No. H215/05For release November 7, 2005
OTTAWA - Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre today announced proposed
requirements to prohibit the discharge of sewage by all recreational and
commercial vessels operating in Bras d'Or Lake, Nova Scotia. The requirements
are being proposed to further protect the aquatic species in the lake and to
ensure the health and safety of its users.
"The Bras d'Or Lake is an important resource for Nova Scotians and tourists,"
said Mr. Lapierre. "Today, we are taking steps to enhance the quality of the
water and protect fish and wildlife habitat in order to ensure the lake remains
healthy and enjoyable for years to come."
The changes are being proposed for recreational vessels under the Pleasure
Craft Sewage Pollution Prevention Regulations of the Canada Shipping Act, and
will automatically also apply to commercial vessels under the Non-Pleasure Craft
Sewage Pollution Prevention Regulations. These two sets of regulations were
developed in the 1990s to protect sensitive marine areas from the potential
damage of sewage discharges by vessels. The regulations apply to bodies of water
designated by the provinces.
Bras d'Or Lake is being designated based on an application submitted
collaboratively by the Pitu'paq Partnership, the Una'maki Institute of Natural
Resources, the Bras d'Or Stewardship Society, the Nova Scotia Office of Economic
Development, the Nova Scotia Department of Tourism and Culture, the Nova Scotia
Department of Environment and Labour, the Nova Scotia Department of Natural
Resources, Environment Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
The application for designation has demonstrated the lake meets all
applicable criteria. Vessel traffic on the lake has significantly increased and
the related increase in the disposal of sewage could pose a threat to the health
of swimmers. The lake also holds shellfish harvesting beds, which makes it
important to prevent the risk of contaminated seafood.
Over the past years, there have been several programs to help educate users
of Bras d'Or Lake on how to protect the aquatic environment. These programs have
included advertising and information campaigns. However, beach closures and the
closure of shellfish harvesting beds continue to be necessary because of sewage
contamination.
Today's proposed requirements will make Bras d'Or Lake the first body of
water designated in Nova Scotia and will add it to other designated bodies of
water in British Columbia and Manitoba. Vessel operators will be prohibited from
discharging sewage in all connected waters between Carey Point and Noir Point in
Great Bras d'Or, south of Alder Point in Little Bras d'Or, and north of the
seaward end of St. Peters Canal.
The requirements have been developed through extensive consultations with the
public, municipalities and provincial and federal governments. Users of the lake
have also been advised of this upcoming change by means of signs placed around
the lake during the summer and by brochures distributed at major events and
locations frequently used by boaters.
The proposed requirements were published in the Canada Gazette, Part I on
Saturday, November 5, 2005. Interested parties have 30 days to provide their
comments to Transport Canada. After careful consideration of all comments
received, Transport Canada will finalize the regulations and publish them in the
Canada Gazette, Part II. The regulations will be implemented over a period of
four years to give vessel operators reasonable time to install the appropriate
equipment if their vessel does not already meet the requirements.
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Contacts:
Irène Marcheterre
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister, Ottawa
(613) 991-0700
Marie-Josée Dubois
Communications
Transport Canada, Ottawa
(613) 993-0055
Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca.
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