Swim Drink Fish Blog
Read the latest updates and news releases about community science, water monitoring, Artists for Water, and more.
Waterkeeper submission on the current state and future of National Energy data
On May 29, 2018, Pippa Feinstein presented Waterkeeper’s submission on the current and future of National Energy data to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources.
Waterkeeper introduces an interactive map of the proposed Eastern Mainline pipeline route
Lake Ontario Waterkeeper is launching an interactive map of TransCanada’s proposed Eastern Mainline pipeline route. Check out the map here, and more information about the pipeline and its route across the north shore of Lake Ontario.
NEB vs. CNSC: Comparing ethical standards behind closed doors
Members from Canadian energy regulators must abide by a certain code of ethics to ensure decisions are conducted in a way that prevents the perception of bias. But what happens when members don't abide by the code? Waterkeeper Mark Mattson and Waterkeeper's legal respresentative Pippa Feinstein analyze recent happenings regarding Canada's energy regulators, the NEB and the CNSC.
Energy Board defends Great Lakes from bitumen spills
Yesterday, the National Energy Board revoked Enbridge’s Line 9B pipeline project until it proves they’re taking reasonable precautions to protect our drinking water. The decision reflects the overwhelming evidence that Line 9 was not built for, nor is it prepared to move bitumen along Lake Ontario.
Enbridge pipeline project delayed by water protection concerns
Until Enbridge proves that there are shutoff valves located on all major waterway crossings, the flow of oil through Line 9B cannot be reversed. According to the Board's letter, 104 major waterway crossings along the pipeline. Only 6 have shutoff valves within 1km of the water.
Lake Ontario Waterkeeper responds to National Energy Board’s approval of Line 9 decision
We are disappointed by the Board's decision. The NEB could have denied Enbridge’s application or imposed stricter terms and conditions that would better protect the environment, but chose not to take environmental concerns to heart.
Enbridge submits final Line9B arguments in writing
On Friday afternoon, Enbridge submitted its final written reply arguments to the Board. Below you'll find a summary of of the written arguments.On Friday afternoon, Enbridge submitted its final written reply arguments to the Board. Here's a summary of of the written arguments.
7 things you should know about the Enbridge Line 9 hearing
Enbridge is seeking approval from the National Energy Board to reverse the flow of oil in a pipeline that runs from Sarnia to Montreal. The 639 kilometre stretch of pipeline between Sarnia and Montreal (mostly in the Lake Ontario watershed) is the focus of an NEB hearing that moves from Montreal to Toronto this week. The hearing is expected to be well-attended and eventful. Within the first hour of the Toronto hearings, two peaceful protests were staged by Amjiwnaang First Nation and 350.org members.
Here are 7 things you need to know about the Line 9 hearing.
How “eliminating red tape” failed Canadians (including industry)
"Our environmental laws and public decision making forums are failing us. Politics now trumps reason. Projects are effectively pre-approved regardless of science, facts, or alternatives," writes Mark Mattson.
Need a Source? Waterkeeper can help you cover the Enbridge Line 9 pipeline reversal
Reversing Line 9B could have serious impacts on the public’s ability to safely swim, drink, and fish in Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, the Ottawa River, and St. Lawrence River watersheds. Lake Ontario Waterkeeper and our peers are very concerned about irreversible harm to the natural environment that would results from spills.