Protecting and maintaining adequate drinking water is important to everyone. Many properties within Electoral Area C obtain water through private wells connected to aquifers. Due to ongoing public concerns regarding groundwater supply, the Board supported studying the current and future groundwater capacity in the Keddleston Area of Electoral Area C.
The RDNO retained Golder Associates Ltd. to undertake a study on the aquifers within the Keddleston area. Phase 1 of the study concluded in January 2020 (see study link below). Based on the preliminary findings, the Board of Directors determined that additional information was required.
The second phase of the study concluded in June 2022 (see study link below). Based on the findings and recommendations in the study, the Board of Directors gave First Reading to Subdivision Servicing Amendment Bylaw No. 2930, 2022 (see bylaw link below). The Board also directed staff to bring back a report on the implications of the recommendations contained in the Phase 2 study on in-process land use applications for properties in Electoral Area C.
What changes are proposed to the Subdivision Servicing Bylaw?
The proposed changes to the Subdivision Servicing Bylaw would raise the standard for proof-of-water requirements for subdivisions in Electoral Area C to align to Provincial guidelines. The proposed changes would apply only to Electoral Area C and, as recommended by the Phase 2 Study, include the following:
- At least one year of continuous groundwater level monitoring be conducted, and the results analyzed and interpreted by a Qualified Professional;
- Well pumping tests must be supervised by a Qualified Professional;
- 48-72 hour pumping tests at the current bylaw rate of 6,550 litres of water per day (1.0 Imperial Gallon per Minute) per parcel, depending on the aquifer type;
- Water level recovery must be monitored for the same period of time as the pumping test (48-72 hours) and achieve 90 to 95% recovery;
- At least one observation well must be monitored in the same aquifer and within the same fracture network during the pumping test and recovery period;
- Pumping tests are to be conducted in the dry months of the year (August 1 – March 1) or as identified by the one year monitoring period;
- Where an application to the RDNO includes more than one proposed lot, the pumping test must be conducted simultaneously at all wells proposed to service each lot;
- A Qualified Professional must submit a signed and stamped hydrogeological report and Schedule A: Qualified Professional - Proof of Water form confirming all requirements of the Bylaw have been met.
What is the status of the proposed changes to the Subdivision Servicing Bylaw?
A bylaw must receive three readings before it can proceed to final adoption. On July 21, 2022, the Board of Directors gave First Reading to Subdivision Servicing Amendment Bylaw No. 2930, 2022, and asked for comments from the public before considering further readings. At the Regular Meeting to be held on December 14, 2022, the Board of Directors will receive a report from the Planning and Development Services Department dated November 25, 2022 (see report link below) that provides an overview of the comments received to date.