Guidance for Environmental Site Assessments
Now that Reg. 153/04 sets strict new standards for Environmental Site Assessments of contaminated sites, it is good news that the Ministry of the Environment has finally released its guidance document for performing those ESAs. Although the new rules are only mandatory when seeking a Record…
View the post titled Guidance for Environmental Site AssessmentsErickson decision: wind turbines can be built in Ontario
The debate should not be simplified to one about whether wind turbines can cause harm to humans. The evidence presented to the Tribunal demonstrates that they can, if facilities are placed too close to residents. The debate has now evolved to one of degree. The question that should be ask…
View the post titled Erickson decision: wind turbines can be built in Ontario$80,000 water discharge fine
Torbear Contracting Inc., Woodbridge, had a contract to complete upgrades at a sewage treatment plant. The project required that the outdoor containment area surrounding the chemical storage tanks of sodium hypochlorite be expanded and a drain be installed to allow for easy removal of rainw…
View the post titled $80,000 water discharge fineClass action certified for highway noise
"Collective action.. creates a just balance between the people who suffer the consequences of a violation and the offender, who often has much greater resources..."
View the post titled Class action certified for highway noiseUpdated air pollution standards
Ontario’s air standards and ambient air quality criteria (AAQC) have been updated for a series of carcinogens and other toxic substances, including 1,3-Butadiene. EBR Registry Number: 010-6214 Manganese and Manganese Compounds: EBR Registry Number: 010-6253 Hexavalent Chromium, and Ch…
View the post titled Updated air pollution standardsEnvironmental compliance approvals Sept.19
On September 19, 2011, Ontario will start to accept applications for the new class of “Environmental Compliance Approvals”. Regulation 255/11 sets out the generic requirements for applying for an ECA; individual projects will require additional information, yet to be specified.
View the post titled Environmental compliance approvals Sept.19Do Pollution Exclusion clauses work?
Will pollution exclusion clauses stand up in commercial general liability insurance policies? The Ontario Court of Appeal says yes, when they are directed at activities likely to cause traditional soil and water pollution. See ING Insurance Company of Canada v. Miracle (Mohawk Imperial Sales…
View the post titled Do Pollution Exclusion clauses work?Approving smelly facilities
Strong opposition to organic recycling facilities, particularly on the ground of odour, can make it challenging to successfully site such facilities. A recent decision of the Alberta Environmental Appeal Board illustrates the “state of art” in regulatory approvals for sites with significant…
View the post titled Approving smelly facilitiesHow much notice is enough?
A Niagara Escarpment Hearing Officer recently had to decide how many unsuccessful efforts to contact an appellant were enough.
View the post titled How much notice is enough?Cumulative effects in approvals
Cumulative effects are extremely hard to manage in any approval process. By definition, the person or project seeking an individual approval does not usually control the other sources of cumulative impact. Nor is the necessary information about the other actual or potential impacts usually b…
View the post titled Cumulative effects in approvalsReceive Blog Posts
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