The final report of the Commission on Nitrates in Groundwater was presented to Premier Robert Ghiz yesterday.
“I am very pleased to have received the report,” said Premier Ghiz. “Protecting our water quality is a top priority for all Islanders, and this report provides clear direction to Government on the issues we are facing and the measures that can be taken to address them.”
The report was presented to Cabinet today. It is now available on the government website at www.gov.pe.ca/go/CommissiononNitratesReport .
“We heard from many Islanders and many technical experts about the current status of nitrates in our groundwater,” Commission Chair Armand DesRoches said. “Our report is based on the understanding that the build-up of nitrates in our surface and groundwater did not take place overnight. The solution will also take a long-term effort, and all Islanders must participate in the solution.”
Premier Ghiz said the Commission deserves a great deal of public thanks for its hard work and commitment.
“I want to thank each of these individuals for taking on this important task, and delivering this comprehensive report,” the Premier said.
The Report of the Commission on Nitrates in Groundwater includes 30 recommendations in nine categories, dealing with all aspects of nitrate management.
Among these, the Commission has identified six recommendations that are absolutely essential:
∙ Improving public education on protecting water quality;
∙ Reducing nutrient loading from sewage treatment systems;
∙ Supporting watershed-based water management planning;
∙ Mandatory 3-year crop rotation for potatoes;
∙ Matching nutrients with crop needs to reduce nitrogen leaching;
∙ Identifying high nitrate areas for corrective action.
Other supporting recommendations relate to nutrient management plans, cosmetic use of fertilizer, land ownership limits, wetlands and the need for on-going monitoring.
The report will be formally tabled in the Legislature during the fall sitting. In the interim, government will begin the process of planning for implementation of the report’s recommendations.
Since the fall of 2007, the Government of Prince Edward Island has been offering free nitrate testing clinics for Islanders to determine the levels of nitrates in their drinking water. Further information on these clinics can be found by contacting David Clark, Nitrate Clinic Coordinator, (902) 569-0573, daclark@gov.pe.ca.