5.6.8.1
This measure gives effect to the “polluter pays” principle. The Minister is required to identify and investigate land that is suspected of contamination. Once an investigation area has been declared the Minister may initiate a site assessment and direct the owner of the land, or the person responsible for the suspected contamination to conduct a site assessment to determine past, current, or future impact on the environment and health.
5.6.8.2
If a site assessment confirms land as contaminated, the Act grants the Minister the power to order remediation of the land, specify the time frame over which remediation must take place, identify who will be responsible for the remediation, and what measures must be taken. The Act obligates the Minister to maintain a contaminated land registry that includes investigation areas.
5.6.8.3
This registry of contaminated lands forms part of the Waste Information Management System described in Chapter 6 of the Act.