Land application
Currently, the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) regulates the land application of biosolids. These approvals contain conditions to ensure that biosolids are applied to land in a manner that is protective of human health and the environment.
The province has recently approved new rules and guidelines for applying biosolids and other non-agricultural source material (NASM) to farmland. These rules build on existing requirements by setting consistent regulatory standards for their use, while minimizing or eliminating overlapping approval requirements.
The requirements of the new system for managing these materials took effect on January 1, 2011.
Responsibility for overseeing and policy development related to the Nutrient Management Act is shared by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and MOE. In addition, MOE is responsible for inspections, investigations and enforcing regulatory requirements, while OMAFRA is responsible for the necessary approvals, training and certification requirements.
Renewable energy
The Government of Ontario introduced and passed the Green Energy and Green Economy Act in May 2009. As part of this effort, the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) developed a renewable energy approval process to support the development of renewable energy projects. On September 24, 2009, the Renewable Energy Approval Regulation (O.Reg. 359/09) became law. O.Reg. 359/09 outlines new requirements for renewable energy projects including wind, biomass, and solar projects.
Most renewable energy developments are now exempt from the provisions of the Environmental Assessment Act and the Planning Act. The exemption from the Planning Act applies to certain projects and facilities which generate electricity from renewable sources such as wind, biomass and solar.
Sewage biosolids and pulp and paper biosolids and other organic matter set out in O. Reg. 160/99 (Definitions and Exemptions) made under the Electricity Act, are considered “biomass” under this regulation and can be used as a fuel to generate electricity in certain bio-energy facilities.”