Sector Compliance Branch: Inspections

ELECTRO/METAL PLATERS

The Sector Compliance Branch (formerly called the Environmental SWAT Team) inspected 71 electro/metal platers across the province between December 2000 and July 2001. The Branch conducted a re-sweep of the sector January-November 2005.

• Background
• The Inspections
• Inspection Results

Background

Electro/metal plating companies coat finished goods with metals such as chrome, gold and zinc. The electro/metal plating sector was identified as a priority sector to inspect, since the sector's processes and waste products could have a significant impact on the environment. Wastes generated from electro/metal plating operations generally include spent solutions containing metals, rinse waters (wastewater) and sludges. When present in sufficient concentration, nearly all of the wastes produced by metal finishing operations are directly toxic to humans and (when in discharges or spills) will have negative impacts on the environment.

The Inspections

During the the inspection sweeps, the Sector Compliance Branch inspectors focused on three areas:

• Discharge of air contaminants: ensured that the companies had certificates of approval for air emissions, and were operating within the set limits
• Spill management: verified that the companies employed proper spill management practices and had spill contingency plans in place
• Waste management: verified that the wastes generated on site were registered with the ministry, and that the waste was stored , transferred and treated properly

Resources
Environmental Compliance in the Electro/metal Plating Sector Report (2005 Inspection Sweep)
Electro/Metal Plating Sector Public Report
Presentation to the Canadian Association of Metal Finishers

Inspection Results

The most common problems found included:

• failure to obtain, operating equipment without, or non-compliance with a certificate of approval for air
• improper storage of wastes on site
• lack of equipment to contain a spill that causes, or is likely to cause, an adverse effect

You may also view a table of the inspection results for the 2001 and 2005 inspection sweeps.

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