DesRoches Confirmed as Commission Chair
Cabinet has confirmed the Honourable Armand DesRoches as chair of the Commission on Nitrates in Groundwater. In addition, four other Islanders have been appointed by cabinet to round out the commission.
Joining the Honourable Mr. DesRoches, are Chief Darlene Bernard of Lennox Island First Nation; Dr. John MacLeod, a retired research scientist who has done extensive research on soil fertility and nutrient cycling; Dr. Heather Morrison, the province’s Chief Health Officer; and Stewart Affleck of Bedeque, a retired potato producer. Mr. DesRoches is a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Prince Edward Island Trial Division. Presently, he is counsel with the Charlottetown office of Stewart McKelvey Sterling Scales.
Premier Robert Ghiz says the commission members bring a broad range of experience and expertise to the table. They are not appointed to represent a particular sector of society.
“I want to thank these individuals for taking on this important task. Protecting our water quality is a top priority for Islanders and it is a top priority for our Government,” said Premier Ghiz. “The work of the commission will help us find lasting solutions to protect our water for generations to come.”
Nitrate is the most common chemical contaminant to water in Prince Edward Island. There has been a steady increase in nitrate concentrations in some Island streams over the last 20 to 30 years. More recently, nitrate levels in private wells in some areas of the province have increased. The Commission on Nitrates in Groundwater will develop a strategy to reduce nitrate concentrations in surface and groundwater. The focus will be recommending solutions.
In the coming months, the commission will invite written submissions and presentations on solutions to the problem of nitrate contamination. More information on how Islanders can provide input will be available soon.
The Commission on Nitrates in Groundwater will report to Premier Ghiz by June 2008 and the report will be tabled in the provincial legislature at the earliest possible date.
BACKGROUNDER
COMMISSION ON NITRATES IN GROUNDWATER
Protecting our water resource is a societal priority. Few jurisdictions are as completely dependent on groundwater for their source of freshwater as Prince Edward Island. While farming, forestry, fishing, aquaculture and tourism are important contributors to the economic wealth of this Province, they are all dependent upon access to a high quality source of water.
In recent years, human health concerns have arisen about the quality and quantity of our drinking water, the natural systems which provide that water, and the aquatic ecosystems that are reliant on that water. One key concern is the threat posed by nitrate contamination of our aquifers and watersheds. There has been a steady increase in nitrate concentrations in some Island streams over the last 20 to 30 years, and more recently, nitrate levels in private wells in some areas of the province have also increased.
Recent public consultations on PEI have concluded that action needs to be taken to address the issue. The commission will focus on recommending solutions.
Terms of Reference:
• The Commission on Nitrates in Groundwater will develop a strategy to reduce nitrate concentrations in surface and groundwater.
• The commission will review and assess current research, associated recommendations, and available solutions when developing its strategy.
• The strategy will ensure that:
- nitrate contamination in Island surface and groundwater will be brought to acceptable levels as soon as possible,
- residents will be able to rely on high-quality natural drinking water, and
- streams, rivers, ponds and estuaries will support a healthy variety of aquatic life.
• Members of the commission will be selected on the basis of personal experience and expertise, and be reflective of a broad cross section of society.
• The commission will be mindful that the solutions will involve government, landowners, industry and the public working together, with a shared commitment to reducing nitrate contamination in our water.
• The strategy will be implemented through various regulatory instruments, economic policy and education will be a key component of the strategy. Depending on the policy instruments chosen, departments and agencies may work in co-operation, co-ordination and/or collaboration with the private sector in reducing nitrate contamination in water.
• The commission will invite written submissions and presentations on solutions to the problem of nitrate contamination.
• The commission will report to the Premier by June 2008, with the intention of having the report tabled in the Legislature.
Commission Members:
• Chair Armand DesRoches, former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Prince Edward Island Trial Division
• Chief Darlene Bernard of Lennox Island
• Dr. John MacLeod, retired research scientist
• Dr. Heather Morrison, Chief Health Officer
• Stewart Affleck of Bedeque