001-45_EJQR10_FALL26_PT - Flipbook - Page 25
WORD TO THE WISE: Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment,
Conservation and Parks (MECP) has increased its enforcement
activities against haulers of and sites that have received “liquid soil.”
Enforcement activities to date have included the issuance of orders to
characterize and/or remove the soil, inspections, investigations, and
even quasi-criminal prosecutions. Enforcement actions can result in
material consequences, legal fees and compliance costs.
Those responsible for managing soils would be wise to get familiar
with the regulatory framework applicable to liquid soils and
strategies to lawfully manage and deposit liquid soils in Ontario.
What exactly are liquid soils?
Liquid soils are a sub-category of excess soils, which are subject to
a technical regulatory and policy framework. At the centre of this
complex regulatory and policy web is O. Reg 406/19 – On-site and
Excess Soil Management (the Excess Soil Regulation).
GETTY IMAGES
CUTLINE
Other instruments, including general waste management regulations
under the Environmental Protection Act (EPA), speci昀椀c soil re-use
E N V I RON M E N T J OURN A L QUA RT E RLY RE PORT • FA L L 2 02 6 • P AGE 2 5
