140 likes | 253 Views
The role of information in water-related decision making . Decisions. Issue type A and B water licences for the use of water and deposit of waste Need Minister’s approval for type A licences Approve associated plans and studies Refer an application to Environmental Assessment.
E N D
Decisions • Issue type A and B water licences for the use of water and deposit of waste • Need Minister’s approval for type A licences • Approve associated plans and studies • Refer an application to Environmental Assessment
Information used in decision making • Application information: • Description of undertaking • Volume of water used • Waste disposal • Other persons affected • Environmental and resource impacts • Traditional use • Monitoring Programs • Studies • Spatial information
Information used in decision making • Information provided by reviewers • Technical expertise • Report of Environmental Assessment • Plans and reports attached as conditions in Water Licence
Examples of Plans • Spill Contingency Plan • Abandonment and Restoration Plan • Water Disposal Facilities Operations and Maintenance Plan • Storm Water Management Plan • Treatment System Plan
More examples of Plans • Operation and Maintenance Plan • Dam/Dyke Monitoring Plan • Tailings Management Plan • Water Management Plan • Erosion and Sediment Protection Plan • Waste Management Plan
The Role of Plans • Some plans are required in the application stage while others are requested through the Water Licence. • Most plans are for Board approval which means that they would get sent out for review and the comments would then be incorporated by the Licensee if required. • Plan requests are on a project by project basis.
Reports • Annual Report • Water use amount • Waste deposit amount • Modifications to project • Updates to any plans • Summary of Surveillance Network Program (SNP) • Summary of any studies conducted
Reports • Geotechnical Assessment Report • Surveillance Network Program “SNP” • Parameters • Maximum concentrations • CCME guidelines usually adopted • Recommendations from reviewers
Information Needs • Project specific • Type of undertaking • Small versus large • Location
Information Gaps • Common information gaps are: • Groundwater information • Tailings cover information • Traditional use • Geochemical (e.g. Acid generating potential) • Effluent Quality Criteria
Addressing Information Gaps • Boards can hold public hearings and technical sessions • Internal Working Group setting consistent standards • Plans and studies are key
Ways to better gather information • Being specific • Being flexible • Keeping communication lines open