Calgary man pays too much. Alberta takes action.

Starting in August, Alberta’s government is shifting the recycling of automotive fluid containers from the Hazardous and Special Products program to the long-established used oil recycling program. This will lower the eco fees paid to manage these products at end of life, while still achieving our recycling goals – lower costs for the same results. This will allow more automotive fluid containers to be properly collected and recycled instead of being sent to landfill.

“Adam Thatcher spoke up after paying too much at Walmart, and I want to thank him for raising the concern. Albertans should not be hit with runaway recycling fees at the till. We looked into the issue, reviewed the options and took action to find a better way to recycle these containers for less. We can protect the environment and keep costs low, and that is exactly what we are doing.”

In October 2025, Alberta worked with the organization responsible for these products to reduce the fee on windshield washer fluid containers of up to four litres from $2.20 to $0.60. Despite that direction, Calgary man Adam Thatcher was charged $2.20 on a $4.98 jug at Walmart. After he raised the issue with a local media outlet, Alberta’s government contacted the organization to determine why the lower fee had not been applied and launched a broader review.

“Alberta has long been a leader in effective, innovative recycling solutions. Expanding the Used Oil Recycling Program to include additional materials reflects the province’s evolving marketplace and will keep valuable resources out of landfills while strengthening Alberta’s circular economy.”

That review found the products could be managed through an established stewardship program at a significantly lower cost. The recycling fee for windshield washer fluid containers will drop to $0.12 per litre of container capacity. For a four-litre jug, that means a fee of $0.48 instead of the $2.20 charge that prompted public concern. Recycling is not one-size-fits-all. Alberta uses several approaches to achieve strong environmental outcomes, and government’s role is to ensure those systems are efficient, properly overseen and affordable. In this case, Adam Thatcher held the system accountable, Alberta’s government listened, and action was taken.

“I went to Walmart for washer fluid, not sticker shock. When I saw the recycling fee was nearly half the price of the jug itself, I knew something didn’t seem right. I spoke up, the government looked into it, and now the fee is coming down. That’s a positive result for everyday Albertans who just want to buy a basic product without unnecessary costs.”

Affordability is a constant focus for Alberta’s government. Environmental handling fees are set by companies or by organizations that operate recycling programs and while Alberta’s government does not collect these fees, it sets the rules, oversees the system, and acts when costs are unreasonable or recycling can be delivered more efficiently.

Alberta Day: Celebrating everything Alberta!

Alberta Day marks the anniversary of our province joining Confederation on Sept. 1, 1905. It’s an opportunity to recognize the people and communities that make Alberta the best place to live, while taking pride in what our province contributes to Canada.

As part of Alberta Day, our government is supporting celebrations in communities across the province, including free festivities at the Alberta legislature grounds in Edmonton and Heritage Park Historical Village in Calgary. Together, these celebrations will give Albertans and visitors alike the opportunity to experience the history, culture and community spirit that define our province.

“Alberta Day is a chance to celebrate the incredible province we call home. I look forward to joining my fellow Albertans as we honour our history, culture and the vital contributions our province makes to a united Canada.”

The Alberta Day events in Edmonton and Calgary begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 30, and throughout the day, attendees can enjoy live music, local vendors and family-friendly activities that showcase Alberta’s heritage, creativity and unique identity. Additionally, in Edmonton, a free barbecue at the legislature grounds will help make it a memorable day of food, entertainment and Albertan pride.

Throughout the day, several Alberta artists will also be taking the stage, with country artist Jake Mathews headlining in Edmonton and award-winning singer-songwriter Kyle McKearney headlining in Calgary. Both events will then wrap up at 9 p.m. with a drone show that tells Alberta’s story through music, light and technology.

“I’m so excited to headline the Edmonton Alberta Day concert at the Alberta legislature grounds. Join us on Aug. 30 for a great night of live music as we celebrate Alberta Day together. I can’t wait to see you there!”

“I love living in Alberta and can’t wait to celebrate our beautiful province on Aug. 30. It’s one of the few all-ages shows I get to do this year, so bring your families and come experience some Alberta-born alt-country music.”

Whether your family is brand new here or has called this land home for generations, Alberta Day is an opportunity to connect with neighbours, celebrate local talent and experience the people, cultures and traditions that make our province such an great place to call home.

Alberta and Canada sign major housing agreement

The new partnership allows Alberta municipalities to access more than $510 million in federal funding over eight years through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF) for housing-enabling water and wastewater infrastructure projects across the province. Alberta will contribute a minimum of one-third of eligible project costs led by municipal governments, unlocking up to $428 million of provincial funding for qualifying projects.

“Strong communities start with the infrastructure to support them. By investing in the water and wastewater systems communities rely on, we’re doing what it takes to build more housing, attract new investment and keep pace with Alberta’s growth.”

“Alberta has an ambitious plan to scale up homebuilding and our government is backing it. We’re partners in this mission, working in the true spirit of cooperative federalism. From transformative energy projects to the water infrastructure in your communities, we are building bigger, faster, and better because we’re building together. We’re building a stronger Alberta and a stronger Canada for all.”

The Government of Alberta worked with the Government of Canada to secure an agreement that aligns with existing provincial water infrastructure programs and protects provincial jurisdiction. Under the agreement, Alberta will maintain the lead role in identifying and prioritizing projects for the CHIF to reflect regional needs and support communities experiencing growth pressure.

Municipalities, rural communities and Indigenous communities will have access to a significant new source of infrastructure funding to support housing growth and economic development. Under the agreement, 20 per cent of the funding will be allocated to projects in rural or Indigenous communities.

“Alberta’s Government worked to secure an agreement that aligns with existing water infrastructure programs and protects provincial jurisdiction. With provincial oversight of project selection, we will be able select projects that will meet regional needs and support growing Alberta communities.”

Rapid population growth in Alberta over the last five years has affected the demand for market and affordable housing with over 600,000 more people residing in the province. This growth has strained public services and infrastructure all over the province, and it’s highlighted an acute need to build more and build faster to catch up. Connecting housing to critical infrastructure takes careful collaboration between developers, governments, utility companies and a whole range of other stakeholders. 

“When industry and governments align, Alberta moves fast. Today’s commitment will deliver critical infrastructure that supports our builders, developers and municipalities in building the homes and neighbourhoods our growing province needs. This supports affordability and choice, positioning Alberta to continue leading the nation in housing.”

Transportation and Economic Corridors is developing the first list of projects for submission to the federal government by Nov. 30.

New dogs join Alberta’s fight against mussels

Conservation K-9s are a valuable part of Alberta’s efforts to prevent invasive mussels from entering our province. Working alongside watercraft inspectors, they use their highly trained sense of smell to detect mussels in hard-to-see areas of boats and shorelines, helping stop them before they reach Alberta’s waters. That’s why we’ve welcomed two new K-9s, Jane and Winnie, to join veteran Hilo in protecting Alberta’s waterways and keeping our province mussel-free.

“Thank you to Jane and Winnie for joining Hilo to help protect Alberta from aquatic invasive species. Together, we’re strengthening Alberta’s national leadership in prevention and safeguarding our lakes, rivers and streams for future generations.”

Protecting Alberta’s waters starts with preventing the spread of invasive mussels. These destructive species can threaten aquatic ecosystems, damage infrastructure and create major economic impacts. A single watercraft carrying invasive mussels can put an entire waterbody at risk, making early detection and prevention essential to protecting Alberta’s environment and economy.

“The best way to stop invasive mussels is to prevent them from arriving in the first place. These conservation dogs are another incredible tool helping Alberta protect our lakes, rivers, and water infrastructure before irreversible damage occurs.”

Meet the dogs

Alberta’s Conservation K-9 teams underwent extensive training in the United States over the last few months, where they learned to identify all three known species of invasive freshwater mussels present in North America.

Hilo

Hilo is Alberta’s veteran Conservation K-9 and has spent more than a decade protecting the province’s ecosystems. He is very excited to have two new teammates to mentor and has already begun showing them all the excitement a career protecting the environment has to offer. While on shift, Hilo is very methodical and careful, which is quite at odds with his joyful and fun-loving personality when he’s off the clock. Hilo is a great ambassador for the program, happily showing off his sniffing skills for anyone who wants to watch.

Jane

Jane is a black Labrador retriever who has found her true calling in environmental protection. She has a keen ability to work through distractions, remaining engaged with her task above all else. When she isn’t on the clock protecting Alberta’s ecosystems, she is incredibly eager for new squeaky toys and loves nothing more than a good game of fetch with her favorite ball.

Winnie

Winnie is originally from Kansas, where she was found in a shelter as a puppy. Her charm and work ethic were immediately recognized for a potential career as a working dog. Winnie is very friendly and is always excited to meet new people. Energetic and highly motivated, Winnie is happiest with a toy in her mouth and with humans nearby to praise her fine detection skills.

“The Conservation K-9 Program plays a critical role in safeguarding Alberta’s lakes, reservoirs and irrigation systems from invasive zebra, quagga, and golden mussels. We applaud the provincial government for its continued commitment to preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species.”

Alberta is taking a comprehensive approach to preventing invasive mussels and other aquatic invasive species from entering our province. Conservation K-9s are one important tool, alongside a record 12 watercraft inspection stations operating this year, the most ever delivered through the program. All motorized and non-motorized watercraft entering Alberta are required to undergo inspection, with some of the highest penalties in North America helping reinforce compliance and protect our waters.

Protecting our waterbodies protects Alberta’s ecosystems, infrastructure and economy, helping safeguard agriculture, wildlife, recreation and the communities that depend on healthy waterways.

The federal government invests in electric vehicle infrastructure and education across Canada

“We’re investing in more electric vehicle chargers across the country, making it even easier for Canadians to get to where they live, work, and play. Together with our Auto Strategy, we’re creating good jobs, strengthening Canada’s economy, and building a strong and climate-competitive future.”

– The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature

“With today’s announcement, we are accelerating the transition to zero-emission transportation across Canada through investments in electric vehicle infrastructure. By supporting the installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and increasing access to clean transportation options, we are making it easier for Canadians to choose electric vehicles and help build a cleaner, more sustainable future.”

– The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada

“Driving electric can save a Canadian household between $23,000 and $32,000 over 10 years, but for the nearly one in three Canadian families who live in condominiums, stratas, and apartments, those savings can be out of reach. Every day, condo boards, property managers, and landlords ask our members the same question: What do we do when a resident wants to install electric vehicle charging? This guide, funded by the Government of Canada, will give them clear, practical answers, and help ensure the benefits of low-cost electric driving reach every Canadian, not just those with a driveway. We thank Minister Dabrusin and the Government of Canada for this important investment.”

– Travis Allan, President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Charging Infrastructure Council

“Electric Mobility Canada is grateful to the Government of Canada for supporting two practical, high-impact initiatives that will help accelerate transportation electrification across the country. The first will establish light-duty vehicle fleet charging resource hubs in the Prairies and the Maritimes, giving municipalities, public agencies, institutions, utilities, and commercial fleets the guidance, tools, and peer support they need to plan and implement charging infrastructure. The second will advance vehicle-grid integration in Canada by bringing utilities, regulators, automakers, and policymakers together around managed charging and bidirectional charging solutions that can improve affordability, reliability, and sustainability across the electricity system. Together with our partners, Electric Mobility Canada is proud to help build the knowledge, collaboration, and implementation capacity needed to make electric mobility work for communities across Canada.”

– Daniel Breton, President and Chief Executive Officer, Electric Mobility Canada

B.C. hotel operator fined more than $624K over asbestos, lead and mould hazards during renovation

A hotel operator has been fined more than $624,000 after WorkSafeBC found workers were exposed to asbestos, lead and mould hazards during renovation work at one of its properties in Williams Lake, B.C.

According to WorkSafeBC, Northland Properties Corporation was issued an administrative penalty of $624,051 on May 28, 2026, following an inspection of a hotel renovation project.

Inspectors observed debris from drywall containing asbestos, identified mould on a wall, and paint debris that had been confirmed to contain lead. WorkSafeBC said workers carrying out the renovations had not been trained or certified in asbestos abatement, and most were not using respiratory protection.

The agency also found there was no negative-pressure containment or decontamination system in place to prevent the spread of asbestos fibres. In addition, the company had not developed risk assessments or exposure control plans for work involving asbestos and lead.

WorkSafeBC determined the company had failed to ensure hazardous materials were safely contained or removed before renovation work began, classifying the offence as a high-risk violation.

The regulator also cited the company for failing to submit a required notice of project to WorkSafeBC at least 48 hours before work involving asbestos-containing materials began, a repeated violation.

In addition, WorkSafeBC found the company failed to ensure the health and safety of its own workers and other workers at the site, an offence it classified as both repeated and high risk.

The penalty is currently under review after the company submitted a request to WorkSafeBC’s Review Division.

Northland Properties operates in the overnight and short-term accommodation sector.

Yale researchers propose low-cost PFAS cleanup method for contaminated soil

A team of Yale University researchers has developed a lower-cost method for removing PFAS from contaminated farmland while also capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, offering what they say could be a practical alternative to existing remediation techniques.

The approach, detailed in a new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, combines soil treatment with carbon removal technologies to address two environmental challenges at once. Researchers say the process could allow contaminated farmland to remain in agricultural use during remediation, unlike many existing cleanup methods that require land to be taken out of production.

The research is based on data from agricultural sites in Maine, where PFAS contamination linked to the historical use of sewage sludge as fertilizer has affected farms. The researchers estimate that approximately 1.2 million hectares of U.S. cropland may be significantly contaminated with PFAS.

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of persistent synthetic chemicals used for decades in products ranging from non-stick cookware and food packaging to cosmetics.

“There is an obvious need for new tools to help farmers affected by ‘forever chemicals’ contamination,” said Noah Planavsky, a professor of Earth and planetary science at Yale University and principal investigator of the study, in a statement. “We outline a path that allows farmers to continue to work their land while restoring soil health.”

Current options for remediating PFAS-contaminated farmland are both disruptive and expensive, the researchers noted. Excavating contaminated soil or using high-temperature treatment can cost between $800,000 and $1.6 million per hectare, they said, placing nationwide cleanup costs in the trillions of dollars.

The proposed alternative begins by applying a thin layer of crushed alkaline rock to contaminated fields. Raising the soil’s pH accelerates the uptake of one of the most common PFAS compounds, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), by plants growing on the site.

The harvested plant material is then converted into biochar, a charcoal-like material produced by heating biomass under controlled conditions. According to the researchers, this process destroys both PFOS and another widely studied PFAS compound, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).

The team estimates the treatment would cost about $1,460 per hectare each year. Repeated annually for up to 20 years, the total remediation cost would exceed $29,000 per hectare, including compensation for farmers’ lost income during treatment.

Researchers also say the system offers climate benefits. Enhanced weathering from the crushed rock, combined with biochar production, removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. On a national scale, the approach could remove an estimated 10.5 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.

“Though this study is U.S.-focused, based on the available data, PFAS are a challenge globally,” announced Jake Thompson, a postdoctoral researcher in Yale’s Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences and the study’s lead author, in a statement. “This issue — the contamination of agricultural land with PFAS — disproportionately hurts small farmers and organic farmers, who used fertilizers with PFAS before the full extent of the problem was known.”

Thompson said the approach could give affected farmers a practical means of restoring contaminated land.

“This is a real pathway to actually give farmers in this situation some agency over their land and leave the soil in better condition than it was before,” he added.

The project recently received a Yale Planetary Solutions Impact Accelerator grant to support commercialization efforts. The research was also supported by the Schmidt Family Foundation and the U.K.’s Natural Environment Research Council.

Receiver sues JDS over Eagle Gold Mine heap leach failure as sale process advances

The court-appointed receiver overseeing Yukon’s Eagle Gold Mine has launched a lawsuit against the mine’s former engineering contractor, alleging design and construction decisions contributed to the catastrophic heap leach failure that triggered one of the territory’s largest mining-related environmental incidents.

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), acting as receiver for Victoria Gold Corporation, filed the claim in June in the Supreme Court of British Columbia against JDS Energy and Mining.

The lawsuit stems from the June 24, 2024, failure of the Eagle Gold Mine’s heap leach facility, when nearly half of an estimated four million tonnes of ore treated with cyanide solution slid from the heap and beyond the containment area.

An independent investigation released in 2025 concluded that the failure resulted from multiple contributing factors. The report found that a layer of ore within the heap was not draining properly, allowing material above it to become saturated until the heap catastrophically failed.

According to PwC’s statement of claim, JDS recommended against using cement agglomeration during construction of the heap leach facility. The process binds fine ore particles together while maintaining permeability, allowing solutions to drain through the heap more effectively.

The receiver also alleges JDS failed to adequately address the risks associated with year-round stacking of material on the heap leach pad, which PwC says created frozen zones within the pile that contributed to instability. In addition, the lawsuit claims JDS deviated from construction plans prepared by another engineering firm and procured a substandard geomembrane liner intended to prevent contaminants from leaching into the surrounding ground.

PwC is seeking damages for the loss of mining operations, property damage, legal expenses and environmental cleanup costs. The claim does not specify a dollar amount.

The allegations have not been proven in court.

Meanwhile, efforts to sell the Eagle Gold Mine continue under the receivership process.

On April 23, the receiver, with the consent of the Yukon government, entered into an exclusivity agreement with Singapore-based Boroo Pte. Ltd. to negotiate the potential purchase of the Eagle Gold Mine and certain related assets. During the exclusivity period, Boroo will conduct additional due diligence and work toward a definitive sale agreement.

The Yukon government said it helped establish criteria for the sale process to ensure any prospective purchaser is responsible, experienced and financially capable of operating the mine.

The territorial government has also advanced funding to support site remediation and the receiver’s activities during the insolvency proceedings. Those advances are secured by a super-priority charge over Victoria Gold’s assets, with the maximum receivership loan remaining at $220 million. Officials have said a successful sale of the mine could provide an opportunity for the government to recover some or all of those funds.

Canada, Quebec unveil draft agreement for single impact assessment process on major projects

The federal and Quebec governments have released a draft agreement that would establish a “one project, one review” approach for major projects in Quebec, with the aim of reducing regulatory duplication while maintaining environmental protections and Indigenous consultation requirements.

The draft Agreement Between Quebec and Canada Concerning the Environment Quality Act and the Impact Assessment Act Within Quebec’s Territory was announced by Joël Lightbound, federal Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant, alongside Quebec Environment Minister Pascale Déry.

If finalized, the agreement would align federal and provincial impact assessment processes so that major projects undergo a single environmental review and receive a single government decision. Officials say the approach is intended to streamline approvals, improve regulatory certainty for project proponents and investors, and accelerate major infrastructure and economic development projects.

The proposed agreement follows similar federal impact assessment agreements already finalized with British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

The federal government said the framework is designed to eliminate overlapping assessment processes while respecting the jurisdictions of both governments, maintaining environmental safeguards and upholding constitutional obligations to Indigenous Peoples.

The draft agreement is open for a 21-day public consultation. Members of the public and Indigenous Peoples can submit comments between July 20 and August 10, 2026. Feedback will be considered before the agreement is finalized. Funding has been made available to support Indigenous participation during the consultation period.

Federal officials said the agreement is part of broader efforts to strengthen Canada’s economy by creating a more efficient regulatory environment for major projects as the country seeks to diversify trade and attract investment.

“Canada and Quebec share the same ambition: to do things better and faster,” said Lightbound. “The draft agreement announced today and our new ‘one project, one review’ approach will help reduce the duplication of regulatory authorization systems all the while strengthening environmental protection measures. In offering more predictability to proponents and to communities, we are creating conditions that are favourable to investments and the completion of new projects in Quebec.”

Federal Environment, Climate Change and Nature Minister Julie Dabrusin said the agreement reflects the government’s commitment to implementing a consistent “one project, one review” approach across the country.

“By reducing duplication and ensuring collaboration, we can move projects forward more efficiently while upholding our strong environmental standards and honouring our respective constitutional obligations to Indigenous Peoples,” Dabrusin said.

Dominic LeBlanc, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy, said the agreement demonstrates “cooperative federalism in action.”

“It will provide the kind of predictability that will benefit both investors and Indigenous rights holders, ensuring that major projects move forward efficiently and responsibly,” he said.

Déry described the draft agreement as “a major step forward for Quebec” that would help accelerate economic and energy development while maintaining high environmental standards.

“By having a single environmental assessment and a single government decision for the same project, we will make it easier to carry out major projects by reducing uncertainty for investors and providing them with greater predictability,” she said.

The Quebec agreement would become the eighth provincial impact assessment co-operation agreement signed by the federal government since 2019. Officials said the development and implementation of such agreements are informed by feedback from Indigenous groups, industry, stakeholders and the public.

The initiative also supports the federal government’s broader strategy to advance major projects through the Major Projects Office, which is intended to facilitate tens of billions of dollars in investment while improving regulatory efficiency.

B.C. launches unified compliance agency for natural resource enforcement

British Columbia has created a new agency that brings together compliance and enforcement functions from across the province’s natural resource sector in an effort to strengthen environmental protection while improving regulatory consistency and efficiency.

The new BC Compliance and Enforcement Agency (BC-CEA) officially came into effect on July 1, 2026. Operating within the Ministry of Environment and Parks, the agency consolidates several enforcement, compliance and investigative functions that were previously spread across multiple ministries and agencies.

The province said the restructuring is part of a broader modernization initiative intended to make regulatory systems more effective, transparent and responsive, while providing a more predictable regulatory environment for industry.

More than 400 employees will be brought together under the new organization, which combines front-line enforcement with policy, corporate and digital support services.

The BC-CEA includes functions previously carried out by the BC Conservation Officer Service, the Natural Resource Officer Service, the Compliance and Environmental Enforcement Branch, the Environmental Assessment Office’s compliance and enforcement division, the Service Transformation Branch, and the Regulatory Effectiveness and Sector Integration Branch.

In addition, the agency will oversee administrative monetary penalties for the Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals and BC Parks, along with licensing sanctions under the Wildlife Act for hunters and anglers.

According to the province, consolidating these functions under a single organization is expected to improve coordination across sectors, strengthen governance and oversight, enhance accountability, and increase consistency in compliance and enforcement activities. The integrated structure is also intended to improve data sharing and digital services while streamlining investigations and regulatory operations.

The government emphasized that the changes are administrative rather than legislative. Existing statutory authorities and front-line enforcement responsibilities remain unchanged, while leadership, governance and oversight are centralized within the new agency.

Chemours agrees to $450M settlement over alleged PFAS releases into major U.S. waterways

Chemours has agreed to a proposed $450 million settlement with U.S. federal and West Virginia regulators to resolve allegations that it illegally released PFAS into the Cape Fear, Delaware and Ohio rivers, marking what authorities describe as the first comprehensive federal settlement with a major PFAS manufacturer.

The proposed settlement, announced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, requires the company to spend more than $337 million on compliance and remediation measures, including an estimated $280 million to provide alternative drinking water and approximately $60 million to improve compliance at its Washington Works manufacturing facility in West Virginia.

“This first comprehensive federal settlement against a major PFAS manufacturer delivers on the Trump Administration’s promise to make polluters pay and stop PFAS contamination at the source,” announced Jeffrey Hall, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, in a statement. “By appropriately employing the full suite of existing legal authorities, we can greatly reduce PFAS contamination of water, land, and air and even begin to mitigate past harm. This settlement brings Chemours into compliance with the law and holds it fully accountable.”

Chemours will also fund a government-supervised, $90 million PFAS mitigation program over the next 15 years and pay a $22.5 million civil penalty, with payments scheduled over three annual instalments beginning after court approval.

According to the EPA, Chemours allegedly discharged PFAS into waterways in North Carolina, New Jersey and West Virginia without required permits or in violation of permit conditions. The settlement resolves alleged violations of the federal Clean Water Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Toxic Substances Control Act, and the West Virginia Water Pollution Control Act.

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a class of synthetic chemicals widely used in industrial and consumer products because of their resistance to water, grease and stains.

Adam Gustafson, principal deputy assistant attorney general for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, said the agreement is intended to reduce PFAS releases while allowing the company to continue manufacturing materials considered important for commercial and military applications.

“Through this commitment, Chemours will better control PFAS at its plants, allowing the company to continue its manufacturing operations while protecting communities in North Carolina, West Virginia, and New Jersey from PFAS exposure,” Gustafson said.

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey said the agreement is only part of a broader effort to address contamination issues at the Washington Works facility.

“This settlement is an encouraging first step, but it addresses only one piece of a much larger issue,” Morrisey said. “We remain actively engaged in discussions to reach a comprehensive resolution for the Washington Works facility that protects our citizens and ensures West Virginia’s communities have confidence that these issues are being addressed for the long term.”

Under the proposed consent decree, Chemours has agreed to:

• Complete 14 treatment system projects to reduce PFAS in wastewater, stormwater and groundwater at its West Virginia facility.
• Achieve at least 99% control efficiency for releases of GenX, a type of PFAS, from each facility.
• Test drinking water and provide treated or alternative water supplies to communities near facilities in West Virginia and New Jersey.
• Implement engineering recommendations to reduce releases at its North Carolina facility.
• Expand leak detection and engineering review programs to identify and reduce PFAS releases.
• Certify compliance with hazardous waste storage requirements.

In a separate statement, Chemours said the settlement aligns with its Pathway to Thrive strategy and provides greater operating certainty while resolving environmental and regulatory matters over time.

The company said the agreement expands its existing off-site drinking water programs in West Virginia, Ohio and New Jersey and supports its goal of reducing process emissions of fluorinated organic chemicals by 99% or more by 2030.

Chemours also announced that it has reached a separate settlement of less than $1 million with the West Virginia Rivers Coalition to resolve litigation filed in 2024 under the Clean Water Act over alleged permit exceedances at the Washington Works facility.

The proposed consent decree has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. It is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final court approval.

A major milestone in E360S’ North American growth strategy

Aurora, Ontario-based Environmental 360 Solutions (E360S), a leading provider of waste management, environmental, and recycling and circular-economy services, is entering into the U.S. following the acquisition of Marcotte Disposal Co., a well-established waste management company with operations in Port Huron, Michigan.

“The entry represents a significant milestone in E360S’ long-term growth strategy and establishes the Company’s first operating platform in the United States,” said Donato Ardellini, Founder and CEO of E360S.

Since its inception, E360S has grown rapidly through a disciplined strategy of acquiring high-quality environmental services businesses while investing in operational excellence, customer service, and sustainability. The entry into the U.S. expands that strategy beyond Canada and creates a platform for continued expansion throughout the United States.

“Our vision extends far beyond a single acquisition,” Ardellini added. “The United States represents a significant opportunity for E360S. We have identified numerous attractive markets and businesses that align with our long-term strategy, and we intend to continue scaling our North American footprint through disciplined acquisitions and organic growth.”

With operations now spanning both Canada and the United States, E360S is advancing its vision of becoming North America’s most trusted environmental service provider.

Ardellini’s primary partners in E360S include Almada Inc., Dave Gurney, Jason Claxton and retired National Hockey League Hall of Fame player, Paul Coffey.

Standards to address Canada’s most common and costly natural disaster

Flooding is Canada’s most common and costly natural disaster, affecting communities in every region of the country during every season. From intense rainfall overwhelming stormwater systems to rivers flooding and coastal storm surges, flood events are becoming both more frequent and more severe, placing increasing pressure on municipalities, infrastructure owners, emergency responders, and residents.

Flood risks look different across Canada. For example, increasingly intense rainfall in Toronto has highlighted the challenges of managing stormwater in a densely developed urban environment, prompting ongoing investments in stormwater management, green infrastructure and wet weather planning. Calgary continues to strengthen its flood resilience following the devastating 2013 flood along the Bow and Elbow rivers, which underscored the importance of emergency preparedness, flood mitigation and long-term planning. Meanwhile, many coastal Canadian communities are adapting to increasing flood risks associated with storm surge and rising sea levels, while spring flooding remains a recurring concern in parts of Quebec, Manitoba and New Brunswick. While the causes and impacts of flooding vary, communities across the country share the common objective of improving resilience before the next flood occurs.

According to Public Safety Canada, the estimated cost of coastal flooding alone is up to $17 billion annually. The Canadian Climate Institute projects that the annual costs of flood damage to homes and buildings across Canada could increase three to five times over the coming decades, reaching as much as $13.6 billion annually.

Infrastructure investments alone will not be enough. Communities also need coordinated planning, informed decision-making, and practical guidance that supports preparedness and response. Standards and technical guidance can provide that foundation.

Why standards matter

When a flood warning is issued, decisions need to be made within hours. Standards help ensure decision-makers are working from the same technical guidance, reducing confusion about how flood risks are assessed and which mitigation measures are appropriate. Rather than developing separate processes for each project or jurisdiction, organizations can draw on national standards and guidance to support more consistent decision-making and improve coordination. Municipalities can incorporate new and recognized flood defense standards into planning processes and bylaws so that expectations are clear and consistent for consultants, contractors, and developers.

Because new flood focused standards are developed through expert consensus, they also provide greater confidence that flood mitigation decisions are based on sound technical practices and experience from across the country. The impact of having national standards in place becomes especially important during emergencies. Temporary flood protection barriers, for example, are often deployed under significant time pressure, leaving little opportunity to evaluate multiple options or develop new processes. Having practical, nationally recognized guidance available in advance allows responders to act more efficiently and focus on protecting people and infrastructure rather than on determining how decisions should be made.

Supporting informed flood response

When flooding is anticipated, temporary flood protection measures can help protect public and private assets where permanent infrastructure is unavailable or insufficient. Selecting the right barrier depends on anticipated flood conditions, site characteristics, and operational requirements. CSA TS 227:26, Temporary flood barriers – A selection guide for flood mitigation practitioners, provides practical guidance to help emergency responders select, deploy and maintain appropriate temporary flood barriers, particularly in communities where specialized flood mitigation expertise may be limited.

While temporary flood barriers can play an important role during an emergency, effective flood resilience begins long before floodwaters arrive. Communities also need reliable information about flood risks, practical guidance for planning and infrastructure design, and consistent approaches for evaluating mitigation options.

A growing suite of flood resilience standards supports communities throughout the planning process. Standards and guidance are available for designing more flood-resilient residential developments (CSA W204), identifying and prioritizing flood risks in existing communities (CSA W210), and assessing coastal flood hazards affecting buildings and infrastructure (CSA W224). additional standards support the geospatial information that underpins effective flood planning, including airborne lidar data acquisition (CSA W229.1) and geomatics for flood mapping (CSA W229.2).

Together, the growing suite of CSA Group flood standards can help communities better understand flood risks, evaluate mitigation options and make more informed decisions before, during and after flood events.

Looking ahead

Canada’s flood risks will continue to evolve as extreme weather events become more frequent, with the need for thoughtful, coordinated planning becoming increasingly critical. Challenges across the nation are diverse; urban centres will continue investing in stormwater management, while river communities may focus on watershed planning and flood forecasting, and coastal regions adapt to rising sea levels and storm surge. Although the challenges facing Toronto are not the same as those facing Halifax or Calgary, every community can benefit from adopting nationally developed standards and guidance to help abate future flood risks.

Building resilience means looking beyond individual projects and emergency responses and toward long-term strategies that integrate infrastructure, planning, policy, and preparedness. Standards and technical guidance support these efforts by providing practical methods for assessing and planning for flood risks, selecting mitigation measures, and coordinating emergency response activities. When municipalities, consultants, contractors and emergency responders are working from the same guidance, decisions can be made more quickly, consistently and effectively before, during and after flood events, enabling communities to strengthen their outcomes and resilience over time.

As Trump rolls back endangered species protection, experts say Canadian wildlife is also at risk

Canadian conservationists and wildlife experts are raising alarm after U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration moved in July to weaken habitat protections for endangered species.  The U.S. Department of the Interior announced July 10 that it was rescinding a decades-old definition of “harm” under the country’s Endangered Species Act (ESA).  Wildlife and environmental groups immediately condemned the decision, saying it ignores the ecosystems vulnerable species depend on amid widespread biodiversity loss and industrial pressures.  Nearly a dozen groups have filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court challenging the repeal, which takes effect on September 14.

Canadian experts told CBC News the change could threaten animals that spend time in both countries, including species that cross the border to find food, lay eggs, or escape Canadian winters. Those species include migratory birds, northern spotted owls, grizzly bears and southern resident killer whales, or orcas, said Torrance Coste, the B.C.-based associate director of the Wilderness Committee advocacy group.

“There are no border crossings in [the orcas’s] habitat. They just swim back and forth between U.S. waters and Canadian waters and they don’t know the difference,” Coste said.  “The U.S. lowering their bar, changing the definition of what harm is to an endangered species … it’s a huge concern for us.”

How was ‘harm’ defined?

The Trump administration said rescinding the definition would “end years of federal overreach.”  It said Endangered Species Act protections would remain in place while reducing “burdens for landowners and communities.”  For decades, U.S. agencies interpreted “harm” to include acts that kill or injure wildlife through significant habitat changes or degradation. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld that interpretation in the mid-1990s.

The repeal “fundamentally undercuts how we’ve been protecting species for the last 50 years,” said Noah Greenwald, endangered species co-director at the Center for Biological Diversity, one of the groups suing the government.  When U.S. habitats decline, Greenwald told CBC News, “that is absolutely going to affect wildlife populations in Canada.”

Habitat destruction driving biodiversity loss

Protecting animals is “virtually impossible” if they spend months each year in places where habitat protections have been weakened, said Dennis Murray, a Trent University biology professor and wildlife conservation expert.

Habitat destruction is the leading driver of biodiversity loss worldwide, he said. Some species depend on specific plants or ecosystems, including monarch butterflies, which need milkweed to lay eggs and feed their larvae. Despite that, Murray said, the idea that wildlife protection does not extend across an animal’s entire “home range” has been gaining momentum.  “We wouldn’t necessarily be content if a fire went through and our house burnt down, but our bedroom remained intact, right? We need the house,” he said.  “Likewise, wildlife need their home ranges and the larger area that they occupy, rather than just protecting the individual itself or its nest site.”

Concerns in Canada, too

Although Trump’s environmental policies are particularly concerning to Canadian conservationists, experts CBC News spoke to warned that Canada may also be moving in the wrong direction.  Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government is seeking to streamline and accelerate permitting for major infrastructure projects amid U.S. tariffs and other economic pressures.  A recent discussion paper on possible legislative and regulatory changes says the government is considering whether to grant the Governor in Council “limited power, with a high threshold to be met, to exempt specific projects from the application of the jeopardy test for species at risk.”

“But only if it’s in the public interest and if the proponent has made all reasonable efforts to avoid or reduce impacts on at-risk species,” the paper says.  Coste called the prospect “very alarming.”  Both countries “need to be adding protections and increasing and strengthening laws to protect species, and both again seem to be going in the opposite direction,” he said. Pierre Cuguen, a spokesperson for the Privy Council Office, told CBC News the discussion paper is seeking feedback “to improve the efficiency and predictability of federal regulatory processes” but “does not represent final government decisions.”

“Existing requirements to avoid, minimize, and mitigate environmental impacts would continue to play a central role in project planning and decision-making,” Cuguen said in an emailed statement.  “Any future changes would need to strike an appropriate balance between protecting Canada’s environment and enabling major projects to proceed in a timely and predictable manner.”  Environment and Climate Change Canada also said conservation and nature protection are a priority for the government, pointing to a $3.8-billion federal nature strategy announced in March.  In an email to CBC News, a spokesperson also said the department has a “longstanding relationship” with the U.S. under a trilateral committee on wildlife and ecosystem conservation in North America.

Canada “will continue to work alongside our partners in all available capacities to protect nature and species,” the spokesperson said.

Ships stranded in Gulf could pose global invasive-species threat, study says

Ships stalled in the Gulf region because of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a “super-spreader” event, with long-term environmental consequences, according to a paper published last week.

The paper, published July 22 in Biological Invasions, warns that algae, barnacles, tunicates and other organisms growing on stationary vessels in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman could pose an “immense international biosecurity threat” once the ships resume travelling.

“If you had to design a biofoulic spreader event and you really wanted to get as many species moved around as possible, this would be it,” said lead author Mario Tamburri, a professor at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science.

Biofouling — the accumulation of organisms on ships hulls, propellers and other external surfaces — could allow invasive species to spread to ports around the world if the vessels are not properly managed, the paper says.

Why the ships could become ‘super-spreaders’

Tamburri and his co-authors describe the closure as a “worst-case scenario.”  Ships generally remain in port for one to three days and may go years between hull cleanings. Some vessels in the Gulf have been stationary for at least 40 times as long as usual, the researchers said.  Hull coatings designed to prevent biofouling also become less effective when ships remain idle, Tamburri said.

The number and size of the vessels, their proximity to one another and the timing of the closure increase the risk of a “super-spreader” situation, Tamburri said. The ships became stranded as waters were warming and many organisms were beginning their growing and reproductive seasons.  Species that tolerate the Persian Gulf’s high temperatures and salinity may also be effective invaders elsewhere, particularly as ocean temperatures rise, Tamburri said. Cleaning the vessels before they leave would be difficult. In-water cleaning companies are not equipped to handle so many ships in a short time period, he said, and sending workers into the water during a conflict would pose safety risks.  “Ideally they would all clean before they left, but most of these ships are just going to have to leave,” he said.

Shipping’s ecological issue

Species can move between ecosystems through cargo and ballast water, but researchers say biofouling has received less attention.  After zebra mussels appeared in the Great Lakes in the mid-1980s, governments and the shipping industry focused on species transported in ballast water, said Meghan Mathieson, director of strategy and engagement for ClearSeas, a non-profit aiming to raise awareness about marine shipping.  “There just was less awareness of the fact that organisms can cling to the outside of a ship and then drop off in new systems,” she said.