The township has authorized the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) to install a sampling station at a culvert crossing east of Wellington Road 11 on the 8th Line.
The ministry is launching a multi-year study to examine the relationship between agricultural land use and river water quality. Several rivers from southern Ontario are being selected. Study locations are being chosen based on the types of agriculture in specific areas and various landscape characteristics.
At each station, the MOECC will deploy a walk-in enclosure, which will house equipment including automated water samplers as well as other water quality/quantity sensors.
A staff report from public works director Brad McRoberts presented at the Dec. 9 meeting indicated water sample collection will occur from 2014 to 2019 in conjunction with the local conservation authority, although some stations may continue long-term where feasible and permitted. The report states township staff have no issues with the location.
Councillor Marlene Ottens asked what the ministry is looking for and if there would be any ramifications for local landowners.
“I don’t think it’s being done in terms of enforcement,” said McRoberts.
“Will they do an impact study on the river?” wondered Mayor Neil Driscoll, adding, “Every time we go to do a project we have to do a study.”
