A open house is scheduled to take place in Wallaceburg focused on the St. Clair River Area of Concern and a discussion paper that has been created focused on the river.
“The Canadian Remedial Action Plan (RAP) Implementation Committee (CRIC) has drafted a discussion paper on the ‘Restrictions on Drinking Water or Taste and Odour Problems’ Beneficial Use Impairment (BUI) for the St. Clair River Area of Concern (AOC),” said Donna Strang, St. Clair River Remedial Action Plan Coordinator for the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority, in an e-mail.
“The St. Clair River as a source of drinking water was one problem identified as impaired when it was designated an AOC as frequent industrial spills often resulted in the closure of drinking water intakes downstream; in particular, those servicing Walpole Island and Wallaceburg.”
Strang said acknowledging the importance of the river as a source of drinking water, the spiritual importance of water to the two First Nation communities within the AOC, the history of spills in the AOC and the potential concerns that may arise if/when a not impaired status is recommended, the CRIC commissioned a discussion paper to stimulate dialogue among the public, First Nations, stakeholders and agencies.
The full discussion paper can viewed here.
Kris Lee, chair of the Wallaceburg Advisory Team for a Cleaner Habitat (WATCH) group, said “they will not agree to delisting until each of the five direct dischargers submit detailed information about their spill prevention technology prior to any potential release into St. Clair River.
“This section is missing in the report. Although the information we are requesting is not a legislative requirement, we request that the industries in question will co-operate with the MOECC,” Lee said.
The open house will take place at the Canadian Belgian Dutch (CBD) Club on Wednesday, June 22 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
A presentation will begin at 5:30 p.m.
A similar open house being held on Walpole Island First Nation is still to be determined.
