In our environmental site assessments, we evaluate chemicals (in soil, water, and air) based on regulatory standards established by the provincial or federal government. These limits are established based on what is protective of human health and the environment. Canadian Health Measures Survey Looking, specifically, at the human health aspect is the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS). This survey, among other things, tests humans (blood and urine) for certain...
Read MoreOntario Auditor General Report and Environmental Targets and Monitoring
The focus of our blogs, environmental compliance tips, webinars, etc…is typically on the nuts and bolts of environmental compliance, assessment, and remediation. Occasionally, we look at the bigger picture issues because they may eventually have some bearing on the nuts and bolts issues. One of those big picture issues is a look at the annual report from the Auditor General of Ontario. You may recall that since 1994 the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario (ECO) had acted...
Read MoreConstruction Activity May Benefit from Proposed Changes to Water Taking
The Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks (MECP) is proposing amendments to Ontario Regulation 63/16 to allow a greater number of “low risk, short-term water-taking activities” to register on the Environmental Activity and Sector Registry (EASR) instead of obtaining a Permit to Take Water (PTTW) or Environmental Compliance Approval. In the Discussion Paper provided by the MECP they state, “These amendments include introducing low risk pumping tests with well...
Read MoreEnvironmental Violations Lead to Fines
Environmental violations and the subsequent penalties can take months or years to “settle.” When the violation is of federal environmental laws, there is the potential prospect of getting your name added to the Environmental Offenders Registry. According to the Government of Canada, “The registry includes convictions of corporations obtained through court proceedings. Court prosecutions are one of several enforcement measures that may be used when violations or potential...
Read MoreRedeveloping Brownfield Sites in Ontario
Which will work better for your new commercial development? A Brownfield or a Greenfield? A site with an “environmental history” obviously presents some complications, but if the location is right and the price is appealing, then the Brownfield Site may hold greater value. The old school of thought that suggested you dismiss out of hand, old industrial sites and focus only on Greenfields, may mean you are missing out on the ideal location. Thanks to the Records of Site...
Read MoreCanadian Companies Face Environmental Enforcement in Canada and the US
Environmental Enforcement stories tend to get attention. Sometimes it’s an indication of a trend or enforcement initiative, or it may be that a case has reached a conclusion. Regardless, they are usually interesting unless, of course, it hits too close to home. The two enforcement cases below couldn’t be more different. The first case was interesting because we have been following the ongoing enforcement at dry cleaners in Canada… the second because it crosses the border...
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