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Ontario|EnvironmentalEnvironmental 370 Air pollution, water usage & dumping, and waste disposal The Ministry of the Environment establishes general rules to regulate and restrict emittances into the air, water usage and dumping, and waste disposal. It is illegal to violate these rules. There are also a number of industry specific regulations that establish environmental controls for different substances and activities. In addition to these regulations, a licence or permit is usually needed to dispose of waste, to use large quantities of water, or to release any type of water or waste into a waterway or to release substances into the air. If you fail to obtain a licence or to comply with the regulations you may be prosecuted.
- Air pollution
Unless you are in compliance with the Environmental Protection Act regulations or you have acquired an appropriate licence or Certificate of Approval, it is illegal to emit contaminants into the air. Contaminants can range from things such as toxic substances to noise and vibrations.
o Discharging contaminants
If you want to discharge a contaminant into the environment on a regular basis, you will probably need a Certificate of Approval. The Ministry will regulate the quality and quantity of discharge to ensure that it falls within Ministry guidelines, and to ensure that the overall affect is acceptable for the environment.
o Releasing water or waste into water
If you plan to release any type of water or waste into a waterway, you will need a Certificate of Approval from the Ministry. Water containing contaminants is considered to be wastewater and you will require a Certificate of Approval to lawfully discharge it into a river, lake or stream. The Ministry has a number of regulations governing specific industrial wastewater releases. For discharges not specified in the regulations, the Ministry will establish limits on the amount and frequency of your discharges in your Certificate of Approval. These limits are decided on a case by case basis using policies and guidelines established by the Ministry. The Certificate will specify the type and amount of waste that you are permitted to release.
- Taking water
The Permit to Take Water Program ensures that water usage is regulated. A permit is not needed to take water for domestic and general farm purposes, but taking water for irrigation of farm crops, or taking more than 50,000 litres of water per day from any source, including a well, requires a permit.
- Getting additional information
You can obtain more information about the regulations for specific substances and activities by contacting the Ministry of the Environment or by contacting an environmental law lawyer.
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