Michipicoten First Nation and Domtar are at odds over an environmental matter that reportedly is affecting the First Nation Community. Michipicoten Preparing for Legal Action against Domtar According to a CBC Report, “An Indigenous community in northern Ontario says it’s preparing legal action against pulp and paper producer Domtar, alleging the company isn’t cleaning up contamination.” The CBC report says that the Michipicoten First Nation is alleging substances from...
Read More“Huge” PFAS Agreement in Ontario
In our May 3, 2021 blog (“PFAS Contamination and Release to Lake Ontario”), we briefly reported on the PFAS contamination from a Department of National Defence (DND) site in North Bay, Ontario. Now, according to North Bay Councillor, Chris Mayne, the City of North Bay and the DND have reached a “huge agreement.” Background Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of more than 9,000 chemicals that have been used in consumer and industrial products (including...
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 MoreHazardous and Special Products Regulation Comes into Force on July 1st
The current Ontario Municipal Hazardous or Special Waste (MHSW) Program (2008) is scheduled to come to an end. Replacing it (July 1, 2021) will be the Hazardous and Special Products regulation (under the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, 2016 [RRCEA]). Products Affected by the Regulation According to the Environmental Registry of Ontario, “We have finalized the Hazardous and Special Products (HSP) regulation that will make producers of hazardous and special...
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), protect and preserve foods, and make packing lighter for transportation, they are used in...
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