EPI 2011 NL Election All Party Green Agenda Sept. 2011

 Purchasing Policy Consultation - EPI Submission

In March, 2011, EPI members submitted comments on the review of the existing Memorial University Purchasing Policy in order to assist in achieving effective, efficient, and environmentally sound purchasing practices and methods throughout the University and to provide for control over purchases to ensure that Memorial obtains the best prices, materials and services in a competitive environment, to meet the requirements of the departments requesting the purchase, and to ensure adherence to the Public Tender Act.

EPU Comments on Kruger's Proposed use of TDF at Corner Brook Pulp and Paper

In December 2010, the Environmental Policy Unit released its response to the proposed use of tire derived fuel (TDF) at the Corner Brook Pulp and Paper (CBPP) mill in Corner Brook, NL. The comments were based on the input of faculty and staff who participated voluntarily. The report, though preliminary, highlighted numerous concerns about the proposal and was framed in light of provincial regulations and commitment to the precautionary principle. We concluded that:

• The emissions and combustor technology at CBPP was not adequate according to documents submitted by the proponents and academic research.
• Scientific evidence was inconclusive regarding the safety of TDF emissions, and especially in regards to the variability of dioxin and furan emissions, sulfur dioxide, zinc and other metals.
• The proposed testing methodology was entirely insufficient to gauge the safety of TDF, and no independent analysis or data collection had been proposed.
• The health effects of several known TDF emissions are severe.
• The proposal contradicts stated governmental policy.
• Economic analyses regarding TDF was not provided, and evidence submitted has been vague and has not included environmental or health effects.
• Viable alternatives exist for the disposal of scrap tires in Newfoundland.

We disagreed with the release of the proposal and proposed further research. This included a full Environmental Impact Statement, as well as more lengthy and involved public participation and discussion. Failing this, we felt the Minister for the Department of Environment and Conservation should reject the proposal.

People's Food Policy Project


Response to Newfoundland & Labrador Public Discussion Document "Climate Change: Responding to Climate Change in Newfoundland & Labrador"
In the summer of 2010, the EPU gathered a team of researchers at Grenfell to comment on a discussion document, Responding to Climate Change in Newfoundland and Labrador , provided by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador's Office of Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Emissions Trading (OCCEEET). The team acknowledged the urgency of the province addressing climate change and also noted the province's responsibility to do so. The team then suggested policy directions to guide policy makers and stakeholders on responding to climate change in NL including 1) setting firm, science-based emissions reduction targets, 2) pricing carbon fairly via a cap and trade system and/or a carbon tax, 3) supporting the transition to a renewable energy economy, 4) developing an energy efficient economy, and 5) integrating climate change considerations into land-use planning across the sectors (forestry, peatlands, water and agriculture).

Joint Lower Churchill EIS Review

Lower Churchill EIS Response
Summary of response to Nalcor Energy's Environmental Impact Statement for proposed Lower Churchill Hydroelectric Generation Project in Labrador
In 2009, the Environmental Policy Unit coordinated a joint response from faculty and staff at Memorial University to Nalcor Energy's Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for its proposed 3,074 MW Lower Churchill Hydroelectric Generation Project in Labrador.
The response questioned the assumptions underlying the report's opaque use of the precautionary principle and sustainable development. It also critically examined the approach taken to account for greenhouse gas projections and the need for future hydroelectric capacity. Complicating factors in the EIS were the lack of adequate consultation measures with Aboriginal groups, as well as the lack of transparency in that key documents were unavailable to the public. Lastly, the response was critical of how cumulative effects were determined. Key questions to be answered in relation to these concerns were also included.

Newfoundland and Labrador Wetlands Workshop

On September 16th to September 18th, 2009, a group of ~35 individuals representing the interests of industry, NGOs, and various levels of government participated in a facilitated workshop to discuss wetlands and wetland management on the island of Newfoundland. Delegates included individuals from Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. This was the first time such a diverse group of interests were in the same room and had the opportunity to collectively explore NL wetland issues. The group generated more than 45 pages of information toward understanding and addressing the key issues facing wetland conservation and management on the island portion of the province.