Regulation - LGIC
Optional On-Farm Treatment Technologies.
Regulation Number(s):
Ontario Regulation 267/03
Ontario Regulation 525/98
Regulation 347
Ontario Regulation 525/98
Regulation 347
Instrument Type:
Regulation - LGIC
Bill or Act:
Environmental Protection Act (EPA); Ontario Water Resources Act (OWRA); Nutrient Management Act
Summary of Decision:
The regulation amending Ontario Regulation 267/03 for two optional on-farm treatment technologies has been made under the Nutrient Management Act and filed with the Registrar of Regulations. The regulation encourages the development of on-farm mixed anaerobic digestions facilities that provide a useful method for treating manure, provide for the production of energy from gases produced as a result of the digestion, and reduce the total amount of greenhouse gas output from agricultural operations by capturing them for energy production. The regulation also encourages the development of vegetated filter strips which help improve water quality by providing a treatment option for runoff.
The complementary regulation amending Reg. 347 has created exemptions from the requirements for approval under the Environmental Protection Act. The first exempts farm operations that use the on-farm mixed anaerobic digestion facility and meet the standards in the Nutrient Management Regulation. The second exempts trucks hauling the off-farm waste to be used in mixed anaerobic digestion facilities, as long as they meet documentation requirements.
The complementary regulation amending O. Reg. 525/98, to create an exemption from the requirements for approval under the Ontario Water Resources Act when farm operations use the vegetated filter strip systems and meet the standards in the Nutrient Management Regulation, has been made under the Ontario Water Resources Act and filed with the Registrar of Regulations.
The complementary regulation amending Reg. 347 has created exemptions from the requirements for approval under the Environmental Protection Act. The first exempts farm operations that use the on-farm mixed anaerobic digestion facility and meet the standards in the Nutrient Management Regulation. The second exempts trucks hauling the off-farm waste to be used in mixed anaerobic digestion facilities, as long as they meet documentation requirements.
The complementary regulation amending O. Reg. 525/98, to create an exemption from the requirements for approval under the Ontario Water Resources Act when farm operations use the vegetated filter strip systems and meet the standards in the Nutrient Management Regulation, has been made under the Ontario Water Resources Act and filed with the Registrar of Regulations.
Further Information:
Link to Environmental Registry
Proposal Number:
07-MOE007
Posting Date:
April 12, 2007
Summary of Proposal:
The proposal includes proposed standards for run off management and manure treatment. It is also proposed that regulations under the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) and the Ontario Water Resources Act (OWRA) would create an exemption from the requirements for a site certificate of approval under those Acts when farm operations use this technology. This approach is designed to encourage the adoption of environmentally safe and innovative on-farm treatment technologies.
The proposed changes will promote the adoption of new on-farm technologies by consolidating regulatory requirements under the Nutrient Management Regulation. Previous Environmental Protection Act (EPA) and Ontario Water Resources Act (OWRA) requirements were perceived to be a hindrance to the adoption of these technologies at farm operations.
By incorporating these proposed standards into the Nutrient Management Regulation, the government continues to add regulatory requirements for agricultural activities that generate impacts on drinking water sources, as recommended by Justice O'Connor.
The proposed changes will promote the adoption of new on-farm technologies by consolidating regulatory requirements under the Nutrient Management Regulation. Previous Environmental Protection Act (EPA) and Ontario Water Resources Act (OWRA) requirements were perceived to be a hindrance to the adoption of these technologies at farm operations.
By incorporating these proposed standards into the Nutrient Management Regulation, the government continues to add regulatory requirements for agricultural activities that generate impacts on drinking water sources, as recommended by Justice O'Connor.
Contact Address:
Effective Date:
July 26, 2007
Decision:
Approved