The document specifies maximum permissible annual consumption levels for ozone-depleting substances, which meet the levels stipulated in the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. The resolution also introduces a clause under which their production volume meets the levels calculated annually with due consideration for total maximum permissible production volumes.
The resolution was drafted by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment as part of the implementation of Federal Law No 226-FZ of 23 July 2013 On Amendments to Federal Law On Environmental Protection and Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation. The document aims to fulfil Russia’s obligations stemming from the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer of 22 March 1985 and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer of 16 September 1987, hereinafter referred to as the Montreal Protocol and amendments to it.
The Montreal Protocol envisages the stage-by-stage reduction in the consumption of hydrochlorofluorocarbons, hereinafter referred to as HCFCs, from 2004 and until their complete elimination in 2030. This shall be done in accordance with the following timeframe:
· Reduction by 75% of baseline emissions by 2010;
· Reduction by 90% of baseline emissions by 2015;
· Reduction by99.5% of baseline emissions by 2020;
· Completely stop consumption by 2020-2030, with due consideration for 0.5% maximum permissible ceilings for equipment maintenance.
The list of HCFCs includes 40 substances that are used as propellants, coolants, foaming agents and solvents. Under the Montreal Protocol, Russia’s quota is 999.23 tonnes of all substances listed as HCFCs with an ozone-depleting potential from 1 January 2010 until 1 January 2015.
In an effort to calculate annual consumption of ozone-depleting substances that can be imported into the Russian Federation and to ensure a stage-by-stage reduction of HCFC consumption, the resolution introduces the registration of manufacture, imports and exports of ozone-depleting substances and their use, as well as the compulsory annual calculation of maximum permissible volumes of ozone-depleting substances’ production and their maximum permissible import volumes.
In addition, the resolution approves additional requirements as regards the safe extraction of ozone-depleting substances from commodities and products that have lost their consumer properties, and that have to be disposed of at waste management facilities. This activity shall conform to license requirements during the disposal of waste. The resolution also prohibits the sale of ozone-depleting substances inside disposable containers.
The resolution also amends the Regulations on Licensing Activity to Decontaminate Waste in the I-IV Hazard Categories and to Ensure Their Safe Storage, which were approved by Government Resolution No. 255 of 28 March 2012 On Licensing Activity to Decontaminate Waste in the I-IV Hazard Categories and to Ensure Their Safe Storage. Under these supplements, license requirements during waste disposal efforts include the extraction of ozone-depleting substances from products that have lost their consumer properties and that have to be disposed of at waste management facilities, as well as ozone-depleting substances for the purpose of their recycling, subsequent use or environmentally friendly destruction.
These decisions will make it possible to completely protect the atmospheric ozone layer and to fulfil Russia’s obligations under the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol.
