Hey All!
As you know, Michael has been a strong advocate for salmon and greatly concerned by the events that occurred on the North Alouette.
Below you will find his Private Members Bill, M 204 Stream Diversion Amendment Act, 2009, which targets the root of the issue.
The Bill was introduced in the house yesterday about which Michael is on the record stating,
“This bill amends the Water Act to ensure that a water license granted to divert water from a stream for agricultural purposes will maintain the minimum flow of water required to protect fish or wildlife. Farmers must have water to grow their crops. However, we must ensure that fish and wildlife are given adequate protection in the process. We are all aware of the recent tragedy of diminished salmon stocks. This bill will assist in continuing legitimate agricultural production while protecting fish and wildlife. I move that this bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today. Bill M209, Stream Diversion Amendment Act,2009, introduced, read a first time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today. I move that this bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today. Bill M209, Stream Diversion Amendment Act, 2009, introduced, read a first time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today.”
Here’s the actual Bill:
Explanatory Note
This bill amends the Water Act to ensure that a water license to divert water from a stream for agricultural purposes maintains the minimum flow necessary to protect fish or wildlife.
Stream Diversion Amendment Act, 2009
HER MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia, enacts as follows:
1 Part 2 of the Water Act (S.B.C. 1996) is amended by rescinding section 8.
2 Part 2 of the Water Act is amended by adding a new section 8. Maintaining minimum flow.
(1) The holder of a water license must ensure that, during diversion of water from a stream, a minimum volume of water is maintained sufficient to protect fish or wildlife.
(2) Minimum flow requirements to protect fish or wildlife will be established by the comptroller or a regional water manager.
3 Part 2 of the Water Act is amended by adding a new section 9. Measuring and maintaining records.
1) The holder of a water license, the purpose of which is to divert water from a stream for agricultural purposes, must
(a) measure the daily volume of water removed by use of a water meter,
(b) record the dates of the measurements under subsection (a), and
(c) maintain a record of the measurements under subsections (a) and (b) for a period of ten years.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1) and section 8, the comptroller may grant a water license if he or she considers that the flow of a stream that is the subject of an application is sufficient such that the diversion will not result in a failure to protect fish or wildlife.
4 Section 9 and subsequent sections are re-numbered accordingly.
While it is true that Michael is an opposition MLA and as such his motion will receive low priority he is attempting to force the government onside by taking the issue to the media.
November 4, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sather Introduces Legislation to Address Salmon Crisis
Maple Ridge. Michael Sather, MLA for Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows, and NDP deputy environment critic introduced a private members bill in the Legislature today to help address the salmon crisis. The Stream Diversion Amendment Act, 2009 amends the Water Act to ensure that stream diversions for agricultural purposes maintain a minimum flow in the stream to protect fish or wildlife.
“The water diversion that happened this summer in the North Alouette River in Pitt Meadows has highlighted the need for this legislation” said Sather. “Blueberry growers and, particularly, cranberry growers require a lot of water. However, our water resources are not unlimited. We cannot stand by and let our fishery be put at risk. A minimum amount of water is required for fish and this Act makes it the responsibility of the government and the water license holder to ensure that those minimum flows are maintained in streams” said Sather.
“Not enough action has been taken to protect our salmon. Climate change and hot, dry summers such as the one we experienced this summer have made changes to the Water Act an urgent necessity. I’m looking forward to the government of British Columbia taking quick action to protect our wild salmon” said Sather.
Thanks to all who have worked with Michael on this issue and please keep up the good work. If we work together we can protect the North Alouette for the benefit of all.
