After almost a year and a half of discussions, Puslinch Township and Nestlé Waters Canada have approved a well protection agreement.
The agreement establishes a well protection committee and provides safeguards for residents whose wells are adversely affected by Nestlé operations in the township.
“We’re really pleased the agreement is now in place,” said John Challinor, director of corporate affairs with Nestlé Waters Canada. “It provides the community with the kind of protection and confidence it deserves.”
Councillor Matthew Bulmer said while the agreement is between the township and Nestlé, it does not preclude residents from seeking all other avenues of protection.
Councillor Don McKay called the document “very comprehensive” and complimented Bulmer for his work on the agreement. Bulmer replied resident Wayne Stokely also helped with the agreement.
The well protection committee will include five members – two appointed by Nestlé, two by the township, and one by the Grand River Conservation Authority.
The agreement states a private contractor, paid for by Nestlé, will:
– provide rapid responses to complaints by well owners within the “well protection area” to determine if well failure is related to hardware or a water level or quality issue;
– if it is a water quantity or quality issue, provide an alternative water supply and within five business days, after a scientific investigation, the well protection committee will determine if Nestle is responsible for the failure; and
– if Nestle is determined to be responsible for the failure, it will repair or replace the well at no cost to the owner.
Council unanimously approved the well protection agreement.
Nestlé currently operates out of Aberfoyle, where it has a permit to extract up to 3.6 million litres of water a day. The permit expires next year.
Nestlé is also continuing its search for a secondary source in Puslinch.
