EASR or ECA, What is the Difference?
If your company emits pollutants into the air or land, you will require approval from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP). The purpose of this approval is to ensure your business activities do have any adverse effects on the environment and individuals. Depending on the type of business, there are established rules to ensure compliance, which are categorized into three areas:
Environmental Activity and Sector Registry (EASR)
Typically businesses with less complex operations and activities that pose minimal risk to the environment and human health.
Online registration process with approvals upon an update.
Requires fewer annual reporting requirements.
All activities and sectors go through EASR unless specifically excluded.
EASR eligible activities include:
Automotive refinishing facilities
Commercial Printing facilities
Waste management systems (non hazardous waste transport)
Small ground - mounted solar facilities
Facilities processing end-of-life vehicles
This process includes screening:
Air Emissions Summary
Dispersion Modelling Report
Potential for: Noise and Odour emissions and possible mitigation control plan, Substances and Toxicology Assessments
Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA)
Businesses with complex and/or unique operations with higher potential for environmental impacts.
Approvals needed for emissions and discharges related to air, noise, waste and sewage.
A formal application to MECP is required. Approvals can take up to one year.
Requires detailed annual reports in most cases.
ECA required for specific industries including:
Cement
Waste
Oil Refineries
The process includes screening:
Air Emissions Summary
Dispersion Modelling Report
Potential for Noise emissions and possible mitigation control plans, Substances and Toxicology Assessments
Formal application/review with MECP
Annual updated and/or amendments with MECP when neccessary