PCB Regulations New Compliance Promotion Guide and Revised Fact Sheets Now Available Online

PCB Online Reporting System User Guides:
 
Section 42 of thePCB Regulationsrequires that reports referred to in Sections 33 to 38 be submitted electronically in the format provided by the Department of the Environment. Environment Canada's online reporting system for thePCB Regulationswas launched on March 30, 2009. More information on PCBs can be found at Environment Canada's webpage at: http://www.ec.gc.ca/bpc-pcb/

If you have any questions regarding the PCB Regulationsplease email PCB.PYR@ec.gc.ca.

Where can you recycle old batteries?

Millions of batteries get thrown out every year. In addition to being a waste, it's also a hazard because those old batteries can leach dangerous chemicals into the soil. But there are more than 1,200 collection sites in B.C.'s Call2Recycle program, which collect all household batteries and cell phones for recycling. There are also lots of retail stores where you can drop them off in person, including most London drugs stores, Home Depot and Ikea.So far this year Call2Recycle has saved more than 700,000 batteries from the landfill. You can just type in your postal code on its website to find the recycling depots closest to where you live or work.

New CSA standard for first responders

CSA Standards and the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) have developed the first national standard for protection of first responders from Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) events. The CAN/CGSB/CSA-Z1610, Protection of First Responders from Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Events standard (the "standard") was launched by CSA on January 25, 2011. Read More

Legislation gives first responders peace of mind Emergency workers will be able to access information about potential disease exposure

Emergency workers will be able to access information about potential disease exposure with legislation introduced today by the Honourable Margaret MacDiarmid, Minister of Labour, Citizens' Services and Open Government. Read More...

AMS/WASTE and COORS Databases Information Now Available Free of Charge

WorkSafeBC exec says asbestos disease still top concern for B.C. workers Effects of asbestos exposure still a problem for workers

VANCOUVER, 23 April 2012 - The effects of long years of exposure to asbestos is still one of the biggest challenges faced by British Columbia's workers today, and it is expected to continue to be a problem in this decade.

This was according to Donna Wilson, vice-president for industrial service and sustainability for WorkSafeBC, the province's workers' compensation board. Read More...

Two updated Environmental Safety Courses now offered on the West Coast in June 2012 HAZWOPER 40 with ALL Canadian Content and S.C.A.T. – Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Training to be offered in June

OSHA Cites A.M. Castle & Co. for Failing to take Precautions During Asbestos Removal Penalties exceed $127,000

OSHA has cited A.M. Castle & Co., with  22 serious health violations after an inspection, initiated upon receiving a complaint, determined that workers were exposed to asbestos during the removal of insulation without the use of safety precautions at a site in Franklin Park, Illinois. Additionally, six record-keeping violations and one other-than-serious asbestos violation were found. Proposed penalties total $127,600.  Read More...

TERVITA LAUNCH OFFERS A NEW BRAND AND A NEW VISION FOR SUSTAINABLE RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CCS Corporation unites former business units and $5+ billion in revenues into new company

CALGARY, AB (March 14, 2012) - One of North America's leading environmental and energy service companies today became stronger by uniting more than a dozen business units under Tervita Corporation - a dynamic new brand committed to sustaining the life, health and energy of the planet by supporting responsible resource development. Read More...

Employer who exposed teen workers to asbestos jailed Arthur Moore had employees as young as 14-years-old tear down asbestos-filled walls without protection, according to WorkSafe BC

A Metro Vancouver employer who repeatedly exposed unprotected workers to asbestos has been sentenced to 60 days in jail for disobeying a court order, but labour leaders say justice won't be served unless he's criminally charged. Read More...

Government of Canada Adds 41 Hazardous Substances to Emergency Regulations 33 Substances Used in Commerce Included in List

OTTAWA, Ont. -- December 21, 2011 -- Canada's Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, today announced the addition of 41 unique substances to the Environmental Emergency Regulations. The substances include styrene, an explosive chemical used to make polystyrene plastic containers, and ammonium nitrate, a fertilizer.

"The Government of Canada continues to meet its commitment to protect Canadians and safeguard our environment," said Minister Kent. "These amendments to the Environmental Emergency Regulations will further protect Canadians where it matters most: at work, in their homes and in their communities." Read More...

22,000 kilograms of obsolete pesticides recycled in BC Unwanted agricultural pesticides collected as part of CleanFARMS' B.C. pesticides collection program for fall 2011

Too much of a good thing? Odd though it may sound, experts say Canada may be doing too good a job of handling hazardous medical waste produced in the nation’s hospitals.

While the world may be increasingly awash in hazardous medical waste that is not being properly handled and treated, according to a United Nations report (www.cmaj.ca/lookup/doi/10.1503/cmaj.109-4032), Canadian administrators may be overly fastidious in their efforts, driving up costs to the health care system, hospital and waste-management administrators claim. Read More...