The Ministry of the Environment has concluded there is no need for additional measures to protect the Paris and Galt moraines.
The MOE has forwarded to Puslinch Township a 25-page review conducted in response to an application made under the Environmental Bill of Rights.
The Paris and Galt moraines are invaluable to the ground water recharge in Wellington County, Cambridge, Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph and other areas.
The purpose of the review was to “assess the current protection framework” and determine if a new provincial policy is needed to protect the moraines.
The study determined a new policy is not necessary because protection of ground water recharge in the area is already covered by existing provincial policies, such as the Clean Water Act, the Provincial Policy Statement and the Greenbelt Plan – and augmented by the Ontario Water resources Act.
However, the MOE concluded it will, in cooperation with partner ministries, First Nations and stakeholders, develop “guidance materials to assist with the implementation of policies protecting hydrologic functions.”
Mayor Brad Whitcombe said while it appears the province is satisfied with current protection measures, he would like the MOE document to be reviewed by township hydrogeologist Stan Denhoed, as well as the county’s planning and engineering departments.
Councillor Matthew Bulmer said he hopes Denhoed will catch what he referred to as “loopholes,” and councillor Don McKay said it would be interesting to get some feedback from conservation authorities as well.
But overall, very little was said in reaction to the MOE review.
