In July 2021, the Québec government adopted the Règlement concernant la traçabilité des sols contaminés excavés (Regulation respecting the traceability of excavated contaminated soil), which is of paramount importance to counter illegal dumping of contaminated soil, an issue that is harmful to both the contaminated soil management industry and the environment.
The Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP) is responsible for regulatory enforcement. A dedicated page, available on the MELCCFP website (French only), provides several resources: an information sheet (French only) summarizing the main aspects of the regulation, an overview of the full process for the traceability of excavated contaminated soil, as well as detailed tables outlining the progressive implementation of the Regulation (French only).
In August 2022, the Québec government also adopted the Règlement sur les redevances favorisant le traitement et la valorisation des sols contaminés excavés (Regulation respecting charges to promote the treatment and reclamation of excavated contaminated soils – French only), which has been in effect since January 1, 2024. This regulation introduces financial incentives aimed at encouraging owners of contaminated soils to adopt sustainable solutions for the rehabilitation of their sites and to reduce the amount of contaminated soil used for the periodic covering of residual materials at certain landfills. In general, royalties are collected directly from the owner of the contaminated land, rather than from those responsible for the sites receiving the soil. The amounts collected are intended to support various financial assistance programs, including those promoting the development of green technologies, strengthening the contaminated soil treatment industry, and providing financial aid to landowners for whom costs are a barrier to site rehabilitation.
The Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP) is also responsible for regulatory enforcement. A dedicated page has been published on the MELCCFP website (French only). It includes various information, an informational video, and a table specifying the royalty amounts required depending on the management method.
For any questions regarding the application of the Regulation respecting the traceability of excavated contaminated soil or the Regulation respecting charges to promote the treatment and reclamation of excavated contaminated soils (French only), please contact your regional MELCCFP office directly.
