Final answer:
The Ministry of the Environment must be notified when refrigerant releases reach or exceed 10 kilograms, to ensure environmental safety and compliance with regulations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Ministry of the Environment should be notified of any refrigerant releases that are equal to or exceeding 10 kilograms. This requirement is based on environmental protection regulations to prevent harmful substances from damaging the ecosystem. Refrigerants can have significant environmental impacts, including contributing to ozone depletion and global warming due to their potential as greenhouse gases. It's crucial for facilities using refrigerants to have proper monitoring systems and to report any substantial leaks promptly as part of their environmental responsibility and legal obligations.