What's happening with BPA?
In the last two years, there has been lots of public concern about consumer exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) in soft drinks, baby bottles, etc.). Many vendors and retailers withdrew their BPA products; eco leaders now carry metal water bottles instead of plastic. Environment Canada is now plann…
View the post titled What's happening with BPA?MOE bracing for renewable energy approvals
The Ministry of Environment is bracing for the 500 to 800 renewable energy approval applications that they expect to receive once the Ontario Power Authority issues its Feed In Tariff contract offers, starting in March. An approvals team has been assembled. Amid extensive internal consultati…
View the post titled MOE bracing for renewable energy approvalsToxics Reduction Act rolling out
Ontario's hard-pressed manufacturers and mineral processing operations of must therefore make an important choice when they define their "processes" for the first annual report.
View the post titled Toxics Reduction Act rolling outNoisy nosy neighbours
Mr. and Mrs. Monroe were forbidden to operate their air conditioner if it causes sound beyond 55 dB from 7 AM to 10 PM, and 45 dB overnight, measured anywhere along the property boundary.
View the post titled Noisy nosy neighboursGame theory, climate change and Davos
This should have been an easy negotiation, infinitely easier than the climate crisis. Despite that, at least one group refused to to give up its separate existence, even at the price of certain death for all.
View the post titled Game theory, climate change and DavosIs your EPA up to date?
A reader has asked me to remind everyone: Make sure your copy of Ontario environmental laws is up to date. A number of amendments came into effect on January 1, 2010, especially those relating to enforcement powers and integration with other statutes such as the Safe Drinking Water Act and t…
View the post titled Is your EPA up to date?Approvals Reform, at last?
After years of complaints about the economic drag created by Ontario’s sclerotic environmental approval process, something may finally be about to change. Environment Minister Gerretsen has announced the formal beginning of consultations on the long-overdue transformation agenda for Ap…
View the post titled Approvals Reform, at last?Why no minimum fines in the SDWA?
Minimum fines would be particularly inappropriate in dealing with municipalities, almost all of whom already provided safe water before the Walkerton disaster.
View the post titled Why no minimum fines in the SDWA?Courts, the environment and big fines
When I was a young lawyer, fines up for even the most egregious environmental offences tended to be very small. In one famous case, R.v. Cyanamid, proof of enormous pollution was punished with a $1 fine. Judges used to groan when we environmental prosecutors came into their courtrooms, compl…
View the post titled Courts, the environment and big finesCity goes to bat for neighbours of cement plant
In an unusual move, the City of Toronto has sought and obtained leave to appeal the air certificate of approval issued to an existing cement plant. The plant had been the subject of numerous complaints from local residents, relating to dust and noise. The Ministry of the Environment issued a…
View the post titled City goes to bat for neighbours of cement plantReceive Blog Posts
By subscribing to our blog, you will receive an email when a new post is added. You can unsubscribe at any time by sending an email to us at [email protected] with the word “unsubscribe” in the subject line.