3.1 Local environmental groups
Local environmental and public interest groups may already be involved in the case you are interested in and may have
accumulated some information and documents that may help you. In addition, they may be able to provide you with media,
government, or scientific contacts, which could save you time and money.
You should contact environmental groups such as EBI, Sierra Legal Defence Fund, Sierra Club, Greenpeace, Western Canada
Wilderness Committee, Pollution Probe, World Wildlife Fund, or similar groups (see Appendix H) to see if they would like to
become involved in the case. Local native organizations may also be interested in lending a hand. You may even find some allies
in seemingly unlikely places: local sport fishing clubs, Ducks Unlimited, and other groups who may have vested interests in your
case’s success. By obtaining the backing of a large group of citizens, such as a labour union, you can counter one of government
regulators’ favourite arguments: "It is not in the general public interest to proceed with this matter."
3.2 Experts
In an environmental investigation and any subsequent prosecution, you will need advice and support from experts such as
biologists, hydrogeologists, and lawyers, but their fees can be very expensive.
However, with some creative networking, you may be able to enlist the support of resource people on a volunteer, or pro bono,
basis, or at reduced rates. EBI tries to alleviate this problem by providing advice and assistance to groups who are unable to
finance an investigation. Local residents may have expertise and be willing to volunteer. Local environmental groups may have
access to experts who will volunteer their services or provide them at a lower rate. Furthermore, lawyers such as those working
at Sierra Legal Defence Fund and Canadian Environmental Law Association offer their services to environmental groups.
3.4 The Internet
Libraries
You can access many library catalogues on the Web and get a book’s code number and sometimes even check its availability,
saving you a lot of time.
Universities
Most universities now have web pages. By searching their staff directories, you can find experts involved in contaminant
research, environmental science, chemistry, ecotoxicology, and human health issues. Call or e-mail them; they may be willing to
help or to point you to someone who can.
Environmental groups
Many (too many to list) environmental groups have a Web presence. Search for them under their names or acronyms using
search engines or directories such as the The National Environmental Directory and the Amazing Environmental Organization Web Directory!.
See Appendix H for the web site addresses of some groups. And visit EBI’s web site for an ever expanding list of links.
