Public engagement works to defeat pipeline proposal in Manitoba
In February, Manitoba's Clean Environment Commission turned down its first proposal since its inception in 1988. The proposal was to spend $12 million to pipe groundwater from the Sandilands Aquifer in southeastern Manitoba to communities in the south central region to protect against potential water shortages.
Manitoba Eco-Network (MEN) and other concerned groups (including ENGOs, local governments and one First Nation) put pressure on the Minister to hold a Clean Environment Commission (CEC) hearing. He did, announcing a hearing and participant funding in last summer.
MEN coordinated expert testimony for the hearings. In particular, they brought in Dr. David Brooks, Policy Director for Friends of the Earth Canada and expert on water soft paths. He helped MEN to build a case around three key points:
- There was insufficient information with which to make an informed decision regarding sustainable withdrawal of water from the Sandilands Aquifer.
- The project should be evaluated in light of the province's own policies regarding watershed planning, water conservation and sub-basin transfers.
- The communities proposed to be serviced should not rely on an external source of water - demand management offered a cheaper and more sustainable alternative.
The Commission recommended that the license for the pipeline proposal not be approved, finding that an integrated watershed plan for the Manitoba portion of the Red River Basin was required, including associated aquifer plans, before any such proposal could be appropriately considered. It also called on the provincial government to lead a more in-depth consideration of water supply alternatives.
See full description of the process and MEN's success in a highlight provided by Glen Koroluk, Water Issues Coordinator, Manitoba Eco-Network.
The Foundation has been supporting MEN's work on provincial water policy for 18 months.
For more information please see: www.mbeconetwork.org/water/index.php