In recognition of Canada Water Week the Ontario Waterpower Association (OWA) is pleased to announce the release of two new “Best Management Practices” (BMPs) for waterpower development. The first, focused on wetlands, was developed with the experience and expertise of Ducks Unlimited Canada. The second addresses key considerations regarding migratory birds and benefited from the advice of the Canadian Wildlife Service. Both were supported by the Ministry of Natural Resources and authored by Natural Resource Solutions Inc. The BMPs will be added to the series of thirty-eight (38) waterpower construction guidelines published by the OWA in 2012.
“I am extremely pleased with the products of this positive partnership” said Paul Norris, OWA President. These new BMPs are another example of our organization’s commitment to continued improvement”
“Working with industry partners is an important means of protecting and increasing the number of wetland acres in Ontario”, added Mark Gloutney, Director of Regional Operations, Eastern Region for Ducks Unlimited Canada. “Wetlands are among the world’s most productive ecosystems. It is encouraging to see that the importance of wetlands is being kept firmly in mind with the introduction of BMPs that aim to minimize negative effects on these crucial ecosystems, while looking for opportunities to enhance and create wetland habitat for migratory birds”.
The objective of the Wetlands BMP is to minimize impacts to wetland form and function during the construction of a waterpower facility and to identify opportunities for wetland creation and enhancement.
The Migratory Birds BMP’s goal is to protect and conserve migratory bird populations and their habitats during waterpower construction activities, and to identify opportunities for habitat enhancement. As such, both look beyond the standard “avoidance, prevention, mitigation” framework to offer insight and advice on opportunities for “net benefit” with respect to these valued ecosystem components.
“Canada Water Week is a great time to showcase the collaborative efforts taking place across this province to find more sustainable ways of using our water and wetland resources. Our government is pleased to enhance Ontario’s biodiversity by supporting projects through the Species at Risk Stewardship Fund, introducing new legislation like the Invasive Species Act and by working with key partners, such as the Ontario Waterpower Association and Ducks Unlimited Canada, to create best management practices,” said David Orazietti, Minister of Natural Resources.
In 2012, the OWA issued “Best Management Practices Guide for the Mitigation of Impacts of Waterpower Facility Construction”. The Association has also prepared, in collaboration with key federal and provincial agencies, guidance on species at risk, including Lake Sturgeon and American Eel.
(Ducks Unlimited)