Local Governments And Contaminated Sites: Review Of Regulatory Regime

The BC Ministry of Environment is seeking input on two aspects of the contaminated sites regime, both involving local governments. In particular, the Ministry is reviewing the legislative scheme governing identification of contaminated sites and governing relocation of contaminated soil.

The details of any future legislative changes are sparse at this time. However, in discussion papers recently published on its website, the Ministry raises (among other things) questions about the ability of local governments to opt out of the contaminated sites regime, the authority to "freeze" development of contaminated sites, and the involvement of local governments in regulating the disposal of contaminated soil.