Water Source Supply Issues for a Shared Resource, 1999 Environmental Conference Proceedings

Stuart Almost

Repap New Bruwnswick Inc.

Neil Brodie

MGI Limited

The Repap New Brunswick Inc. (Repap) groundwood mill experiences occasional periods of low fresh (low chloride) surface water availability. A number of alternatives were evaluated and one involved accessing a nearby groundwater aquifer.

Preliminary discussion began in 1994 with the New Brunswick Department of the Environment (NBDOE). Hydrogeologic studies indicated potential production/monitoring paired-well locations that were installed in 1995 and 1996 to carry out NBDOE approved long term pumping and groundwater level response tests in 1996 and 1997.

The mill has now concluded a lengthy process of obtaining a Water Supply Source Approval (WSSA Permit) from the NBDOE for pumping of groundwater from two wells drilled in the local area. The initial development period took about three years while the final development phase and actual obtaining the WSSA Permit took approximately one year.

The conditions in the Approval are the result of meetings and other communications with the City of Miramichi, a committee of local well owners and NBDOE over the last half of the final development period. Due to the location of homes in the area which also use groundwater, there are conditions in the Approval which require an approved routine well monitoring program and limits on how far down the pumps are permitted to lower the water table. Once the water table reaches this level, the pumps are shut off by automatic controls, leaving the water below this level available to the residential wells only.

The mill and NBDOE jointly prepared a factsheet for distribution to nearby residents and have set up a procedure to allow investigation of water supply problems within potentially affected wells. The automatic shut off controls are expected to prevent any homeowner well problems but residents who experience a water supply problem can call the mill to arrange for a follow up investigation. Copies of the factsheet were supplied to members of the local citizens committee and contained additional information such as a troubleshooting guide.

A number of factors were found to be relevant where shared resources, public concerns and input to a government mediated process are involved. The short list includes the nature of the project, the social setting, the regulatory processes and flexibility, the time frame for each party, the personalities and agendas. Lessons learned include starting public dialogue early to develop trust, provide improved education/understanding of the project and individuals concerns, and the importance of regulatory officials holding to the reasonable middle ground as mediators/arbitrators.