Making Contaminated Sites Climate Ready
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Overview
Who: The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy
What: A discussion paper on improvements to contaminated site clean-ups
Where: Province-wide
Why: Improve clean-up efforts and include climate change adaptation into clean-up requirements
How: Online
Engagement Summary
The Province is reviewing how we can ensure the cleanup efforts of contaminated sites adapt to our changing climate by focusing on:
- Including climate change adaptation and sustainability into provincial site remediation requirements
- Strengthening remediation requirements to protect groundwater quality
On October 3, 2022, the Province released a discussion paper for Making Contaminated Sites Climate Ready that detailed ideas to improve remediation effectiveness at contaminated sites vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The paper was designed to promote discussion and gain feedback to help inform effective policy solutions.
Virtual engagement sessions were held with Indigenous Nations/Organizations and the public as follows:
Indigenous Engagement Sessions:
- November 14, 2022
- November 16, 2022
- November 17, 2022
- November 21, 2022
- December 7, 2022
- December 9, 2022
- December 13, 2022
Public Engagement Sessions:
- December 14, 2022
- December 15, 2022
Results
Feedback on the discussion paper was collected via an online survey form and an open call for written submissions. A total of 31 responses were received from Indigenous Nations, various levels of government, environmental professionals, developers, industry, and other parties. Feedback heard during the question-and-answer periods at the two public engagement sessions was also recorded.
Seven Indigenous Engagement Sessions were conducted between November and December, 2022. Over 90 individual First Nations and Indigenous Organizations participated in these sessions. Key themes that emerged were noted and visually represented by a graphic recorder. Additional information was received from 27 participants via a short post-engagement online survey.
Feedback received during Indigenous Engagement and Public Engagement is summarized in two reports:
Input leads to action
All input will help develop and update policies and inform potential legislation to better prepare contaminated sites for climate change. Next steps include creation of an Indigenous advisory group, development of a policy Intentions paper, followed by any legislation changes as early as Spring 2024. The Province will continue to engage and collaborate with Indigenous Nations and Organizations as well as with other key players in 2023.
Related engagements
