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?