Authors: Chris Scott & Hector Ortiz
The Canadian government introduced stringent regulations to curb volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from storage tanks under the finalized federal regulation SOR/2025-88, published March 2025 under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA). With compliance deadlines already in effect, effective March 7, 2025 for new facilities; existing facilities must comply within 1–3 years depending on tank type and emissions risk.
At Spartan, we provide industry-leading emissions management technologies that go beyond compliance, helping customers protect their assets, improve operational reliability, and drive measurable financial and environmental benefits.
Who Must Comply with the VOC Regulations?
These federal regulations apply to petroleum and petrochemical storage tanks and loading facilities handling high-benzene products. If your operation fits any of the following, compliance is mandatory:
- Large Storage Tanks (≥500 m³): Including fixed- and floating-roof tanks at petroleum facilities. Compliance deadline: January 2025.
- High-Volume Loading Sites: Facilities transferring more than 4,000 standard m³/year, such as truck, rail, or marine terminals handling benzene. Tanks containing benzene >20% by weight (≥5m³), regardless of pressure rating, emitting over 2 tonnes/year.
- High-Benzene Content Tanks: Tanks with benzene content over 20% by weight and a capacity ≥5 m³ that emit more than 2 tonnes/year.
- High-Pressure Tanks (≥100 m³ with vapor pressure >76 kPa): Required retroactive compliance by July 2024.
Spartan Makes Compliance Simple and Strategic
While the regulatory requirements are complex, your compliance journey doesn’t have to be. Spartan Controls offers turnkey emissions control systems tailored to tank type, operating conditions, and regulatory jurisdiction.
High Volatility Tanks (Vapor Pressure >76kPa)
Requirement: 95% efficient vapor recovery units (VRUs) or thermal oxidizers with 98% destruction efficiency.
Our Solutions: Integrated Vapor Recovery Units (VRUs) that capture and recycle hydrocarbon vapors, reducing emissions and generating potential product resale. Thermal oxidizers are engineered for high destruction efficiency and energy recovery.
Lower Volatility Tanks (Vapor Pressure 10–76kPa)
Requirement: Compliance required internal floating roofs with dual seals, pressure-vacuum relief valves set at 1.5kPa, or equivalent control systems with >90% efficiency.
Our Solution: Spartan supplied engineered sealing solutions that drastically reduced emissions while extending tank lifespan.
Loading Racks: Advanced pressure relief and vapor management technologies ensured compliance without unnecessary maintenance costs.
Loading Racks & Transfer Operations
- Facilities exceeding 250,000m³/year throughput had to implement vapor balancing or recovery systems capturing 98% of VOCs.
- Spartan’s custom vapor collection systems allowed customers to recover valuable product while ensuring seamless, efficient loading operations.
Understanding and Meeting Provincial Standards Across Western Canada
Alongside federal mandates, operators had to comply with varying provincial requirements. Spartan Controls provided tailored solutions for each region, ensuring that customers not only met compliance but optimized operations to align with local regulations.
- British Columbia: Required floating roofs or VRUs with 95% efficiency for tanks with TVP >12kPa. Spartan offered high-performance vapor control solutions to maximize efficiency.
- Alberta: AER Directive 060 mandated 95% capture for tank emissions >500 kg/day. Spartan helped customers integrate automated emissions monitoring and gas management systems.
- Saskatchewan: S-10 Guidelines enforced controls for vapor releases >900m³/day. Spartan provided VRU technology and emissions abatement solutions to exceed requirements.
Beyond Compliance: The Spartan Advantage
While meeting regulations was essential, proactive emissions management delivered additional benefits that directly impacted a company’s bottom line and ESG profile. Spartan Controls ensured customers realized strategic advantages with their tank emissions control strategies.
Financial and Environmental Gains
- Reduce product losses by 5–12%: Spartan's tank venting controls minimized hydrocarbon losses, preserving valuable product and increasing revenue.
- Lower site-level GHG intensity by 6–10% annually: Our vapor recovery and oxidation systems replaced uncontrolled venting, significantly cutting emissions.
- Qualify for carbon offset programs: Spartan helped customers secure carbon credits through Alberta’s Quantification Protocols and BC’s CleanBC Industrial Incentive Program.
- Strengthen ESG positioning: With growing scrutiny from investors, regulators, and ESG rating agencies, implementing Spartan’s solutions enhanced sustainability rankings under frameworks like CDP, TCFD, and SASB.
Why Partner with Spartan Controls?
Proven Technologies: Field-tested and compliant systems that go beyond minimum requirements.
Local Expertise: Regional teams who understand provincial regulations and site-specific challenges.
End-to-End Support: From initial assessments and design through installation, commissioning, and long-term support.
The regulatory landscape has changed, but emissions management remains a top priority. Spartan Controls continues to support operators in optimizing compliance and strengthening environmental stewardship.
