The Corporation of the City…

The Corporation of the City of Barrie's Environmental Compliance Unit and Risk Management Unit (City) has reviewed the ERO proposal and has the following comments to be taken into consideration regarding the proposed amendment:
1. Will there be a phase-out period for those systems that currently have an ECA but fall within the low-risk category?
2. For Construction Site Dewatering, will the Ministry be developing or providing further guidance/standards of the Ministry’s expectations for the measures that may be required to ensure the site does not have or cause an adverse affect? Who is the responsible party to ensure that these measures are in place?
3. Under 4) Construction Site Dewatering, this proposal states that proponents would be required to implement any necessary measures to ensure that water quantity and quality are not affected upstream or downstream of the work area and that the discharge does not cause an adverse impact. How would this be achieved? Would this work be the responsibility of the municipality?
4. How will quality control be managed? What happens if there is an adverse impact?
5. Response to 3) Foundation Drainage Works: Is there a volume requirement that triggers the need for a PTTW?
6. Response to 3) Foundation Drainage Works: How will the quality of discharged water be dealt with?

The City acknowledges the province’s proposed changes and commitment to environmental protection and infrastructure projects. We wish to note that exempting certain low risk sewage works from requiring ECAs may present a threat to our drinking water source. Specifically, removing these ECAs could impact water quality and quantity, as well as potentially cause adverse impacts from discharge. Drinking water is a precious resource and it is imperative that we ensure current sources are protected.

It is important to note that all activities related to private and municipal construction, land development, renovation, repair, maintenance, or demolition activity at a property, must comply with the City’s Drinking Water Protection Policy. Further, the City of Barrie does not permit permanent dewatering under the Drinking Water Protection Policy.