Division resources

Ministry of Environment

Environmental Protection

 

The Environmental Protection Division (EPD) of the Ministry of Environment works to prevent pollution and promote and restore environmental quality. Its business goals are:

  • Pollution Prevention;
  • Reduction of provincial greenhouse gas emissions and increasing British Columbia's capacity to anticipate climate change impacts and to adapt to these impacts;
  • Continuous Improvement in Air, Land and Water Quality; and
  • Fully Engaged Partners.

In addition to legislation and regulations on discharges to land, air and water, EPD designs, develops and implements legislative and regulatory guidelines, standards and instruments. Working with various stakeholders and partners, the Division fulfills its environmental protection leadership role using a broad array of innovative tools to support its goals. This work depends on an adaptive management framework, which includes setting standards and guidelines, checking for their attainment through monitoring and compliance, and adjusting the requirements and guidelines as needed.

EPD delivers programs and services through four branches: the Environmental Management Branch, Environmental Quality Branch, Climate Change Branch and Regional Operations Branch.