Environmental Protection

The Environmental Protection (EP) Division is responsible for the protection of people and natural spaces of Nunavut. EP is divided into three sections: Environmental Compliance, Land Use and Environmental Assessment, and Environmental Science. These sections encompass a broad spectrum of programing and the sections work together to find positive outcomes and solutions for Environmental Protection issues.

EP enforces Nunavut’s environmental acts and regulations, primarily the Environmental Protection Act. EP develops environmental guidelines to educate the public and industry about their responsibilities under the legislation. EP is responsible for carrying out all territorial government responsibilities in relation to land use planning and for coordinating the department’s participation in the environmental assessment process in accordance with the Nunavut Impact Review Board. The division is responsible for inspection and investigation of residential oil tanks and responding to spills. The Division manages the contaminated sites inventory for the GN and oversees waste management and diversion efforts as well as conducting targeted environmental monitoring throughout the territory. Some of the key functions of the Environmental Protection Division include the following:

• Ensure legislative and regulatory compliance through inspections, education, and enforcement. 
• Reduce the number of residential oil spills in the Territory. 
• Work with stakeholders, industry, the public, government, and other territorial organizations to minimize negative impacts of resource development projects on the environment. 
• Lead GN participation in negotiation and implementation of land use planning in Nunavut through coordination with other GN departments. 
• Conduct investigation and monitoring of contaminated sites throughout Nunavut. 
• Maintain contaminated sites liabilities inventory for the GN. 
• Conduct air quality monitoring for the Territory in collaboration with Environment Canada. 
• Work with stakeholders on spill investigations and carrying out enforcement actions as necessary. 
• Prepare for the devolution of water management responsibilities from the Government of Canada to the GN. 
• Represent the GN in discussions or negotiations pertaining to transboundary watershed management with neighbouring jurisdictions. 
• Develop and work with stakeholders to promote solid waste management programs.