Overview of provincial and federal environmental legislation, compliance requirements, and permitting processes for industry.
Course overview
This course provides an introduction to the legal and regulatory landscape governing environmental protection in Ontario and across Canada. You will learn how laws are structured, who enforces them, and what they mean for professionals in the water and wastewater sectors. The focus is on practical application rather than legal theory.
You will explore the major federal statutes, such as the Fisheries Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, alongside provincial legislation like the Environmental Protection Act and the Water Resources Act. The course covers the permitting lifecycle, from initial application to ongoing compliance and reporting. You will also examine enforcement mechanisms, including inspections, orders, and penalties.
Who takes this course
This course is a core requirement for students in Environmental Technology. It is designed to give you the foundational knowledge needed to navigate regulatory requirements in your future career.
Credits: 3 · Hours: 45
Prerequisites
None
Learning outcomes
- Identify key provincial and federal environmental statutes and their scope.
- Explain the permitting process for industrial and municipal water projects.
- Evaluate compliance requirements for waste management and discharge.
- Analyse case studies of regulatory enforcement and penalties.
- Prepare documentation for environmental assessment submissions.
Evaluation
| Component | Weight (%) |
| Midterm Examination | 30 |
| Permitting Case Study Report | 35 |
| Final Examination | 35 |