Proposed regulations for off-road engines

Today, the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change published the proposed Off-road Compression-Ignition (Mobile and Stationary) and Large Spark-Ignition Engine Emission Regulations (the proposed Regulations) in Canada Gazette, Part I under authority of Section 160 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (the Act).

The purpose of the proposed Regulations is to reduce smog caused by air pollutant emissions from large spark-ignition engines and stationary compression-ignition engines by establishing standards aligned with those of the United States (U.S.) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  More specifically, the proposed Regulations would introduce emission standards in alignment with the U.S. EPA’s Tier 2 standards for mobile large spark-ignition engines and the U.S. EPA’s Tier 4 standards for stationary compression-ignition engines.  The proposed Regulations would also provide flexibility in the form of less stringent Tier 2 or 3 standards for stationary compression-ignition engines destined for use in remote locations or as back-up sources of electricity.  Emission standards for off-road mobile compression-ignition engines, as they exist in the Off-Road Compression-Ignition Engine Emission Regulations, would be maintained in the proposed Regulations.

What products would be subject to the proposed Regulations?
The proposed Regulations would apply to mobile compression-ignition engines, large spark-ignition engines developing more than 19 kW (25 hp) of power, and stationary compression-ignition engines with a displacement of less than 30 liters per cylinder that are imported into Canada or manufactured in Canada.

Mobile compression-ignition engines are typically found in machines used in agricultural, construction, forestry, and mining applications.  Large spark-ignition engines are used in mobile off-road machines such as forklifts and ice resurfacers.  Stationary compression-ignition engines are used to provide electricity in remote communities, to drive fire pumps, as a back-up source of power for buildings, and to power irrigation systems, water pumps, compressors, etc.

It is expected that the proposed Regulations would come into force approximately 6 months after publication of the final Regulations in the Canada Gazette, Part II, which is targeted for Spring 2020.

It should also be noted that the current Off-Road Compression-Ignition Engine Emission Regulations continue to apply until the proposed Regulations come into force.

Submission of Comments
Interested persons have 75 days to file with the Minister comments with respect to the proposed Regulations or a notice of objection requesting that a board of review be established under section 333 of the Act.  We invite all persons interested in submitting comments on the proposed Regulations to do so by May 23, 2019 to:

Contact Persons for Further Information
Should you have any questions or require clarification on the proposed Regulations in relation to mobile compression-ignition engines or large spark-ignition engines, please contact ec.apregdevinfo-infodevregpa.ec@canada. For all questions related to stationary compression-ignition engines, please contact ec.combustion.ec@canada.ca.       

Should you have any questions on the current Regulations, please contact the Regulatory Administration Section of the Transportation Division at: ec.infovehiculeetmoteur-vehicleandengineinfo.ec@canada.ca.