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Letter: District aims to protect water

Thank you to Squamish resident Star Morris for her letter to the editor, “Consider the future of water in Squamish” (May 19). The District of Squamish shares this passion for the importance of protecting the long-term health of our watershed.
water

Thank you to Squamish resident Star Morris for her letter to the editor, “Consider the future of water in Squamish” (May 19). The District of Squamish shares this passion for the importance of protecting the long-term health of our watershed.

Regarding impacts of climate change and Skookum Run-of-River Power Project on the Ring Creek Aquifer (our groundwater source): The district’s Well Protection Plan identifies a number of potential processes that could affect the quantity of groundwater flowing past the well field at Powerhouse Springs/Ring Creek Aquifer, including climate change and diversion of water from Skookum Creek. In the Skookum Run of River case, it is not expected to have a significant effect on groundwater yields.

In the case of climate change, a reduction in the overall amount of annual precipitation could have a proportional decrease in groundwater flowing through the aquifer, and it was concluded that it is not likely to negatively affect well field productivity over the next 20 years. In order to assess any potential future impacts on groundwater levels, the district will be installing sentinel monitoring wells upstream of our well field to monitor aquifer water levels. This will provide advanced warning so that the district can begin planning for any measures required to maintain adequate water supply.

Impacts of FortisBC’s Proposed Gas Compressor Station Site at Mt. Mulligan: The district completed a Hydrogeological Assessment of the Ring Creek Aquifer as part of the Well Protection Plan process. Based on the assessment, the district’s hydrogeological consultant, Piteau Associates Engineering Ltd., identified a proposed Groundwater Protection Zone where special care and precautions will be taken to ensure the longterm health of the aquifer.

The proposed FortisBC Mt. Mulligan compressor station is significantly removed from the Ring Creek aquifer groundwater protection zone, but is within the Stawamus River watershed, where the district has one of its emergency backup surface water supplies. As such, the district will review the proposal carefully to ensure that the proposed new infrastructure does not create the potential of compromising this backup water source.

When will there be and who would do a cumulative risk assessment to determine long-term vulnerability to our community water supply? The district has completed the Well Protection Plan in accordance with the province’s Well Protection Toolkit, in consultation with Vancouver Coastal Health. This document functions as the community’s risk assessment for the Ring Creek Aquifer. Through the process of developing the plan, the district has defined the Well Protection Area, identified potential contaminants and risks and developed management strategies to reduce the risk to the community’s water supply.

The Well Protection Plan was adopted in May 2014.

Gary Buxton
General Manager of Development Services and Public Works
District of Squamish

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