Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- August 15 , 2007Seeking Members for Local Water Committee
Local Conservation Authorities are looking for individuals interested in being a part of a local multi-stakeholder committee to develop plans aimed at the protection of local sources of municipal drinking water.
Following the Walkerton tragedy in 2000 in which seven people died and thousands of others became ill, the Province has acted on a variety of initiatives to protect drinking water supplies for Ontarians. With the Clean Water Act coming in to effect on July 3, 2007, a process has been set in motion that will enable communities to protect municipal drinking water supplies.
The creation of local Source Protection Committees is an innovative new process whereby future decisions about the sources of municipal drinking water will be made by people who live and work in the area. The purpose of these Committees will be to oversee the development of local Source Protection Plans that will help protect the water quality and supply of municipal drinking water sources including lakes, rivers and groundwater.
Under the umbrella of the Trent Conservation Coalition, Crowe Valley, Ganaraska Region, Kawartha, Lower Trent and Otonabee Conservation Authorities have been working over the past two years to develop an understanding of the sources of municipal drinking water. Conservation Authorities will provide facilitation, coordination and technical support to the local Source Protection Committee.
As defined by the Clean Water Act , the Trent Conservation Coalition Source Protection Committee will consist of 21 individuals plus a Chair. Committee membership must be made up of one third municipal representatives; one third economic sectors (agricultural, commerce, industry), and one third representation by other interests in drinking water source protection.
In addition, three seats will be reserved for First Nations representatives. Three non-voting seats will also be reserved for a representative from each of the following: Ministry of Environment, local Health Units, and Source Protection Authorities.
The Trent Conservation Coalition partners propose the following break down of representation for each sector:
Municipal Sector : Municipal (7)
Economic Sector : Agricultural (3) Aggregate/Mining (1) Large Non-municipal Water User (1) Recreation/Tourism (1) Economic Development (1)
Other Interests : Drinking Water Expert (2) Public - rural & urban (2) Environmental Non Government (1) Trent-Severn Waterway (1) Waterfront Landowner (1)
"We tried to identify the best representation across the entire region as it relates to those that might be impacted by a source protection plan or have an impact on the water quality and supply," explains Glenda Rodgers, Project Manager for the Trent Conservation Coalition Source Protection Region.
"This is an opportunity for people to share their experience, knowledge and interest in local water resources and land activities with other individuals to develop a plan of action to protect municipal drinking water," adds Rodgers.
Information on the proposed structure of the committee and how to apply for a seat on the committee is now available at www.trentsourceprotection.on.ca or by calling 613-394-3915 ext. 245. The deadline for applications is October 3, 2007. In addition, public comment on the proposed committee structure is open until September 3, 2007.
The Trent Conservation Coalition Source Protection Region, extending across the Trent/Ganaraska River watersheds, covers a 14,500 square kilometre area stretching from Algonquin Park to Lake Ontario and the Bay of Quinte.
The initiative to protect sources of municipal drinking water is directed and funded by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment with technical, scientific and administrative assistance provided through local Conservation Authorities.
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For more information, contact:
Glenda Rodgers, Project Manager
Trent Conservation Coalition Source Protection Region
c/o Lower Trent Conservation
714 Murray Street, R. R. #1
Trenton, Ontario K8V 5P4
Lezlie Goodwin, Communications Specialist
Kawartha Conservation
277 Kenrei Road
Lindsay K9V 4R1
705 328.2271 ext 233