British Columbia: New Agricultural Waste Management Rules Take Effect On February 28, 2019

Effective February 28, 2019, a new regulation for Agricultural Environmental Management will replace the outdated Agricultural Waste Control Regulation. It will enhance environmental protection measures, allow better compliance and enforcement activities, and make it easier for farmers to establish environmentally sound practices.

 The new provisions will, among other things:

• ensure watercourses and groundwater are protected through proper storage and use of manure;
• prevent water quality impacts from contaminated runoff;
• prohibit direct discharges; and
• provide clear compliance expectations for agricultural operators for setbacks, storage and nutrient applications.

While the new regulation comes into effect next month, more complicated elements will be gradually phased in over the next 10 years. View the current code of practice for agricultural environmental management at:

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/waste-management/industrial-waste/agriculture

Canadian Water and Wastewater Association