Alberta’s environment minister says it’s not an emergency yet, but a deep snowpack and heavy spring rains may be needed to avoid serious water problems in the new year. Doug Vaessen explains.
Province creates task force for upgrades to Winnipeg sewage-treatment facility, but no new money yet
The Manitoba government is putting together a task force to push for the timely completion of Winnipeg's most expensive infrastructure project, but the province isn't ready yet to commit any additional money to the project. Kevin Klein, the provincial environment minister and a former city councillor, and current Coun. Brian Mayes are teaming up for a new joint task force to advance wastewater projects, with particular focus on the North End Water Pollution Control Centre. Klein will serve as chair and Mayes will be vice-chair.
France eyes 'unprecedented' water curbs after driest winter since 1959
France is preparing to introduce restrictions on water use in parts of the country from March, in an unprecedented move for the time of year following the driest winter in 64 years, environment minister Christophe Bechu said on Wednesday. France has recorded 32 days without rain, weather forecaster Meteo-France said. Watering and irrigation is already restricted in 87 municipalities in the south, which usually happens in summer, not winter, and meetings with officials on Friday and Monday will look at extending this, Bechu said.
Province approves two new wind farms
The company has partnered with 13 Mi'kmaw bands in the province under the auspices of Wskijnu'k Mtmo'taqnuow Agency Ltd. Environment Minister Tim Halman's approval comes with conditions for both projects, including stipulations concerning water, wildlife and habitat, air, noise and the visual impact, public engagement, contingency planning and site reclamation.
City of Hamilton says 59 million more litres of wastewater flowed into Lake Ontario
The City of Hamilton says roughly 59 million litres of sewage had flowed from 11 homes near Rutherford Avenue and Myrtle Avenue straight into Lake Ontario since 1996. "City staff developed this estimate based on the water meter usage data from the 11 properties connected to the combined sewer pipe," reads a release, which adds this method was identified as the most accurate way to represent the discharge. The city confirmed the sewage leak on Monday during a risk-based proactive inspection program prompted by a separate, 337-million-litre sewage spill discovered in late November.
P.E.I. government places moratorium on new shoreline buffer zone work
P.E.I.'s environment minister says the province is placing a moratorium that will mean no new development in buffer zones along the Island's fragile shorelines until a policy to protect them can be drafted and brought to the legislature. Steven Myers made the announcement as the Prince Edward Island's legislature adjourned after its fall sitting, saying it would be done through a ministerial order that would be effective immediately.