Division resources

Ministry of Environment

Proposed Changes to the Agricultural Waste Control Regulation

The Ministry of Environment is doing a comprehensive review of the Agricultural Waste Control Regulation (AWCR) with the intention of shifting to a code of practice to replace the current regulation.  A code of practice (or “minister’s regulation”) is a legally binding and enforceable set of rules that must be followed by the agricultural industry for environmental and human health protection.  

The AWCR describes environmentally sound practices for using, storing and managing wastes, such as manure, and by-products, such as composted materials or other materials used in agriculture, such as wood waste. 

The ministry has developed a Policy Intentions Paper for Consultation (intentions paper) for the proposed changes to the AWCR. The purpose of this intentions paper is to describe the ministry’s proposed policy direction and forms the basis for the start of discussions and consultation, and to seek responses and comments from stakeholders and the public on the ministry’s intentions. The Intentions Paper is a discussion document and your feedback will influence the policy approach.

The intentions paper and response form for providing comments to the ministry, as well as further information and links to related legislation, are posted here and on the ministry’s consultation website.  The content of the proposed regulatory changes is outlined in the policy intentions paper below.

Public Consultation Process

A notice was sent on January 27, 2012, informing of the start of the consultations. The Ministry of Environment is extending the consultation period for review of the Agricultural Waste Control Regulation (AWCR) Intentions Paper from March 31, 2012 to May 31, 2012. This extension is in response to stakeholders who requested additional time to respond and provide comments (Letter to Stakeholders (PDF/69 KB)).

The intentions paper for the consultation will be posted until May 31, 2012, the deadline for submitting comments.  A summary of the comments will be posted on this website after the consultation period is closed. 

The Ministry is also currently working with the BC Agriculture Council to organize further detailed cross-sectoral consultations with the agriculture industry.  The intent of the consultations will be to provide a full opportunity to discuss the environmental concerns that the intentions paper is intended to address and the suite of possible options.  There is not a fixed timeline for this project.  It is not anticipated that regulatory changes will occur before spring 2014.