Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been identified as a group of contaminants of concern around the globe. While used for decades in a variety of consumer and industrial products, in recent years there has been growing concern that this group of chemicals may pose risks to human health and the environment. What Are PFAS? PFAS are a group of manmade fluorinated compounds that have been widely used in commerce. Estimates with respect to the number of PFAS...
Read MoreNatural Resources Getting More Attention
There is a global focus on renewable energy and the natural resources needed for this energy. With the conflict in Europe, other natural resources, including oil and gas are also increasingly important. Canada is one of the richest natural resource nations and should be in a good position to meet this increased demand for natural resources. Global Natural Resources According to Mining Digital Magazine, Russia ranks first globally in natural resources (valued at $75...
Read MoreEnvironmental Violations
Mishaps occur in life. When they happen in the environmental protection profession, there is usually a price to pay, in some cases a steep price. The profiles below involve one six-figure fine; the others are relatively early in the evaluation or hearing process. Six-Figure Fine A Nova Scotia mining company violated the federal Fisheries Act and will pay a six-figure fine as a result. According to the release from the Government of Canada, Atlantic Mining NS Inc....
Read MoreSignificant Changes Proposed to Canadian Environmental Protection Act
Significant changes to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) have been introduced in the Senate Bill (S5), “Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act.” The Senate completed the first reading on February 9, 2022. What is CEPA? According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, “CEPA is Canada’s cornerstone federal environmental protection law that protects Canadians and the environment. Over the years, CEPA has been used to...
Read MoreGovernment Proposals to Reduce Methane from Landfills
As Canada seeks to reduce their Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions, they are looking at various sources of GHGs, including methane from landfills. This focus on methane led to the release of two “measures” to address methane. The first measure is outlined in a document by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), “Landfill Methane Recovery and Destruction.” The draft document was available as of January (2022). Federal Offset Protocol According to the news release on...
Read MoreManaging Excess Soils in Ontario: Requirements for 2022
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...
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