There is a partner available…

There is a partner available to help us with the question of expanded permit by rule applied to water takings for construction site dewatering and foundation drains- This partner is extremely knowledgeable, aware of the importance of wetlands for flood control and habitat, and in fact knows far more about our water resources than we do- Certainly more than a construction company focused on profit.

I get that Conservation Authorities get in the way- They're so aware of water resources, water tables, underground waterways- always coming up with a reason for respecting our natural resources for our long term safety and survival. I submit that Conservation Authorities are absolutely the critical partner who should be involved in decision-making and assessment wherever ground water is involved. We are so in danger of putting profit and expediency ahead of scientific rigor in our use of the environment- which will inevitably place our water table, our water resources, our water purity, and the integrity of our own health and environment at risk.

This proposed expansion to permit by rule for water takings for construction is truly penny-wise and pound-foolish. There is only so much groundwater- This is not a limitless resource. Those with the training and the science to assess and assist in water use should continue with their current responsibility to evaluate water taking, to limit it where necessary, and to review construction permit requests and protocols. SCIENCE, vs. profit- In the long run, it's a no-brainer. A construction company is NOT a trained scientist in water resources. He/she is a money-maker, putting profit ahead of sound science.

I ABSOLUTELY DO NOT SUPPORT EXPANDED PERMIT BY RULE IN WATER TAKING IN CONSTRUCTION AND FOUNDATION DRAINS. I ABSOLUTELY SUPPORT CONTINUED INVOLVEMENT WITH THE CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES, THROUGH PROJECT APPLICATIONS AND EVALUATION. I ABSOLUTELY SUPPORT PUBLIC OVERSIGHT, RIGHT OF APPEAL, AND FINES COMMENSURATE WITH CULPABLE DAMAGE.