| City pushes for water quality modelling of the Ottawa River | | | Ottawa (July 9, 2008) - The City of Ottawa will apply water modelling technology to the Ottawa River in an effort to determine the best way to reduce water pollution, evaluate new anti-pollution technologies and provide feedback to all levels of government regarding compliance with environmental legislation. City Council agreed today to move forward with the water modelling plan by approving staff’s proposal to retain W.F. Baird and Associates to evaluate the state of the river, determine the impact of current discharges and assist staff with the evaluation of water quality improvements.“I am pleased with this initiative to safeguard the Ottawa River,” said Mayor Larry O’Brien. “With proper water quality modelling, we will improve our ability to detect problems and trends in the Ottawa River and be able to act quickly to ensure a safe and healthy waterway for our residents.”Water quality modelling could be used to evaluate and assess the environmental impact of a number of City initiatives currently in progress including the Stormwater Management Strategy and the Combined Sewer Area Pollution Prevention and Control Plan. It could also enhance the City’s Environmental Effects Monitoring Program, which examines the chemical composition of waterways and the populations and habitat of fish and other aquatic life. The federal government has already pledged $20 million to Ottawa for the prevention of sewer overflows and Council has agreed to match that amount in the 2009 budget. In Fall 2008, staff will bring forward a report to the Planning and Environment Committee providing information on the cost, processes, staffing and other necessary resources required to reduce the City’s impact on the Ottawa River. The elimination of the discharge of combined sewer overflows is among the alternatives to be reviewed.“We are moving forward with our efforts to protect the Ottawa River but we can’t do it alone,” explained Peter Hume, Chair of the Planning and Environment Committee. “The Ottawa River borders two provinces and stretches past many cities and towns along its way. We really need the federal government to exercise stewardship in protecting this waterway.”
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