Regulatory Corner - March 2025

Quebec – Revised Mining Directive 019

On February 13, 2025, the Quebec Ministry of the Environment, Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks released its updated Directive 019 to guide proponents of mining projects and companies that have to manage mining waste when designing new projects or projects to modify existing operations. Directive 019 must also be used when proponents prepare mining project impacts studies and when preparing applications for projects requiring the issuance of a new authorization under the Mining Act or an amendment to an existing authorization.

Initially published in 1989, Directive 019 underwent a major amendment in 2005 and minor adjustments in 2012. The updated Directive contains various specific references to CDA technical guidance including: dam classification, engineer of record, independent reviews and dam safety reporting

The document is currently available in French only at the following link: Directive 019 sur l’industrie minière

 

Newfoundland and Labrador– Consultation on New Dam Safety Regulations

Newfoundland and Labrador has for a number of years been assessing how best to develop a dam safety regulatory regime for the Province.  In its absence, the Province generally relies on the use of CDA technical guidance.

The Department of Environment and Climate is now beginning a fresh round of consultation with dam owners, including virtual consultation sessions to discuss the development of potential dam safety regulations. The consultation will provide an opportunity for open dialogue, input from dam owners and clarity on the development of these regulations. The goal is to develop legislation that ensures public safety, minimizes environmental risk and is reasonable and sustainable for dam owners and other stakeholders.

As part of the consultation, dam owners are being asked:

• about the condition of dams or probability for dam failure
• anticipated direct and indirect impacts of dam failure
• whether current dam safety requirements are appropriate or whether more information is needed about current requirements
• whether current Canadian Dam Association Dam Safety Guidelines are appropriate and whether dam owners are complying with these guidelines
• recommended components of potential dam safety regulations and
• any concerns about the establishment of dam safety regulations.