The Land Protection and Rehabilitation Regulation (LPRR) was enacted on February 26, 2003. The purpose of the LPRR is to provide for a greater protection of lands and their rehabilitation in the event of contamination, while ensuring the enforcement of provisions under Division IV. of the Environment Quality Act (sections 31.42 to 31.69).
The main objectives of the legislative amendments are to:
- Enhance the management of contaminated lands in Quebec
- Ensure the progressive rehabilitation of contaminated lands
- End the increase in orphan sites
Schedules 1 and 2 of the Regulations set out the regulatory limit values of soil and groundwater use criteria contained in the Soil Protection and Rehabilitation of Contaminated Sites Policy (SPRCSP).
In addition, Schedule 3 of the LPRR lists industrial or commercial activities for which a characterization is required under certain conditions set out in the Environment Quality Act. This regulation also facilitates the enforcement of the Minister’s order authority to require, in some instances, the conduct of characterization (section 31.49) and rehabilitation work (section 31.43).
Finally, the Regulation to amend the RPRT came into force on January 12, 2012. According to the MELCC, this amendment to the LPRR is intended to protect the rights of future buyers and users of multi-use sites and to facilitate the rehabilitation of such lands where applicable.