COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS - APRIL 2011

In April, 2011 a series of meetings brought together public and stakeholders in a workshop setting to talk about  solutions to the problems in the watershed. The workshops were held in Sundre on January 26, Red Deer on January 27, and Oyen on January 28.

The objectives of the April Community Workshops were to:

• To identify priority solutions to the issues and problems raised in the January 2011 workshops
• To identify who should implement those solutions
• To ensure that everyone understands what an integrated watershed management plan is, why it important and how they are contributing to it
• To ensure that everyone knows what the consultation process will be from now until the completion of the IWMP
• To evaluate the process so that subsequent workshops can better meet participants' needs

The desired outcomes of the April Community Workshops were that:

• Participants develop a list of priority solutions to the problems and issues in the watershed
• Participants identify who will implement the solutions
• Participants understand where the consultation process is going next
• Participants understand what an integrated watershed management plan is and does
• Participants feel they have learned something, they have had an opportunity to contribute ideas, and they have been heard

Each forum was led by the facilitator (Alan Dolan, Grandview Consulting) and proceedings were recorded by a note-taker (Rene Michalak, Grandview Consulting). Additional facilitators were used for small groups.

The workshops ran from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. The workshop began with a welcome from RDRWA, followed by introductions and then a presentation by the facilitator on "From State of the Watershed to Integrated Watershed Management Plan."

The problems and issues that were developed at the January workshops were summarized and the group was asked to identify any other problems and issues. The main group then broke into small groups (four in Sundre, seven in Red Deer, one in Oyen) and each group developed solutions for the problems in the watershed. Following the small groups, each group reported out at a plenary session and there was some discussion. The plenary reporting was followed by a discussion of where the process was going next and an oral and written evaluation.

Attendance at the workshops was 27 in Sundre, 63 in Red Deer and 13 in Oyen.

Click to download a presentation given by Alan Dolan on "From State of the Watershed Report to Integrated Watershed Management Plan.




Sundre
Community Workshop Notes

West Country Seniors Centre
#4, 102 - 2nd Ave NW

April 26, 2011
10 am – 3 pm

Welcome / Background - Tom Daniels

Attendee Intros

Overview of consultation process and link to SOWR - Alan Dolan

Purpose of Meeting / Agenda Review - Alan Dolan

Summarize problems in watershed from January Sundre Community Workshop and discussed additional problems.

Break into four small groups:
#1 - Phil Boehme (facilitator); Pam Vust (reporter)
#2 - Marilou Montemayor (facilitator); Carolyn Campbell (reporter)
#3 - Rene Michalak (facilitator); Amber Hines (reporter)
#4 - Alan Dolan (facilitator); Sarah Gil (reporter)






Each group developed solutions to problems as summarized below.

Problems	Solutions
1. Municipal Runoff Sewage lagoon drainage Siltation	Increase awareness of the issue and that what's legal isn't always "right" DNA testing on fecal coliform to determine what species for high summer count Improve sewage treatment Natural - build treatment wetlands (Olds College example) Transport sewage to Red Deer plant Solar biosand filter Membrane filtration Sludge on land (now allowed) Consider option of biogas / biofuel treatment of sewage Improve timing of lagoon dumping better Rural residential - "cluster" beneficial but sewage a challenge: Stormwater management - more reuse / recycle Low impact development Build into municipal codes Channel residential growth to villages / towns In low density: natural attenuation Other technologies - 4-tank septic? Education of homeowner (weed sprays, fertilizer, and pharmaceuticals in the water) Water treatment adequate in region Maximizing permeable surfaces - reducing and/or eliminating concrete Bioswales / green gardens Education - people don't like permeable surfaces Storm drains, stormwater management plans (developments, bylaws) Storage pond - siltation treatment (trap) Upgrade roads (e.g., stormceptor [defender] to control runoff) Filter pollutants Department of Fisheries and Oceans - streamkeepers
2. Agricultural Runoff Nutrients (fertilizers, manure) Pesticides Siltation	Test to isolate problems / priorities Feed lots - NRCB rules have worked well for controlling manure Dike / berms Expand Cows and Fish practices - for cow-calf operations and grazing Offstream fencing with watercourse buffer Increase awareness of county funding for fencing Downstream municipalities financially assist upstream practices for offstream livestock Pesticide - education / regulation of application Support revival / continuation of local land care / watershed "friends" groups Relevance of college / technical training to local best management options / practices / solutions (e.g., Cows and Fish) Biogas / biofuel from manure Education / extension work Explore alternative agricultural practices Place feedlots away from water Implement buffer zones Need more inspectors Train other organizations to inspect and enforce Environmental plans for farmers Properly lined manure lagoons Crown land - fence next to water courses (Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
3. Loss of tree cover From tourism, forestry, oil and gas Siltation	Needs to consider impact of managing for specific species on the watershed (e.g., managing lodgepole pine growth means controlling other species - does this affect watershed health indicators?) Quicker road reclamation Keep moving towards ecosystem-based forestry; role of fire, woody debris, selection logging, riparian buffer management Ongoing education - continuous improvement in forestry - e.g., certification (ISO, FSC) More integrated land management by forestry Energy to minimize new disturbance and reduce / reclaim past disturbance Link to recreation impacts (well site, pipelines - not just roads) Look at ways to finance reclamation of legacy disturbance Better understand relationship between forestry/logging and Water quantity / runoff and groundwater recharge Water quality in the watershed Need more and better regulation Riparian buffer should be greater than six metres
4. Wetland loss Drainage for agriculture Livestock water	Re-establish some wetlands More or improved education on the benefits of wetlands Continued incentive programs for landowners to protect and conserve wetlands Need a strong provincial wetland policy including criteria on quality of wetlands Resolve ownership issues Need for more effective enforcement
5. Loss of riparian zones Grazing / watering to the edge Erosion	Placing armour on eroded river banks Stream restoration, especially small projects (natural planting, minimizing invasive species) Funding to maintain stream channels and deal with erosion Need fewer restrictions and more support to fence areas or develop stream crossings Good examples: Raven River restoration project and Friends of the Eastern Slopes - restoring areas damaged over time Education on better land management practices Incentive programs for riparian area protection and stewardship Financial incentives Fencing programs (Red Deer County has 53 projects) Other groups that help Medicine River Watershed Society Clearwater and Red Deer County agriculture staff More education - Cows & Fish Restore natural sinuosity and meandering
6. Water quantity Long-term water storage Livestock water Headwater springs Disappearance of headwater glaciers	Establish on and off stream water storage as means of control - upstream from Sundre Consumer conservation (low-flow fixtures, xeriscaping, rain barrels, grey water systems) Improved industry water use practices (e.g., saline water use for deep well injection) Evaluate water storage opportunities Recharge aquifers w/ waste water Using grey water for irrigation vs. potable water Municipal Affairs - treated effluent regulations are too strict Stormwater collection - outside use Provide at-cost or free rain barrels Protect headwater springs from recreation vehicles
7. Water table drawdown Sub-divisions Private wells Industrial use	Sub-division planning to increase water retention and storage for reuse (e.g., grey water systems, rain barrels and cisterns) Capping program for abandoned water wells Discourage the use of freshwater for industrial use / encourage reuse (capturing of surface water) Conservation measures (education) Registration of wells - should be driller's responsibility Monitoring ground water quality Permeable surfaces to help recharge ground water Septic pollution Old systems, water table is close to the surface Monitoring is needed for septic systems Better septic regulations - private sewage code standard operating procedure Disposal / recycling sites need non-permeable layer and collection facility
8. Recreation use and development Septic pollution Off road vehicles	Control of off-road and access to the river Educate general public including urbanites for recreational use through signs and other means Enforcement of regulations surrounding camping, recreational uses, etc. Restricting access to some areas for recreation Education - quad sellers (retailers), reservation system Taxes on OHVs Give an alternative recreation area Encourage private land, entrepreneurs (subject to neighbour concerns) No more organized events in water courses Stronger penalties - financial, Impounding vehicles Reservation system / capacity No one allowed to operate off-road vehicles in wet season Quicker road / seismic / pipeline reclamation and prevent straight line access (seismic, "dogs legs") Effective access management on active roads (gates, enforcement) Stewardship education on impacts to water and others' livelihoods (grazing, forestry) Ban ads featuring off-road destruction - use visuals to educate Highlight the destruction caused in media Link to sensitive and endangered species (native fish, grizzlies, etc.) Address counter-incentives to proper water crossings Increased participation and funding for "on-the-ground" advocacy groups (e.g., "Quad Squad" organization) Internal grassroots approach to action vs. external enforcement Availability of more dumping stations Better communication between user groups RV sites, snow machines (4x4s and quads) - need to promote and support conservation and protection of natural areas
9. Oil spills - pipelines	Improved or increased enforcement / regulation Businesses need to have mandatory emergency response plans for oil spills
10. Gravel Mining in alluvial beds	Better understand hyporheic (sub-surface) flow Gravel mining in this zone - provincial moratorium
11. Flooding in Sundre area	Dredging is needed to stop the river from diverting Need to look at widening the river bridge Maintenance of the flow by removing debris from river Re-establish some wetlands Establish on and off stream water storage as means of control - upstream from Sundre Maintain the flood plain
12. Water quality Livestock water Water storage Springs Groundwater recharge and integrity	Funding water quality study on pharmaceuticals Mosaic of land cover; trees, native grasses to absorb runoff and regulate and recharge groundwater Grazing management / rotation / respect natural migratory patterns (elk, Ya ha Tinda) Better identify / understand groundwater recharge areas and not develop over them Springs: prevent inappropriate activities - OHV/recreation, grazing density / rotation, equestrian Residential, wet areas mapping and forestry Timing - restrict impacts in wet season Gravel extraction - impacts to springs and to alluvial aquifer should be more limited / managed for cumulative effects Off-stream water storage preferable to instream Choose appropriate location and timing to fill
13. Oil and gas development Deep well injection	Consider saline water for injection Studies on impacts of oil and gas on ground water and other uses

Additional discussion

• Leverage existing efforts instead of starting from scratch
• Majority of the flow of the Red Deer River comes from runoff, not from glaciers
• Once the treeline climbs up mountains as a result of climate change, less runoff will make it to the river. The hydrological cycle will be impacted by increased evaporation rates - we need to think about what this is going to do for water supplies.

Comment

• Decision needs to be made regarding flooding of Sundre
• The hope of participating in these sessions was that RDRWA would take the lead in securing that responsibility or force (politically) for a decision to be made.

Response

• RDRWA is mandated to facilitate and give advice and input to the Government of Alberta. How can pressure be placed from the municipalities on the provincial government for action?
• IWMP is intended to provide municipalities and organizations the information needed to take forward to secure the resources / policies they need to accomplish their watershed protection and management efforts.

General Comments / Feedback

• Evening sessions capture more people for feedback and participation

Red Deer
Community Workshop Notes

Quality Inn (North Hill Inn)
7150, 50th (Gaetz) Ave

April 27, 2011
10 am – 3 pm

Welcome / Background - Gerard Aldridge

Attendee Intros

Overview of consultation process and link to SOWR - Alan Dolan

Purpose of Meeting / Agenda Review - Alan Dolan

Summarized problems in watershed from January Red Deer Community Workshop and discussed additional problems.

Break into seven small groups:
#1 - Phil Boehme (facilitator); Tjarda Barratt (reporter)
#2 - Marilou Montemayor (facilitator); Dale Christian (reporter)
#3 - Rene Michalak (facilitator); Darrin Hebbes (reporter)
#4 - Gerard Aldridge (facilitator); Kelsey Spicer-Rawe (reporter)
#5 - Alan Dolan (facilitator); Rob Schwartz (reporter)
#6 - Greg Nelson (facilitator, reporter)
#7 - Andrea Brack (facilitator); Lana Yakimchuk (reporter)





Each group developed solutions to problems as summarized below.

Problems	Solutions
1. Recognize value of water Water as a commodity Inter-basin transfers	We must establish a value for water (monetary and other intrinsic measures) Full cost of water needs to be reflected Water as a human right Educate people on importance Implementers: Alberta Water Research Institute, Alberta Water Council, Government of Alberta, Universities Water conservation programs
2. Headwater / source protection	RDRWA TAC needs to make specific recommendations on impacts in headwaters
3. Recreational use and development Lack of respect for lakes and rivers Formalized access, formalized parks Economic benefit of healthy watershed areas Boating has increased - wakes, noise, overnight anchoring, sewage Missing cumulative approach for both development and recreational use Small vessel boating regulations are not enforced Ice fishing waste River vistas being degraded Shoreline degradation Need for more responsible recreational lakefront development and planning Need to preserve wetland and riparian areas Provincial Parks are expanding exponentially	Incentives for shoreline restoration (enforcement and funding) Education - e.g., presentations to public and schools on water quality, fishing and boating More enforcement of septic management (Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Alberta Environment Need provisions / infrastructure for disposal of septic waste from boats / cottages / RVs - By marina / municipality - Government of Alberta Industrial road (linear disturbance), controlled access Make industry responsible for impacts Need more enforcement and monitoring of boating issues Overnight anchoring - therefore, sewage dumping Every marina should have sewage collection Protect riparian and shoreline areas through enforcement Develop new municipal and provincial regulations to address environmental issues currently not addressed Ice fishing shacks are creating pollution Mandatory registration Require permits and integrate with a Wildlife Identification Number (WIN) card system for ice fishing huts Implementers: Alberta Fish and Game to license huts People are not fully aware - need more promotion of the issues Better regulatory planning at municipal and provincial levels Support for non-governmental organizations and community based groups Bite-sized actions people can learn and implement at home, on the lake, etc. very easily Alberta Environment is an example of successful education and awareness campaign Well-defined public accesses, parks and trails to encourage use of developed systems instead of sensitive areas Consistency between provincial and municipal development criteria School programs to teach about water / riparian / respectful / value / responsibility Interpretive programs Encourage ATV groups to be environmental stewards Enforcement of OHVs - counties, wildlife officers, police officers Educational signage for watersheds, responsibility, lakes and river access - implemented by conservation and stewardship organizations Education of lakefront dwellers Larger setbacks from the shoreline Impacts of actions (e.g., shoreline vegetation removal) Development guidelines and best management practices (AENV-led) More / expansion of parks, protected areas (Implementers: Alberta Parks, CPAWS, Federal Government) Recreational boating Access via boat launches - study thresholds; wake boats - shoreline erosion and quality experience (Implementers: Universities, AENV, Sustainable Resource Development, municipalities, Transport Canada)
4. Agriculture Impact on surface water drainage Identifying non-point pollution sources Monitoring Data gaps Need for better water conservation Lack of awareness Better enforcement More collaboration Who pays for environmental protection Lack of common standards and ability to study with old and incomplete data Fencing blocking access to traditional hunting areas No external incentives to protect wetlands Urban / rural interfaces and conflict	Irrigation incentives for development and adopting better technology (e.g., agriculture) Need more incentives to deal with runoff issues Recognition and support for adopting / doing good stewardship practices Need to better understand and recognize wildlife (e.g., birds / geese) impacts on the environment Need more incentives Compensation for wetland protection Increase our knowledge of transfer of development credits and potential usage to improve conservation Rural domestic sewage treatment and management Research management of manure alternatives Riparian area protection Agriculture grazing management
5. Industry See Agriculture	Need for more water reuse / recycling Need better regulatory framework to allow for adoption of water reuse technology Collaborate / share access for linear development between industry businesses Educate landowners and/or provide incentive for reducing road access and industry development impacts Need to better understand and incorporate social, environmental, and economic impacts in decisions and bylaws/policies Municipal workshop on strategic watershed issues Safe management of contaminated surface water at industrial sites Put a value on hydrogeological function Gravel activities prohibited in flood plains More research through educational institutions Move to international standards for protection Surcharges as fund source for programs Look at user-pay systems
6. Oil and gas development Groundwater Investigations Methanol fracking Comingle production CO2 injection Coal bed methane	Enhance / improve regulations for shale gas water use Need better understanding of cumulative impacts of oil and gas activity (e.g., coal bed methane) Management and control of water use CO2 injection - cautious approach with open review of risks / rewards - science-based decisions with strong peer-reviewed reporting Moratorium on non-saline water injection in Alberta Begin with new licences Eliminate co-mingled production Cautious ERCB approach to CO2 injection - review costs, benefits, research other jurisdictions Ban water fracking for shale gas Coal bed methane Need more research on ground water - especially in shallow aquifers Need more resources for monitoring Implementers: AENV, ERCB, Ministry of Energy, AGS, Universities, Industry Stop use of freshwater in oil and gas (deep well injection)
7. Urban and rural development Lack of practice to reuse water Lack of awareness Stormwater management Septic management Big sewer systems Groundwater quality Alluvial fields (gravel extraction) Conservation of wetlands Coordination of development with existing agricultural landscape	Encourage more work on allowing reuse of stormwater (guidelines) - may need treatment Full cost accounting needed for water utility to decrease overuse/wasted water No or restricted development of activities in or around alluvial fields / aquifers Encourage more use of the model process for subdivision approvals by municipalities Need more information on the cumulative impacts and of use of groundwater to support decisions on developments More enforcement and maintenance of septic systems to ensure waste water is properly treated before entering groundwater Need education for landowners on septic system standards Treat stormwater run off if required Identify practices that naturally treat stormwater runoff  - low impact development practices (e.g., wetlands intact, linear and conventional roof gardens) Public awareness of cumulative effects Education at municipal levels / school curriculum Marketing the watershed health (e.g., educational flyers at civic levels) Use of greywater (recycling) - demonstration projects, incentives, policy development Clarify and formulate guidelines for re-use of water Conservation of wetlands Low impact development or wetland trade-off if not possible Value in water cycle Highlight watershed health issues in the media as a "take to heart" message for all Municipal struggle for balance in development and water quality needs Showcase what works for green development - e.g., Red Deer County and City of Red Deer buildings Need strong and ongoing marketing campaigns to promote green development that works Protection for springs that feed rivers and creeks Need for "green sources" of gravel Alternatives to lawns Regulate land use planning to be compatible with watershed planning Xeriscaping - education and incentives Measure ecological footprint of development Cumulative effects studies around lakes/rivers Water metering - premium price for high use Ban 13l flush toilets Leak detection program (AENV) Septic systems Need cumulative impacts research of density levels Ensure adequate inspection of small systems Errors and omissions insurance Inspection of older systems Implementers: Government of Alberta, municipalities Education best practices WPACs, Watershed Groups and partners Funding from the provincial and federal government Volunteers (in-kind)
8. Wetland, riparian, and habitat Regulation / enforcement Destruction / fragmentation Lack of awareness of value Inventory Monitoring Accountability	Report a polluter program Marketing of value and education on wetland and riparian areas Update / implement inventory and monitoring of wetland and riparian areas Rehabilitation EGS paid to landowner Re-implement 3 to 1 policy on wetlands Take into account type of wetland: compensation for a fen would be a 10-1 ratio Clarification of government department / level roles on riparian and wetland issues Enforcement and monitoring balanced with respect for private property rights Compensation for preserving /re-establishing wetlands and riparian areas Research into linking land values, property values and wetlands/riparian areas Educate developers about wetland / riparian importance Provide compensation for wetland reconstruction Recognize stormwater may need to be treated before entering a natural wetland system More wetlands Need incentives to keep existing or restore drained ones Implementers Landowners, Ducks Unlimited, municipalities, Government of Alberta Education - agricultural producer groups, WPACs and Watershed Alliances Regulation and enforcement - Government of Alberta w/ guidance from WPACs and NGOs Government of Alberta buy wetlands or compensate owners for maintaining them
9. Flow management / water rights / water quantity Spring runoff and pulse of water Impermeable surfaces and agricultural runoff Human-made storage Water conservation objectives Water use efficiency Focus is needed on consumptive uses of water Emerging water market in Alberta Future challenges Climate change - spring runoff Proposed future projects in east of province - special areas projects for irrigation / water lines	Off-stream storage (Dickson Dam), storage of excess runoff Respect and preserve water-bearing natural reservoirs (gravel) Education and awareness-raising about efficient uses of water, conservation Stop using fresh water injection Redefine water licence priority based on potable water inventory Reject water marketing in Alberta Re-use grey water Need to monitor stormwater Re-calculate, reallocate water usage / allotment based on cyclic weather phenomenon Study should be conducted on the effects of climate change on stream flows Regulate setbacks from riparian area for all development Alluvial aquifer fields (gravel extraction) Education and awareness of importance Licences should be based on consumptive uses Re-look at water conservation objectives to protect water health Municipal support programs (rain barrels) Better data and access to data Better manage water volumes Dams, storage, increase user fees, better funding support for infrastructure, review first in line / first in right distribution on remaining licences Need better data available on snowpack (AENV) and other sources on rainfall (AENV / Agar) Revisit water conservation objectives (scientists say percentage of natural flow has been cut to 40%) Set maximum temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), and total dissolved solids levels Better manage water volume Dams Storage (ARC) Support for capital costs (program) Increase user fees Water conservation program Return of sewage to rivers Where does allocation go? Citizens should have a say. Municipal support for rain barrel program (e.g., available at cost) Education on local drainage Water not returned to source should be priced at a higher rate Agricultural land flow channels Filtration systems (e.g., grass, terminal wetlands) (implementers: landowners, municipalities downstream) Do not develop in flood plains - Implementers: municipalities to make land use decisions
10. Water quality Drinking water, surface water, aquifers; standards need to be updated; monitoring, testing Chemicals and pharmaceuticals Effluent monitoring, turbidity from runoff, nutrient loading Lack of coordination and accurate information sharing between groups Turbidity of water - level of sediments Protection of groundwater Fluoridated water - review standards	Need more consistent water monitoring protocol (surface and groundwater) for environmental impacts from activities Chemicals and pharmaceuticals should be monitored by government (also research technology to remove them) Presentation to the public on water quality and boating Protection of ground water Identify sources of contamination (e.g., septic field faults, stormwater) Identify springs and other water sources Water quality baseline monitor groundwater and surface water Social networking to communicate information Government of Alberta - interdepartmental cross-ministry buy-in with municipal support Awareness of surface water and groundwater connectivity Consider animal units/acre for all property sizes and ownership Effluent / nutrient discharge information should be publicly available Find and define new technologies for waste water and industrial discharge Conserve riparian areas and wetlands Flow control / dam management, gravelling sensitive areas Sewage treatment sludge disposal needs to be improved Pesticides / herbicide domestic use restrictions (pesticide use bylaws) Improved data on pollutants Information and education on pesticide and alternatives for domestic use Stop practice of land spreading of drilling mud Advance sewage treatment to return "best possible" water to river Towns and cities need to have environmental management plans (e.g., dealing with pesticides, siltation, nutrient loss) Need new data on pollutants Advanced sewage treatment Stop the practice of land spreading of drilling mud (oil and gas) Lack of consistency between sectors regarding water quality standards Implementers: AENV, streamline agencies for one-window approach Wetlands and wetland drainage
11. Depletion and pollution of groundwater	Mapping of aquifers and other valuable groundwater and watershed assets Alluvial aquifer protection Creation of regulations (w/ Government of Alberta lead to give municipalities guidance)- Where is mineable, when, etc? Aquifer mapping Led by AENV, and federal government Working together with municipalities and watershed stewardship groups More regulations to protect groundwater Should it be sellable Water rates/meters should have cost increases with overuse Education continues Well sealing Encourage vegetation cover to provide better water storage Limit footprint of urban areas Complete groundwater mapping as promised in 2001 Move to 10,000 ppm in TDS for groundwater protection standards
12. Forestry development Tree harvesting is impacting hunting areas	Provide incentives for reducing road access Research impacts of forestry on watershed function Protect ability of forests to retain water and monitor its effectiveness Forestry management plans need to integrate with watershed management Promote ability of forests to store water Enforcement of existing regulations Encourage selective harvesting and low-impact forestry Encourage community-based forestry Enforcement of forest practice regulations including road building Taking snow melt into consideration when clear cutting (Ministry of Forestry) Diversify reforestation Runoff from forested lands Proper stream crossing designs (Implementers: FMA holders)

Four recurring issues:

• Incentives
• Enforcement
• Awareness and education
• Monitoring and data

Recommendations
Need to have more oil and gas representatives participating in these forums
Need to have more youth participating in these forums
Use the Red Deer / Olds College as a venue to engage more students / youth
Hold additional evening sessions for those who can't make it during the daytime
There needs to be an active reviewing of the final recommendations by the workshop participants - once the TAC and RDRWA Board sets targets and thresholds - to ensure that what was said is incorporated and heeded

The recommendations will be considered by the Steering Committee and disseminated to stakeholders and the public for consideration.


Oyen
Community Workshop Notes

Oyen Seniors Centre
219 2nd Street W

April 28,  2011
10 am – 3 pm

Welcome / Background - Dug Major

Attendee Intros

Overview of consultation process and link to SOWR - Alan Dolan

Purpose of Meeting / Agenda Review - Alan Dolan

Summarized problems in watershed from January Oyen Community Workshop and discussed additional problems.

Stayed in main group to discuss solutions.

Don Snider - update from Alberta Transportation on Special Areas Project

• Alberta Transportation, Municipal Affairs, Alberta Environment, Alberta Agriculture - construction of a pumping station near Nevis to transfer water into Sounding Creek and Berry Creek, construction of more dams for water storage
• A formal project description will be provided for attendees (irrigation, recreation, stock watering, domestic water use, wetland charging).
• The project is sitting in front of Provincial Cabinet to move ahead
• An environmental assessment needs to be done first (biophysical assets, impacts, mitigation, etc.) - estimated 2 - 3 years to completion following due process (public participation)
• Alberta Environment (Red Deer office) will operate the system at project completion
• Concern about isolating wildlife populations through disrupting connectivity of natural habitat
• Solutions will be addressed in consultation process
• Predator wildlife is moving closer to or through human habitat areas resulting from natural habitat disturbance

Problems	Solutions
1. Drinking water, wells, groundwater	Abandon (reclaim) wells properly Landowner - AENV and Alberta Agriculture has funding Wells can sit for decades before being claimed as "abandoned" AENV has a website that has historical data on registered water wells Awareness building needed (improper / unsafe methods of capping wells) Mapping of wells as student summer jobs (potential Special Areas project) Special Areas prepared a report and submitted to AENV but nothing has changed - need to revisit report Rehabilitate wells - relining, recasing Abandoned service stations / maintenance yards - brownfield reclamation - provincial government program Build awareness around brownfield reclamation Who pays? Not all reclaimed / monitor too Assume risk Groundwater monitoring High risk areas should be monitored Identify high risk areas study Encourage public to report contaminated sites to AENV Look for new technologies for doing seismic work
2. Oil and gas development	Ensure that seismic activity does not happen near well water Protection of springs from development Use "thumper" trucks instead of explosives Need for central repository of seismic information (get repeated in same place) Problem around proprietary information Need to value water more than oil Can say no to seismic or can attach conditions to use certain techniques (i.e., vibrosis techniques)
3. Potash drilling along the border of Alberta	Monitor potash development and water use - learn more about issues
4. Municipal sewage	Oyen golf course does not want sewage anymore Better management of the sewage water and sludge Generally accepted practice of amounts that can be released - is meeting minimum standards enough? (i.e., do minimum standards measure pharmaceuticals in the water?) Planning for future growth if more water needed (from diversion) Conservation efficiency and productivity plans (CEP) to deal with sewage issues
5. Domestic sewage	Proper disposal of sewage Inspection and maintenance of systems Disallow holding tanks because of dispersal issue Monitoring and enforcement of sewage Better educate the public on septic best management practices and new regulations on septic systems Explore natural processes for sewage treatment (i.e., creation of wetlands)
6. Loss of riparian zones	Harvest willows around sloughs (coppice forestry) Cows and Fish program - protecting riparian areas Alberta Sustainable Resource Development (fencing, alternative water sources) Funding available through Alberta Agriculture as well Establish conservation easements Incentives for collaborative projects - market-based instruments - include offsite water Protect Crown Land areas Establish conservation easements as incentives for collaborative projects Include offsite water
7. Lack of water for livestock	Support special areas water supply project (SAWS) Encourage and provide incentive for more development of surface storage Growing Forward program (Alberta Ag) Rangeland Stability Program (Alberta Ag) Red Deer River will be closed to allocations when it hits 600,000 cubic decimetres
8. Value of water Hoarding of water licences is rampant - water is going from a right to a commodity	Water licences should have no commercial value; not become a commodity Review water licences to ensure we know whether people are utilizing / not utilizing allocation   Contact Info | Sitemap