Environmental Guide for Federal Real Property Managers

Where they exist, self-contained water supply and sewage treatment systems should meet two basic goals: to provide high-quality, clean, potable (drinking) water, in a sufficient quantity and at the lowest possible cost; and to dispose of sewage safely, in the most efficient and effective manner.

Operational personnel must understand a facility's water supply and sewage treatment systems. The following information is important.

Does the water supply come from a municipal system, or from an independent source such as wells or a reservoir?
Is the domestic water supply separate from the heating or and cooling water supply or the process water supply?
Is the domestic water supply properly maintained and protected with cross-connection control devices?
If the facility is not connected to a municipal system, is there an adequate water treatment system to ensure the supply meets the appropriate standards and normal demand?
Are there water meters or discharge monitors in the system, and are the records for these available, up to date and complete?
Is sewage discharge connected to a municipal system or is there an on-site treatment system?
If connected to a municipal system, do sewers meet the requirements of that system?
Are roof and storm drains separate from sanitary drains with no cross-connections?
If there is a separate sewage system, does it meet the design and operational requirements of the appropriate jurisdiction's regulations, as well as the federal guidelines?
If the facility is not connected to the municipal system, is there a defensible reason why?
Do boiler overflow drains discharge to a catchment basin or to a storm or sanitary drain?
Has the preventative maintenance program been reviewed and evaluated, and have changes been made where necessary?

Investigate applicable provincial or territorial legislation and ensure that all required registrations, permits, licences and records are available, complete and up to date.

Whether the water supply system is connected to the municipal system or served by a self-contained system, organizations should investigate opportunities for water conservation.

If the facility is on a municipal system, reducing water use has the direct benefit of reducing charges for water. If the facility is on a self-contained system, reducing water consumption will decrease pumping and purification costs. For sewage systems, if less water is consumed there will be less water to be treated. This will reduce municipal sewage charges or the costs a facility incurs to operate its own sewage system.

Simple water conservation measures can reduce consumption. These include metering and charging users by volume, using flow-restriction faucets and low-flush toilet tanks, and reducing the frequency or hours of operation of automatic flushing systems. However, organizations using water-chilled air conditioning systems can achieve the greatest reductions in water usage. By retrofitting these systems to use water as a chilling medium on a 'once through' circuit, they will significantly reduce water consumption. Retain a consultant mechanical engineer to determine the mechanical and economic feasibility of retrofitting the system.

Conduct a water audit to determine the maximum cost benefit that can be achieved for a water and sewage system. Such an audit will examine the entire system and consider the potential for improving the service. In some cases, there may be no benefit due to local conditions. An organization can realize substantial benefits by applying some, or all, of the listed initiatives, as well as others that may be applicable to its particular system.

Water quality testing may indicate that the water is not up to the standard required for the designated uses, such as cooking and drinking. For example, some water systems accumulate lead from old piping and soldered joints.

Operational staff must be fully qualified to operate the sewage system and must be familiar with the applicable requirements.

Monitor the type of sewage discharge and be aware of the potential for leaks of harmful effluents into the environment. In particular, become familiar with the processes tenants use and the ways they could result in harmful leaks through ignorance or neglect. Evaluate the need and develop response plans for an accidental spill. Refer to the 'Environmental Emergency Planning' section of this chapter.

Fire Suppression, Halons

The owner of a facility in which a halon fire suppression system is installed assumes responsibility for the complete life cycle management of the halons, from purchase and acceptance on site to final disposal and destruction.

To deal with this, an organization should develop a management plan for the halon fire suppression systems installed in each facility. The safe, effective operation of these systems is essential. However, there are now a number of acceptable substitutes for these systems that organizations should consider. As a first step in dealing with halons, compile an inventory of equipment that uses halons and of any halons in storage. The information about the equipment that must be included in such an inventory is very much the same as that collected for CFCs:

type of equipment, such as installed automated systems and portable extinguishers;
make, model, serial number and manufacturer;
age and expected service life;
general condition;
service records and maintenance schedule;
capacity of the unit, or the volume of halon contained in the system or the extinguisher;
total amount and type of halon used; and
records of any accidental release of halons.

Operational staff must be properly trained and certified to service halon systems. Special training is available to instruct maintenance personnel on the correct techniques for servicing the automated equipment to minimize or eliminate the release of ozone-depleting substances. This training includes information on how to bleed and recover the spent product, and how to recharge the equipment.

Organizations must replace all portable fire extinguishers containing halon with other types, such as carbon dioxide (CO₂) extinguishers.

Periodic leak testing must be part of the schedule for routine operation and maintenance of all halon fire suppression systems.

The management plan may include a review of the rationale for a fully automated system. Fully automated systems are subject to failure and the accidental dumping of a full charge of halon fire suppressant, which would result in a severe release of ozone-depleting halons.

If a fully automated system is installed in a building, the facility must be important enough to require 24-hour, on-site security. Under these circumstances, replacing the automated system with a manually activated system may add very little risk. If the expected damage resulting from this small delay is not excessive, then organizations should consider a manually activated system.

If a halon fire suppression system is to be taken out of service, the work must be carried out by service technicians who are provincially licensed or certified. The halons must be removed from the system, sent to a recycling facility and placed in secure storage for future use, if required.

If possible, new or replacement fire suppression systems for federal facilities should not use halon.

Electrical Services - Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

Electrical equipment containing PCBs can legally remain in use, provided it has been removed from sensitive locations. These locations include schools, day-care centres, health facilities, water treatment plants, and food or feed processing plants where there would be a high risk of contamination if a spill or leak occurred.

Every facility using equipment that contains PCBs must keep an up-to-date inventory of that equipment. Inspect the equipment regularly to ensure that it is in good working order and that it is not leaking. The inventory must show the exact location of each piece of equipment related to a site plan and must be kept in a safe, remote but accessible place. The site plan must be used to inform emergency personnel, such as fire-fighters and spill response crews, of the presence and location of PCBs.

Transformers that typically hold large volumes of dielectric fluid must be tested to determine whether they contain PCBs in concentrations of over 50 parts per million (ppm).

All transformers that contain PCBs in concentrations of over 50 ppm must be identified with a prominent black and white, 15 cm x 15 cm, PCB label, which indicates a registration number. These labels must not be removed from the equipment. Owners should report any unlabelled transformers that contain PCB concentrations of over 50 ppm to the nearest Environment Canada office, listed in Appendix A.

Where transformers contain PCBs in concentrations of over 50 ppm, there are several ways of reducing the concentrations to below 50 ppm. One way is by using a chemical process of decontamination. If the transformer is easily accessible and the levels of PCBs do not exceed 10,000 ppm, licensed private sector companies can do this work. Another method is to remove the PCB-contaminated oil and replace it with a liquid that contains no PCBs. In this case, oil contaminated by PCBs must be stored according to the requirements of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), in specified containers in storage areas fitted up as prescribed by the regulations on PCB storage. Also, any transportation of PCBs or PCB-contaminated materials must reflect the requirements of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act.

Replace fluorescent light fixture ballasts containing PCBs as soon as possible. They can be used legally until a decision is made to remove them, or until they fail and have to be replaced. In either situation, the ballasts have to be stored according to the CEPA regulations entitled 'Storage of PCB Material Regulations.' The regulations outline procedures for determining whether an organization has exceeded the quantity limits for the items in storage.

When an organization removes PCBs from transformers, light ballasts or similar electrical equipment, it must store the PCBs in facilities registered with Environment Canada. An organization that does not have a registered storage facility may temporarily hold PCB-containing materials within the following quantity limits:

If an organization exceeds these limits, it must establish a registered site at the relevant facility, or transport the PCBs or substances containing PCBs to a registered site.

A program for transporting and destroying PCBs stored at federal government site across Canada is in place, co-ordinated by Public Works and Government Services. Further information can be obtained from Environment Canada, Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB) Division, telephone (819) 953-1670.

2.(c) Cleaning

Examine the cleaning contract for each facility to ensure that there are clauses dealing with potential environmental concerns, including the nature of the contractor's cleaning products and methods.

Discuss these issues with the property manager and with the contractor to determine what, if any, hazardous or toxic chemicals are being, or may be, used. Negotiate any necessary amendments to the contract to address environmental matters and the contractor's use of more environmentally safe products.

If hazardous or toxic chemicals are in use, both facility management and cleaning staff who may come in contact with the products should be aware of what they are, and should ensure that the organization has complied with WHMIS requirements. These requirements include posting and maintaining material data safety sheets. Review the training requirements of the facilities annually and update them when required.

An organization must provide proper storage facilities for hazardous or toxic materials.

If shipping and receiving staff receive hazardous materials, they should be familiar with federal and provincial laws and regulations pertaining to the transportation of dangerous goods, and they must be qualified to handle the materials.

Organizations must maintain storage sites for pesticides according to provincial regulations. Also, such a storage site must be well away from areas of public access and must be isolated from food storage and handling areas.

Staff members who handle pesticides or other chemicals must be qualified under the relevant provincial legislation and regulations. Check with the provincial agriculture or environment ministry to determine what training and qualifications may be required.

If an outside contractor applies pesticides, the facility staff should be responsible for managing pesticides and administering the contracts for that work. The contracting company must be licensed, certified or permitted under the provincial regulations, and the organization must keep a copy of the licence, certification or permit on file.

When pesticides are applied, personnel must follow procedures outlined in provincial regulations and federal government guidelines. If required, public notice must be properly posted in those areas where the pesticide is used.

Organizations should dispose of hazardous or toxic cleaning products and pesticides responsibly. Do not empty spent containers onto the ground or flush their contents down drains. Be aware that such materials, if they migrate to the surface of a body of water, or infiltrate groundwater, can cause serious environmental damage and may lead to prosecution under federal or provincial legislation.

Neither the WHMIS nor the TGDA cover the management of hazardous waste, as distinct from hazardous products. Hazardous waste comes under the waste management legislation of provincial governments. For further information, refer to the 'Chemical, Toxic and Hazardous Waste' section of this chapter.

2.(d) Grounds Maintenance

Determine whether personnel are using pesticides, fertilizers or other chemicals on the grounds of a facility and take an inventory of these substances.

Identify any chemicals used for grounds maintenance and stored on the property. Note where they are stored, in what quantities and for what durations.

Authorize and maintain storage sites in compliance with provincial regulations, where required. The storage sites must be well away from areas of public access and isolated from food storage and handling areas.

Review the need for the use of each pesticide with the designated pesticides manager and with the contractor to determine whether its use can be reduced or eliminated, or whether it can be replaced with a less harmful product.

Discuss the possible implementation of an integrated pest management plan with property management staff and with the contractor. Consider consulting a landscape architect to review this option.

Review the use of common salt (sodium chloride) to control ice in winter. Test substitute products, such as urea-based pellets, and use them instead of salt if possible.

Designate a responsible person or persons to manage and monitor the use of these chemicals, and restrict access to those persons and to those who are authorized to use the chemicals. Keep proper records of the acquisition and use of pesticides and other related toxic or hazardous chemicals.

Employees who handle pesticides, fertilizers or other chemicals must be qualified under the relevant provincial legislation and regulations. Contact the provincial agriculture or environment ministry to determine what training and qualification is required for this activity.

If an independent company or individual applies pesticides, the staff member responsible for managing pesticides should administer the contract. The contractor must be licensed, certified or permitted under provincial regulations. Keep a copy of the licence, certification or permit on file.

Personnel applying pesticides must follow procedures outlined in provincial regulations and federal government guidelines. If required, public notice must be properly posted in areas where pesticides are used.

Consult with a professional landscape architect about the possibility of incorporating zero-scaping into the project plan or redeveloping the property over time. Consider using indigenous species to landscape the property.

An organization may use 'grey water' for irrigation only when a facility's plumbing has been built to allow this use. During a major retrofit, it could modify the plumbing system to permit the use grey water, but such modifications are likely unfeasible as an independent project.

Consult maintenance staff to develop water conservation practices. Consider the following measures:

using automatic timed irrigation systems;
setting irrigation times early in the morning or late in the afternoon to reduce high evaporation and the development of moss;
watering less frequently (perhaps twice weekly instead of daily); and
maintaining a higher grass level to maximize water retention (perhaps two inches high).

3. References

General

The CEPA was proclaimed into law in 1988 and is designed to protect Canadians from pollution caused by toxic substances. It provides the power to regulate the entire life cycle of toxic substances.

A person whose property is affected by the release of a toxic substance in contravention of the CEPA regulations has to report the matter to an inspector.

Costs related to measures to stop further release may be recovered against the landowner to the extent of the owner's negligence in contributing to the release.

Also, if contamination is occurring on a property, there is the potential for liability, even if that property has just been acquired and the contamination occurred before the acquisition. Penalties for an infraction under the CEPA can be as severe as fines of $1,000,000 per day and/or imprisonment for five years. When a person in contravention of the Act "shows wanton or reckless disregard for the lives or safety of other persons and, thereby, causes bodily harm or death,"that person may be prosecuted under the Criminal Code.

There is no general requirement for an environmental emergency plan under the CEPA. However, the Storage of PCB Material Regulations does require organizations to put fire protection and emergency procedures in place for PCB storage facilities.

The Fisheries Act is concerned with the protection of fish and fish habitat, and people's use of fish. Any activity or physical work that may or does negatively affect any of these can result in charges being laid under the Fisheries Act.

The Fisheries Act has penalties for violations of the Act, including requirements to repair damage to habitat, substantial fines and/or prison terms with a criminal record. Convictions for multiple offences involving introducing deleterious substances into fish habitat can be as severe as fines of $1,000,000 per day and/or three years in jail.

"The purpose of this Part is to prevent accidents and injury to health arising out of, linked with or occurring during employment to which this Part applies." (s122.1)

"Every employer shall ensure that the safety and health at work of every person employed by the employer is protected" (s124).

Conviction for an offence under the Canada Labour Code can result in substantial personal fines, up to $1,000,000 per day, and/or a prison term with a criminal record.

It is government policy to acquire, use and dispose of real property in a manner consistent with the principle of sustainable development. The Government of Canada has also made a commitment to implement a code of environmental stewardship, which affects some aspects of real property management.

Organizations must fully assess the life cycle costs of each investment decision, including costs of acquisition, operation, maintenance, leasing and fit-up, renovation, divestiture and restoration; other costs related to the real property accountability framework (such as those incurred to preserve heritage buildings, to meet accessibility standards and to preserve the environment); direct and indirect costs of disposing of the property, such as realty fees, survey fees and decontamination costs; and grants in lieu of taxes.

Organizations should always be aware of the effect that their use of real property has on the environment. Government policy requires organizations to acquire, use and dispose of real property in a manner consistent with the principle of sustainable development.

"It is government policy to identify, and reduce or eliminate, risks to its property, interests and employees, to minimize and contain the costs and consequences in the event of harmful or damaging incidents arising from those risks, and to provide for adequate and timely compensation, restoration and recovery."

Risk management applies to all aspects of government operations, including hazardous materials and pollution. It must be part of a sound and complete project plan.

3.(a) Environmental Audits

Environmental Emergency Planning

Amendments to this Act have created the office of a commissioner for the environment and sustainable development within the Office of the Auditor General.

In the annual review of each organization's sustainable development strategy, the commissioner will look for an environmental management system that supports that strategy. Environmental emergency planning is an integral part of this system.

ISO 14004, Environmental Management Systems: General guidelines on principles, systems and supporting techniques

Greening Government: Environmental Management Systems - A Self-assessment Guide, Environment Canada

The Occupational Safety and Health Regulations require the employer to ensure that employees are informed of the presence of asbestos or asbestos-containing materials where these substances may affect the employees' health and safety. Employers also have the obligation to ensure adequate and current training for employees handling these products. Employees must follow applicable procedures in handling any asbestos-containing products in the workplace. Conviction under these regulations can result in a fine of up to $100,000 per day, or a prison term of up to two years.

Provincial and territorial regulations generally set out detailed procedures for handling asbestos, particularly where asbestos is present in a hazardous, friable state. These regulations cover procedures for repair and removal of asbestos that protect workers and the general public from the health and safety hazards associated with airborne asbestos fibres.

Provincial and territorial environmental legislation addresses the presence of asbestos in the environment and outlines the steps that must be taken to ensure that it does not become airborne. It may include procedures for handling, packaging, storing, transporting and disposing of asbestos in a manner that protects human safety and health and the environment.

There are also provincial codes or guidelines on the management, removal and disposal of asbestos.

Custodian departments must act to prevent friable materials containing asbestos from contaminating a building wherever such materials are in poor condition or when major alterations that would disturb materials are taking place. In all other circumstances, a management-in-place approach must be followed. Custodian departments must operate control programs that assess, and regularly reassess on a cyclical basis, those areas within buildings where friable materials containing asbestos are present, but no health hazard currently exists. Asbestos-containing materials in good condition must not be disturbed.

These procedures summarize the procedures organizations should follow when handling asbestos in government facilities, with references to general requirements, control of airborne asbestos dust, personal protective equipment, cleanliness of the workplace, and health and environmental surveillance.

Solid Waste Management

Ontario has the Waste Audits and Waste Reduction Work Plans Regulations and Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Service Separation Programs under the Environmental Protection Act (Regulations 102/94 and 103/94, respectively popularly known as 'the three Rs Regulations'). These regulations outline the province's requirement that organizations perform a waste audit for any of its office facilities or groups of facilities that are larger than 10,000 square metres. The audits must be performed by spring 1995, are subject to review by the Ministry of the Environment, and must be updated annually. After the audit is finished, an organization must draw up a work plan within one year to reduce solid waste at each facility, and review this plan annually.

The Ministry intends to enforce the regulations by conducting periodic spot checks of both the audits and the work plans. If there is a contravention of the regulations, then the facility owner is liable for a fine and must comply with the regulations.

Making Your Work Place Work: Tips for Improving the Air Quality in your office

Public Works and Government Services Canada, March 1997 (brochure)
To order: e-mail : doc.centre@pwgsc.gc.ca, fax (613) 736-2029

Chemical, Toxic and Hazardous Waste Management

Management of waste on federal lands can be regulated under Part IV of the CEPA and the Artic Waters Pollution Prevention Act.

The Occupational Safety and Health Regulations require the employer to ensure that hazardous waste products are properly labelled and that information on their identification, proper handling and storage is available to employees. Employers must also ensure that employees handling these products receive adequate and current training. Employees must follow applicable procedures in handling any hazardous waste in their work. Conviction under this regulation can result in a fine of up to $100,000 or a prison term of up to two years.

Suppliers must provide information on controlled products through labelling and material safety data sheets, in compliance with these regulations.

The Pest Control Products Act and regulations regulate compounds used to control pests (such as insects, fungi, bacteria, weeds and rodents) in Canada. All such products must be registered, labelled, used and stored in accordance with the provisions of the Act and regulations. Prosecution for a contravention of the Act, if successful, may result in a prison term of up to two years.

Provincial legislation regulates the certification and licensing of users and the conditions under which pesticides may be applied.

The TDGA was proclaimed in 1980 to control the transportation of dangerous goods by air, sea, rail and road in order to promote public safety and protect the environment during transport. The Act and regulations require clear identification of dangerous goods under one of nine categories; proper containers and packaging; and training for employees shipping, receiving and transporting dangerous goods. The Act does not cover waste products, which are covered by separate legislation.

There is also provincial legislation on environmental protection and hazardous waste management.

"Materiel and line managers must include environmental considerations in all aspects of managing material, from the planning phase through acquisition, use, and disposal of material."

"Applying the four Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Recover) at each phase of the materiel management life cycle helps protect the environment and reduce costs."

"Hazardous materiel must be shipped, stored and handled in accordance with applicable federal and provincial law, and regulations."

"When disposing of hazardous waste through a specialized waste management company, departments must ensure that the company is fully licensed and that the waste is being disposed of in an appropriate manner."

Where reasonably practical, non-dangerous products or products that pose the least danger to employees, the public and the environment shall be substituted for dangerous substances in carrying out the activities of the federal government.

National Guidelines for Hazardous Waste Incineration Facilities: Design and Operating Criteria

Provincial guidelines regarding the management, handling, storage, transportation and disposal of hazardous wastes

3.(b) Building Systems

Boiler and Incinerator Maintenance and Replacement

Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA)

These objectives set environmental quality objectives which, among other things, establish guidelines that recommend limits - expressed as concentrations or quantities - of certain substances linked to the generating capacity of the installation. Unless incorporated into a federal or provincial statute or regulation, or in the terms and conditions of a permit issued under federal or provincial legislation, these guidelines have no legal authority.

Part II deals with toxic substances, some of which may be emitted from boilers. Emission of a toxic substance in contravention of CEPA regulations could lead to prosecution, and the operator and/or owner may be personally charged. Conviction can result in heavy personal fines and/or a prison term and criminal record.

Provincial legislation and regulation varies considerably from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. The specific details on allowable pollutants and their concentrations, and the standards used to measure them are all different in each province or territory. More information on the local requirements can be obtained by contacting the provincial/territorial ministries of the environment.

Management Plan for Nitrogen Oxides (NO_x) and Volatile Organic Compounds - Phase I

Environmental Codes of Practice for Steam Electric Power Generation - Design Phase, 1985, Environment Canada Publications, ISBN 0-622-13924-0

Environmental Codes of Practice for Steam Electric Power Generation - Siting Phase, Environment Canada Publications, 1987, ISBN 0-662-15360-X

Environmental Codes of Practice for Steam Electric Power Generation - Construction Phase, Environment Canada Publications, 1989, ISBN 0-662-17182-9

Environmental Codes of Practice for Steam Electric Power Generation - Operation Phase, Environment Canada Publications, 1992, ISBN 0-662-20064-0

Environmental Codes of Practice for Steam Electric Power Generation - Decommissioning Phase, Environment Canada Publications, 1992, ISBN 0-662-20065-0

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration - Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

These regulations restricts the manufacturing, import, export and sale of CFCs in Canada, as well as plans for their staged reductions and eventual elimination.

These regulations prohibit the sale of small amounts (less than 10 kilograms) of CFCs in pressurized containers.

List of Toxic Substances Requiring Export Notification, Part II, Schedule II

This schedule regulates the export of CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances.

These regulations, currently under development (expected promulgation in 1998), will specify management procedures and responsibilities with respect to halocarbons at federal facilities. The regulations will prohibit any intended releases and will require personnel to report all unintended releases of halocarbons.

Other provisions will include prohibited new uses, and requirements for recovery, leak testing, performance standards, preventive maintenance and record keeping.

Provincial regulations controlling the use of chlorofluorocarbons and halons

Provincial regulations control the sale, use and management of halocarbons. These regulations also require the reporting of uncontrolled releases. Some provincial jurisdictions are also regulating a timetable for completely eliminating the use of ozone-depleting substances.

Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, and subsequent amendments

The Montreal Protocol, and its subsequent amendments, commits the signatory governments to implementing controls on production, import and export of ozone-depleting substances. The timetable for terminating production of virgin stock varies for each group of substances. The production of CFCs and halons is already banned.

Environmental Code of Practice for the Elimination of Fluorocarbon Emissions from Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems
Report - EPS 1/RA, 1996, Environment Canada Publications ISBN 0-660-16430-2

Indoor Air Quality

the safety and health at work of every person employed by the employer is protected;
all permanent and temporary buildings and structures meet the prescribed standards;
the levels of ventilation, lighting, temperature, humidity, sound and vibration are in accordance with prescribed standards; and
all hazardous substances in the workplace are controlled in accordance with prescribed standards.

American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, 1992

American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, 1989

Public Works and Government Services Canada, May 1995
To order: e-mail : doc.centre@pwgsc.gc.ca, fax (613) 736-2029

Public Works and Government Services Canada and the National Research Council, 1992

Fuel Storage Tank Systems

Registration of Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum Products on Federal Lands Regulations

Environmental Code of Practice for Underground Storage Tank Systems Containing Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products

Environmental Code of Practice for Aboveground Storage Tank Systems Containing Petroleum Products

Environmental Guidelines for Controlling Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds from Aboveground Storage Tanks
PN 1180, 1995

Federal Aboveground Storage Tank Technical Guidelines Environment Canada, August 1996

Federal Underground Storage Tank Technical Guidelines Environment Canada, February 1995

National Master Specification Secretariat
Section 13201 June 1996: Oil Storage Tanks - Underground
(currently under review)
Section 13202 June 1996: Oil Storage Tanks - Above Ground
(currently under review)

Specification sections are being developed to cover the decommissioning and destruction of both types of storage tanks.

This policy states that, where reasonably practicable to do so, federal facilities must be connected to municipal water and sewer services in accordance with applicable provincial standards or codes, or with Environment Canada guidelines (EPS-1-ES-76-1) where no such standards or codes exist. It also states that water used for drinking, washing and food preparation shall meet the standards set out in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality (Health Canada, 1996).

Federal Committee on Environmental Management Systems (FCEMS): Working Group on Wastewater Management (WGWM)

Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, Environmental Health, Health Canada

This schedule lists bromofluorocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons as toxic substances.

These regulations restrict the manufacturing, import, export and sale of ozone-depleting substances in Canada.

These regulations prohibit the sale of small amounts (less than10 kilograms) of bromofluorocarbons in pressurized containers, as well as the use of CFCs as propellants.

List of Toxic Substances Requiring Export Notification, Part II, Schedule II

The Montreal Protocol, and subsequent amendments, commit the signatory governments to implementing controls on production, import and export of ozone-depleting substances.

Electrical Services - Polychlorinated Biphenyls

3.(c) Cleaning

Under this Act and these regulations, suppliers must provide information on controlled products through labelling and material safety data sheets.

The Pest Control Products Act and regulations regulate compounds used to control pests (such as insects, fungi, bacteria, weeds and rodents) in Canada. All such products must be registered, labelled, used and stored in accordance to the provisions of the Act and regulations. Prosecution for contravention of the Act, if successful, may result in a prison term of up to two years.

Provincial legislation regulates the certification and licensing of users and the conditions under which pesticides may be applied.

To control the transportation of dangerous goods by air, sea, rail and road in order to promote public safety and protect the environment during transport, the TDGA was proclaimed in 1980. The Act and regulations require clear identification of dangerous goods under one of nine categories; proper containers and packaging; and training for employees shipping, receiving and transporting dangerous goods. The Act does not cover waste products, which are covered by separate legislation.

"The purpose of this Part is to prevent accidents and injury to health arising out of, linked with or occurring during employment to which this Part applies" (s122.1).

"Every employer shall ensure that the safety and health at work of every person employed by the employer is protected" (s124).

Conviction for an offence under the Canada Labour Code can result in substantial personal fines, up to $1,000,000 per day, and/or a prison term with a criminal record.

The Occupational Safety and Health Regulations require the employer to ensure that hazardous or controlled products are properly labelled and that Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) are available to employees. Employers also have the obligation to ensure adequate and current training for employees handling these products. Employees are required to be trained and to follow the applicable procedures in handling any hazardous or controlled product use in their work.

Code of Good Practice for the Handling, Storage, Use and Disposal of Pesticides at Federal Facilities in Canada

Official catalogue of Ecologo products and services as certified by the Environmental Choice program

3.(d) Grounds Maintenance

The Pest Control Products Act and regulations regulate compounds used to control pests (such as insects, fungi, bacteria, weeds and rodents) in Canada. All such products must be registered, labelled, used and stored in accordance to the provisions of the Act and regulations. Successful prosecution of a contravention of the Act can result in a prison term of up to two years.

Provincial legislation also regulates the certification and licensing of users, and the conditions under which pesticides may be applied.

Code of Good Practice for the Handling, Storage, Use and Disposal of Pesticides at Federal Facilities in Canada


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Environmental Guide for Federal Real Property Managers

Water and Sewage Systems

Fire Suppression, Halons

Electrical Services - Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

2.(c) Cleaning

2.(d) Grounds Maintenance

3. References

General

3.(a) Environmental Audits

Environmental Emergency Planning

Solid Waste Management

Chemical, Toxic and Hazardous Waste Management

3.(b) Building Systems

Boiler and Incinerator Maintenance and Replacement

Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA)

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration - Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Indoor Air Quality

Fuel Storage Tank Systems

Electrical Services - Polychlorinated Biphenyls

3.(c) Cleaning

3.(d) Grounds Maintenance