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MECP Call for Comments

December 31, 2019

The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) is seeking input on a proposed regulatory amendment for O. Reg. 153/04 (Records of Site Condition) related to ground water sampling at sites that no longer have soil to be sampled. This proposal supports the direction in Ontario’s Environment Plan to increase redevelopment and revitalization of brownfields.

 

This proposed amendment would enable qualified person professional judgement to assess the necessity of ground water sampling for sites required to complete a phase two environmental site assessment (phase two ESA) in order to file a record of site condition where all the soil down to the bedrock surface has been removed from the site. In this situation, the current regulation, subsection 6(3) of Schedule E, requires the analysis and sampling of ground water as part of the site investigation of a phase two ESA if the previously completed investigations do not meet the requirements of a phase two ESA with respect to soil.  The proposal would enable ground water sampling to be reduced or eliminated based on certain conditions, including some site limitations, and assessments, conclusions and certifications by a qualified person.

 

MECP would appreciate your input on this regulatory proposal.  Please visit the Environmental Registry  by clicking on the link (https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-0987) or by searching EBR 019-0987. 

 

Please pass this notice along to anyone you believe may be interested.  The EBR posting is open for comment until January 13, 2020.

 

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this proposal, please contact Sanjay Coelho, Senior Policy Analyst, Environmental Policy Branch at (416) 326-5107 or sanjay.coelho@ontario.ca.