How we make sure rules are followed
Last updated on May 31, 2024Compliance is just another way of saying 'following the rules'. When you follow the rules, you’re in compliance with those rules.
We check to make sure the rules in the Environmental Management Act, Integrated Pest Management Act and their regulations are followed.
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How we help people follow the rules
There are many ways we help people follow the rules, which include providing educational materials and doing outreach. If compliance can’t be achieved this way, we have a system in place to assess the actual or potential level of environmental, human health or safety impacts.
We also look at previous instances of not following the rules, and willingness and ability to follow them. A company that has had the same issues many times and doesn't try to fix the problem will receive a more severe response than a company who has never broken the rules or is eager to make things right.
How we decide what to inspect
Environmental protection officers conduct compliance inspections to ensure B.C.’s legislated rules are being followed. Planned inspections are prioritized based on the Risk-Based Planning Policy (PDF, 393KB). Risk factors are broken into three categories
- The intrinsic risk of the discharge, amount and type of discharge, industry/sector, if there are orders related to the site and if the site has an authorization
- Captures the risk associated with a dischargers compliance history and willingness to comply
- Captures other factors that influence risk. These include time since last inspection, if the authorization is new and if the discharge is mine effluent.
More on authorizations
Find out if you need an authorization or learn how to comply with an authorization.
Related topics
To review compliance inspection reports, audits, and administrative penalties issued under the Environmental Management Act and Integrated Pest Management Act, see Environmental compliance reports.
Search the Natural Resource Compliance and Enforcement Database for compliance and enforcement actions taken by natural resource agencies.
See pollution or poaching occurring?
See the How to report section on the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) page.
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