In our annual informal survey at CANECT, we asked those in attendance, “What is the most important environmental issue facing the regulated community?” One of the common themes was keeping up with changing regulatory requirements. Perhaps nothing exemplifies this frustration more (trying to keep up with and understand your obligations) than the issue of excess soil (policy/practices/regulation). In 2016, we wrote an article in Environmental Science and Engineering (“How...
Read MoreChanges in Ontario: Environmental Commissioner’s Office and TRA Eliminated
While the environmental violation by Air Liquide Canada happened two years ago (April 2017), the matter was recently settled in court. The violation, a release of 815 kilograms of ammonia, resulted in some people seeking shelter and one person who experienced eye and throat irritation. For Air Liquide Canada, it cost them $100,000 and another $25,000 victim surcharge (paid to the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks). This violation was relatively minor when...
Read MoreEnvironmental Emergency Regulations and Upcoming Final Regulations
In August 2019, the updated Environmental Emergency (E2 Regulations) will officially repeal and replace the existing Environmental Emergency Regulations. What exactly does this mean and how can you prepare now for updated E2 Regulations? We provide some details below. As we stated in October 2016, the E2 Regulations are, in principle, based on, and in response to, the 1984 disaster in Bhopal, India. That 1984 incident released 40 tonnes of methyl isocyanate and resulted...
Read More“Green” Canada and Sustainability: 26 Targets Outlined by the Federal Government
While most everyone is familiar with efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), what is far less familiar is the federal government’s focus on the larger issue of sustainability. For background, see the Federal Sustainability Development Act. Making Canada One of the “Greenest Countries in the World” This ambitious sustainability plan was recently updated (13 March 2019). As stated in the report, it includes “…13 aspirational goals supported by measurable targets...
Read MoreReleases to the Environment, Hefty Fines, and Controversial Regulations
Attempts to create a safer workplace and reduce risks of releases are as old as mankind. The Code of Hammurabi from about 1750 BCE addressed building codes, and Lloyds of London’s first registry addressed safety and risk dating back to 1834. Today, we have entire disciplines devoted to reducing these risks. We also have laws and regulations with respect to chemical handling, management, and disposal. Through modern safety and risk management practices, we have greatly...
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