| Water Protection Act Discussion Paper Released | 03 August 05 |
 Water Stewardship Minister Steve Ashton has released a discussion paper that outlines a proposed framework for governing nutrient water quality management zones (WQMZ) throughout the province.The development of regulations to identify and manage WQMZ is an integral part of the Water Protection Act that was passed in the Manitoba legislature on June 16, 2005. As part of the discussion paper released July 20, 2005, Manitoba's landscape has been separated into four zones using scientific criteria that can influence run-off or leaching of nutrients from land to water. These factors include climate, moisture limitations, land slope, topography, soil characteristics, distance to groundwater, erosion potential and crop yield potential. Maps have been prepared showing the proposed zones in each of Manitoba's rural municipalities and are contained in the discussion paper. Buffer set-back distances from water have also been identified where application of nutrients will need to be limited. Manitoba Wildlands Director Gaile Whelan Enns urged Manitoba's communities to respond with public comments. "We see a higher level of transparency and access to information as essential to arrive at nutrient management regulations in Manitoba." The public comment period for the Water Quality Management Zones (WQMZ) Discussion Paper closes on September 30, 2005. View the Government of Manitoba Department of Water Stewardship July 20, 2005 press release View the Manitoba Water Stewardship Discussion Paper - Regulation Under the Manitoba Water Protection Act: Consultation Document for Initial Review: Respecting Water Quality Management Zones for Nutrients (PDF) Visit the Manitoba Department of Water Stewardship web site Source: Government of Manitoba |
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