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Release of the final follow-up risk assessment report on Used Crankcase Oils (UCOs)

Help on accessing alternative formats, such as Portable Document Format (PDF), Microsoft Word and PowerPoint (PPT) files, can be obtained in the alternate format help section.

On August 4^th 2007 a notice of final decision with respect to the final follow-up risk assessment report on Used Crankcase Oils (UCOs) was published in the Canada Gazette, Part I.

Follow-up report

Waste crankcase oils (WCO), which appeared on the first Priority Substances List (PSL1), were assessed to determine whether they met the criteria set out in section 11 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. For the purpose of the follow-up report, the name Waste Crankcase Oils (WCO) has been changed to Used Crankcase Oils (UCOs) to better represent the substance assessed.

Pursuant to paragraph 68 (b) and (c) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999), Environment Canada and Health Canada have completed the final follow-up report on UCOs.

A draft follow-up risk assessment report was released in June 2003 for a 60-day public comment period. The public comments received have been addressed within the final follow-up risk assessment report, and responses to the comments received are provided.

Summary table of public comments received on the draft follow-up risk assessment report

Based on the findings of the analysis of data published between 1993 and 2000 on the exposure and effects of used crankcase oils to aquatic ecosystems, it is concluded that used crankcase oils are entering the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that have or may have an immediate or long-term harmful effect on the environment or its biological diversity. It is concluded that used crankcase oils meet the criterion set out in paragraph 64(a) of CEPA 1999.

 Canada Gazette, Part I: Publication of Final Results of Investigations and Recommendations for the Substance Used Crankcase Oils - (Subsections 68(b) and (c) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999) (  PDF)

Path forward for UCOs

Provinces and territories have put in place risk management measures for UCOs. These include; prohibitions for land, landfill and sewer disposal of used oils; permits or approval systems to control burning of used oils; prohibitions or guidelines for use of used oils in dust suppression; controls for used oil re-processing and re-refinery operations; and programs to collect and manage used oil.

In recognition of the fact that provinces and territories are taking action to manage the risks posed by UCOs, the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health propose that UCOs not be added to Schedule 1 of CEPA 1999 at this time.

On this basis, and to avoid regulatory duplication, the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health have elected to take no further action on UCOs under CEPA 1999 at this time.

The final follow up risk assessment report is available at
http://www.ec.gc.ca/CEPARegistry/subs_list/FinalAssess.cfm.

You may also obtain copies of the final follow-up risk assessment report by contacting existing.substances.existantes@ec.gc.ca.