Ontario updating protocol for fuel handling sites

The Technical Standards and Safety Act, Liquid Fuels Handling Regulation, Liquid Fuels Handling Code, Fuel Oil Regulation and Fuel Oil code govern the safe storage and handling of gasoline, diesel, fuel oil and associated products in Ontario. Due to the nature of fuel handling operations, when the escape of product into the environment or a building occurs, action must be taken to mitigate the damage caused by the escape.

The Environmental Management Protocol for Fuel Handling Sites in Ontario has been developed and updated to ensure such occurances are properly mitigated in a safe and timely manner. The application of the Environmental Management Protocol for Fuel Handling Sites in Ontario will ensure continued protection to human and environmental health and safety during fuels handling operation.  The Environmental Management Protocol for Fuel Handling Sites in Ontario will be adopted by the Liquid Fuels Handling Code and the Fuel Handling Code making it a legal requirement to follow its directives.

The Environmental Management Protocol for Fuel Handling Sites in Ontario (May 2011) will replace the previous Environmental Management Protocol for Fuel Handling Sites in Ontario (May 2007). The replacement is necessary to provide consistency with the amendments made to Ontario Regulation 153/04 by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment to the "Soil and Groundwater Site Condition Standards" for use under Part XV.1 of the Environmental Protection Act.

The proposal for the updated protocol has been posted on the Environmental Bill of Rights Registry for a 30 day public review and comment period starting May 25, 2011.  If you have any questions, or would like to submit your comments, you must do so by June 24, 2011.  The notice is posted at: Environmental Management Protocol.

The draft updated management protocol is posted on the TSSA website at: Draft Updated Protocol.