The Province is seeking feedback to determine how to ensure large industrial project owners pay for all environmental cleanup costs if their projects are abandoned.
B.C.’s economy relies on its abundant natural resources, which are safeguarded by high standards of environmental protection. Responsible industrial development ensures B.C.’s resources, and the ecosystems and communities that rely on them, continue to support and enrich the province’s future.
“Industries have critical responsibilities as B.C. strengthens stewardship of natural resources and our land, air and water,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “Upholding the highest standards of environmental protection, coupled with an effective system of financial protection, will encourage owners to develop cleaner, more sustainable business practices. In today’s world of heightened concerns about climate change, biodiversity and public health, measures like this are what the public and investors expect as part of responsible development.”
Although most companies manage their environmental risks responsibly, there are some companies that are unable or unwilling to do so. This leaves British Columbians responsible for the costs of environmental cleanup and reclamation. The Public Interest Bonding Strategy requires financial guarantees for projects with high financial and environmental risks.
In consultation with industry and Indigenous Peoples, as well as non-governmental organizations, government has prepared a paper and invites input about ideas for a made in B.C. approach to financial protections.
“Requiring companies to secure financial guarantees ensures that owners of large industrial developments are responsible for cleaning up after their projects,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. “These requirements will improve B.C.’s environmental reputation, inspire public trust, increase investor confidence, support B.C.’s competitiveness, and strengthen relationships with First Nations and stakeholders.”
Although some financial protections are available for certain industries, a thorough review of the existing legislation is required to ensure consistency and strengthen financial protection requirements.
“Our village knows first-hand the negative impacts an abandoned industrial site has on the surrounding community and ecosystems,” said Kevin Cameron, mayor of Port Alice. “We are excited to see our local mill site cleaned up and look forward to companies being held responsible going forward.”
Neucel Specialty Cellulose Ltd. purchased Port Alice’s mill in bankruptcy proceedings in 2005. Subsequently, control of the mill changed again, and in 2019, the site was abandoned. Site stabilization and chemical removal have been ongoing since April 2020, when the mill was placed under court-ordered receivership.
This engagement will ensure that public and stakeholder feedback is considered as the Province develops its plan to protect the environment while supporting B.C.’s competitiveness. Any changes to the plan after it is in effect will include a transitional period to allow industry to adapt.
Learn More
Visit: to learn more about the Public Interest Bonding Strategy or provide input. https://engage.gov.bc.ca/govtogetherbc/consultation/public-interest-bonding/