Comments submitted Oct 30/23…

Comments submitted Oct 30/23
Re: ERO 019-6928 – Streamlining environmental permissions for stormwater management under the Environmental Activity and Sector Registry.

I do not support proposed changes in ERO 019-6928. These changes do not make environmental protection a priority.

Protecting the environment is the goal of the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP).

“Streamlining” proposals to fast-track projects for companies does not protect the environment. Reducing the regulatory burden for the private sector is not the role of the MECP.

The Ministry must take seriously its responsibility to protect human health and the environment. This requires qualified staff, who are capable of professional review and oversight, and who will enforce regulations.

The proposed changes remove government oversight and detailed review of projects. This allows approval of stormwater and wastewater operations prior to investigating impacts to human health and the environment. It also does not allow for public participation or an appeals process before the fact.

With serious consequences resulting from improper management of stormwater and wastewater operations, provincial leadership is essential to enforce regulations to protect human health, and the environment.

The province must ensure that the private sector complies with rules to protect the environment and contributes financially to that end. Municipalities must not be solely responsible for these costs.

Improving current regulations is a good idea to make responsible stormwater management easier and less costly, including requirements and/or incentives to adopt permeable pavements and rain gardens in Ontario municipalities.

Ontario must get serious about protecting human health and the environment now!