Is the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources undermining our environmental legislation?

Author: Stelling, Keith | Environment, Ontario, Regulations

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Recent issuing of “Overall Benefit Permits” by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources allowing renewable energy companies to damage and destroy habitat of endangered species raises concerns that the MNR is not fulfilling its obligations under the Endangered Species Act (2007).

[Report prepared for the Multi-Municipal Wind Turbine Working Group, comprised of elected officials and appointed citizens from municipalities in Bruce, Dufferin, Grey, Huron and Perth Counties, Ontario. Sent to Michael Gravelle, Minister of Natural Resources, 7 Jan. 2012.]

Contents

MNR issuing permits to damage and destroy habitat of endangered species
Significant wildlife habitat loss is the main cause of species decline
Ministry contends habitat destruction will be of positive overall benefit for each species
MNR decision inconsistent with its definition of overall benefit
Habitat fragmentation is not “enhancement”Species numbers decline when habitat is reduced
Reproductive success is lower in small habitat fragments
Industrial wind turbines are a new, cumulative limiting factor
Consider the disturbance to a functioning ecosystem during construction
Bird and bat abundance declines at wind turbine sites
Noise from wind turbines is detrimental to survival of wildlife
Issuing “Overall Benefit Permits” is adding to the cumulative effect
Can industry self-monitoring be considered unbiased?
Lack of social or economic benefit to Ontario from wind turbines
Legalities
Permit Revocation
References

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