Die PROVINCIAL

In British Columbia, the sole responsibility for
environmental protection rests with the Department of Lands,
Forests, and Water Resources. Legislation enacted from 1956
onward was consolidated as the Pollution Control Act, 1967.
Since 1967 various amendments have been enacted to ensure
all discharges to land and water, and all emissions to atmos~
phere, may be controlled so as not to constitute an envi ron-
mental hazard. Under the Act, enforcement is feasible
through two regulatory bodies, the Pollution Control Board
(to determine characteristics of a polluted condition and
prescribe regulatory standards) and the Pollution Control
Branch (day to day regulatory activities.)

The Permit system is in effect under the terms of the
P.C. Act, requiring that all persons discharging or emitting
any pollutant must not do so without a Permit or approval
from the Director of the Pollution Control Branch. To ob-
tain a Permit is a relatively lengthy procedure, through the
course of which concerned citizens, anti-pollution groups,
the governmental departments, and the permit applicant are
given times to make their views known and which may affect
issuance of the final Permit as well as require pre-Permit
monitoring programs, process changes and the like to ensure
NO untoward environmental results. Once a Permit is finally
issued, its terms and conditions are specific for the
quality and quantity of allowable discharge or emission.
Failure to adhere to the specified terms and conditions can
result in Permit cancellation, suspension, or amendment,
and also prosecution which if resulting in summary convic~
tion makes the Permit holder liable ''to a fine not exceeding
one thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term not
exceeding three months, or to both, and if the offence is
of a continuing nature, to a fine not exceediig five hundred
dollars for each day the offence is continued."

In March 1972, the Director of The Pollution Control
Branch held a public inquiry to resolve what technical con-
siderations and measures would be required of the B.C. Mining,
Mine-Milling, and Smelting Industries to operate in accord
with the Pollution Control Act. Submissions were accepted
from industry, labour, environment groups, individuals, and
Government Agencies.