Sector Compliance Branch: Inspections

ASPHALT FACILITIES

The Sector Compliance Branch (formerly call the Environmental SWAT Team) began and an inspection sweep of asphalt facilities in August, 2006 and continues to conduct inspections in this sector throughout the province.

• About this Sector
• The Inspections
• Inspection Results

Asphalt Facilities

Asphalt facilities produce asphalt paving mixures and blocks, and companies range from small single plant operators to large road building contractors and paving companies. Hot mix asphalt is a combination of approximately 95% sand, gravel and stone ('aggregate') mixed with liquid cement, a product of crude oil.

The key environmental issues related to the production of hot mix asphalt are air emissions. The main pollutant is particulate, which may be emitted from mixing drums and dryers, as well as from fugitive sources such as conveyers and stock piles. Other air contaminants associated with asphalt facilities include nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds. Noise is also concern in the asphalt sector. Also, waste that is improperly stored may leach additives into the ground.

The Inspections

When conducting inspections of these facilities, the inspectors typically:

• ensure that the company has a Certificate of Approval (Air) for all equipment that requires an approval,
• ensure that the discharge of air contaminants is within the limits set out on the company's certificate of approval (Air),
• ensure that the company is using proper waste management practices.

Inspection Results

Coming soon.

Click here to see a summary of the results.