We recently discussed an environmental dispute between Domtar and a First Nations Community that may be headed to court. Another First Nations dispute settled recently in the Nation’s highest court, the Supreme Court of Canada. While the case is not what I thought at first glance (excess water), it is an interesting “history lesson” nonetheless. The Lac Seul First Nation Land Flooded The issue dates back to the 1920s when Canada and the provinces of Manitoba and Ontario...
Read MoreMinistry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks Proposing Four New Initiatives
The Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks (MECP) is proposing four new initiatives. According to the MECP these initiatives include: Providing better tools and creating clear and consistent guidelines for municipalities that they may use to make land-use planning decisions that will reduce noise and odour impacts from industry. Proposing guidance on how industrial facilities, development proponents, and other members of the regulated community can anticipate,...
Read MoreUpdates on PFAS in Canada, Regulating Plastics, and a Diamond Mine Fine
An update to our May 3rd blog where we discussed per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and a recent report of a release. In that blog, we shared news about a PFAS release. From our May 3rd blog, “Here is what we know about the site impacted by PFAS. Nine properties have been provided bottled water for cooking and drinking as the Department of National Defence addresses the presence PFAS substances near 22 Wing/Canadian Forces Base North Bay.” We also stated that PFAS...
Read MorePlastic Manufactured Items are Now Toxic Under CEPA
Certain plastic manufactured items in Canada are now considered a toxic substance under Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA). For environmental groups this is a victory. For industry groups it is a point of frustration. Plastics have proven to be incredibly useful across industries for decades. They reduce weight in cars (increasing gas mileage), they protect and preserve foods and make packing lighter for transportation, they are used in...
Read MoreManaging Excess Soils at Aggregates and Quarries in Ontario
Funded, but not endorsed by the Ministry of the Environment Conservation and Parks (MECP), was a recent report “Best Management Practices for Aggregate Pit and Quarry Rehabilitation in Ontario.” The document was developed in March 2021 by the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers. BMP for Excess Soils The purpose of the document is stated as “The BMPs are intended to assist Qualified Persons (QPs), municipalities, aggregate licensees, and operators in evaluating options...
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