[All] Maps: The GRCA response and further questions

[Louisette Lanteigne]

The response from the GRCA is below and under that is response I've sent back to them in regards to this interesting information.
In my view watersheds don't tend to move from location to location but it appears the map lines have moved mysteriously.  
I've already witnessed the removal of lands from the Laurel Creek Watershed into the Howard Sturm watershed by City of Waterloo in spite of the fact that city planners state source protection in not their jurisdiction. The city council simply voted to do it based on a single letter from Stantec without even consulting Regional Hydrology Staff. Truthfully I question the validity of science that resulted in the the augmentation of the watershed delineations.  My response is below the letter provided by the GRCA. Please review. 
Louisette
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--- On Wed, 7/20/11, Dave Schultz <dschultz at grandriver.ca> wrote: 

 

From: Dave Schultz <dschultz at grandriver.ca>
Subject: RE: Highland Quarry is in Grand River watershed
To: "Louisette Lanteigne" <butterflybluelu at rogers.com>
Date: Wednesday, July 20, 2011, 3:47 PM

Hi Louisette,Thanks for your e-mail. We have had that question come up several times, so we have examined it fairly closely.The map you attached does not show the current, official, legal watershed boundary.I’ve attached a copy of our submission to the MNR from April 26 which shows the boundary.I’ve also attached another map from the Highland submission which also shows the boundary.Watershed boundaries were adjusted a few years ago as part of the source protection planning process. It is possible that Stantec used an older watershed boundary map but you would have to ask them that question.In any event, the small area that has attracted your interest may have been a pocket which did not drain to either the Nottawasaga or the Grand systems. In pre-settlement, pre-farming days it may have been a wetland with no surface water outlet.It’s up to you to decide which map you want to accept.However, as to your larger point, we are, of course, aware that
 surface and groundwater flows can, and often are, different.We have said consistently that we are indeed concerned about potential impacts from the Highland Quarry on groundwater in the Grand River watershed particularly in the area near the site.We have also said that we do not yet have enough information from Highland to determine exactly what that impact will be under different scenarios (e.g. pumping, no pumping, etc.).Our comments to the ministry spelled out the nature of our groundwater concerns in considerable detail. I trust you’ll find them informative.Dave Schultz 
Manager of Communications 
Grand River Conservation Authority 
(519) 621-2761 Ext. 2273dschultz at grandriver.ca 
www.grandriver.ca
Hello Mr. Schlutz
First off I'd like to thank you for the response you've provided. It is greatly appreciated to have someone willing to dialogue on issues of this nature. It's an overwhelming project so it's important that we clarify what maps are being used by whom.
Is the official stance of the GRCA that the map which I provided to you in my previous letter on July 20th as produced by Helen Purdy of Stantec is incorrect?

Also, if the delineation of the mapping was changed, what specific scientific data was used to support that decision? I would like to personally review that material if possible. Do you know what date this delineation was authorized and by whom? Did all the affected conservation areas partake in this decision?
Please respond in writing. 

Louisette Lanteigne700 Star Flower Ave.Waterloo Ontario
N2V 2L2
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