Every home, farm and business in Manitoba generates waste. It can be solid or liquid, hazardous or non-hazardous, and may be generated by many sources.
It is our job to make sure that waste is handled in a responsible manner that preserves our environment and protects our natural resources. We are always looking for better ways to manage and reduce waste for the benefit of our environment, our communities and the people of Manitoba.
Wastewater
We register or license, inspect, and monitor wastewater systems, including municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants, wastewater treatment lagoons, and onsite wastewater management systems such as holding tanks and septic fields. We investigate complaints and enforce the Onsite Wastewater Management Systems Regulation, and licences issued under The Environment Act.
We administer the Water and Wastewater Facility Operators Certification program to ensure that the operators of your water and wastewater facilities are appropriately trained and knowledgeable.
Contaminated Sites
The purpose of this program is to administer The Contaminated Sites Remediation Act (CSRA) and the Contaminated Sites Remediation Regulation (CSRR). The website for the program includes:
- Lists of sites designated as contaminated or impacted under the CSRA as well as a list of all the sites for which the program maintains a file
- Guidelines and Information Bulletins on contaminated and impacted sites in Manitoba
- Information on contacting program staff.
Hazardous Waste
One of our most important functions is enforcing the regulations pertaining to the generation, transportation, storage and disposal of hazardous waste. This includes products like used oil and oil filters, paint and solvents, automobile batteries, as well as chemicals and pesticides.
These wastes pose a danger to human health and our environment. To protect Manitobans, our hazardous waste program administers the regulations pursuant to The Dangerous Goods Handling and Transportation Act. This ensures strict rules are followed in the handling, transportation and disposal of hazardous waste. Our system involves the registration of hazardous waste generators and the licensing of hazardous waste carriers, receivers and facilities.
Livestock Program
We administer the Livestock Manure and Mortalities Management Regulation. This includes the following:
- the enforcement of regulations on the management of livestock manure and mortalities;
- the permitting of construction/alteration of manure storage facilities and confined livestock areas; and
- the enforcement of regulations regarding the winter spreading of livestock manure.
Solid Waste Management
We administer the Waste Management Facilities Regulation. This includes regular inspection and monitoring of all waste management facilities and investigation of all complaints. To obtain an operating permit, waste management facilities are required to meet Manitoba's strict regulatory requirements. Some waste management facilities, including commercial composting facilities and large or private landfills require a licence under The Environment Act rather than a permit under the regulation.
