Committee says keep ban on new wells, for now

P.E.I.'s Standing Committee on Agriculture, Environment, Energy and Forestry has recommended against lifting a 2002 moratorium on new high capacity irrigation wells—at least for the present.

The ban has been in place for 12 years.

The recommendation, along with seven others, was tabled in a report in the Legislature on Wednesday afternoon by committee chair Paula Biggar.

The report recommends a thorough review of the scientific basis for government water policies, using a wide variety of specialists, and with results that are independently peer-reviewed. The committee found conflicting views were presented during a series of public consultations, with scientific data provided as evidence, but said it lacks the ability to compare competing scientific claims.

Biggar said in this case the precautionary principle should be applied—government should keep the moratorium in place until it has a better understanding of the possible consequences of lifting it.

"I think it's important when we're looking at this information to be cautious before we make decisions that will impact us long-term," she said, "beyond us and into the next generation."

The report also says there is insufficient monitoring of existing high capacity wells, that government needs to gather more data and make that information accessible to the public.

The report reiterates a previous recommendation, that government develop a water act to protect and regulate the supply of fresh water, and that consultations toward such an act should be inclusive, extensive and transparent.

Environment Minister Janice Sherry said those consultations will begin once a discussion paper has been prepared. She said no further decision on lifting the moratorium will be made until after a water act is developed.

The committee heard from industry and environmental representatives including the PEI Potato Board, Cavendish Farms, the Atlantic Chapter of Sierra Club Canada, the PEI Agriculture Alliance, and individuals.

"The number of presentations and submissions and public turnout at committee meeting demonstrate that Islanders have significant concerns on this issue," Biggar said.

Biggar says over the last year the committee heard 29 presentations and received 16 written submissions.