Environmental Compliance in BC
Last updated on July 21, 2022British 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.
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.
Brochures for Phase One Spill Regulations
Spill Contingency Planning Regulation
Spill Preparedness, Response and Recovery Regulation
Spill Reporting Regulation
Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP)
Launch the NR C&E Database
Review compliance inspection reports, audits, and administrative penalties issued under the EMA & IPMA on the Environmental Compliance Reports page.