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

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

Questions?