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Release notices

Last updated on March 27, 2025

A release notice is a one-time use document that removes restrictions on specific subdivision, zoning, development and building approvals.

A release notice is not the same as a certification document.

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Situations that qualify for a release notice

Scenario 1: Site investigation is not required before municipal or subdivision approval

This option applies when approval is required to prepare a site for redevelopment, such as:

  • When zoning approval is required to secure funding from a lender
  • Subdivision for municipal road dedications
  • A site owner wants to complete upgrades to a site with ongoing Schedule 2 uses

This is not an exhaustive list. There may be other situations when site investigation is not required before approval. 

Scenario 2: No significant threat or risk if municipal or subdivision application is approved

This option is for limited situations when a site doesn't qualify for the other types of release notices or a certification document, and there would not be a significant threat or risk if the municipal or subdivision application were approved. 

Scenario 3: Remediation is part of site redevelopment

This option applies when you plan to remediate a contaminated site during redevelopment. In most cases, you must complete remediation within 5 years after the issue date of the release notice.

Apply for a release notice

1. Before applying for a release notice, make sure you've:

2. Complete a Contaminated Sites Services Application.

3. Prepare a letter signed by the owner or operator that outlines:

  • The site ID number
  • The site address and parcel identifier (either PID(s) for private land, or PIN(s) for provincial Crown Land)
  • Identification of the owner or operator
  • Identification of the agent acting on behalf of the owner or operator (if there is one)
  • The municipal applications associated with the release request, including permit application numbers and dates of submission to the municipality or approving authority

Include supporting documents and information depending on the scenario you are applying for:

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Scenario 1: If site investigation is not required before municipal or subdivision approval

Include in your letter:

  • Reasons why you qualify for this scenario
  • A brief description of the site history and current use
  • A description of the proposed activity
  • Confirmation that additional approvals list in section 40 of EMA will be required if the site is redeveloped in the future

Include a map of the site:

  • For site upgrades, the map should show the proposed work area
  • For subdivision, the map should show the proposed subdivision plan and clearly detail where Schedule 2 uses occurred
 

Scenario 2: No significant threat or risk

Provide sufficient supporting information that clearly demonstrates that there would not be a significant threat or risk if the municipal or subdivision application were approved. Include the following information:

Additional supporting information may include, but is not limited to:

  • Details about the use of intrinsic or engineered risk controls,
  • Performance verification plans
 

Scenario 3: If remediation is part of site redevelopment

Include the following items:

  • Site investigation reports as required by section 6.2 of the CSR, including a preliminary site investigation (PSI) and, if contamination is found, a detailed site investigation (DSI)
  • A completed Site Risk Classification Report
  • A site remediation plan and a schedule for completion of remediation
  • Pre-approvals or approvals under protocols (if required) obtained before applying for a release notice
  • A signed statement from an approved professional that confirms:
    • They've reviewed applicable protocols and guidance and available site information
    • All contamination at and migrating from the site has been delineated onsite and on neighbouring parcels
    • Remediation of the entire extent of contamination at the site to applicable standards is achievable before completion of a final building inspection or issuance of an occupancy permit
    • Following remediation, the site will be eligible for a Certificate of Compliance
  • A commitment letter signed by the site owner or operator that confirms:
    • The parcel will be remediated in accordance with the remediation plan
    • Remediation will be completed before the endpoint specified by the approved professional

For this scenario, remediation must be completed within 5 years from the issuance of a release notice. You will be required to submit:

The ministry tracks these reporting requirements. This information is available on the Site Registry. Read more: Section 54(3)(d) of the Environmental Management Act

 

3. Submit completed documents and information to SiteID@gov.bc.ca

4. Pay ministry fees. The ministry charges fees for processing and reviewing release notice applications.

Alternatives to a release notice

Release notices do not eliminate future site identification and disclosure requirements. In some cases, certification documents may be preferred because:

  • They remove restrictions on current and future municipal and subdivision approvals
  • They can be useful to secure financing from a lender, to demonstrate due diligence or to facilitate property sales

If you have questions about release notices, please send them to: SiteID@gov.bc.ca

The information on this web page does not replace the legislative requirements in the Environmental Management Act or its regulations and it does not list all provisions for contaminated site services.

If there are differences between this information and the Act, Regulation, or Protocols, the Act, Regulation, and Protocols apply.