Better Comments On Permit-By-Rule For Water Taking

Will Ontario's proposed rules for "permit-by-rule" water takings work?

Stephen English of the Region of Halton has graciously allowed me to post some of his helpful comments on the details of Ontario's proposal to replace some Permits to Take Water, especially for construction dewatering, with a "permit by rule" exemption under the Environmental Activity and Sector Registry. He doesn't object to the general concept of permit by rule for construction dewatering, but notes that it can have significant impacts on the environment and on municipal sewage systems. These impacts need better controls, which should be added to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change's plan."Halton has a number of concerns with the proposed operating criteria outlined on pg.15 in the policy proposal: