Complying with environmental regulations is becoming increasingly complex as there are more regulations (see our February 8, 2023, blog regarding increased regulatory activity) and more regulatory enforcement. Below we highlight some recent environmental enforcement activity. Release of Gasoline Ends with a $1 Million Fine Not exactly what you might consider a typical environmental enforcement “target,” but Enterprise Rent-A-Car (Enterprise) handles fuel, which poses a...
Read MoreCustomers of Lenders and Insurers Can Expect GHG Reporting
As we discussed in our November 4, 2022, blog, Canada is moving forward with mandatory climate-related risk disclosures for federally-regulated banks and insurance companies in 2024. It is anticipated that this will affect 400 institutions and their customers across Canada. On March 7, 2023, The Office of Superintendent of Financial Institution (OSFI) released “Guideline B-15: Climate Risk Management.” This guideline will govern the methods the financial sector in...
Read MoreSeven Questions Regarding Excess Soil Management in Ontario
With the key phase of the excess soil regulation in Ontario now in place (as of January 1, 2023), preparing for and managing excess soil has become of vital importance for construction-related projects in 2023. For an overview of the Excess Soil Regulations, see our December 22, 2022, blog “Ontario Excess Soil Requirements for 2023.” Below are some common questions we have seen regarding Excess Soil. This is not comprehensive. We encourage you to read the regulations...
Read MoreEnvironmental Enforcement and Fines
In our February 8, 2023 blog, we discussed the apparent trend of more environmental regulations and increasing environmental enforcement at the federal and provincial levels. Whether the data support this anticipated trend is something we will monitor. In the meantime, below, we share some recent enforcement news. Niagara Falls Company Fine Hits Six Figures Between a fine and victim surcharge, a chemical company in Niagara Falls, Ontario, (Cytec Canada) will pay...
Read MoreHealth Canada Releases Proposed PFAS Standards
In several of our past blogs, we discussed the developing attention by regulators to the environmental contaminants known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). You may recall the April 2021 announcement by Health Canada: “Notice of intent to address the broad class of PFAS.” In accordance with that April 2021 notice of intent, Health Canada announced on February 10, 2023, the “Draft objective for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in Canadian drinking water.”...
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