Home / Environment / Right to Clean Water? N.B. Law Under Review Amidst Debate
Right to Clean Water? N.B. Law Under Review Amidst Debate
6 May
Summary
- Forestry representatives support the Clean Water Act's current form.
- Environmental lawyers advocate for stronger protections and a right to clean water.
- Debate includes buffer zones around waterways and conservation land targets.
A review of New Brunswick's 37-year-old Clean Water Act commenced recently, revealing a divide between industry and environmental groups. Forestry representatives, including J.D. Irving Ltd., are advocating for the act to remain unchanged, emphasizing its current effectiveness. Conversely, environmental lawyers are proposing significant amendments to strengthen the legislation.
Key proposals include the establishment of a legal right to clean water, which is currently absent in New Brunswick. Concerns have been raised about issues like PFAS contamination in municipal water supplies, highlighting the need for robust legal recourse. The review also addresses buffer zones along waterways, with discussions on whether these should be designated as protected areas and count towards the province's conservation land goals.
