The proposed changes on…

The proposed changes on water taking are extremely backward as they prevent concerned parties from raising concerns to prevent ecological damage. Parties, including the Conservation Authorities, would only ever find out after the fact meaning that their ability to mitigate potential issues with water taking would be undermined.

The comment "Removing the volumetric limit is not expected to change the effect of this type of water taking on the environment." is not supported with any evidence making the rationale of your proposed changes unfounded. From previous studies, it is known that removing 3% of the ground water in an area is enough to cause ecological damage. Without assessment of the water taking permit and the area, removal of the volumes proposed could have devastating consequences on natural areas and could cause subsidence in some areas. This could affect both people and the environment.

Thus it is imperative that water taking in such volumes as indicated in this proposal be assessed in advance. Failing to do so is a failure to provide protection to the citizens of the Province.