The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation, and Parks is proposing amendments to come into effect on January 1, 2024 for Ontario Regulation 406/19 On-site and Excess Soil Management and the Rules for Soil Management and Excess Soil Quality Standards. Its goal is to encourage greater reuse of low-risk excess soils as part of a circular economy and to prevent usable soil from being disposed of in landfill. 

The public consultation regarding these proposed amendments closes at 11:59 pm on December 1, and comments can be submitted via the Government of Ontario’s website.

Members working on construction projects that involve excavated soil should be familiar with the requirements as well as understand the project team’s roles and responsibilities under the Environmental Protection Act. Members should also review the regulation to confirm their project specifications make appropriate references to the regulation’s requirements, processes, and timings.