water classification

NWAI Speaks to Radio-Canada Regarding Water Classification

June 21, 2017

Executive Director Marieka Chaplin is interviewed by Radio-Canada on the topic of water classification.

Executive Director Marieka Chaplin was recently interviewed by Radio-Canada on the topic of water classification. Clear targets for the Nashwaak River would provide certainty so that we can ensure the water quality remains the same and even better, improves over time. Regulation would make the water classification legally binding. All users would be assured that our water remains the same or improves.

Full video can be seen here. [Story begins at 3:44 in]

In March 2016 Minister Roussell announced that DELG is developing a new water protection strategy. This gives First Nations, scientist, business and local watershed groups and enviro. Groups hope that the neglected Water Classification Regulation will be enacted as the strategy’s key component.

Text of the interview can be found here.

Press Releases regarding Ombudsman Report on Water Classification

August 19, 2014

Ombudsman vindicates Nashwaak Watershed Association’s claims of government inaction on Water Classification program

Ombudsman concludes the Water Classification Regulation 2002-‐13, of the Clean Water Act “exists primarily as a mirage”

Fredericton ‐ Today, the Nashwaak Watershed Association (NWAI) responded to the “Report of the Ombudsman into the Department of Environment’s Management of the Provincial Water Classification Program”, released on Friday, August 15th by Ombudsman Charles Murray.

“We are both saddened and encouraged by the Ombudsman’s findings,” says Paul McLaughlin, President of the Nashwaak Watershed Association.

“Saddened because for more than ten years now, we have been working, largely as volunteers and in good faith with the Department of Environment, to see enacted the protections afforded under the Clean Water Act, and we have been stalled in our efforts by the inaction, indecision and neglect by our provincial government.”

Read/View/Download Full Press Releases
Press Release_August 2014 water classification [English, .pdf]
Com Presse classification eaux aout 2014 [Francais, pdf]

Five Groups Submit Request for Water Classification of the Nashwaak River Watershed

June 29, 2012

Text from Press Release issued June 19, 2012.

Marysville – Five community-based organizations in the Nashwaak watershed have individually and collectively submitted a formal request to the Department of Environment and Local Government to classify the Nashwaak River and its tributaries.

On June 12th, the Nashwaak Watershed Association Inc, Taymouth Community Association, Stanley Agricultural Society, Stanley Area Action Group and the Penniac Anti-Shale Gas Group co-filed the official request to the New Brunswick Department of Environment and Local Government to classify the Nashwaak River and its tributaries. This request is a formal submission under Section 8.2 of Classification Regulation 2002-13 of the Clean Water Act 2002-56.

The community-based organizations joined forces to request official finalization of the classification program initiated in 2001 as a partnership with the Province and carried out by the Nashwaak Watershed Association. The watershed was given provisional classification status in 2002 that includes mostly pristine “A” class waters.

[Read more…]

What’s ‘Water Classification’? – A Fact Sheet

June 28, 2012

Questions about Water Classification? We’ve prepared this handy fact sheet for you.

The Water Classification Regulation:

is a regulation under the Clean Water Act
was introduced in 2002
is used to set goals for water quality and promote management of water on a watershed basis to protect, maintain or improve the water quality of New Brunswick’s lakes and rivers
establishes water quality classes and standards and outlines the administrative processes and requirements related to the classification of water

[Read more…]