Overview
Metro Vancouver is considering amendments to the
GVRD Boilers and Process Heaters Emission Regulation Bylaw No. 1087, 2008 (Bylaw 1087), which regulates the discharge of air contaminants from boilers and process heaters in buildings and some industrial facilities in the Metro Vancouver region.
Boilers and process heaters are sources of air contaminants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Emissions of NOx result in the formation of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and can also contribute to the formation of harmful ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter. Because NO2 is harmful even at low concentrations, it is important to protect sensitive populations, such as children, the elderly, and people with existing cardiac and respiratory conditions, from exposure to NO2.
The proposed amendments aim to support continuous improvement to regional ambient air quality and protection of human health by further reducing the discharge of health-harming air contaminants from boilers and process heaters.
The proposed amendments include:
- More stringent emission limits for NOx
- Additional dispersion modelling requirements to demonstrate achievement of ambient air quality objectives
- Additional requirements for emission stack design to reduce nearby impacts
For more information on the proposed amendments, please see the discussion paper or the discussion paper summary.
Goal, targets, and responsibilities
Under the BC Environmental Management Act, Metro Vancouver is responsible for managing air quality in the region, including by regulating the discharge of air contaminants. To inform air quality management activities, Metro Vancouver establishes ambient air quality objectives that represent acceptable levels of air contaminants, averaged over a given time period. Metro Vancouver updates its objectives periodically to drive continuous improvement in regional air quality, which will better protect human health and the environment.
National objectives known as the
Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) became more stringent at the beginning of 2025. The 2025 CAAQS are listed on the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment website.
Metro Vancouver’s
ambient air quality objectives are listed on our website .
The proposed amendments to Bylaw 1087 aim to meet these objectives and enable continuous improvement and protection of human health and environment.
Engagement
Thank you to everyone who submitted feedback through our online feedback form, webinar series, sector meetings and more. Staff will consider all comments in finalizing the proposed amendments to the existing bylaw for MVRD Board consideration. A summary of the feedback received is expected to be presented along with recommendations to the MVRD Board in 2025.
Comments or questions are welcome: