FOR RELEASE #06-023
January 31, 2006
NEW TRANSPORTATION PERMIT NEEDED BY SPECIAL WASTE CARRIERS
WHITEHORSE - A new Special Waste Transportation Permit to help companies protect themselves and the environment, if an accident or mishap results in transported special waste ending up on the land or in waters, was announced today by Environment Minister Dennis Fentie.
The new permit, issued under the Special Waste Regulations, is for all transportation companies or individuals operating in Yukon which transport dangerous goods no longer used for their original purpose. These goods include waste oil, used batteries, used antifreeze, leftover solvents, cleaners, paints and pesticides.
The new permitting process provides clear directions on what companies and individuals need to do when they hire out their services to transport special waste products within Yukon. Individuals, who want to transport household special wastes to a facility that is allowed to handle them, do not need this new permit.
Companies will be required to hold $2 million in liability insurance to pay for clean-up costs. They will also need to file a response plan that clearly shows the company and the driver are prepared and trained to respond to a spill emergency in the territory. These are similar to the requirements in British Columbia and Alberta.
As well as providing assurance to the public that the company is prepared to handle a spill emergency, the company will also be able to assure its customers that it is permitted to transport special wastes within the territory.
Information on the new permit is being sent to all known Yukon transportation companies operating within the territory.
The permit application form and additional information is also available from the Weigh Stations in Watson Lake and Whitehorse, the front desk of the Yukon government administration building on Second Avenue in Whitehorse, Environment Yukon offices in the communities and at 10 Burns Road in Whitehorse.
The companies will have until April 3, 2006 to apply for their permit.
For more information about the Special Waste Transportation Permit, visit the online fact sheet at http://www.environmentyukon.gov.yk.ca/pdf/SW14TransportationofSpecialWastes.pdf.
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| Contact: | |
| Peter Carr | Dennis Senger |
| Cabinet Communications Advisor | Communications, Environment |
| (867) 667-8688 | (867) 667-5237 |
| peter.carr@gov.yk.ca | dennis.senger@gov.yk.ca |
