Why allowing this amendment…

Why allowing this amendment is dangerous and unacceptable
1. Massive water extraction 24/7, year-round
• Taking 7.9 million litres per day equals draining over 2 Olympic-sized swimming pools daily, every day, for 10 years.
• This will deplete aquifers and affect water availability for local wells, farmers, and ecosystems.
2. High environmental risk
• This is a Category 3 permit, meaning it has the highest potential for environmental damage, as defined by Ontario’s own regulations.
3. Threat to local rivers and wetlands
• Continuous removal of water threatens the Saugeen and Styx rivers, reducing flow, harming fish habitats, aquatic life, and biodiversity.
4. No notification to impacted residents
• This amendment process bypassed local notification, denying residents the right to be informed about something that directly affects their water, land, and livelihoods.
5. Sets a dangerous precedent
• If this is approved, other gravel pits will follow, leading to multiple operations extracting millions of litres daily, compounding the damage exponentially.
6. Impact on private wells
• Excessive water taking can cause nearby wells to dry up, forcing residents to pay thousands for deeper wells or water deliveries, with no compensation guaranteed.
7. Potential for irreversible damage
• Altering underground water tables can lead to long-term changes in the hydrology of the region, affecting land stability, wetlands, and agriculture.
8. Climate resilience undermined
• In an era of increasing droughts and unpredictable weather, protecting water sources is critical for community resilience and food security.
9. Insufficient public consultation
• Finding out days before the comment deadline shows a lack of transparency and accountability, undermining fair democratic process.
10. Short-term profit, long-term loss
• The benefits go to private corporate profits, while the risks and damages are borne by local communities, ecosystems, and future generations.