Pollution Prevention

Pollution prevention is defined as "the use of processes, practices, materials, products, substances or energy that avoid or minimize the creation of pollutants and waste and reduce the overall risk to the environment or human health" (CEPA,1999). With the introduction of the Toxics Reduction Act, 2009 in Ontario, many manufacturing companies will be required to develop toxic reduction plans for their facilities, if they meet the reporting criteria.

Cotter has assisted many manufacturing companies in the identification of pollution prevention opportunities. Cotter has also prepared numerous pollution prevention plans for companies in Toronto to meet the requirements of the City of Toronto's Sewer Use By-Law. Cotter can also assist companies in toxic use reduction planning.

In 2003, Cotter was contracted by Environment Canada to evaluate its Model P2 Planning document, and provide a model plan for Environment Canada's use on its website. In 2009/2010, Cotter assisted the Ontario Ministry of the Environment with the development of a technical guidance document for toxic reduction planning, under contract with another consulting company. Cotter also participated in a panel of experts advising the MOE on implementation issues and concerns with this legislation.

From 1991 to 1996 Cotter worked with the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association of Canada (APMA) in helping its member companies develop pollution prevention plans. During the course of his work with the APMA, Cotter inspected and advised more than a hundred automotive parts manufacturing facilities on pollution prevention opportunities, in sub-sectors that included fabricated metal products, electroplating, painting, polyurethane foam, injection molding and plastics products, rubber products, aluminum and magnesium die-casting, steel products and steel making, and iron foundries.

Cotter is a chemical engineer by academic training, and From 1996 to 2001, Dr. Cotter was an Adjunct Professor at the University of Toronto in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, where he developed and delivered a graduate course in Industrial Pollution Prevention.