Ministry of Environment to Unveil Streamlined Application Process

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Ministry of Environment to Unveil Streamlined Application Process

Written by CRM News

Thursday, 26 June 2008

TORONTO, ON -- June 26, 2008 -- In an attempt to reduce costs, simplify environmental approvals and offer a template solution to a fairly consistent application issue, the Ontario Ministry of Environment is piloting a solvent-based "screening tool" with CIIA and associated local trade associations. It is expected that the screening tool will be converted to include waterborne coatings approvals in early July and that coatings firms can then offer the pilot screening tool as well.

The law in Ontario requires any shop that emits to the atmosphere to successfully obtain a Certificate of Approval (CofA) from the Ministry of Environment. The CofA identifies the level of emissions from the shop and its impact potential. Shops need to prove that emissions are within limits. Many financial institutions, municipalities or even lawyers will not advise a sale, expansion or construction of a shop without the possession of a CofA from Ontario.

Because many auto refinish shops are similar (use same coatings, same amounts, same vehicles, same booths), it was an obvious candidate for a streamlined template for a screening tool that once information was submitted, the screening tool would generate a report on the eligibility of the shop for a streamlined approval. In shop terms, this means a much simpler and easier process, cutting costs for most shops by some 50 per cent or more and cutting approval times by some 80 per cent.

The screening tool does not replace the Certificate's requirement for documentation of much of the shop's physical information and surrounding area, but it is very useful in identifying changes needed or for immediate approval of eligibility for the permit, within Ministry guidelines.

As this is still a pilot program, shops must contact the Hamilton Autobody Repair Association (HARA) or additionally, starting in July, their coatings firm, in order to use the screening tool. At this point the association or paint company will input the data for the shop and HARA provides a simplified one page form on information required. Once the solvent and the waterborne pilots have been completed, the hope is to make the screening tool available for any shop to use, hopefully via a web-based version.

If your shop does not possess a valid certificate of Approval or needs a new CofA to cover switching to waterborne coatings, please call your industry trade association or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for help.

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