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Ministry of Environment

Industrial Non-hazardous Waste Landfills Code of Practice

Code of Practice for Industrial Non-Hazardous Waste Landfills Incidental to the Wood Processing Industry

The Ministry of Environment has established a "code of practice" (Minister's regulation) that addresses industrial non-hazardous waste landfills for the wood processing industry under provisions of the Environmental Management Act (EMA) and the Waste Discharge Regulation (WDR).

The wood processing industry includes establishments engaged in logging operations, manufacturing lumber, wood or millwork products.  Wood waste landfills are considered appropriate to be regulated under a code of practice.  Although these landfills do not generally pose high threats to the environment, there are a number of environmental risks, including contamination of ground and / or surface water, that must be mitigated.

The code of practice establishes province-wide standards for the discharge of wood waste to industrial non-hazardous waste landfill sites. All new wood waste landfills, as well as existing ones currently authorized by permit that require significant expansion, are required to comply with all relevant provisions of EMA, WDR and the code of practice.

The code of practice is a results-based regulation requiring all landfills to register their facility, provide financial security and prepare a conceptual closure plan, an annual report and a final closure plan and report. In addition all large landfills are required to prepare a waste characterization report, a design plan and an operation plan.

Code of Practice for Industrial Non-Hazardous Waste Landfills Incidental to the Wood Processing Industry. (PDF/907 KB)

Registration Form for the Code of Practice for Industrial Non-Hazardous Waste Landfills Incidental to the Wood Processing Industry (PDF/548 KB)

Guidance Document

The Ministry has developed a technical guideline to assist dischargers with understanding the requirements of the Code of Practice.

Wood Waste Landfills Guidelines (PDF/424 KB)

Background:

After an extensive review of environmental and human health concerns and provisions under current permits, regulations and other jurisdictions, the Ministry posted an Intentions Paper for consultation with the public.

Comments, responses and submissions regarding development of the Code of Practice were provided in a Consultation Summary Report.

The ministry would like to thank all those who contributed.  The information was invaluable with respect to developing the final drafts and the Code of Practice.


UPDATED:September 26, 2011