An environmental organization is urging lawmakers in New Brunswick to revise clean water laws to require a watercourse permit for commercial activities in all wetlands. The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society’s New Brunswick chapter proposed this change during an ongoing review of the province’s environmental regulations. Currently, while most wetland projects mandate a watercourse and wetland alteration permit, peatlands are exempt from this requirement, noted the organization’s executive director, Roberta Clowater. Clowater emphasized the necessity of subjecting projects impacting two or more hectares of wetlands to environmental impact assessment regulations and advocated for a permit mandate. Peatlands, which encompass bog areas formed over centuries through vegetation decomposition, are prevalent in New Brunswick, particularly in the northeast region.
The province’s peatlands support a significant industry, with the New Brunswick Peat Producers Association reporting around 2,000 employees and an annual revenue of $250 million as of 2023. However, Clowater stressed the importance of peatlands in carbon storage and climate mitigation efforts. She highlighted that peat bogs store substantial amounts of carbon per hectare compared to other natural habitats in the province, emphasizing the role of intact peatlands in combating climate change.
Moreover, peat bogs’ moist environment aids in preventing wildfires from spreading. Environment Minister Gilles LePage expressed uncertainty regarding the exclusion of peatlands from permit requirements for other wetlands. He acknowledged the need to examine the issue comprehensively, especially in light of current drought conditions, emphasizing the importance of water conservation.
Green Party MLA Megan Mitton, who grew up around peatlands in Tantramar, described their unique characteristics, noting their squishy texture and sparse tree cover due to the lack of soil. She emphasized the intrinsic value of peatlands to New Brunswickers and advocated for laws that reflect their significance.