The rivers be dammed, or is that damned?

8/6/2010

If we are serious about aquatic ecosystem health in the South Saskatchewan River Basin (SSRB) we have to really start talking about two things; irrigation and growth.  The South Saskatchewan River Basin in Alberta Water Supply Study (the Supply Study) outlines various scenarios of growth in the irrigation sector while acknowledging that “environmental flows” will continue to be undermined.    The “environmental flows” are embodied by the “water conservation objective” or WCO set for the SSRB at 45% of the mean flow (or 10% above preexisting instream objectives, whichever is greater) and reflect a negotiated rather than a scientifically based amount for the protection of the aquatic environment.
 

The Supply Study outlines that, in the all scenarios modeled, the WCO will be undermined in most reaches of the SSRB (See at Table 5- A1 and 5-B1 of the consultant’s main report. Table 5-A1 from the report is reproduced below.)
 

Read “The rivers be dammed, or is that damned?” on the ELC blog.
 

ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL LAW CENTRE:

The Environmental Law Centre (ELC) has been seeking strong and effective environmental laws since it was founded in 1982. The ELC is dedicated to providing credible, comprehensive and objective legal information regarding natural resources, energy and environmental law, policy and regulation in Alberta. The ELC’s mission is to educate and champion for strong laws and rights so all Albertans can enjoy clean water, clean air and a healthy environment. Our vision is a society where laws secure an environment that sustains current and future generations.
 
As a charity, the Environmental Law Centre depends on your financial support. Help us to continue to educate and champion for strong environmental laws, through tools such as our blog and all of our other resources, so that all Albertans can enjoy a healthy environment. Your support makes a difference.
Donate online today