Preamble:   The Clean Environment Commission (CEC) has mandated that municipal waste water systems remove nitrogen and phosphorous from the effluent streams prior to the effluent reentering the lakes and rivers.

This recommendation can have a significant financial impact on Manitoba’s municipalities. For example, the City of Portage La Prairie is looking at a minimum of $51 million dollars in capital (in 2008 dollars) to build a facility to do this nutrient removal.

Resolution: 

That the Government of Manitoba; over the next 12 months and in consultation with the CEC, Manitoba Conservation, provincial park communities and Manitoba’s municipalities; determine the maximum levels of nitrogen and phosphorous that will be acceptable in wastewater effluent, work with the different  levels of government to develop plans to reach these levels and, assist in the funding the construction of any facilities that are needed to help reach the identified levels.

Resolution Report:  

The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce produces Resolution reports as part of its commitment to be accountable to its members. The reports are updated as matters unfold and have two components:

MCC Advocacy: Specific activities the MCC has done to help make this Resolution a reality. 

Developments:  All other information (e.g. government action, media coverage, reports) that relates to Resolution. 

Advice, comments, and information sharing are welcome; simply enter a reply at the bottom of this post.

MCC Advocacy: 

May 11, 2010: The 2010-2011 Resolutions were posted on the MCC website, listed as part of a comprehensive Report on AGM 2010 and then notice of this story was circulated through the MCC E-Update is sent to all MCC members, Media and Government.

June 16, 2010: Resolution books were sent to every MLA and every Member of Parliament that hails from Manitoba. The following had this Resolution specifically drawn to their attention with a detailed letter setting out the background to this issue, Government initiatives (where applicable), and an argument for the Resolution:

• The Minister of Conservation
• The Minister of Water Stewardship
• The Minister of Local Government  

Developments:

August 25, 2010: The Honourable Bill Blaikie, Minister of Conservation, wrote to the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce on this matter. This is what he said:

“We agree that clarity and consistency is required regarding nutrient standards for municipal and industrial wastewater. Manitoba Water Stewardship has committed to developing a regulation under The Water Protection Act for Manitoba Water Quality Standards, Objectives, and Guidelines. The proposed regulation will include nutrient standards for municipal and industrial wastewater, and consultation will be required as per The Water Protection Act. The Province is also considering the costs associated with reducing nutrients and will be working with the Manitoba Water Services Board and all levels of government to assist in funding nutrient reduction measures.”