Any facility that releases emissions to the atmosphere, discharges contaminants to ground or surface water, provides potable water supplies, or stores, transports or disposes of waste must have a Certificate of Approval before it can operate lawfully. It is the responsibility of owners and operators of these facilities to apply for and obtain Certificates of Approval.

Staff of the Ministry of the Environment examine each facility proposal, through the Certificate of Approval process, to ensure that the environment is not adversely affected by these types of activities.

Each completed Certificate of Approval addresses matters that fall within the mandate of the ministry, focuses on site specific characteristics relevant to each proposal and contains enforceable requirements for each facility to ensure the protection of human health and the natural environment.

Certificates of Approval help to inform and educate applicants who want to operate such facilities. They are also used by ministry staff to ensure the operation of facilities complies with environmental laws. Certificates of Approval, once issued, are available to the public online.

— Search for a Certificate of Approval.

Applications for Certificates of Approval should be made to:

Director
Environmental Assessment and Approvals Branch
Ministry of the Environment
2 St. Clair Ave W, Floor 12A
Toronto, ON M4V 1L5

For more information about Certificates of Approval or to get an application package, please contact the Environmental Assessment and Approvals Branch at 416-314-8001 in Toronto, toll free at 1-800-461-6290, or by e-mail at EAABGen@ene.gov.on.ca.

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