Environmental Compliance Approval

You may need an Environmental Compliance Approval ( ECA ) if you or your business carry out activities that will release contaminants into the air, land or water.

Overview

As part of your project planning and before you prepare the technical aspects of your application, you should:

• Review the applicable regulations and guidance
• Determine if your project is subject to an Environmental Assessment
• Identify the consultation requirements and begin consultation and engagement with Indigenous communities early
• Determine if you should request a pre-submission consultation meeting with the ministry

You may also need to satisfy other federal, municipal or provincial requirements before you can apply for an ECA .

Processing time

The ministry has a one-year service standard for ECA applications. You should make every effort to plan for the ministry’s review timelines in your project planning. Many decisions are made in less than a year.

The quality of your applications, and the time it takes for you to respond to follow up questions, can impact the timing of your application review.

Fees

The Minister’s requirement for fees with ECAs identifies the fees required for an ECA application. The fee amount varies and depends on the type of activity being applied for, and the reason for the application, such as:

• an application for a new ECA
• an amendment to an ECA
• a revocation of an ECA

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Questions or comments

There are many ways to contact the Government of Ontario.