Pesticide impacts under review

The Toronto Works Committee reviewed a proposed bylaw this week that would ban cosmetic pesticide use in the city. Lake Ontario Waterkeeper submitted a deputation suggesting that the bylaw - if properly enforced - will support provincial and federal environmental objectives, restore water quality, and return our rivers to the people of Toronto. The committee voted in favour of the bylaw.

Lake Ontario Waterkeeper's key message:

• The by-law complements existing environmental protections;

• An effective bylaw requires effective enforcement;

• Polluters who try to avoid the financial costs of keeping pesticides out of our waterways force those costs onto other members of the community.

Dreams of green
http://www.waterkeeper.ca/lok/index.cfm?DSP=content&ContentID=6352
An indepth article from Hamilton Spectator reporter Eric McGuinness examines the issues of pesticides in urban centres. McGuinness refers to toxic levels of pesticides found in Toronto's rivers as well as the landmark Hudson, Que. case which established the right of municipalities to legislate pesticide use.

Pollution jacks up sewer costs by $1M
http://www.waterkeeper.ca/lok/index.cfm?DSP=content&ContentID=6351
An environmental assessment in Kingston has revealed that the city's coal tar pollution problem will interfere with plans to upgrade its ageing sewer system. Relocating the new sewer line will raise the cost of the project from $6.8-million to $9-million dollars - the city is still trying to secure funds.

Lake Ontario Waterkeeper has investigated a number of raw sewage spills in Kingston, providing evidence of the problem to Ministry of Environment officials in attempts to bring the city into compliance.