Toxics

Aug

31

2010

Pembina reacts to study showing oil sands mines contribute heavy metals to the Athabasca River

Simon Dyer, Oil Sands Program Director at the Pembina Institute, responded to the release of the paper "Oil sands development contributes elements toxic at low concentrations to the Athabasca River and its tributaries," published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

"This is the second peer-reviewed study that shows definitively that oil sands development is contributing to pollution of the Athabasca watershed. These studies clearly contradict the Government of Alberta claims that pollution in the Athabasca River is natural. Read More

Link: Pembina reacts to study showing oil sands mines contribute heavy metals to the Athabasca River

Aug

16

2010

National pollutant data finally released, sort of

Following the recent release of new mining pollution data — compelled by a lawsuit by MiningWatch Canada & Great Lakes United — the Environmental Law Centre's Laura Bowman posts on the "sorry state of access to pollution data in Canada":

The question remains, does anyone even know the environmental impact from spills and routine releases from industry and municipalities in Canada? Is it even possible for anyone to find out if there are reporting and access to information barriers?
Read More

Link: National pollutant data finally released, sort of (ELC)

Environmental Law & Policy

Toxics

Mining

Environmental Law Centre

Blog posts

Aug

10

2010

Incomplete reporting still reveals mining companies’ toxic threat

Environmental groups worry some of Canada’s mines are dragging feet on federal order to report toxic mining waste

Ecojustice

MiningWatch Canada

Great Lakes United

TORONTO – New data released Friday in response to a lawsuit won last year by Ecojustice, on behalf of Great Lakes United and MiningWatch Canada, is beginning to shine a light on the toxic legacy of Canada’s mining and tar sands industries.

Unfortunately, despite a lawsuit and a government order to report pollutant releases, some facilities have failed to comply. Read More

Link: ncomplete reporting still reveals mining companies’ toxic threat (Ecojustice)

Aug

03

2010

Thousands of industrial incidents raise serious concerns about toxic oil industry

Greenpeace Canada

Sierra Club Prairie

Keepers of the Athabasca

Global Forest Watch Canada

Greenpeace Canada, Sierra Club Prairie, Keepers of the Athabasca and Global Forest Watch Canada today released two databases compiled by prominent scientist Dr. Kevin Timoney, one with more than 6,500 incidents, regarding tar sands operations that raise serious concerns about how the Alberta government allows oil companies to operate in this province. Read More

Link: Thousands of industrial incidents raise serious concerns about toxic oil industry (Greenpeace)

Sierra Club of Canada

Greenpeace

Keepers of the Athabasca

May

12

2010

Get the Real Dirt on Remediation Certificates (Webinar)

Environmental Law Centre

May 12 2010 - 6:00pm to 7:00pm

When contaminated land is remediated and re-used, one of the biggest concerns for owners and developers is whether the government will hold them liable in the future for the land’s condition, especially if remediation standards change. In 2009, Alberta Environment introduced the remediation certificate as a voluntary tool that could address some of those concerns.

On May 12, 2010, 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm, join Cindy Chiasson, Executive Director of the Environmental Law Centre, to learn more about remediation certificates. Topics will include:

What is a remediation certificate?
Do I need one?
How do I get one?
What protection will it give me?
Where can I get more information about remediation certificates?

Click here to register for this event. Read More

Environmental Law Centre

Land Management & Stewardship

Environmental Law & Policy

Toxics

Apr

01

2010

Call for Delegates: Member, AWC Non-Point Source Pollution Working Group

Alberta Water Council

Initiative:

AWC Non-Point Source Pollution Working Group

Position:

Member

Application Deadline:

12 Apr 2010

The AEN has received a request from the Alberta Water Council (AWC) to identify two to three Non-Point Source Pollution Working Group. ENGO sector participants for a new working group:

Deadline to indicate interest is at noon Monday April 12, 2010.

Background

The Council, through its “Recommended Projects to Advance the Goal of Healthy Aquatic Ecosystems” recognized an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the contributions of non-point source pollution and the policies and tools that can minimize their impacts. Work in this area appears to align nicely with the Government of Alberta’s new direction to address impacts of all activities on the landscape through a cumulative effects management approach Read More

Fresh Water

Toxics

Water Quality

Oct

22

2009

Seminar: Detoxing Your Home

Carbon Environmental Boutique

Oct 22 2009 - 1:15am to 2:30am

Each year, from October to June, Carbon Environmental Boutique will be hosting monthly seminars and discussion groups to discuss eco issues and mindful living.

October’s seminar topic and details: Detoxing Your Home
Focus: Discovering and eliminating the toxins found in everyday items
Cost: Free
Light refreshments will be served. Read More

Location

Carbon Environmental Boutique

10184 104 Street NW

Edmonton , AB

See map: Google Maps

Toxics

Lifestyle

Oct

24

2009

Green Living Series: Going Non-Toxic Workshop

REAP Calgary

Conscious Home

Oct 24 2009 - 4:00pm to 6:00pm

On a typical cleaning day in the average Canadian home, chemical levels in the indoor air can be hundreds to a thousand times higher than the outdoor air in the most polluted cities. Participants of the Going Non-Toxic workshop will learn about the major sources of poor indoor air quality and the causes of chemical sensitivities. Discover easy, cost effective, non-toxic alternatives and win a toolkit to get you started! Read More

Location

Evergreen Community Studios

2633 Hochwald Ave SW

Calgary , AB

See map: Google Maps

Toxics

Air Quality

Lifestyle

Jul

22

2009

Stakeholder Workshops on the Chemicals Management Plan

Government of Canada Chemical Substances

Jul 22 2009 - 4:00pm to 7:15pm

The Government of Canada is pleased to be hosting a webinar in English to help further explain to stakeholders key initiatives under the Chemicals Management Plan, the associated documentation, as well as how to participate. The objective of the webinar is for federal officials to provide information on the Chemicals Management Plan, how to respond to the Challenge to Industry, the update of the Domestic Substances List, and notification for new substances.

The webinar will be held in English on July 22, 2009, from 12:00 pm – 3:15pm EDT, with capacity for 130 participants. Read More

Toxics

May

21

2009

Screening: A Sense Of Wonder (Rachel Carson film)

Pink & Green Ribbon Campaign

The Mary A. Tidlund Charitable Foundation

May 21 2009 - 1:15am

A special free screening of a new film on Rachel Carson called…

A Sense Of Wonder

Will be shown during Evensong at the Ralph Connor Memorial United Church on Wednesday, May 20^th, 2009 from 7:15-8:30 pm. This is part of The International 100 City Tour.

Everyone is welcome! Read More