The British Columbia Ministry of Environment and Parks has released updated versions of Protocol 4 and Protocol 9 under the Environmental Management Act (EMA). The revised protocols came into effect immediately on June 19, 2026. They introduced several changes intended to improve clarity, streamline regulatory processes, and address technical updates related to local background concentrations in soil and groundwater.
These protocols are important tools for environmental professionals involved in contaminated site investigations, remediation projects, and soil relocation activities across British Columbia.
What Are Protocol 4 and Protocol 9?
Protocol 4: Local Background Concentrations in Soil
Protocol 4 is established under the authority of EMA Sections 64(1)(c), 64(1)(d), and 64(2)(l). It provides procedures for establishing local background concentrations in soil when naturally occurring substance concentrations exceed the applicable numerical soil standards outlined in the Contaminated Sites Regulation (CSR).
Local background concentrations established under Protocol 4 may be used during contaminated site investigations, remediation planning, and soil relocation activities where naturally occurring conditions influence site assessment results.
Protocol 9: Local Background Concentrations in Groundwater
Protocol 9 is also established under the authority of EMA Sections 64(1)(c), 64(1)(d), and 64(2)(l). It outlines procedures for establishing local background concentrations in groundwater when naturally occurring substance concentrations exceed the generic numerical water standards within the CSR.
The protocol recognizes that naturally occurring groundwater concentrations can vary within geographic regions and groundwater flow systems. These background concentrations may be used to support contaminated site investigations and remediation activities.
It is important to note that background concentrations established under Protocol 9 are intended solely for contaminated-site assessment and remediation. They are not considered health-based standards, do not represent safe concentrations for specific water uses, and should not be interpreted as unrestricted-use criteria.
Summary of Key Revisions
The June 2026 updates introduce several important changes across both protocols.
- Improved Structure, Clarity, and Terminology
The Ministry has updated the organization and language within both protocols to improve usability and provide greater clarity for qualified professionals applying the guidance in practice.
These revisions are intended to support more consistent interpretation and application during site investigations and remediation projects.
- Expanded Low-Risk Situations Where Director Approval Is Not Required
The updated protocols introduce additional circumstances where director approval is no longer required to establish local background concentrations in certain low-risk situations.
This change may help streamline assessment processes while maintaining regulatory oversight where appropriate.
- Corrections to Protocol 9 Table 1
Several technical amendments have been made to Table 1 within Protocol 9 to address known calculation errors affecting local background concentration values for the Thompson Okanagan Region.
These corrections improve the accuracy of regional groundwater background concentration data used by environmental professionals.
- Removal of Hardness Values
All hardness values have been removed from Table 1.
Because there is currently no Contaminated Sites Regulation groundwater standard for hardness, and hardness-dependent standards are applied using measurements collected within the aquatic receiving environment, the Ministry has determined that these values are not required within Protocol 9.
The removal of hardness values is not expected to affect how Protocol 9 is applied in practice.
- Updated Strontium Value for the Thompson Okanagan Region
Following a review of the underlying dataset and the removal of a previously unidentified outlier, the local background strontium concentration in the Thompson Okanagan Region has been revised. The value has changed from 47,000 µg/L to 6,500 µg/L.
The Ministry has indicated that the practical impact of this revision is expected to be limited, as strontium is rarely identified as a contaminant of concern at sites in British Columbia.
What These Changes Mean for Environmental Professionals
The revisions to Protocols 4 and 9 continue the Province’s efforts to improve regulatory clarity and provide more practical guidance for contaminated site investigations and remediation activities.
For qualified professionals, the updates may simplify certain approval processes, improve confidence in regional background concentration data, and support more consistent application of local background concentration procedures across British Columbia.
Property owners, developers, municipalities, and environmental consultants involved in contaminated site management should familiarize themselves with these revisions when planning future investigations or remediation projects.
Accessing the Updated Protocols
Because Protocols 4 and 9 contain detailed technical procedures, tables, and regulatory guidance, environmental professionals are encouraged to review the full documents directly before applying the updated requirements to active projects.
For complete details on the revisions, procedures, and implementation requirements, please refer to the updated Protocol 4 and Protocol 9 documents available on the Legislation and Protocols page.
Staying Current with Regulatory Changes
Regulatory updates can have important implications for site investigations, remediation strategies, and project approvals. Staying informed about changes to contaminated sites guidance helps ensure compliance while supporting efficient project planning and decision-making.
Waypoint Environmental Services continues to monitor regulatory developments across British Columbia and assists clients with navigating evolving contaminated sites requirements, environmental assessments, and remediation programs.
