One textbook definition of pollution is, “A substance present in greater than natural concentration as a result of human activity that has a net detrimental effect upon its environment or upon something of value in that environment” (Environmental Chemistry, Ninth Edition). Not bad, but even this definition is loaded with qualifiers.
For those of us who have environmental management responsibilities, we need to clearly understand not only the textbook definition of pollution, but the regulatory definition and what the public may view as pollution.
Further, as environmental professionals, there are many news outlets and reports we need to monitor to better understand the public perception of pollution in Canada; chief among them is Environment Canada’s National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI).
As you are likely aware, under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999), owners or operators of facilities that meet reporting requirements published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, are required to report to the NPRI. The most recent NPRI data (reviewed 2013 NPRI Facility Reported Data) is now available online.
As an aside, if you are in Ontario, this data is the basis for Toxic Substance Reduction Plan requirements (O. Reg. 455/09).
NPRI Data
This NPRI data is available to the public and can be sorted and downloaded by province, industry, and substance. And, for example, if you are curious about the manufacturing plant down the road, you can use the NPRI database to see if they have reported any discharges (air, water, land) to Environment Canada.
Environment Canada has also made their website very interactive. Using Google EarthTM, you can zoom in on any facility that has reported to NPRI, and, with a couple of clicks, you will know substances reported, how much was released, and if the release was to water, air, or land.
But all of this information online is really just (relatively) raw data. And, as we know, data can be used and misused, including by those who may have, or may not have, honourable motives.
With this said, you may want to take a few minutes to review your data online, first, make sure it is accurate and up-to-date, and also, to make sure you are on the “same page” with others who may have questions about your company’s NPRI data. In the past, we have noticed that NPRI data for some of our clients was not updated and included substances that were no longer in use at their facility.
As another aside, you might also take a few minutes to review our suggested 5 Environmental Resolutions for 2015, which are just some recommendations to help you stay ahead of the environmental compliance curve.
Contact the Environmental Consulting Experts
If you have questions about the NPRI database, or if you are not sure what reporting obligations you may have, feel free to drop me a line at cpare@dragun.com or call me at 519-979-7300.