While it may not be well known by many, the precautionary principle has clearly found its way into Canadian law and may impact future management decisions regarding environmental issues. What is the precautionary principle? Some have said it boils down to better safe than sorry. However, the working definition will depend, in part, on who you ask. In fact, there may be as many as a dozen definitions, but the two main definitions are the Rio Declaration and the Wingspread...
Read MoreOntario’s GHG Cap and Trade Program Takes Shape
If you follow our blogs, then you may recall that on April 24th we discussed the pending Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Cap and Trade Program for Ontario. We mentioned then that we would keep you updated as we learn more about the nuts and bolts of this program. And what we know currently is based on a recent release from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC). On September 14, 2015, the MOECC issued a notice seeking comments on proposed amendments to the GHG...
Read MorePermitting Water Withdrawal in Ontario
Protecting Ontario’s more than 250,000 lakes, which represents about 20% of the world’s fresh water, while avoiding overly burdensome regulations is an ongoing challenge. One of the ways fresh water is protected in Ontario is by permitting more significant water withdrawal events. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) requires those who withdraw water to obtain a Permit to Take Water (PTTW). The source law regarding PTTW is found in the Ontario Water...
Read MorePlant Closures and Decommissioning: Essential Environmental Considerations
According to the technical definition of a two-quarter economic slump, we are in an official recession in Canada. While I’m not an economist, I would venture to guess that commodity prices, especially crude oil prices dropping so dramatically, have had a disproportionate impact on the Canadian economy. In any regard, as businesses mull over what this may or may not mean to future demands for goods and services, including at least a consideration of consolidation, we...
Read MoreLegislating Changes in Microbead Use in Canada
It’s rare when those on the political right and political left agree on an environmental issue. It’s even rarer when environmental groups and industry groups can agree on the same environmental issue. And, when this general agreement crosses boarders, not just between Canada and the United States, but across the “big pond,” we have something truly unique. Microbeads The subject of this (general) agreement surrounds the issue of the use of microbeads and their fate in the...
Read MoreNew Focus on Air Quality in Ontario
In case you missed it, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) recently proposed three “Air Zones” for the province. According to the June 22, 2015, announcement, the Zones will be the following: Air Zone 1 – Areas with limited pollution from either point or non-point sources or transboundary influence; where air quality management activities are focused on maintaining good air quality. Air Zone 2 – Areas under pressure from multiple sources including some or...
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