[All] Ontario Biodiversity and Concerns of Waterloo North Water Supply

[Louisette Lanteigne]

Hi Everyone

The Ontario Environmental Commissioner released his report re: Ontario Biodiversity. Can be viewed online at: 
http://www.eco.on.ca/index.php/en_US/pubs/special-reports/biodiversity-special-report


Speaking of Biodiversity,  the Waterloo North Water Supply Municipal Class EA schedule C has completed their recommendations for the location of a new municipal well in the city of Waterloo. Now there is a 30 day response time for the public to air additional concerns to the MOE minister. To view the Environmental Impact Study online visit here: http://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/aboutTheEnvironment/MasterPlansandProjects.asp

Initially there were multiple sites that were on the map as possible locations for the new well, including a location along Erbsville Road which would have put vernal ponds in ESPA 17 at risk. This location has been confirmed as a habitat of the Jefferson Salamander complex. It was noted by Kevin Eby in Council and Activa's solicitor at the OMB.  Numerous EIS studies have identified all four varieties of Jeffersons in ESPA 19 & ESPA 17 over the years along with many rare species including the Endangered Acadian Flycatcher, Prothonotary Warbler, threatened Western Chorus Frogs etc. but concerns were raised by public about the ecological impacts and in the end, the Erbsville site was not supported in their recommendations. Instead a new well is recommended to be built by the Laurel Tank off Conservation Drive. 

In the mapping of the draw down impacts of the proposed new LAUREL TANK location,  it still appears as though ESPA 17 may be adversely affected. Drawdown may lower the water tables of Vernal Ponds within the ESPA's.  I'm going to write a correspondence to the MOE to discuss the concerns for threatened and endangered species. The MNR Policy folks should review this matter. Right now, we have 30 days to respond to the MOE with any outstanding issues. Deadline for response is Feb 27, 2012. 

To send an official response to the MOE minister mail: 
The Hon. Jim Bradley, 
Ministry of Environment, 
77 Wellesley St. West 11th floor Ferguson Block, 
Toronto Ont.  M7A 2T5

Also mail these two folks: 

Ms. Amy Domaratzki, (Senior Hydrologist)
Water Services Regional Municipality of Waterloo, 
150 Fredrick St. 7th floor, 
Kitchener ON 
N2G 4J3

Ms. Patricia Quakenbush
Senior Project Manager AECOM 
50 Sportsworld Crossing Rd. Suite 290 
Kitchener ON.
N2P 0A4

Lulu 
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