Air quality regulations in Ontario require permits for certain types of equipment. For manufacturers or resellers of such equipment, there are advantages to including the air quality permitting process as part of your service offerings. As the regulations can be somewhat complicated, with a risk of fines for noncompliance, it is advisable to work with environmental consulting firms when determining which pieces of equipment require permits.

Providing a permitting service in addition to your equipment sales avoids potential backlash from a client when they find out they need a new permit.

In Ontario, upgrading equipment or installing new equipment could be enough to require either a new or updated permit. Your clients may be unaware of the various regulations and how they apply to equipment, but environmental consulting firms in Ontario are well aware of the various requirements. As a vendor or manufacturer, working with these environmental consulting companies and ensuring the proper permits are in place for each piece of newly installed or upgraded equipment adds a level of customer service that will be appreciated by clients. Consider, for a moment, the difference between a smooth and easy visit from the inspector, who verifies all permits are in place, and the stress created by noncompliance and the rush to obtain permits.

In Ontario, affected businesses are required to operate under Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) or Environmental Activity and Sector Registry (EASR). Of these, the EASR has quick approval times.

The ECA covers air and noise emissions, and permits require air and noise assessments, which environmental consulting firms are well equipped to carry out. The assessment must include both a dispersion modeling report and an emissions summary. All material is to be submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks. Approval can generally be expected within one year.

The EASR applies to regulated businesses that pose a minimal environmental and health risk, and all eligible businesses are required to be in compliance. Screening for toxic substances, as well as noise and odor, are required, as is a dispersion modeling report and an air emissions summary. Environmental consulting companies are, again, well equipped to assist with ensuring compliance.

As a quick guide for manufacturers and vendors, the following types of equipment could trigger the need for a permit under ECA or EASR guidelines:

  • Combustion equipment
  • Storage tanks
  • Welding equipment
  • Heat cleaning ovens
  • Cooling towers
  • Air pollution control equipment
  • Laboratory fume hoods
  • Paint spray booths
  • Grain dryers
  • Abrasive blasting equipment

If you are unsure whether or not the equipment you manufacture or sell requires a permit, contact the professionals at DiGiSci Environmental Consulting, who have more than 20 years of experience in environmental consulting.