Environmental Quality Branch

STRATOSPHERIC OZONE DEPLETION

1. The Science, Impacts and Control Measures

Stratospheric Ozone Depletion
April 2002

Human-caused emissions of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) have caused a serious thinning of the stratospheric ozone layer. This fact sheet summarizes the causes and impacts of ozone depletion, how governments are working to stop the release of ODS, and how we can all help. There is also a section on protecting yourself from the sun's harmful rays.

Depletion of the Stratospheric Ozone Layer: The Science, Impacts and Mitigation Measures
October 1997
(135 KB / 27 pages)

Stratospheric Ozone Layer (Pacific and Yukon Region, Environment Canada)

Environment Canada's Pacific and Yukon Region website covers a wide range of issues affecting British Columbia, including weather, ozone depletion, global climate change, air, water, and nature.

Canada's Ozone Layer Protection Programs (Environment Canada)

This website describes Canada's efforts to protect the ozone layer and meet international commitments. It also explains how provinces and territories, industries and individuals have to stop emissions of ozone-depleting substances, by meeting national regulations and codes of practices.

2. B.C.'s Ozone-Depleting Substances Regulation

Ozone-Depleting Substances and Other Halocarbons Regulation
November 1999

In February 1993, the B.C. government passed a regulation to control ozone-depleting substances (ODS) stored in products and equipment, and encourage consumers and industry to use environmentally safe alternatives. Originally called the Ozone-Depleting Substances Regulation, the regulation covered all CFCs, halons and HCFCs, as well as methyl chloroform and carbon tetrachloride.

This regulation was amended in November 1999 (mainly to include HFCs and PCFs, and strengthen certain requirements). It is now called the Ozone-Depleting Substances and Other Halocarbons Regulation.

3. Vehicle Air Conditioners and Ozone Depletion

B.C.'s Ban on CFCs in Vehicle Air Conditioners: What You Should Know
November 2000

It is illegal in British Columbia to charge or recharge any motor vehicle air conditioner (MVAC) with CFCs, under the Ozone-Depleting Substances and Other Halocarbons Regulation. If your MVAC system uses CFC-12 (also called Freon-12 or R-12), it will have to be retrofitted to operate on an ozone-friendly refrigerant, the next time it needs servicing. This fact sheet provides more details on your options.

What the CFC Ban Means for the Automotive Technician
November 2000

Any technician servicing or retrofitting a motor vehicle air conditioning (MVAC) system containing an ozone-depleting substance (ODS) must have successfully completed the government-approved ODs Environmental Awareness Course, as well as an MVAC course. Here is a short guide to the training available, and how to get it.

4. Halon Management

Industry/Agency Management Plans for Halons in Fire-Fighting Equipment: 1996 — 2001

These reports examine the amount of halons in B.C. that were in system, banked, decommissioned or released into the environment in 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2001. They also examine regional and company/agency details and compare the reports' totals with past years.

2001	(46 KB / 15 pages)
2000	(186 KB / 12 pages)
1999	(54 KB / 12 pages)
1998	(163 KB / 12 pages)
1997	(HTML)
1996	(HTML)