Some people were hoping that there might be a reprieve or delay on the next phase of Ontario’s Excess Soils Regulation (O. Reg. 406/19: On-Site and Excess Soil Management). However, as the New Year opened, the Resource Productivity & Recovery Authority (RPRA) announced that “From January 1, 2022, construction and development Project Leaders and Operators/Owners of soil Reuse Sites, and Residential Development Soil Depot sites must file notices about how they reuse and...
Read MoreThe Problem of Sewage
As our global and national population continues to grow, there are events that naturally follow. For example, in 1950 the population of Toronto was about 1,068,305. By 2021, the population had risen to 6,254,571. That growth means more homes, more good and services, more roads, more parking lots and rooftops. Where rainwater used to fall onto undeveloped areas, it is now collected, channeled, and in too many cases, combined with sanitary sewage. During times of heavy...
Read More$2.5 Million Fine and Potential Uptick in Enforcement
Maintaining rail lines is an essential part of railroad operations. Quickly growing invasive weeds and woody plants can play havoc and is a safety hazard for railroad operations. Vegetation management is commonly achieved by the application of pesticides (pre and post emergent). Maintaining these lines must be done in a manner that is safe and protective of the environment. Environmental Violations Canadian National (CN) Railway was fined for improper application of...
Read MoreSupreme Court of Canada Sides with First Nations
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,...
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