Regulation Amending the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (Emergency Response Assistance Plan)

The primary objectives of the Regulations Amending the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (Emergency Response Assistance Plan) are to address the recommendations of the Emergency Response Task Force (ERTF) to improve the ERAP program and enhance public safety in the event of an incident during the transportation of dangerous goods. The amendments will:

• clarify ERAP implementation by addressing: initial notification through an ERAP incident report; responsibility for ERAP implementation; responsibilities under new ‘tiered’ response levels; and submission of ERAP incident reports;
• enhance emergency preparedness and response by specifying: additional ERAP application requirements; and clarifying who needs an ERAP; and
• introduce other amendments related to: authorized users; infectious substances; the definition of ‘residue’; table of quantity reporting; and minor changes to the shipping document.

The TDG Act requires any person importing or offering for transport certain dangerous goods in quantities specified by the TDG Regulations to have an approved ERAP. In cases where no person is importing or offering for transport, persons handling or transporting these dangerous goods require an ERAP. For details, access Gazette Notice.

Some chemicals used in water treatment are captured under the dangerous goods provisions, it’s useful to be aware in changes to requirements regarding transport.

Canadian Water and Wastewater Association