For Immediate Release
The fourth meeting of the Drinking Water Source Protection Committee (SPC) for the Saugeen, Grey Sauble, Northern Bruce Peninsula Source Protection Region was held April 22, 2008, at the
Northern Bruce Peninsula municipal office.
A presentation was made on the Watershed Characterization Report, which is currently in a draft form for the Committee to consider. Members learned about the various chapters and topics that
this large document examines. The Characterization Report discusses both the physical landscape and human use of the watershed. As well, there is extensive information about water
quality and a chapter on water quantity and water use. Preliminary lists of issues and concerns around drinking water sources are included along with numerous maps.
An initial draft of the Terms of Reference was provided to the Committee. The Terms of Reference will identify the tasks that need to be completed during development of the Assessment Report and Source Protection Plan. There are more than 40 municipal drinking water systems in the Source Protection Region that will be included in these studies. A preliminary draft of the Terms of Reference is expected to be available for public comment in early summer 2008 and a final draft is due by late summer 2008.
SPC member Bruce Davidson made a presentation on the Walkerton water tragedy. “The Committee heard about the immediate and long-term health effects, as well as impacts on the community,” commented Michael Traynor, Chair of the SPC. After the meeting, SPC members traveled to Lion’s Head, where they visited the water treatment plant and lift pump station.
Minutes of SPC meetings and other information about Drinking Water Source Protection are available on the local Source Protection website at www.waterprotection.ca.
The Source Protection Committee will be meeting next on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at 9:30 in the Kincardine municipal offices on Concession 5 north of Kincardine. The public is welcome to
attend. Other meeting dates are June 24, 2008 (time and location to be determined).
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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
David Ellingwood, Communications Specialist, Saugeen, Grey Sauble, Northern Bruce Peninsula Source Protection Region, at (519) 376-3076 x. 246 or e-mail d.ellingwood@greysauble.on.ca