Proposed Chemical Code and Ethers Assessment

Summary#

This Canada Gazette page from February 4, 2023 contains several Environment notices. It announces a proposed Code of Practice for the Environmentally Sound Management of Chemical Substances in the Chemicals, Plastics and Rubber Sectors with a 60‑day comment period; a signed administrative agreement between Canada and New Brunswick about the Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations; and the final screening assessment finding that four ether substances do not meet the criteria for action under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.

What it does#

• Issues a proposed Code of Practice for the Environmentally Sound Management of Chemical Substances in the Chemicals, Plastics and Rubber Sectors and invites written comments within 60 days of publication. Comments are to be sent to the Chemical Production Division of Environment and Climate Change Canada (email provided in the notice). The proposed code is posted on the government website.
• Announces that the Minister has concluded an “Administrative Agreement between the Government of New Brunswick and the Government of Canada Regarding the Administration of the Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations in New Brunswick.” The final agreement was made available on February 4, 2023.
• Notes that no public comments were received during the 60‑day comment period on that proposed administrative agreement.
• Publishes the final screening assessment for four substances (the “Ethers Group”) and concludes they do not meet the criteria in section 64 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The four substances are diethyl ether (DEE), diphenyl ether (DPE), dimethyl ether (DME), and dipropylene glycol methyl ether (DPGME). The ministers say they propose to take no further action at this time.

Who's affected#

• Companies in the chemical, plastics and rubber sectors that make, use, manage or dispose of chemical substances — they are the main audience for the proposed Code of Practice.
• The government of New Brunswick, municipal wastewater operators in that province, and any organizations involved in administering or complying with the Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations.
• Manufacturers, importers and users of the four ether substances (industries listed in the assessment include air‑care products, automotive and transportation, cleaning and furnishing care, fuels, oil and gas, paints and coatings, food packaging and processing, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and pest control products).
• Members of the public and public‑interest groups concerned about chemical risks or wastewater regulation. If it is unclear whether a specific business or person is affected, the notices point to the posted documents for details.

Why it matters#

• The proposed code could set recommended practices or expectations for how the chemicals, plastics and rubber industries handle certain chemical substances. That can affect operational practices, waste handling and possibly costs for businesses in those sectors. The public can comment for 60 days after publication.
• The administrative agreement shows how federal and provincial responsibilities for enforcing the Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations will be handled in New Brunswick. That can affect who inspects, reports on, or enforces wastewater rules locally.
• The screening assessment’s finding that the four ethers do not meet the thresholds for regulatory action means the federal government does not plan new controls on these substances right now. For businesses and consumers, that means existing uses continue without new federal restrictions based on this assessment; for regulators and advocates, it signals the current evidence was judged to show low ecological and human‑health risk. The assessment and related documents are available on the government website for people who want the technical details.