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ARTICLE · 19 OCTOBER 2009

Environmental Health And Safety Bulletin - October, 2009

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On September 24, 2009, the renewable energy approvals sections of the Green Energy and Green Economy Act, 2009 and the related regulations (including O. Reg. 359/09) came into force.

CanadaEnergy and Natural Resources
Dennis Mahony
Dennis Mahony
David Chernos
David Chernos
Crawford Smith
Crawford Smith
Michael Fortier
Michael Fortier
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Ontario

Renewable Energy Approvals Regime Comes Into Force

On September 24, 2009, the renewable energy approvals sections of the Green Energy and Green Economy Act, 2009 and the related regulations (including O. Reg. 359/09) came into force. As part of the Ontario government's effort to streamline the approval process for renewable energy projects (e.g., wind, solar and biomass facilities), renewable energy approvals (REAs) will replace several environmental permits, including certificates of approvals for air, sewage systems, waste disposal sites and waste management systems and permits to take water. To obtain a REA, applicants must provide specified information that incorporates considerations previously addressed under the Environmental Assessment Act, the Environmental Protection Act and the Ontario Water Resources Act. Any third party may challenge the issuance of a REA or its terms and conditions on the grounds that the project will cause serious harm to

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