Canada S Ozone Layer Protection Program

This summary report describes why and how Canadians have made ozone protection a top priority. The report highlights the many issues of ozone depletion: the history, causes, possible solutions and what Canadians are doing in response to the threat of ozone loss. It explains the disturbing potential consequences of ozone destruction, as well as the challenges Canadians and other world citizens have to face to fully support ozone protection programs.

In the 1970s the world became aware of a huge danger: the destruction of the stratospheric ozone layer by CFCs escaping into the atmosphere, and the damage this could do to human health and the food chain. So great was the threat that by 1987 the UN had succeeded in coordinating an international treaty to phase out emissions; which, over the following 15 years has been implemented. It has been hailed as an outstanding success. It needed the participation of all the parties: governments, industry, scientists, campaigners, NGOs and the media, and is a model for future treaties. This volume provides the authoritative and comprehensive history of the whole process from the earliest warning signs to the present. It is an invaluable record for all those involved and a necessary reference for future negotiations to a wide range of scholars, students and professionals.

The objective of this document is to provide clear guidance to Canadian stakeholders on the latest mechanisms, technologies, performance standards, and procedures for ensuring the safe & effective destruction, transformation, and/or permanent stabilization of stockpiles of ozone depleting substances (ODS). The document begins with background on the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, the regulation of ODS in Canada, and the Canadian action plan on ODS. The review that follows identifies 16 ODS disposal technologies based on environmental criteria and commercial availability. These technologies are grouped in three categories: incineration technologies, plasma technologies, and non-incineration technologies. The document also provides information on the handling of ODS surplus quantities, including applicable regulations relating to transportation, storage, and reporting requirements.