The Region of Durham has initiated a Schedule B Class Environmental Assessment to plan for additional water storage and pumping capacity to service the Newcastle Urban Area.
Why is this study being undertaken?
The municipal water supply to the Newcastle service area (shown on the Notice of Study Commencement) is currently provided by a single pressure zone (PZ1) with one boosted area. The in-ground reservoir that provides storage for PZ1 does not provide sufficient servicing for the existing population and forecasted growth in the Newcastle Urban Area expected to 2031.
As such, a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) study is being undertaken to identify an environmentally sound and sustainable solution that provides:
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A new pumping station to establish a new pressure zone (PZ2).
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Additional storage for the existing PZ1.
What will the study involve?
This study will be completed in accordance with the planning and design process for ‘Schedule B’ projects as outlined in the Municipal Class EA document (as amended in 2007, 2011 and 2015) which is approved under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. As part of this study, a series of alternative solutions will be developed and evaluated against a broad range of criteria, potential effects to the environment will be assessed, a recommended solution will be determined, and reasonable measures to reduce or avoid adverse effects to the environment will be identified. In addition, a Project File report will be filed for public review and will document the planning and decision-making process.
How can I provide comments?
Consultation is a key component of the Municipal Class EA process, and your participation throughout the study is encouraged. A Public Information Centre (PIC) will be held to present and obtain your feedback on study information, including the problems and opportunities, the evaluation of alternative solutions, and the recommended solution. Notification of the PIC will be published in local newspapers, posted to the Region’s website, and issued to those who have expressed an interested in this study.
Project Update January 29, 2020:
The public information centre (PIC) was held on April 9, 2019 at the Newcastle Community Hall from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The PIC was an open house format with boards and handouts available at the event. Members of the Project Team were on hand to answer questions. The boards and comment forms will be available to those who are interested but not able to attend, by calling or sending an email to the Project Manager. The Project Team is currently responding to comments provided follwoing the PIC. Additional project updates will be posted to this website as they become available.
Questions: Should you have any questions or comments, please contact
the following staff member from the Regional Municipality of Durham Works Department.
Michael Harris, P.Eng.,
Project Manager
905-668-7711 or 1-800-372-1102 extension 3458
michael.harris@durham.ca