07-10-2004, 12:37 AM
Proposed new regulation to ensure tougher review of water taking permits and stronger conservation measures
TORONTO - The McGuinty government is proposing tough new rules for water takings that will protect the supply of drinking water and foster strong communities, Environment Minister Leona Dombrowsky announced today.
"A clean and stable water supply is essential to the safety and vitality of our communities. We cannot allow Ontario's water resources to be simply handed out without regard for the long-term health of our watersheds and people," said Dombrowsky. "With these proposed tougher rules, we will have a better understanding of how much water is being extracted throughout Ontario."
A new regulation under the Ontario Water Resources Act would ensure Ministry of the Environment directors follow stringent safeguards before granting large water takings. If approved, the new regulation would:
* improve the assessment of the impact of water takings;
* include water conservation as a factor ministry directors must consider;
* set additional conditions for the ministry's directors to refuse permits;
* require mandatory reporting of water takings by permit holders; and
* require enhanced notification to municipalities and conservation authorities.
This proposed tough new regulation supports Commissioner O'Connor's recommendations in the Report of the Walkerton Inquiry. The proposed regulation has been posted to the Environmental Bill of Rights Registry ([url "http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/envision/env_reg/ebr/english/index.htm"]http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/envision/env_reg/ebr/english/index.htm[/url]) for public comment for 60 days.
In addition, portable ready-mix concrete plants will be exempted from the water-taking permit moratorium in time for the summer road construction season. This industry uses short-term water takings that do not pose significant threats to watersheds.
"Ensuring strong, safe, vibrant communities is our priority," added Dombrowsky. "We must ensure our water supplies are healthy and abundant."
-30-
Contact:
Arthur Chamberlain
Minister's Office
(416) 314-5139
John Steele
Communications Branch
(416) 314-6666
[signature]