Reclamation Standards for Chemicals and Re-agents

Overview of BC Law

A wide variety of chemicals are generally used at mine sites. Sufficient care must be taken to ensure these toxic chemicals are not released into the environment during or after mining activities are complete. BC mining law mandates that any chemicals or reagents that cannot be returned to the manufacturer must be disposed of in compliance with municipal, regional, provincial and federal statutes.²⁰² Thus, the responsibility over chemical and toxin disposal is deferred to other legislation.

Issue

BC mining law does not contain adequate legal requirements for managing chemicals and re-agents.

Recommended Solution

Enact mining law provisions that clearly address responsibilities for the disposal of chemicals and toxins.

[Tags: Soil; Disposal; Hazardous Substances]

In Manitoba, the Mines Closure Regulation clearly states:²⁰³

Before the operation of an advanced exploration project or mine is closed, the proponent of the project or the operator of the mine shall take all protective measures necessary to ensure [inter alia] the removal of all petroleum products, chemicals and waste from the project site; the rehabilitation of all landfill sites and other waste management sites; and require (if petroleum products, chemicals or waste have been stored during the life of the operation) the testing of the soil in the immediate vicinity of the storage sites and the control or disposal of any contaminated soil”.

This requirement clearly outlines miners’ responsibilities over chemicals and toxins that they employ in their operations.