"REPORTABLE SPILL"

A "spill" is generally thought of as the accidental or wasteful loss of a substance. However, in Ontario, there is a legal definition.

The basic criteria for a "reportable spill", under environmental legislation, are that it is a discharge:

• into the natural environment, and
• from (or out of) a container or structure, and
• unusual (under the circumstances) with respect to the amount or nature of the material spilled ...

When there is a spill as defined by the Environmental Protection Act, it is reportable. When, by whom and to whom the spill is reportable depends on the specific circumstances. Each spill must be looked at in the site-specific circumstances in light of the definition provided in the Act and the Regulation, and the appropriate actions and any applicable notifications must be determined and made.

THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED AS A GUIDELINE ONLY

YOU MUST REFER TO THE LEGISLATION FOR LEGAL INTERPRETATION

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