Frequently Asked Questions

Below are questions we have received regarding our operations, our products, and why we are engaging with communities. If you have a question that isn’t included below, please reach out to us using the contact form on this website and we will be sure to answer your question and include it in the below list.

Lease renegotiation questions:

  • It may seem as though 2030 is far off, however, given the complexities of the process and how important it is, we want to ensure that we are engaging early and that there is an opportunity to thoroughly discuss both the potential benefits and risks to the community and Canada. Simply put, we feel that it would be a mistake to no longer have liquid chlorine produced in Western Canada.

    We are working with an independent contractor, BakerRisk, to create updated risk mapping for the region. This project incorporates recent operational changes and significant investments in safety and reliability. Our goal is to eliminate risks at the property line, utilizing modelling based on strategic capital investments, such as enclosing the rail loading area.

    Our intention is to move forward with the strategic improvements as suggested by the BakerRisk risk reduction modeling to significantly reduce any potential risk to the community from continued liquid chlorine production. This investment will require initial engineering studies and a full estimation process as well as regulatory permits and an extension of Chemtrade’s lease for adjacent Port lands, used for both operations and to import salt for production. As an organization who prioritizes safety above all else, we are willing to begin this work, and do not expect the cost to be an impediment to our desire to move forward.

    These risk reduction projects will require time to complete, as they would need to be completed during facility maintenance shutdowns, which are scheduled every two years.

  • We feel that it would be a mistake to no longer have liquid chlorine produced in Western Canada.

    We can’t speculate as to the decisions made by the former owners. What we do know is that the chlorine market has changed significantly since that time. The US has made policy changes regarding the export of chlorine, ensuring they meet domestic supply first. There has also been a recent ruling by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) preventing the use of asbestos diaphragms in chlorine production beyond 2029. We know that this ruling will impact eight facilities in the US, which represents 30 per cent of all production in North America. These facilities must decide if they will convert to the modern diaphragms technology, which will cost approximately $1 billion per site. This would result in production going offline for several months while the conversion is completed.

    We also know that a 2015 Statistics Canada report found that 96 per cent of Canadian municipalities use chlorine to treat the municipal water supply for more than 30.7 million Canadians. Currently, we are Western Canada’s only producer, and we provide 40 per cent of all production in Canada. That equates to over 70 per cent of the chlorine available in BC and Alberta.

    The pandemic underscored the importance of establishing and maintaining a reliable domestic supply chain, especially for products essential to the health of Canadians. We feel a responsibility to raise this concern and have the discussion well in advance.

  • Since 2010, over $500 million has been invested in modernization projects at the facility, enhancing both safety and reliability. Significant changes have also been made to our operations and the amount of liquid chlorine stored on-site. Using the year 2000 as a benchmark, we have significantly decreased our on-site liquid chlorine storage by over 94 per cent, greatly reducing potential risks to the surrounding area.

    Our intention is to move forward with the strategic improvements as suggested by the BakerRisk risk reduction modeling to significantly reduce any potential risk to the community from continued liquid chlorine production. This investment will require initial engineering studies and a full estimation process as well as regulatory permits and an extension of Chemtrade’s lease for adjacent Port lands, used for both operations and to import salt for production. As an organization who prioritizes safety above all else, we are willing to begin this work, and do not expect the cost to be an impediment to our desire to move forward.

    These risk reduction projects will require time to complete, as they would need to be completed during facility maintenance shutdowns, which are scheduled every two years.

  • At all our sites, including our North Vancouver facility, we implement rigorous safety protocols that begin with production and extend to our products reaching our customers.

    Our safety measures include comprehensive employee training, rigorous protocols and procedures throughout every production stage, regular facility safety drills, and thorough emergency response planning. In North Vancouver, we work closely with local first responders, including the North Shore Emergency Management team, and includes providing support for other emergency response initiatives.

    As previously stated, we have made significant investments in the continuous modernization of the plant, enhancing both safety and reliability. Additionally, we have changed our operations, resulting in a 96 per cent reduction in on-site liquid chlorine storage compared to levels in the year 2000.

    As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, Chemtrade is dedicated to enhancing our plant’s operations to ensure the safety of our employees and the local community, while also contributing to the provision of safe drinking water for millions across Canada and the Western United States.

    In terms of transporting liquid chlorine, rail transport has proven to be one of the safest and most reliable methods. At Chemtrade, we adhere to rigorous inspection, testing, and monitoring standards for all aspects of product transport.

    As a company, we operate in full compliance with Transport Canada rules and regulations. We own, maintain, and operate a fleet of railcars, specifically designed for transporting products – like liquid chlorine, and have numerous safety precautions built into the design. We continuously invest in our fleet to meet the latest safety regulations in both Canada and the US.

    In 2023, Chemtrade demonstrated its commitment to safety and excellence by receiving two prestigious awards from Canadian National Railway (CN): the Platinum Award for Zero Process Safety Related Incidents and the Gold Level CN Safe Handling award for no non-accidental releases. In 2022, Chemtrade was awarded the American Association of Railroads Non-Accidental Release (NAR) Grand Slam Award, which is awarded annually to companies that demonstrate excellence in the safe shipping of hazardous materials. To be eligible for the award, a recipient must have received recognition from at least four Class I railroads and have had no non-accident releases involving their shipments in the previous calendar year. (A NAR is an unintentional release of a hazardous material while in transportation, but not involving an accident).

  • On a facility level, we are fully automated. The system is continuously monitored by a state-of-the-art system that automatically notifies operators, shuts down and isolates areas within the plant should something outside of the normal operating range be detected. This allows for continuous operation and significantly reduces the chance of an accidental release or incident.

    Currently, the site has 72 sensors located throughout the facility, including along the perimeter and in the railcar loading area. The sensors can detect chlorine as low as 0.1 parts per million.

    Once the sensors are triggered, automated shut down processes are initiated, isolating the area, and site operators are notified.

    In the case of a power outage, the facility is equipped with several safety mechanisms that are immediately deployed and do not require an operator’s support. When the facility loses power, valves are immediately closed, securing the chlorine supply within the system.

    If a potential leak or spill is detected, the site launches an immediate response, and as part of our emergency response plan an alert is issued using Alertable. The North Shore Emergency Management team would receive the alert and would further amplify the notification.

    At all Chemtrade sites, including the North Vancouver facility, rigorous safety protocols are in place, starting with production and continuing through to our products reaching our customers. Our safety protocols include comprehensive employee training, rigorous safety protocols and procedures throughout every stage of production, facility safety drills, and emergency response planning.

    In North Vancouver, we work closely and collaboratively with local first responders, including the North Shore Emergency Management team. This includes providing support for other emergency response initiatives.

  • Our intention is to move forward with the strategic improvements as suggested by the BakerRisk risk reduction modeling to significantly reduce any potential risk to the community from continued liquid chlorine production. This investment will require initial engineering studies and a full estimation process as well as regulatory permits and an extension of Chemtrade’s lease for adjacent Port lands, used for both operations and to import salt for production. As an organization who prioritizes safety above all else, we are willing to begin this work, and do not expect the cost to be an impediment to our desire to move forward.

  • Railroads are the safest method for transporting hazardous materials, such as chlorine, across land (Reference AAR.org). Vancouver is the only port city in North America which is serviced by three Class 1 railroads: CN, CPKC and BNSF. On average, freight railways move over six million carloads of goods on behalf of Canadian customers, supporting several industries involved in key commodities.

    Chemtrade operates a fleet of leased railcars, all of which have been specifically designed for the transport of our various products, including liquid chlorine, and meet or exceed all required regulatory specifications.

    Chemtrade follows all industry and railroad-specific procedures, including mandatory employee training, train speed limits, railcar inspections, rail yard protocols, locomotive operation, and compliance with hazardous material shipping routes. These practices are regulated by both provincial and federal regulations.

    Since taking on ownership of the facility in 2017, Chemtrade has never experienced a release of Chlorine during transportation, whether from an accident or a Non-Accidental Release (NAR). In 2022, in recognition of our rigorous safety protocols, Chemtrade was awarded the American Association of Railroads Non-Accidental Release (NAR) Grand Slam Award. This prestigious award is presented annually to companies that are exemplary shippers of hazardous materials who have been recognized by at least four Class I railroads and recorded zero non-accident releases involving their shipments in the previous calendar year. As we look forward to the 2023 awards, Chemtrade has already received recognition from Canadian National Railway (CN), earning both the Platinum award for Zero Process Safety Related Incidents and the Gold Level CN Safe Handling award for no NARs.

  • At our facility, as a member of Responsible Care®, the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC), and The Chlorine Institute, we meet or exceed all regulatory requirements, and safety association guidelines, while also being committed to reducing the environmental impact of our activities and improving the health & safety of our employees and the communities in which we operate. We have standard operating procedures (SOPs) in place to ensure the safety of our employees, contractors on site and the surrounding community. In terms of safety in regard to our rail operations, we follow all Canadian and US federal regulations and ensure that our employees receive training and follow all industry and railroad-specific procedures related to the manufacturing, handling, loading, and shipping of liquid chlorine and other products. This includes following strict speed limits, thorough inspections, rail yard practices, and using identified shipping routes for materials deemed hazardous. We maintain and operate a fleet of leased railcars, all of which have been specifically designed for the transport of our various products – like liquid chlorine and meeting all of the required regulatory specifications.

  • Chemtrade participates in a Community Advisory Panel, at which it shares updates on its operations, safety plans, procedures, and planned upcoming work or projects. The Panel is free to ask questions, request information, and have been provided with tours of the facility. As a company, we work closely with our neighbours, first responders - specifically North Shore Emergency Management. Any potential incident would be shared with first responders and through the Alertable system. If the public have concerns, they are asked to contact Chemtrade, either through www.askchemtrade.ca, our Facebook page, or by reaching out to Amy Jonsson at ajonsson@chemtradelogistics.com.

  • The community and first responders would be notified of any potential risk through the use of the Alertable program, and direct outreach to North Shore Emergency Management. Communication updates would continue to be provided as needed through the system. Updates to local elected officials, First Nations, and the media would also be discussed, and if deemed appropriate, direct communications with those organizations and Nations would begin via email and phone calls.

  • All employees are provided safety training which includes on-the-job demonstrations and training, on-line learning, and when required, classroom training. Every employee on site is provided with the required safety equipment for their specific role and can include items such as protective eye wear and clothing, respirators, and high visibility vests. The training is logged and employees are provided with updates about upcoming expiring training so they can rebook and ensure their training remains current.

Safety related questions

  • Our facility employs 118 fulltime, permanent staff members. Based on 2022 data, our annual payroll exceeds $21 million, and we contribute more than $165 million annually to the BC and Canadian economies through spending with suppliers, contractors, and businesses. The operations and activities at our facility either directly or indirectly support the production of three products – chlorine, caustic soda, and hydrochloric acid – and one co-product, green hydrogen produced by the facility.

  • There is very little waste, none of it hazardous, generated by the production of chlorine. There are only three byproducts of the process: hydrogen gas, a calcium/magnesium solid material that comes from the purification of the sea salt, and brine sludge. Again, none of these are hazardous, and in fact we do sell a portion of the hydrogen produced as a clean energy source. The brine sludge and the calcium/magnesium solid material are both safely disposed of at the local landfill. It should be noted that the facility is one of the lowest carbon facilities, using green hydro-electric power (from BC Hydro).

General facility questions

  • By our estimates, our North Vancouver facility produces over 40 per cent of the liquid chlorine in Canada. This represents over 70 per cent of the liquid chlorine available in Alberta and BC. Additionally, we are a key supplier to the US, delivering up to 60 per cent of the chlorine for the Western US.

    Chlorine is most commonly used for water treatment. A 2015 study by Statistics Canada revealed that over 96 per cent of Canadian communities, representing more than 30.7 million Canadians, depend on chlorine to treat their municipal drinking water.

  • We cannot share customer information, however, we can share that most of the liquid chlorine we produce is used to treat municipal drinking water systems. Our estimates show that our facility provides over 70 per cent of the liquid chlorine available in Western Canada (BC and Alberta), which equates to over 40 per cent of the total liquid chlorine available in Canada. Additionally, we supply up to 60 per cent of the liquid chlorine available in the Western United States.

    A survey conducted by Statistics Canada in 2015 found that 96 per cent of municipalities, representing over 30.7 million Canadians, relied on chlorine to treat their municipal drinking water supply.

    The loss of liquid chlorine production at our facility would significantly impact its availability, particularly in Western Canada, including BC and Alberta, as well as across Canada and the Western United States.

  • Three other facilities produce chlorine in Canada – one in Saskatchewan, and two in Quebec. Our North Vancouver facility produces more than 40 per cent of Canada’s liquid chlorine, which accounts for over 70 per cent of the available supply in BC and Alberta.

  • As with most chemicals, transporting and storing chlorine presents challenges. Chlorine needs to be shipped in specially designed railcars.

    There are also production capacity issues, both in Canada and the US. Recently, the US implemented two significant policy changes: the first ensures domestic availability of chlorine, the second limits the use of asbestos diaphragms in the production of chlorine which starts to come into effect by 2029. This ruling will impact eight US facilities, accounting for 30 per cent of North American production.

    Given the substantial production we represent in Canada, with 40 per cent of the national supply and over 70 per cent of the supply in BC and Alberta, replacing this significant amount of chlorine within the domestic market is a challenge. Our facility currently supplies up to 60 per cent of the Western US’s chlorine. Removing our production would significantly increase demand in the US.

    The pandemic underscored the importance of establishing and maintaining a reliable domestic supply chain, especially for products essential to the health of Canadians.

  • The environmental impact from the production process for chlorine is minimal and does not generate any hazardous waste material or pollution. The overall carbon footprint of the site is very low due to the fact we use green hydroelectricity (BC Hydro supplied), and the salt used in the manufacturing process is solar dried sea salt. Overall, the facility is one of the greenest chlor-alkali facilities in the world.

  • Bleach as a product is very rarely, if ever, used in large-scale water treatment and comes with its own challenges – such as very limited shelf life (depending on the dilution ratio, the product can break down within hours, or last as long as six months), and due to the diluted but still hazardous nature, requires special transportation via secure rail car, and less commonly, transport trailer. The diluted nature also presents challenges in terms of volumes – requiring significantly more available transport methods to ship the product to achieve the same level of protection provided by liquid chlorine. This not only adds to the cost for municipalities, but also increases the carbon footprint of the product.

    Given all of these limitations, using bleach is not a reasonable or practical solution for large-scale water treatment.

    We know that 96 percent of municipalities in Canada use chlorine to treat their domestic water supplies. Although the actual product used by municipalities to treat varies, but we do know it is some form of chlorine, chloramine, or chlorine dioxide. All three of these products can be easily created using liquid chlorine. As it stands, safe and responsible liquid chlorine remains the most responsible and safest method of securing drinking water for millions of Canadians.

    Learn more about water treatment in BC: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/drinking- water-chlorination-facts. The need for chlorine in securing safe drinking water supplies was also just highlighted in a recent Vancouver Sun article, which you can find here: Water has flowed from our taps for 100 years. What about the next 100? | Vancouver Sun

Water treatment questions

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