BACKGROUND INFORMATION

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The GVWD is unique because the water distribution system overlies hundreds of small
streams which contribute significantly to the biodiversity of the province. Unlike other
cities currently using chloramine, the GVWD contains globally significant primary and
secondary fish resources. Given our unique aquatic environment, it is reasonable to
request that the GVRD be given a time extension to satisfy public concerns regarding
drinking water treatment.

“The entire issue of THIMs arising from the chiorination/chloramination is being
examined by the US EPA via the "REG NEG’ process, GVRD should wait until this
process is complete, and the new guidelines for DBPs have heen issued before
proceeding with either of these two options.” (BC Environment Comments on Stage
Il Environmental Impact Assessment of Proposed Secondary Disinfection of Drinking
Water. ")

Soil erosion caused by logging and road building degrades water quality by increasing
turbidity and organic matter. Rates of surface soil erosion are lower in forested
watersheds. Forests play a vital role in regulating the water quality and quantity in the
GVRD watersheds.

Trial tests clearly demonstrated the environmental dangers of chloramine. Chloramine
will severely degrade the environment; it is an unacceptable secondary disinfectant agent
for the GVWD service area. Chloramine has a longer persistence in receiving water and
poses a far greater environmental risk to fish, benthic invertebrates (future fish food) and
amphibians than ozone or chlorine. Losses to commercial and recreational fisheries, civil
action for the loss of income to the fishing industry, stringent monitoring of all
discharges entering the receiving environment, mitigation of industrial, municipal and
agricultural discharges and legislative penalties must be calculated in the cost of using
chloramine as a disinfectant.

Any implemented water treatment should reflect the GVRD's 1993, “Creating Our Future
Vision" mission statement which states, "Greater Vancouver can become the first urban
region in the world to combine in one place the things to which humanity aspires on a
global basis: a place where human activities enbance rather than degraded the
natural environment..."

A long range, “true cost" analysis of re-chlorination, filtration and biological filtration
using ozone must include the following costs for: initial and ongoing education of the
public, institutions and industry; dechlorination stations at all storm water outfails; and
close monitoring of the regions biodiversity.