How long is the WFER form valid?
Three years from date of completion/verification, or until there is a major process change at the facility or there are revisions to the facility's operating approval.

How does a company select a consultant for verification?
The selection of the consultant is the responsibility of the waste facility. The selected consultant must, however be credible. WCAR strongly recommends that verification of the WFER form should be completed by an individual or organization with a strong background in environmental management, environmental auditing and/or risk assessment. In particular, individuals who are certified or have a professional designation (i.e., CEA, P. Eng. P. Biol.) from an organization, which has an enforceable code of conduct available in the event of unsatisfactory performance, are recommended.

Does the consultant have to verify (i.e., initial) each copy of a WFER to be distributed by a client waste facility?
No. In most cases, a photocopy of each page of the WFER form and supporting documentation is acceptable to the waste generator. However, many consultants attach a declaration to the completed WFER form that affirms the copy is complete. This declaration identifies the number of pages and provides a list of attachments. Some waste facilities prefer to offer either photocopies or originals to their potential clients.

Who owns/distributes the WFER?
The facility having the WFER verified owns the WFER. They can use the verified WFER as a business development tool (for any customer, not just WCAR companies. They can distribute the document on their own or through the verifier.

Who/what is WCAR?
WCAR is an acronym for the Western Canadian Auditing Roundtable. The membership of WCAR is a multi-sectoral group of companies that have common interests who regularly meet to exchange ideas on issues of mutual concern outlined in the WCAR Mission Statement and Goals. Consultants and waste service companies are not extended membership in WCAR.

What is the Basel Convention?
An international accord, signed by Canada in addition to over 110 other countries and independent states, to help manage the trans-boundary movement of hazardous waste. As part of this convention, there is a standard approach to define waste management facilities. These definitions are adopted by the WFER form.

How much does a WFER verification cost?
The cost depends on the size and complexity of the facility to be verified as well as the location of the facility. Costs can be minimized if a facility provides complete responses to the WFER inquiries prior to having a consultant initiate the verification. Typical costs have been reported at $1500 - $5000, depending upon complexity.

Is WFER recognized across Canada?
Yes. Many of the WCAR companies that initiated the WFER process have a national presence. In addition, many WCAR member companies may not have national operations, but their waste is moved to facilities in other jurisdictions (e.g., Ontario) and require those facilities to complete a WFER form. WCAR is actively promoting WFER’s use across Canada. To date, WFERs have been completed in every province from New Brunswick through to B.C.

Why is a verifier required?
The WFER form is intended to provide factual, objective information that can be depended upon by the waste generator to evaluate the technical capabilities of the facility, and potential liabilities associated with facility use. The WFER verifier ensures two main objectives:

Choosing a reputable verifier will add credibility to WFER information.

Why should I complete a WFER form?
Many generators currently require an environmental assessment or audit of the waste contractors they intend to do business with. These assessments are usually tailored to the immediate needs of the waste generator's due diligence program(s). Unfortunately for the waste facility, each waste generator seeking a contract would have his/her own facility assessment to complete and, furthermore, the process would also require periodic updates. Some facilities found themselves completing several of these assessments every month, which consumes a lot of effort.

The WFER form does not replace the individual waste generator's assessment criteria, but it does provide the waste generator with the information that is required to complete their assessments in-house, although many will still want to make a (much shorter) site visit. The waste facility can substantially reduce the amount of time and effort required to qualify themselves for contracts with potential clients.

Furthermore, some large companies, most notably the members of WCAR, have made the completion of the WFER form a prerequisite to establishing waste management contracts.

Do I need a WFER form if my facility does not require a regulatory approval to operate?
While several environmental agencies (Alberta Environmental Protection, Alberta Energy and Utility Board and the Ontario MOE) support this initiative, completing a WFER form is not governed by any regulatory process. Some waste generators require a WFER form as a precursor to establishing a contract regardless of the type of facility or the regulations that affect its operation. Since portions of the WFER form are designed to transcribe information of the specific operating practices of the facility (that may be covered in an approval), the WFER form can assemble information for facilities that do not require operating approvals as well as facilities with an approval.