ll of us depend on air, land andwater to exist. As New Brunswickers,we have also long relied on the
bounty of our natural environment as wellas appreciated its beauty and contributionsto our enjoyment of the out-of-doors. Aswith other regions throughout the world,the social and economic growth of ourprovince over centuries has also had, andcontinues to have an impact on theenvironment.
In the relatively short time (30 years) sinceNew Brunswick has had a provincialdepartment with responsibility forenvironmental protection, significantstrides have been made to identify andaddress many of the factors that canthreaten a healthy environment and thefuture well being of our province.
We have seen the adoption of laws andpolicies that provide a framework forenvironmental protection and planning,and the establishment of a broad array ofscientific tools for measuring the quality ofour air, land and water. Our province'scapabilities in responding effectively toenvironmental incidents have beenstrengthened and there is moreparticipation in environmental protectionand enhancement by more NewBrunswickers – both as individuals andamong particular stakeholder groups –than at any time in our province's history.These factors have all contributed to NewBrunswick's environmental progress to dateand will continue to be the foundation forfuture protection efforts.
To report on this progress, the provincialDepartment of the Environment and LocalGovernment has developed this documentwith three key goals in mind:• To encourage an understanding of the
impacts to New Brunswick'senvironment, and the relationshipbetween air, land and water quality;
• To provide an account to NewBrunswickers of the approaches theDepartment takes in responding toenvironmental impacts; and
• To report on the results of thoseprotection efforts using 'environmentalindicators', which demonstrate theprogress that is being made in variousareas of air, land and water protection,and also where more or continuedaction is needed.
It is anticipated that future editions of thisreport will be produced every two years.This time frame allows the Department togather additional data through its variousmonitoring and auditing programs, toanalyze information from that data and tothen report on the findings. The content ofthe report may vary from edition toedition to include the many subjects thatrelate to environmental management andprotection, as well as to report on progressor examine trends among the subjectspresented in this first report.
Readers are encouraged to provide feedbackon what might be included in futurereports, both in terms of subject matterand how the information is presented(please see enclosed comment form). Thisparticipation is important, because witheach opportunity to understand moreabout the environment as part of oureveryday lives, we are also more likely toaccept individual and collectiveresponsibility for continued improvement,and to become more actively involved inachieving environmental progress in ourprovince.
INTRODUCTION
A
2
SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
Environmental Indicators are statistical measurements that demonstrate the status of aparticular aspect of the environment. They present information about areas where progresshas been made as well as areas where more effort may be needed.
AIR
AMBIENT AIR QUALITY1. Attainment of New Brunswick's Air Quality Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52. Compliance with Canada-wide Standards for Particulate Matter and Ozone . . . . . 6
eyond having air to breathe, whichmost of us take for granted, it is thequality of the air that can either
support human and environmental healthor detract from it.
In the area of environmental protection,air quality is determined by the amount ofunwanted, potentially harmfulcomponents in our atmosphere.
Most of these components are part of whatis commonly referred to as air pollution,and it comes in many different forms andfrom many different sources.
Nature itself plays a role: the carbondioxide emitted by living things, smokefrom forest fires, windblown dust andpollen, salt spray from the ocean, and eventhe ash from the eruption of a far-offvolcano can affect the quality of air inNew Brunswick.
Pollution caused by human activities,however, is of greater concern on a day-to-day basis. We have all heard the expression"what goes up must come down". Theactivities we carry out on land, such asburning garbage or using a wood stoveimproperly, release a range of harmfulsubstances into the atmosphere. In turn,many of these substances, called airpollutants, return to the land and waterthrough precipitation and run-off.
The largest single source of human-madeair emissions is the burning of fossil fuels:for transportation, to heat our buildings,to generate electricity, and to operateindustries.Air pollution does not stop at ourprovincial borders of course, and so NewBrunswick's air quality is also affected by"trans-boundary" or "long rangetransport" emissions.This refers to the pollutants that originatein the more industrialized and heavilypopulated areas of central Canada and theeastern United States and that come toour region by way of weather systems. Infact, the majority of New Brunswick's acidrain and ground-level ozone come fromsources outside our province's borders.Reduced air quality can cause a widerange of health effects, particularly forour children, the elderly, and people withrespiratory (breathing) or cardiovascular(heart) problems. It can decrease cropproduction, harm forests, fish andwildlife, and have an impact on thequality of our lakes, streams, rivers, anddrinking water.Some air pollutants can contribute to thecorrosion of buildings and other human-made structures. Air pollutants can alsoreduce visibility and cause nuisance issuesthat affect our comfort and well being,such as excessive dust and odours. On aglobal level, a number of air pollutantsare known to contribute to climatechange.Clearly, air quality affects people andother living things, making it afundamental aspect of environmentalhealth. The following pages present anoverview of the approaches being takento protect our air, as well as key air-related results that report on NewBrunswick's current progress.
4
B
AIR in our Environment
Did You Know? The New Brunswick Department of theEnvironment and Local Government oversees thequality of outdoor air. Indoor air quality in NB (inpublic buildings, offices, schools etc.) is governedby the Department of Health and Wellness underthe Health Act and by the Department of Trainingand Employment Development under theOccupational Health and Safety Act.
5
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS - AMBIENT* AIR QUALITY
INDICATOR 1 - Attainment of NewBrunswick's Air Quality Objectives As noted above, the Clean Air Act has aprovision for the establishment of AirQuality Objectives, specific to NewBrunswick.
In March 2002, the Province establishedthe first such Objectives which set limits ofallowable contaminants, previouslyoutlined in the provincial Air QualityRegulation. The Objectives set limits forthe amount of carbon monoxide, sulphurdioxide, hydrogen sulphide, nitrogendioxide and total suspended particulate(fine particles) that can be released into theair, while still maintaining air quality thatwill support human and environmentalhealth. Any measurement that is abovethese limits is considered an "exceedance".
Each of the bars on the chart oppositerepresents the combined total in a givenyear, of the exceedances for substances forwhich there is an Air Quality Objective.This information is provided frommonitors in various locations in theprovince.
Approaches to Air Quality Protection - Air-related LegislationAir quality protection in New Brunswick is legislated through the province’s Clean Air Act. The Act’sregulations provide, in detail, the requirements that must be followed within the province to achieveacceptable air quality, and features a set of principles to be considered by the Minister of the Environmentand Local Government in making air-related decisions. The Minister also has authority under the Act toestablish Air Quality Objectives for the province in conjunction with the Minister of Health and Wellness.
The primary tool for regulating air emissions created by individuals and other sources is a series of permitsand air quality approvals. These sources of emissions in New Brunswick — from power generating plantsto dry cleaners — must obtain an Air Quality Approval. The Department issues an average of 500 air qualityapprovals to industry each year. These approvals set conditions under which the facility may operate,including limits for emitting contaminants into the air which may be based on provincial standards orcorrespond with accepted Canada-wide Standards (see page 6) which are set nationally.
Exceedances of NB Air Quality Objectives
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Year
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Num
ber o
f com
bine
d ex
ceed
ance
s
The total number of exceedances hasdeclined by 50% over the five years shown,in part because of the stringent limits setin air quality approvals.
*Note: “Ambient” refers to the outdoor air.
5
INDICATOR 2 - Compliance withCanada-wide Standards for ParticulateMatter (PM 2.5) and OzoneCanada-wide Standards are guidelinesfor addressing environmental issuesusing a common approach acrossCanada. In June 2000, Canada-wideStandards were established forParticulate Matter 2.5 (PM 2.5) andozone. New Brunswick joined othergovernments in committing to asignificant reduction of PM 2.5 andground-level ozone by the year 2010.
PM 2.5 is particulate matter such as dustor soot with particles smaller than 2.5microns (so small they are invisible).These particles have a wide range ofadverse effects on human health andcan also degrade air quality bycontributing to haze.
Ozone is a greenhouse gas that formswhen there is a chemical reactionamong particular pollutants. Groundlevel ozone has adverse effects on bothhuman health, and the environment -especially crops and trees. PM 2.5 andozone also have significant effects onclimate.
The top chart shows that at the majorityof New Brunswick's monitoring stations,the Canada-wide Standard for PM 2.5 isgenerally being met. The results forozone (bottom chart) are influenced bysummer weather conditions each yearand by varying levels of transboundaryemissions. Note: The charts reflect thelength of time PM 2.5 and ozone havebeen monitored in the areas shown.
If past trends continue, stations insouthern New Brunswick may showexceedances of ozone in about one yearout of every three. Preliminary datafrom northern areas show lower levels.
6
Approaches to Air Quality Protection - Inter-jurisdictional Co-operationWhile we can’t control emissions in other jurisdictions, New Brunswick does work both individually and inco-operation with neighbouring provinces and states to improve air quality affected by pollution-generating regions. These efforts, which can include policy development, standard-setting, complementarymonitoring programs and information sharing, recognize and seek to minimize ‘cross-border’environmental impacts. For example, many of these kinds of measures are being carried out under ActionPlans for Acid Rain and Mercury, developed under the Conference of New England Governors and EasternCanadian Premiers.
1998 1999 2000 20011997
Saint John(Forest Hills)
Fredericton Bathurst St Andrews Moncton Edmundston0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
Site
Mic
rogr
ams
per c
ubic
met
re Canada-wide Standard
Canada-wide Standard - PM2.5
1998 1999 2000 200119971996
Canada-wide Standard - Ozone
Site
Canada-wide Standard80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Parts
per
bill
ion
Pt. Lepreau CampobelloIsland
Norton Blissville Saint John(Customs)
Saint John(Forest Hills)
7
Did You Know?Climate change is being caused by an increased concentration of greenhouse gases (such as carbondioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide) in the earth's atmosphere. In the past 100 years, concentrations ofthese gases, mostly attributable to human activities, have been increasing at an unprecedented rate,trapping more heat and radiating it back to earth. As a result, global temperatures have begun to increaseand climate trends are becoming more unpredictable. Among other effects, changes in climate caninfluence weather patterns and warmer temperatures can cause flooding in coastal areas and droughtsfurther inland. Storms can become more frequent and severe.
New Brunswick has a role to play in meeting the objectives of key national and international agreementssuch as the Kyoto Protocol and the UN Convention on Climate Change. The provincial Departments ofEnergy, and the Environment and Local Government are currently working with key stakeholders to developa Climate Change Action Plan specific to our province.
Approaches to Air Quality Protection - Air Quality MonitoringThroughout New Brunswick, instruments are placed in strategic locations to gather information about theimmediate and surrounding air quality. This ambient air monitoring activity takes place at over 50 stations,many of which are operated by the Province, with others operated by industry. Monitoring helps us to betterunderstand the sources, movements and effects of various substances in the atmosphere, and whereneeded, to take action to protect air quality. It also helps the Province to determine when public healthadvisories should be issued, and to negotiate with other jurisdictions for controls on out-of-province airpollution affecting New Brunswick.
Emissions monitoring is the monitoring of emissions from within the stacks (chimneys) of industrial or otherfacilties. This monitoring indicates whether operators are complying with the conditions of their Air QualityApprovals and with any applicable provincial and national air quality standards.
While this scientific monitoring is a critical source of environmental information, citizens who have noticeda change in local air quality are also important “monitors”. (See page 23 for list of materials that explainwhat citizens can do to protect the air.)
Approaches to Air Quality Protection - Compliance and EnforcementA key part of air quality management, and in ensuring public confidence, is working to achieve consistentand ongoing compliance with the requirements of the province's legislation and approvals respecting air.The measures undertaken to achieve compliance include site inspections, third-party audits of emissionsand continuous emissions monitors, departmental audits of industry-operated ambient air quality monitorsand where required, reductions in emissions through the appropriate use of control technology.
In instances where these measures do not achieve compliance, there are a number of enforcement optionsprovided for under the Clean Air Act and its regulations. They range from issuing an Administrative Penaltyfor things such as failing to provide required air quality information, serving an Order to stop an adverseoperational practice, or laying charges for offences such as the unlawful release of contaminants. Whateverthe compliance and enforcement approach taken in a given situation, the Minister retains the authority totake direct action in instances where there is an immediate threat to human health or the environment.(Note: a summary of each year’s compliance and enforcement statistics can be found in the Department’s AnnualReport.)
INDICATOR 1 - Average SulphateConcentration in PrecipitationThe term 'acid rain' has been part of theenvironmental vocabulary in NewBrunswick for some time and efforts toreduce its impacts have been underway fornearly 20 years.
Acid rain forms when gases such as sulphurdioxide and nitrogen oxides mix withwater in the air and react, eventuallyforming acids. These return to the earth'ssurface in the form of precipitation (rainand snow), or as fine particles. The resultcan be long-term chemical changes inlakes, rivers and soils, which can haveharmful effects on wildlife and plants.
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS - ACID RAIN
Fine particles can also have harmful effectson human health.
New Brunswick operates a monitoringnetwork to track changes in the chemicalmakeup of precipitation.
This monitoring tells us what the acid rainsituation is in relation to the control of airemissions. It also provides informationabout how precipitation chemistry variesacross the province and through the year.
As illustrated in the chart below, there hasbeen a general reduction of sulphate inprecipitation in New Brunswick since thelate 1980's, which is in keeping with thereductions in sulphur dioxide emissionsacross eastern North America during thesame period.
Average Sulphate Concentration in Precipitation1986-2001
Mea
n Su
lpha
te c
once
ntra
tion
(mg/
L)
8
INDICATOR 2 - Average SulphateConcentration in LakesAcid rain can affect natural ecosystems inmany ways. The basic chemical makeup oflakes and rivers can be changed, aquaticlife can be disrupted and soils can bedepleted of essential nutrients. Areas wherethere is granite bedrock, or other rocks lowin alkaline minerals are especially sensitiveto damage by acid precipitation. Whensurface water becomes more acidic it canalso affect human-made structures such asculverts and bridges, accelerating corrosionand shortening their useful life.New Brunswick has a lake monitoringprogram designed to examine the effects of
acid precipitation over time. Approximately100 lakes are surveyed every two to fiveyears. The lakes chosen for testing areremote, with little or no adjacentdevelopment. This makes it easier toexamine changes in the acidity of a lake,which are not linked to local activity.Surveys since 1986 have shown thatsulphate concentrations (which are onemeasure of acid input) are generallydeclining. However, many lakes continue tobe considered vulnerable to acid rain atpresent concentrations. Particular focus willbe given to these lakes as monitoringprograms continue to be carried out.
9
Approaches to Air Quality Protection - Public Education and InvolvementThe science and engineering processes that are part of air quality management can be very complex andare generally not part of most people’s everyday knowledge. At the same time, citizens are increasinglyinterested in understanding the things that directly affect their lives, and in being involved in contributingto the decisions being made on their behalf. As such, public education resources and opportunities haveand will continue to be a departmental focus in building knowledge and facilitating involvement.
The Clean Air Act recognizes the right of New Brunswickers to have access to information concerning airquality issues, and to weigh in on key air quality management decisions. This principle in the Act isunderlined by the existence of the Public Participation Regulation which identifies guaranteedopportunities for public participation in the process of developing Air Quality Approvals for major sourcesof emissions (there are currently 29 facilities in this category) and in setting provincial Air QualityObjectives.
Y
Sulphate Concentration in Lakes1986 - 2001
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
1986 1993 1995 1998 2001
Sulph
ate (
milli
gram
s per
litre
)
f the qualities New Brunswickersvalue in our communities and theareas that surround them, many are
linked to the environment.
We count on access to safe drinking waterand efficient waste disposal services,adequate space in which to build, utilizeresources, and enjoy recreational pursuits,and we appreciate the physical appeal ofgreen spaces, fresh air and healthywaterways.
From early settlements to more recentdevelopment activity, it is easy to see thedifference careful planning makes tocommunity well being.
When more people share the same spaceor expand into new territory; when there isgreater demand on resources; and whensocietal and economic expectations grow,it becomes that much more important tosustain what matters most to us asresidents of the Province.
Land use planning and appropriatemanagement of land-based activities arefundamental to ensuring that the thingswe as New Brunswickers value todaycontinue to be in place for generationsto come.
When land use plans are developed,whether provincial, municipal or rural,they guide the adoption of change whilepreserving the valuable social andenvironmental components of a givenarea.
Municipal and rural plans or planningstatements focus particularly on zoningland for development, whether forresidential, business, or other purposes,including protection for current users.In incorporated areas, a plan can oftencomplement or build on municipalzoning bylaws.
Similarly, a municipal plan may adoptor build on provincial requirements forthings such as drinking waterprotection.
Provincial laws and policies guide themanagement of land-based activities,helping to prevent negativeenvironmental impacts from large-scaledevelopment, improperly managed worknear watercourses, improper chemicalstorage, inadequate waste disposal andso on.
Historically, there has been interactionat the provincial level between thoseresponsible for facilitating communityplanning and those responsible forenvironmental planning. With theestablishment, in 2000, of theDepartment of the Environment andLocal Government, these efforts havebeen combined under one umbrella,providing opportunities for enhancedplanning at both provincial and locallevels.
The following pages provide anoverview of New Brunswick'sapproaches to environmentalsustainability through land use planningand land-based environmentalmanagement as well as presenting somekey results that report on currentprogress in the Province.10
LAND in our Environment
O
11
INDICATOR 1 - Percentage of NB Coveredby Municipal or Rural Land Use PlansMunicipal and rural land use planningconsiders environmental, social andeconomic factors in the development of awell-defined vision, and accompanyingguidelines for a particular area orcommunity.
A land management plan covers a specificgeographical area identified during theplanning process and may border on otherareas identified by provincial or federalland management mechanisms such asCrown Lands.
Land management plans provide a meansof addressing planning issues relating toinfrastructure such as streets, parks, andwater and sewer systems, as well as howand where new or upgraded developmentsmay be managed in an area.
At the local level, Municipal and RuralPlans are complemented by variousbylaws and zoning provisions.
Approaches to Sustainability - Land-related LegislationIn New Brunswick, when we dispose of our household garbage, obtain a building or watercourse/wetlandalteration permit, store pesticides or seek a zoning change within our community, these are instances inwhich we become acquainted with the land management provisions in various Acts administered by theMinister of the Environment and Local Government.
These include the Community Planning Act, Clean Environment Act (Environmental Impact Assessment,watercourse/wetland alteration, and petroleum storage regulations as well as requirements for waste andpesticides management), and the Unsightly Premises Act. Land use parameters also form a central part ofregulations under the Clean Water Act (see Land Use Planning and Water Protection on page 12).
The Department provides assessment, as well as advisory and permitting services - many in conjunctionwith communities and District Planning Commissions.
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS - LAND USE PLANNING
To date, approximately 20% of NewBrunswick is covered by Municipal or RuralPlans (as shown below).
The Department of the Environment andLocal Government is now working towarda more comprehensive approach toplanning, which would see provincialobjectives for long-term sustainabilityaddressed through integrated andconsistent rural, municipal and regionalplanning approaches.
Campbellton
Bathurst
Miramichi
Edmundston
Fredericton Moncton
Saint John
Dieppe
Area coveredby Municipalor Rural Plans
INDICATOR 2 - Number of DesignatedWellfieldsIn New Brunswick, the WellfieldProtection program is designed tohelp safeguard the drinking watersupplies in 56 municipalitiesserving a total of150,000 people, whorely on groundwater astheir primary source ofdrinking water.
This is done through a study andsubsequent "Wellfield Designation"which defines the area to be protected.Each Wellfield Designation identifies thelist of land use activities, outlined inlegislation that can either be carried outor are restricted at varying distances fromthe production wells.
These requirements also protectmunicipal drinking water supplies byprohibiting or limiting such things aschemical and petroleum storage near amunicipal well.
As shown opposite, there are currentlyeight communities whose wellfields havebeen designated: Doaktown, Hillsborough,McAdam, Plaster Rock, Riverside-Albert,Richibucto, Shippagan, and Tide Head.
Studies have been completed or areunderway in 42 wellfield areas, and theaim is to complete a designation in each ofthe 48 remaining municipalities by 2008.
12
Approaches to Sustainability - Land Use Planning and Water Protection How we manage land use can have a direct and lasting impact on the quality of both surface and groundwater. For this reason, a variety of restrictions have been placed on activities often carried out adjacent towater ways, such as tree cutting, road building, livestock watering, and cottage building. Requirementshave also been put in place to prevent petroleum products and chemicals such as pesticides from seepinginto drinking water supply systems.
The Watershed and Wellfield Protected Area Designation Orders, under the Clean Water Act, defineallowable land use activities within these respective drinking water supply areas. The protection ofmarshes and other sensitive environmental features, in turn, is one of the objectives of New Brunswick'sCoastal Areas and Wetlands Protection policies. The Water Classification Regulation, while not definingwhich activities can occur next to watercourses, does set goals for water quality. Residents and other landusers may select from a number of voluntary ‘Best Management Practices’ to help achieve goals that havebeen set for a particular lake or river or a local section of a watercourse. Best management practices areways of carrying out an activity on the land or water that minimize the impact on water quality.
Doaktown
McAdam
ShippaganTide Head
Plaster Rock
Riverside-Albert
Hillsborough
Richibucto
INDICATOR 1 - Proportion of LargePetroleum Storage Tanks Meeting ModernInstallation StandardsEven small amounts of oil or gasoline cancontaminate the surrounding soil as wellas substantial quantities of groundwater. Assuch, large petroleum storage systems, likethose used at gas stations, can be majorsources of contamination if they leak. Thedifficulties and costs associated with clean-ups have demanded a better approach tomanaging this land-based activity,involving both under and above groundtanks.
In 1987, New Brunswick introduced thePetroleum Product Storage and Handling
13
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS - LAND-BASED MANAGEMENT
Approaches to Sustainability - Compliance and EnforcementAs land-based activities are carried out by virtually everyone, from individuals through to industrialoperators, there is also a range of approaches to achieving compliance with provincial requirements.Various approvals, permits, and licenses are issued to enterprises in the agriculture, forestry and miningsectors as well as to solid waste operations, commercial pesticides applicators, and operators ofwastewater treatment systems. These approvals carry regular inspection and reporting requirements.Individuals may also be issued permits for such activities as building additions on a house, working neara watercourse or some recreational pursuits.
Through provincial legislation, District Planning Commissions have the authority to issue Orders to stopan activity that violates any zoning provisions in unincorporated areas. Throughout the province, theDepartment responds when monitoring programs detect noticeable changes in environmental quality aswell as to reported infractions where there is the potential for risk to the environment or human health.
As a further means of achieving compliance, environmentally sound practices are encouraged by all NewBrunswickers through education and local partnerships.
Regulation. The regulation requires thatsystems (tanks) for petroleum productstorage with a capacity greater than 2000litres be registered and insured in case ofleaks. Single-walled tanks older than 20years must be precision tested (fortightness) and if necessary, replaced usingmodern installation methods.
The illustration below demonstrates theincreasing proportion of improved tankssince the regulation was put in place.
As a further preventive measure,guidelines were established in 2001requiring that all new underground storagesystems being installed at potentiallysensitive sites feature double-walled tanksand lines.
100
80
60
40
20
0
19
68
19
70
19
72
19
74
19
76
19
78
19
80
19
82
19
84
19
86
19
88
19
90
19
92
19
94
19
96
19
98
20
00
20
02
Perc
ent
Year
Petroleum Storage TanksPercentage of Tanks Rustproofed, Protected or Double-walled
14
Approaches to Sustainability - Waste Reduction and DiversionIn New Brunswick, the closure of open disposal sites coupled with the establishment of modern sanitarylandfills has significantly reduced impacts to the surrounding air, land, and water. It should be noted, forexample, that New Brunswick's sanitary landfills all have a liner to collect liquid from the waste forproper treatment, and New Brunswick is one of the only jurisdictions in Canada that does not burn any ofits municipal waste.
However, each New Brunswicker currently produces the equivalent of 500 kilograms of waste every year.As a result, a second phase to waste management, already underway in some areas of the province,involves increasing recycling and other measures aimed at reducing the volume of household and otherwastes going to the landfills in an effort to extend their life spans and conserve resources. This objectiveis central to the Province’s Waste Reduction and Diversion Action Plan, which outlines ten key wastereduction and diversion measures to be undertaken by government, Regional Solid Waste Commissions,communities, and the private sector over the next five years.
INDICATOR 2 - Percentage of NewBrunswick's Population with Access toRecyclingOne of the key points in the 2001provincial Waste Reduction and DiversionAction Plan is the establishment ofprovince-wide standards for recycling, tobe met within five years. This wouldensure that no matter where NewBrunswickers reside we would have accessto comparable opportunities for recyclinghousehold commodities includingcorrugated cardboard, newsprint, variousplastics, as well as organic (or compostable)wastes.
The chart (opposite) shows the percentageof the province's population with access torecycling for paper, plastic, and organics.
Between 1988 and 2001 the amount ofwaste being disposed of in NewBrunswick's landfills decreased by 41%.This is attributable in part to legislatedprograms covering items such as beveragecontainers and tires as well as recyclingand other diversion programs initiated by anumber of the Regional Solid WasteCommissions.
Individual choices are also a factor, as NewBrunswickers have become more mindfulconsumers, and active participants inpractices such as backyard composting. Therecycling standards under the WasteReduction and Diversion Action Plan willfurther reduce the amount of waste goingto landfills across the province.
Access to Recycling (2002-03)
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%Organics Plastics Paper
15
Did You Know?In April 2003, the Government Response to the Final Report of the Select Committee on Local Governanceand Regional Collaboration was issued. In this response, the Government committed to the establishmentof a comprehensive and integrated provincial planning policy and a regional planning process to assistcommunities in adopting sustainable development approaches in rural and urban areas.
The Response also outlined organizational changes relating to district planning and regional solid wastecommissions aimed at providing consistent access to services across the Province.
The public and other key stakeholders will be involved throughout the process of addressing the actionsidentified in the Government’s Response.
Approaches to Sustainability - Public Education and InvolvementMuch of the land use activity occurring in the province that has the potential to adversely affect both ruraland urban environments relates to our everyday undertakings as individuals, families, communities,businesses and other sectors. By becoming aware of the measures that will sustain our communities andenjoyment of the air, land and water around them, and of our responsibility in ensuring that thosemeasures are met, our individual and collective investments - both financial and social - will be protectedas well. To this end, the Department continues to develop a variety of educational materials and localawareness and consultative opportunities, delivered from both central and regional settings.
Each community has a sense of itself and how it may want to develop in the future. As such, localinvolvement is an essential ingredient in community and rural planning, in environmental assessment,and in establishing water quality goals. The Department of the Environment and Local Governmentrecognizes that public participation, whether through locally elected bodies, established legislatedprocesses, or voluntary interest, can contribute significantly to sound land use management.
ater is one of Earth's most preciousresources and is as important toNew Brunswickers as it is to people
elsewhere.
A safe supply of drinking water is essentialto our health, just as clean water sustainsmany other living things. For a broadvariety of other uses, we also depend on areliable supply of water in our households,institutions, businesses and industries. Therecreational opportunities offered by ourlakes and rivers are a traditional andvalued part of the New Brunswick lifestyleas well as a significant benefit to tourismin the province.
We know water is important; so how do weprotect it? From an environmentalprotection standpoint, water quality isdetermined by various chemical, biologicaland physical components. In order tounderstand these components it isimportant that we know how waterbehaves in the natural environment.
When precipitation falls to earth, apercentage of the water willevaporate back into the atmosphere.Some will be taken up by soil andvegetation and a further portion willflow overland as runoff into streams,lakes and rivers. This is called surfacewater. Some of the precipitationmakes its way down through theearth to be stored underground,within layers of sand and gravel, oralong rock fractures. It is from theseunderground waters, commonlyreferred to as "aquifers" that wepump out groundwater from drilledwells.
Drinking water supplies come fromone of these two main sources -either bodies of surface water, orfrom wells fed by groundwater.Nearly 300,000 people in NewBrunswick municipalities depend onwater from a surface watershed area.Another 150,000 rely on a municipalwellfield fed by groundwater, whilethe remaining 300,000 NewBrunswickers depend on privately-owned domestic groundwater wells.
While there is a variety of naturally-occurring elements or substances thatcan affect water quality, such asarsenic and bacteria, it is our ownactivities as humans that have thegreatest impact on water quality.Many land use activities have thepotential to contaminate ourdrinking water supplies and thewater resources on which aquatic lifedepends.
If we are to benefit from and enjoysafe and reliable water supplies forgenerations to come, we will need tocontinue to focus on correcting pastpractices and in strategicallyaddressing future activities to ensureminimal impact to the environment.
The following pages provide anoverview of approaches to waterprotection and sustainability, as wellas some key water-related findingsthat report on New Brunswick'sprogress to date.
16
W
WATER in our Environment
17
Approaches to Water Quality Protection - Water-related LegislationThe Clean Water Act and its various regulations provide a framework for water protection in NewBrunswick. The Potable Water Regulation governs drinking water and sets requirements establishedjointly by the departments of the Environment and Local Government, and Health and Wellness. ThisRegulation requires regular testing of public water supplies, and testing by domestic well owners whennew wells are constructed or an existing well is reconstructed. The Well Water Regulation, in turn,outlines procedures that must be followed by both those who drill wells, and by domestic well owners.
An approval is required under the Water Quality Regulation to discharge ‘used’ water or any substanceinto a body of water as part of an industrial process. Approvals are also issued for the construction andoperation of water and wastewater facilities.
The Watershed and Wellfield Protected Areas Designation Orders identify the allowable activities indesignated drinking water supply areas. The Water Classification Regulation is a mechanism for applyingwater quality goals to the province’s lakes and rivers.
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS - DRINKING WATER
INDICATOR 1 - Percentage of Post-Treatment Tests for Municipal WaterSupplies Exceeding Guidelines forCanadian Drinking Water QualityMunicipal drinking water in New Brunswickis tested before and after treatment, asrequired by the Potable Water Regulationunder the Clean Water Act. Mandatoryreporting of test results to the Departmentof Health and Wellness since 1994 hasensured that all test results are reviewedfrom a health and safety perspective.
The Department of the Environment andLocal Government laboratory testsapproximately 60% of municipal watersupplies in the Province. The remainingsystems are tested by other laboratories. Ofthe tests analyzed by the department, thepercentage of pre-treatment samples thatexceed Canadian guidelines has rangedfrom 4 to 8% since 1994. The tests analyzedfollowing water treatment, show a decreasein these exceedances to 1 to 4% with oneexception. Higher numbers in 1999 werethe result of intensive sampling in onemunicipality during an episode of poorwater quality.
Most exceedances relate to manganese andpH that have 'aesthetic' guidelines,(appearance, smell etc.) rather than healthguidelines.
The chart below shows the percentage ofall at-the-tap post treatment exceedancesfrom 1994-2002 of those tests analyzed bythe Department. It does not reflect testsperformed by other laboratories.
Municipal Water Supplies
7.00
6.00
5.00
4.00
3.00
2.00
1.00
0.001994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
Year
% E
xcee
ding
Gui
delin
es
The percentage of samples exceeding keyhealth-related guidelines (such as totalcoliforms and E. coli) has decreasedsignificantly since 1994, when the PotableWater Regulation came into force.
INDICATOR 2 - Percentage of New PrivateWells Exceeding Guidelines for CanadianDrinking Water Quality for Total Coliformsor E. coli.
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corrected following disinfection usingchlorine, and a second test generally showsimprovement.
Testing shows similar percentages ofexceedances among older wells. Reasonsinclude well construction practices,proximity to bacterial sources (e.g. septictanks), old or malfunctioning wells anddistribution (piping) systems, as well asseasonal changes in groundwater levels.
Through educational efforts and advisoryservices, the department encourages properwell maintenance and regular testing by allprivate well owners.
Approaches to Water Quality Protection - Water Quality Testing The Provincial Laboratory, operated by the Department of the Environment and Local Government, testssamples from both drinking and non-drinking water sources. Where drinking water is concerned, thelaboratory compiles water test results and transmits them to the Department of Health and Wellness, theagency with which it shares responsibility for overseeing the quality of New Brunswick’s drinking water.All privately operated laboratories are also required to submit test results for public water supplies to theDepartment of Health and Wellness.
60
50
40
30
20
10
01994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
Year
E. coli plus Total ColiformsNew or Newly Constructed Domestic Wells
% e
xcee
ding
gui
delin
es
Did You Know?There are various guidelines used in protecting the Province’s water:• The guidelines for drinking water (from the tap) are published by Health Canada, under the title
“Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality”.• Guidelines for surface waters are set under the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment.
There are separate guidelines according to use: recreational, aquatic life, and agricultural.• The national guidelines for aquatic protection are called the “Canadian Water Quality Guidelines for
the Protection of Aquatic Life”.
In New Brunswick, when we construct orreconstruct a private well, the PotableWater Regulation requires that we take awater sample for testing. The sample isanalyzed for the presence of about 30chemical substances, and bacteria (bothtotal coliforms and E. coli).
The presence of total coliforms or E. colibacteria indicates the possible presence ofmore harmful bacteria that may causeillness. When guidelines for total coliformand E. coli bacteria are exceeded, theDepartment of Health and Wellness adviseshomeowners on ways to remedy thesituation.
Of the monitoring carried out by theProvincial Government, results show thatin a given year, as much as 40 % of new ornewly-constructed private wells arecontaminated with total coliform bacteria,and an average of 3% with E. coli. Thesecombined exceedances are illustrated onthe chart (at right).
It is important to note that it is commonfor a new well to show contamination inits first test. Many of these and otherinstances of contamination are quickly
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INDICATOR 1 - Quality of Major River Systems asMeasured by Annual Average Dissolved Oxygen, Nitrates,and pHFor many years, the Province has operated one primarymonitoring station at strategic locations on major riversystems* in New Brunswick. These stations measure keycomponents of water quality, including dissolved oxygen,nitrates and pH.
Dissolved oxygen (D.O.), which natural waters obtainfrom the air and aquatic plants, is crucial to water-dwelling life and therefore an important indicator ofwater quality. To protect aquatic life, D.O. concentrationsshould be at least 5.5 milligrams per litre, and to protectcritical stages of development in some species, at least 9.5milligrams per litre.
Nitrate is an important nutrient and can be a usefulindicator in measuring human influences on a body ofwater. In New Brunswick, surface waters generally containmuch less than 1 milligram of nitrate per litre, with 67%having values of less than 0.1 milligram per litre.
In common terms, pH is a measurement of acidity oralkalinity and is expressed using a scale of 0-14 pH units.In natural waters, the pH should be between 6.6 and 9.0units in order to protect aquatic life. Note that pH valuesless than 6.5 are less desirable than higher values.
The chart opposite shows the levels of D.O., nitrates andpH from 1991-2000 in New Brunswick's major riversystems. Over 90% of the tests for these components meetCanadian Water Quality Guidelines for the Protection ofAquatic Life.
Approaches to Water Quality Protection - Surface Water Quality MonitoringIn New Brunswick, both drinking water and non-drinking water sources are monitored. Drinking watersupplied by a surface water supply such as a lake within a drinking water watershed is monitored, as wellas water at a specific location such as the intake of a municipal water system. This monitoring is carriedout to determine if there have been changes in water quality and if so, why, as well as to aid the Province indetermining when public health advisories should be issued.
The monitoring of non-drinking water is aimed at evaluating the ability of a body of water to support aquaticlife. To monitor a water body or watershed as a whole, many samples may be taken over a period of timeand at a number of locations. Monitoring is a fundamental aspect of water planning, assessing the generalhealth of an ecosystem, and in recognizing and understanding long-term trends in water quality. In moreimmediate circumstances, it also indicates when protective steps may be required to address a problem.
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS - OTHER WATER RESOURCES
* Major River Systems: Bouctouche, Kennebecasis, Lepreau,Magaguadavic, Nepisiguit, North Branch Oromocto, Northwestand Southwest Miramichi, Petitcodiac, Restigouche, Saint John(two sites), St. Croix, Tabusintac, Upsalquitch.
Nitrate1991 to 2000
Nitrate lessthan 0.1 mg/L
67%
Nitratebetween 0.1and 1.0 mg/L
33%
Dissolved Oxygen (D.O.)1991 to 2000
D.O.between 5.5and 9.5 mg/L
23%
D.O. greaterthan 9.5 mg/L
77%
pH1991 to 2000
pH between6.5 and 9.0
94%
pH is lessthan 6.56%
INDICATOR 2 - Proportion of Water Usedby Major SectorsNew Brunswick's fresh water is used formany purposes, including drinking water,irrigation, and industrial processes. Whileit may seem that the province has anabundant supply of fresh water, there isultimately a finite amount available forpresent and future use.
This, coupled with the relationshipbetween water quantity and quality, makestracking water usage important.
The Department of the Environment andLocal Government requires manyindustrial operators to monitor theamounts of effluents being released fromtheir facilities, which among otherinformation, gives a sense of the amountof water being used given the high watercontent in effluent.
On a national level, New Brunswick hasjoined the Federal Government and anumber of other provinces and territoriesin agreeing to prohibit the removal of bulkwater from Canada's major drainagebasins.
The Province has also begun work toinitiate discussion on water quantity issuesin New Brunswick.
The chart at right shows the proportion ofwater used by major sectors in 2001, bypercentage, based on reported and otheravailable data.
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Industrial - 35%
Aquaculture - 28%
Municipal surface water - 19%
Domestic well - 9%
Municipal groundwater - 5%
Golf courses, ski hills, bottledwater and agriculture - 5%
Water Use in New Brunswick
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Approaches to Water Quality Protection - Compliance and EnforcementThe Department of the Environment and Local Government’s approach to issues of non-compliance tendsto follow two distinct and complementary paths - direct response, and continuing response. If, forexample, an activity taking place in a designated drinking water watershed were prohibited by thelegislation, the Department’s inspection staff would respond to determine the extent of the violation andto apply the appropriate remedy to bring the activity into compliance. The Department’s water planningstaff, in turn, develop opportunities to make users of that watershed aware of the restrictions on activitiesin the area both as a preventive measure, and as a follow-up to instances of non-compliance.
As a further means of achieving protection, the Department issues operating approvals for municipalwater supply systems. In addition, a certification program has been established for those who areresponsible for managing these municipal systems. By setting precise standards for operation inlegislation, additional checks and balances have been added to the Department’s compliance tool kit.
Approaches to Water Quality Protection - Public Education and InvolvementAs with other environmental subjects, public awareness and understanding of the threats to both drinkingwater and other water resources are important aspects of effective management and protection. TheDepartment has identified the owners of private wells and other drinking water supplies as key audiencesfor enhanced education activities. The Department has developed education materials, web pages, andinformation display programs specifically geared to well owners. This effort has been further enhanced bythe addition of water planning staff in each of the department’s six regions, whose responsibilities includecommunity-based public awareness around water planning and protection.
Individuals and community-based groups have long been involved in the development of local waterquality goals and the actions aimed at achieving them. For example, there are a number of activecommunity watershed groups whose participation in provincial water classification and otherenvironmental studies includes monitoring programs. This, coupled with interest from the business andindustrial sectors, cottage owners’ associations and environmental groups is encouraging greater localinvolvement in water management.
We will need to work diligently within andoutside our borders to further reduce airemissions that affect our air, land andwater. We will need to continue to set andmeet new national and provincial airobjectives that support human andenvironmental health, and to contribute tothe abatement of climate change.
We will need to adopt a more integratedapproach to environmental planning andprotection in recognition of both therelationships among all aspects of theecosystem and the goal of localempowerment. We will need to continueto strive for significant reduction anddiversion of waste so that our land andresources are conserved and best utilized.
We will need to continue as well asenhance our efforts to protect public andprivate drinking water supplies, and to takesteps to ensure that New Brunswick hasabundant clean water to support all livingthings in the future.
We will need to foster as well as build onpositive relationships with individuals,communities, businesses, and groups, andencourage involvement by all NewBrunswickers in environmental decision-making.
Together, we can protect New Brunswick'senvironment to ensure a prosperousfuture.
As a Department, our aims in achievingenvironmental progress are directly linkedto our Mission Statement:
Healthy Environment - Strong Communities.
n New Brunswick, we know that weare more fortunate than many areasof the world by virtue of our access
to a relatively unspoiled naturalenvironment. We are still able to enjoy thepanorama of clear sky across relativelyunmarred stretches of land and waterways.It is because we appreciate this vision andall that it supports, that our goal should beto ensure that those who come after ushave the same opportunity.
Over the past 30 years, the Province hasmade progress in protecting NewBrunswick's environment. A solidlegislative framework supports dozens ofday-to-day decisions and activities onbehalf of New Brunswickers. There areclear benchmarks for air emissions, wastemanagement and water testing that havereduced or eliminated detrimentalpractices used in the past. Some of themost significant pollutants have beengreatly reduced or corralled throughenvironmentally sound management.
Communities have access to improvedplanning tools, and our land usemanagement and approvals programsencompass everything from individual toindustrial activity. A greater range ofmechanisms is in place to encouragecompliance, and measures fordemonstrating accountability to the publichave become part of policy and programdevelopment. The Department's staff isbetter trained and is making dedicatedefforts to respond to a more informed andactive public and to work with allstakeholders who share responsibility forenvironmental protection.
Still, while there has been progress, NewBrunswick faces both existing and futureenvironmental challenges.
CONCLUSION
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Additional Resources
AIRDepartment of the Environment and Local Government (DELG) Contacts: Canada-wide Standards External Relations Branch Tel: (506) 453-3703Air-related Public Consultation Educational Services Branch Tel: (506) 453-3700Air Quality Approvals Approvals Branch Tel: (506) 444-4599Air Quality Monitoring Sciences and Reporting Branch Tel: (506) 457-4844
Compliance and Enforcement:Contact your nearest DELG Regional Office: Bathurst (506) 547-2092, Miramichi (506)778-6032, Moncton (506) 856-2374, Saint John (506) 658-2558, Fredericton (506) 444-5149,Grand Falls (506) 473-7744.
Key NB Air-related Education Materials:Educational Services Branch Tel: (506) 453-3700 / E-mail: [email protected] Air Emissions - Some Facts just for Kids - Mobile Air Quality Monitoring Fact Sheet- An Introduction to Air Quality in NB - A Summary of New Brunswick’s Mercury Action Plan- Air Quality Monitoring in NB - NB Mercury Action Plan - Progress Report- Air Quality Monitoring Results Reports - Smog in NB
Key DELG Air-related Web Addresses:Air Quality Programs and Information: http://www.gnb.ca/0009/0355/0005/0004-e.htmlAir-related Education Materials: http://www.gnb.ca/0009/0010-e.aspIndex on the Quality of the Air: http://www1.gnb.ca/0355/0003/0000.aspPublic Information Access Site: http://www.gnb.ca/0009/0355/0005/index-e.html
Other Air-related Web Addresses:Environment Canada: http://www.ec.gc.ca/air_e.htmlNB Department of Justice - Acts and Regulations: http://www.gnb.ca/0062/acts/acts-e.aspNew England Governors/Eastern Canadian Premiers:http://www.scics.gc.ca/pdf/850084012_e.pdf
LANDDepartment of the Environment and Local Government (DELG) Contacts:Environmental Impact Assessment Project Assessment Branch Tel: (506) 444-5382Land Use / Water Planning Sustainable Planning Branch Tel: (506) 453-2862Local Governance & Regional Services Local Governance Branch Tel: (506) 453-2434Petroleum Storage and Handling Remediation Branch Tel: (506) 444-5955Waste Reduction / Pesticides Management Stewardship Branch Tel: (506) 453-7945Watercourse Alterations Regional Services Branch Tel: (506) 453-2182
Compliance and Enforcement:Contact your nearest DELG Regional Office: Bathurst (506) 547-2092, Miramichi (506)778-6032, Moncton (506) 856-2374, Saint John (506) 658-2558, Fredericton (506) 444-5149,Grand Falls (506) 473-7744.
Key NB Land-related Education Materials:Educational Services Branch Tel: (506) 453-3700 / E-mail: [email protected] A Sense of Community - Backyard Magic - The Composting Handbook- A Coastal Areas Protection - Waste Reduction & Diversion –
Policy for NB An Action Plan for NB- Facts on Organics - Municipal Biosolids - Watercourse Alterations (Technical Guidelines)- NB’s Beverage Containers Program - Rural Planning - What is a Rural Plan?- NB’s Used Oil Program
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Key DELG Land-related Web Addresses:Environmental Impact Assessment: http://www.gnb.ca/0009/0377/0002/index-e.htmlLand Use Planning: http://www.gnb.ca/0009/0136/0001/0010-e.htmlTechnical Guidelines: http://www.gnb.ca/0009/0009-e.aspWaste-related Education Materials: http://www.gnb.ca/0009/0010-e.asp
Other Land-related Web Addresses:Atlantic Risk-Based Corrective Action: http://www.atlanticrbca.com/eng/right.htmlDistrict Planning Commissions: http://www.gnb.ca/0009/0136/0001/0002-e.htmlEnvironment Canada: http://www.ec.gc.ca/wastes_e.htmlNB Department of Justice: Acts and Regulations: http://www.gnb.ca/0062/acts/acts-e.aspNB Solid Waste Association: http://www.nbsolidwaste.com/
WATERDepartment of the Environment and Local Government (DELG) Contacts:Drinking Water Protection Sustainable Planning Branch Tel: (506) 453-2862Municipal Water Treatmentand Distribution Stewardship Branch Tel: (506) 453-7945Regional Water Planning Officers Regional Services Branch Tel: (506) 453-2182Water Classification Sustainable Planning Branch Tel: (506) 453-2862Water Quantity (policy) Policy and Planning Branch Tel: (506) 457-7811Water Quantity (science) Sciences and Reporting Branch Tel: (506) 457-4844Water Testing Analytical Services Branch Tel: (506) 453-2477
Compliance and Enforcement:Contact your nearest DELG Regional Office: Bathurst (506) 547-2092, Miramichi (506)778-6032, Moncton (506) 856-2374, Saint John (506) 658-2558, Fredericton (506) 444-5149,Grand Falls (506) 473-7744.
Key NB Water-related Education Materials: Educational Services Branch Tel: (506) 453-3700 / E-mail: [email protected] A Coastal Areas Protection - A Guide to NB’s Watershed Protected Area
Policy for NB Designation Order- Facts on Water - A Guide to NB’s Wellfield Protected Area - Healthy Riparian Areas Designation Order- How to Chlorinate Your Well Water - Water Conservation- Hydrologic Cycle Poster - An Overview of NB’s Wellfield Protected Area- A Guide to NB’s Water Designation Order
Classification Regulation - Your Well Water - A Safety Checklist
Key DELG Water-related Web Addresses:NB Water-related Programs and Information: http://www.gnb.ca/0009/0003-e.aspWater-related Education Materials: http://www.gnb.ca/0009/0010-e.aspNew Brunswick’s Watershed Protection Program:http://www.gnb.ca/0009/0371/0004/index.htmNew Brunswick’s Wellfield Protection Program:http://www.gnb.ca/0009/0371/0001/index.htmlWell Construction and Well Water Testing: http://www.gnb.ca/0009/0373/0001/0009-e.html
Other Water-related Web Addresses:Atlantic Canada Water Works Association: http://www.canfish.com/awwa/index.htmlEnvironment Canada: http://www.ec.gc.ca/water_e.htmlNB Department of Justice: Acts and Regulations: http://www.gnb.ca/0062/acts/acts-e.aspNB Wetlands Conservation Policy: http://www.gnb.ca/0078/reports/wetlands/index-e.asp
