This consultation was open from:
September 25, 2013
to November 24, 2013
Decision summary
We have completed our public consultation originally posted in 2013 and we used the comments we received to further revise the guidance document.
Given the length of time since the previous posting and updates made to the document, we are once again seeking comments (019-2557) to ensure that the updated guidance reflects the need of stakeholders
Decision details
Between September 15 to November 14, 2013, we sought public comments on the draft technical guidance on soil vapour intrusion assessment.
In general, various constructive comments were received, leading to further revision of this guidance document. A new proposal has been published for an additional period of public consultation (019-2557).
Effects of consultation
During the 60 day consultation period, we received a total of 243 comments from 12 submissions. We reviewed and considered all comments received on this proposal in the development of the new proposal (019-2557). In general, a number of comments suggested the need to update the document to reflect the current state of the science (especially in relation to petroleum vapour intrusion) and to provide clearer guidance on the vapour intrusion assessment process. To address these comments, some key changes have been made to the document (019-2557), including:
- revisions to reflect advances in the science of vapour intrusion and assessment techniques, which include additional guidance on biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) and screening approaches to evaluate the potential vapour intrusion risk associated with these chemicals.
- clarifications and further guidance on the proposed assessment process, including the use of different lines of evidence to allow for flexibility in assessing the vapour intrusion pathway.
- revisions to provide more concise and clearer recommendations on sampling design and assessment methods for addressing the vapour intrusion pathway.
Supporting materials
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Get in touch with the office listed below to find out if materials are available.
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Contact
Paul Welsh
40 St. Clair Avenue West
7th floor
Toronto,
ON
M4V 1M2
Canada
Original proposal
Proposal details
Description of policy
The Ministry of the Environment is posting a draft of the Technical Guidance: Soil Vapour Intrusion Assessment for comment. This guidance document considers soil vapour behavior, assessment and monitoring. It is intended to provide the user with a basic understanding of soil vapour intrusion and the tools required to identify and evaluate sites for vapour intrusion fate and transport associated with subsurface contamination.
The guidance document outlines a standard course of action when assessing soil vapour intrusion at any site in Ontario. These best practices are clear, concise and will result in increased integrity and quality of soil vapour assessment submissions; thereby resulting in improved environmental protection.
This guidance document reflects a three year development period, in which key experts and stakeholders contributed to the document. The process of developing this document was an iterative process in which the Ministry of the Environment sought comments and input from experts in the field of soil vapour intrusion. Before finalizing this Technical Guidance document, the ministry is once again seeking comments.
Purpose of policy
This document will support the ministry's mandate to protect the environment, by assisting proponents in the characterization and monitoring of volatile compounds present in the subsurface. It will also assist qualified professionals conducting risk assessments to identify sites, or contaminant levels for which contaminant exposures through vapour inhalation may cause adverse health effects.
Other information
The Technical Guidance: Soil Vapour Intrusion Assessment reflects the current state of knowledge on vapour intrusion given the developing field of science in this area. The principles identified within this guidance document are based on the best-available science and were developed in conjunction with technical experts currently conducting soil vapour intrusion assessments and monitoring.
Other public consultation opportunities
The draft Guidance was previously reviewed by a stakeholder advisory group comprised of Ministry of the Environment staff, consultants, developers, private laboratories and municipalities. A consultation meeting with this advisory group was held on February 12, 2009. Further consultation was conducted among a large group of brownfield stakeholders on January 27th, 2011. The comments received from these consultations were taken in consideration in the development of the current revised draft version of the guidance document. This draft of the guidance document is a result of the Ministry’s continuous engagement of stakeholders in the industry. Previous versions of the guidance document have been circulated to stakeholders for comment to ensure they reflect the needs of stakeholders.
Supporting materials
View materials in person
Some supporting materials may not be available online. If this is the case, you can request to view the materials in person.
Get in touch with the office listed below to find out if materials are available.
Comment
Commenting is now closed.
This consultation was open from September 25, 2013
to November 24, 2013
Connect with us
Contact
Adam Leus
40 St. Clair Avenue West
Floor 7
Toronto,
ON
M4V 1M2
Canada
Comments received
Through the registry
5By email
7By mail
0