Chlorinated Naphthalenes

In August 2011, polychlorinated naphthalenes were proposed to be added to Schedule 1.  In October 2012, polychlorinated naphthalenes were included in a final Order to add to Schedule 1.  Polychlorinated naphthalenes refer to chlorinated naphthalenes with 2 to 8 chlorine atoms.

• Final Order adding polychlorinated naphthalenes: Canada Gazette, Part II: Vol. 146, No. 21 – October 10, 2012 (PDF Version - 2,294  K)
  • Corresponding proposed Order: Canada Gazette Part I: Vol. 145, No. 32 - August 6, 2011 (PDF Version – 1,453 K)

Final Ecological Screening Assessment and Proposed Risk Management Approach

In July 2011, the Final Ecological Screening Assessment Report on Chlorinated Naphthalenes was release and the related Notice was published in the Canada Gazette, Part I: Vol. 145, No. 27 – July 2, 2011 (PDF Version – 2,280 K).

Based on the information available, it is concluded that polychlorinated naphthalenes meet one or more of the criteria set out in section 64 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999). They are persistent and bioaccumulative in accordance with the Persistence and Bioaccumulation Regulations, their presence in the environment results primarily from human activity, and they are not a naturally occurring radionuclide or a naturally occurring inorganic substance, therefore they meet the criteria set out in subsection 77(4) of CEPA 1999. As such, risk management measures are being proposed to achieve the ultimate environmental objective of virtually eliminating releases of polychlorinated naphthalenes.

A Proposed Risk Management Approach Document on Chlorinated Naphthalenes was also released on July 2, 2011, for chlorinated naphthalenes meeting the criteria in section 64 of CEPA 1999. This proposed risk management approach document builds on the previously released risk management scope document, and outlines, in more depth, the risk management actions for these substances, including the choice of instruments. There was a 60-day public comment period on this proposed risk management approach document.

Draft Ecological Screening Assessment and Risk Management Scope   

In July 2009, the results of a draft ecological screening assessment report on chlorinated naphthalenes were published in the Canada Gazette, Part I: Vol. 143 No. 29 – July 18, 2009 (PDF Version – 505 K). In addition, the risk management scope document (preliminary outlines of the options being examined for the management of substances, based on the proposed conclusions of the draft screening assessments) was released.

There was a 60-day public comment period associated with these publications. Public comments were submitted on (a) the draft screening assessments, (b) the proposal to pursue one of the measures as specified under subsection 77(2) CEPA 1999, and (c) the risk management scope documents.

Public comments were considered and addressed within the final report, and a Summary Table of Public Comments Received on the Draft Screening Assessment Report on Chlorinated Naphthalenes is available.

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