Protecting air quality for Yukoners is a key priority in the Government of Yukon’s commitment to supporting a clean future. The Government of Yukon wants to hear from Yukoners on proposed amendments to the Air Emissions Regulations that would add commercial and institutional wood-based biomass burning systems as a permittable activity and help minimize the release of harmful air pollutants.
Currently, commercial and institutional biomass burning systems are not captured under the existing Air Emissions Regulations and do not require an air emissions permit to operate. Under the proposed amendments, the government is considering defining commercial and institutional biomass burning systems as systems over 150 kilowatts of heat output, which would require an air emissions permit.
These proposed amendments aim to improve clarity and consistency in the way the industry is regulated, while providing assurance to Yukoners that there are the necessary measures in place to help preserve the Yukon’s air quality.
The Government of Yukon wants to hear from businesses and the public about these proposed amendments. A discussion paper outlining the proposed amendments is available online until November 18, 2024. Now through November 18, Yukoners can visit yukon.ca/engagements to learn about these proposed amendments and submit their feedback.
The Government of Yukon is also reaching out directly to owners of biomass burning systems, those working in the industry, Yukon First Nations, municipal governments and other impacted stakeholders to gather their feedback.
Under the government’s climate strategy, Our Clean Future: a Yukon strategy for climate change, energy and a green economy, the government committed to regulating air emissions from commercial and institutional biomass burning systems to minimize the release of harmful air pollutants.
Yukoners are fortunate to enjoy some of the cleanest air in the world. As owners and operators of commercial and institutional buildings explore biomass as an energy option, we must take steps to regulate air emissions from these systems. This is an important commitment of our government’s climate change strategy, Our Clean Future, and contributes to our broader efforts to ensure a healthy future for the next generations of Yukoners.
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The government’s proposed amendments are specific to air emissions from commercial and institutional biomass burning systems and is looking for feedback on defining commercial and institutional systems as those that operate at greater than 150 kilowatts. They do not impact residential wood burning.
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Systems rated up to 150 kilowatts of heat output (which residential systems are well below) already meet standards established by the National Building Code of Canada and the Canadian Standards Association.
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Under the Yukon’s Environment Act, the government is required to submit proposed regulation amendments for public review for a period of 60 days.
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The Air Emissions Regulations regulate activities that generate air emissions which have potential to be harmful to the environment and human health. They manage permitting, monitoring and enforcement of emissions from manufacturing of asphalt, production of natural gas, quarrying, processing and handling of coal, operation of incinerators for solid and special waste, operation of electricity generating facilities and storage of solid, liquid or gaseous substances.
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
Laura.Seeley@yukon.ca
Kyle Nightingale
Communications, Environment
867-334-5922
Kyle.nightingale@yukon.ca