Air Emissions Permit Amendment for Imperial Oil Sarnia Refinery
Official title: Imperial Oil Limited - Environmental Compliance Approval (air)
Imperial Oil wants to add new pollution control equipment at its Sarnia refinery and get a temporary exemption for smokestack opacity. The refinery emits benzene, sulphur dioxide, and other pollutants. This amendment would allow three new vapour combustors and a thermal oxidizer, plus a 4-year exemption from opacity rules for one boiler stack.
Why This Matters
Live in Sarnia or nearby? This refinery already releases benzene, lead, and other pollutants into the air you breathe. The new equipment could reduce some emissions, but the opacity exemption means more visible smoke from one stack until 2032.
What Could Change
If approved, Imperial Oil can install three vapour combustors and a thermal oxidizer. The company also gets a 4-year pass on opacity rules for its CO Boiler stack from 2028 to 2032. The facility's air emissions permit would be updated accordingly.
Key Issues
- Should Imperial Oil be allowed to add new vapour combustors and a thermal oxidizer?
- Should the refinery get a 4-year exemption from opacity rules for its CO Boiler stack?
- Are the current air emission controls adequate for this facility?
How to Participate
- Review the proposal details on this consultation page. Note that some supporting materials may only be available in person.
- Submit your comments through the Environmental Registry by the deadline. You can also email enviropermissions@ontario.ca or call 1-800-461-6290.