Q-2, r. 38 - Regulation respecting the quality of the atmosphere

Section 91 Disposition versions

2012-09-01

91. (Replaced, O.C. 501-2011)Copper smelting plants: A copper smelting plant must not emit into the atmosphere:

(a)  more sulfur dioxide than the quantities prescribed in the following table:

____________________________________________________________

Category of Plant            Quantity of Sulfur Dioxide

____________________________________________________________

existing plant using a      • from 1989: 65% of total
continuous reactor          annual emissions in 1980*

                            • from 1990: 50 % of  total
                            annual emissions in 1980*
____________________________________________________________

any other existing plant    275 kg/tonne of dry concentrate 
                            introduced into the process
____________________________________________________________

any new plant               5%, in the form of sulfur
                            dioxide, of the sulfur 
                            contained in the concentrate,
                            flux, fuels and other matters 
                            introduced into the process
____________________________________________________________

* as indicated in the document entitled Le point sur 
  l’action du Québec en matière de précipitations acides 
  published by the Ministère de l’Environnement du Québec 
  in March 1984.
____________________________________________________________    

An existing copper smelting plant using a continuous reactor must not, during any day in a calendar year, emit a quantity of sulfur dioxide that results, in that calendar year, in exceeding the annual allowable standard or in increasing any excess.

Gases from a continuous reactor, in the case of an existing copper smelting plant using this process, and gases from converters, in the case of any other existing copper smelting plant, must be piped into a treatment system designed to eliminate at least 96% of the sulfur dioxide contained in such gases. An existing copper smelting plant that, on 9 March 1985, is not equipped with a sulfur dioxide treatment system must be so equipped in 1989.

Where gases from the continuous reactor of an existing copper smelting plant are discharged into the atmosphere without being treated, the plant must emit no more than 1 000 tonnes of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere during any 24-hour period. This standard applies where the discharge of gases extends beyond 3 hours, and it must continue to apply for a period of 24 consecutive hours, including the first 3 hours during which gases are discharged.

When a period of application of the standard begins to run, it applies even if the discharge of gases ceases before the end of the 24-hours period;

(b)  more than 0.75 kg of particulate matter per tonne of crude concentrate on a dry basis for a new copper smelting plan.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. Q-2, r. 20, s. 91; O.C. 240-85, s. 6; O.C. 501-2011, s. 215.