Excess Soil Regulatory Proposal

The Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) is pleased to inform you that we are moving forward with an Excess Soil Management Regulatory Proposal (proposal).  This proposal builds on input provided through an Environmental Registry review, meetings, listening sessions, various working groups and through engagement on the proposed Excess Soil Management Policy Framework (framework) which was finalized in December, 2016.

This plain-language regulatory proposal developed by MOECC and partner ministries would achieve key actions under the framework as referenced below:

      The development of a new excess soil reuse regulation, supported by complementary amendments to existing regulations including Regulation 347 (Waste) and Ontario Regulation 153/04 (Records of Site Condition), made under the Environmental Protection Act, and Ontario Regulation 332/12 (Building Code), made under the Building Code Act, 1992 (Actions 1, 2 & 18).

      The development of new reuse standards and sampling guidance for excess soil, to support the proposed new excess soil reuse regulation (Actions 12 & 13).

      Clarification on approval requirements related to temporary sites and processing sites (Action 5).

Consistent with the framework, this proposal has the following goals:

1.    Protect human health and the environment from inappropriate relocation of excess soil; and

2.    Enhance opportunities for the beneficial reuse of excess soil and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with the movement of excess soil.

Please visit the Environmental Registry at https://www.ebr.gov.on.ca/ERS-WEB-External/  using EBR # 013-0299 or the following direct link for further details and to comment on the proposal:

https://www.ebr.gov.on.ca/ERS-WEB-External/displaynoticecontent.do?noticeId=MTMyMzMw&statusId=MjAwOTA2&language=en

Ontario recognizes that Métis communities have an important connection to water and the broader environment.  We appreciate the input we have received to date from Métis communities and organizations to help shape this proposal.

We look forward to continuing dialogue with interested communities and how you would like to be engaged as we move ahead on this proposal.

If you have any questions, would like to discuss this proposal or would like a copy of the Excess Soil Management Policy Framework, please contact Laura Blease, Senior Policy Advisor, Land Water Policy Branch at (416) 325-8275 or laura.blease@ontario.ca.