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Policy Id:

SPR/SPA:

Risk:

CG-NB-21

Grand River

Significant

Implementing Body

Legal Effect

Policy Tool

Threat Type

Status

Comment

MECP – NMA - ASM and NASM Inspections

Strategic

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

Future & Existing

Implemented

The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) does not issue instruments under the Nutrient Management Act framework. All instruments are issues by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA). The MECP undertakes an annual planned inspection program that addresses risk to human and environmental health at Agricultural sites. Inspections target Agricultural Source Material (ASM) and Non-Agricultural Source Material (NASM) as regulated under the Nutrient Management Act. An intentional, core function of the Nutrient Management Act is to keep nutrients, pathogens and contaminants away from wells and surface water which in turn support the objectives of Source Water Protection. Inspections are designed to prioritize operations which could present a higher risk to these features. Each year diagnostics are completed on the results of these various inspections. A total of 235 agricultural inspections were completed across Ontario in 2024. With 12 inspections completed within Grand River Source Protection Area. Of those 12 inspections, 5 inspections had compliance issues which have been resolved.

Policy Text:

To ensure compliance with non-agricultural source material plans and the existing and future application, or handling and storage of non-agricultural source material cease to be and/or never become a significant drinking water threat, where these activities are or would be a significant drinking water threat, the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks shall consider prioritizing inspections based on proximity to the wellhead and conduct regular compliance inspections of operations, as appropriate.

Monitoring Text:

N/A