Environmental regulations are laws and standards that protect air, water, land, and ecosystems from pollution and degradation. Municipalities must comply with environmental regulations from multiple levels of government. Federal regulations include the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (toxic substances), Fisheries Act (water quality discharge affecting fish), and Species at Risk Act. Provincial regulations govern environmental assessments, air and water permits, waste management, contaminated sites, and natural heritage protection. Regulations set standards for municipal operations: wastewater treatment plants must meet discharge limits, landfills must prevent groundwater contamination, drinking water must meet quality standards, and stormwater systems must control pollution. Municipalities also implement their own environmental bylaws for issues like anti-idling, pesticide use, and tree protection. Non-compliance can result in orders, fines, prosecution, and liability for cleanup costs.