligently with industry to help address these issues and recommends the EnSolv group of products from as an effective solution to this problem.

Contact Gem Craft Chemical directly to specifically discuss your requirements and we will gladly assist you to determine the best possible solution!