Decision Date: August 20, 2002

Panel: Alan Andison

Keywords:  Environment Management Act – s. 11(12)(a); participant status

Ms. Ridge applied, on behalf of the Fort Steele Residents (the “Residents”), for participant status in the above noted appeal. The Residents wished to make a short presentation at the appeal hearing for the purpose of providing information on the effects of the Appellant’s sewage lagoons on local surface and ground water.

The Board found that the permit amendments specifically mention ground and surface water.  Therefore, the Board found that, given the possibility of seepage from the lagoons and the irrigation spray program affecting surface and ground water sources used by the Residents, the Residents have a valid interest in the subject matter of the appeal.

The Board found that, while the Residents are not experts in environmental, sewage, or water quality issues, they may have evidence that is relevant to the appeal, given their local knowledge of surface and ground water. Therefore, the Board found that the information to be presented by the Residents may be of some assistance to the Board.

The Board concluded that the Residents’ participation in the appeal would benefit the Board, but limited their participation to a one hour presentation.

The Board granted the Residents’ application for participant status