New rules strengthen water conservation rules – The Royal Gazette

Created: 21 Sep 2024 03:00 PM

Explosion barriers in Hamilton Harbour after the spill (archive photo)

Yesterday, the House of Assembly approved legislation aimed at tightening water conservation policies.

Walter Roban, Minister of Home Affairs, said the Water Resources Amendment Act 2024 introduces a set of new measures to protect the island’s oceans and groundwater.

He noted that the Water Resources Act 1975 was written almost 50 years ago, stating: “There was a need for this type of update so that we have a modern framework to manage today’s issues.

“Water issues, from a global perspective, have become more serious, and sensitivity to issues of access to water, its purity and safety in the vicinity has now become crucial.

“Our island, in particular, has a long history of water stewardship. We are fortunate to have access to the water lenses that exist in our natural environment, and caring for and protecting this water source is vital to Bermuda.”

Under the regulations, the responsible minister will be able to issue cease-and-desist orders, which may include containment and remediation requirements requiring the clean-up, treatment and monitoring of waters or public areas.

The legislation would also make it a criminal offence to fail to report a pollution incident and strengthen the powers of law enforcement agencies when such an incident occurs.

Mr Roban said he had invited the public to give their views during a three-week consultation, which included soliciting suggestions from environmental groups and holding meetings with stakeholders.

“Clean water is fundamental to public health and the sustainability of our natural ecosystem,” he said.

“Ensuring the purity of this essential resource protects the health of our community, our island’s economy and preserves Bermuda’s natural beauty for future generations.

“Monitoring groundwater quality and the condition of freshwater lenses is crucial to managing the island’s water resources.”

Scott Pearman said One Bermuda Alliance supports the amendments.

However, he asked what resources were available for enforcement and whether additional funds would be allocated.

Mr Pearman also noted that in other jurisdictions a 12-week consultation period is considered best practice.

He asked the Minister if he would consider longer consultations on future amendments.

Mr Roban responded that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources receives between ten and 25 spill reports a year and intends to assess staffing and resourcing levels, taking into account new regulations and evolving technology.

He added that the Government had carried out an “exhaustive” consultation on the legislation, given the small size of the island, noting that all those licensed under the amendments had been contacted and given the opportunity to provide feedback.

“There is a tendency to compare ourselves to jurisdictions that are much, much larger than Bermuda,” he said.

“They deal with tens of millions of people, tens of millions of operators, especially in the European Union and larger countries, so they need to have procedures in place to ensure the broadest possible level of consultation.

“We’re a small place with a limited number of users, a limited number of licenses, and a limited environment, so we can focus on the quality of the consultation, not the amount of time.”

When asked if the Government had consulted with the Bermuda Clean Air Coalition, Mr Roban said the group had been invited to take part in individual consultations but had not responded.

He added: “If they still wish to provide us with feedback on this bill, even after it has passed, we welcome them to do so and such feedback may be considered in the future.

“In order to draft this bill, every group that had an interest, not just those who would have some responsibility under the bill through licensing, but those who simply had a general interest, was given an opportunity to provide feedback.”