Whereas foam from marine infrastructure is an increasing source of pollution on British Columbias beaches; And whereas there is concern that plastic-associated chemicals from polystyrene and other types of rigid foam are harming the marine environment and contaminating food webs: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request the provincial and federal governments to implement measures that prevent rigid foam pollution in the marine environment.
Ministry of Environment Climate Change Strategy The Province is interested in supporting local governments in waste management initiatives. One of the Provinces long term policies regarding waste management and recycling is to shift the onus of responsibility for managing products at their end of life from local governments and the general taxpayer to industry and consumers, through the approach known as Extended Producer Responsibility EPR. In 2004, government enacted the Recycling Regulation the Regulation to provide a single results-based framework for industry-led product stewardship. In BC, we now have province-wide recycling programs for packaging and printed paper, beverage containers, electronics, tires, pharmaceuticals, paint, oil, pesticides and other household hazardous wastes, that allow for collection and recycling of such products at end-of-life at no cost to the generator. BC is a recognized leader for EPR programs in North America. After years of rapid expansion of EPR programs in BC, the Ministry is currently focusing on program implementation and continuous improvement of its existing EPR programs before further considering new programs. This initiative will not only serve existing programs well, but will provide a sound basis for inclusion of new product categories in the future. The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Canada-Wide Action Plan for Extended Producer Responsibility CAP-EPR identifies prioritized products for inclusion in provincial EPR programs, and Construction and Demolition Materials are part of the Phase II targeted products to be properly managed. As BCs EPR continuous improvement measures come to completion, our future focus will follow CCMEs recommendations. This initiative will ensure such products are properly managed at end of life i.e. are not left to pollute the marine environment due to the cost of recycling. With regard to ensuring that such products are safe to the marine environment when originally introduced, this is a function of the BC Building Code, which generally takes its direction from the National Building Code. It is suggested you contact the National Research Council Canada andor the Canadian Standards Association, as these entities are responsible for the setting of building code standards to protect human and environmental health and safety. Please do not hesitate to contact Ministry staff for further information in this regard.