What We Do
Nova Scotia Environment’s areas of work are as follows:
Air Quality
Nova Scotia Environment is responsible for the management of outdoor air quality in Nova Scotia. The Air Quality Branch monitors the quality of air in Nova Scotia, ensures that citizens can obtain information about the quality of the air that they breathe, and uses this information to help develop policies to improve air quality in Nova Scotia.
Climate Change
The Climate Change Division recently joined the newly formed Nova Scotia Department of Environment in April 2008. The Climate Change Division is leading the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in Nova Scotia by creating a Climate Change Action Plan.
Competitiveness and Compliance Initiative
The Competitiveness and Compliance Initiative was designed by the former Nova Scotia Environment and Labour to achieve excellence in the Department’s regulatory practice. Its aim is to improve the competitiveness of business and achieve better compliance with provincial laws. This initiative continues with the new departments: Nova Scotia Labour and Workforce Development and Nova Scotia Environment. This is part of The Better Regulation Initiative: a province-wide process to improve the laws and regulations in Nova Scotia.
Environmental Assessment
Environmental assessment in Nova Scotia is lead by the Environmental Assessment Branch. The Environmental Assessment Branch promotes the protection and prudent use of the environment through reviewing proposed developments at the planning stage.
Environmental Monitoring and Compliance
The Environmental Monitoring and Compliance Division is responsible for the majority of field operations relating to environmental protection. Activities in this Division include: processing applications, inspection and monitoring of approvals, enforcement activities and response to public issues and complaints. There is a Regional & District Network of Offices across Nova Scotia.
Environmental Trade and Innovation
The Environmental Trade and Innovation Branch is the government's lead agency for development and use of environmental solutions from Nova Scotia businesses, by supporting and promoting environmental industries, innovations and technologies within Nova Scotia and to Canadian and International markets.
Nova Scotia Youth Conservation Corps
The Nova Scotia Youth Conservation Corps (NSYCC), a program of Nova Scotia Environment, provides an opportunity for young Nova Scotians to gain environmental work experience and training by working on community projects.
Pollution Prevention
The Pollution Prevention Branch is responsible for programs, publications and projects for business, communities and within government which prevent, reduce and remediate contaminants in our air, land and water. This ranges from proactive, voluntary approaches to reducing potential impacts through pollution prevention or more traditional regulatory and technical programs on specific activities including contaminated sites, pests and pesticides, and petroleum storage.
Innovative initiatives such as sustainable procurement and the Environmental Home Assessment Program help our government and individual property owners to reduce environmental impacts of products and services.
Protected Areas
The Protected Areas Branch helps to protect our outstanding natural heritage by planning and managing Nova Scotia's Wilderness Areas, Nature Reserves and Heritage Rivers, and encouraging private land stewardship. The Branch is currently undertaking a series of public participation opportunities towards the designation of candidate Wilderness Areas.
Waste Resource Management
The Waste Resource Management Branch contributes to the quality of life in Nova Scotia and contributes to a sustainable and healthy environment by stimulating stewardship, innovation and collaboration in waste resource management. The Branch is responsible for solid waste resource management regulations, policies and programs, including a number of initiatives related to recycling, composting, disposal bans and litter prevention. The Final Report (PDF: 962k) on Nova Scotia’s 1995 Solid Waste Resource Management Strategy was released in April 2008.
Water and Wastewater
The Water and Wastewater Branch is responsible for the development and implementation of the provincial water and wastewater management regulations, policies, strategies and programs designed to protect public health, safety and the environment. The Branch is currently undertaking a Water Resources Management Strategy for Nova Scotia.
