3A – Water & Wastewater Regulation and Compliance 2023: An interactive case study
May 11 – Course agenda
Course Description
Join us for an interactive session that will walk participants through a case study designed to outline the regulatory framework around managing and troubleshooting common water and wastewater issues.
The session will focus on the application of information presented by subject matter experts to the fictional scenario of obtaining approvals and responding to a spill from a manufacturing facility, including managing environmental liability. The session will explore public participation tools, First Nation engagement, and consideration of the impact of new development proposals on operations. Attendees will take away valuable lessons for the practical application in identifying, managing and mitigating environmental compliance risks in their workplace.
Course Chairs
(Click names to view bio and contact information)
- Julie Abouchar, Partner, Certified Specialist in Environmental Law and in Indigenous Legal Issues by the Law Society of Ontario, Willms & Shier Environmental Lawyers LLP
- Rosanna DiLabio, Environmental Affairs Manager, ERCO Worldwide
Guest Speakers
(Click names to view bio and contact information)
Course begins 9 AM
Water & wastewater regulatory framework in Ontario
Overview of the legislation governing water and wastewater in Ontario.
Speaker: Julie Abouchar, Willms & Shier Environmental Lawyers LLP
Case study introduction
Participants will be introduced to a case study featuring Outlaw Brewing Co., a mid-sized family run brewery operating in Brewville. Outlaw Brewing Co. runs afoul of water laws in Ontario. Throughout the day, participants will be invited to role play, assess the application of water law, and analyze the company’s compliance.
Speaker: Rosanna DiLabio, ERCO Worldwide
Water and wastewater approvals
Participants will be provided with an update on municipal and provincial water approvals. In an interactive session, participants will be invited to assess what approvals are required for the case study’s company, Outlaw Brewing Co., to discharge water, and to take water in Brewville as well as ongoing compliance responsibilities following the initial approvals.
Speakers: Linda Byron, Blue Heron Environmental
Participation in development proposals
Participants will consider a scenario in which a new residential development is proposed next to the plant requiring new water and wastewater systems. We will review avenues available to the company to participate in the development and environmental assessment aspects, and mitigate future land use conflicts. Participants will also consider obligations under the Environmental Bill of Rights.
Speakers: Julie Abouchar, Willms & Shier Environmental Lawyers LLP
The spill, violations and reporting
Participants will be updated on reporting obligations and take part in an interactive session about legal obligations for managing spills, and reporting. Participants will apply the law to assist our hypothetical company, Outlaw Brewing Co. identify potential violations and deal with an unexpected spill event.
Speakers: Rosanna DiLabio, ERCO Worldwide
Environmental investigations
Participants will learn about their rights and responsibilities during an environmental enforcement investigation. Participants will role play investigations, learning about do’s and don’ts and managing different investigation styles.
Speakers: Bianca Salive, Willms & Shier Environmental Lawyers LLP et al.
Charges and personal environmental liability, and defending your actions: Due diligence
Participants will be updated on environmental liability for Directors and Officers, employees and consultants, and apply the law to hypothetical Directors, employees, consultants and contractors involved in the spill at Outlaw Brewing Co.. Participants will be updated on the legal defence of due diligence, and be invited to evaluate the evidence about actions of Outlaw Brewing Co., its employees and agents against this standard.
Speakers: Bianca Salive, Willms & Shier Environmental Lawyers LLP; Rosanna DiLabio, ERCO Worldwide
Closing remarks and question & answer period
Course ends 4:30 PM
EVENT SCHEDULE
8 AM: Registration opens
9 AM: Courses begin
12 PM: Lunch
4:30 PM: Courses finish