City of Richmond receives two environmental awards

14 December 2021

The City of Richmond has received two environmental awards from the Environmental Managers’ Association (EMA) of BC. The City’s Corporate Hazardous Materials Management Training was recognized in the Regulatory Challenge category, and the Mitchell Island Stewardship Initiative was awarded the Discharge Control Award at the organization’s 2021 Environmental Awards Gala.

The EMA of BC is a non-profit organization consisting of a group of sector specialists. The organization assists businesses conducting environmental work to effectively anticipate and respond to environmental issues.

“Council has a long history of excellence when it comes to the protection of our environment,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “Having the Environmental Managers’ Association of BC recognize the City of Richmond as industry leaders is a testament to our commitment to ongoing advancements in this area”.

The City’s Corporate Hazardous Materials Management Training program was established in 2019 to centralize the management of all hazardous materials information through customized staff training and data management. The award recognizes the City’s efforts in training over 250 staff since 2019 and improving hazardous materials data management systems on a web-based collaborative platform, fully customized by City staff to centralize management of all hazardous materials information. As a competency-based training program, Richmond’s Corporate Hazardous Materials Management Training complies with all specific requirements applicable to the City's operations and incorporates best practices.

The City’s Mitchell Island Environmental Stewardship Initiative, endorsed by Council in April 2019, aims to improve local storm water quality and improve compliance through business outreach and senior regulatory engagement. This award recognizes the City’s outstanding work to investigate discharges to the environment, partner with senior government regulators and engage and educate business operators.