I have been informed that an application was posted on April 2, 2007 on Ontario’s Environmental Registry for a renewal of Nestle’s permit to take water from Aberfoyle, Ontario. They want to take 3.6 million litres per day 365 days a year for 5 years. I was part of the stop the pipeline camapign and this council has committed to not having a pipeline to Lake Erie. Preserving the water in the Guelph aquifer for our own local use is mandatory now. I am incensed that a private industry is allowed to take so much of a much needed local resource. As the points made below explain, if the water table falls, wetlands wil dry up and habitat for wildlife will be lost. I, for one ,am very concerned about all the loss of habitat and green space that is happening around Guelph as a result of the CPR. This additional threat is unacceptable. I urge you all to help stop this excessive drawing of water from our aquifer.I am opposed to the renewal of this Permit To Take Water because:
· Almost all of the water taken leaves the Grand River watershed. In time, this will further deplete the watershed and cause the water table to fall, dry up wetlands and result in the loss of habitats. Keep the water in the watershed!
· The surface water from Mill Creek is being sucked into the groundwater as a direct result of Nestlé’s water taking, as detailed in Harden Environmental’s letter on June 1, 2005 to you. This situation is similar to the circumstances that caused the Walkerton tragedy where surface water contaminated critical groundwater that was a source of drinking water. This water taking must be stopped to safeguard this aquifer and to avoid further environmental damage. In addition, this water taking is violating Riparian rights.
· Nestlé draws water from the Guelph aquifer as does the City of Guelph. The City and surrounding area are identified by the Province as a centre for population growth in the Places To Grow Act and will soon outgrow its current water supply. The water that Nestlé removes for bottling and export compromises the future supply for the City of Guelph and area. This application must be denied since drinking water supply for municipalities must take precedence over water taking by commercial bottlers.
· Nestlé creates millions of plastic bottles every day that end up in the waste stream. Denying the renewal of this permit to take water will significantly reduce Ontario’s waste generation. The Ministry of the Environment has as a guiding principle the encouragement of “Reduce, reuse, recycle”. I want my government to demonstrate leadership and commitment to its own policies and principles by denying this permit. CB