NLIS 5
September 19, 2001
(Environment)
 

 Environment Minister announces consultation on proposed environmental legislation

Environment Minister Ralph Wiseman today announced a public consultation process for proposed new environmental legislation. During the month of October, Minister Wiseman will hold nine public meetings throughout Newfoundland and Labrador to seek people's views on two new proposed acts: the Environmental Protection Act and the Water Resources Act.

"The Department of Environment has been working on this new proposed environmental legislation for some time," said Minister Wiseman. "These acts will provide an up-to-date framework for environmental protection and water resource management in Newfoundland and Labrador, and I am pleased to now present them to the public for review and comment."

The proposed new Environmental Protection Act revises and consolidates five existing acts: Environment Act, Environmental Assessment Act, Pesticides Control Act, Waste Management Act and Waste Material Disposal Act. It also introduces new specific provisions for environmental protection in Newfoundland and Labrador such as management of contaminated sites and establishment of air quality management areas. 

The proposed new Water Resources Act revises and replaces the water management provisions of the current Environment Act, incorporates the Well Drilling Act and Water Resources Protection Act, and incorporates the water rights licensing powers that are currently in the Crown Lands Act. 

Minister Wiseman explained that a number of new features are common to both the proposed Environmental Protection Act and the Water Resources Act. For example, the new acts will be binding on the Crown, increase the authority of inspectors and broaden the scope of orders to require remediation of impacted areas. A new fine structure will be created for environmental offences which will include minimum and maximum fines, separate fine levels for individuals and corporations, and administrative penalties for minor offences. In addition, the new legislation creates "whistle-blower protection" which will prohibit employers from disciplining or threatening an employee who reports an action that may be in contravention of the acts. 

"The proposed new Environmental Protection Act and Water Resources Act represent strong, progressive and comprehensive legislation for our province to ensure both the protection of our environment and sustainable development," said Minister Wiseman. 

To facilitate the public review process, a discussion paper has been prepared which outlines the main elements of the proposed new acts, and explains the changes from existing legislation. Copies of both draft acts are also included in the document. 

"Public input is an essential step in developing progressive legislation, and I look forward to meeting with groups and individuals throughout the province to hear their views on the proposed acts. I encourage all those interested to attend a public meeting or to submit written comments to me," said Minister Wiseman.

The schedule for public meetings is as follows: