Encyclopedia
Site disclosure statement
A form under BC's contaminated sites regime describing past uses of a site, required in some situations.
For example: A seller provides a site disclosure statement. (Illustration only, not a real deal.)
Official source: Site remediation (Government of BC)
Example only, not a real client. Say you are selling land that once had industrial use. The province’s rules may require a site disclosure statement in some situations. Your lawyer checks whether one is needed so the sale is not delayed.
What I’d tell a friend
Ask your lawyer early whether a site disclosure statement is needed for your property.
Why it matters to you
A statement about past uses can be required before certain approvals. A yes to a listed use can trigger an environmental review, which can delay a permit, a rezoning or a sale.
How to use it in your deal
Owners should complete it carefully based on records and knowledge, since it can trigger further investigation by the province. Buyers should ask the seller whether a statement has been filed and request copies, and check the provincial Site Registry for records. Use it as a starting point for environmental due diligence, not a substitute for a Phase I. Lenders may review it.
Tenants operating listed uses should know their activity may require one at the end of the lease. A statement is often needed before certain permits, rezonings or subdivisions are approved, so missing it can delay a deal. Owners should fill it out honestly, since the province can ask for more investigation. Buyers should ask for any statement already filed and check the site registry.
Mistakes I see
Treating it as a clean bill of health. Skipping a Phase I. Inaccurate answers.
In BC and Vancouver
The Environmental Management Act and Contaminated Sites Regulation set when it's required.
Official sources: Environmental Management Act (BC Laws) · Contaminated Sites Regulation (BC Laws) · Site remediation (Government of BC) · Site information and the Site Registry (Government of BC)
What it is
A site disclosure statement is a form describing past uses of a property that may have caused contamination.
In BC, it may be required for some property uses or applications under environmental rules.
What to know
Requirements can change. Check current rules with a BC lawyer.
Filing it may trigger review by the province and affect timing, so plan for it in your sale schedule.
Questions to ask before you sign
- Was one filed?
- What uses are listed?
- What does the Site Registry show?
- Do I need a Phase I?
Keep reading
Related terms: Contaminated site
- Commercial due diligence checklist for BC buyers
- Environmental due diligence for commercial property in BC
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General information for British Columbia only. It isn’t legal, tax, accounting or financial advice, laws and rates change, and reading it doesn’t make you my client. Any numbers or scenarios are hypothetical. Check the linked official source and talk to a lawyer, accountant or other qualified professional before you act or sign anything. See the terms and disclaimer.