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MANITOBA NEWS RELEASE: CONSULTATIONS LAUNCHED ON NEW GROUNDWATER AND WATER WELL LEGISLATION

March 22, 2012

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Stronger Legislation to be Introduced This Spring: Mackintosh

The province is seeking the public's input on a new Groundwater and Water Well Act, Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Gord Mackintosh announced today, in recognition of World Water Day, first proclaimed by the United Nations in 1993.

"More than 25 per cent of Manitobans regularly rely on groundwater for a variety of uses," said Mackintosh. "The province's original legislation was first proclaimed almost 50 years ago. While it has had updates since then, this new act would ensure the continued safety of our groundwater resources for the future."

Amendments to the legislation are being considered in several areas:

• licensing and certification to ensure the competence of professional well drillers including geothermal drillers;
• driller responsibility and liability insurance requirements that would protect landowners including protection from uncontrolled flowing wells;
• better management and protection of groundwater including new reporting requirements and designation of sensitive areas, protection protocols for water wells in flood-prone areas and a new process for aquifer management planning;
• stronger water well drilling, construction and new sealing standards;
• establishment of a groundwater and water well database; and
• stronger compliance and enforcement measures.

"We support the efforts of the province to address long-needed changes to the current legislation," said Jeff Bell, president, Manitoba Water Well Association. "We look forward to actively participating in the review process and working with the province to develop new and modernized legislation."

"Geothermal drillers are pleased to have the opportunity for input into the Groundwater and Water Well Act amendments," said Ron Robins, president, Manitoba Geothermal Energy Alliance. "Geothermal drillers will continue to do their part toward preservation and protection of Manitoba's groundwater sources."

About 1,500 water wells are drilled in Manitoba each year. There are currently about 35,000 active water wells.

In addition to the public, the consultation will allow the water well-drilling industry, the geothermal industry and other stakeholders to review and provide comments on proposed changes.

A discussion paper and more information is available on Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship's website at www.manitoba.ca/waterstewardship/groundwater.

Manitobans who are interested in providing input can email groundwater@gov.mb.ca or make a submission by mail before April 20 to:

Robert Betcher
Manager, Ground Water Management Section
Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship
Box 11, 200 Saulteaux Cres.
Winnipeg MB  R3J 3W3

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THE GROUNDWATER PROTECTION ACT

Attention:  MWWA Members

It is our understanding proposed legislative amendments to the Groundwater Protection Act shall be tabled during the 2012 Legislative Assembly.

As in any proposed regulatory change consultation must take place to allow industry users and the general public the opportunity to have input into proposed changes.

Water Stewardship Branch will be holding Public Consultation meetings within the next three (3) weeks. The date for consultation with Water Well Drillers is April 13, 2012, at CANAD Inns - Fort Garry, 1824 Pembina Highway, Winnipeg at 1:00 pm.

Water Stewardship Branch is asking the industry to participate as individuals and for the representative Industry Association to provide a formal response to proposed amendments.

Proposed amendments include reference to licensing, certification, well sealing, notifications, permits, geothermal drilling and other changes that may result in a huge impact to Manitoba Well Drillers.

Although MWWA does not have any detailed information at this time, we are highly recommending our members participate in the process.

Members are encouraged to attend the consultation process and have input into legislative/regulations changes that will impact the industry.

CANWELL 2012

May 23 - 26, 2012

Hamilton, Ontario

Downloads:
  Delegate Registration Package
  Exhibitor Registration Package
  Exhibitor Floor Plan

WHO ARE WE?

Welcome to the home of the Manitoba Water Well Association (MWWA-Canada).

The MWWA is vital for anyone associated with the ground water industry. The core purpose of the association is to provide guidance to its groundwater members, government representatives and the public. By doing so, we hope that they can make sound decisions regarding scientific, economic and beneficial development, protection and management of Manitoba's ground water resources.

The association also magnifies the skills and strives to enhance the credibility of its members through workshops, seminars, knowledge networking and information sessions.

Membership in the MWWA demonstrates a commitment to high industry standards and a desire to provide quality water resources to consumers now and in the future.

In this our 50th year we hope to have an even stronger voice to lobby for beneficial change to regulation and licensing of the groundwater industry.

The future of ground water is now!

BETCHER'S RETIREMENT

Greetings:

As many of you are aware, my wife and I will be moving to south-eastern Ontario near the end of April. My wife will be living the retirement life and I'll be trying out a new job with a Conservation Authority. Other than swinging through here on my new touring motorcycle sometime in the future, I likely won't be returning to these parts. I did want to say though that I've enjoyed working with the well drilling industry in Manitoba over the last 30 years and dealing with you as contractors, businessmen and as colleagues. My fondest memories are the days I was able to get out in the field and see what was under the ground, even those days when we were collecting cores from beneath hog lagoons in the bitter cold of the winter! I've learned a great deal from the excellent drillers I've worked with in Manitoba and certainly wouldn't have gotten out of some difficult drilling situations without your ingenuity and experience. I wish you the best in your business and personal lives over the coming years.

Bob Betcher

THE CANADIAN GROUND WATER JOURNAL

The Canadian Ground Water Association's is pleased to announce our publishing partnership with MediaEDGE Publishing in the launch of our inaugural quarterly publication – The Canadian Ground Water Journal.

The Canadian Ground Water Journal will reach a highly targeted audience of certified drillers, certified pump installers, geo-thermal companies, engineering and consulting companies in this growing and dynamic industry.

The Canadian Ground Water Journal is an excellent vehicle for advertisers anxious to reach this targeted group of influential decision-makers in Canada's drilling and ground water market. Just think of the endless opportunities that result from advertising in the Canadian Ground Water Association's official publication.

The Canadian Ground Water Journal is mailed on a quarterly basis directly to members and associates across Canada. Additional copies are distributed at all CGWA functions, including Provincial Groundwater Association Conferences and Trade Shows, In short, The Canadian Ground Water Journal is everywhere you need to be!

For advertising information please contact Joe Strazzullo at 1-866-201-3096 extension 401 or at joes@mediaedgepublishing.com.

DRILLERS! Highlight yourselves in our "DRILLER'S CORNER" - A reference point for companies in need of your service!

Click here for the CGWA Media Kit.