The law of unintended consequences says actions of people, and especially of government, always have effects that are unanticipated or unintended. This may aptly describe the first of two recent environmental-related news stories below. These unintended consequences can, at times, be avoided, or at least limited, by careful planning and by full consideration in the multitude of counsel. At a minimum, we are reminded to thoroughly consider that next project before moving...
Read MorePer- and Poly-fluoroalkyl Substances: What We Know and Don’t Know
If you do a Google search (on google.ca) for PFAS, in about a half a second, you’ll have more than 60 million hits. Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are potentially an important issue for human health, the environment, and the regulated community. What exactly are PFAS? Should you be concerned about them? PFAS have been linked to a variety of health effects from developmental issues to cancer. They are also persistent and can bioaccumulate (build up in the...
Read MoreUse and Environmental Management of Natural Resources in Canada
When it comes to natural resources in Canada, we’ve made the most of our abundant resources. So much so that our natural resources account for 17% of the Gross Domestic Product, and nearly two million people in Canada are employed (directly or indirectly) getting these resources to market. The mining, use, and management of various natural resources is often lauded and vilified in the same sentence. Some of these natural resources are essential for life. Improper uses or...
Read MoreDo You Know if You Need a Permit to Take Water?
Do you need a permit to take water (PTTW)? You might be surprised. This regulation may apply to your current business activities. To avoid a potential violation, make sure you understand the PTTW permitting requirements. Also, as we point out below, document your activities. When am I required to apply for a PTTW? In Ontario, under the Ontario Water Resources Act and Ontario Regulation 387/04, you are generally required to have a permit if you are taking 50,000 litres...
Read MoreFish Kills, Monetary Fines, Embarrassing Notices, and Concerns About Excess Soil
Most of the environmental issues that we routinely address in the regulated community are not going to make the evening news. They are just not newsworthy. However, when those issues reach the point of violations/enforcement, or when there is distrust regarding the proposed activity, there is plenty of press. From a “risk communication” standpoint, these prickly issues fall into consensus and crises communication. Release Leads to Fish Kill The fire and subsequent...
Read MoreEnergy Company Fined and Heated Debate Over Energy and Climate Continue
A subsidiary of Husky Energy was fined nearly four million dollars for a spill from a pipeline. The issue dates back to June 2016 when 225,000 litres of diluted crude was released near the North Saskatchewan River – 90,000 litres reached the river. The company vice president of pipelines, Duane Rae, said the “damage has been done to both the company’s reputation and the entire Western Canadian energy industry.” Husky’s release was in violation of the Fisheries Act and the...
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