Siltation investigation update

By Geoffrey Agombar

Spectator

NovaNewsNow.com

A Department of Environment (DoE) investigation into a siltation event on a small tributary to the Annapolis River in late-November has been completed, but not all findings can be made public at this date.

As previously reported, the event occurred during a period of snow and rainfall on a waterway where construction was being conducted to repair damage to a culvert and section of the trail between Paradise and Lawrencetown.

Bruce Nunn, DoE spokesperson, reports that the DoE investigation found no evidence of long-term environmental impact on the watercourse, that short-term response by DoE and DFO inspectors required the installation of siltation barriers, and that these barriers will remain in place until the Spring when a new, larger culvert will have to be installed.

Nunn hesitated to comment in further detail, but admitted that inspectors responding to the initial complaint were “surprised” to see how much work was underway because, although the certified individual overseeing the construction had applied for approval, it would appear that this approval had not yet been received. Whether this means the permits had been issued but were in the mail, or had yet to be issued is unclear at this time.

Nunn could offer no further information as to possible warnings or reprimands without first receiving confirmation that the inspector in charge of the file had met with the individual in charge of the construction to discuss the investigation’s conclusions.

Bruce Carter at the Department of Natural Resources confirms that DNR had requested that the Annapolis Valley Trails Coalition conduct repairs on the trail at that location.

Carter says that, contrary to some reports, no group has been issued a letter of authority. “The trail is crown land and will remain crown land,” he says.

While the issue of nature of trail use has been a source of contention in Paradise, Carter hoped that residents would recognize that DNR’s involvement is governed by two principles: public safety and environmental protection.

Carter stresses that "DNR wants to work with community members, and in so doing protect the environment as well.”

Steven Hawboldt of the Clean Annapolis River Project questions whether DoE responded quickly enough to the initial complaint of siltation, and is curious whether DNR did or should have requested tenders before authorizing repairs.

With respect to permits, Hawboldt underlines that work should not begin until all required permits are in hand. “As I understand it, the permit is supposed to be at the work site.”