ABOUT US
The Environmental Bureau of Investigation (EBI), a project of the Energy Probe Research Foundation (EPRF), is dedicated to the protection of public resources through the application and enforcement of environmental laws.
Mission Statement
A citizen-based investigative outfit, EBI investigates pollution sources and, when necessary, prosecutes those responsible. EBI's methods include investigation, prosecution, exposure and education. The goals of EBI are to investigate and prosecute environmental crime, assist individuals and groups in their fight against polluters, develop public education tools to empower citizens to stop pollution, and publish and publicize information on pollution sources and sites.
To ensure scientifically and legally strong arguments, EBI researches its cases thoroughly and focuses on a few projects that directly relate to its objectives. EBI's success in these endeavours is determined by the environmental action and clean-up taken as a result of our involvement.
It is hoped that as a result of EBI's activities, our environment and resources will be better protected.
Our motives
EBI was launched in September 1997 by Mark Mattson and Janet Fletcher, following Energy Probe Research Foundation's volunteer assistance to the Sierra Legal Defence Fund in investigating a landfill site leaching contaminants into the Cataraqui River in Kingston. EPRF recognized the need for well organized, experienced investigative resources to be available to communities. We also became aware of the need for action exacerbated by the Ontario government's cuts to environmental programs, leading to the substantial dismantling of environmental protection in Ontario. (Find out more...)
Who we are and why we're needed
After three years, we can report four cleanups and two convictions - one subject to appeal. We now have 20 investigations underway into wrongdoing by governments and corporations in Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick. On Sept. 18, 2000, the City of Hamilton pleaded guilty to pollution charges, charges that were based on EBI findings of toxic runoff, primarily PCBs, from a city works yard in the fish-bearing waters of Red Hill Creek, the last remaining natural creek flowing directly into Hamilton Harbour. The Ontario Ministry of Environment chose to lay public charges alongside EBI's private ones. The City was fined $450,000, the largest fine for an environmental crime ever levied against a municipality in Canada. It committed $8- to $11-million for clean-up. (Find out more...)
Our staff and advisory board
EBI consists of our acting executive director, Elizabeth Brubaker, our information officer, Lisa Peryman, and our Advisory Panel.
Who funds us
Last year, EBI received 96% of our funding from individual donors. For more information, check out our detailed breakdown and privacy policy.
Contact Us
Environmental Bureau of Investigation
225 Brunswick Avenue
Toronto, Ontario
M5S 2M6Phone: (416) 964-9223 Fax:(416) 964-8239
E-mail: EBI@nextcity.com
We investigate | We prosecute | You can help | Staff | Index | Email EBI | Links
Home | News | News archive | Log-in
