Recent News
Bipole III
The Clean Environment Commission has received its Terms of Reference regarding Bipole III. Planning for this hearing has just begun, more details will be available in the new year.
Lake Winnipeg Regulation Review Procedures now available
The general procedures for the Commission's review of Lake Winnipeg regulation are now available. Go to the hearing page for this and more information.
Change in membership
The Commission would like to announce changes to its membership. Joining the Commission are Jim Shaw, Muriel Smith and Brian Kaplan. We thank them for their participation and say good-bye to Margaret Allan, John Hreno, Frank Young, Norm Brandon, Gisele Funk and John Harvie.
Lake Winnipeg Regulation Terms of Reference
The Terms of Reference for the Lake Winnipeg Regulation Review have been provided to the Clean Environment Commission by the Minister of Conservation. View them at http://www.cecmanitoba.ca/hearings/index.cfm?hearingid=33#1.
Updated Participant Assistance
The Clean Environment Commission has recently updated and improved the documents and instructions on how to apply for and manage Participant Assistance Funding.
The instructions apply to any project where participant assistance will be made available, more specific guidance will also be provided for each project as needed.
Louisiana-Pacific Air Emissions Report Released
On September 10, 2010, the Minister of Conservation released a report on the Comission's investigation into a request for alterations to the licensed air emissions released from Louisiana-Pacific's oriented strandboard plant in Swan River. Click here to view the report.
Report on OSB Industry released
The CEC has released a report, North American Strand Board Industry Review, commissioned as part of the Louisiana Pacific Strandboard Plant Air Emissions review. The report may be viewed here.
LP OSB Plant Public Meetings
Public meeting dates have been set for the review of Louisiana Pacific Strandboard Plant Air Emissions. Please view the hearing section to find out more about the meetings and how to register.
LP OSB Plant and Emission Controls
On March 26, 2009 the Minister of Conservation requested the Clean Environment Commission conduct an investigation and provide advice and recommendations regarding a request from Louisiana Pacific to alter the operating license to allow the permanent suspension of the operation of the dryer press regenerative thermal oxidizers (RTOs) at the Swan Valley Oriented Strandboard (OSB) Plant.
To view the Terms of Reference and other information visit the Hearings section.
Winnipeg Wastewater Report Released
The Minister of Conservation has released the Commission's report on an investigation into nutrient reduction in the City of Winnipeg's wastewater.
Winnipeg Wastewater Nutrient Removal
The Minister of Conservation has requested the Clean Environment Commission to investigate the nutrient reduction and ammonia treatment at the City of Winnipeg’s wastewater treatment facilities.
The investigation to be conducted by the Clean Environment Commission re-examines one aspect of recommendations provided to the Minister in 2003 by the CEC as well as environmental licenses that were issued to the City of Winnipeg in 2004, 2005 and 2006 by Manitoba Conservation.
The investigation panel will consist of Terry Sargeant as Chair, Edwin Yee and Ian Halket.
As this is an investigation into one aspect of previously issued licenses and the overall topic was already addressed in hearings in 2002 and 2003, no additional public hearing will be held.
The Commission panel will, however, be inviting input from experts in the field as well as organizations that have a specific interest in the subject.
Should members of the public have information that is new since the completion of hearings in 2003, they may provide written submissions to the Commission before December 19, 2008.
IISD two-part report on Nutrient Loading Framework
Now available is a two-part report prepared for the Commission by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) on watershed management and a Policy/Process Review.
Visit the Hog Production Industry Review Hearing to view these reports.
OlyWest Hearing Cancelled
Hytek, the main proponent in the OlyWest hog processing plant has officially withdrawn its environmental licensing application for construction of the plant. The planned hearing is therefore cancelled.
Hog Report Released
The Minister of Conservation has released the Commission report, “Environmental Sustainability and Hog Production in Manitoba”. The report contains recommendations made by the Clean Environment Commission Panel tasked with investigating the environmental sustainability of the hog production industry in Manitoba. Click here to view the report.
Those who have requested copies will receive them in the mail shortly. All municipalities and conservation districts will also be receiving copies. Additional copies are available by contacting the Commission.
Auditor's report on Livestock Program
The recently released Manitoba Auditor's report on Conservation's livestock program is available at http://www.oag.mb.ca/.
This link can also be accessed through the Background Information section of the Hog Production Industry Review Hearing.
Report on Private Iterviews Available
A report on private interviews titled, Hog Production in Manitoba: Public Perceptions of the Industry's Environmental Sustainability, is now available.
New Commissioners Appointed
Two new Commissioners have recently been appointed by the Minsiter of Conservation. Norm Brandson comes to the Commission with many years of experience in the environmental field. Mr. Brandson is joined by Aurelie Mogan as our newest members.
Leaving the Commission this year were Harvey Nepinak, Connie Pringle and Dr. Barrie Webster. Dr. Webster leaves after more than 20 years of service to the Commission. We thank these individuals for their dedication and participation in Commission activities.
Pembina Valley Hearing Report Released
Stan Struthers, the Minister of Conservation has released the Clean Environment Commission report on the Pembina Valley Water Cooperative Supplemental Groundwater Supply Proposal. The report provides a summary of the information heard throughout the hearing, analysis of the issues and recommendations for the Minister.
Click here to view the Pembina Valley Water Cooperative Report.
University of Manitoba Expert Report
A report by University of Manitoba researchers on the current state of knowledge on a variety of issues related to the hog production industry is now available on line.
The report provides information on nutrients and water quality, manure storage, management and application, water use, pathogens and antibiotics, odour and air quality, policy and regulatory tools.
Public comments will be accepted until November 15, 2007.
Click here to view the pdf report.
Expert Reports Available
As previously noted, expert reports commissioned by the Hog Production Industry Panel will be available for public review. The first of these reports is now available with more to come shortly. This first report from the George Morris Centre provides an economic overview of the industry in Manitoba.
Public comments on expert information will be accepted until October 31, 2007.
Click here to view the George Morris Centre Economic Review.
Participant Funding - Hog Industry Review
Small finanacial awards will be available to assist local, community, agricultural and environmental groups and individuals to prepare for represenatation before the Hog Production Industry Review Panel of the Clean Environment Commission.
Deadline for applications is February 7, 2007, noon CST.
Public Hearings Completed
The public hearing portion of the Hog Production Industry Review concluded on April 27, 2007 in Winnipeg. All documents received during the meetings and written submissions received as of May 7 are available on our website. Visit The Hearing section to view the documents.
The Commission Panel will now review the information received and seek expert assistance on this and other available data to begin their evaluation and development of recommendations. This activity is expected to take several months.
Participant Assistance Extended
The deadline for Participant Assistance applications has been extended. Applications will now be accepted until the conclusion of the public meetings.
Hog Industry Review Participation Guide
"Guide to Public Participation in the Clean Environment Commission Hog Production Industry Review" is now available. This document was prepared by the review Panel based on the input from the scoping exercise and other considerations. It provides a guide to potential participants for the upcoming public meetings.
Pembina Valley Water Co-op Hearing
A Panel has been appointed by the Clean Environment Commission to conduct a hearing regarding the Pembina Valley Water Cooperative Groundwater Supply System Project. The Panel includes Ian Halket, Ken Gibbons and Gisele Funk and, will be chaired by Terry Sargeant.
The Panel met on June 28, 2006 to review the four documents submitted by the Proponent, the public comments received by Manitoba Conservation and background information gathered by the CEC office. On review of these documents, it was determined that the material provided by the proponent was insufficient to proceed with a hearing, and insufficient upon which to base any recommendations to the Minister. The Panel has therefore requested that the Environmental Assessment and Licensing Branch facilitate the collection of additional required information from the Proponent before the hearing process progresses any further.
Those who have applied to be Participants or to make presentations to the Panel will be advised of any further developments as soon as possible.
Hearing dates and locations have not yet been determined, these will be posted once they are finalized. Please check back later for updates.
OlyWest Panel Named
The Clean Environment Commission has appointed the Panel that will review the OlyWest Hog Processing Plant Proposal. The Panel will include Wayne Motheral, Ken Wait, Edwin Yee and Terry Sargeant as Chair.
Hog Production Industry Review
The Clean Environment Commission as requested, by the Minister of Conservation, will review the environmental sustainability of the hog production industry in Manitoba.
The Commission embarks on this task with a somewhat fluid process. There are a number of identified activities that will take place; their format, timing, location and scope will be shaped by issues and input from the many parties that will be involved.
Pembina Valley Water Co-op Hearing Completed
On November 7 and 9, 2006 a hearing on the Pembina Valley Water Cooperative Supplemental Groundwater Supply Proposal was completed. The Panel now has 90 days to provide a report and its recommendations to the Minister of Conservation.
Participant Assistance Program Changes
Some small changes to the Participant Assistance Program (PAP) have been made cooperatively by the Manitoba Clean Environment Commission and Manitoba Conservation to increase efficiency and responsiveness. Applications for PAP are now available from the Commission and completed applications will now be submitted directly to the Commission Secretary. It is expected fewer steps in the process may accelerate the time it takes to review applications and award funding. All other procedures remain in place. No applications are being solicited at present.
Pembina Valley Water Co-op
The Minister of Conservation has requested the Clean Environment Commission conduct a public hearing on the Pembina Valley Water Cooperative Supplemental Groundwater Supply System project. The Pembina Valley Water Cooperative proposes to move groundwater, by pipeline, from the Sandilands area to a pumping station at Morris and then into their distribution network. To view the Terms of Reference go to Hearings-Current Hearings. Hearing dates and locations have not yet been determined, these will be posted once they are finalized. Please check back later for updates.
Hog Production Industry Review Public Meetings
Registration and other information regarding participation in the public sessions in 14 locations in agro-Manitoba is now available.
CEC Launches New Logo and Identity
As seen above, the Manitoba Clean Environment Commission has adopted its own logo. The logo reflects the Commission’s role in protecting and providing a clean and green environment. The logo will distinctly identify the Commission in all its activities.
CEC Launches New Website
Welcome to our updated website. The site has been redesigned to provide our clients with more complete information on public environmental hearings, information on how to participate, as well as an easy way to register or keep informed of Commission activities. Take a browse through; we welcome your feedback on our redesigned site.
New Publication for Proponents
A short overview of the Clean Environment Commission hearing process, from a Proponent's perspective, has been produced. "A Proponents' Guide to the Clean Environment Commission Hearing Process" appears in brochure format and highlights the steps and time frames required for the mandatory and discretionary activities involved in conducting a successful hearing. It is intended to provide some guidance about the process for prospective Proponents and Participants. The CEC hearing process takes upward of 6 months from the time of the Minister's request to delivery of the report to the Minister.
OlyWest Hearing Called
The Minister of Conservation requested that the Clean Environment Commission conduct a hearing respecting the OlyWest Hog Processing Plant Proposal.
No date for the hearing has been set as yet. Please watch for notices in the paper and on our website.
If you have interest in participating in the hearing and require funding assistance please review the participation guidelines and procedures, complete an application form(s)and send to the Clean Environment Commission.
New Members Appointed to CEC
Six new members have been appointed to the Clean Environment Commission by the Minister of Conservation.
Leaving the Commission are Lissa Donner and Myrle Traverse; the Commission thanks these individuals for their dedication to protecting Manitoba’s environment.
The Commission welcomes Margaret Allen, Gisele Funk, John Harvie, Patricia MacKay, Edwin Yee and Frank Young.
