“The nexus has not received the national research and policy attention that it deserves. The blueprint has brought together voices from both the energy and the water communities to outline what now needs to be done,” stated Mary Ann Dickinson.
Mayor Nutter explained that Philadelphia has developed a US $1.6 bllion plan to transform the city by 'peeling back' a lot of the city’s concrete and asphalt and replacing them with plants.
“The implications of this study regarding standards for development are truly sobering. Our touch must be as light as those builders who used to prepare land with hand tools,” states Tom Holz.
The Council envisions that the Alberta Water Authority would report to the Environment Minister, but would have clear and independent governance, sanctioned by statute. It would be funded through a regulated levy on water allocation. It would provide input into policy development, and serve as the single entity with oversight for water management.
“The bill is based on applying a standard that is already required for the construction of federal buildings – which requires maintaining a site as natural as possible to keep water from leaving the site – to federally funded highway and road projects. Projects must include technologies to infiltrate and manage stormwater onsite so that runoff pollution to local streams, rivers, and drinking water supplies doesn’t increase after construction,” says Stacey Detwiler.
“Across the country, governments, decision makers, civil society, and people from across sectors are realizing the critical importance of clean, accessible fresh water, and the need for innovative solutions to the governance challenges facing this vital resource,” states Oliver Brandes.
Water in Canada, a Resource in Crisis – by Hanneke Brooymans
The quantity and quality of Canada's freshwater resources are diminishing at an alarming rate. Environmental journalist Hanneke Brooymans examines the effects of human activities on Canada's water, and presents a thought-provoking analysis of water issues.
“Premiers across Canada endorsed the Council of Federation Water Charter in August 2010. Commitment #7 is to make a World Water Day 2011 a national event,” reports Stephanie Lepsoe, BC lead for Canada Water Week.
Fresh Coast Green Solutions – cover (475p)
Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District
Milwaukee will continue to build grey infrastructure and consider ways to reduce inflow and infiltration throughout the entire system as well as to consider widespread implementation of green infrastructure.
“Struvite clogs wastewater pipes. Yet it also provides a sustainable source for the vital nutrient phosphorus as mined reserves are depleted,” says Don Mavinic.
