Pembroke District Water Response Team

Bulletin #06 August 20, 2012 CONTENT: 1. Environment Forecast 2. Historic seasonal precipitation and temperature maps. 3. Approved Minutes of Water Response Team meeting #5 held August 9, 2012. 4. Draft notes of Water Response Team meeting #6 held August 16, 2012.

1. Environment Canada Forecast ( area)

Issued : 5:00 AM EDT Tuesday 21 August 2012 Today 23°C Mainly cloudy. 30 percent chance of showers this morning and early this 10°C afternoon. High 23. UV index 4 or moderate. Tonight. A few clouds. Low 10. 30%

Wednesday 26°C A mix of sun and cloud. High 26. 10°C

Thursday 28°C A mix of sun and cloud. Low 13. High 28. 13°C

Friday 26°C Cloudy with 30 percent chance of showers. Low 12. High 26. 12°C 30%

Saturday 27°C Cloudy with 60 percent chance of showers. Low 14. High 27. 14°C 60%

Sunday

28°C Sunny. Low 13. High 28. 13°C

Monday

28°C Sunny. Low 14. High 28. 14°C

2. Historic seasonal precipitation and temperature maps A review of historic SWMC data reveals prior incidents of low water in Renfrew in 2001 and 2006 while Drought Watch maps show the intensity and duration of extremely high temperatures.

3. Approved Minutes of Water Response Team meeting #5 held August 9, 2012. Ministry of Natural Resources Pembroke District Water Response Team Meeting Minutes August 9, 2012 Location: County of Renfrew Office Date: August 9, 2012 Time: 10 am until noon Attendees in Red Pine Boardroom: Armstrong, Lauree Baird, Alastair County of Renfrew Belanger, Tammy MNR Pembroke Bowles, Bill Admaston/Bromley Casselman, Marilyn Hamilton, Brian Federation of Agriculture Handford, Karen MNR Pembroke McIntyre, of Renfrew Pender, Ray Admaston/Bromley Stokes, Karen MNR Pembroke Watchorn, Rick MNR Pembroke Attendees Via Conference Call: Asselin, Mike Renfrew (Town of) Barclay, Abby Town of Batten, Sherry Town of Buckwald, Doug North Algona/Wilberforce Cameron, Shawn Renfrew Power Generation Campbell, Mary McNab/Braeside Ferko, Don Ontario Power Generation Gilbert, Beth MOE Regional Office Grothe, Christian MOE Ottawa Hudder, Lorna Killaloe, Hagarty & Richards Hudder, Rose Anne Brudenell, Lyndoch & Raglan Kirby, Wayne Town of Laurentian Hills Lapierre, Jerry Ontario Power Generation Leavoy, Jena MOE (Ottawa) Mantifel, Annette Moore, Bruce OMAFRA Murphy, Nicholas MOE (Regional Office) Okum, John Town of Arnprior Reith, Melinda Township of Head, Clara & Maria Sayers, Betsy Township of Stephen, Scott MNR Regional Operations Division Stillman, Mitchell (Town of) Strata, Tony National Farmer’s Union Tantalo, David & District Health Unit Taylor, Peter MOE (Regional Office) Visneskie, Janice Killaloe, Hagarty & Richards Zaidi, Mohammad CFB Petawawa Not represented: Agricorp Algonquin Park Algonquins of Pikwakanagan Deep River (Town of) Horton (Township of) Madawaska Valley (Township of) Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MAH) Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) Low Water Response Team Meeting Minutes Page 2

General Introduction

Rick Watchorn (MNR) presented agenda, welcomed everyone and completed the roll call.

3. Review of Meeting Notes from August 2, 2012.

Rick Watchorn (MNR) provided an opportunity for all to comment and/or make any changes to the previous meeting minutes and reviewed ACTION items.

Minutes of August 2, 2012 – Approved with minor edits and the addition of outcomes/responses to ACTION items.

4. Review of current low water response Level II a. July precipitation and stream flow data availability

Rick Watchorn (MNR) – Was able to get information this morning. In sum, there are portions of County that are experiencing indicators beyond level II.

Bonnechere gauge @ Castleford ‐ July numbers for flow showing 28% of lowest average summer month flow (threshold for level III is less than 30%)

Other gauges in the County still showing level II… Madawaska River @ Palmer Rapids (Just under 45%) @ Petawawa (43%) @ Pembroke (Just under 53%)

Precipitation levels also not indicative of level III (Less than 40% of the average precipitation levels). A good portion of May1 – Jul31 data still shows level 2 (less than 60% of monthly average precipitation levels).

Still firmly in Level 2 overall within county of Renfrew.

Forecast is positive – rain for the next few days and possibly into the weekend. May be enough to stave off further impact and alleviate some sectors but not enough/too late for others.

The County will need sustained rain over longer periods of time to have an impact on level 2/3 situation.

From Renfrew County south into Niagara, 13 watersheds are confirmed level 1, 14 more are confirmed level 2 (including ourselves).

Environment Canada medium term outlook for August through October – rain forecasted 60‐80 mm.

Remains that, for the next couple of months, low water conditions will persist. Extremely important to keep the messaging going for water conservation and remind everyone that the current rain situation is having little more effect than keeping the dust down.

Precipitation and stream flow data is available on the MNR website (www.Ontario.ca/lowwater)

ACTION ‐ Most recent maps for precipitation and stream flows will be included in the next bulletin. – COMPLETED BULLETIN # 5 Low Water Response Team Meeting Minutes Page 3

Q. Mike Asselin (Town of Renfrew) – Is the flow gauge impacted by the power generator holding back volumes? A. Shawn Cameron (Renfrew Power Generation) – RPG hasn’t touched the logs in about a month. They are NOT and have not been generating power for about a month. Lakes have been able to sustain the 1cms minimum flow requirement to adequately maintain the system. A. Rick Watchorn (MNR) – Gauge measurements are pretty accurate to demonstrate levels in watershed.

Jerry Lapierre (Ontario Power Generation) – At Rick’s request Jerry informed the group that the situation isn’t much different for OPG. Level is a bit lower than a couple of week’s ago ‐ not the lowest they’ve seen but not far off. There is also no ponding or holding back of water.

Q. Mayor Mary Campbell (McNab/Braeside) –At County council yesterday, Mayor Raye‐Anne Briscoe reported that the water table had dropped 20 feet. Where would that information have come from? A. Alastair Baird (County of Renfrew) – Local well driller gave that estimate information. b. Peter Taylor (MOE) – Ground Water Recharging (AKA Ground Water 101: The Facts).

Ground water is recharged by rain and snow melt that infiltrates into the ground. However, it is also discharged as it intersects with the surface (i.e. creating streams and wetlands). Therefore, groundwater is important to the surface water regime.

There are a series of ground water monitoring wells in some parts of province but not in Renfrew County. As of yet, we are not seeing an impact to deep source ground water.

ACTION ‐ MOE to forward fact sheets that address low water conditions and provide tips to homeowners. – COMPLETED BULLETIN # 5

A sample tip is to use above ground storage tanks for “imported” water as opposed to artificially recharging wells (which is not condoned or recommended by MOE). Besides the fact that “imported” water is likely not potable (just surface sourced water), water used to recharge a well is costly and very ineffective as the water is likely to just be reabsorbed into the ground.

Users may have to consider drilling a deeper well, but keep in mind that water quality could be poorer at greater depths (higher sulphur).

If a person is concerned that someone is taking a large amount of water nearby that could affect them then they should file a complaint with MOE for investigation. Keep in mind that water taking permits have provisions within them to stop takers if problems to surrounding users arise.

Generally speaking, deeper water takers are typically helping the situation by helping the surface water regime (pumped water can eventually end up as surface water depending on the process it is being used for).

Q. Mayor Mary Campbell (McNab/Braeside) – Is there any way measurements that can done on the water table for groundwater in much the same way as surface water? Thresholds to trigger levels? A. Nicholas Murphy (MOE) – There are no triggers for ground water. Conditions vary on a site by site basis and there is much work needed (pumping stations) to determine a connection between them and a shortage of water. Low Water Response Team Meeting Minutes Page 4

ACTION ‐ Rick Watchorn (MNR) – Good question to pose to the Source Water Monitoring Centre. He will ask and report on whether there are thresholds relevant for groundwater. There may be past history where this information was relevant. – Carry Forward. No response yet from SWMC; hopefully by next week’s call.

Q. Mayor Mary Campbell (McNab/Braeside) – Can monitoring test wells for businesses be used to gauge groundwater impact? A. Nicholas Murphy (MOE) – Data would need to be compiled to see if we could get an answer in the short term. Perhaps over the next year?

Q. Don Ferko (OPG) – Can OPG get a list of Permit takers on the Madawaska river (within Renfrew County) to put in perspective what being taken out vs what is being passed? What they are allowed to take (max)? OPG must pass 10cms for 1 hour each day to meet effluent dilution requirements for the Town of Arnprior as established in the Water Management Plan. A. Beth Gilbert (MOE) – Location of permittees can be presented in map form. Permit holder are required to report on actual volumes taken by Mar 31st each year, but permits do outline maximum permitted volumes.

ACTION – Beth Gilbert (MOE) – Will provide Madawaska data to Don Ferko. – COMPLETED

Q. Brian Hamilton (OFA) ‐ Can OPG provide information about when the flow requirements are not being met? Can be useful for cost and health factor in case in could be useful in future. A. Don Ferko (OPG) – We are currently meeting our obligations, but by drawing down reservoirs (no non‐compliance in Water management plan, but are drawing water where not anticipated). Theoretically passing 10 cms in Palmer Rapids should be able to run through whole system, but isn’t currently. A. Rick Watchorn (MNR) – When items of the plan (Water Management Plan) fall short of the plan’s provisions, they are required to inform MNR.

Brian Hamilton (OFA) – Perhaps LWRT’s focus on stream flow is not reflecting drought conditions. Perhaps we need to change/review the process to be more relevant to other sectors (i.e. agriculture).

Rick Watchorn (MNR) – Thresholds are based on precipitation and flows, but we the need to gather and report on the situation and the impacts to properly make recommendations for any potential recovery efforts.

5. Information Collection and Documentation of Low Water Impacts

Level II declared at second LWRT meeting on July 19, 2012. Still at Level II. a. Karen Handford – discussion about what information has been received to date by MNR

Have received reports from Laurentian Valley, Whitewater Region, Admaston/Bromley, Renfrew, Pembroke, Killaloe/Hagarty/Richards, Bonnechere River power producers and OPG.

Trends… ‐ Municipal water demands being met ‐ Sewage effluent adequately diluted ‐ Bonnechere River – insufficient flow for power production ‐ Rural well owners saving by using Laundromats, “yellow is mellow” toilets, bottled water. ‐ Sale of livestock (<30%) Low Water Response Team Meeting Minutes Page 5

‐ Using compressed air not water to clean machinery ‐ Major economic losses to farmers and power producers (OPG ≈ $14M loss from May to July) ‐ City and Whitewater region averages >20% reduction in consumption following advisories, but no way to tell of effect in rural areas. Summer consumption still higher than “normal” consumption rates for rest of year. ‐ No quantification on how many dug wells have gone dry and how many drilled wells have been dug to replace dug wells.

As of yet, have received nothing from forestry other than estimated 90% die‐off of tree plantings. Committee has not yet but together any recommendations for the director’s committee, but this will be our next step.

Q. Alastair Baird (County of Renfrew) – How can we encourage more municipalities/residents/businesses to report/collect data? How to more aggressively collect the data? Anything we should do to help with this? A. Bruce McIntryre (County of Renfrew) – Suggests going to social media for farmers and tourist operators to urge them to report their impacts.

Q. Nicholas Murphy (MOE) – Are we focusing on getting the right information? A. Karen Handford (MNR) – Challenge in Renfrew County is that there is no monitoring data available. Conservation Authorities typically do this in other areas. Farmers who have been farming for decades know what the differences are on their farms. In speaking with the surface water monitoring centre (SWMC) staff, if quantitative data is not available, then anecdotal is needed. We need information so that in the end, we can start identifying ways to react differently in the future. A. Bruce Moore (OMAFRA) – Gathered information will also be used to build a case for the AgriRecovery program as well.

Brian Hamilton (OFA) – Socio‐economic impacts are also relevant to the drought and this committee. Quantifying economic loss in the agricultural committee is difficult, can “guestimate”, but until farmers start to report our hands are tied.

Lauree Armstrong (Laurentian Valley) – Emphasized that they are struggling to physically connect with folks not because of their willingness to provide information, but because of challenge of reaching them and/or getting the information to them so they know and understand the importance of contacting us.

7. Communications

The biggest challenge seams to be getting to the residents and businesses.

Three key messages to communications: water conservation, fire safety and the need to report conditions to your municipality.

Alastair Baird and Bruce McIntyre (County of Renfrew) are the main contact for municipalities

Christian Grothe (MOE) – In previous communications, there has not yet been any mention to report any economic hardships. Perhaps wording should reflect this want/need.

Alastair Baird (County of Renfrew) – Indicated that as replanted trees are revisited 2‐3 years later, die off is typically measured as a few % points. This year, measures are being taken not in terms of die off, but rather in terms of survival as a few % points. Impact will be into the millions of dollars looking forward in forestry. Low Water Response Team Meeting Minutes Page 6

Karen Handford (MNR) – Suggesting that wording be more specific of the impacts in messaging; expand in more detail.

Q. Betsy Sayers (Greater Madawaska) – Noted that in their township, a couple of volunteers would be going out to local businesses (tourism) looking to gather information on the conditions. Is looking for any tips that could help them gather the right information and/or ask the right questions. A. Lauree Armstrong (Laurentian Valley) – On Laurentian Valley’s website, they have posted a template to assist with gathering information (key questions to ask).

Q. Christian Grothe (MOE) – Have we sent out any messaging via the Valley Forum or Agrinews? A. Alastair Baird (County of Renfrew) – Not as of yet but he had been in touch with them for coverage of the story. Will touch base with them again.

Q. Ray Pender (Admaston/Bromley) – Do we have to get to Level 3 before we report on financial hardships? (because Admaston/Bromley are not currently reporting this type of information on the template) A. Rick Watchorn and Karen Handford (MNR) – If you are able to, definitely record this information. But we understand that quantifying results may not always be easy or possible.

Karen Handford (MNR) – What we are looking for is: where are the trends and have measures taken been effective? Even if you can get a % without requesting bottom line $ amounts.

Q. Betsy Sayers (Greater Madaswaska) – Township monitor’s MNR’s forest fire danger map and is wondering why the map still indicates green (low risk)? (dichotomy with township fire ban messaging) ACTION A. Rick Watchorn (MNR) – Unaware of contradicting information and will look into it.

RESPONSE AUG.16’12 Rick Watchorn (MNR)–Most municipalities have access to MNR Fire indices data. It all depends on where the particular municipality is. The information provided on the website is regional, varies from day to day (updated twice daily) and is based on a number of factors. What it doesn’t indicate is what a particular activity within a municipality will imply. The website should be used as tool but not as a defined element to guide municipalities. Q. Doug Buckwald (North Algona/Wilberforce) – How is this information available to municipalities? A. Rick Watchorn (MNR) – By phone or website. Those wanting a fire indices information account should contact Tammy Belanger (MNR).

Alastair Baird (County of Renfrew) ‐ In sum, continue conservation message, continue to be careful in water use. Also request financial hardship data to assist with potential recovery options. Please contact Bruce McIntyre or Alastair Baird (both w/ County of Renfrew) with any ideas.

Next steps

Karen Handford (MNR) – Suggests recontacting those who have reported for an update to see if anything’s changed?

Q. Christian Grothe (MOE) ‐ If and when we go to a Level 3, will it make a difference to the farming community? A. Rick Watchorn (MNR) – It will depend on what is recommended by the WRT and if any mandatory restrictions are put in place. Emphasis again on the need to gather as much information as we can in order to make most informed decision and/or recommendations possible. Low Water Response Team Meeting Minutes Page 7

Q. Ray Pender (Admaston/Bromley) – We have a market gardener irrigating strawberries to keep his business going. Would they have to stop doing this in a Level 3? A. Rick Watchorn (MNR) – Collectively the WRT members would have the discussion for local needs and make its recommendation accordingly.

Q. To Brian Hamilton – would Level 3 have impact on crop insurance? A. Brian Hamilton (OFA) – Declaration on Level 3 will assist in the determination of a prescribed drought region. Need to communicate that crop insurance will be insufficient and that the AgriRecovery program is over and above the typical suite of programs that are available. A. Tony Strata (National Farmer’s Union) – Indicated that it is strictly yields that determine an insurance payout for corn. Hay insurance is triggered by the amount of rainfall. AgriStability is strictly financial and is summarized at the end of the year with your taxes. Going from Level 2 to 3 would only assist with something like AgriRecovery.

8. Other Business a. Fire bans

Restricted Fire Zone (RFZ) being lifted in Algonquin Park as of midnight tonight (August 10th). Communication is going out along with notice similar to fire safety messaging from the County.

In term of thresholds for forest fires there has been enough precipitation in Algonquin Park and there is enough precipitation in the forecasts to lift the restriction.

Bruce McIntyre (County of Renfrew) – County Council is scheduled for last Wednesday of the month (August 29th) and would be an excellent opportunity to get message out as all 17 local medias are present.

Next meeting: Thursday, August 16, 2012 @ 10:00 am Meeting package to be sent out early next week with meeting particulars (location and call in number may be different).

4. Draft notes of Water Response Team meeting #6 held August 16, 2012.

Ministry of Natural Resources Pembroke District Water Response Team Meeting Minutes August 16, 2012 Location: Conference Call Only Date: August 16, 2012 Time: 10 am until noon

Attendees: Armstrong, Lauree Laurentian Valley Asselin, Mike Renfrew (Town of) Baird, Alastair County of Renfrew Belanger, Tammy MNR Pembroke Bowles, Bill Admaston/Bromley Buckwald, Doug North Algona/Wilberforce Cameron, Shawn Renfrew Power Generation Cronier, Karen Petawawa Fiegen, Steve Bonnechere Valley Geoffrion, Philippe MCSCS - Emergency Management Ontario Grace, Mike RC & District Health Unit Hamilton, Brian Ontario Federation of Agriculture Handford, Karen MNR Pembroke Hudder, Lorna Killaloe, Hagarty & Richards Hudder, Rose Anne Brudenell, Lyndoch & Raglan Kirby, Wayne Laurentian Hills Leavoy, Jena MOE (Ottawa) Mantifel, Annette Whitewater Region McIntyre, Bruce County of Renfrew Mellema, Noreen McNab/Braeside Moore, Bruce OMAFRA Moreau, Paul County of Renfrew Nicholas, Cory Arnprior Pender, Ray Admaston/Bromley Reith, Melinda Head, Clara & Maria Rice, Lauretta Renfrew County National Farmer’s Union Samson, Joanna MNR Pembroke Sitland, Doug City of Pembroke Turner, Debra Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) Visneskie, Janice Killaloe, Hagarty & Richards Watchorn, Rick MNR Pembroke Zaidi, Mohammad CFB Petawawa

Not represented: Agricorp Algonquin Park Algonquins of Pikwakanagan Deep River (Town of) Greater Madawaska (Township of) Horton (Township of) Madawaska Valley Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MAH)

Low Water Response Team Meeting Minutes Page 2

General Introduction

Rick Watchorn (MNR) presented agenda, welcomed everyone and completed the roll call.

3. Review of Meeting Notes from August 9, 2012.

Rick Watchorn (MNR) provided an opportunity for all to comment and/or make any changes to the previous meeting minutes and reviewed ACTION items.

Minutes of August 9, 2012 – Approved with minor edits and the addition of outcomes/responses to ACTION items.

ACTION – Those wanting Extranet access to MNR’s fire indices information should use the following link to create their account: http://www.extranet.mnr.gov.on.ca/home/main.asp. Alternatively, the phone number is (613) 732‐ 5538 ‐ this is updated daily around 14:00 hrs.

4. Review of current low water response Level II a. Discussion regarding what our neighbouring Conservation Authorities (CA) are doing with their Water Response Teams

As this is new business for pretty much all of us, Rick Watchorn (MNR) reached out to neighbouring Conservation Authorities to get a sense of what they where up to/thinking to give us a better idea of whether we’re on the right track.

Unable to make contact with Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (conflicting schedules), but spoke with South Nation CA (NSCA) and Mississippi Valley CA (MVCA) representatives.

Sounds like we are definitely on the right track. Rick pointed out that it was satisfying to hear that they are experiencing and doing the same things we are.

In speaking with the WRT contacts from MVCA there is very little difference. They may have a smaller agricultural community than us; such that the impact is on a lesser scope, but no less significant. On the flip side, they have a greater urban community than we do (portions of Ottawa, Perth, Almonte).

Both CA’s are following well drilling and water hauling activities in their communities and are seeing much the same as we are. The Water Response Teams aren’t getting the information in terms of dry wells and recharging, but anecdotally hearing that it’s happening a lot.

MVCA has produced a questionnaire to send to local well drillers and water haulers to characterize information for the team to see what the impact looks like on the landscape. On the MVCA website there is a list of potable and non potable water haulers, which at least intuitively identifies that there is a difference between the two.

SNCA is calling well drillers & water haulers and are seeing similar reports – there is an abundance of work. Other two CAs ‐ Rideau Valley CA is in similar situation.

Low Water Response Team Meeting Minutes Page 3

Other teams aren’t getting a lot of information from residents either. By coincidence, they are using a similar template. The other teams are also doing the same level of communication as us. WRT members are encouraged to go back to the folks they represent to emphasize the need for more information. We are not expecting novels or accountant reports, just an idea of what trends are on the landscape. A little information is more than none.

Rick Watchorn (MNR): Next steps coming out of the conversations with our neighbours…

1. Review of municipality’s water bylaws? How and when are they imposing water bylaws? Do they even have bylaws that can restrict/ban water usage?

Bylaws have been enacted in other CA municipalities and those without one have been looking for information to begin putting together one. MVCA and SNCA are providing draft water bylaws to municipalities without one to assist in putting one together.

2. Greater collaboration.

Each CA/County has been figuring out the process out by themselves. Sandra Mancini (SNCA) will organize a meeting for WRT chairs to get together to talk about status, what being done, what impacts, what identified as actions and what identified as gaps.

A real example of the information that has come out of this WRT is the need for additional stream and rain gauge data within the County/District. It was brought to the team’s attention that Agricorp has a series of gauges throughout the County – unbeknown to most. This additional data filled some of the gaps and has enabled us to identify where gaps still remain.

An additional benefit to greater collaboration with other CA’s is that, as we are all thinking of Level 3 and what that means, individually would be quite difficult to produce a document for the Ontario Water Director’s Committee with recommendations and analysis from all sectors. He suggested having an approach. Collectively we would characterize the whole region as an impact zone. Multiplies and compounds our efforts and would be easier to characterize information from all sectors and share much more broadly.

Alastair Baird (County of Renfrew) – Agrees that it’s a good approach to “go big”, and looked for Brian Hamilton to comment as well. Brian Hamilton (OFA) – If it will help the cause at all, go for it! Consensus.

3. An element of focus on well drillers and water haulers. Is this something that makes sense to folks? Information we seek from our communities? Is it relevant to us?

Alastair Baird (County of Renfrew) – Maybe. One of our municipalities has already contacted a well driller to get information. If we can get an idea of the volumes moving above and beyond norm, it could be useful.

ACTION – Alastair will take on the task of reaching out and contacting haulers in the area to get information.

Rick Watchorn (MNR) emphasized that we are not looking to point the finger. We are merely looking to characterize the business. How much more business are they doing outside the norm?

Low Water Response Team Meeting Minutes Page 4

Q. Mike Asselin (Town of Renfrew) – After MOE’s information last week, does it make sense to go after groundwater information? A. Rick Watchorn (MNR) – Gathering the data would help us to characterize the impact to wells. The more data we have the better. A. Bruce Moore (OMAFRA) – In terms of public perception, it makes good sense. A. Karen Handford (MNR) – If a replacement drilled well is getting water, the location and depths of the two wells on the same property would be another indicator of the impact of the drought.

Mike Asselin (Town of Renfrew) – Renfrew has not cut‐off bulk water sales because of the potential need that may exist because of the situation.

Ray Pender (Admaston/Bromley) – One farmer just got a replacement drilled well and it is 50 ft deeper than old drilled well. Also, a local church’s is having a new replacement well drilled because old drilled well has gone dry.

ACTION – A list of potable and non potable water suppliers in the area to be distributed in next bulletin and posted on the County’s website.

Brian Hamilton (OFA) – Informed team of Agricorp meeting August 21st at the agricultural hall in Cobden (Arena Complex). Full agenda prepared and notices sent to over 600 people/farmers – expect 100+ to attend. Alastair Baird (County of Renfrew) is one of the guest speakers invited to speak briefly about the LWRT and program.

Q. Alastair Baird (County of Renfrew) – Would it be a good idea to hand out information collection forms for farmers to complete at this meeting? A. Consensus is yes

Bruce McIntyre (County of Renfrew) – The information collection form will also be made available for completion at “Taste of the Valley” in Renfrew and also thinking of having a table with forms and a drop box at Cobden and Renfrew fairs.

Q. Bruce McIntyre (County of Renfrew) ‐ Asked if Bruce Moore (OMAFRA) could, during his weekly radio show, mention that these forms will be available at these venues and encourage folks to participate?

ACTION ‐ Bruce Moore (OMAFRA) – Agreed to mention at OFA meeting about the venues where forms for completion would be present.

ACTION ‐ Bruce Moore (OMAFRA), Alastair Baird (County of Renfrew) and Karen Handford (MNR) to meet to finalize the information collection form to be used and make enough copies to cover the venues.

Q. Rose Anne Hudder (Brudenell, Lyndoch & Raglan) – Informed team of a “Growing Forward 2”meeting to be held by Cheryl Gallant on August 27th in Renfrew (Her website lists all pertinent information). Is this is another location we’d like to have the forms/questionnaires? A. Consensus is yes.

ACTION ‐ Rose Anne Hudder (Brudenell, Lyndoch & Raglan) – To make contact with Cheryl Gallant’s office and pitch the idea and inform the team if we are welcome to be present at the meeting.

Low Water Response Team Meeting Minutes Page 5

ACTION ‐ Alastair Baird (County of Renfrew) – if we get the ok, then we’ll make enough copies to distribute there as well.

Q. Bruce Moore (OMAFRA) – Is Gallant’s office aware of meeting on 21st as there seems to be a lot of overlap? A. Brian Hamilton (OFA) – Unknown. Her meeting is focused on “Grow Forward” programs rather than AgriRecovery.

5. Information Collection and Documentation of Low Water Impacts a. Karen Handford – discussion about what information has been received to date by MNR

Has received information from a few more municipalities and additional information from others.

Brudenell, Lyndoch & Raglan is getting information from farmers about dry creeks and ponds. Although we haven’t received the template from McNab/Braeside, Mayor Campbell is also fielding information from farmers.

Greater Madawaska (Fire Chief Betsy Sayers) has no reports of well or farmer problems but significant impact to tourism.

Brian Hamilton (OFA) had forwarded on rain gauge locations and link to data from Agricorp from 2007‐2012. • Rain gauges are spread across the County and further up the watersheds as far as and Quadeville. • Comparing May‐July time period, it appears that for the years 2007 through 2009 the expected rainfall amounts (for insurance purposes) were met or surpassed regularly with only the occasional deficit recorded. • Recorded deficits throughout May of 2010 but the expected rainfall was received throughout that summer. • In 2011, much of July and August showed deficits for rainfall. • In 2012, there are only a couple of rain gauges that did not record a deficit throughout May to July.

This information (from Agricorp) will certainly help the WRT in the future to respond more quickly ‐ definitely a positive more forward for this group.

Renfrew County & District Health Unit are seeing the number of water samples being tested going down, but the quality of the water going up.

Admaston/Bromley (Ray Pender) is starting to document some of the water haulers – they are very busy filling ponds troughs and wells. Also reporting a change in business (i.e. less pool filling and watering down of roads for construction projects).

Doug Sitland (City of Pembroke) – At Karen’s request Doug elaborated on a potential opportunity to collect water from scheduled water system flushing. He explained that much the same as any municipality, there is a requirement to flush the system to maintain adequate water quality. This purging of the system is a scheduled event; hydrants are opened on dead end streets and water is released for 15 minutes. It would be very easy to dump this water into a truck for delivery instead of “wasting” it.

ACTION – Doug Sitland (City of Pembroke), Mike Asselin (Renfrew) and Steve Fiegen (Eganville) to distribute the flushing schedules.

Low Water Response Team Meeting Minutes Page 6

Discussion ensued regarding the potential of this information being communicated out to the water haulers and the request to ensure a price break from the water haulers to clients. It was determined that due to time constraints and the pressing need/want of information from the water haulers that the team would wait until next meetings to have further discussion about this potential opportunity for excess water.

Steve Fiegen (Bonnechere Valley) – Added that BV could also commit to doing as they are currently pumping their purged water into fire truck and disposing of it at an offsite location to curtail public perception.

Lauree Armstrong (Laurentian Valley) – Suggested that we also include in communication to residents where they can get cisterns/bladders for water storage (farm supply stores).

Karen added that in Greater Madawaska there is a dry well under investigation as it may not be water table problem but rather an equipment malfunction.

Mike Asselin (Renfrew) – Currently managing an issue with high manganese content in the water supply. • Debra Turner (Ontario Clean Water Agency) indicated that raw water in the Bonnechere River has high levels of manganese that the treatment plant is not accustomed to managing at this time of year. This is causing a reaction (red water) which they have received calls about. • Messaging has been sent out to consumers indicating that this colour is not a health risk. • Levels are slowly dropping with the rainfall we’ve seen, but remains an issue. • Manganese is typically in the soil (along with iron) and, with the low flows, the river isn’t getting a good flush through hence higher concentrations.

Steve Fiegen (Bonnechere Valley) – Have not received any reports of discoloured water yet but will inform the WRT operator (Daryl) and have the water quality checked for manganese (typically a test only performed in spring).

Alastair Baird (County of Renfrew) inquired with Shawn Cameron (Renfrew Power Generation) as he heard that they were producing power for a couple of days. Shawn confirmed they had increased flows to 2 cms, but that is was short lived as they are now back to minimum. Also pointed out that both Golden and Round lakes have seen volume increases since Friday (5 mm in Round Lake and 3 mm in Golden).

Ray Pender (Admaston/Bromley) – Reports that Wilderness Tours have laid off students. Not sure if it’s a financial situation or a low water situation. Karen Handford (MNR) indicated that it’s worth reporting if the cause is due to a tourism impact, but that it could just be the timing of students leaving to get ready for school.

6. Communications

Rick indicated that he was recently reminded of the abundance of information available on OMAFRA’s website; there exists a whole host of topics, links, fact sheets, instructions and otherwise.

Q. Mike Asselin (Town of Renfrew) – Is there a link or website somewhere for information from this LWRT? A. Rick Watchorn (MNR) – No, but municipalities are more than welcome to post, on their own websites, any and all information that comes out of these meetings. The Bulletins are converted to PDFs and could be posted but the contact list contains personal information and shouldn’t be included.

Low Water Response Team Meeting Minutes Page 7

Alastair Baird (County of Renfrew) – Indicated that there will be another press release indicating we are still in a level 2.

8. Other Business a. Fire bans on/off?

Bill Bowles (Admaston/Bromley) – Still on full ban, but being re‐evaluated daily by fire chief. Rick Watchorn (MNR) – indicated that the park’s restricted fire zone (RFZ) was lifted as of last week. With regards to others, suggests contacting the municipality directly.

Alastair Baird (County of Renfrew) – Understands that most municipalities have lifted their full fire ban and are allowing at minimum cooking and campfires, but not brush burning.

Q. Karen Handford (MNR) – Highlighting that some of the concern for municipalities was the distance required to travel to get to water. The streams have not been recharged by the little rain received so each municipality/Fire Chief should make decision based on situation in their area.

Bill Bowles (Admaston/Bromley) – Confirmed ditches/streams remain dry or very low and this is still a major concern hence the fire ban has not been lifted. Evaluate daily but still only seeing sporadic rain.

Next meeting: Thursday, August 23, 2012 @ 10:00 am Meeting package to be sent out early next week with meeting particulars.