MOE looks at extending Environmental Activity and Sector Registry to additional industries

The Ontario Ministry of the Environment has recently implemented an Environmental Activity and Sector Registry (EASR) that allows businesses to register certain activities with the Ministry. The EASR is a public, web-based system where people engaging in selected activities will be required to register the activity and to meet eligibility and operating requirements set out in regulation rather than seeking an approval through the normal application submission and review process (formerly known as Certificates of Approval - now known as Environmental Compliance Approvals). These requirements could be comprised of, but not limited to, design requirements, pollution control measures and best management practices. The Ministry will enforce compliance with the EASR regulation according to its compliance strategy.

To date, activities relating to the following have been added to the registry: automotive refinishing (autobody shop spray booths), heating systems and stand-by power systems. Registry requirements for these activities/sectors are described in O. Reg. 245/11 (under the Environmental Protection Act).   The following additional industries are being reviewed for possible inclusion in the EASR program:

• Waste collection and transportation;
• Ready-mix concrete manufacturing;
• Lithographic, Screen and Digital Printing;
• Concrete Product Manufacturing.

The proposal to expand the EASR program has been posted on the Environmental Bill of Rights Registry for public comment starting January 11, 2012.  Comments are being received until February 25, 2012 and must be submitted to:

Gregory Zimmer
Senior Program Advisor
Ministry of the Environment
Environmental Programs Division
Modernization of Approvals Project
135 St. Clair Avenue West
Floor 4
Toronto Ontario
M4V 1P5
Phone: (416) 325-7893

It is also possible to submit comments on-line at: Comments.