Effective immediately, the Ministry of the Environment is amending the Organic Matter Recycling Regulation (OMMR) to require permits for compost facilities that process food waste or biosolids. Along with obtaining a permit, affected facilities must continue to comply with all the applicable requirements of the OMMR.
The permitting process is intended to ensure that the OMMR is protective of human health and the environment, and will increase transparency. Permit conditions will emphasize site-specific requirements to reduce environmental impact; address and reduce impacts from odour; and address concerns regarding public notification under the OMMR.
If operators fail to apply for a permit within 60 days or fail to comply with permit conditions, enforcement action may be taken under the Environmental Management Act.
Facilities that are part of a regional district’s approved solid waste management plan and have a ministry-issued operational certificate will not require a permit.