September 3rd, 2021 - Minister Crossman's Response to the Cyanobacteria Bloom in Darlings Lake

Minister Crossman's Response in regard to the Cyanobacteria Bloom in Darlings Lake: "Thank you for your email of August 9, 2021, in which you expressed concerns regarding cyanobacteria in the Darlings Lake area and requested information about the Hampton wastewater treatment system and the Livestock Operational Act. The Department of Environment and Local Government has long-term monitoring stations on the Kennebecasis and Hammond Rivers. Nutrients, among other water quality parameters, are monitored four times per year between May and November. This information can be found online at https://www.elgegl.gnb.ca/.../en/SamplingLocation/Index.... In addition, the local watershed groups including the Kennebecasis Watershed Restoration Committee and Hammond River Angling Association, have numerous monitoring stations within each of their respective watersheds. The department has provided these groups with funding from the Environmental Trust Fund and as part of their efforts over the years the groups have been working with local landowners, such as farmers, to restore their riparian zones which will in turn reduce the amount of nutrient containing runoff from entering near by watersheds. We are actively planning additional monitoring in the Darlings Lake area which will take place into the fall season to help us better understand the current state of water quality in watercourses and waterbodies in the area. This information, along with historic water quality data from the 1990’s when cyanobacteria were first reported in the area, will help the department further understand trends as well as potential sources of nutrients. The Hampton wastewater treatment plant consists of an aerated lagoon, a polishing pond, and an ultra-violet (UV) system to disinfect the final effluent. The operation of the plant must comply with an Approval to Operate as issued by this Department (Approval Number S-3074). The Approval outlines conditions to which the facility must adhere, including regular monitoring and testing, requirements for operator certification, record keeping and reporting. In 2016, an Environmental Risk Assessment was completed for the Hampton wastewater treatment plant in accordance with the Canada-Wide Strategy for Municipal Wastewater Effluent. This assessment was a detailed review of the Hampton wastewater treatment system and surrounding receiving environment to assess current performance and to identify areas for improvement to meet potential future effluent discharge objectives (EDOs). Please contact the Town of Hampton to request a copy of this document. The Hampton wastewater treatment plant has consistently met the National Performance Standards set in the federal Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations and the requirements of its Approval to Operate. In addition, the Town of Hampton and has been working toward achieving the future EDOs as set in the 2016 Environmental Risk Assessment. As for your questions on the Livestock Operations Act and spreading of manure, please contact the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries (DAAF) as they are responsible for this legislation. If you have any further questions regarding the wastewater treatment system for Hampton, please contact Mr. Barry Leger in the Authorizations Branch by email at Barry.Leger@gnb.ca or by phone at (506) 643-6849. Sincerely, Hon. | L’hon. Gary Crossman Minister | ministre MLA | deputé - Hampton Environment and Climate Change | l’Environnement et du Changement climatique Regional Development Corporation | Société de développement régional (506) 460-6602 | gary.crossman@gnb.ca