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Code of Practice for the Reduction of VOC Emissions from the Use of Cutback and Emulsified Asphalt

4 Objectives

4.1 Intent of the Code of Practice

The main objective of the Code is to make sure that the environment and health of Canadians is protected while maintaining road safety. Consequently, the intent of the Code is to provide guidance to the asphalt sector regarding actions that can contribute to the reduction of VOC emissions from the use of CA and EA in order to reduce health and environmental concerns in Canada. The potential reduction in current VOC emissions from the use of CA is estimated to be between 3 and 5 kilotonnes if the Code is followed implicitly on an annual basis.

The Code aims to reduce VOC emissions from that sector by 55% over a five-year period. After the five-year period, the Minister will evaluate the performance of the Code to see if it has met its objectives. This assessment will be calculated by comparing the correlation between the total quantity of CA manufactured and imported during the five-year period with the initial quantity of asphalt cutback manufactured and imported in the year of publication of the Code. This evaluation will help determine if amendments to the Code or the development of any other control instrument is required to better manage VOC emissions from the asphalt sector.

4.2 Additional benefits

Applying the standards and operating practices outlined in the Code may also achieve the benefits described below.

  • The Code could set national standards and best practices across Canada, fostering consistency and alignment with similar measures in other jurisdictions in North America.
  • Reductions in VOC emissions resulting from actions taken accordingly to the Code will generate environmental and health benefits in reducing the intensity and frequency of smog events.
  • Following the measures described in the Code will also improve air quality at the site of application of asphalt, reducing the potential health impact on workers and local communities, especially in urban centres.
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