WATERSHED AUTHORITY CHALLENGES FEDERAL ORDER

On May 10, 2010, Environment Canada served an Inspector's Direction under the Federal Fisheries Act to Saskatchewan Watershed Authority, requiring the Authority to block the flow of saline water from Houghton Lake into Lenore Lake in order to protect fish in Lenore Lake.

"The Watershed Authority has complied with this legal order from the Government of Canada, but we believe that the order holds a number of implications that can impact our ability, and our right, to manage our own water," Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Watershed Authority Nancy Heppner said. "Therefore, the Watershed Authority will challenge this directive in Federal Court."

Water management is constitutionally a provincial responsibility. The Watershed Authority is challenging the federal order on its constitutionality, on the interpretation of the Fisheries Act and on other facts in the matter.

The Watershed Authority operates under the principles of integrated water management, which means taking a broad view and considering multiple issues when making decisions. This approach is not reflected in the federal directive, in which no consideration is given to related issues such as upstream flooding or cost implications. If the challenge is successful, the Watershed Authority will recommend the best actions to protect the fish at Lenore Lake, while also addressing related issues.

The Watershed Authority will continue to work with municipalities in the watershed through the Lake Lenore Planning Committee, to find a long-term solution to water management issues.

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For more information, contact:

Wayne Dybvig
Saskatchewan Watershed Authority
Moose Jaw
Phone: 306-694-3950
Email: wayne.dybvig@swa.ca