Wellington Water Watchers, Ecojustice and the Council of Canadians are celebrating Nestlé Canada Inc.’s move to withdraw its attempt to have drought restrictions dropped from one of its water-taking operations in Ontario.
A press release from these groups stated that on Sept. 17, Nestlé announced it was withdrawing its appeal of drought restrictions on its water permit in Wellington County.
However, a final decision by the Environmental Review Tribunal on whether it will approve Nestlé’s withdrawal and dismiss the proceedings is still weeks away.
Last year, Nestlé challenged restrictions placed on its “Permit To Take Water” by the Ministry of the Environment on its Hillsburgh operation.
In February, Nestlé announced it had reached a settlement with the ministry to remove the mandatory reductions, but this was challenged before the Environmental Review Tribunal of Ontario by the community groups.
In August, the tribunal ruled that the original appeal should proceed to a full hearing.
“It was clear to us from the beginning that the lack of hydrological information would not support Nestlé’s appeal for very long,” Mike Nagy, chair of Wellington Water Watchers, said in a press release.
“Sadly, the Ministry of the Environment failed to protect our communities’ water sources by negotiating a questionable settlement with Nestlé.
“It took action from Ecojustice lawyers representing the Council of Canadians and Wellington Water Watchers to make it clear that this appeal was unjustifiable, indefensible and not in the public interest.
“Drought conditions are occurring more often due to climate change and the ministry is not taking its responsibility to protect our groundwater seriously. Community groups shouldn’t have to put time and money into challenging the ministry to do its job.”
Will Amos, Director of the Ecojustice Clinic at the University of Ottawa, stated, “Nestlé’s withdrawal of its appeal restores the correct order for water protection in Ontario, which is people, planet and then corporations who profit from water resources.”
Wellington Water Watchers, Ecojustice and the Council of Canadians have sent a letter to the Minister of the Environment urging reforms to Ontario laws and policies needed to adequately protect Ontario’s rivers, lakes and groundwater.
The groups’ recommendations include that the ministry prioritize water uses, remove barriers to declaring a Level 3 drought and conduct cumulative impact assessments of water takings.
Although the need for some of these reforms has been documented in previous studies, this case has again demonstrated the urgency of this need, the groups contend.
When reached for comment Nestlé Waters’ director of corporate affairs John Challinor stated, “It would be inappropriate for us to comment on this matter until Ontario Environmental Tribunal issues its notification letter regarding the request by all parties (Ontario Ministry of Environment, Eco Justice/Nestlé Waters Canada) not to proceed to a full hearing.”
