Water Resources Discussion Begins

Nova Scotians, including industries, farmers, municipalities and environmental groups, are invited to review and respond to the province's Water Resources Management Strategy discussion paper, released today, Jan.30.

The purpose of the discussion paper is to generate comment to help develop a management strategy for Nova Scotia's water resources such as lakes, rivers, wetlands, and aquifers. Management of waste water is also part of the discussion.

"Creating a strategy to manage our water resources is key to protecting our environment, one of the province's five immediate priorities outlined in the throne speech," said Mark Parent, Minister of Environment and Labour. "The release of this paper moves us well forward in developing that strategy."

Better management of the province's water resources will contribute to the health of people, ecosystems, and the economy. It will also assist industries, such as tourism and agriculture, and help the province prepare for floods and drought.

The Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act commits the province to developing a water resources strategy by 2010. The province announced the development of the strategy in March 2007.

The committee co-ordinating strategy development will continue to work with key partners and public input.

The committee includes representatives from the departments of Environment and Labour, Health Promotion and Protection, Natural Resources, Agriculture, Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, Economic Development; Fisheries and Aquaculture; Energy; Aboriginal Affairs; Tourism, Culture, and Heritage and Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. The Utilities and Review Board and Environment Canada are also represented.

The committee welcomes written submissions on the discussion paper by June 1st.

The paper, entitled Towards a Water Resources Management Strategy for Nova Scotia, and a feedback questionaire are available at www.gov.ns.ca/enla/water . Copies of the discussion paper and feedback questionaire are also available at public libraries and regional offices of Nova Scotia Environment and Labour.

Public consultation forums will be held in the spring.