Policy Win: Updates to Ontario’s On-Site and Excess Soil Regulation and Rules for Soil Management and Excess Soil Quality Standards incorporate OSPE’s Recommendations

In a recent triumph for engineering professionals across Ontario, regulatory updates recommended by OSPE have been embraced by the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP). These updates mark significant progress in enhancing environmental protection measures while also providing greater clarity and flexibility in various aspects of soil management and remediation. View the new updates here.

Let’s delve into the key victories OSPE has achieved through its advocacy efforts:

1. Expansion of Carve Outs for Low-Risk Activities: The MECP has followed OSPE’s recommendation for larger carve outs for low-risk activities such as landscape depots and residential soil depots. While there’s room for further improvement, particularly in implementing an expedited approval process akin to the Environmental Activity and Sector Registry (EASR), this indicates a positive direction toward accommodating such requests.
2. Clarity and Flexibility in Soil Reuse: The updates offer additional clarity and flexibility regarding the reuse of salt-impacted soil. Although OSPE advocated for considering hydrogeological data to assess potential impacts, the MECP’s decision to maintain certain radius requirements demonstrates progress while leaving room for future refinement.
3. Certification Clarifications: As recommended by OSPE, greater clarity has been provided regarding the certifications expected of qualified persons, a crucial aspect for ensuring compliance and accountability within the engineering community.
4. Increased Latitude in Dewatering Sediment: The updates grant greater latitude in dewatering excavated sediment, a move supported by OSPE for its practicality and efficacy in managing construction and remediation projects.
5. Broadened Class 2 Site Requirements: OSPE’s endorsement of broadened Class 2 site requirements has been acknowledged, contributing to more robust environmental protection measures.

We are pleased to see the MECP is listening to the expertise of Ontario’s engineering community. OSPE’s advocacy efforts extend beyond just policy recommendations; we are dedicated to promoting sustainable practices and advancing the profession’s role in safeguarding the environment. By collaborating with regulatory bodies and advocating for evidence-based policies, OSPE continues to shape Ontario’s environmental landscape for the betterment of society.