Environmental Compliance in B.C.
British Columbia’s environmental compliance model uses a consistent, risk based approach to ensuring compliance. Each situation is assessed on its own merits. The most appropriate response for each situation is chosen based on the best available information.
Verifying & Promoting Compliance
Provincial inspectors verify compliance with authorizations under the Environmental Management Act (EMA). An authorization under the EMA may be a registration or notification under a regulation or code of practice, a permit, approval, waste management plan or operational certificate.
Inspections make sure authorized parties are following requirements designed to protect the environment and human health. A goal of provincial inspections is to also encourage voluntary improvement of business’s environmental practices.
Provincial inspectors promote compliance through education, outreach and raising awareness of regulatory requirements. This is achieved through training sessions, developing information pamphlets and attending conferences.
