The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) is inviting municipalities and key stakeholders to provide input on a Canada-wide municipal wastewater effluent management strategy during a provincial consultation process that begins Friday in St. John�s.

"The objective of these consultation sessions is to present the options identified in the national strategy for information and discussion with key stakeholders," said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Environment and Conservation. "I encourage municipalities and other interested stakeholders to attend as this will be your opportunity to seek clarification, ask questions and provide input on the strategy options."

The consultation process is part of a national plan under the leadership of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME), and Newfoundland and Labrador is an active participant in this initiative. The strategy is intended to establish performance standards to protect bodies of water, to harmonize regulatory requirements across the country, and to propose sustainable funding mechanisms for its implementation.

The minister noted that the sessions are open to municipalities as well as system operators, environmental organizations, Aboriginal communities, and other interested members of the public who want to provide input on key elements of the strategy.

"This is our opportunity as a province to provide input on a national initiative and strategy on how to best protect our natural water bodies and our environment," said Minister Jackman.

Consultation sessions have been scheduled for 10 communities including

St. John�s, Grand Falls-Windsor, Gander, Marystown, St. Anthony, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador City-Wabush, Corner Brook, Stephenville and Clarenville. Feedback from the sessions will be used to complete the development of the final strategy. Stakeholders have until February 16, 2007 to provide final written comment.

Consultation materials and supporting documents can be found on the CCME web site //www.ccme.ca/ourwork/water.html?category_id=81. These items will also be available at the sessions.

If you are interested in attending or would like more information, please contact Deneen Spracklin at 709-729-7634 or e-mail dspracklin@gov.nl.ca.

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