Ground Source Heat Pumps (Ontario Regulation 98/12)
Ontario Regulation 98/12, which took effect on May 18, 2012, regulates vertical closed loop drilling for geothermal energy systems.
When installed in a safe manner that protects the environment, geothermal systems provide an excellent source of green heating and cooling for a variety of uses including residential, commercial, agricultural and industrial applications.
The Ministry of the Environment is improving public safety and protecting the environment by requiring geothermal installers to obtain an Environmental Compliance Approval for vertical closed loop geothermal systems.
Applicants are required to submit a work plan prepared by a licensed engineering practitioner or a professional geoscientist. The work plan must include measures to prevent an adverse effect if hazardous gas is encountered while constructing, altering, extending or replacing the system.
The ministry is also requiring installers to notify the landowner, occupant of the building, municipality, fire department and the ministry’s Spills Action Centre if they encounter hazardous natural gas during installation of a closed loop vertical geothermal system.
Two stakeholder technical briefing sessions were held in June 2012 to provide the industry with an overview of Regulation 98/12, the approvals process, and to address any questions or concerns about the new requirements.
We will continue to work with government partners, industry and stakeholders on the development of long-term solutions.
Resources
- Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) application, vertical closed loop ground source heat pumps
- Instructions for Completing an ECA, vertical closed loop ground source heat pumps
- Technical bulletin: Earth energy (geothermal) systems as related to drinking water source protection
Contact us
For further information on the Environmental Compliance Approvals process, please contact the Environmental Approvals Access and Service Integration Branch.
Toll free: 1-800-461-6290
Local calls: 416-314-8001
Email: eaabgen@ene.gov.on.ca
Learn more
For more information on the new rules for geothermal systems in Ontario, please consult the Frequently Asked Questions.
