ABMV

New funding for landowners near municipal wells

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Ontario provides new funds for property owners near municipal wells in Maitland Valley, Ausable Bayfield areas
Owners of business, farm, residential properties close to municipal water sources
to receive grants for projects such as well, septic upgrades, fuel and chemical storage
        More owners of business, farm, and residential properties closest to municipal wells can receive grants for their projects that protect drinking water sources, thanks to new funding announced for the Maitland Valley and Ausable Bayfield areas.
        The Province of Ontario has announced Early Response, the second phase of the Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program (ODWSP). Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA), in partnership with Maitland Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA), will receive $315,400 to help fund eligible projects that address specific local drinking water threats in the region. The new provincial funding will help reduce the potential for drinking water contamination through financial incentives to landowners for voluntary projects. Eligible projects may include upgrades to private wells and septic systems, decommissioning of wells or septics, fuel storage, containment and storage of harmful chemicals (dense non-aqueous phase liquids), manure storage, runoff and erosion control projects, and other best management practices.
        Seaforth’s Bill Scott is one of those landowners who has taken the initiative to protect water through the Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program. One of his projects was to upgrade his family’s well to reduce the chance a contaminant might enter the well. His other project was to decommission a shallow well on his property. Properly capping an unused well can eliminate a pathway for a contaminant to reach the groundwater source. “Decommissioning the shallow well on my property helps protect my own family’s drinking water source and it also helps protect the municipal wells which are the Seaforth community’s drinking water source,” he said.
        The Province of Ontario has committed $28 million over four years through ODWSP to help owners of industrial, commercial, agricultural and residential properties to protect municipal drinking water. The local conservation authorities have been delivering the grant program, in partnership with the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA), since 2007. Landowners near municipal wells in this region have received close to $600,000 since that time to assist their stewardship projects that protect their community’s drinking water. “Conservation Ontario and local conservation authorities are extremely pleased to continue this important partnership with property owners and with the Ontario Ministry of Environment,” said Kate Monk, ABCA Supervisor of Stewardship and Conservation Lands.
        The Ontario Minister of the Environment, Hon. John Wilkinson, said “safe, clean drinking water is vital to our well-being and good for Ontario’s economy. That is why we are helping Ontarians take measures to protect the sources of drinking water for our children and grandchildren.”
        Hon. Carol Mitchell, MPP Huron-Bruce, said “the work that is being done here in the Ausable Bayfield and Maitland Valley Source Protection Region will help our community protect drinking water sources for years to come.”
        The new funds for eligible landowners are in addition to existing Early Actions provincial funding for early actions by property owners within 100 metres of a municipal well, or in the two-year time-of-travel capture area of that well, or within one kilometre of the surface water intake in Goderich. Eligible projects through Early Actions include confidential, fully-funded pollution prevention reviews for industrial and commercial properties and other projects, in addition to some of the projects already mentioned.
        Drinking water threats were identified by the Ausable Bayfield Maitland Valley Drinking Water Source Protection Committee through proposed assessment reports. Drinking water source protection is a Province of Ontario initiative to protect your drinking water. It helps protect water from contamination at the source, through financial incentives to eligible landowners through the Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program (ODWSP), and through source protection plans to be developed, by 2012, by the source protection committee for this region. These efforts are through the Clean Water Act, 2006. They implement key recommendations of the O’Connor Inquiry. Source protection, combined with testing, training, treatment, monitoring, and distribution, reduce risk to your drinking water by providing multiple barriers of protection.
More information on ODWSP eligibility and grant rates is available locally at sourceprotectionstewardship.on.ca and sourcewaterinfo.on.ca or by phoning 519-335-3557 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610 or e-mailing info@sourcewaterinfo.on.ca.

Source Protection Committee commences plan policy development

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Drinking water source protection committee begins policy preparation

Committee for Maitland Valley, Ausable Bayfield areas commences
important step towards source protection plans in 2012

Drinking water source protection is taking a big step forward in the Maitland Valley and Ausable Bayfield areas. The source protection committee (SPC) for the region has announced it is beginning to prepare source protection plan policies.
        "This is an important time for the protection of drinking water in this region as the members of the committee will begin to tackle the challenge of creating policies to reduce risk to drinking water," said Larry Brown, Chair of the Ausable Bayfield Maitland Valley Drinking Water Source Protection Committee (SPC).
        The local committee is sending formal Notice of Commencement of Source Protection Plan Policy Preparation to municipal administrators, First Nations, and to owners of properties where potential significant drinking water threats may exist. The committee is also informing those landowners of opportunities for financial assistance for their voluntary projects to protect water, and of opportunities to provide comments as plans are developed over the coming year.
        Significant drinking water threats can exist in the 100-metre radius of a municipal drinking water source, in the most vulnerable parts of the two-year time-of-travel area around the municipal well, and (in the case of chemicals called dense non-aqueous phase liquids) in the five-year time-of-travel area around the well. Significant threats can also exist around a surface water intake but no significant threats have been assessed near the two lake intakes (Goderich and Port Blake/Grand Bend) in the Ausable Bayfield Maitland Valley region.
        Reference to drinking water threats does not suggest there is an immediate threat to drinking water on a landowner's property, according to the committee. The word threat in this case indicates one of 21 land use activities (such as a septic system or home heating oil) that has the potential, in certain circumstances, to pose a threat to municipal drinking water sources, if not properly managed. The threats on parts of properties close to municipal wells have been included in proposed assessment reports.
        The committee can reduce risk to drinking water supplies through tools such as education and outreach, financial incentives, land use planning changes, monitoring, and provincial prescribed instruments. The committee may also require risk management plans in certain cases or restrict or prohibit some land use activities, on parts of some properties, if the members feels those actions are necessary to protect the community's drinking water supply. The committee would use the stronger actions only when needed and only in the most vulnerable areas of the region.
        Landowners can take positive action now to protect drinking water and may receive grants to cover the majority of the cost of their voluntary projects, through the Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program (ODWSP). Eligible projects may include well decommissioning and upgrades, septic system upgrades, pollution prevention reviews for industrial or commercial operations, runoff and erosion protection, best management practices, fuel storage containment, and storage of dense non-aqueous phase liquids (harmful chemicals that are heavier than water and that are almost impossible to remove from a water source and may not be detected in water quality monitoring).
        Landowners are invited to visit a municipal drinking water source on Saturday, May 7, 2011, from 9 — 11 a.m., at the Century Heights Well in Saltford.
        Property owners are also invited to register for a public workshop on source protection plan policy development to take place on Wednesday, September 21, 2011, between 3 and 7 p.m., at the REACH (Regional Equine and Agricultural Centre of Huron) in Clinton, at 169 Beech Street.
        Information on drinking water source protection in this region is available online at sourcewaterinfo.on.ca and sourceprotectionstewardship.on.ca or by phoning 519-235-2610 and 1-888-286-2610.

Province announces new 2011 funds for landowners

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Protecting Drinking Water Sources In The Ausable Bayfield and Maitland Valley Source Protection Region

McGuinty Government Invests In Safeguarding Drinking Water

NEWS February 18, 2011

Ontario is helping people in the Ausable Bayfield and Maitland Valley Source Protection Region take action to protect local drinking water.
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority is receiving $315,400 to help local landowners:
•       Upgrade or decommission wells and septic systems
•       Install runoff and erosion control measures
•       Implement agricultural best management practices.
Ausable Bayfield will work in partnership with the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority. These measures prevent water contamination. It also helps protect this valuable resource so Ontario families in the local source protection region can continue to have access to safe, high quality drinking water.
In the past three years, the Ontario government has supported more than 2,000 projects, including: inspecting and upgrading more than 1,000 septic systems and decommissioning or upgrading more than 480 wells.
This program is an important part of the government’s Open Ontario Plan to make Ontario a leader in water protection and technology.
QUOTES
“We cannot take our abundance of fresh water for granted. Safe, clean drinking water is vital to our well-being and good for Ontario’s economy. That is why we are helping Ontarians take measures to protect the sources of drinking water for our children and grandchildren.”
— John Wilkinson, Minister of the Environment
“We all have a shared responsibility for protecting our drinking water. The work that is being done here in the Ausable Bayfield and Maitland Valley Source Protection Region will help our community protect drinking water sources for years to come.”
— Hon. Carol Mitchell, MPP Huron-Bruce
“Conservation Ontario and local conservation authorities are extremely pleased to continue this important partnership with property owners and with the Ontario Ministry of Environment.”
— Kate Monk, Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) Supervisor of Stewardship and Conservation Lands.
QUICK FACTS
* In May 2010, Ontario introduced the Water Opportunities Act to make Ontario North America’s leader in clean water technology
* Protecting source water is the first line of defence in Ontario’s multi-barrier approach to safeguarding drinking water.
* This year, another $7 million will be available through the Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program to support hundreds more projects.
* Huron-Bruce’s other source protection region - Saugeen, Grey Sauble, Northern Bruce Peninsula - received $477,594 in funding for local landowner projects through the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority.
* Since 2005, the government has invested more than $175 million to protect drinking water sources.

LEARN MORE
Find out more about funding for property owners through your local conservation authority.
Learn more about the Clean Water Act and source protection planning.
Get details about past projects.
Learn more about the Water Opportunities Act.

Operations management expert to speak Oct. 14

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       One of the best investments businesses can make is by improving their environmental management.
       Dr. Robert Klassen, of the Richard Ivey School of Business, is expected to bring that message to local business people at a free talk on Thursday, October 14 in Listowel at 7 p.m.
       The internationally-renowned expert on operations management will speak on 'Efficient-Profitable-Green: How Expanding Our Thinking about Environmental Management Can Improve Your Bottom Line, Reduce Risk and Protect Your Community's Resources.'
       Businesses are encouraged to pre-register by October 7 for the complimentary soup-and-sandwich buffet and talk at Listowel Golf Club. To register for this important talk phone Tim Cumming 519-235-2610 or 1-888-286-2610 or e-mail info@sourcewaterinfo.on.ca
       The Ausable Bayfield Maitland Valley Drinking Water Source Protection Committee is bringing Dr. Klassen to this region for this talk. Businesses located in certain capture areas around municipal wells are eligible for a very limited time for fully-funded, confidential, voluntary, operational reviews of their businesses that could lead to cost benefits for the business as well as reduced environmental impacts.
       Dr. Klassen is a Professor of Operations Management and he has worked with several leading Canadian manufacturers and has worked with executives in Canada, Belgium, France, Switzerland and the United States.
       For more information visit sourceprotectionstewardship.on.ca or sourcewaterinfo.on.ca or download poster at this site.

Celebration of farmers protecting water, local food

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Farmers, families, public invited to drop in for Land - Water - Harvest Welcome to Autumn celebration at equine centre

       Clean water and good food go hand in hand.
       Ausable Bayfield Maitland Valley Drinking Water Source Protection is recognizing this with a public celebration to honour the work farmers and other landowners do in the region to protect water sources and produce great local food at the same time.
       The 'Land — Water — Harvest' Welcome to Autumn Celebration is a come-and-go open house taking place on Saturday, September 25 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Regional Equine and Agricultural Centre of Huron (REACH), 169 Beech Street, Clinton. Farmers, families and the public are invited to this event and there is no admission fee.
       Everyone is welcome to visit the beautiful new equine centre, sample locally-grown food, see the Garden Roof and herb garden, touch and smell amazing locally-grown herbs and learn their many           uses in a home kitchen, listen to live music, and enjoy tour, demonstrations, exhibits. Engaging, educational activities for young people are also planned. No pre-registration is required. (All events are subject to change).
       The event celebrates successes in this region of landowner efforts to protect drinking water sources. It also provides information to farmers and other landowners about funding programs to assist their ongoing efforts to protect water through well and septic upgrades, well upgrades, runoff and erosion, clean water diversion and other initiatives.
       "We want to let landowners know about funding programs that can assist their efforts to protect drinking water sources," said Tim Cumming, a communications staff member with the project. "I think this celebration is also a chance to give a well-deserved pat on the back for the many farmers and other landowners who are helping to protect your water. This region is a leader in the province because of landowners who make stewardship a priority."
       Other upcoming source protection events include an event geared to industrial and commercial property owners. It takes place on Thursday, October 14 at the Listowel Golf Club.
       Drinking water source protection is a Province of Ontario initiative to protect your drinking water. It helps protect water from contamination at the source, through financial incentives to eligible landowners through the Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program (ODWSP) and through source protection plans to be developed by the source protection committee for this region. These efforts are through the Clean Water Act, 2006. They implement key recommendations of the O'Connor Inquiry. Source protection, combined with testing, training, treatment, monitoring, and distribution, reduce risk to your drinking water by providing multiple barriers of protection.
       For more information visit sourceprotectionstewardship.on.ca or sourcewaterinfo.on.ca or phone 519-335-3557 or 519-235-2610 or 1-888-286-2610 or e-mail info@sourcewaterinfo.on.ca

Come to see well in Belgrave at barbecue

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Belgrave-area people can see their local well on tour
       People from Belgrave and area will have a rare chance to see their local well up-close on Saturday, September 18 during an Open Well come-and-go open house. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pumphouse at 30 McCrea Street in Belgrave. There is a free hot-dog and hamburger barbecue for those who attend.
       Residents of the area are invited to drop in and find out how their well works, what they can do to protect it, and what money is available to help them protect that municipal water source through well or septic improvements, best management practices, or through pollution prevention reviews for business.
       The Maitland Valley and Ausable Bayfield conservation authorities are delivering the Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program (ODWSP) in this region. The Early Actions phase of that project is going to end this year and some people who are currently able to get financial assistance may not be eligible next year. That's why it's important to find out now about funding that is available for a limited time, said Donna Clarkson, source protection technician, who works at the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) office in Wroxeter.
       "There's a great opportunity right now to help protect the community's water and receive funding to do it," said Clarkson. "That's why we want to let everyone in Belgrave and area know how they can help keep the water clean."
       A staff member from Veolia Water will be attending the event to educate people about their water source. The organizers expressed special thanks to Veolia Water and to the Municipality of Morris-Turnberry for making the event possible.
       For more information visit sourceprotectionstewardship.on.ca or sourcewaterinfo.on.ca or phone 519-335-3557 or 519-235-2610 or 1-888-286-2610 or e-mail info@sourcewaterinfo.on.ca

More funds for landowners near wells to protect water

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Ontario helps people in Ausable Bayfield, Maitland Valley areas take action to protect local drinking water sources
McGuinty government continues to invest in safeguarding drinking water
      The Province of Ontario announced $100,000 in new funding for stewardship projects near municipal wells and intakes in the Ausable Bayfield and Maitland Valley areas.
      Huron-Bruce MPP Carol Mitchell made the announcement on Friday, May 21 at the site of the Seaforth wells.
      "We have a shared responsibility for protecting drinking water," said Mitchell. She said the Province of Ontario is making it easier for people who live and work in this region (which includes parts of Huron, Bruce, Perth, Wellington, Middlesex and Lambton counties) to take positive actions to help protect local drinking water sources.
      The Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program — Early Actions program will provide financial assistance to eligible local landowners who take action to protect source drinking water by:
* Conducting pollution prevention reviews (voluntary, confidential, fully-funded environmental audits for small and medium sized businesses to safeguard water and reduce waste).
* Upgrading or decommissioning wells and septic systems
* Installing runoff and erosion control measures
* Implementing agricultural best management practices
      Eligible landowners at this time are residents located within 100 metres of a municipal well or located within the two-year time-of-travel capture area around the well. Landowners within one kilometre of the Goderich intake are also eligible. (The number of eligible landowners is expected to be lower in 2011, so landowners are encouraged to take part this year).
      "These provincial stewardship funds will be used throughout the Ausable Bayfield Maitland Source Protection region to assist property owners in protecting our drinking water and the health of our citizens," said Larry Brown, Chair, Ausable Bayfield Maitland Valley Drinking Water Source Protection Committee (SPC).
      The funds will go to the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority, which is working in partnership with the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority, to deliver the Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program for the two source protection areas.
      Protecting drinking water sources is the first line of defence in Ontario's approach to safeguarding drinking water.
      "Financial incentives for improvements by owners of business, farm and residential properties near municipal wells are an essential way to protect drinking water sources," said Jim Ginn, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA). "The Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program financial support provided in this region demonstrates the long-term commitment of the Province of Ontario to this approach."
      Ontario is investing $7 million across the province in 2010 for financial incentives for voluntary projects to protect drinking water sources, through the Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program under the Clean Water Act, 2006. This program is designed to help property owners, medium and small business owners, farmers and home owners who are near municipal drinking water intakes and wells, protect municipal drinking water sources.
      "We are pleased to work together with the local community to help protect local drinking water sources," said Ontario Minister of the Environment John Gerretsen.
       Since 2007, the Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program has funded more than 800 completed projects with another 400 currently underway. Since 2005, the Ontario government has invested more than $150 million to protect drinking water sources.
      More than $1 million has been committed to projects in this region over the past two and a half years, thanks to the excellent participation of property owners in Ausable Bayfield and Maitland Valley areas. This makes them among the province's leaders.
      For information on the Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program contact Donna Clarkson, Source Protection Technician, at Maitland Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA), at 519-335-3557, or e-mail dclarkson@sourcewaterinfo.on.ca
      You may also call Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority toll-free at 1-888-286-2610.

Province announces $839,140 new local stewardship funds

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date of issue: April 25, 2009

Province of Ontario providing $839,140 in new 2009 funding in region for stewardship projects to protect drinking water

2008 funding under Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program is now committed to projects proceeding in Ausable Bayfield, Maitland Valley areas

       The Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE) is providing $839,140 in additional funding for voluntary stewardship projects by property owners near municipal wells and intakes to protect drinking water sources in the Ausable Bayfield and Maitland Valley watersheds.
       The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority and Maitland Valley Conservation Authority jointly announced in Atwood today the new grant approval from the Province of Ontario through the Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program (ODWSP). The conservation authorities also announced that 2008 ODWSP funding in the region has now been completely committed to projects adding extra barriers of protection to municipal, residential drinking water sources.
       John Wilkinson, MPP, Perth-Wellington, attended today's event, where some eligible Atwood-area property owners were applying to replace septic systems with municipal hook-ups.
       "Our government believes that rural Ontarians are the very best stewards of our precious clean water resources," stated Wilkinson. "This new funding helps residents who want to do the right thing for themselves and their neighbours. It's exciting to see that all the previous funds from this program are now committed in the region to practical projects that protect our drinking water sources."
       The ODWSP is delivered in the Ausable Bayfield Maitland Valley Source Protection Region by the ABCA, the MVCA and the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA). The Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program, created under the Clean Water Act, 2006, provides financial assistance for owners of homes, farms, businesses and other properties in vulnerable areas to decommission or upgrade wells; inspect or upgrade septics; review pollution prevention practices at their businesses; create runoff and erosion protection; land conservation; fuel storage upgrades, maintenance and removal.
       For information on stewardship program eligibility and funding in the area contact Derek Matheson, Source Protection Technician, at MVCA at 519-335-3557 or Kate Monk, Stewardship and Conservation Lands Supervisor at ABCA at 519-235-2610 or 1-888-286-2610.

PHOTO:

Partners working together in delivery of ODWSP in the Ausable Bayfield Maitland Valley Drinking Water Source Protection Region (including parts of the counties of Perth, Huron, Bruce, Wellington, Lambton and Middlesex).

Shown in photo at funding announcement in Atwood on Apr. 25:

Karen Galbraith, Source Protection Committee member
John Wilkinson, MPP, Perth-Wellington
Alison Lobb, Chair, Maitland Valley Conservation Authority
Bob Norris, Director, Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority
Julie Behrns, Warden, Perth County
Larry Brown, Chair, Ausable Bayfield Maitland Valley Drinking Water Source Protection Committee (SPC)
Mary McIntosh, Field Representative (Perth), Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA)
Joe Vermunt, Regional Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

Perth-Wellington MPP John Wilkinson announced on Saturday, April 25 in Atwood that the Province of Ontario is providing an additional $839,140 towards stewardship projects by owners of homes, farms, businesses and other properties located closest to municipal wells and intakes in the Ausable Bayfield Maitland Valley Drinking Water Source Protection Region. Jointly making the announcement with him were Bob Norris, a Director of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) and Alison Lobb, Chair of the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA). The local Conservation Authorities also announced that all 2008 funding - $155,999 — has been spent or committed to projects now underway to protect drinking water sources in the region.

CONTACT: Derek Matheson, Source Protection or Doug Hocking, Water Quality Extension Coordinator, Maitland Valley Conservation Authority, at 519-335-3557 or Kate Monk, Supervisor of Stewardship and Conservation Lands, Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority, at 519-235-2610 or 1-888-286-2610 or e-mail kmonk@abca.on.ca.

POSTED APRIL 2009:

We would like to invite you to attend a brief announcement to public and media about positive new funding in the region and progress in the delivery of voluntary drinking water stewardship projects in the Ausable Bayfield and Maitland Valley Source Protection Areas.

The announcement will be made at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 25 at the Elma Memorial Community Centre, 251 Main Street, Atwood, Ontario, near the corner of Main Street (Highway 23) and Elma Centre St.

To view the invitation and further details please look under our downloads section for "Invitation to April 25, 2009".

If you are able to attend we encourage you to reply in advance to Tim Cumming, Communications Specialist, at tcumming@abca.on.ca or by fax to 519-235-1963. Thank you — and hope to see you there!

More than 80 people attend events

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We would like to thank the more than 80 people who attended five main public and sector outreach events between January and March 2009 in the Ausable Bayfield Maitland Valley Source Protection Region and the more than 50 people who called the Source Protection Authority offices in Wroxeter and Exeter.

We would especially like to thank the interested citizens who took part in the following events in the first quarter of the year: Industry and Commerce Dinner and Industry Tour (Palmerston), Open Well Residential Open House (Listowel), Agricultural Open House and Expo (Clinton), Expert Call-in Radio and Online Programme about Assessing Our Water Sources (AM 920), Intake Coffee Shop Meet and Greet (Goderich), Partner Event (Seaforth), Municipal Update Meeting (Clinton).

It was a busy time for staff on our project but we were gratified by the opportunity to speak with you directly and let you know about stewardship opportunities for eligible owners of homes, farms and businesses in vulnerable areas.

Also part of our public outreach over the first three months of 2009 was a direct mail-out and letter of notice to 3,400 owners of homes, farms and businesses in key vulnerable areas, sent out in January and February, and a news publication distributed to about 50,000 recipients in the region in February.

We thank you for providing the Province of Ontario with feedback on the voluntary financial incentive companion program, the Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program, and for considering positive environmental actions on your properties.

If you have any further questions phone Derek at 519-335-3557 or Tim at 1-888-286-2610.

Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program Review Looking Ahead Consultation Form

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As the Source Protection Planning Process progresses, the Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program must change to align and adapt to its needs. In the third and fourth year of the stewardship program, the assessment reports will be completed, identifying who may be affected and what activities may be a threat.

Interim risk management plans may be put into effect during this period, with associated costs to landowners for implementation and Source Protection Plans will begin to be developed.

Education and outreach programs during this period could play an important role in ensuring stakeholders are engaged in the preparation of assessment reports and source protection plans.

We want your views on how the program scope and delivery model should change through the third and fourth funding years (2009-10 to 2010-11).

Please see our Downloads section for the form. Feel free to provide any additional comments that you have on the discussions that have taken place in the form as well. All comments are welcome and appreciated.

Source Protection Stewardship goes on the air

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On November 8/08, Ausable Bayfield Maitland Valley Source Protection Stewardship took to the air on the AM 920 Experts Show with host Jeff Norgate. The topic of discussion was the available funding opportunities that exist for homeowners, farmers, and businesses. The segment was organized so the public could phone in with their questions and comments, as well as to provide information on the funding opportunities that currently exist. While the goal being to inform the public about these opportunities, more importantly it was about letting them know how to take advantage of them, and what steps to take in order to do so.

Topics that were discussed included who could be entitled to receive funding, and what types of projects are eligible. Who could be eligible was a very informative portion as the funding area has increased from the 100 metres surrounding municipal wellheads to a two-year time-of-travel in some municipalities, as well as an extension from 200 metres from an intake to 1 km. The new expanded two-year time-of-travel and intake lines could result in more individuals being eligible for funding then before.

Guests on the show included Deb Shewfelt (Mayor of Goderich and previous member of the advisory panel on the Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program), Kate Monk (Supervisor of Stewardship and Conservation Lands for Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority), Doug Hocking (Water Quality Extension Coordinator for Maitland Valley Conservation Authority) and Tim Cumming (Communications Specialist for Ausable Bayfield Maitland Valley Source Protection Region).

Currently there are two more radio segments on AM 920 that will take place on future dates. The topic of discussion on Saturday, February 21, 2009 at 10:00 am will be "What is an Assessment Report?", and on Saturday, April 25, 2009 at 10:00 am the topic is Source Protection Planning.

For more information please contact Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority at 519-235-2610 or 1-888-286-2610, or Maitland Valley Conservation Authority at 519-335-3557.

Application Deadline Has Been Extended

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New Deadlines for Early Actions Projects

Landowners interested in taking action to protect municipal sources of drinking water have been given more time to apply for funding. The March 10th, 2008 deadline for applying has been eliminated. Property owners now have until September 30, 2008 to submit applications and complete their projects.

Landowners who have been considering projects are encouraged to apply as soon as possible because grant funding is limited and will be awarded on a first come first serve basis.

To be eligible for grant funding the applicant's property must be within or extend into a 100 metre radius of a municipal well, or within the two-year time-of-travel pending municipality approval.

Funding is available for:

Septic system inspection and upgrades: The program will provide funding for the repair, upgrade, or replacement of faulty or malfunctioning septic systems. The grant will cover 50 per cent of the cost up to a maximum of $10,000 or $20,000 for advanced systems.

Private well decommissioning and upgrading: Decommissioning abandoned private wells, including the testing, monitoring, and technical work on water wells, and upgrading drinking water wells, may prevent these wells and poorly maintained wellheads from becoming pollutant pathways to municipal drinking water sources. The grant will cover 50 per cent of the cost up to a maximum of $6,000.

Runoff and erosion protection: These projects will protect municipal drinking water sources from runoff contamination and soil erosion through properly constructing or restoring buffer strips and riparian zones. Grant rates range from 25 to 70 per cent, depending on the project. Maximum grants range from $1,000 to $20,000.

Pollution prevention reviews: Pollution prevention reviews will be made available to small and medium-sized businesses that manufacture, handle, store, and dispose of materials into water, land, or air, and will identify threats to sources of municipal drinking water. These reviews are being offered free of charge, and the results are confidential.

Source Protection Program projects must be approved and completed by September 30, 2008.

Landowners can combine Source Protection Program grants with funding from other cost-share programs.

The Source Protection Program is being administered through the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority. If you have any questions or would like to find out if you are eligible call Dallas Campbell, Outreach Specialist, at 519-335-3557.

Check out our Downloads section

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Want to find out how you can help protect our sources of drinking water?

Check out the variety of factsheets in the Downloads section of our homepage. There is information on Wellhead Protection Areas, What you can do, Private Wells, Septic Systems, and much more!

Come back to this site regularly for information on upcoming events in your area!

Soil and Crop contacts for agricultural producers

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The Ausable Bayfield and Maitland Valley Conservation Authorities are pleased to create Source Protection Stewardship opportunities with partners including health, business, municipalities and the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA).

Agricultural landowners living within 100 metres of a municipal well or 200 metres of a municipal surface water intake can find out about stewardship education and funding opportunities by phoning (519) 335-3557.

Farmers are also welcome to contact the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association Source Protection Program Representatives. They are:

Bruce County
Jayne Dietrich, 519-367-5930
bruce@ontariosoilcrop.ca

Huron County
Lois Sinclair, 519-357-3146
huron@ontariosoilcrop.org

Lambton County
Allan Butler, 519-692-5399
lambton@ontariosoilcrop.org

Middlesex County
Margaret May, 519-287-5334
middlesex@ontariosoilcrop.org

Perth County
Sharon Diehl

perth@ontariosoilcrop.org

519-598-4896

Wellington County
John Benham, 519-846-0941
wellington@ontariosoilcrop.org

Source Protection Stewardship program launched

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November 1, 2007 Media Release
Source Protection Stewardship Program launched

A new voluntary program to protect drinking water was launched last week in the Ausable Bayfield Maitland Valley Source Protection Region.
The Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE) is establishing the Drinking Water Stewardship Fund, a program to help landowners take action to reduce threats to local municipal drinking water sources, in 2008 as part of its commitment to safe drinking water and in conjunction with the Clean Water Act. The new Source Protection Stewardship program (SPS) is a local transitional program which will pave the way for the Drinking Water Stewardship Fund in the coming
years. It is a companion program to the Source Protection Planning initiative currently underway in the area.
A stewardship partners' launch was recently held to discuss the program with municipal and health unit representatives. Dallas Campbell, Outreach Specialist with the project, reported that response to the launch was very positive. "We received lots of positive feedback and good suggestions for how to reach landowners effectively," he said.
The Ausable Bayfield and Maitland Valley Conservation Authorities are implementing the Source Protection Stewardship program within the two watersheds. Staff will be working with landowners to provide information about Drinking Water Source Protection and to assist
them with undertaking projects that will help to protect their community's groundwater or surface water supplies. Funding has been made available for these projects on a first-come, first-served
basis.
SPS efforts will focus on farm, business, and property owners in two key geographical areas; those located within a 100 metre radius of a municipal wellhead and those within a 200 metre radius of a municipal surface water intake.
The goal of SPS is to inform landowners about the role they play in protecting their community's drinking water. "Clean drinking water is vital to healthy communities and everyone has a responsibility to protect this important resource," said Campbell. Staff will be contacting
business, farm and other property owners in the focus areas by mail, through media releases and community meetings. A phone survey has already been conducted to gain an understanding of the concerns of property owners within the target areas.
A website has been set up so anyone interested in the program can learn more about upcoming activities. Detailed information about funding opportunities is available on the site and visitors will be able to view profiles of local environmental leaders. The site is located at
www.sourceprotectionstewardship.on.ca.
For information about the Source Protection Stewardship program contact Chris Van Esbroeck or Dallas Campbell at (519) 335-3557 or visit the website.

Maitland Valley Conservation Authority
519-335-3557

Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority
519 235-2610 or 1-888-286-2610

There are many ways you can protect drinking water sources

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Media Release November 1, 2007

Protecting drinking water may be easier than you think. There are many steps landowners can take that will benefit the water you and your family drink. Chris Van Esbroeck, Education Specialist with the new Ausable Bayfield Maitland Valley Source Protection Stewardship Program, encourages property owners to ask themselves a series of questions:
Do you have chemicals such as paints, gasoline or pesticides on your property?
Are they properly stored?
Do you dispose of these chemicals at your local hazardous waste facility?
Do you wash your car at home where chemical runoff can make its way into drinking water sources? Or, do you wash your car at a designated car wash station?
Do you use environmentally friendly pesticides on your lawn? Do you clean up after your pets?
"These are some of the ways you can make a significant impact on protecting drinking water quality," according to Van Esbroeck.
Other projects may require more significant efforts. In these cases there may be grants available to assist landowners to implement beneficial management practices. Funding is available for well
decommissioning and upgrading, septic system inspections and upgrades, and runoff and erosion projects. The grant rates for these projects vary. In some cases funding for projects and can be topped
up by other programs such as the Huron Clean Water Project and the cost-share programs associated with the Environmental Farm Plan.
Another funding opportunity is available to small and medium sized businesses for Pollution Prevention Reviews. These assessments will give business owners a better understanding of how they can improve the way they handle, store or dispose of materials that may pose a risk to drinking water sources.
For information about the Source Protection Stewardship program contact Chris Van Esbroeck
or Dallas Campbell at (519) 335-3557 or visit the website at www.sourceprotectionstewardship.on.ca.

ABMV Source Protection Stewardship Program

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The Source Protection Program (Stewardship) has recently been launched in the Ausable Bayfield Maitland Valley Source Protection Region. This program is aimed at landowners whose property is within or extends into an area 100 metres from a municipal wellhead, or 200 metres from the Goderich Surface Water Intake. The purpose of this voluntary, early-actions program is to educate landowners that they have a positive role to play in creating additional barriers of protection to our municipal drinking water sources and to help them obtain the information and financial resources they need to fix any problems that may exist.

There is funding available through the Ontario Source Protection Program (Stewardship) to help landowners undertake stewardship projects in these vulnerable areas. Staff will be hosting several events including community meetings, a public open house, workshops, and tours. Also, staff will be available to discuss possible projects with landowners and help them apply for funding.

If you have any questions about the program you can contact Dallas Campbell, Outreach Specialist, or Chris Van Esbroeck, Education
Specialist, at (519) 335-3557.