;
  1. Home
  2. Certification
  3. Performance indicators

Spill prevention and stormwater management

Criteria by type of participant

PORTS AND SEAWAY CORPORATIONS

Performance indicator's objective:

Prevent spills and leaks of pollutants and manage stormwater to minimize contamination into the environment (water and land).

Note :

  • The term ‘location’, as mentioned in levels 4 and 5 for criteria related to stormwater management, refers to any given delimitated area on the participant’s owned or leased property where stormwater can potentially be contaminated based on activities and operations and/or known data (as identified in the Water and Land Pollution Prevention Plan under criterion 3.2). A location could also be outside the participant’s owned or leased property in some specific cases (e.g. in the context of regional stormwater management compensation projects).

2024 criteria

Level1

Monitoring of regulations

Level 2

Implementation of at least 60% of the applicable criteria

2.1 Perform vehicle and machinery fueling, lubrication, and maintenance in an adequately equipped designated area and/or at a minimum distance of 30 m (100 ft) from the water and at a minimum distance of 15 m (50 ft) from a tributary (e.g., catch basin, ditch, storm drains) unless the area is covered by or is part of a permitted and properly operating stormwater management system. If these requirements cannot be met, alternative pollution prevention measures must be taken (e.g., watertight lids, rubber rugs, retention pans).

2.2 In areas draining to surface water, use, inspect and ensure proper maintenance of secondary containment for stationary devices and equipment that can potentially leak or which need to be resupplied periodically (e.g., generating sets, compressors).
Use a risk-based approach to determine the adequate volume of each secondary containment to contain anticipated spills or leaks. All employees using such devices and equipment must be aware of the procedure to follow (what to do, who to contact) in case of a spill or leak (e.g., proper signage visibly posted directly on devices and equipment, internal emergency number, annual employee training).

2.3 Implement inspection and maintenance procedures for all devices and equipment (e.g., tanks, generating sets, compressors, landscaping equipment) that could potentially leak liquid contaminants into the environment (e.g., drainage system, natural receiving environment).

2.4 Regularly inspect near shore water and property to identify any illicit discharge. If such a discharge is identified, implement corrective measures as soon as possible to stop contamination from the source or inform the entity responsible or any other relevant entity If the contamination is not under the control of the participant.

2.5 Check for visible sheen on, colour and odour of water collected in secondary containments and excavation pits or extracted from monitoring wells. If there is a doubt about its quality, the water must be sampled, analyzed for contaminants of concern, and managed appropriately or treated prior to being discharged into the environment.

2.6 Always have at key locations a spill kit containing all the necessary material to adequately respond as soon as possible to accidental discharges. Ensure the relevant staff is competent to use these kits (e.g., through appropriate training, annual refresh of response procedures, various information and communication tools) and that any contaminated material is disposed of by an authorized firm.

2.7 Implement good housekeeping practices to ensure surfaces near storm drains (e.g., wharves, driveways, loading and unloading areas, paint blasting areas and other pathways to surface waters) are clear of pollutants (e.g., solid wastes, grit, dust, paint or paint residues).

2.8 Prevent the uncontrolled discharge of wash water that could contain oils, chemical products (e.g., detergents, solvents), or residues/suspended solids into the environment via treatment or containment, for example.

Level 3

3.1 Implement all applicable best practices of level 2.

3.2 Adopt a Water and Land Pollution Prevention plan that covers all sites that the participant operates on.

Note: See Annex 2-A.

3.3 Keep a record of all accidental discharges of pollutants into the environment that occur on the participant’s operated property. Notify tenants of their responsibility to keep records of accidental discharges of pollutants into the environment that occur on their leasehold, and any spill that must be reported by law should also be reported to the port authority.

3.4 Keep a registry of all owned and leased fixed, portable, and mobile (e.g., forklifts, mobile cranes) hydraulic equipment operated near the shore. At least for each owned equipment, assess the technical feasibility as well as modernization and maintenance costs of switching from conventional to readily and inherently biodegradable, minimally toxic, and non-bioaccumulative lubricants (includes oils and greases).

Level 4

4.1 Implement a documented Preventive Inspection and Maintenance program for vehicles and equipment, containers and tanks, and any associated conveyance systems (e.g., conveyor, aboveground piping, transfer hoses) used exclusively for the participant’s direct activities and which might release discharges into the environment (fuel, lubricants, etc.).

Note: See Annex 2-B.

4.2 Based on the assessment at Level 3, develop and start implementing an action plan with targets and a reasonable timeframe to progressively switch from conventional to biodegradable, minimally toxic, and non-bioaccumulative lubricants (oils and greases), while respecting OEM specifications. The action plan should prioritize readily over inherently biodegradable lubricants for equipment sub-systems (e.g., hydraulic systems, engines, transmissions, gear reducers) posing the greatest spill risk (i.e., potential for hose rupture) and water and soil contamination.

AND fulfill one criteria option that exceeds the participant’s regulatory requirements: 4.3 OR 4.4 OR 4.5-4.7

4.3 Develop and adopt a Stormwater Management plan.

Note: See Annex 2-C.

OR

4.4 Develop and deliver local environmental education programs relating to water quality that facilitate community and stakeholder engagement and demonstrate measurable improvements year on year. Improvements could be measured in terms of, for example, outreach (e.g., how many people are being reached with the programs, how are the programs expanding over time) and/or training (e.g., how many training sessions/year, follow up interview feedback on outreach and usefulness of training). 

OR

In at least one of the participant’s locations where stormwater has a potential to be contaminated as defined in the note below the objective:

4.5 Collect and treat stormwater using an appropriate stormwater treatment system.

Note: Stormwater treatment must be adapted to the contaminants present (e.g., catch basins, bioswales, oil separators, hydrodynamic separators, or any other type of simple or complex treatment system).

4.6 Inspect and maintain stormwater treatment systems on a regular basis or according to the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure good performance of the systems.

4.7 Sample and analyze treated stormwater routinely to ensure proper functioning of treatment equipment and infrastructure. Samples must be collected following a recognized/approved procedure and analyzed by an accredited laboratory.

Level 5

5.1 Have secondary containment in place for all fixed and portable outdoor above ground storage tanks and containers (permanent and in transit) that are located within a distance of 30 m (100 ft) from the water and 15 m (50 ft) from any ditch, sewer system, underground stream, etc. This requirement applies to all hazardous products.

Note: Secondary containment includes any measure preventing a spill or a discharge from a primary storage tank or container from entering the environment. The chosen measure(s) and its/their capacity for secondary containment must be able to address a discharge resulting from the most typical failure mode. Acceptable measures include:

  • Impervious dikes, berms, or retaining walls;
  • Curbing;
  • Drainage system;
  • Weirs, booms, floating barriers;
  • Spill diversion or retention ponds;
  • Drip pans or retention pans;
  • Sumps or collection systems;
  • Double-walled tanks;
  • Any other equipment, material, and/or resources to contain the spill or discharge.

5.2 Perform a spill response exercise on a regular basis (at least annually in case of a tabletop exercise, at least every two years for a simulated site-specific drill, including the post-mortem of a spill incident).

5.3 Demonstrate that the targets set in the action plan developed in 4.2 relative to the use of biodegradable, minimally toxic, and non-bioaccumulative lubricants (oils and greases) are met according to the set timeframe.

Fulfill the following 3 criteria in the majority of the participant’s locations where stormwater has a potential to be contaminated as defined in the note below the objective:

5.4 Collect and treat stormwater via an appropriate stormwater treatment system.

Note: stormwater treatment must be adapted to the contaminants present (e.g., catch basins, bioswales, oil separators, hydrodynamic separators, or any other type of simple to complex treatment system).

5.5 Inspect and maintain stormwater treatment systems on a regular basis and/or according to the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure good performance of the systems.

5.6 Sample and analyze treated stormwater routinely to ensure proper functioning of treatment equipment and infrastructure. Samples must be collected following a recognized/approved procedure and analyzed by an accredited laboratory.

AND fulfill one criterion that exceeds the participant’s regulatory requirements: 5.6 OR 5.7

5.7 Develop and adopt a Storm Water Management plan.

Note: See Annex 2-C.

OR

5.8 Carry out or participate in a research and development project or demonstration for a spill management or stormwater treatment technology within the last three years.

Terminals 

Performance indicator's objective:

Prevent spills and leaks of pollutants and manage stormwater to minimize contamination into the environment (water and land).

Note:

The term ‘location’, as mentioned in levels 4 and 5 for criteria related to stormwater management, refers to any given delimitated area on the participant’s owned or leased property where stormwater can potentially be contaminated based on activities and operations and/or known data (as identified in the Water and Land Pollution Prevention Plan under criterion 3.2). A location could also be outside the participant’s owned or leased property in some specific cases (e.g. in the context of regional stormwater management compensation projects).

2024 Criteria

Level 1

Monitoring of regulations

Level 2

Implementation of at least 60% of the applicable criteria

2.1 Perform vehicle and machinery fueling, lubrication, and maintenance in an adequately equipped designated area and/or at a minimum distance of 30 m (100 ft) from the water and at a minimum distance of 15 m (50 ft) from a tributary (e.g., catch basin, ditch, storm drains) unless the area is covered by or is part of a permitted and properly operating stormwater management system. If these requirements cannot be met, alternative pollution prevention measures must be taken (e.g., watertight lids, rubber rugs, retention pans).

2.2 In areas draining to surface water, use, inspect and ensure proper maintenance of secondary containment for stationary devices and equipment that can potentially leak or which need to be resupplied periodically (e.g., generating sets, compressors).
Use a risk-based approach to determine the adequate volume of each secondary containment to contain anticipated spills or leaks. All employees using such devices and equipment must be aware of the procedure to follow (what to do, who to contact) in case of a spill or leak (e.g., proper signage visibly posted directly on devices and equipment, internal emergency number, annual employee training).

2.3 Implement inspection and maintenance procedures for all devices and equipment (e.g., tanks, generating sets, compressors, landscaping equipment) that could potentially leak liquid contaminants into the environment (e.g. drainage system, natural receiving environment).

2.4 Regularly inspect nearshore water and property to identify any illicit discharge. If such a discharge is identified implement corrective measures as soon as possible to stop contamination from the source or inform the entity responsible or any other relevant entity If the contamination is not under the control of the participant.

2.5 Check for visible sheen on, colour and odour of water collected in secondary containments and excavation pits or extracted from monitoring wells. If there is a doubt about its quality, the water must be sampled, analyzed for contaminants of concern, and managed appropriately or treated prior to being discharged into the environment.

2.6 Always have at key locations a spill kit containing all the necessary material to adequately respond as soon as possible to accidental discharges. Ensure the relevant staff is competent to use these kits (e.g., through appropriate training, an annual refresh of response procedures, various information and communication tools) and that any contaminated material is disposed of by an authorized firm.

2.7 Implement good housekeeping practices to ensure surfaces near storm drains (e.g., wharves, driveways, loading and unloading areas, paint blasting areas and other pathways to surface waters) are clear of pollutants (e.g., solid wastes, grit, dust, paint or paint residues).

2.8 Prevent the uncontrolled discharge of wash water that could contain oils, chemical products (e.g., detergents, solvents), or residues/suspended solids into the environment via treatment or containment, for example.

Level 3

3.1 Implement all applicable best practices of level 2.

3.2 Adopt a Water and Land Pollution Prevention plan that covers all sites that the participant operates on.

Note: See Annex 2-A.

3.3 Keep a record of all accidental discharges of pollutants into the environment that occur on the participant’s operated property and report such incidents to the port authority, if applicable.

3.4 Keep a registry of all owned and leased fixed, portable, and mobile (e.g., forklifts, mobile cranes) hydraulic equipment operated near the shore. At least for each owned equipment, assess the technical feasibility as well as modernization and maintenance costs of switching from conventional to readily and inherently biodegradable, minimally toxic, and non-bioaccumulative lubricants (includes oils and greases).

Level 4

4.1 Implement a documented Preventive Inspection and Maintenance program for vehicles and equipment, containers and tanks, and any associated conveyance systems (e.g., conveyor, aboveground piping, transfer hoses) used exclusively for the participant’s direct activities and which might release discharges into the environment (fuel, lubricants, etc.).

Note: See Annex 2-B.

4.2 Based on the assessment at Level 3, develop and start implementing an action plan with targets and a reasonable timeframe to progressively switch from conventional to biodegradable, minimally toxic, and non-bioaccumulative lubricants (oils and greases), while respecting OEM specifications. The action plan should prioritize readily over inherently biodegradable lubricants for equipment sub-systems (e.g., hydraulic systems, engines, transmissions, gear reducers) posing the greatest spill risk (i.e., potential for hose rupture) and water and soil contamination.

AND fulfill one criteria option that exceeds the participant’s regulatory requirements: 4.3 OR 4.4 OR 4.5-4.7

4.3 Develop and adopt a Stormwater Management plan.

Note: See Annex 2-C.

OR

4.4 Participate and/or support local environmental education programs relating to water quality that facilitate community and stakeholder engagement and demonstrate measurable improvements year on year. Improvements could be measured in terms of, for example, outreach (e.g., how many people are being reached with the programs, how are the programs expanding over time) and/or training (e.g., how many training sessions/year, follow up interview feedback on outreach and usefulness of training).

OR

In at least one of the participant’s locations where stormwater has a potential to be contaminated as defined in the note below the objective (for terminal operators, this means one or more locations within each terminal participating in the Green Marine program):

4.5 Collect and treat stormwater using an appropriate stormwater treatment system.

Note: Stormwater treatment must be adapted to the contaminants present (e.g., catch basins, bioswales, oil separators, hydrodynamic separators, or any other type of simple or complex treatment system).

4.6 Inspect and maintain stormwater treatment systems on a regular basis or according to the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure good performance of the systems.

4.7 Sample and analyze treated stormwater routinely to ensure the proper functioning of treatment equipment and infrastructure. Samples must be collected following a recognized/approved procedure and analyzed by an accredited laboratory.

 

Level 5

5.1 Have secondary containment in place for all fixed and portable outdoor above ground storage tanks and containers (permanent and in transit) that are located within a distance of 30 m (100 ft) from the water and 15 m (50 ft) from any ditch, sewer system, underground stream, etc. This requirement applies to all hazardous products.

Note: Secondary containment includes any measure preventing a spill or a discharge from a primary storage tank or container from entering the environment. The chosen measure(s) and its/their capacity for secondary containment must be able to address a discharge resulting from the most typical failure mode. Acceptable measures include:

  • Impervious dikes, berms, or retaining walls;
  • Curbing;
  • Drainage system;
  • Weirs, booms, floating barriers;
  • Spill diversion or retention ponds;
  • Drip pans or retention pans;
  • Sumps or collection systems;
  • Double-walled tanks;
  • Any other equipment, material, and/or resources to contain the spill or discharge.

5.2 Perform a spill response exercise on a regular basis (at least annually in case of a tabletop exercise, at least every two years for a simulated site-specific drill, including the post-mortem of a spill incident).

5.3 Demonstrate that the targets set in the action plan developed in 4.2 relative to the use of biodegradable, minimally toxic, and non-bioaccumulative lubricants (oils and greases) are met according to the set timeframe.

Fulfill the following 3 criteria in the majority of the participant’s locations where stormwater has a potential to be contaminated as defined in the note below the objective (for terminal operators, this means one or more locations within each terminal participating in the Green Marine program) :

5.4 Collect and treat stormwater via an appropriate stormwater treatment system.

Note: stormwater treatment must be adapted to the contaminants present (e.g., catch basins, bioswales, oil separators, hydrodynamic separators, or any other type of simple to complex treatment system).

5.5 Inspect and maintain stormwater treatment systems on a regular basis and/or according to the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure good performance of the systems.

5.6 Sample and analyze treated stormwater routinely to ensure the proper functioning of treatment equipment and infrastructure. Samples must be collected following a recognized/approved procedure and analyzed by an accredited laboratory.

AND fulfill one criterion that exceeds the participant’s regulatory requirements: 5.7 OR 5.8

5.7 Develop and adopt a Storm Water Management plan.
Note: See Annex 2-C.

OR

5.8 Carry out or participate in a research and development project or demonstration for a spill management or stormwater treatment technology within the last three years.

Shipyards 

Performance indicator's objective:

Prevent spills and leaks of pollutants and manage stormwater to minimize contamination into the environment (water and land).

Note:

The term ‘location’, as mentioned in levels 4 and 5 for criteria related to stormwater management, refers to any given delimitated area on the participant’s owned or leased property where stormwater can potentially be contaminated based on activities and operations and/or known data (as identified in the Water and Land Pollution Prevention Plan under criterion 3.2). A location could also be outside the participant’s owned or leased property in some specific cases (e.g. in the context of regional stormwater management compensation projects).

2024 Criteria

Level 1

Monitoring of regulations

Level 2

Implementation of at least 60% of the applicable criteria

2.1 Perform vehicle and machinery fueling, lubrication, and maintenance in an adequately equipped designated area and/or at a minimum distance of 30 m (100 ft) from the water and at a minimum distance of 15 m (50 ft) from a tributary (e.g., catch basin, ditch, storm drains) unless the area is covered by or is part of a permitted and properly operating stormwater management system. If these requirements cannot be met, alternative pollution prevention measures must be taken (e.g., watertight lids, rubber rugs, retention pans).

2.2 In areas draining to surface water, use, inspect and ensure proper maintenance of secondary containment for stationary devices and equipment that can potentially leak or which need to be resupplied periodically (e.g., generating sets, compressors).
Use a risk-based approach to determine the adequate volume of each secondary containment to contain anticipated spills or leaks. All employees using such devices and equipment must be aware of the procedure to follow (what to do, who to contact) in case of a spill or leak (e.g., proper signage visibly posted directly on devices and equipment, internal emergency number, annual employee training).

2.3 Implement inspection and maintenance procedures for all devices and equipment (e.g., tanks, generating sets, compressors, landscaping equipment) that could potentially leak liquid contaminants into the environment (e.g. drainage system, natural receiving environment).

2.4 Regularly inspect nearshore water and property to identify any illicit discharge. If such a discharge is identified implement corrective measures as soon as possible to stop contamination from the source or inform the entity responsible or any other relevant entity If the contamination is not under the control of the participant.

2.5 Check for visible sheen on, colour and odour of water collected in secondary containments and excavation pits or extracted from monitoring wells. If there is a doubt about its quality, the water must be sampled, analyzed for contaminants of concern, and managed appropriately or treated prior to being discharged into the environment.

2.6 Always have at key locations a spill kit containing all the necessary material to adequately respond as soon as possible to accidental discharges. Ensure the relevant staff is competent to use these kits (e.g., through appropriate training, an annual refresh of response procedures, various information and communication tools) and that any contaminated material is disposed of by an authorized firm.

2.7 Implement good housekeeping practices to ensure surfaces near storm drains (e.g., wharves, driveways, loading and unloading areas, paint blasting areas and other pathways to surface waters) are clear of pollutants (e.g., solid wastes, grit, dust, paint or paint residues).

2.8 Prevent the uncontrolled discharge of wash water that could contain oils, chemical products (e.g., detergents, solvents), or residues/suspended solids into the environment via treatment or containment, for example.

Level 3

3.1 Implement all applicable best practices of level 2.

3.2 Adopt a Water and Land Pollution Prevention plan that covers all sites that the participant operates on.

Note: See Annex 2-A.

3.3 Keep a record of all accidental discharges of pollutants into the environment that occur on the participant’s operated property and report such incidents to the relevant authorities, if applicable.

3.4 Keep a registry of all owned and leased fixed, portable, and mobile (e.g., forklifts, mobile cranes) hydraulic equipment operated near the shore. At least for each owned equipment, assess the technical feasibility as well as modernization and maintenance costs of switching from conventional to readily and inherently biodegradable, minimally toxic, and non-bioaccumulative lubricants (includes oils and greases).

Level 4

4.1 Implement a documented Preventive Inspection and Maintenance program for vehicles and equipment, containers and tanks, and any associated conveyance systems (e.g., conveyor, aboveground piping, transfer hoses) used exclusively for the participant’s direct activities and which might release discharges into the environment (fuel, lubricants, etc.).

Note: See Annex 2-B.

4.2 Based on the assessment at Level 3, develop and start implementing an action plan with targets and a reasonable timeframe to progressively switch from conventional to biodegradable, minimally toxic, and non-bioaccumulative lubricants (oils and greases), while respecting OEM specifications. The action plan should prioritize readily over inherently biodegradable lubricants for equipment sub-systems (e.g., hydraulic systems, engines, transmissions, gear reducers) posing the greatest spill risk (i.e., potential for hose rupture) and water and soil contamination.

AND fulfill one criteria option that exceeds the participant’s regulatory requirements: 4.3 OR 4.4 OR 4.5-4.7

4.3 Develop and adopt a Stormwater Management plan.

Note: See Annex 2-C.

OR

4.4 Participate and/or support local or regional environmental education programs relating to water quality that facilitate community and stakeholder engagement and demonstrate measurable improvements year on year. Improvements could be measured in terms of, for example, outreach (e.g., how many people are being reached with the programs, how are the programs expanding over time) and/or training (e.g., how many training sessions/year, follow up interview feedback on outreach and usefulness of training).

OR

In at least one of the participant’s locations where stormwater has a potential to be contaminated as defined in the note below the objective (for terminal operators, this means one or more locations within each terminal participating in the Green Marine program):

4.5 Collect and treat stormwater using an appropriate stormwater treatment system.

Note: Stormwater treatment must be adapted to the contaminants present (e.g., catch basins, bioswales, oil separators, hydrodynamic separators, or any other type of simple or complex treatment system).

4.6 Inspect and maintain stormwater treatment systems on a regular basis or according to the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure good performance of the systems.

4.7 Sample and analyze treated stormwater routinely to ensure the proper functioning of treatment equipment and infrastructure. Samples must be collected following a recognized/approved procedure and analyzed by an accredited laboratory.

 

Level 5

5.1 Have secondary containment in place for all fixed and portable outdoor above ground storage tanks and containers (permanent and in transit) that are located within a distance of 30 m (100 ft) from the water and 15 m (50 ft) from any ditch, sewer system, underground stream, etc. This requirement applies to all hazardous products.

Note: Secondary containment includes any measure preventing a spill or a discharge from a primary storage tank or container from entering the environment. The chosen measure(s) and its/their capacity for secondary containment must be able to address a discharge resulting from the most typical failure mode. Acceptable measures include:

  • Impervious dikes, berms, or retaining walls;
  • Curbing;
  • Drainage system;
  • Weirs, booms, floating barriers;
  • Spill diversion or retention ponds;
  • Drip pans or retention pans;
  • Sumps or collection systems;
  • Double-walled tanks;
  • Any other equipment, material, and/or resources to contain the spill or discharge.

5.2 Perform a spill response exercise on a regular basis (at least annually in case of a tabletop exercise, at least every two years for a simulated site-specific drill, including the post-mortem of a spill incident).

5.3 Demonstrate that the targets set in the action plan developed in 4.2 relative to the use of biodegradable, minimally toxic, and non-bioaccumulative lubricants (oils and greases) are met according to the set timeframe.

Fulfill the following 3 criteria in the majority of the participant’s locations where stormwater has a potential to be contaminated as defined in the note below the objective (for terminal operators, this means one or more locations within each terminal participating in the Green Marine program) :

5.4 Collect and treat stormwater via an appropriate stormwater treatment system.

Note: stormwater treatment must be adapted to the contaminants present (e.g., catch basins, bioswales, oil separators, hydrodynamic separators, or any other type of simple to complex treatment system).

5.5 Inspect and maintain stormwater treatment systems on a regular basis and/or according to the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure good performance of the systems.

5.6 Sample and analyze treated stormwater routinely to ensure the proper functioning of treatment equipment and infrastructure. Samples must be collected following a recognized/approved procedure and analyzed by an accredited laboratory.

AND fulfill one criterion that exceeds the participant’s regulatory requirements: 5.7 OR 5.8

5.7 Develop and adopt a Storm Water Management plan.
Note: See Annex 2-C.

OR

5.8 Carry out or participate in a research and development project or demonstration for a spill management or stormwater treatment technology within the last three years.

Explore the targeted issues