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.
- How to stay in compliance
- What if you're out of compliance
- Understanding your inspection report
- Compliance Brochure (EMA) (PDF, 1.6 MB)
Verifying & Promoting Compliance
Provincial inspectors verify compliance with requirements under the Environmental Management Act (EMA) and the Integrated Pest Management Act (IPMA). Most often, inspections are of authorizations under the EMA or IPMA. However, not all regulated parties need authorization but are still responsible for following requirements under the EMA or IPMA and are subject to inspections.
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.
An authorization under the IPMA may be a permit, confirmation, licence or certificate.
Inspections make sure regulated parties are following requirements designed to protect the environment and human health. A goal of provincial inspections is to also encourage the 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.
Brochures for Phase One Spill Regulations