Below are the permits and certifications you would require in these various jurisdictions, if you have any other questions please submit a follow-up response! I have also included some resources from OHSInsider so you can be as knowledgeable as possible on this topic going forward.

Key Environmental Permits and Certifications
1. Federal Permits (Applicable to All Provinces)
Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA): If your manufacturing plant involves activities that may impact the environment significantly (such as hazardous waste disposal or large-scale production), you may need to undergo an environmental assessment under the CEAA.

National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI): This is a federal program that requires companies to report the release of certain pollutants. Manufacturing plants, especially those dealing with chemicals or plastics production, may need to comply with this reporting requirement if their emissions exceed certain thresholds.

2. Quebec (Montreal)
Environmental Quality Act (EQA): Under this provincial legislation, plastics manufacturers in Quebec must obtain permits for air emissions, wastewater discharges, and waste management. The Ministry of the Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife, and Parks (MELCCFP) issues these permits.

Certificate of Authorization (CA): If the plastics manufacturing plant has the potential to emit pollutants or discharge waste, a Certificate of Authorization from MELCCFP is required.

Quebec Hazardous Materials Management: If your manufacturing plant handles hazardous materials, Quebec requires you to follow strict regulations related to their management and disposal. This includes reporting and tracking hazardous materials.

3. Ontario (Toronto)
Environmental Protection Act (EPA): Ontario’s EPA governs air, water, and waste management. Manufacturers in Ontario must comply with the EPA, which often requires a Permit to Take Water or Air Emissions Permit, depending on the plant’s operations.

Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA): Issued by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP), this approval is required for facilities that discharge pollutants into the environment (such as air, water, or land). Your plastics plant may need an ECA for managing waste, emissions, or water usage.

Waste Management: Manufacturers must follow proper waste diversion or recycling protocols to comply with Ontario’s waste management laws.

4. Alberta (Edmonton)
Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA): This act governs environmental protection in Alberta. Plastics manufacturers may need approval under this act if their operations involve significant emissions or impact water quality.

Environmental Authorization: An authorization from Alberta Environment and Protected Areas is required if your plant’s activities impact air, water, or land resources. This includes air quality assessments and water discharge permits.

Waste Management Regulations: Alberta has specific regulations around hazardous waste disposal, waste tracking, and recycling, especially important for plastics manufacturers. You will need to ensure compliance with both the Waste Control Regulation and the Dangerous Goods Transportation Act.

5. British Columbia (Vancouver)
Environmental Management Act (EMA): Under this provincial act, businesses must ensure that their operations do not harm the environment. The Environmental Protection Division issues the necessary permits for air emissions, water discharges, and waste management.

Waste Discharge Permit: If the plant releases wastewater or other discharges into the environment, a permit from the BC Ministry of Environment is required. The regulations are stricter if the waste contains hazardous chemicals, which is a concern for plastics manufacturing.

Contaminated Sites Regulation: If your operations have resulted in contaminated soil or groundwater, you will need to follow the province’s contaminated sites regulations to manage and mitigate environmental risks.

BC Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reporting: Manufacturing facilities must track and report greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with BC’s carbon pricing system, which requires annual emissions reporting for large emitters.

6. Certifications (National and Provincial)
ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System): This is an internationally recognized standard that can apply to your plastics manufacturing plants. If your plant is certified under ISO 14001, it means your operations comply with stringent environmental management practices, including pollution control and waste management. Many Canadian businesses seek this certification to demonstrate commitment to sustainable practices.

EcoLogo Certification (Canada): A certification program that recognizes products that meet specific environmental standards. Plastics products that are environmentally friendly (e.g., recyclable or biodegradable) can be EcoLogo certified, which could also apply to your company’s product line if you produce or sell such items.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design): If your plastics manufacturing plants have any focus on energy efficiency or green building practices, LEED certification may be relevant. LEED is applicable for new constructions, renovations, or operations that prioritize sustainable building practices and reduced environmental footprints.

Steps for Obtaining Permits and Certifications
Assess Operations: Determine whether your facilities require specific environmental permits for air emissions, water usage, hazardous waste, or discharges.

Contact Provincial Authorities: Reach out to the relevant environmental agencies (e.g., MELCCFP in Quebec, MECP in Ontario, Alberta Environment, or the BC Ministry of Environment) to begin the permitting process.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): If required, conduct environmental assessments and submit documentation to the appropriate agency for review.

Ensure Waste Management Compliance: Plastics manufacturers often have specific waste management requirements, particularly for hazardous waste. It’s important to comply with both provincial and federal regulations for waste disposal.

Sustainability Certifications: If applicable, apply for ISO 14001, EcoLogo, or LEED certification based on your commitment to sustainable practices.

Check out these resources for more information: Traps to avoid with environmental permits, Federal plastics manufacturing reporting rules that will be implemented in 2025, and Do you require permits if you’re a federally regulated manufacturing plant?

Thank you for your question!
-OHSInsider