About the Environmental Review Tribunal

The Environmental Review Tribunal is an independent and impartial tribunal established by provincial legislation. The Environmental Review Tribunal holds public hearings on appeals arising from, amongst other things, decisions regarding the issuance, alteration or revocation of an order, approval, license or permit under the Clean Water Act, 2006, the Environmental Protection Act, the Nutrient Management Act, 2002, the Ontario Water Resources Act, the Pesticides Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002.

Under the authority of the Environmental Bill of Rights, 1993, the Tribunal holds hearings to decide whether to grant a person's application for leave, (that is, grant permission) to appeal certain types of decisions made by a person appointed as a Director under the Environmental Protection Act, the Ontario Water Resources Act and the Pesticides Act.

The Tribunal holds public hearings to assess the merits of an undertaking that will have an impact on the environment. The Tribunal hears applications under the Environmental Assessment Act, the Environmental Protection Act, and the Ontario Water Resources Act.

Under the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, 2001, the Tribunal also conducts Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan amendment proceedings, municipal official plan and zoning by-law amendment proceedings, and proceedings in matters that have been appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board and stayed by the Minister.

In addition, under the Greenbelt Act, 2005, the Tribunal also conducts Greenbelt Plan amendment proceedings and proceedings in regard to matters that have been appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board and stayed by the Minister.

The Members of the Tribunal are appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council for the Province of Ontario to conduct hearings and make decisions on appeals. The Members have a variety of experience and include environmental lawyers, academics, planners and mediators. None of the Members of the Tribunal is an employee of the Ministry of the Environment. Members' biographies are included in the Tribunal's Annual Report.

Statutes

The Tribunal's jurisdiction derives in part from the following Statutes of Ontario:

* These statutes are directly linked to an external source. For the most current versions of Ontario statutes, please go to: http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca.