On May 2, 2009, the federal government proposed amendments to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDG Regulations). The amendments would clarify the Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) requirements to deal with, among other things, certain interpretation and implementation issues that have been identified. In particular, the amendments would create a list of provisions each identifying a specific dangerous good or class of goods, certain corresponding forms of transportation, and the time when an ERAP is required in each circumstance. Currently, all persons handling, offering for transport or transporting up to 150 kg of the specified dangerous goods are exempt from the TDG Regulations. The proposed amendments to the regulations would restrict the “150 kg exemption” by allowing only the user, purchaser or retailer to transport up to 150 kg of certain dangerous goods that are in a quantity or concentration available to the general public. In doing so, the amendments attempt to reduce concerns that dangerous goods may be introduced into the transport chain without the knowledge of carriers.
For further information about the proposed amendments, please see www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2009/2009-05-02/html/reg2-eng.html.
