November 2009

New Provincial Regulation Takes Aim at Toxic Substances

This past summer, the Ontario Legislature passed The Toxics Reduction Act, 2009 (the Act). The legislation is designed to help prevent pollution and protect human health by reducing the release of toxic chemicals into Ontario’s environment.
 
The Act makes way for the creation of new regulations designed to define the substances to be tracked, types of businesses required to track and report, and provide a schedule as to when facilities are required to take action. In addition to the tracking and reporting of toxic substances, businesses regulated under the Act will likely be required to develop plans to identify ways to reduce toxic substances and prepare summary plans for public review.
 
Regulations are anticipated to initially target manufacturing and mining sectors as they are primarily responsible for the majority of toxic substance releases. Reporting thresholds are anticipated to be consistent with those stipulated in Environment Canada’s National Pollutant Reporting Inventory (NPRI).
 

 

Reporting and tracking requirements set forth in the regulations are proposed to start in 2010. The first phase will require select businesses to report for the 2010 operating year, with the first annual report due in 2011. First phase substances will likely include 31 priority toxic substances, identified under the NPRI for 2006, and 14 priority carcinogens identified by Cancer and Environment stakeholders.  The second phase will require reporting in 2012, for the 2011 operating year. Phase two substances will likely include the remaining NPRI (2006) substances in addition to a list of Substances of Concern (SOCs), which consist of substances that pose potential risks that are not fully understood.

 
Reporting will likely be consistent with the NPRI reporting requirements, with annual report submissions through the national One Window for National Environmental Reporting System (OWNERS).
 
A large portion of the Act discusses inspection powers, issuance of fines, penalties and provincial orders. Reporting violations may lead to possible penalties which including a maximum fine of $50,000 for corporations, with fines doubling for repeat offenders. The applicability of fines will be detailed in forthcoming regulations.
 
For further information please contact: info@terrapex.com
   

Cornwall Brownfields Knowledge Workshop

Kelsa Staffa represented Terrapex as both participant and booth boss at the Cornwall Brownfields Knowledge Workshop held on October 7, 2009.  Between 100 and 150 representatives from various municipalities, environmental practitioners and legal firms were present.

The workshop gave us the opportunity to showcase Terrapex’s experience with brownfields, specifically one we recently completed within Cornwall only a short distance from the venue.  Overall a great start to our renewed efforts to gain some exposure for Terrapex in the marketplace.

For further information please contact: info@terrapex.com
   

Research and Development Initiatives

Over the years, Terrapex has been recognized by the federal government for research and development initiatives. Terrapex is once again rising to the challenge by designing, and subsequently installing, a groundwater remediation system in Fort Severn, Ontario.  The remediation was designed to fit within the Sustainable Use policies of Hydro One Remote Communities. 

The system incorporates a passive biofilter containing locally-derived materials (peat) as a pre-filter and regenerating carbon (BiocrittersTM). The system is powered by renewable energy (solar panels) for operation of water and air pumps.  The controller settings and overflow component of the design was developed such that ‘routine’ site visits are not required for operation and maintenance between startup (July) and shutdown (October), minimizing the energy required to mobilize to the site. 

In September 2009, Terrapex submitted the project for consideration in the federal government’s Research & Development tax credit program. In the meantime, Terrapex continues to enhance the performance of new passive solar and other methods to extend the operation ‘season’ of the system, which we are proud to report has been trouble-free all season.  Hydro One is proud to have a visible reminder of their commitment to renewable energy development and the community, and they would be pleased to look at other Terrapex concepts that may further showcase their Sustainable Use policies.

For further information please contact: info@terrapex.com
   

CN Tower Climb for the United Way

Each year since 2005, a group of Terrapex employees including family and friends, have participated in the CN Tower climb for the United Way.  Proceeds from the event are invested in the more than 200 health and social services agencies that deliver services and programs to hundreds of thousands of people in the City of Toronto, including: impoverished families, children and youth, the elderly, the physically challenged, women who have been abused, the homeless, and new immigrants.

On Sunday October 25, 2009, Terrapex once again rose to the challenge and climbed the 1,776 steps of the CN Tower.  More than $1,500 was raised in donations.  Congratulations go out to each of the climbers, as well as thanks to the many individuals who made donations in support of the climbers and the United Way.

For further information please contact: info@terrapex.com

or visit www.unitedwaytoronto.com/climbforunitedway