Where does MTBE come from?
Methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) is a colourless, volatile, and flammable liquid synthesized for commercial uses. MTBE does not occur naturally in the environment. Only one manufacturer of MTBE operates in Canada, so the majority of the MTBE used in Canada is imported. MTBE is most commonly used by blending it with gasoline to boost octane levels and reduce carbon monoxide emissions. MTBE has been used at service stations throughout the country since 1986, but unlike in the United States, Canada does not require gasoline to contain MTBE. In 1998, 10% of gasoline in Canada contained MTBE, while in 2000 this had fallen to 2%. MTBE enters the environment from leaking underground storage tanks, spills during manufacture or transport, runoff of residues deposited during vehicle use, and motorized water craft. Data collected from 1994 to 2002 show an average on-site release of MTBE from manufacturing and processing facilities in Canada to the environment of 121 tonnes per year. The highest
