Here you will find information about the site-specific standard (SSS) process and Vale's application documents, as well as supporting information about our emission reduction initiatives and smelter processes.​
Ontario Regulation 419/05 – Local Air Quality sets air emission standards for ground level concentrations of various contaminants. In 2016, the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) introduced a new standard for "nickel and nickel compounds" of 0.04 μg/m3 assessed on an annual basis. A 24hr Ultimate Risk Threshold (URT) was also introduced.​
Vale's Copper Cliff Smelter has operated under an annual nickel SSS of 1 μg/m3 since mid-2016, which is set to expire at the end of 2021. Vale currently complies with the 24hr nickel URT.​
Vale is applying to the MECP for a 10-year annual nickel site specific standard for the Copper Cliff Smelter of 0.4 μg/m3.​
0.04 μg/m3​
Annual​
Standard​
2 μg/m3​
24hr​
URT​
0.4 μg/m3​

SSS​
Request​
A  μg is one gram divided by 1,000,000​
When standards are updated, the MECP recognizes that some facilities may become non-compliant and that there may be technical challenges and significant investment required to further reduce emissions. The SSS process allows a facility time to assess and, where possible, implement continuous improvement solutions – focusing on actions that reduce ground level concentrations from air emissions as much as possible and considering best available technologies.​
Community engagement is an important and valuable part of the SSS application process. Vale accepted feedback from September 1 to September 25, and has submitted the application containing the community's feedback. The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks will be posting Vale's application on the EBR website shortly for further community feedback.​
Thank you for your participation in this process. We will respond to any requests or feedback within 15 days of receipt.​
Supporting Information​
Site Specific Standard Request Site Specific Standard Process Emission Summary & Dispersion Modelling Report Technology Benchmarking Report Action Plan Nickel Standards & Emissions Nickel Measurements in the Community Emission Reduction Initiatives Vale's Copper Cliff Smelter Operations