Ontario Pork drew attention to concerns and recommendations the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Park’s proposed changes to the Technical Rules under the Clean Water Act.
For Section 15.1(4) which gives the Source Protection Committee (SPC) the authority to use an alternate method or approach from that which is already prescribed, as well as for Section 55.1 whereby SPC’s are provided the authority to reclassify an intake or planned intake, Ontario Pork questioned the proposed changes and expected outcomes, how potentially impacted landowners will be notified, and the process for providing input into the changes. In addition, further information was requested regarding the complaint and appeal process if the SPC chooses to use an alternate approach.
Ontario Pork also stressed the importance of financial support for costs that farmers may incur for protecting municipal drinking water sources. Ontario Pork also requested that the ministry continue to dialogue with the agricultural community to understand potential impacts and industry concerns.
