Hidden contamination: it wasn’t my tank!
Two Vancouver families have had an expensive nightmare due to an leaking underground storage tank.
Continue reading the post titled Hidden contamination: it wasn’t my tank!Phytoremediation of contaminated sites
There are an estimated 30,000 contaminated sites in Canada. These include properties like former gas stations, factories, or rail yards that are contaminated by heavy metals, organic compounds, or other toxins. Redevelopment of these sites, which are often found in prime downtown areas, is important to provincial and local governments.
Continue reading the post titled Phytoremediation of contaminated sitesBuilding excellence in the business of water
Bill 72, The Water Opportunities and Water Conservation Act.[i], received first reading on May 18, 2010. Once granted Royal Assent, the Act is expected to advance water treatment technology, create jobs, promote water conservation and sustain water infrastructure. The Water Opportunities Act would: [ii],[iii]
Continue reading the post titled Building excellence in the business of waterWas BP evil or unlucky?
Did the Gulf oil spill occur because BP was negligent or unlucky? Â They may have been merely unlucky; the sorts of tradeoffs that they made are likely common in the oil industry. Still, it was inevitable, given the scale of the spill, that BP would be vilified and probably prosecuted. It is always popular to...
Continue reading the post titled Was BP evil or unlucky?Redefining conservation, or waste and duplication?
Redefining Conservation is the Ontario Environmental Commissioner’s annual report for 2009/ 2010. The report is full of good advice on the usual themes, including the chronic shortage of resources for environmental protection, the many ways that our land use planning fails to protect habitat and species, and the need for much greater commitment to energy...
Continue reading the post titled Redefining conservation, or waste and duplication?Federal environmental assessment shrinks
Eliminating federal EA makes it less likely that cumulative impacts will be evaluated, such as climate change.
Continue reading the post titled Federal environmental assessment shrinksKyoto Protocol Implementation decision tomorrow
On March 25, the Supreme Court of Canada will decide Friends of the Earth’s application for leave to appeal. In 2006, FOE asked the Federal Court of Canada to order the Harper government to comply with a valid Canadian statute on managing climate change, the Kyoto Protocol Implementation Act. The government admits that it does not comply....
Continue reading the post titled Kyoto Protocol Implementation decision tomorrowThe Samsung agreement and access to the grid
The most troubling aspect of the Samsung deal (beside the price) is its impact on the availability of transmission for other renewable energy generators.
Continue reading the post titled The Samsung agreement and access to the gridEnvironmental Penalties higher in 2009
The Ministry of the Environment issued more environmental penalties in 2009: 13, totalling over $107,000. Although the total is still small, this is a significant increase over the 6 EP, totalling $69,583, that the Ministry issued in 2008. Companies were able to obtain reductions of up to 25% through negotiations with the Director, though the...
Continue reading the post titled Environmental Penalties higher in 2009Legal Proceedings against Persons and Businesses outside of Ontario
In Van Breda,[1] a recent decision of the Supreme Court of Canada, the Court articulated a test which, if satisfied, allows Canadian courts to adjudicate disputes against persons who are not physically present in their territory. It is often particularly important to persons who have potential claims against out-of-province defendants to be able to pursue...
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