There are too many projects…

There are too many projects that will not have an Environmental Assessment and Ontario is one of the only jurisdiction in Canada that lacks an Environmental Assessment for Mines. Ontario's Auditor General said that the law allowing these changes was passed illegally and lacked consultations. There is limited opportunities for the public to request a more detailed environmental assessment. The thresholds for projects are too large such as with highways being 75km. There is no requirement to look at social environmental or economic considerations of projects for a highway of 74 km which could cross provincially significant wetlands and be more harmful than a 75 km road. The determination for an EA is size and not environmental impact. I am worried that by using Federal standards for projects Ontario is lowering environmental standards it had meaning the public is put at risk. There are no replacements for Streamlined Environmental Assessments. A Landfill causes leachate or smells that could harm the public or not be needed 100,000 cubic meters is too high. It makes no sense that a Thermal treatment site receiving 100 tonnes of waste would not have an environmental Assessment. All mining projects should be on the Project List. Forestry operations could have severe consequences to the ecosystem with the reduced EA project lists I am worried that more wetlands would be lost. Ontario has lost over 75% of its wetlands. Who are the experts used to make the changes? I'm not sure if the statement of Environmental Values which is a legal requirement has been applied here. I also agree with the Canadian Environmental Law Association.