What is Traces Québec?

More and more individuals, business people and decision makers in Quebec are becoming concerned about environmental issues. The latest government measures to promote the safe management of hazardous waste are proof of that fact. 

The environmental services specialists at Enviro Urgence are always open to new government initiatives concerning contaminated soil remediation. It’s one of the ways we contribute to a greener future.

Find out about Traces Québec’s tracking solution for contaminated soil in this article.

Traces Québec: a regulation for tracking excavated contaminated soil

Traces Québec is an integrated solution for tracking contaminated soil in Quebec. This Réseau Environnement initiative was developed in response to recommendations made in Bonnes pratiques en matière de traçabilité des sols contaminés excavés, a document published by the MELCC in August 2018.

Since November 1, 2021, the regulation has required GPS tracking via a computer platform for trucks carrying loads of contaminated soil. Each shovelful of soil that may contain contaminants is tracked from the site where it is extracted to an accredited landfill or treatment site

The purpose of Traces Québec

Traces Québec was designed to provide conclusive proof of individuals’ and businesses’ compliance with contaminated soil remediation measures.

With this new tool for tracking the movement of contaminated soil, the authorities can confirm that the soil has reached its intended destination: 

- A centre authorized by the Ministère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les Changements Climatiques (MELCC), or

- A centre authorized by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) in Ontario.

A tracking system to discourage dishonest contractors

The system was developed to discourage dishonest contractors, who were in the habit of unloading some of their contaminated soil into the environment along the way in order to save money once they reached a treatment centre, reclamation site or landfill. 

To counter this tactic, Traces Québec requires trucks to be weighed at departure and arrival for each delivery. To further limit misconduct, all individuals involved in handling contaminated soil are now required to record each operation on file. 

If Traces Québec’s initiative is effective, much less contaminated soil will be diverted and dumped at illegal sites in future. 

Who can use Traces Québec?

Public and parapublic organizations and private companies can use Traces Québec to prove that they manage their contaminated soil properly. 

The Regulation respecting the traceability of excavated contaminated soils is being implemented progressively from November 1, 2021 to January 1, 2023. The use of Traces Québec will be mandatory for certain excavation work, with a fee of $2 per metric ton of contaminated soil. Starting January 1, 2023, all projects involving contaminated soil will have to go through the tracking platform, regardless of quantity.

Those who fail to use it are likely to be targeted by government inspectors, who will not hesitate to issue fines in accordance with Quebec’s policies on contaminated soil remediation.

Companies carrying out excavation work that is not subject to this regulation may still use Traces Québec on a voluntary basis.

Enviro Urgence: contaminated soil remediation in full compliance

At Enviro Urgence, we have always prioritized traceability for the soil and hazardous materials we transport. That’s why we have a system for tracking documents, weight tickets and processing certificates.

Furthermore, all of our trucks are equipped with a GPS tracking and management system that we use assiduously to ensure that we meet and exceed current standards. 

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need hazardous waste management, land decontamination or industrial cleaning services. If you want to make sure that your contaminated soil is extracted, transported and disposed of in compliance with Quebec law, ask for a quote today!