Environmental Compliance in B.C.

Managing EMA authorizations and compliance during COVID-19

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.

Environmental Compliance Explained

Video explaining how environmental compliance inspections are done in BC under the Environmental Management and Integrated Pest Management Acts.

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.

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Authorizations under 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.

Authorizations under IPMA

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.