The regulated community has been seemingly overwhelmed with news of environmental regulatory changes of late. Last month we shared with you the new cap-and-trade regulations (for Ontario) and the associated deadlines. Now we turn our attention to the third phase of the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP).
It was about a year and a half ago, the fall of 2014, when my colleague, Christopher Paré, mentioned that the third phase of the CMP would run from 2016-2020 (CMP Phase 1 was launched in 2006 and Phase 2 was launched in 2011). Chris also mentioned that this third phase of the CMP, or CMP3, might be the most challenging.
What is the Chemicals Management Plan?
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, “The Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) is a Government of Canada initiative aimed at reducing the risks posed by chemicals to Canadians and their environment.” The CMP is delivered jointly by Environment and Climate Change Canada and Health Canada through “partnerships” with various stakeholders.
CMP3 Two-Year Rollout 2016-2020
As you are likely aware by now, the CMP3 rollout has begun, and some of the draft and final screening assessments have been released. For a complete list of the 1,550 substances to be evaluated in the CMP3 two-year rolling risk assessment, see Environment and Climate Change Canada.
This list of chemicals and compounds in the CMP becomes important if a company’s plans include a new operation or product line that involves a new chemical or substance. Substances not on the CMP list are considered “new” and must be reported prior to importation or manufacture so that they can be assessed to determine if they are toxic, or could become toxic, to the environment or human health.
To learn more about the CMP program, see “Overview of the Chemicals Management Plan.”
If you have any questions about the CMP or other environmental regulatory issues, please feel free to contact me (atymec@dragun.com) at 519-979-7300, ext 118.