Material From Original Gov't Discussion Paper
[ Intro to sensitive areas concern from original discussion papersource#1, "CommonConcerns" section p.1 ]Aquifers covered by thick layers of dense clay are protected from contamination that might be caused by human activities above ground. However, aquifers covered by thin layers of soil or exposed at ground surface are considered sensitive to contamination.
Potentially sensitive areas can be found in the Carbonate Rock Aquifer underlying the Interlake. This aquifer is an extensive, highly fractured limestone formation through which water and contaminants can move easily and rapidly. Some areas are exposed at the surface or covered by very thin layers of soil.
Other sensitive areas can be found in the Carberry Aquifer, the Assiniboine Delta Aquifer and the Winkler Aquifer, which are composed of sands and gravel that are covered either thinly by soils or not at all. Contaminants could move easily and rapidly among the grains of sand and gravel in these aquifers.
Manitoba law does not prohibit establishing an agricultural operation or any industrial enterprise in a groundwater sensitive area. Unlike industrial enterprises, agricultural operations are exempt from licensing under the Environment Act. Instead, livestock production is regulated under the Environment Act through the Livestock Manure and Mortalities Management Regulation. The regulation imposes requirements for siting and constructing manure storage facilities and applying manure as fertilizer. (For further detail, see "Manitoba Regulations and Guidelines.")
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Material From "Common Ground" Government Report
Other Material and References