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Environmentalists claim win in fight to protect endangered shorebirds in Nova Scotia

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Environmental groups are claiming a victory after a two-year legal battle with the federal government over protections for the Atlantic Piping Plover, an endangered shorebird that nests on beaches across the Maritimes.

The birds are in decline because of things like loss of habitat from development and erosion, disturbances from people and pets, and severe weather such as high tides that can wash away nests.

According to the Government of Canada, when Piping Plover populations are healthy, it usually indicates beaches are healthy, too. 

Ecojustice and its clients took the government to court last year, arguing that federal plans failed to adequately protect the species’ critical habitat.

In response, Environment and Climate Change Canada has revised its original approach, addressing key concerns raised in court and strengthening protections for the birds.

The updated plan now clearly identifies entire beach areas as critical habitat. Advocates say that clarity will make it easier for the public to understand what areas are protected, and for government officials to enforce the rules designed to keep the threatened birds safe.

Wildlife Enforcement Officers regularly patrol beaches during nesting season. Breaking the laws that protect Piping Plovers, their nests, eggs, or their habitat can result in warnings, fines, or other legal consequences.

woman in black tank top drinking water

Group says Ontario municipalities need to get lead out of drinking water

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An environmental group is calling on Ontario municipalities to take action to remove toxic lead pipes from drinking water systems.

The Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) issued a report today, outlining the dangers associated with partial lead lines in the province.

Since 2007, Ontario municipalities have been required to monitor and reduce lead levels but 26 of them still exceeded the provincial limit in tests.

The report outlines that the best way to reduce lead in municipal water is to remove lead service lines (LSLs).

It notes that although many municipal lead reduction plans feature removal as one of multiple mitigation measures, the vast majority of Ontario municipalities are choosing to make it voluntary for a property owner to replace the LSL on their side of the property line, in which dangerous lead infrastructure can often remain in place.

As a result, CELA is calling on municipalities in Ontario to pass a by-law that prohibits partial LSL replacements and specifies an equity-informed financial support structure for the costs associated with replacement.

“We’re not saying everyone has to drop the money to replace their lead service line right now out of their own pocket,” says community outreach worker Julie Mutis. “This is a public health issue and there should be support to ensure that people who are not in a financial position to do that are adequately supported, especially in places like Thunder Bay and up north where costs can be a little bit higher.”

CELA also wants municipalities to address the harm caused by past partial replacements and set clear policy objectives for eliminating all lead drinking infrastructure.

The report notes that Hamilton is the only Ontario municipality known to have a by-law and policies associated with preventing partial LSL replacements.

“Everyone’s water systems are different and so everyone needs to find a different solution that works for them,” says Mutis. “But the bottom line from this report is that when we are removing lead, we should be moving all of it because there is no safe amount of lead.”

Founded in 1970, CELA is a legal aid clinic dedicated to environmental equity, justice, and health and one of the oldest advocates for environmental protection in the country.