As reported in previous issues through its not for profit corporation, the Sandy Pond Alliance has launched a challenge to sections 5 and 27.1, and Schedule 2 of the Metal Mining Effluent Regulations (“MMER”). Where a mining project cannot operate its tailing impoundment area in compliance with the thresholds set out in the MMER, adding a water body to Schedule 2 permits a proponent to convert the water body into a tailings impoundment area. The Sandy Pond Alliance is a coalition that includes the Council of Canadians, MiningWatch, the Newfoundland and Labrador Natural History Society, Sierra Club Atlantic, and a number of individuals. The applicant is seeking a declaration that these sections are of no force and effect because they are contrary to the prohibitions against deposits of deleterious substances into waters frequented by fish set out in section 36 of the Fisheries Act and outside Cabinet’s regulation-making authority under certain sections of that Act. In the alternative, the applicant is seeking a declaration that Cabinet acted beyond its jurisdiction or without jurisdiction in issuing the amendments in October 2006 that created or amended these sections of the MMER.
Vale Canada Ltd, the proponent of the Long Harbour Processing Plant project that will use Sandy Pond as a tailings impoundment area, has obtained leave to intervene in a limited role, as set out in an Order of the Federal Court of Appeal on April 8, 2011 (file A-93-11, decision 2011 FCA 129). The Mining Association of BC and Mining Association of Canada have obtained leave to intervene in a limited role, as set out in 2011 FCA 129. Intervener materials are due to be filed on about May 8, 2011.
- Senior Counsel
Brad has extensive experience in civil litigation, Indigenous law, administrative and constitutional law, and environmental law. He represents clients involved with land use issues, project development, regulatory ...
- Partner
Christine practices environmental and Indigenous law, providing advice in respect of major project development, environmental assessment, permitting, operational matters and acquisition and sale of industrial projects.
She ...
About Us
Lawson Lundell's Environmental, Indigenous and Natural Resources Blog focuses on environmental, indigenous and natural resources law, as well as related litigation. Included are summaries of significant cases from Canadian appellate courts, changes in the legal framework governing resource development including energy and climate change policy, and key decisions from the more influential regulatory bodies in Canada.
Legal Disclaimer: The information made available on this webpage is for information purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on as such. Please contact our firm if you need legal advice or have questions about the content of this webpage.