Residents question environmental impact assessment released for controversial Parlee campground

Residents along the Shediac Bay questionthe timing of an environmental impact assessment for a controversial Parlee Beach campground development,two days after the government announced preventative measures to avoid worsening water conditions in the area.

On Wednesday, the government announcedit will spend $3 million on Parlee Beach infrastructure and studies aimed at improving water quality.

The beach was also declared a"unique feature of the environment," which means developments that might have an impact on water quality trigger an automatic review by the Department of Environment and Local Government to see if an environmental impact assessment is necessary.

Last summer,fecalbacteria levels atParleeBeach were high enough on 45 days to pose a health risk to children and theelderly. Butbeachgoersand residents were only informed the water quality was poor on 28 days.

• Up to $3M announced to improveParleeBeach water quality
• 'A little Band-Aid': Residents want moratorium onShediacBay development
• 'Multiple sources' may be to blame for Parlee Beach water contamination

Timing is 'staggering'

NatashaBell, a resident ofCap-Peland a member of the Save Wetlands Waters and TourismCoalition,said she was aghastthat the assessment for the campground development was released only 48 hours after the government's announcement.

"Here we have an EIA registration document that has been ripe in the past with political alliances," she said. "I think the timing is just staggering."

The campgroundis controversial, in part becauseHealth Minister Victor Boudreau is one of seven investors trying to develop the site. But residents of the area are also concerned because the site sits on what they suspect to be wetland.

The assessment, which looked at various environmental and economic factors impactedby the construction of the campground and possible mitigations, did not include a physical wetland delineation.

On Wednesday,the governmentannounced that it will fund an independent wetlandsurvey forParleeBeach. Bell said the government returned a call with a member of her group on Friday confirming that twowetland delineations will take place on the site, oneindependent and one as part of the EIA.

A spokesperson for the Department of Environment and Local Government confirmed later that the site is within the area that will undergo wetland delineation.

Storm water run-offs another concern

Tim Borlase, who owns a home inPointe-du-Chneand is president ofa concerned citizens group called theRed Dot AssociationShediacBay,said the group also worries about storm water run-offs from the site.

The proposed campground is expected to offer 600 to 700 sites, as well as a pool and splash pad, playground and other recreational areas,a grocery store,a Laundromat and washroom facility.

The assessment said that sewage from the campground can be serviced by an existing sanitary sewer line thatconnectswith the city's sewer system. Since the project will be serviced by municipal water and sewer systems, the potential for release of sewage from the campground facility will diminish, the assessment said.

The project is also expected toinclude plans for grading and storm water management, so floodwaters can be collected until they can be safely discharged.

ButBorlasesaid there are other factors, such as oilfrom carsand dogfecesthat could run off from the site and affect water quality.

"It's going to go right into the sea," he said.

Borlase was also concerned about a walking trail to the north of the development. The assessment mentions the trail because it creates another barrier for storm water between the campground and adjoining wetland.

The trail, however, was built on wetlandin violation of the Clean Environment Act andis awaiting inspection by the Department of Environment, said Borlase.

• Walking trail built illegally on proposedShediaccampsite to be inspected

The next step

The EIA will now undergo a determination review aimed at "identifying and evaluatingthe environmental issues surrounding the proposed project," aspokesperson for the Department of Environment and Local Government wrote in an e-mail Friday.

The developer must also show that the public and other stakeholders affected by the project had the opportunity to become involved in reviewing the project, "and must indicate how the proponent has considered or addressed any resultant questions and concerns."

Following this process, the minister can either allow the development to proceed "subject to conditions imposed to protect the environment,"deny development, or ask for a more detailed review,the email said.

Residentsalong Shediac Bay, however, maintain that their preferred option remains a moratorium on developmentsuntil the source of the water contamination is determined.

"We are asking for things to just slow down, let's take a look at what we are doing," said Bell.