EJQ2 - Fall 2024 - Journal - Page 7
EVERY YEAR, Canadian provinces generate millions of cubic metres of excess
soil – in Ontario alone, an estimated 25 million cubic metres of excess
soil is generated annually. Reuse of excess soil has the potential to improve
a development’s sustainable footprint if properly reclaimed. However,
when laws are not followed, excess soil may contaminate receiving sites or
properties at which excess soil is unlawfully dumped.
Recently, the British Columbia, Quebec, and Ontario governments have introduced speci昀椀c new laws about removal, transport, processing, storage,
disposal, and/or reuse of excess soil. These new laws are aimed at preventing
unlawful dumping of excess soil and facilitating bene昀椀cial reuse of excess
soil, as a resource, where possible. These laws also provide more clarity and
direction for the regulated community, including the construction and waste
management industries, consultants, contractors, municipalities, landowners, and developers alike.
The intention of these updates is to promote compliance and optimization of
soil reuse. In order to stay in compliance and out
of court, project managers should be aware of
how exactly these new excess soil laws change
READ MORE ABOUT
B.C.’S NEW LAWS PERTAINING
the landscape for construction and cleanup
TO SOIL RELOCATION
projects across the country.
E N V I RON M E N T J OURN A L QUA RT E RLY RE PORT • FA L L 2 02 4 • P AGE 7
