Sector Compliance Branch: Inspections

READY MIX CONCRETE PRODUCERS

The Sector Compliance Branch conducted an inspection sweep of ready mix concrete producers in December, 2005 and continued to conduct inspections in this sector until June 2006.

• About this Sector
• The Inspections
• Inspection Results

Ready Mix Concrete Producers

There are approximately 250 ready mix concrete producers in Ontario. This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in mixing together water, cement, sand, gravel or crushed stone to make concrete, and delivering it to a purchaser in an unhardened state. Cement is used to bind the components of concrete together. Most of the cement used to manufacture concrete is Portland cement. Environmental issues include:

• Impacts on surface drainage and wastewater resulting from the mixing, melting and refining of raw materials, collection of process water and vehicle washing
• Production of solid wastes associated with raw material handling, returned concrete, sludge collection and plant maintenance
• Particulate emissions associated with storage of cement, aggregates and sludge and boiler combustion
• Noise associated with general plant operations, truck traffic and handling of aggregate and concrete
• Improper storage of chemicals used in plant operations (e.g., fuel, vehicle oils, greases etc) to control concrete characteristics and/or vehicle washing
  

The Inspections

When conducting inspections of ready mix facilities, the inspectors typically:

• ensure that the company is following proper spill management and reporting practices
• ensure that air emissions are within allowable concentration limits at points of impingement and property boundaries or as set out on the company’s certificate of approval (air)
• ensure that existing and/or modified emission control systems are operating according to the company’s certificate of approval (air)
• ensure that noise levels are within acceptable parameters
• ensure that all liquid industrial and hazardous wastes are properly registered and handled

Enforcement actions for non compliance could include voluntary compliance, verbal warning, letters, violation notices or provincial officer orders. All enforcement actions are followed up to ensure the companies taking actions to come into compliance.

Inspection Results

From December 2005 to June 2006 a total of 124 facilities were inspected, resulting in an overall 94% non-compliance rate

• 8 inspected facilities passed the inspection
• 116 facilities did not pass

Multiple examples of non compliance were found at most sites. The most frequent violations were related to operating without, or not in accordance with Certificate of Approvals for Air or Wastewater. Other common environmental problems found include:

• Failing to register waste or submit storage reports for chemical waste stored for more than 90 days
• Waste manifesting errors or keeping inadequate records of waste stored on-site
• Did not have appropriate spill containment, had improper storage of chemicals or did not have a spill plan

Click here to see a summary of the results.

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