BACKGROUND
The BC Contaminated Sites Regulation (CSR) controls the relocation of soil between sites in BC, with various requirements detailed in Protocol 19[1]. Many of the current requirements came into force in March 2023 and apply to the movement of “non-waste” soil (i.e., soil that is not contaminated for the purpose of relocation) from source sites where at least one commercial or industrial CSR Schedule 2 Activity[2] has occurred. The relocation of non-waste soil from these sites typically requires rigorous soil testing and public notification. Please click here for a summary of the original (March 2023) regulatory changes, and click here for a summary of amendments to Protocol 19 from August 2024.
In response to feedback from industry and stakeholders, the BC Ministry of Environment and Parks (ENV) made several further amendments to the CSR, which took effect in October 2025. These recent changes are summarized below.
SUMMARY OF RECENT CHANGES
The following key regulatory changes impact the relocation of soil in BC:
- Exemption for Sites with Existing ENV Instruments – The requirements of Protocol 19 no longer apply to soil relocated from source sites that have a numerical Certificate of Compliance or Final Determination the site is not contaminated. The site must not have become contaminated since the Certificate/Determination was issued, and soil/vapour at the source site must not exceed the standards that apply at the proposed receiver site.
- Exemption for Quarries – Clarification on the exemption for soil (including rock) relocated from quarries with Schedule 2 uses, so long as the material is extracted in accordance with a Mines Act permit and is not impacted by any contamination sources.
- Soil Vapour – Clarification that vapour analysis is not required if the soil does not contain any volatile substances with a concentration greater than CSR standards.
- Document Updates – The existing Soil Relocation Notification Form (SRNF) and High Volume Soil Receiving Site (HVRS) Registration Form have been revised for clarity and consistency with these regulatory changes.
[1] Protocol 19 for Contaminated Sites: Site Investigation and Reporting is available here.
[2] The list of BC Contaminated Sites Regulation (CSR) Schedule 2 Activities is available here.