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...
Read MoreChemicals Management Plan Update
In the eighth issue of the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) Progress report, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), along with Health Canada, provided their half-year update on the assessment of chemical substances. The 11-page document provides a more-detailed look at the evaluation process, including microbeads, which we have discussed in the past. Below are a couple of notable new updates to the CMP. Asbestos What’s the latest regarding asbestos prohibition? “The...
Read MoreThe Duty to Consult
In Duty to consult with Aboriginal peoples of Ontario, the Provincial Government of Ontario states that, “Ontario, as the Crown, has a legal obligation to consult with Aboriginal peoples where it contemplates decisions or actions that may adversely impact asserted or established Aboriginal or treaty rights. Ontario is committed to meeting its duty to consult with First Nations and Métis communities.” This consultation, according to a July 14, 2017, Ontario Divisional Court...
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