Pembroke District Water Response Team
Bulletin #16 December 05, 2012 CONTENT: 1. Confirmed SWMC Low Water Conditions Map as of November 30, 2012 2. Approved Minutes of Water Response Team meeting #15 held November 8, 2012. 3. Draft notes of Water Response Team meeting #16 held November 22, 2012.
1. Confirmed SWMC Low Water Conditions Map as of November 30, 2012
Only one watershed remains in Level 2 and 9 others including Pembroke District remain in Level 1. All other areas do not have a confirmed low water condition.
2. Approved Minutes of Water Response Team meeting #15 held November 8, 2012
Ministry of Natural Resources Pembroke District Water Response Team Meeting Minutes November 8, 2012 Location: Conference Call Only Date: November 8, 2012 Time: 10 am until noon
Attendees: Asselin, Mike Renfrew Baird, Alastair County of Renfrew Batten, Sherry Laurentian Hills Belanger, Tammy MNR Pembroke Buckwald, Doug North Algona/Wilberforce Cronier, Karen Petawawa Gilbert, Beth MOE Regional Office Grace, Mike Renfrew County & District Health Unit Handford, Karen MNR Pembroke Hudder, Lorna Killaloe, Hagarty & Richards Kirby, Wayne Laurentian Hills Louis, Annette Admaston/Bromley McGregor Briscoe, Sara Admaston/Bromley Mellema, Noreen McNab Braeside Moore, Bruce OMAFRA Samson, Joanna MNR Pembroke Sayers, Betsy Greater Madawaska Sheridan, Susan Killaloe, Hagarty & Richards Sitland, Doug City of Pembroke Stephen, Scott MNR – Regional Operations Division Taman, Mary Ann MPP Yakabuski’s Office Trost, Claus Laurentian Valley Quintanilla, Raul CFB Petawawa
Regrets: Arnprior (Town of) Bonnechere Valley (Township of) Brudenell, Lyndoch & Raglan (Township of) Deep River (Town of) Head, Clara & Maria (Township of) Horton (Township of) Madawaska Valley (Township of) Ministry of Environment (MOE) – Ottawa District Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MAH) Algonquin Park MCSCS – Emergency Management Ontario Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) Agricorp Renfrew County National Farmer’s Union Renfrew Power Generation Ontario Power Generation Algonquins of Ontario Ontario Clean Water Agency Low Water Response Team Meeting Minutes Page 2
1. Welcome
Karen Handford (MNR) presented agenda and welcomed everyone. The proposed discussion about the Source Water Protection program (MoE) was removed. Information will be distributed in the next Bulletin for discussion on next agenda.
2. Roll call and confirmation of meeting participants
Karen Handford (MNR) completed the roll call.
3. Review of Meeting Notes from October 25, 2012.
Karen Handford (MNR) provided an opportunity for all to comment and/or make any changes to the previous meeting minutes and reviewed ACTION items. Also gave opportunity for questions regarding the information distributed in Bulletin #14. She clarified the “Primary Water Service” map was based on the Municipal Property Assessment Corp database which relies on accurate reporting by property owners. Hence some errors exist such as a “municipal” source being reported in a municipality without piped municipal service.
Minutes of October 25, 2012 – Approved with the addition of outcomes/responses to ACTION items.
CARRYOVER Action items from October 25, 2012 meeting: ACTION – Requesting municipalities to update Info spreadsheet (v2) with the municipal actions recorded (e.g. Conservation bylaws) on the municipal worksheet. Ensure to record if any bylaws have been passed and how are they working and enforced? Also important to know if low water issue is being discussed at council meetings (i.e. what level of awareness & concern) within each municipality. ACTION ‐ Paul Moreau suggested a focused letter to be sent to all municipalities/councils from the WRT. This letter would provide a summary of what has been done, the current situation, where concerns continue to be and what action are planned. The County of Renfrew and MNR are to work off line to put this letter together. ACTION – HOMEWORK ‐ All WRT members asked to prepare a list of “lessons learned” over the past few months. What do they feel they better understand now about the Renfrew County watersheds and low water situation? Take some time to review the previous minutes to jog your memory. Think from your own perspective about topics and discussions that have been particularly interesting or informative. Please send via email to Karen Handford for compilation. ACTION – Rob MacKinnon to review and forward comments on ‘Winter Tips’ document back to Lauree Armstrong (Laurentian Valley). ACTION – MNR will work with County on speaking with School Boards to get regarding how many schools rely on wells. Low Water Response Team Meeting Minutes Page 3
4. Review of current low water response Level II a. Most recent Southern Ontario updates – changing Levels with our neighbours in Eastern Ontario
Joanna Samson (MNR) ‐ Received new indicators late last week. Our closest neighbour (Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority – MVCA) has not yet confirmed if they are still in level 2. However, their precipitation and flow levels are definitely showing an increase. b. Current Precipitation & flow indices
Joanna Samson (MNR) ‐ Like our neighbours our situation appears to be improving.
Precipitation Update:
Our 1 month precipitation indicator is showing 103mm of rain last month (71.6 is the 1 month average).
Our 3 month indicator is at 109% and our 18 month precipitation indicator is at 91% both of which are well above the 80% level I threshold.
Purely based on the 1 precipitation gauge in the County, we would be clearly out of a level response.
Flow Update:
As of a couple of weeks ago we were still having issues on Bonnechere River.
Stream flow on the Petawawa River is definitely up; now flowing at over 100cms.
The flow indicator on the Madawaska watershed is now showing 86.41% of the lowest average monthly flow level.
Bonnechere for Oct was 2.172%. RPG has removed a good number of logs. Flow is closer to 20 cms now.
Indicator is now above 80% as well.
In summary, the SWMC indicators for flows on all rivers have now picked up and are no longer within water response level thresholds. However, these indicators need to be confirmed based on what is seen locally.
Karen Handford (MNR) indicated she contacted the company responsible for gathering and quality checking the Agricorp data to see if the company monitors other gauges for other clients beyond the May to August period required by the agricultural community. They are currently checking for this information as well as any historical uncapped data for the 16 gauges monitored for Agricorp.
Karen Handford (MNR) cautioned everyone that the SWMC precipitation and flow indicator data is a bit misleading on its face value since power generators are currently artificially generating flow as they are drawing down their reservoirs in preparation for winter. Also, the Petawawa River watershed has typically been receiving more rain than the remainder of the county all summer and thus, may not be a good indicator of rainfall elsewhere.
Karen Handford (MNR) asked the group for feedback from their local perspective where they felt we stood in terms of a Water Response Level. Low Water Response Team Meeting Minutes Page 4
Mike Asselin (Town of Renfrew) – Indicated that based on the indicators, we should consider backing off from Level II. He was initially comfortable with dropping all levels and was concerned about staying at Level I contrary to the indicators. He reminded the group that back in the spring, moving to a Level I was a big deal and we relied heavily on the very same data. Upon further discussion with the group, Mike later agreed to support a move to Level 1 with the understanding of a re‐evaluation at the next meeting in 2 weeks.
Alastair Baird (County of Renfrew) – Highlighted the fact that impacts are still being seen to ground water and wells, but also inquired with municipalities to report usage from municipal systems. Mike Asselin (Town of Renfrew) – Typical seasonal usage Doug Sitland (City of Pembroke) – Typical/normal water usage
Doug Sitland (City of Pembroke) – Echoed Mike Asselin’s comments indicating that the ground in Pembroke is saturated (lots of clay here) and that the Ottawa River level has come up significantly to the point where it has flooded a construction site. Drought conditions are becoming an increasingly difficult argument to make so would support a move to Level 0.
Betsy Sayers (Greater Madawaska) – Greatest impact in their area has always been on a tourism and recreational level. Have only had one dry well all summer. She agrees that we definitely cannot confirm a Level 2 but would support Level 1. She is looking forward to feedback from hunters as to whether or not swamps and streams have replenished. Also pointed out that one 34 ft dug well in the Village of Calabogie (beside Calabogie Lake) recently went dry and that the well driller had to go to 130ft with the new drilled well in order to find water.
Lorna Hudder (Killaloe, Hagarty & Richards) – Haven’t had any indication of any issues all summer; nothing different this year. She agrees with moving to Level 0.
Noreen Mellema (McNab/Braeside) – Never had any issues throughout the summer and also supports moving to Level 0.
Joanna Samson (MNR) – Re‐iterated that even if we do drop to a non‐level (Level 0) we would not immediately stop this team’s activities, but would continue to pursue opportunities and monitor the situation. Changing levels does not preclude us from continuing our efforts. The SWMC is seeking local feedback and confirmation that the indicators are accurate.
Claus Trost (Laurentian Valley) – Still thinks that the water table hasn’t been affected by all the recent precipitation and suggests that we should remain on top of this as we could easily see ourselves in the same situation come spring. He supports a move to a Level 1 response.
Alastair Baird (County of Renfrew) – It is clear from speaking with a few well drillers that the impacts of the drought vary widely from one area to the next. Well driller Rob MacKinnon indicated that water can be found in some areas of Pembroke and Laurentian Valley at 25‐35 ft, whereas up in Head Clara Maria and Deep River it can take up to 120ft to find water. It’s clear that there is still a lot to be learned about ground water.
Karen Handford (MNR) ‐ Indicated that other Conservation Authorities have ground water monitoring information available to them; information that is clearly absent in Renfrew County.
Karen Cronier (Town of Petawawa) – Currently have only 1 dry well reported on the impact sheets. If the data supports us moving to a different level then she supports moving out of a Level 2 response to Level 1. Low Water Response Team Meeting Minutes Page 5
Bruce Moore (OMAFRA) – Could maintain a Level 1 from a vigilance standpoint.
Beth Gilbert (MOE) – Dry wells continue to be an issue. The OLWR program currently doesn’t have a trigger for ground water and there is no guidance on how to take this into consideration when determining the level of low water response. In terms of being cautionary, going to a Level 1 would be an appropriate and justifiable move.
Mike Grace (Renfrew County and District Health Unit) – Supports moving back to a Level 1, but stated important to continue the public awareness about ongoing groundwater concerns.
Mary Ann Taman (M.P.P. John Yakabuski’s Office) – Have not recently had anyone come in or call with any issues regarding the drought. When we were in the heat of the drought, we had a couple of dozen walk‐ins.
Annette Louis (Admaston/Bromley) – Wells have still not fully recovered. She would support moving to Level 1.
Joanna Samson (MNR) – Concluded that it appears we would be reluctant to go straight from a Level 2 to no level given the concerns that remain. However, she also stated that she didn’t see a Level 1 declaration as being an indefinite move, but an ongoing conversation that we would occur in subsequent meetings based on any new information.
Alastair Baird (County of Renfrew) – despite what the response team decides in terms of a level, the County will continue to monitor ground water concerns within the county.
Mike Asselin (Town of Renfrew) – reiterated concern about remaining in Level 1 without knowing what “trigger” will be used to move out of Level 1. Moving into Level 1 was considered a big issue when initiated.
Karen Handford (MNR) – Although not unanimous, the majority of those on the call are in agreement that a reduction from a Level 2 to a Level 1 is justified and reasonable. This status will be reviewed on our next call scheduled for November 22, 2012. At that time, we’ll take into account if rains have continued and have restored watersheds to “normal” levels, have move information from power producers and well conditions for property owners.
ACTION ‐ Joanna Samson (MNR) to confirm with SWMC that Pembroke District/Renfrew County will officially move from a Level 2 to a Level 1 low water response status. – COMPLETED
5. Information Collection and Updates a. Update – Renfrew County & District Health Unit
ACTION ‐ Water quality sampling update/newest spreadsheet to be distributed in next bulletin. – COMPLETED
It has been nearly 4 weeks since the messaging began encouraging residents to have their well water tested.
Mike Grace (Renfrew County & District Health Unit) – Indicated that it’s hard to arrive at any firm conclusion given the numbers, but it appears property owners are listening to the media messaging since there has been a recent trend for increase testing. (see chart below) Oct 21‐27 – 2011 : 69 samples submitted ; 2012 : 95 samples submitted – 25‐30% increase Oct 14‐20 – 2011 : 86 samples submitted ; 2012 : 118 samples submitted – 80% increase Oct 7‐13 – 2011 : 100 samples submitted ; 2012 : 89 samples submitted
In terms of the quality of the submitted samples, no clear trend as of yet; will have to watch for another couple of weeks. Low Water Response Team Meeting Minutes Page 6
Grade 1 water (free of bacteria): Oct 21‐27 – 2011 : 91% Grade 1 ; 2012 : 84% Grade 1 Oct 14‐20 – 2011 : 72% Grade 1 ; 2012 : 83% Grade 1
ACTION – Renfrew County & District Health Unit to provide update of this information at next meeting. – COMPLETED b. Update – bulk water sales, well drilling activity
Doug Sitland (City of Pembroke) ‐ No longer have ability to sell bulk water on demand, but still an available option by appointment. Since last meeting there has been only one property owner that received bulk water.
Mike Asselin (Town of Renfrew) – Haven’t had any sales as a direct result of a dry well. But still have bulk water available through Fire Department if necessary. He raised concern about chemical reaction possible between chlorinated municipal water reacting with iron, etc. in wells. Messaging needs to strongly discourage recharging of wells.
Alastair Baird (County of Renfrew) – Whitewater Region is willing and able to sell bulk water from the water treatment plant in Cobden to serve their property owners. According to the last account from a well driller, Pembroke and West Quebec area are still having wells going dry; still drilling 1‐2 new wells per day.
ACTION – Alastair to follow up with well drillers for another update for the next meeting. – CARRYOVER c. Admaston/Bromley Update by Annette Louis
According to the spreadsheet of information collected from Admaston/Bromley and some surrounding area residents there were a few individuals with dry wells due to the low water conditions. On November 6, 2012, Annette contacted a 13 residents who had previously provided information to see how the low water levels were currently affecting them and received the following responses:
1. Multistream commented that the water flow of the river in Douglas just started to have normal conditions. 2. A resident on Hwy 60 commented that their well is 550 ft deep and they never had any problems this season. 3. Another resident on Bonnechere Rd had his drilled well go dry for a month in the summer. However, their dug well lasted all summer with them taking their laundry to town. Now, their drilled well has recovered. 4. A Resident on Dunmore Rd had a dug well that went dry and had to drill a 90 ft well. They had their dug well filled in. 5. Someone on Harvey’s Crescent had a dug well that went dry in the middle of October, for the first time in 19 years, and they had to have a 125 ft well drilled. 6. On Reid Rd one resident has both a dug and drilled well. The dug well had dried up but is coming back with the recent rainfall. 7. On Kunopaski Rd the water level is still low in their drilled well. 8. A resident on South McNaughton Rd has a dug well with 8 tiles. The water level was down to the bottom of the 4th tile, but is now up to the bottom of the 8th tile. 9. The creek crossing Foy Road at Culhane Road in the geographic Township of Admaston has been dry all summer but is now flowing at a normal rate for this time of year. 10. Reid’s Lake Campground (which closes for the winter) has 3 wells. On Oct 8th a new 4th well was flushed and it was still low. 11. Another resident on Hwy 60 had to move his 50 cattle when his drilled well went dry. However, they now have a submersible pump and all 50 cattle have returned home and are well watered. Low Water Response Team Meeting Minutes Page 7
12. On Butler Road there’s an artesian dug well which used to be connected to the 4 houses surrounding it, but it is just a single user well now. The well was very low and the water was yellow and hard with a lot of iron and sediments in it. It is now less yellow and not quite as hard after the recent rainfall. 13. A resident on McPeak Line has an 18 feet dug well that was dry and he had 3‐4 ½ truck loads of water brought to his well over the summer. On Oct 30th his well was up to a level of 28 inches and as of this morning his well is up to 72 inches or 6 feet.
Q. Annette Louis (Admaston/Bromley) also added that she was asked a number of times if there were any provincial programs that provided reimbursement for the installation of wells due to low water conditions. A. Karen Handford (MNR) – Began by saying she was glad to hear that certain parts of the County were experiencing an improvement in their situation, but expressed that, to her knowledge, no provincial programs existed to reimburse charges incurred from having to drill a new well.
6. Communications a. Well drilling article & media coverage ‐ County
Alastair Baird (County of Renfrew) – Continuing with the messaging regarding the importance of checking your ground water quality and supply. They will continue to work with well drillers, RCDHU and MOE to revise the messaging as needed. Bruce McIntyre (County of Renfrew) distributed “talking points” to media at County Council which are a good tool to initiate stories by local media.
Betsy Sayers (Greater Madawaska) – Will be including a half page article in the township newsletter and will revise the current title of “drought level 2 continues” to reflect the revised status. b. Presentation to OWDC at Eastern Ontario LWRT meeting Nov 27th
Karen and Alastair will be attending the meeting to represent Pembroke District/Renfrew County.
They will be allotted only 3 minutes to speak to our situation. Therefore, they will be focusing on the most significant impacts and the Bonnechere River watershed. They are to address 2 key questions each represented on its own slide: 1. Report on local conditions, observed impacts, successes and challenges (6‐7 bullets). 2. Suggested possible solutions and program improvements to address the challenges experienced (5 bullets).
ACTION – Karen to forward draft presentation slides in next bulletin. – COMPLETED
Karen Handford (MNR) opened the floor to comments and/or suggestions regarding what will be mentioned.
Beth Gilbert (MOE) – Indicated that while conducting some research, she came across information that Australia has developed a methodology to forecast drought using various indices. She suggested that this may be a potential program improvement that could be explored.
Annette Louis (Admaston/Bromley) – Indicated that perhaps the drought’s ties to forest fire, fire bans and the difficulty of finding water to fight fire should be highlighted as it has a large socio‐economic impact to recreation and tourism in the area.
Betsy Sayers (Greater Madawaska) – Indicated that a canoe outfitting business in Griffith had reported a 50% reduction in business due to the low water and fire ban. Low Water Response Team Meeting Minutes Page 8
ACTION – Betsy Sayers (Greater Madawaska) to follow up with canoe outfitter reporting a 50% drop in business for more detail about the impacts observed. – CARRYOVER
7. Next Steps a. Follow up with impacted property owners – what is current status?
ACTION – Requesting that municipalities contact those previously impacted property owners for a status update and be prepared to report back at next meeting (much like the update from Admaston/Bromley). – CARRYOVER b. Roundtable discussion all members – future activities of WRT
Karen proposed to defer this part of the agenda to the next meeting. To be considered homework for those on the call to put some thought into what activities should be done by the WRT over the winter months (if any).
8. Other Business
Meeting adjourned – 11:50 am
Next meeting: Thursday, November 22, 2012 @ 10:00 am – conference call only. 3. Draft notes of Water Response Team meeting #16 held November 22 2012.
Ministry of Natural Resources Pembroke District Water Response Team Meeting Minutes November 22, 2012 Location: Conference Call Only Date: November 22, 2012 Time: 10 am until noon
Attendees: Asselin, Mike Renfrew Armstrong, Lauree Laurentian Valley Belanger, Tammy MNR Pembroke Cameron, Shawn Renfrew Power Generation Gilbert, Beth MOE Regional Office Handford, Karen MNR Pembroke Hudder. Rose Anne Brudenell, Lyndoch & Raglan (Township of) Kirby, Wayne Laurentian Hills Louis, Annette Admaston/Bromley McGregor Briscoe, Sara Admaston/Bromley Mellema, Noreen McNab Braeside Nicholas, Cory Arnprior (Town of) Pan, Limin CFB Petawawa Rice, Loretta Renfrew County National Farmer’s Union Sitland, Doug City of Pembroke Stillman, Mitch Petawawa Taman, Mary Ann MPP Yakabuski’s Office Tantalo, Dave Renfrew County & District Health Unit Watchorn, Rick MNR Pembroke
Regrets: Bonnechere Valley (Township of) County of Renfrew Deep River (Town of) Greater Madawaska (Township of) Head, Clara & Maria (Township of) Horton (Township of) Killaloe, Hagarty & Richards (Township of) Madawaska Valley (Township of) North Algona Wilberforce (Township of) Whitewater Region (Township of) OMAFRA Ministry of Environment (MOE) – Ottawa District MNR – Regional Operations Division Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MAH) Algonquin Park MCSCS – Emergency Management Ontario Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) Agricorp Ontario Power Generation Algonquins of Ontario Ontario Clean Water Agency Low Water Response Team Meeting Minutes Page 2
1. Welcome
Rick Watchorn (MNR) presented agenda and welcomed everyone.
2. Roll call and confirmation of meeting participants
Rick Watchorn (MNR) completed the roll call.
3. Review of Meeting Notes from November 8, 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. Also gave opportunity for questions regarding the information distributed in Bulletin #15.
Minutes of November 8, 2012 – Approved with the addition of outcomes/responses to ACTION items.
CARRYOVER Action items from November 8, 2012 meeting: ACTION – Requesting municipalities to update Info spreadsheet (v2) with the municipal actions recorded (e.g. Conservation bylaws) on the municipal worksheet. Ensure to record if any bylaws have been passed and how are they working and enforced? Also important to know if low water issue is being discussed at council meetings (i.e. what level of awareness & concern) within each municipality. ACTION ‐ Paul Moreau suggested a focused letter to be sent to all municipalities/councils from the WRT. This letter would provide a summary of what has been done, the current situation, where concerns continue to be and what action are planned. The County of Renfrew and MNR are to work off line to put this letter together. ACTION – HOMEWORK ‐ All WRT members asked to prepare a list of “lessons learned” over the past few months. What do they feel they better understand now about the Renfrew County watersheds and low water situation? Take some time to review the previous minutes to jog your memory. Think from your own perspective about topics and discussions that have been particularly interesting or informative. Please send via email to Karen Handford for compilation. ACTION – Rob MacKinnon to review and forward comments on ‘Winter Tips’ document back to Lauree Armstrong (Laurentian Valley). ACTION – MNR will work with County on speaking with School Boards to get regarding how many schools rely on wells. ACTION – Alastair to follow up with well drillers for another update for the next meeting. ACTION – Betsy Sayers (Greater Madawaska) to follow up with canoe outfitter reporting a 50% drop in business for more detail about the impacts observed. ACTION – Requesting that municipalities contact those previously impacted property owners for a status update and be prepared to report back at next meeting (much like the update from Admaston/Bromley). Low Water Response Team Meeting Minutes Page 3
4. Review of current low water response Level II a. Most recent Southern Ontario updates – changing Levels with our neighbours in Eastern Ontario
Rick Watchorn (MNR) gave an update of low water conditions in southern Ontario. Mississippi Valley CA remains in Level 2; South Nation CA is Level 1; Rideau Valley CA has not confirmed conditions; Cataraqui Region CA is Level 1 . b. Current Precipitation & flow indices
Rick Watchorn (MNR) reported that flow indices are artificially high due to the power producers starting to do usual winter draw‐downs to create room in the reservoirs to prepare for spring freshet. Very little or no November rainfall,. There is limited ability to recharge watersheds especially as we move into snowfall conditions. Therefore still relevant for property owners to monitor their wells.
Mike Asselin (Town of Renfrew) – questioned that since the original flow indicators were used to trigger entry into Level One, why are they not being used to move out Level One?
Rick Watchorn (MNR) – explained that the OLWR program doesn’t have groundwater indicators and the flows in the summer were not artificially influenced by winter drawdown activities. The statistical numbers are indicators that need to be confirmed by local conditions. The social, economic and environmental impacts are still being experienced and warrant continued public awareness and vigilance for monitoring conditions.
5. Information Collection and Updates a. Update – Renfrew County & District Health Unit
Tantalo, David (RCDHU) –spoke to the water sampling report that was distributed in Bulletin #15. No trends can be discerned but property owners continue to sample their water quality.
ACTION – RCDHU and County will coordinate to update the media communications to focus on need to check water levels and quality. b. Well drilling activity ‐ County – Carried over to next meeting c. Follow up with impacted property owners – what is current status?
Lauretta Rice (RCNFU) – reported that farmers are returning cattle to the barn and raising concerns about the ability of the wells to supply the increased demand. One farmer reported a recent attempt to establish a new dug well resulted in no water at expected depth of 18ft but instead needed to go to depth of 25 ft to reach water table. She also reported that hay is available from out west and Quebec however the challenge is to cover expensive transportation costs.
6. Communications a. Media coverage – County – Carried over to next meeting
Wayne Kirby (Laurentian Hills) – reported hearing a radio broadcast stating that Renfrew County was at “Level 0”.
Rick Watchorn (MNR) – questioned which radio station made the broadcast and reiterated that the broadcast was incorrect. Low Water Response Team Meeting Minutes Page 4
b. Presentation to OWDC at Eastern Ontario LWRT meeting Nov 27th
Karen Handford (MNR) – spoke to the slides distributed in Bulletin #15 and elaborated on the rationale for each bullet. Very difficult to summarize four months of information into a 5 minute/2 slide presentation.
7. Next Steps a. Roundtable discussion all members – future activities of WRT
Rick Watchorn (MNR) – the severest impacts have now shifted from agricultural to residential and conditions remain at Level 1 based on rainfall indicators. He questioned if anyone thinks we are no longer in Level 1?
Mike Asselin (Renfrew) – reiterated he’d like to know what will trigger a move out of Level 1?
Rick Watchorn (MNR) – Acknowledged this is a valid point however, CAs have reported that they remained in Level 1 through December last year and never got out of low water conditions. With winter approaching, we have our key public messages and winter tip sheet that need to continue in the media. However, there may not be a continued need for the entire WRT to meet bi‐weekly. There needs to be a discussion with the County and there should be at least one more telecom as a whole to determine future activities and the potential for a smaller core working group to continue actions over the winter.
Mike Asselin (Renfrew) – agrees there is a need for a core group to document the “Lessons Learned”; identify and promote the need for more gauges and groundwater monitoring wells; take steps to better prepare for future low water conditions.
Mary Anne Taman (MPP Office) – questioned if the core group would continue to give progress reports to the entire WRT?
Rick Watchorn (MNR) – Absolutely. Perhaps could be communicated in monthly telecoms or distribute a report via email. One of the main objectives will be to compile the “Lessons Learned” to provide guidance for future low water conditions.
ACTION – all members to give consideration about who should participate on the core working group and what goals and objectives should be set for the core working group over the winter months.
Mary Anne Taman (MPP Office) – stated that she was at an event with the Canadian Red Cross. The Red Cross has been approached by people seeking assistance to assess well conditions. She asked if the Red Cross were represented on any other WRT?
Rick Watchorn (MNR) – not that we’re aware of however, it is a great suggestion to invite the organization to participate with this WRT.
ACTION – Mary Anne Taman to provide Red Cross contact information to Rick Watchorn.
8. Other Business
None
Meeting adjourned – 11:30 am Low Water Response Team Meeting Minutes Page 5
Next meeting: Thursday, December 06, 2012 @ 10:00 am – teleconference call only.