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After completing what it calls an in-depth technical review, the Ministry of the Environment has approved Vale Ltd.’s application for more time — 10 years — to comply with new standards for nickel emissions that go into effect in 2016.
The approvals pertain to the Copper Cliff Smelter Complex, which is about to undergo a $2- billion retrofit to reduce sulphur dioxide, nickel and other emissions.
The ministry announced its decision Wednesday on its Environmental Registry. It said it determined it was feasible for Vale to reduce nickel emissions from 15 micrograms per cubic metre currently, averaged over 24 hours, to three micrograms per cubic metre averaged over 24 hours in 2015.
From July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2016, it will maintain that standard of three micrograms per cubic metre on a 24-hour average.
From July 1, 2016, to Dec. 28, 2021, Vale will switch the way it measures nickel emissions from a daily average to an annual average, as specified in the new standard to go into effect July 1, 2016.
In that last period, Vale will implement controls that will allow emissions of one microgram per cubic metre annually, which ministry spokeswoman Kate Jordon said equals daily averaged emissions of three micrograms per cubic metre.
Jordan said Vale’s application was approved after several community consultations. The most recent was held last month in Copper Cliff.
Vale’s continual improvements to meet new standards “will benefit the local community and the environment as Vale implements its action plan to reduce nickel emissions,” said Jordan.
The ministry’s site-specific standard process facilitates reductions in air emissions over time through the implementation of best available pollution control methods, she said. Some of those control methods are being developed as deadlines unfold.
Public comment played an important role in the ministry’s approval, said Jordan, and many of the conditions included in the approval “directly reflect comments received during consultation.”
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