If you live near the Kennebecasis River, you know how vital this waterway is to the region. The river flows nearly 100 kilometres from Saint John through Sussex and into Albert County. Along the way it passes urban centers, rural farms, and growing residential neighborhoods. Now, rapid development threatens the health of your local water sources.

The New Brunswick government is currently reviewing the 37 year old Clean Water Act. According to a recent report from CBC News, clean water advocates want the updated legislation to strike a better balance between conservation and economic growth.

The Push for Watershed Planning

Communities along the Kennebecasis River are changing fast. Ben Whalen is the project manager with the Kennebecasis Watershed Protection Committee. He notes that rapid expansion in Sussex and Quispamsis encroaches on local wetlands.

“Sussex is growing quickly, Quispamsis is growing quickly, and development is rapidly expanding those municipal boundaries,” Whalen said. He added that industrial effluent and runoff cause significant problems for the water system.

Environmental experts want the province to adopt watershed level planning. Richelle Martin is an environmental lawyer based in Fredericton. She argues that regulators must assess individual developments based on their impact on the entire region.

“Watershed level planning looks at this bigger picture of all the activities impacting the watershed and takes a more proactive planning approach,” Martin said. This strategy helps manage major issues like phosphorus runoff, which causes toxic algae blooms.

Balancing Big Projects and Conservation

The review also addresses large scale industrial projects. The proposed Sisson Mine near Fredericton plans to extract tungsten and molybdenum over 27 years. The project includes a 750 hectare tailings pond to store waste. Residents and advocates worry a breach will pollute the Nashwaak River watershed.

First Nations leaders emphasize the need for strict environmental standards. Terry Richardson is the chief of Pabineau First Nation. He believes a stronger Clean Water Act will make communities more comfortable with industrial development.

“As First Nations, we talk about our next seven generations,” Richardson said. “It’s not only environmentally, it’s economically as well. We’ve got to have that balance.”

What Happens Next

The Susan Holt government promised to guarantee clean air and water for everyone in New Brunswick. The province will implement amendments to the Clean Water Act by next spring. A similar review of the Clean Air Act is also underway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Clean Water Act?

The Clean Water Act is a piece of provincial legislation designed to protect New Brunswick waterways, wetlands, and drinking water sources from pollution and overdevelopment.

Why is the Kennebecasis River at risk?

Rapid residential and industrial growth in municipalities like Sussex and Quispamsis leads to increased runoff and encroachment on natural wetlands.

When will the new water protection rules take effect?

The provincial government will introduce and implement amendments to the Clean Water Act by the spring of next year.