For the purpose of washing…

For the purpose of washing aggregate, a new Permit has been made to take water for a period of 10 years from one well within the Oro Moraine, in the Township of Oro-Medonte.

This water-taking request, categorized as a Category 3 Permit, is “anticipated to have the highest potential of causing unacceptable environmental impactor interference”.

Water is a precious resource. Contamination and disturbance of groundwater sources can be complex and costly. Protecting groundwater must be a top priority in Ontario.

This industry has the ability to install a sustainable system to collect and recycle aggregate washwater for reuse. The attached link is one example of a system that provides water recycling solutions for washing aggregate, thereby "reducing the need for fresh water by 90%".

Since alternatives are available for washing aggregate, without disturbing precious water resources, this Category 3 water-taking Permit should be denied and Ontario officials should provide direction and leadership to encourage the industry to adopt sustainable solutions now.