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Environmental Law

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  • Key Contacts
  • Recent Experience
  • Recent Recognition
  • Insights, News & Events
  • Download PDF
  • Recent Experience
  • Recent Recognition
  • Insights, News & Events

Whether evaluating the environmental risk associated with an operating company, a proposed merger or acquisition, purchasing, developing, managing or selling real estate, seeking environmental approvals for an existing or new project, or managing litigation stemming from contamination, companies turn to us for environmental advice. With a client base spanning the range of manufacturing, automotive, steel, real estate, food processing, chemicals, petrochemical, energy, natural resources, utilities, transportation and waste management, to name a few, our environmental group assists clients to identify and resolve issues locally, nationally and internationally.

We focus on finding practical solutions in the most efficient manner possible.

We have built strong relationships with businesses, consultants, lawyers, governmental agencies and non-governmental organizations around the world, which allows us to provide timely, efficient solutions to the various legal, technical and public policy issues facing our clients.

What Clients Say

Bennett Jones LLP’s first-class environmental law group is recognized for its experience in environmental impact assessments related to major infrastructure projects, particularly in the areas of energy and natural resources, which lines up nicely with its firm-wide strength.

The core of our practice involves compliance matters, including the management of environmental risks, as well as the advancement of sustainability (which include compliance and “beyond compliance” elements). Our practice covers many different areas, including the development of environmental/sustainability policies and implementation practices and procedures; relevant and practical proactive (and where necessary reactive) compliance advice; the management of litigation risks; assisting with the purchase, sale and management of properties and businesses; the management and development of contaminated properties, including site investigations, remediation work and brownfield initiatives; conducting environmental assessments for projects, including in the energy sector; assisting with insolvency matters, including with respect to environmental liabilities related to an insolvent or bankrupt company; and obtaining approvals for projects and facilities. We appear in court and before various tribunals and boards to represent clients on liability and enforcement proceedings arising out of contaminated sites, and prosecutions under federal and provincial statutes, as well as municipal by-laws.

We advise buyers, sellers, investors, lenders, borrowers, property managers, underwriters and financial advisors about the various environmental risks related to business and transactions, including the identification of liabilities and the proper management and allocation of these liabilities. This can also include advising on various insurance products that may be available for environmental matters.

Key Contacts

  • Radha D. Curpen Radha D. Curpen, Vancouver Managing Partner
  • Leonard J. Griffiths Leonard J. Griffiths, Partner
  • Brad  Gilmour Brad Gilmour, Partner
  • Related Lawyers

Recent Experience

Wilbur-Ellis Holdings II, Inc., in its acquisition of Nachurs Alpine Solutions.
Frontier, on its PAK Lithium Project including: corporate, finance, regulatory, environmental, and aboriginal community relations.
Access Pipeline Inc., in a $400-million joint venture between MEG Energy Corporation and Devon ARL Canada Corporation.
A manufacturer and installer in a dispute over a fire in a gas compressor.
Environmental consultants in the defence of negligence claims related to TCE/PCE contamination on a commercial site in Ontario.
Shell Canada Products, in environmental matters regarding a proposed refinery expansion project.
An international carbon emissions broker, in a Clean Development Mechanism transaction involving the purchase and sale of over $1 billion in certified emissions reductions (CERs).
Bear Head LNG, in regulatory/environmental approvals for construction of the plant.
CUNA Mutual Group, in its acquisition by Co-operators Life Insurance and Central 1 Credit Union.
Natsource CF Corporation, in the completion of a series of transactions involving the forward purchase and syndicated onward sale of approximately 44 million certified emission reductions expected to be created by a nitrous oxide decomposition project in China.
North West Upgrading Inc., in all regulatory and environmental approvals associated with the construction, operation, and reclamation of a bitumen upgrader to be located near Edmonton; capital cost estimated to be approximately $4 billion.
NUCRYST Pharmaceuticals Corp., in the possible sale of all or substantially all of the assets of NUCRYST and the consideration of an amalgamation of the NUCRYST with 1499642 Alberta Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Westaim Corporation.
Precision Castparts Corp., a worldwide manufacturer of complex metal components and products, in its acquisition of all of the outstanding securities of Centra Industries, a leading manufacturer of complex aerostructure components for the world's major commercial and military aircraft programs, and the land used to operate the business of Centra Industries for an undisclosed price.
Shell Canada, in construction contracts for the expansion of it $6-billion Athabasca Oil Sands Project.
Shell Canada Products, in regulatory, environmental, aboriginal and land matters regarding a proposed refinery project.
SkyPower Wind Energy Fund LP, in the sale of its Terrawinds wind energy project near Riviere-du-Loup, Quebec and related assets for approximately $300 million.
Synenco Energy Inc., as lead counsel for all regulatory and environmental approvals associated with the construction, operation, and reclamation of the oil sands mine and extraction facility near Fort McMurray, Alberta.
Synenco Energy Inc., in the approximately $105-million negotiation and execution of a series of agreements related to SinoCanada Petroleum Corporation's acquisition of a 40-percent interest in the Northern Lights Oil Sands Project.
The RainTree Corporation, in a senior secured credit facility from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation.  The RainTree Corporation is engaged in forestation and reforestation of projects in North America and South America. 
Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation, in the ongoing development and redevelopment of approximately 300 hectares of parks and public spaces along Toronto's waterfront.
TriWest Capital Partners III, L.P., invested in Fraser River Pile & Dredge in partnership with Fraser River's senior management team and the existing Principals.
Undisclosed client, in actions as lead counsel for all regulatory and environmental approvals associated with the construction, operation, and reclamation of a multi-billion-dollar SAGD facility associated with a major SAGD in-situ oil sands project to be located in Northern Alberta.
Undisclosed client, in counsel for regulatory and environmental approvals associated with the decommissioning, remediation, and reclamation of a nuclear facility.
Undisclosed client, in obtaining approvals for various unconventional gas field developments in Alberta, including coalbed methane from the Horseshoe Canyon and Mannville formations.
Undisclosed client, in regulatory and environmental approvals associated with significant modifications to a major sour gas processing facility.

Recent Recognition

Chambers Canada
Ranked Band 1, Environment
Chambers Global The World's Leading Lawyers for Business
Band 1, Environment
The Legal 500 Canada
Ranked Tier 1, Environment
The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory
Most frequently recommended, Environmental Law, Calgary
Most frequently recommended, Environmental Law, Toronto

Insights, News & Events

Blog

Site Rehabilitation Program Periods 5 and 6 Further Expand Program Scope

February 22, 2021
       

Blog

Real Estate Transactions and Recent Changes to Environmental Management Act and Contaminated Sites Regulation

February 11, 2021
       

Announcements

ESG Series: Defining and Driving ESG Within Your Organization

February 11, 2021
       

Blog

Canada's Hydrogen Strategy

December 17, 2020
       

Announcements

Twenty-Five Bennett Jones Lawyers in Lexpert/ALM 500 Directory

December 17, 2020
       

Blog

Federal Government introduces Bill C-12 to Mandate 2050 Net-Zero Emission Requirements

November 20, 2020
       

Announcements

Bennett Jones: Tier 1 Practices and Leading Lawyers in Legal 500

November 19, 2020
       

Blog

Corporations are not Entitled to the Constitutional Right Against Cruel and Unusual Punishment

November 10, 2020
       

Blog

Canada Announces Intention to Add "Plastic Manufactured Items" to List of Toxic Substances

October 13, 2020
       

Blog

Federal Government Releases Revisions to Strategic Assessment of Climate Change

October 13, 2020
       

Announcements

Bennett Jones Advises on $3.2-Billion Agreement to Acquire K+S Americas Salt Business, Including Morton Salt and Windsor Salt

October 05, 2020
       

Blog

Version Four of the Equator Principles: Additional Due Diligence Requirements for Project Financing

September 28, 2020
       

Announcements

Bennett Jones is Recognized in Chambers Canada 2021

September 10, 2020
       

Speaking Engagements

Keely Cameron: A New Future for Inactive Wells

September 01, 2020
       

Announcements

Bennett Jones' Best Lawyers in Canada 2021

August 27, 2020
       

Blog

Alberta's Site Rehabilitation Program Enters Period 4

August 12, 2020
       

Blog

Federal Government Releases Strategic Assessment of Climate Change

July 29, 2020
       

Blog

Suspended Environmental and Regulatory Reporting to Resume on July 15, 2020

June 25, 2020
       

Blog

Deadline for the Implementation of Environmental Emergency Plans Fast Approaching

June 08, 2020
       

Blog

Federal Government Releases Notice of Intent to Amend Output-Based Pricing System Regulations Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

April 13, 2020
       

Blog

Further Reporting Relief: Certain Air Monitoring Directive Requirements Suspended and Extended

April 09, 2020
       

Blog

Environmental/Regulatory Reporting Relief: Alberta Temporarily Suspends Reporting Requirements for Certain Authorizations

April 03, 2020
       

Blog

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Issues for the Natural Resources Sectors during COVID-19

March 25, 2020
       

Blog

British Columbia Announces COVID-19 Action Plan

March 24, 2020
       

Blog

Canada's Attempt to "Forever Alter the Constitutional Balance" Impeded: Alberta Court of Appeal Rules Federal Carbon Pricing Regime Unconstitutional

March 02, 2020
       

Announcements

Bennett Jones in Chambers Global 2020

February 13, 2020
       

Speaking Engagements

Michael Smith on The High Stakes World of Emissions Litigation

January 29-31, 2020
       

Blog

NAFTA "2.1"—The Amended and Final Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement

December 17, 2019
       

Announcements

Twenty-three Bennett Jones Lawyers in Leading 500 in Canada

December 13, 2019
       

Announcements

Bennett Jones is Top-Tier in The Legal 500

November 18, 2019
       

Blog

New Charter Litigation Seeks Stable Climate System

October 28, 2019
       

Blog

Quebec's Superior Court Leaves the Door Open to Canadian Climate Change Litigation

August 01, 2019
       

Blog

Second Appeal Court Rules Federal Carbon Tax Constitutional but the Debate Continues

July 03, 2019
       

Blog

Federal Carbon Tax Ruled Constitutional... For Now

May 06, 2019
       

Blog

When Is It Too Late to Sue for Environmental Contamination? The ABCA Rules

March 13, 2019
       

Blog

B.C. “Revitalized” Environmental Assessment Regime—The Path Ahead

January 10, 2019
       

Blog

B.C. Releases its Climate Action Plan, CleanBC

December 10, 2018
       

Blog

New Details on Application of Federal Carbon-Pricing Backstop

November 06, 2018
       

Announcements

Bennett Jones in Who’s Who Legal: Canada 2018

November 01, 2018
       

Blog

Update on the Review of Neonicotinoids by the Canadian Pest Management Regulatory Agency

October 30, 2018
       

In the News

David Bursey in Lexpert on Provincial Electricity Regulations

August 31, 2018
       

Blog

When Is a Loan “Green”?

April 24, 2018
       

Blog

Bill 12: Preserving Canada's Economic Prosperity Act

April 18, 2018
       

Blog

Securities Regulators Anticipate Greater Requirements on Climate Change Disclosure

April 17, 2018
       

Blog

Lax Kw’alaams Legal Challenge to the Federal Oil Tanker Moratorium on Canada’s West Coast

April 04, 2018
       

Updates

The Creation of the Canadian Energy Regulator

March 01, 2018
       

Blog

The Framework for Regulatory Project Reviews: First-Order Conditions for Success

February 22, 2018
       

Updates

Sea Change: The Canadian Navigable Waters Act

February 22, 2018
       

In the News

Sharon Singh in BIV on China's ban on Recyclable Waste

February 20, 2018
       

Updates

Reshaping Canada’s Project Assessment Regime—Bill 69’s Ambitious Blueprint

February 20, 2018
       

Announcements

Bennett Jones in Chambers Global 2018

February 15, 2018
       

Articles

BC Seeks Feedback on Second Phase of the Spill Response Regime

February 13, 2018
       

Updates

Federal Review of Environmental and Regulatory Processes Underway

February 09, 2018
       

Blog

Environmental Aspects of Wind and Solar Projects in Alberta

February 08, 2018
       

Blog

Government of Alberta Announces New Rounds of Renewable Electricity Program

February 07, 2018
       

Blog

Green Wall of China Disrupts Waste Trade, Spurs Waste Policy Reform

February 07, 2018
       

Blog

BC Seeks Feedback and Engagement on Second Phase of the Spill Response Regime

February 05, 2018
       

Blog

Navigating the Way Forward at GVBOT Energy Forum

December 20, 2017
       

Blog

Institutional Investors Call for Increased, Standardized, Climate-Related Disclosures

December 06, 2017
       

Blog

Aboriginal Water Rights, Mining—and the Law & Order Theme Song

November 27, 2017
       

Guides

Looking Forward: Canadian Class Actions in 2018

November 23, 2017
       

Articles

Emerging Trends in Environmental Class Actions in Canada

November 2017
       

Articles

Recent Court Decisions on Quantification of Environmental Damages

October 2017
       

Blog

One Wrong Turn

September 19, 2017
       

In the News

Leonard Griffiths in Who's Who Legal: Environment 2017 Roundtable

September 19, 2017
       

Speaking Engagements

CIM South Central BC Branch 2017 Conference and Annual General Meeting

September 13, 2017
       

Blog

The Kawartha Lakes Saga Continues: Oil Spills and the Dangers of DIY

August 03, 2017
       

Blog

The National Energy Board's Role in Crown Consultation

July 27, 2017
       

Blog

Issues to "Bee" Determined: Federal Court Dismisses Preliminary Motions

July 24, 2017
       

Blog

Vancouver City Council Contemplates Strategies to Reduce Single-Use Waste

July 10, 2017
       

Blog

Canadian Government's Proposal to Reform Canada's Environmental Assessment and Regulatory Regime

July 04, 2017
       

Updates

New Federal Volatile Organic Compounds Reduction Regulations for the Petroleum Sector

May 31, 2017
       

Updates

Proposed Oil Tanker Moratorium Act—Defining Canada's Pacific Gateway

May 23, 2017
       

Announcements

Bennett Jones: 102 Lawyers in Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory

May 05, 2017
       

Speaking Engagements

CANECT - Canadian Environmental Conference and Tradeshow

May 01, 2017
       

In the News

Radha Curpen on Conversation That Matters: Social License

April 15, 2017
       

Blog

When is an Environmental Contamination Claim Too Old to Extend the Limitation Period?

April 05, 2017
       

Announcements

Four Bennett Jones Practices Ranked Band 1 by Chambers Global 2017

March 16, 2017
       

Blog

Post-Midwest: Section 99(2) of the EPA Proves a Powerful Tool

March 14, 2017
       

Blog

Shepherding in a New Era in Section 11(b) Rights

January 09, 2017
       

Announcements

Bennett Jones Ranks High in Legal 500 Guide

December 21, 2016
       

Updates

Federal Government Announces Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change

December 13, 2016
       

Articles

Managing Environmental Risk in British Columbia

December 01, 2016
       

Blog

PMRA Proposes to Phase Out Uses of Neonic Pesticide in Canada

November 25, 2016
       

Blog

Renewable Energy Progress: Alberta's proposed Renewable Electricity Act and Key Provisions of the RESA

November 16, 2016
       

In the News

Vivek Warrier in InHouse Cover Story on Cross-Border Deals

November 02, 2016
       

Announcements

Bennett Jones in Chambers Canada 2017

October 11, 2016
       

Updates

Government of Canada Approves Pacific NorthWest LNG Project

September 28, 2016
       

Speaking Engagements

CANECT – Canadian Environmental Conference and Tradeshow

2002-present
       

Updates

Federal Court of Appeal: Government Failed to Adequately Consult with First Nations on Northern Gateway

July 25, 2016
       

Articles

Renewables in Alberta: New Policies, New Opportunities"

2016
       

Speaking Engagements

Renewables in Alberta: New Policies, New Opportunities

June 2016
       

Articles

Environmental Considerations in Business Transactions

June 21, 2016
       

In the News

Bennett Jones on Daniels v Canada in Mineral Law Newsletter

June 07, 2016
       

Updates

Alberta Announces Bill 20 The Climate Leadership Implementation Act

May 26, 2016
       

Articles

Case Law Update: GFO v Ontario (Environment and Climate Change), 2016 ONCA 283

May 2016
       

Announcements

Sharon Singh Wins Wendy McDonald Award for Women of Promise

March 31, 2016
       

Speaking Engagements

University of Alberta Law School Sustainable Energy Development Presentation

March 02, 2016
       

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