As previously reported in Practice Advisory (i.e. Issue 31, Issue 27, Issue 23, Issue 16, and Issue 15), members working on construction projects that involve excavated soil should be familiar with the requirements as well as understand the project team’s roles and responsibilities under the Environmental Protection Act.

The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation, and Parks (MECP) amended O. Reg. 406/19, the On-Site and Excess Soil Management Regulation, by enacting O. Reg. 550/24. One significant change is the postponement of the prohibition on landfilling excess soil (originally for January 1, 2025) to January 1, 2027, unless one of two criteria are met. Notice of the decision was posted to the Environmental Registry of Ontario on December 18, 2024. For more details, refer to the legislation.

This article originally appeared in the Practice Advisory, a newsletter developed by the OAA’s Practice Advisory Services team, which offers numerous resources for both members and the public. The OAA does not provide legal, insurance, or accounting advice—readers are advised to consult their own legal, accounting, or insurance representatives to obtain suitable professional advice in those regards.