Where can I report or do something to prevent current and potential environmental violations in Toronto?

Question

I was horrified to see Rona employee - paint department dump a big drum of chemicals directly in the storm sewer that goes straight into the creek (and there are Atlantic Salmon and other fish in the creek this time of year)

Another one, my workplace has two "oil-drums" with some waste chemical stuff in it without lids, and if it tips...eeeew !!!

I don't want to cause people trouble (that Rona store paint employee, or my own employer, or my own job at my workplace), I just want to totally stop future damage. Where can I get results ?????????????

Answer 1

Tell your boss that you are concerned that some of the practices you are following are not in compliance with Ministry of Environment regulations and that you are concerned about being fined for violations of their protocols.

Uncovered lids of "goo" can create a huge cleanup problem for your boss if a "disgruntled" employee ever leaves and reports your company to The Action Reporter or to the Ministry.

If your boss is unsure of what regulations he needs to comply with, he should hire a qualified environmental consultant to conduct a walk over of your bosses' property to point out the violations.

In the USA, this practice is encouraged by the EPA and such an inspection would warrant favor in the event of an inspection.

However, the company is still liable for assessments and remediation of historical spills.

One a side note: The drums should be covered and kept on spill containment pallets or in a bermed area to capture the contents in the event of a spill.

Answer 2

It should be under the jurisdiction of the Ontario Government, and the Ministry of Environment. You can try contacting them.
However, I'd try enlisting some nice outside help in the form of the popular CityTV Silverman helps (http://www.citynews.ca/shows/shows_656.aspx), or The Toronto Star's The Fixer (http://www.thestar.com/thefixer).

If nothing else, I'm sure they'll help answer your question if not directly fix the problem.

By the way, I really doubt there are wild Atlantic salmon near Toronto!

Answer 3

city hall ,
if they dont respond ,
try God.