First Nation Water and Wastewater A National Perspective

Transcription

1 First Nation Water and Wastewater A National Perspective JOINT GATHERING BC First Nations and Government Planning and Workshops Event February 7 th 10 th, 2012

2 Purpose To provide a brief update on action taken to date by AANDC in response to key findings from the National Assessment of First Nations Water and Wastewater Systems; To discuss options and strategies for moving forward with BC First Nations strategic water and wastewater investments; and, Seek feedback from the delegates on how best to enhance program effectiveness and efficiencies through the use of breakout sessions and specific questions for discussion. 2

3 Safe Drinking Water for First Nations This Government believes that First Nations should expect, as do all Canadians, safe, clean drinking water and the effective treatment of wastewater. This is an important health and safety issue. The Government is committed to helping First Nations ensure that First Nation communities have access to water and wastewater systems comparable to those found in off reserve communities of similar size. Between 2006 and 2013, the Government of Canada will have invested approximately $2.5 billion in water and wastewater infrastructure in First Nation communities. 3

4 Government of Canada supports First Nations in delivering water and wastewater services Off reserve, provincial and municipal governments provide community water and wastewater services, funded through taxes and service charges. Provinces regulate water and wastewater safety and enforce compliance with regulations. On reserve, the Government of Canada supports First Nations delivery of community water and wastewater services as a matter of social policy. The Government has recognized the significant need for access to safe drinking water and for infrastructure investments on and off reserves in consecutive Throne Speeches and Budgets. On July 14, 2011, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada released the results of the National Assessment of Water and Wastewater Systems in First Nation Communities. This study is the most rigorous and comprehensive evaluation of water and wastewater systems on reserve ever undertaken by a federal government. 4

5 Water & Wastewater - Government of Canada Roles and Responsibilities Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) Funding and assistance for design, construction, operation and maintenance of water and wastewater facilities. Sets standards through protocols (which have limited tools for compliance). Develops regulations to create enforceable standards. Funding for training staff such as water treatment plant operators. Review of designs in collaboration with HC and EC. Health Canada Drinking water quality monitoring programs. National guidelines for drinking water quality (both on and off reserve). Environment Canada Regulates treatment of wastewater discharged to receiving waters; Advice and technical expertise on source water protection and sustainable water use 5

6 Water & Wastewater - First Nations Roles and Responsibilities First Nations Owners/Operators As owner and operator of the water and wastewater systems on-reserve, the First Nation communities maintain the daily responsibility of ensuring the community has access to safe and reliable water and wastewater systems. Communities are responsible for: Designing, constructing, maintaining, and operating systems in accordance with established protocols and standards; Sampling, testing, reporting, continuously monitoring water quality; Safe treatment and disposal of wastewater and sampling, testing and reporting of wastewater effluent quality; and, Employment of system operators, purchase system supplies, maintain infrastructure etc. to ensure quality water and wastewater systems. 6

7 National Assessment Results in BC The National Assessment surveyed the water and wastewater systems of 188 First Nations in BC. Of the 290 water systems inspected: 154 are categorized as high overall risk, 52 as medium overall risk and 84 as low overall risk. Of the 153 wastewater systems inspected, 8 are categorized as high overall risk, 69 as medium overall risk and 76 systems are categorized as low risk. Risk assessments are a measurement of system management risk, not water safety. The overall system rank is calculated using a weighted value for each of the five elements assessed as follows: water source / wastewater effluent receiver (10 per cent) systems design (30 per cent) operation and maintenance (30 per cent) the level of training and certification of its operator (20 per cent) reporting and record keeping (10 per cent) 60% of the risk score of the high risk systems is associated with operation, certification, record-keeping and reporting. 7

8 AANDC response to National Assessment AANDC identified four priority areas for action: 1. Enhance capacity building for operators and training to ensure the proper operation and maintenance of the systems. 2. Upgrade existing systems so they meet AANDC standards. 3. Address unserviced homes and community building wells. 4. Proceed with the development of regulations. Of these, capacity building and upgrade existing systems to meet standards have been identified as the top priorities for British Columbia. 8

9 Enhance Capacity Building: Circuit Rider Training Program (CRTP) A new set of guidelines is being developed to provide clear procedures that will facilitate the successful administration of CRTP nationally. Improvements to the CRTP: Improve program consistency across the country; Clarify performance standards for CRTs; Ensure appropriate number of visits to First Nation communities; and Ensure CRTs have minimum qualifications. These activities should build capacity and provide support for operating and maintaining systems. 9

10 Next Steps The department is committed to continued collaboration with First Nations and with AANDC Regional Offices to address the 4 priorities identified in the National Assessment. Further comments or questions on the national water and wastewater policy and programs can be provided to David Smith, Acting Director of Program Design and Regional Partnerships, Community Infrastructure Branch, AANDC, at David.Smith@aadnc-aandc.gc.ca 10