The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer

The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is a global agreement to protect the Earth’s ozone layer by phasing out the chemicals that deplete it. This phase-out plan includes both the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances. The landmark agreement was signed in 1987 and entered into force in 1989.

The parties to the Protocol meet once a year to make decisions aimed at ensuring the successful implementation of the agreement. These include adjusting or amending the Protocol, which has been done six times since its creation. The most recent amendment, the Kigali Amendment, called for the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in 2016. These HFCs were used as replacements for a batch of ozone-depleting substances eliminated by the original Montreal Protocol. Although they do not deplete the ozone layer, they are known to be powerful greenhouse gases and, thus, contributors to climate change.

The Montreal Protocol provided a set of practical, actionable tasks that were universally agreed on. The Protocol has successfully met its objectives thus far and continues to safeguard the ozone layer today. Thanks to the collaborative effort of nations around the world, the ozone layer is well on its way to recovery.

Suggested regulatory standards for destruction facilities

Source(s)
Annex VII: Suggested regulatory standards for destruction facilities - Fourth Meeting of the Parties
Pollutant Stack Concentration Comments
PCDD/PDCF <1.0*ng/m3 Frequency, method of sampling, and limit for the ODS that is being destroyed as recommended by national regulatory agencies
HCI <100 mg/m3
HF 5 mg/m3
HBr/Br2 <5 mg/m3
Particulates <50 mg/m3
CO <100 mg/m3 Continuous emission monitoring with 1 hour rolling average
ODS   Atmospheric releases of ODS shall be monitored at all facilities with air emission discharges (where applicable) to ensure compliance with the recommendations of the report of the ad hoc Technical Advisory Committee on Destruction Technologies.

* Toxic equivalence using international method. Emissions limits are expressed as mass per dry cubic metre of flue gas at 0oC and 101.3 kPa corrected to 11% 02.