As an Outcome-Based Regulator, Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is committed to continuously improving safety outcomes across Ontario. TSSA has identified an opportunity to strengthen the safe operation of Ontario’s biogas facilities by introducing regular audits aligned with both Gaseous Fuels Regulation, O. Reg. 212/01 and with other sectors under TSSA’s oversight.
Starting in April 2025, TSSA will launch the Biogas Facility Audit Program, which applies to all biogas facilities in Ontario—commonly referred to as digester, landfill, and biogas (DLB) facilities. This program aims to support improved compliance and ensure ongoing safety in the sector.
These audits will roll out in phases over the next three years. TSSA will contact each biogas facility owner directly to schedule their first audit and offer necessary assistance throughout the preparation and audit process. Facilities can anticipate an audit approximately every three years. This audit program is expected to eventually transition to a risk-based model, where high-risk biogas facilities would be audited more frequently than lower risk facilities. TSSA’s inspection rate will be charged for the audits and follow-ups, if one is required. For more information, please read TSSA’s fee schedule.
Audit Parameters
TSSA will continue to conduct initial engineering review and registration of biogas entities to ensure code compliance at the design and construction stage. The new audit program will establish a regular review cycle for code and regulatory compliance from an operational and maintenance perspective, ensuring that audited facilities continue to meet safety and compliance standards and address any emerging risks. Through the audit, facility owners can take greater ownership of compliance by demonstrating that their processes and records meet regulatory requirements.
The audit program will focus on the five primary requirements under the Gaseous Fuels Regulation, O. Reg. 212/01 that are defined as the facility owner’s responsibilities. These responsibilities fit into the following five categories:
1. Site Compliance with applicable regulation and codes
2. Employees’ certification and compliance
3. Incident reporting
4. Identification, action as required and reporting of non-compliances (unacceptable conditions)
5. Compliance to documented Operating and Maintenance Procedures as submitted during initial registration
Owners will be required to address all non-compliances found during the audit and TSSA will do a follow up inspection to ensure any outstanding high-risk safety issues are resolved.
Please refer to the Audit Checklist below for further detail. Explore more information at Biogas Facility Audit Program. For enquiries, please contact TSSA at Tel: 1-877-682-8772 or email: customerservices@tssa.org.
Register for Webinar
Join us for a webinar, through Waste to Resource Ontario's Webinar Series, on Monday, April 28, 2025 at 1 pm for an overview of the new program and an opportunity to ask questions. Please register using this link: Waste to Resource Ontario | W2RO Webinar Series: TSSA Biogas Audit Program Webinar