WATERSHED-BASED SOURCE PROTECTION PLANNING
OCPA supports the submissions made by both AGCare and the Ontario Farm Environmental
Coalition (OFEC) to the Ministry of the Environment's Environmental Bill Registry
#XA03E0011.
Key components of both submissions:
Drinking water source protection plans must
be based on science, not "precautionary principles". Real solutions to real
issues, not additional challenges generated by perceived problems and pre-conceived
agendas.
Drinking water source protection should
be part of a multi-barrier approach including water source selection, proper
siting, municipal well construction, maintenance, testing, treatment, and monitoring.
Agriculture can do its part through the
implementation of Environmental Farm Plans and Nutrient Management Plans. Farmers
own the majority of rural lands in southern Ontario and are therefore a critical
stakeholder in the process and the resolution of any problems.
Drinking water source protection planning
committees must report directly to the Ministry of the Environment rather than
local Conservation Authorities or the Conservation Authority's Board of Directors.
New powers for municipalities to regulate existing land use are not required
unless there is strong scientific evidence that a direct threat to drinking
water source exists.
Technical Committee(s) must have agricultural
representation because this expertise is necessary for the proper comprehension
of issues relating to nutrient management, agricultural inputs, and other aspects
of production agriculture. Extension staff working with rural communities to
identify stewardship projects and assist in implementation are a key requirement.
Landowners and farmers who own and manage
most of southern Ontario's rural lands must have the opportunity for meaningful
input and broad public consultation. Posting on the Environmental Bill Registry
is not sufficient nor adequate consultation.
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