Sector Compliance Branch : Inspections

Hazardous Waste Transfer and Processing Facilities

The Sector Compliance Branch (formerly called the Environmental SWAT Team) began its inspection sweep of hazardous waste transfer and processing facilities in June, 2001, and continues to conduct inspections of these facilities across Ontario.

• About This Sector
• The Inspections
• Inspection Results

About Hazardous Waste Transfer and Processing facilities

There are approximately 200 hazardous waste transfer facilities and approximately 120 hazardous waste transfer and processing facilities in Ontario. The facilities require certificates of approval from the ministry in order to operate. The certificates are essential documents that outline and guide the operational conduct of the facilities.

The facilities are required to maintain records, properly maintain and label their equipment, dispose of wastes appropriately, store waste properly, and classify and handle wastes according to regulatory requirements.

The Inspections

When conducting inspections of the facilities, the Sector Compliance Branch inspectors typically:

• review the certificates of approval for compliance purposes;
• inspect records of waste accepted, processed and disposed of;
• assess how the facilities conduct their operations;
• inspect trucks arriving and leaving the facilities (take samples from the tanks; check the trucks for leaks, equipment status and condition; ensure drivers have appropriate certificates of approval);
• take samples from equipment and barrels at the facilities;
• ensure facilities have spill contingency plans and preventative maintenance programs.

Inspection Results

To date, the inspectors have identified non-compliance issues at all facilities. Problems found, which vary with each facility, include:

• improper record keeping
• disposing of wastes inappropriately
• lack of spill contingency plans and preventative maintenance programs
• improper storage of waste
• improper classification of waste types
• potential irregularities in the mixing and disposing of waste types.

See a summary of results.

Resources Environmental Compliance in the Hazardous Waste Transfer and Processing Sector