I express my opposition to…

I express my opposition to this permit request in the strongest possible terms. As it is a category 3 permit request, which has the highest potential of causing unacceptable environmental impact or interference, this could have life altering consequences for the people and wildlife of Melancthon and surrounding areas. Five million litres of water per day, every day, for ten years, is a staggering ask, and is sure to have insurmountable, negative consequences on the surrounding community and the natural habitat of countless species of wildlife, not to mention livestock and farms which is a source of food for this community and well beyond.

It would be highly unethical to put the health and the very source of life - the community's source of fresh water - at risk and place corporate interest above the safety and protection of the people and living beings that inhabit the land and thrive here.

If the very definition of this permit category is that it has the highest potential of causing unacceptable environmental impact or interference, then the only possible response is to deny this permit unequivocally and unconditionally. There is no doubt that it should be a resounding NO.

The proposed water taking qualifies as a Category 3 permit. Please don't let this corporation take our water and cause irreparable harm. Water is the life force that sustains us, that grows our crops, that feeds our animals. It is the Ministry's duty to keep communities safe, to protect wildlife, and the environment, and we know that the proposed activities run counter to all of that and put us all at risk of harm. Please let us live safe, keep us safe, protect our children, protect the rich environment that we cherish. This permit would have far reaching consequences that, once done, cannot be undone. This permit must be denied now amd forever, for the sake of the community and future generations.