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Toronto businesses must report use of toxic chemicals | | | | |
Dr. David McKeown, Medical Officer of Health for the City of Toronto, is reminding businesses that the City’s Environmental Reporting and Disclosure Bylaw (Municipal Code 423) took effect January 1. The bylaw is part of a new City program called ChemTRAC, which requires local business owners to track and report their use of toxic chemicals.
“The bylaw aims to protect public health by reducing toxic chemicals in our environment,” Dr. McKeown said.
To meet that goal, the ChemTRAC program, in addition to tracking and reporting requirements, will
• support local facilities with green business strategies, and
• provide residents with information about toxic chemicals in the community.
ChemTRAC reporting requirements will be phased in over three years. The first phase starts tracking toxic chemical use and release in 2010, and begins annual reporting in 2011. The business sectors in Phase 1 include food and beverage manufacturing, printing and publishing, power generation, chemical manufacturing, wood industries and water treatment.
In 2011, Phase 2 business sectors are required to track their chemical use and release, and report in 2012. These businesses include chemical wholesale, dry cleaning, laundry services, funeral services, waste management and remediation, medical and diagnostic laboratories, auto repair and maintenance.
Phase 3 captures all other business sectors covered by the bylaw. These sectors are required to begin tracking in 2012 and reporting in 2013.
Toronto Public Health has created tools to help businesses with tracking and reporting. “We are committed to working with businesses to support their ability to meet the new tracking and reporting requirements,” said Dr. McKeown.
For more information, visit http://www.toronto.ca/chemtrac, e-mail chemtrac@toronto.ca, or phone 416-338-7600.
Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. Toronto has won numerous awards for quality, innovation and efficiency in delivering public services. Toronto's government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents. For information about non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Media Contact:
Susan Sperling
Toronto Public Health
Tel: 416.338.7974
Email: ssperli@toronto.ca
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