December 18, 2003

City complies with court order to divert Jonathan Creek

Moncton – The City of Moncton has filed applications with various regulatory bodies to seek approvals for a plan for the diversion of Jonathan Creek. This action will be taken to create an attenuation zone to reduce leachate impact on Jonathan Creek, and will allow a natural wetland community to develop, which will provide natural attenuation of ammonia in the leachate. Ammonia is the primary substance in the leachate that is toxic to fish.

“Our primary interest is to protect the environment, and to comply with the court order issued in September”, says Geoff Greenough, Commissioner of Engineering and Public Works for the City of Moncton.

“On October 16, 2003, we met with representatives from the federal and provincial regulatory agencies involved to discuss the best way to go forward”, adds Greenough. “As a follow-up to this meeting, and in compliance with the court order, we have now filed applications to obtain the permits and authorizations required for the implementation of the diversion plan. We look forward to working collaboratively with all appropriate agencies to divert Jonathan Creek and to improve the environment.”

The City, along with consultants Jacques Whitford Environment Limited, has prepared the plan outlining the proposed diversion of Jonathan Creek, and intends to comply with the order as soon as the plan is approved. The City will also continue to monitor leachate from the former Moncton landfill and will continue to take steps to improve the attenuation capacity of the marsh surrounding the landfill site.

The following agencies will receive applications pursuant to the regulations and acts as follows:
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada
o Authorization for Works or Undertakings Affecting Fish Habitat under the Fisheries Act
- New Brunswick Department of Environment and Local Government
o Registration under the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation pursuant to the Clean Environment Act
o Watercourse and Wetland Alteration Permit under the Clean Water Act.
- New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources
o Coastal Land Use Application under the Crown Land and Forest Act
o License of Occupation under the Crown Land and Forests Act
o Quarry Permit under the Quarriable Substances Act.

“With the ongoing Environmental Impact Assessment underway for the modifications to the Petitcodiac River Causeway Project, we look forward to a comprehensive solution for the Petitcodiac River and its tributaries, including Jonathan Creek. As this process continues, we will work hand in hand with all appropriate authorities to ensure that the diversion of Jonathan Creek is part of the overall solution for the Petitcodiac River,” said Mayor Brian Murphy.

Copies of the applications have also been sent to the New Brunswick Department of Supply and Services, who are managing the Environmental Impact Assessment for the Petitcodiac Causeway Modifications Project.

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Contacts:

Geoff Greenough
Commissioner of Engineering and Public Works
City of Moncton
(506) 853-3433

Steven MacKinnon
Director, Corporate Communications
City of Moncton
(506) 853-3592

Note: To obtain a copy of the plan for the diversion of Jonathan Creek, please contact Nicole Poirier at 853-3432.