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Change a waste discharge authorization

Last updated on April 15, 2025

Find out how to change a waste discharge authorization under the Environmental Management Act (EMA).

Reasons for making a change to your authorization

You must keep your authorization current to reflect accurate administrative and operational details. Failure to have an accurate authorization can result in a non-compliance.  

Changes can include:

  • New legal, billing or mailing address
  • New ownership or business name 
  • Increase or decrease in quality of discharge
  • Increase or decrease in quantity of discharge
  • Adding or removing authorized treatment works
  • A request for operational changes
  • A request to stop discharging
  • Monitoring and reporting requirements

Request to stop discharging waste

For requests to cancel, suspend, abandon or close your authorization, there are specific steps to stop discharging waste.

How to make a change to your authorization

For all other requests to change your authorization, find your activity listed below for specific instructions to make changes to your waste discharge authorization.   

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Agricultural boilers and heaters  

Authorization change requirements

Review the Code of Practice for Agricultural Environmental Management to familiarize yourself with the discharge requirements.

To change ownership only

The new owner must apply.

The existing owner must then request to cancel the existing authorization. To begin:

Target timeline: You will receive acknowledgement from the Ministry that your cancellation was received within 90 days. Incomplete forms are returned.  

For any other changes to your authorization

Complete: Agricultural Boiler and Heater Registration Change Form (PDF, 254KB)

Fees: No fees apply

Submit to: PermitAdministration.VictoriaEPD@gov.bc.ca

Target timeline: Once you submit a completed application the authorization is effective 45 days after submission. You will receive a letter from the ministry to confirm your form has been accepted within 90 days.

 

Asphalt air emissions

Authorization change requirements

Review the Asphalt Plant Regulation to familiarize yourself with the discharge requirements.

Important note: A new registration is required within 30 days of new ownership of a hot-in-place asphalt recycling plant or a hot mix asphalt plant (Asphalt Plant Regulation Section 3).

To change ownership only

The new owner must apply.

The existing owner must then request to cancel the existing authorization. To begin:

Target timeline: You will receive acknowledgement from the Ministry that your cancellation was received within 90 days. Incomplete forms are returned.  

For any other changes to your authorization

Complete: Asphalt Registration and Relocation Form (PDF, 438KB) 

Fees: No fees apply

Submit to: PermitAdministration.VictoriaEPD@gov.bc.ca

Target timeline: Forms must be submitted within 60 days of any changes. Changes are in effect immediately after a complete form has been submitted. You will receive a confirmation letter within 90 days from the ministry.

 

Composting facility

Authorization change requirements

The Organic Matter Recycling Regulation (OMRR) specifies the requirements for compost facilities. For additional information and guidance refer to the Organic Matter Recycling Regulation and Guidelines.

There are two authorization processes for compost facilities depending on size and type of waste.

Small compost facilities

Compost Facilities with a design production capacity of less than 5,000 tonnes (dry weight) of finished compost per year.

Compost facilities that process any other feedstocks listed in Schedule 12 of the OMRR.

To change ownership only

The new owner must apply.

The existing owner must then request to cancel the existing authorization. To begin:

Target timeline: You will receive acknowledgement from the Ministry that your cancellation was received within 90 days. Incomplete forms are returned.  

For any other changes to your authorization

Complete: Compost Facility (<5,000 tonnes) Notification Form (PDF, 286KB) 

Fees: No fees apply

Submit forms to: PermitAdministration.VictoriaEPD@gov.bc.ca​

Target timeline: Request for change is immediate upon complete form submission. Within 90 days you will receive an acknowledgement letter from ministry staff.

Large Compost Facilities

An authorization is required for operations greater than or equal to 5,000 tonnes dry weight of finished compost per year processed from any food waste or biosolids as listed in the Organic Matter Recycling Regulation.

For changes to ownership, name, and address only

Complete: 

If you are requesting an ownership change, you must also complete:

  • A consent letter from the original authorization holder
  • A consent letter from the future authorization holder

Each consent letter must include:

  • Authorization number
  • Who the original authorization holder is and who the future authorization holder will be
  • Acknowledgement that the future authorization holder will assume responsibility of the original authorization
  • Signature and date
  • Company letter head (if applicable)

Fees:

  • $400 for application fee for each change in ownership, name or legal or mailing address request
  • No fees apply for changes to billing address

Submit forms and fees to: PermitAdministration.VictoriaEPD@gov.bc.ca

Target timeline: You will receive a decision letter within 90 days of a complete application. 

For an operational change to your authorization 

The process and timelines to make changes to your authorization depends on the complexity and nature of your request. The ministry will contact you to discuss the steps involved once the preliminary application form is submitted.

To begin the process to change your authorization

Complete:

Fees:

Submit all forms and fees to: PermitAdministration.VictoriaEPD@gov.bc.ca

Reminders for submissions:

  • Documents must be attached, not put in the body of an email
  • Email size is limited to 50MB. Larger submissions must be sent by multiple emails and numbered in the subject line (For example: Email 1 of 5, 2 of 5, 3 of 5)
  • SharePoints or FTP sites are not accepted

Target timeline: You will receive a letter from the ministry within 30 days of a complete application package and it will inform you of your next steps in the process. 

Additional forms and guidance that may be required later in the process

Ministry staff will inform you what additional steps and processes may be required based on the complexity and nature of your request. Some forms and guidance that might be needed are:​

For additional information and guidance please refer to the following:

 

Concrete and concrete products

Authorization change requirements

Review the Concrete and Concrete Products Code of Practice to familiarize yourself with the discharge requirements.

To change ownership only

The new owner must apply.

The existing owner must then request to cancel the existing authorization. To begin:

Target timeline: You will receive acknowledgement from the Ministry that your cancellation was received within 90 days. Incomplete forms are returned.  

For any other changes to your authorization

Complete: Concrete and Concrete Products Registration Change Form (PDF, 237KB)

Fees: No fees apply

Submit to: PermitAdministration.VictoriaEPD@gov.bc.ca

Target timeline: Once you submit a completed application the authorization is effective 45 days after submission. You will receive a confirmation letter from the ministry within 90 days of your registration.

 

Hazardous waste

Authorization change requirements

Review the Hazardous Waste Regulation (HWR) to familiarize yourself with the discharge requirements.​

Under various circumstances, such as a transport license, hazardous waste generators, or manifesting, additional permission and notification is required. 

To begin the process to change your authorization 

The process and timelines to make changes to your authorization depends on the complexity and nature of your request. The ministry will contact you to discuss the steps involved once the preliminary application form is submitted.

Complete:

If you are requesting a substitution to the regulatory requirements for your site you need to also complete:

Fees:

Submit:

Reminders for submission:

  • Documents must be attached, not put in the body of an email
  • Email size is limited to 50MB. Larger submissions must be sent by multiple emails and numbered in the subject line (For example: Email 1 of 5, 2 of 5, 3 of 5)
  • SharePoints or FTP sites are not accepted

Target timeline:

  • You will receive a letter from the ministry within 30 days of a complete application package and it will inform you of your next steps in the process. 

Additional guidance and forms that may be required later in the process

Ministry staff will inform you what additional steps and processes may be required based on the complexity and nature of your request. Some forms and guidance that might be needed are:​

 

Land application of organic matter

Authorization change requirements

Land application of Class B compost and biosolids are regulated under the Organic Matter Recycling Regulation.

To begin the process to change your authorization

Complete: 

Depending on the nature of your request you may also need to fill out:

Fees: No fees apply

Submit the notification form only to: PermitAdministration.VictoriaEPD@gov.bc.ca

Target timeline:

  • You must submit a completed notification form 30 days prior to land application. You will receive confirmation of receipt from the ministry within 30 days
 

Land-based finfish

Authorization change requirements

Review the Land-based Finfish Waste Control Regulation to familiarize yourself with the necessary requirements to discharge.

To change ownership only

The new owner must apply.

The existing owner must then request to cancel the existing authorization. To begin:

Target timeline: You will receive acknowledgement from the Ministry that your cancellation was received within 90 days. Incomplete forms are returned.  

For any other changes to your authorization

Complete: Land-based Finfish Waste Control Registration Change Form (PDF, 600KB)

Fees: No fees apply

Submit to: PermitAdministration.VictoriaEPD@gov.bc.ca

Target timeline: You must notify the ministry 60 days before making any substantial changes to your authorization. You will receive an acknowledgement letter from the ministry within 90 days of a complete submission.

 

Mining

Authorization change requirements

Review the Waste Discharge Regulation and Implementation Guide (PDF, 592KB) to familiarize yourself with the necessary requirements to discharge.

The Mining Operations Fact Sheet (PDF, 246KB) provides an overview of the roles each provincial and federal agency play in regulating mining in B.C.

To change ownership, name and address only

Complete: 

If you are requesting an ownership change, you must also complete:

  • A consent letter from the original authorization holder
  • A consent letter from the future authorization holder

Each consent letter must include:

  • Authorization number
  • Indicate who the original authorization holder is and who the future authorization holder will be
  • Acknowledgement that the future authorization holder will assume responsibility of the original authorization
  • Signature and date
  • Company letter head, if applicable

Fees:

Submit forms and fees to: PermitAdministration.VictoriaEPD@gov.bc.ca

Target timeline: You will receive a decision letter within 90 days from the ministry.  

For operational changes to your authorization

The process and timelines to make changes to your authorization depends on the complexity and nature of your request. The ministry will contact you to discuss the steps involved once the preliminary application form is submitted.

To begin the process to change your authorization

Complete:

Depending on your requested change, you may also need to fill out:

Fees:

  • Permit Amendment: $400 application fee
  • Approval Amendment: No application fee, however additional variable discharge fees may be required
  • Operational Certificate Amendment: $400 application fee

Reminders for submissions:

  • Documents must be attached, not put in the body of an email
  • Email size is limited to 50MB. Larger submissions must be sent by multiple emails and numbered in the subject line (For example: Email 1 of 5, 2 of 5, 3 of 5)
  • SharePoints or FTP sites are not accepted

Submit:

Target timeline:

  • You will receive a letter from the ministry within 30 days of a complete application package and it will inform you of your next steps in the process.

Additional guidance and forms that may be required later in the process

Ministry staff will inform you what additional steps and processes may be required based on the complexity and nature of your request.

The Mining and smelting guidance page has a complete listing of all guidance. Some forms and guidance that might be needed are:​

 

Mushroom composting

Authorization change requirements

Review the Mushroom Compost Facilities Regulation to familiarize yourself with the necessary requirements to discharge.

The Mushroom Compost Facilities Information has additional information.

To change ownership only

The new owner must apply.

The existing owner must then request to cancel the existing authorization. To begin:

Target timeline: You will receive acknowledgement from the Ministry that your cancellation was received within 90 days. Incomplete forms are returned.  

For any other changes to your authorization

Complete: Mushroom Composting Facilities Registration Change Form (PDF, 235KB)

Fees: No fees apply

Submit forms to: PermitAdministration.VictoriaEPD@gov.bc.ca

Target timeline: Request for change is immediate upon complete form submission. Within 90 days you will receive an acknowledgement letter from ministry staff.

 

Petroleum storage

Authorization requirements

Review the Petroleum Storage and Distribution Facilities Storm Water Regulation to familiarize yourself with the discharge requirements.

Additional Fuel tank information.

To change ownership only

The new owner must apply.

The existing owner must then request to cancel the existing authorization. To begin:

Target timeline: You will receive acknowledgement from the Ministry that your cancellation was received within 90 days. Incomplete forms are returned.  

For any other changes to your authorization

Complete: Petroleum Storage and Distribution Facilities Storm Water Registration Change Form (PDF, 235KB)

Fees: No fees apply

Submit forms to: PermitAdministration.VictoriaEPD@gov.bc.ca

Target timeline: Request for change is immediate upon complete form submission. Within 90 days you will receive an acknowledgement letter from ministry staff.

 

Sewage and municipal wastewater

Authorization change requirements

Review the Municipal Wastewater Regulation to familiarize yourself with the discharge requirements.

To change ownership, name and address only

Complete: 

If you are requesting an ownership change, you must also complete:

  • A consent letter from the original authorization holder
  • A consent letter from the future authorization holder

Each consent letter must include:

  • Authorization number
  • Indicate who the original authorization holder is and who the future authorization holder will be
  • Acknowledgement that the future authorization holder will assume responsibility of the original authorization
  • Signature and date
  • Company letter head, if applicable

Fees:

  • $400 for application fee for each change in ownership, name or legal or mailing address request
  • No fees apply for changes to billing address

Submit forms and fees to: PermitAdministration.VictoriaEPD@gov.bc.ca

Target timeline: You will receive a decision letter within 90 days from the ministry. 

For operational changes to your authorization

The process and timelines to make changes to your authorization depends on the complexity and nature of your request. The ministry will contact you to discuss the steps involved once the preliminary application form is submitted.

To begin the process to change your authorization

Complete: MWR Application Form (PDF, 643KB)

Choose the form or forms for your type of discharge and download and complete:

Fees: 

Submit forms and fees to: PermitAdministration.VictoriaEPD@gov.bc.ca

Reminders for submissions:

  • Documents must be attached, not put in the body of an email
  • Email size is limited to 50MB. Larger submissions must be sent by multiple emails and numbered in the subject line (For example: Email 1 of 5, 2 of 5, 3 of 5)
  • SharePoints or FTP sites are not accepted

Target timeline: You will receive a letter from the ministry within 30 days of a complete application package and it will inform you of your next steps in the process.

Additional guidance and forms that may be required later in the process

Ministry staff will inform you what additional steps and processes may be required based on the complexity and nature of your request. Some forms and guidance that might be needed are:​

 

Slaughter and poultry processing

Authorization change requirements

Review the Code of Practice for the Slaughter and Poultry Processing Industries to familiarize yourself with the discharge requirements.

More information on slaughter and poultry processing requirements.

To change ownership only

The new owner must apply.

The existing owner must then request to cancel the existing authorization. To begin:

Target timeline: You will receive acknowledgement from the Ministry that your cancellation was received within 90 days. Incomplete forms are returned.  

For any other changes to your authorization

Complete: Slaughter and Poultry Processing Registration Change Form (PDF, 291KB)

Fees: No fees apply

Submit forms to: PermitAdministration.VictoriaEPD@gov.bc.ca

Target timeline: Registration effective 45 days after the date the completed registration form and fee are submitted. You will receive a confirmation letter from ministry staff within 90 days.

 

Soil amendments

Authorization change requirements

The Code of Practice for Soil Amendments regulates the storage of amendment materials and land application criteria.

For additional guidance, please review the Land Application Guidelines (PDF, 8MB)

To begin the process to change your authorization

Complete: Soil Amendment Notification Change Form (PDF, 263KB)

Fees: No fees apply

Submit forms to: PermitAdministration.VictoriaEPD@gov.bc.ca

Target timeline: Notifications to change must be received by the ministry 30 days prior to land application. You will receive a confirmation letter from the ministry within 90 days of a complete submission.

 

Vehicle dismantling

Authorization change requirements

A person that operates or plans to operate a vehicle dismantling operation must:

Additional vehicle recycling sector resources.

To change ownership only

The new owner must apply.

The existing owner must then request to cancel the existing authorization. To begin:

Target timeline: You will receive acknowledgement from the Ministry that your cancellation was received within 90 days. Incomplete forms are returned.  

For any other changes to your authorization

Complete: Vehicle Dismantling Registration Change Form (PDF, 296KB)

Fees: No fees apply

Submit forms to: PermitAdministration.VictoriaEPD@gov.bc.ca

Target timeline: Changes take effect on the date a complete registration is received by the ministry. You will receive a confirmation letter within 90 days of a complete submission.

 

Wood waste landfills

Authorization change requirements

Review the Code of Practice for Industrial Non-Hazardous Waste Landfills Incidental to the Wood Processing Industry to familiarize yourself with the discharge requirements. 

Additional information can be found in the Wood Waste Landfills Guideline (PDF, 463KB).

To change ownership only

The new owner must apply.

The existing owner must then request to cancel the existing authorization. To begin:

Target timeline: You will receive acknowledgement from the Ministry that your cancellation was received within 90 days. Incomplete forms are returned.  

For any other changes to your authorization

Complete: Industrial Non-Hazardous Wood Waste Landfill Registration Change Form (PDF, 1MB)

Fees: No fees apply

Submit forms to: PermitAdministration.VictoriaEPD@gov.bc.ca

Target timeline: You will receive a confirmation letter from the ministry within 90 days of a complete application submission.

 

All other activities

As of July 6, 2024, the Public Notification Regulation provides for minor operational certificates amendments as defined in the Order in Council No. 446. It allows a streamlined process for small changes to an operational certificate, including:

  • a request for a change of legal address,
  • a request for a decrease in the authorized quantity of a discharge, and
  • a request for a change in a monitoring program

An operational certificate issued under the Environmental Management Act section 28(1) forms part and must not conflict with the approved waste management plan.

Depending on your activity and the types of waste you may need to update one or more of the following authorizations.

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Air emissions

Authorization change requirements

All businesses, governments and property owners must follow the Environmental Management Act (EMA) and Waste Discharge Regulation when discharging waste to air.

For changes to ownership, name, and address only

Complete: ​

If you are requesting an ownership change, you must also complete:

  • A consent letter from the original authorization holder
  • A consent letter form the future authorization holder

Each consent letter must include:

  • Authorization number
  • Indicate who the original authorization holder is and who the future authorization holder will be
  • Acknowledgement that the future authorization holder will assume responsibility of the original authorization
  • Signature and date
  • Company letter head, if applicable

Fees:

  • $400 for application fee for each change in ownership, name or legal or mailing address request
  • No fees apply for changes to billing address

Submit forms and fees to: PermitAdministration.VictoriaEPD@gov.bc.ca

Target timeline: You will receive a decision letter within 90 days from the ministry. 

For operational changes to your authorization 

The process and timelines to make changes to your authorization depends on the complexity and nature of your request. The ministry will contact you to discuss the steps involved once the preliminary application form is submitted.

To begin the process to change your authorization

Complete: 

Depending on your requested change, you may also need to fill out:

Fees: 

Submit forms and fees to: PermitAdministration.VictoriaEPD@gov.bc.ca

Reminders for submissions:

  • Documents must be attached, not put in the body of an email
  • Email size is limited to 50MB. Larger submissions must be sent by multiple emails and numbered in the subject line (For example: Email 1 of 5, 2 of 5, 3 of 5)
  • SharePoints or FTP sites are not accepted

Target timeline: You will receive a letter from the ministry within 30 days of a complete application package and it will inform you of your next steps in the process.

Additional forms and guidance that may be required

Ministry staff will inform you what additional steps and processes may be required based on the complexity and nature of your request. Some forms and guidance that might be needed are:

 

Effluent

Authorization change requirements

All businesses, governments and property owners must follow the Environmental Management Act (EMA) and Waste Discharge Regulation when discharging effluent.

For changes to ownership, name, and address only

Complete: ​

If you are requesting an ownership change, you must also complete:

  • A consent letter from the original authorization holder
  • A consent letter from the future authorization holder

Each consent letter must include:

  • Authorization number
  • Indicate who the original authorization holder is and who the future authorization holder will be
  • Acknowledgement that the future authorization holder will assume responsibility of the original authorization
  • Signature and date
  • Company letter head, if applicable

Fees:

  • $400 for application fee for each change in ownership, name or legal or mailing address request
  • No fees apply for changes to billing address

Submit forms and fees to: PermitAdministration.VictoriaEPD@gov.bc.ca

Target timeline: You will receive a decision letter within 90 days from the ministry. 

For operational changes to your authorization 

The process and timelines to make changes to your authorization depends on the complexity and nature of your request. The ministry will contact you to discuss the steps involved once the preliminary application form is submitted.

To begin the process to change your authorization

Complete: 

Depending on your requested change, you may also need to fill out:

Fees: 

Submit forms and fees to: PermitAdministration.VictoriaEPD@gov.bc.ca

Reminders for submissions:

  • Documents must be attached, not put in the body of an email
  • Email size is limited to 50MB. Larger submissions must be sent by multiple emails and numbered in the subject line (For example: Email 1 of 5, 2 of 5, 3 of 5)
  • SharePoints or FTP sites are not accepted

Target timeline: You will receive a letter from the ministry within 30 days of a complete application package and it will inform you of your next steps in the process.

Additional forms and guidance that may be required

Ministry staff will inform you what additional steps and processes may be required based on the complexity and nature of your request. Some forms and guidance that might be needed are:

 

Landfill

Authorization change requirements

All businesses, governments and property owners must follow the Environmental Management Act (EMA) and Waste Discharge Regulation.

For changes to ownership, name, and address only

Complete: ​

If you are requesting an ownership change, you must also complete:

  • A consent letter from the original authorization holder
  • A consent letter form the future authorization holder

Each consent letter must include:

  • Authorization number
  • Indicate who the original authorization holder is and who the future authorization holder will be
  • Acknowledgement that the future authorization holder will assume responsibility of the original authorization
  • Signature and date
  • Company letter head, if applicable

Fees:

  • $400 for application fee for each change in ownership, name or legal or mailing address request
  • No fees apply for changes to billing address

Submit forms and fees to: PermitAdministration.VictoriaEPD@gov.bc.ca

Target timeline: You will receive a decision letter within 90 days from the ministry. 

For operational changes to your authorization 

The process and timelines to make changes to your authorization depends on the complexity and nature of your request. The ministry will contact you to discuss the steps involved once the preliminary application form is submitted.

To begin the process to change your authorization

Complete: 

Depending on your requested change, you may also need to fill out:

Fees: 

Submit forms and fees to: PermitAdministration.VictoriaEPD@gov.bc.ca

Reminders for submissions:

  • Documents must be attached, not put in the body of an email
  • Email size is limited to 50MB. Larger submissions must be sent by multiple emails and numbered in the subject line (For example: Email 1 of 5, 2 of 5, 3 of 5)
  • SharePoints or FTP sites are not accepted

Target timeline: You will receive a letter from the ministry within 30 days of a complete application package and it will inform you of your next steps in the process.

Additional forms and guidance that may be required

Ministry staff will inform you what additional steps and processes may be required based on the complexity and nature of your request. Some forms and guidance that might be needed are:

 

Need help?

If you have questions about how to change your authorization, our authorization administration staff can help.

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