Pollution Prevention Plans (Canadian Environmental Protection Act)

The Canadian Environmental Protection Act gives the Minister of the Environment the authority to require the preparation and implementation of pollution prevention plans (also known as “P2 plans”) for substances that the Minister has identified as toxic substances under that Act. 

To begin the process, the Minister publishes Notices in the Canada Gazette, requiring specific people to prepare and implement P2 plans for a substance or group of substances.

To create a P2 Plan the person responsible for preparing the plan examines his or her operations and develops a strategy to eliminate or reduce pollution at the source.  P2 Plans examine the things that cause waste and pollution in a particular situation and attempt to minimize or prevent it from happening.  Practices that could be included in a P2 Plan include:

·         Substituting materials and/or feedstock;

·         Changing the design or reformulating products to improve efficiency and decrease environmental impact;

·         Modifying equipment or changing processes;

·         Preventing spills and leaks;

·         On-site reuse, recycling and recovery;

·         Integrating environmental considerations into existing purchasing and/or inventory management practices; and

·         Improving operating efficiencies and having well trained staff.

A P2 plan can be applied to specific pollutants, a procedure or an entire business.  It can involve few people or large teams and it can take two weeks or many months to complete. 

There is no requirement to involve the public in P2 planning, although the Minister could probably require a person to consult with the public or aboriginal groups.  The Minister must also develop guidelines from time to time on when Pollution Plans will be required.  In developing these plans the Minister is required to consult with provincial governments, local governments, aboriginal governments and other groups interested in the protection of the environment.  

Related Guide Pages:

·         Canadian Environmental Protection Act

·         Canadian Environmental Protection Act – Toxics

·         Industrial Waste

For more information about Pollution Prevention Plans:

·         National Office of Pollution Prevention.

·         Environment Canada website.