Subsections 20(1), and 26(1) of the Regulation, require the preparation of a contingency plan which forms part of the GNF strategy or plan. The contingency plan must comply with the requirements in this Part.

11.1. General

Contingency plans must list the contacts and their contact information, equipment and other resources that would be available should a contingency event occur, including:

  1. the controller(s) of the agricultural operation(s) (who can authorize expenditures);
  2. the up-to-date number for the Spills Action Centre: (1-800-268-6060);
  3. the local municipality;
  4. people renting or willing to lend equipment who are located close by; and
  5. equipment such as loader tractors and emergency storage facilities or trailers.

After an event occurs that requires that a contingency plan be put into effect, the controller(s) of the agricultural operation(s) to which the contingency plan applies must evaluate the plan to determine if improvements are needed and, if so, changes must be made accordingly by the controller(s) to prevent a similar event occurring in the future.

11.2. Contingency situations

The contingency plan shall set out a proposal for dealing with the following types of situations:

  1. an excess of GNF, if the amount of GNF at a farm unit would exceed the available storage capacity;
  2. unanticipated releases of GNF from storage or during transportation or application;
  3. an inability to store, land apply or otherwise use GNF as otherwise provided for by a GNF strategy or GNF plan, as a result of weather conditions or unavailability of equipment; or
  4. any other contingency requiring the handling or storage of GNF in an emergency.

The preferred solution in some contingency situations may be to apply the GNF on agricultural land in accordance with the Regulation. If the GNF cannot be applied to the land of the farm unit in compliance with this Regulation, the controller must be prepared to set up alternate uses for the GNF.

In addition, controllers may consider other disposal methods such as a sewage treatment plant, disposal with the appropriate approvals or other processing methods.

The contingency plan must also include how to accomplish the items listed in items 11.2.1 and 11.2.2 below.

11.2.1. To stop an unanticipated release

  1. Immediately stop the cause of the spill if possible;
  2. Shut down the appropriate pumps and valves; and
  3. Ensure the system cannot be restarted.

11.2.2. To contain the unanticipated release

  1. Minimize opportunity for GNF to enter tile drain or plug the tile in the event flow appears to be contaminating the tile drains;
  2. If the spill is moving over the ground surface, an earthen berm should be built with farm or commercial equipment, such as backhoes or dump trucks; and
  3. Notify downstream users.