By Michael Monette
Governments and private-sector investors across Canada devote a lot of time and money to the assessment and potential remediation of brownfields. But without a properly qualified professional, this money won’t be well spent.
Both professional engineers and geoscientists have a long and established track record in the area of environmental site assessment and remediation. They’re obligated to meet the requirements imposed by their licensing bodies-Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) and the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario (APGO), respectively.
But while many qualified people may possess an environmental background, their lack of public accountability can be a problem. Previous brownfields regulations established by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE) would leave the ministry ultimately liable and accountable for the actions of all unlicensed practitioners.
Over the last few years, the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) has advised the MOE that the definition of qualified persons should be changed to include only professionals who are held publicly accountable for their actions by law. This would give the profession’s licensing body the power to carry out disciplinary measures for failing to meet obligations under the profession’s statutory act.
Changes are slowly being effected. The Ontario government recently amended O.Reg.153/04, setting out new requirements for Qualified Persons (QPs). This change affects professionals who supervise or conduct environmental site assessments associated with a Record of Site Condition (RSC) and who make certifications in an RSC filed to the Brownfields Environmental Site Registry.
As of April 1, 2008 those holding limited licenses with PEO and limited membership with the APGO are QPs. Until September 30, 2009 everyone currently recognized as a QP can continue to act in this capacity. As of October 1, 2009, QPs are defined as people licensed under the Professional Engineers Act or the Professional Geoscientists Act including limited licensees and members.
The new amendment also expanded the role of the Brownfields Environmental Site Registry to include facilitating public access to information respecting qualified persons. This allows the MOE to further develop the Registry, potentially giving the public more access to information about qualified persons, such as the development of a roster.
These changes mean more access to information and, more importantly, the assurance that only accountable professionals can complete site assessments.
Michael Monette, MBA, EDP, P.Eng., is president and chair of the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE).
