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Policy Id:

SPR/SPA:

Risk:

G-6-F

Quinte

Non-specific

Implementing Body

Legal Effect

Policy Tool

Threat Type

Status

Comment

MECP - Wells

Strategic

Specify Actions to be taken to implement plan or achieve its objectives

Future

Implemented: Policy outcome(s) evaluated - No further action(s) required

The ministry has reviewed and considered the policy. Ontario has a strong and robust legislative and regulatory framework for licensing well contractors and well technicians, as well as for the construction, maintenance and abandonment of wells. Recent amendments made to the Wells Regulation (Reg. 903) took effect January 1, 2020. The ministry manages its approach to compliance and enforcement for the Wells Regulation through education and outreach, response to incidents, voluntary compliance, orders, tickets and prosecutions. The ministry has developed a detailed internal guidance document to respond to well related incidents and drinking water well complaints. The ministry will continue to report on any actions resulting from the review of the policy.

Policy Text:

The Ministry of the Environment is strongly encouraged to undertake an updated risk-based program analysis of the compliance program associated with the Wells Regulation 903 as amended, made under the Ontario Water Resources Act.

The program analysis should consider:
· Increased MOE field presence with well contractors;
· Complaint response prioritization where the presence of a transport pathway would endanger sources of municipal drinking water; and
· Focusing resources in areas where improperly constructed maintained or abandoned wells may increase the potential threat to municipal drinking water sources.

This policy complements Policy G-4-F.

Applicable Areas:
- WHPA B, C and D – Deloro, Madoc, Peats Point, Point Anne (WHPA B and C only) and Tweed.

Effective Date: When the Plan, or any plan amendment, as applicable, takes effect.

Monitoring Text:

The Ministry shall prepare an annual summary of the actions it has taken to achieve the outcomes of this Source Protection Plan policy and make that report available to the Quinte Source Protection Authority February 1st each year. It is recommended the report include the number of inspections conducted, deficiencies found and remedial measures taken during the previous calendar year.