The Act is a comprehensive legislative framework designed to protect and manage the environment within the Province of New Brunswick. It establishes the authority of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to regulate, monitor, and enforce environmental standards related to air, water, soil, and waste. The Act defines key terms, outlines the responsibilities of various governmental bodies, and sets out the procedures for issuing orders, permits, and exemptions. It also provides mechanisms for public participation, appeals, and the establishment of environmental councils and stewardship boards to oversee specific environmental concerns. The Act empowers the Minister to designate contaminants, set maximum allowable levels, and issue orders to control, reduce, or eliminate pollution. It details the circumstances under which orders can be issued, the types of remedial actions that may be required, and the liability for costs incurred in environmental restoration. The Act also addresses the management of wetlands and coastal areas through specific designation orders, which can impose restrictions or requirements on activities within protected zones. Exemptions to these orders can be granted under regulated conditions, and the Act ensures that no compensation is owed solely due to the imposition of such environmental protections. The Clean Environment Act sets out the roles and powers of inspectors and analysts, including the authority to enter premises, collect samples, and detain evidence. It prescribes penalties for violations, including fines and absolute liability offences for non-individuals. The Act also provides for the creation and operation of water and wastewater commissions, the maintenance of public registers, and the procedures for appeals and conflict resolution. Regulations under the Act cover a wide range of environmental management issues, from the handling of designated materials to the conduct of environmental impact assessments, ensuring a robust and adaptable approach to environmental governance in New Brunswick.
كندا · 1971-05-15