February 12, 2002

The Commission's review and comments on the Stage 2 Bay of Quinte RAP reflect an assessment of the document submitted in relation to the five Stage 2 requirements outlined in the introduction , consideration of the implementation of an ecosystem approach to the restoration and protection of beneficial uses, and an assessment of adequacy of public consultation.

Have in-place remedial measures been evaluated?

Detailed information is presented in regard to habitat, nutrient enrichment, bacterial contamination, and toxic substances in-place remediation efforts. This information provides a satisfactory evaluation of remediation efforts to date.

Have alternative additional measures to restore beneficial uses been evaluated?

Potential remedial measures are enumerated and evaluated for problems related to habitat, nutrient enrichment, bacterial contamination and toxic substances. Based on these evaluations, the Bay of Quinte Remedial Action Plan Coordinating Committee and the Public Advisory Committee formulated a set of 80 cleanup and pollution prevention recommendations. In 1997, the Bay of Quinte RAP Restoration Council (Restoration Council) was formed to guide implementation and improve local leadership.

Have additional remedial measures to restore beneficial uses been selected?

The Stage 2 document contains 80 recommended actions. The Implementation Annex for the Bay of Quinte Stage 2 RAP provides details in regard to these 80 recommendations that were first outlined in the Stage 2 RAP.

Has a schedule for implementation been adopted and have persons and agencies responsible for implementation of remedial measures been identified?

The Stage 2 RAP outlined a proposed implementation schedule as appropriate for the recommended actions. The Implementation Annex does not provide a schedule for implementing the recommendations nor does it prioritize between the various recommendations. However, this issue does not appear to have hindered the implementation efforts in the AOC. Responsible entities are clearly described in both documents.

Has an ecosystem approach been taken to the restoration and protection of beneficial uses?

The second recommendation of the Stage 2 RAP addresses the need to adopt an ecosystem approach in future activities within the Bay of Quinte watershed. The adoption of an ecosystem approach has been clearly evident throughout the RAP process. In particular, the RAP’s comprehensive handling of non-point source pollution issues in relation to their impact on the Bay is notable.

Was the public consulted adequately?

Appendix 3 of the document contains an extensive chronology of public stakeholder involvement in the RAP process. This documentation provides conclusive evidence of the adequacy of the effort devoted to public consultation. In particular, the 450 page Bay of Quinte RAP Environmental Education Kit is a notable product for use in the school system.

Conclusion

A long-term dedication to the implementation recommendations outlined in the Stage 2 RAP is apparent. Public consultation efforts and environmental education activities have been particularly impressive. The Commission notes the evolution of a structure that is well designed to support implementation efforts and it looks forward to following progress of the Restoration Council and Quinte Conservation, a working agreement of three conservation authories.