Course Overview
This one‑day course provides a practical introduction to risk‑based land use planning (RBLUP) and the
application of Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) and MIACC guidelines in evaluating and managing
industrial risks. Participants learn how to interpret risk information, assess land‑use compatibility, and
integrate risk‑based criteria into planning and development decisions. The course is designed for
land‑use planners, fire department personnel, municipal planning staff, and professionals involved in
industrial development review.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Explain the purpose and principles of risk‑based land use planning.
- Interpret MIACC guidelines and apply them to land‑use compatibility decisions.
- Understand the structure, inputs, and outputs of a QRA.
- Identify industrial hazards and evaluate their potential off‑site impacts.
- Apply risk‑based criteria in planning, zoning, and development review.
- Communicate risk information to decision‑makers and the public.
Hourly Course Delivery Schedule
08:30 – 09:00
Registration and Introductions
Course overview, participant backgrounds, expectations.
09:00 – 10:00
Module 1: Foundations of Risk‑Based Land Use Planning
Concepts, history, regulatory context.
10:00 – 11:00
Module 2: MIACC Guidelines and Application
Risk thresholds, risk contours, compatibility matrices.
11:00 – 11:15
Break
11:15 – 12:15
Module 3: Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA)
Methodology, inputs, outputs, interpretation.
12:15 – 13:00
Lunch
13:00 – 14:00
Module 4: Industrial Hazards and Environmental Risk Assessment
Hazard types, consequence modeling, environmental pathways.
14:00 – 15:00
Module 5: Applying Risk‑Based Criteria in Planning
Development review, zoning, permitting.
15:00 – 15:15
Break
15:15 – 16:15
Module 6: Case Studies and Practical Exercises
Real‑world examples, group analysis.
16:15 – 16:30
Wrap‑Up and Q&A
Instructor Script and Course Content
Module 1 – Foundations of Risk‑Based Land Use Planning (09:00–10:00)
Introduction to Risk‑Based Land Use Planning
Risk‑based land use planning integrates hazard identification, consequence analysis, and risk tolerance
criteria into decisions about where development should occur and under what conditions. It provides a
structured approach for managing risks from industrial facilities, pipelines, and hazardous operations.
Purpose and Context
- Improve public safety by reducing exposure to industrial hazards.
- Support transparent and defensible planning decisions.
- Align land‑use decisions with industrial risk profiles.
- Provide a consistent framework for municipalities and fire departments.
Key Risk Concepts
- Individual risk and societal risk.
- Frequency, consequence, and vulnerability.
- ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable) principles.
- Differences between prescriptive and risk‑based approaches.
Regulatory Framework
- MIACC guidelines as national reference material.
- Provincial and municipal responsibilities.
- Integration with municipal development plans, area structure plans, and permitting processes.
Module 2 – MIACC Guidelines and Application (10:00–11:00)
Overview of MIACC
The Major Industrial Accidents Council of Canada (MIACC) developed national guidance for managing
risks associated with major industrial hazards. Although MIACC is no longer active, its guidelines remain
widely used by municipalities and industry.
MIACC Risk Thresholds
- Individual risk contours: 10⁻⁴, 10⁻⁵, 10⁻⁶ per year.
- Societal risk criteria using F‑N curves.
- Thresholds for sensitive land uses such as schools, hospitals, and residential areas.
Land‑Use Compatibility
- Interpreting risk contour maps.
- Determining appropriate setback distances.
- Applying compatibility matrices to proposed developments.
- Identifying when mitigation or additional analysis is required.
Integration into Planning Processes
- Reviewing development applications.
- Coordinating with fire departments and industrial operators.
- Documenting decisions and maintaining transparency
Module 3 – Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) (11:15–12:15)
Purpose of QRA
A QRA quantifies the likelihood and consequences of hazardous events to estimate risk to people,
property, and the environment. It provides a technical basis for land‑use decisions.
Components of a QRA
- Hazard identification (HAZID).
- Frequency analysis using historical data and failure rate databases.
- Consequence modeling for fire, explosion, and toxic release scenarios.
- Risk calculation and generation of risk contours.
Reviewing QRA Outputs
- Understanding assumptions and limitations.
- Evaluating model inputs and boundary conditions.
- Identifying uncertainties and sensitivity factors.
- Assessing mitigation options and their impact on risk.
Module 4 – Industrial Hazards and Environmental Risk Assessment (13:00–14:00)
Industrial Hazard Types
- Flammable and explosive materials.
- Toxic chemicals and gases.
- High‑pressure systems and pipelines.
- Storage tanks and transfer operations.
Environmental Risk Assessment
- Pathways: air, soil, groundwater, surface water.
- Acute vs. chronic environmental impacts.
- Integration with land‑use planning and permitting
Consequence Modeling Tools
- Thermal radiation modeling for fires.
- Overpressure modeling for explosions.
- Dispersion modeling for toxic releases.
- Understanding model outputs and limitations.
Module 5 – Applying Risk‑Based Criteria in Planning (14:00–15:00)
Development Review
- Evaluating proposed developments near industrial facilities.
- Reviewing QRA reports submitted by proponents.
- Identifying gaps, inconsistencies, or missing information.
- Determining when additional analysis is required
Zoning and Policy Tools
- Hazard overlay zones.
- Notification areas and disclosure requirements.
- Conditional uses and development conditions.
- Long‑range planning considerations.
Municipal and Fire Department Roles
- Fire department technical review and hazard assessment.
- Planning department decision‑making and documentation.
- Coordination with industrial operators and regulators.
Module 6 – Case Studies and Practical Exercises (15:15–16:15)
Case Study Examples
- Residential development near a chemical facility.
- Pipeline corridor planning and setback evaluation.
- Industrial expansion and compatibility assessment.
Group Exercise
Participants review a simplified QRA package and:
- Interpret risk contours.
- Identify key hazards and assumptions.
- Recommend land‑use compatibility decisions.
- Discuss potential mitigation measures.
Lessons Learned
- Importance of clear documentation.
- Common pitfalls in interpreting QRA results.
- Communicating risk to decision‑makers and the public.
References
- MIACC: Risk‑Based Land Use Planning Guidelines.
- Quantitative Risk Assessment methodologies and industry standards.
- Environmental risk assessment frameworks.
- Municipal planning legislation and industrial risk management best practices.