Scorecard of North American pollution
5.5 billion kilograms of toxic pollutant releases and transfers were reported in 2005. Canadian and US petroleum refineries and bulk storage terminals, alone, release about 7 million kilograms of carcinogens and developmental or reproductive toxicants every year.
Continue reading the post titled Scorecard of North American pollutionInfrastructure P3 builders liable for nuisance
Similar facts could easily arise on many other infrastructure projects across Canada; there is almost always a more expensive alternative that would reduce disruption for nearby residents and businesses. And governments rarely select that alternative.
Continue reading the post titled Infrastructure P3 builders liable for nuisanceNot every spill is an offence
The Ontario Court of Justice has acquitted a company that spilled caustic soda on a road, on the grounds that the spill did not cause an adverse effect.
Continue reading the post titled Not every spill is an offenceSlow Death by Rubber Duck
People rapidly absorb toxic chemicals from even two days’ exposure to typical consumer products, and governments don't protect us.
Continue reading the post titled Slow Death by Rubber DuckNew Approach to Air Reg. 419/05
Ontario hopes to reduce its transaction costs (and, perhaps, to avoid a court challenge to its O.Reg. 419/05) by grouping more than one facility within a sector, and by offering some sectors the option to use technology-based standards instead of points of impingement.
Continue reading the post titled New Approach to Air Reg. 419/05Federal carbon offset system, 2.0
This week, the Conservatives announced a summary of their own carbon offset system and promised more detailed rules in the fall. They look a lot like the ones we almost had in 2005.
Continue reading the post titled Federal carbon offset system, 2.0Why won't environmental consultants stand behind their work?
Why won't Canada's environmental consultants stand behind their work?
Continue reading the post titled Why won't environmental consultants stand behind their work?Green Energy Act Regulations released
The Ministries of Environment and Natural Resources have released draft regulations that could allow them to start issuing renewable energy approvals early next year.
Continue reading the post titled Green Energy Act Regulations releasedU.S. upsurge in environmental enforcement
Since Canada usually follows the US on environmental matters, it’s exciting to see that significant improvements have begun in US environmental enforcement. US EPA administrator, Lisa Jackson, has signalled a renewed emphasis on “environmental justice”, the exposure of poor and minority com…
Continue reading the post titled U.S. upsurge in environmental enforcementOverview of Bill 150, as passed
By popular request, here is a Green Energy Act overview that summarizes Bill 150, the Green Energy and Green Economy Act, as it stands after third reading. Meanwhile, work on the regulations is proceeding feverishly in several ministries. George Smitherman is determined to get the new system…
Continue reading the post titled Overview of Bill 150, as passed