In 2017, we saw several changes to environmental protection at the provincial level. Just last month, we discussed some of the changes at the Ontario Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. Last fall, we shared the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario’s report with their suggested changes. However, change isn’t confined to the province. The Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) may also be undergoing changes of its own. Reporting under CEPA includes the...
Read MoreReorganization at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change
On January 12th, we shared the report from the Office of Auditor General of Ontario that stated the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) environmental approval program was, “…not effectively managing the risks to the environment and human health from polluting activities.” In that same report, there were several recommendation made to the MOECC. Last month we shared the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario’s Report in which additional recommendations were...
Read MorePFAS: An Emerging Environmental Contaminant
It was about a year ago when we mentioned the emerging regulatory concern related to a particular class of persistent organic chemicals: Polybrominated Diphenyl Esters (PBDEs) (see PBDE: An Emerging Environmental Regulatory Concern?). There is another group of persistent organic chemicals that have been making news, not just in Canada, but across North America and elsewhere. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of chemicals that includes...
Read MoreEnvironmental Commissioner of Ontario’s Report
On October 24, 2017, the Ontario Environmental Commissioner, Dianne Sax, released her 2017 Environmental Protection Report entitled, Good Choices, Bad Choices: Environmental Rights and Environmental Protection in Ontario, to the Ontario Legislature. According to the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario’s (ECO) website, the commissioner is an independent “environmental watchdog” appointed by an all-party committee. The ECO’s lengthy report includes 8 Chapters. The report...
Read MoreAssessing and Understanding Health and Environmental Risks
Is “it” regulated and/or is “it” an environmental contaminant of concern? That depends. It depends because the regulation of chemicals, as well as exposure pathways, change. In some cases, change is quick and by a lot. So the answer to that question will depend on when you ask. The changing regulatory landscape is one of many challenges for those managing environmental risks. Below are some updates on a couple of chemicals/groups (phthalates/BENPAT [1,4-Benzenediamine,...
Read MoreSix-Figure Fine for Stormwater Violations
Earlier this year, the Ontario Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) fined a subcontractor $600,000 for the discharge of “sediment-laden water” into nearby streams, for not reporting the discharge, and for failing to employ the best management practices. According to the news release, a stormwater and erosion prevention plan was submitted for review and approved by the MOECC. It is noteworthy that the main contractor was exonerated because it was specifically...
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