Latest news with #MinistryOfEnvironment
Argaam
4 hours ago
- General
- Argaam
KSA approves rules for public utility facilities
Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture for Agriculture, Hamad Al-Khamshi, approved the guidelines for establishments located at public utility markets for vegetables, fruits, meat, eggs, and fish. The guidelines shall be enforced as of the date of publication, and all relevant parties shall be notified for implementation. The guidelines supersede any previous conflicting regulations, according to Umm Al-Qura official newspaper. Under the guidelines, establishments are required to have air or plastic curtains on external entrance doors, as well as natural or artificial lighting (or both) at the premises. Artificial lighting should not alter the appearance of colors, and its intensity must suit the nature of operations. Light fixtures must be shatter-resistant or protected by covers in areas where they are directly exposed to food, equipment, utensils, or unsealed packaging materials.
CTV News
a day ago
- Automotive
- CTV News
Vehicle of interest identified in storm-water pond oil spill
Police released this image of a vehicle of interest linked to an oil spill in a storm-water pond in Bolton, Ont. Provincial police have identified a vehicle of interest as they continue to investigate a mysterious oil spill in a storm-water pond in Bolton. Caledon OPP, along with the Town of Caledon and the Ministry of Environment, launched the probe after the spill was discovered in the are of Coleraine Drive and George Bolton Parkway earlier this month. Investigators encourage the driver of the vehicle of interest, along with any passengers or anyone with intel about the vehicle, to come forward. Officials say the contaminated area has been secured and confirm the spill is contained within the storm-water pond. So far, the cause of the spill remains undetermined. Caledon Mayor Annette Groves issued a statement on Friday, asking the public to avoid the area as the active investigation continues at the site. 'We will continue to keep the public informed as more details become available,' Groves finished. Residents can expect increased traffic through the area. No timeline has been provided for when the cleanup or investigation will be complete. Storm-water ponds are designed to collect rain and melted snow runoff from roads and nearby developments, often containing pollutants. Oil spills can potentially overwhelm these systems, posing environmental risks. The Town has said there is no indication of any health or water quality impacts to nearby properties, adding the spill had, however, resulted in the loss of fish and wildlife. 'The number of affected animals is unclear at this time, but the Town is working closely with a reputable agency for wildlife rescue and cleanup efforts‚' the Town's website noted.
CTV News
2 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Blue-green algae confirmed in Commanda Lake
The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit is advising residents on the southwest part of Commanda Lake to be cautious after a harmful algae bloom, also known as blue-green algae, was confirmed in the lake. (File) The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit is advising residents on the southwest part of Commanda Lake to be cautious after a harmful algae bloom, also known as blue-green algae, was confirmed in the lake. The bloom was confirmed by a June 16 testing sample taken by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. 'While blue-green algae blooms may not always show the presence of toxins, there is always the risk that toxins could be produced,' the health unit said in a news release Thursday. 'Toxins can stay in the water for up to three weeks after the algae bloom is gone, causing skin irritation, and if swallowed, diarrhea and vomiting.' Toxins could be anywhere Anyone who uses water from Commanda Lake may be affected, depending on their closeness to the algae bloom, wind direction, water flow and other environmental conditions. 'Due to the many factors involved, it cannot be determined where and when there are toxins, or when the water is safe to use for private water systems,' the release said. 'Individuals who live near where a bloom was detected or where a bloom is visible should exercise their judgment before using the water.' For the time being, don't use the water for drinking, bathing or swimming. Keep pets and children away from the bloom. 'Using a private water system or boiling the water will not destroy the toxins,' the health unit said. 'Do not allow pets or livestock to swim in or drink the water. If skin contact does occur, wash with soap and water, then rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove algae.' For more information about harmful algae, click here or contact the health unit at 705-474-1400, ext. 5400. For further details on the sampling process, contact the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060.
CTV News
4 days ago
- CTV News
Mysterious oil spill in storm-water pond under investigation
A mysterious oil spill in a storm-water pond in Bolton is being investigated by provincial police, along with officials from the Town of Caledon and Ontario's Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks. Investigators have secured the area at Coleraine Drive and George Bolton Parkway for the probe. Police initially appealed to the public for information about the spill over the weekend. At that time, the contaminant was unknown. Town officials say a contaminant sample was sent for analysis to ensure the safety of residents and revealed it was oil. "There is currently no indication of any health or water quality impact to the nearby properties,' the Town stated on its website Tuesday. 'The incident has resulted in the loss of fish and wildlife. The number of affected animals is unclear at this time, but the Town is working closely with a reputable agency for wildlife rescue and cleanup efforts." Police say they are unable to confirm the cause of the spill, adding it is contained to the storm-water pond. 'Residents can expect to see an increased volume of traffic in the area,' Caledon OPP noted on Tuesday, adding the public is encouraged to avoid the area 'until the situation is resolved.' Police ask anyone who can provide information on the oil spill to contact the OPP or Crime Stoppers to leave an anonymous tip.
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia to start implementing sale of livestock by weight from June 26
RIYADH — The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture announced that new regulations and mechanisms for the sale of live livestock, meant for slaughter, by weight will come into force on Thursday, Muharram 1, 1447 AH, corresponding to June 26. This is part of the ministry's efforts to regulate livestock sales in public markets across the Kingdom, ensuring fair value for producers and consumers alike and contributing to environmental and economic sustainability, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. The ministry has set a number of terms and conditions for the sale of livestock by weight. This is aimed at ensuring the implementation of standards that guarantee their movements and sale to consumers, achieving the maximum benefit from this procedure. This will positively impact the livestock sector in the Kingdom, promoting the values of fairness and transparency in the buying and selling of livestock, and improving the quality and sustainability of services provided in public benefit markets. The ministry explained that the regulations for the sale of live livestock by weight include livestock prepared for slaughter inside and outside pens. The controls for selling within pens prohibit the sale of any livestock without determining their weight using approved scales in accordance with the requirements. Pen tenants are required to provide scales, and sellers are required to adhere to the highest standards of accuracy in measuring weight. The scales are also regularly maintained and kept clean to prevent the spread of disease among animals. They are also required to provide a suitable environment to ensure the safety of livestock during weighing, ensuring they are not harmed or stressed. They are also required to accurately record all weighing operations, including the date, animal type, recorded weight, and any other data specified by the supervising authority. The ministry added that the regulations stipulate ensuring transparency in the weighing process, making it visible to both buyers and sellers, while enabling the latter to object and request a reweighing if necessary. They also prohibit tampering with scales or measurements, or engaging in any fraudulent practices that affect the accuracy of the results. The ministry's inspector is granted the right to suspend any scale from use until it is verified that it complies with approved specifications. The ministry's inspectors are also provided with all necessary facilities and information, and employees are trained on the correct use of scales to ensure accuracy and efficiency in weighing. The ministry also outlined regulations for the sale of livestock intended for slaughter outside pens and within public benefit market yards. These regulations prohibit the sale of any livestock without a specific weight, using an approved scale in accordance with the requirements. Market investors are required to provide a sufficient number of scales within market yards and outside pens, commensurate with the number of livestock in each market. These scales must be approved in accordance with the regulations, and a specialized employee must be provided to carry out the weighing process. It is noteworthy that the ministry has set conditions that there should be importers for live livestock, in addition to fulfilling health requirements and obtaining import permits, to prove the implementation of the environmental sustainability program, which helps implement mechanisms for selling livestock by weight. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
