Swim Drink Fish Blog
Read the latest updates and news releases about community science, water monitoring, Artists for Water, and more.
Broad interpretation of environmental laws upheld by Canada’s highest court
Supreme Court of Canada affirms for first time validity of applying precautionary principle to Ontario environmental legislation
7 things you should know about the Enbridge Line 9 hearing
Enbridge is seeking approval from the National Energy Board to reverse the flow of oil in a pipeline that runs from Sarnia to Montreal. The 639 kilometre stretch of pipeline between Sarnia and Montreal (mostly in the Lake Ontario watershed) is the focus of an NEB hearing that moves from Montreal to Toronto this week. The hearing is expected to be well-attended and eventful. Within the first hour of the Toronto hearings, two peaceful protests were staged by Amjiwnaang First Nation and 350.org members.
Here are 7 things you need to know about the Line 9 hearing.
Canada’s highest court to release decision on how broadly environmental laws may be interpreted to protect the public
On Thursday, October 17, 2013, the Supreme Court of Canada will release its decision on how broadly environmental laws may be interpreted to protect the public.
The case raising this issue involves a company acquitted in 2010, but convicted on appeal in 2011, for failing to report to the Ontario environment ministry under the province’s Environmental Protection Act (“EPA”).
How “eliminating red tape” failed Canadians (including industry)
"Our environmental laws and public decision making forums are failing us. Politics now trumps reason. Projects are effectively pre-approved regardless of science, facts, or alternatives," writes Mark Mattson.
Need a Source? Waterkeeper can help you cover the Enbridge Line 9 pipeline reversal
Reversing Line 9B could have serious impacts on the public’s ability to safely swim, drink, and fish in Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, the Ottawa River, and St. Lawrence River watersheds. Lake Ontario Waterkeeper and our peers are very concerned about irreversible harm to the natural environment that would results from spills.