ENV200 - Environmental Laws and Regulation
| Semester | |
| School | |
| Last revision date | 2024-01-29 01:14:45.635 |
| Last review date | 2024-02-05 00:15:08.276 |
Subject Title
Environmental Laws and Regulation
Subject Description
This course will provide skills and practical knowledge to apply various environmental laws and regulations such as the Environmental Protection Act, the Ontario Water Resources Act, Ont. Reg. 419 (and former Reg. 346), Ont. Reg. 347, and other related environmental legislation. With practical understanding of environmental laws, students will have the information to help protect themselves and their companies from possible litigation while at the same time help preserve the environment.
Credit Status
One credit towards the Environmental Management Certificate Program
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:
1. Understand and explain environmental laws and regulations
2. Apply environmental laws and regulations in a practical setting.
3. Recommend and implement measures that are likely to help protect themselves and their future employers from possible litigation while at the same time help preserve the environment.
Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).
Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.
Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.
Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.
Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.
Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.
By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.
Prerequisite(s)
None
Topic Outline
Unit 1: Introduction
Introduction to subject
Sources of Law
Structure of Canadian Legal System
Constitutional overview
Principles of Common - Law
Defining Statues/Regulations/By-Laws/Policies/Guidelines/Objectives
Why does Environmental Law Matter?
Unit 2: Legislative Overview
History of Environmental Law
Key Federal and Provincial Statutes
Anatomy of a Statute
Key Concepts in Environmental Law
Federal/Provincial Overlap
Types of Actions/Offences
Unit 3: Approvals
Licence Concept
Key approvals
Obtaining and Maintaining Approvals
Comprehensive Approvals
Offences
Unit 4: Canadian Envoronmental Protection ACT
Objectives of the Act
Understanding:
DSL/NDDSL
NPRI
Emergency Planning/Pollution Prevention Planning
Identifying Notice Provisions
Using the CEPA Registry
Unit 5: Waste
Understanding Federal/Provincial/Municipal Responsibility
Key Waste Regulations
Categories of Waste
Completing Waste Generator Registration Reports
Understand the Import and Export of Waste
Ontario's HWIN System
Manifest Requirements
PCB Issues
Identifying Keys Waste Offences
Waste Diversions Act and the Blue Box Program
CERCLA - Brief overview of the U.S. System (if time permits)
Unit 6:
Mid Terms Exam
Unit 7: Water/Sewage Issues
Understanding Key Water Protection Legislation: Safe Drinking Water Act, Ontario Water Resources Act, Nutrient Management Act, Fisheries Act, Environmental Protection Act (MISA)
Drinking Water Issues
Undertanding the Implications of Walkerton
Identifying Water/Sewage Works Requirements
Unit 8: Municipal Issues
Ontario Municipal Act
Understanding the Structure of a By-Law
Examples of:
Noise by-law
Pestifcide-use by law
Unit 9: Spills and Contaminated Property
Definition of a spill
Identifying Reporting Obligations
Identifying Mitigation Obligations
Key Offences
MOE Orders - Director and POO
Brownfields History and Legislation
Unit 10: Air Pollutants
Understanding of Provincial/Federal/Muncipal Responsibility
Ontario Air Regine; Regulations 346 and 419, 127 and 361
Discuss recent developments - Regulation 419/05
Overview of Emissions Trading (if time permits)
Unit 11: Enforcement
Undertanding Offences vs Administrative Procedures
Understanding Possible Penalties
Individual Liability
Importance of Due Diligence Defence
Understanding Inspections vs Investigations
Understnding the Sector Compliance Branc and its Powers
Mode of Instruction
On-Line Delivery
This subject is delivered online. This may involve the use of digital materials and/or a text, group discussions, interaction with your instructor and online activities.
Platform: Blackboard
Prescribed Texts
Course Manual available online.
Reference Material
None
Required Supplies
None
Student Progression and Promotion Policy
http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/student-progression-and-promotion-policy.html
Grading Policyhttp://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/grading-policy.html
| A+ | 90% to 100% |
| A | 80% to 89% |
| B+ | 75% to 79% |
| B | 70% to 74% |
| C+ | 65% to 69% |
| C | 60% to 64% |
| D+ | 55% to 59% |
| D | 50% to 54% |
| F | 0% to 49% (Not a Pass) |
| OR | |
| EXC | Excellent |
| SAT | Satisfactory |
| UNSAT | Unsatisfactory |
For further information, see a copy of the Academic Policy, available online (http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academics-and-student-services.html) or at Seneca's Registrar's Offices. (https://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/registrar.html).
Modes of Evaluation
Assignments
- Assignments are due at the beginning of the class on which they are due.
- A late penalty of 10% per day is assessed for late assignments, including those not handed in at the beginning of class when due.
- Material will not be accepted after one week following the due date and/or when the marked material is returned to students, whichever comes first.
- Assignments are to be prepared by computer.
Absenteeism and Exams
- Students should be aware that absenteeism almost guarantees an inability to achieve satisfactory grades.
- Students who are absent for an examination due to an emergency (e.g., motor vehicle accident, hospitalization or death in the family) may provide official documentation within five days of the missed exam and be provided a deferred exam at a later date. Official documentation includes a death notice or an original doctor’s certificate identifying the date, length of time expected absence and the specific reason for the absence. Examinations missed without official documentation and approval result in a grade of zero.
- There are no deferred options for missed tests. The value of missed tests, at the discretion of the Faculty, will be added to other evaluation components
English Proficiency
- All written work should demonstrate the following characteristics for clarity and conciseness:
-spelling and punctuation are correct
-sentences are structured correctly
-main ideas are supported with specific, relevant examples and reasons
-work flows logically through supporting statements/paragraphs
-work is arranged in correct format (e.g., as a report, essay)
-up to 10% of the final grade may be deducted on all work if the above English competencies are not met.
Format for Assignments
- Students must use the standard, APA style for quoting sources. Help is available at: http://library.senecapolytechnic.ca
Grading is based on the following marking scheme:
20% Major Assignment
5% Discussion Board
20% Worksheet/Participation
15% Mid-term Exam
40% Final Exam
Invigilated Mid-term Exam: Online - no supervision requirement
Supplemental Exam: Not Specified
Final Exam Format: Online - no supervision requirement
The passing grade for this course is 50%.
All the academic policies of the College at which you registered apply. This includes, but is not limited to policies related to grading, supplemental exams, deferred exams and accommodations.
PLEASE RETAIN THIS SUBJECT OUTLINE FOR POSSIBLE FUTURE USE IN SUPPORT OF CREDIT APPLICATIONS AT OTHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS