WHEREAS Alberta Environment has announced that it will be initiating a two year program of mapping groundwater resources in central Alberta;AND WHEREAS groundwater resource mapping will provide essential data for future planning and development of Alberta to ensure that Alberta’s economy is supported without detrimentally affecting water quality or sustainability;AND WHEREAS while municipalities endorse this initiative, groundwater resource mapping should be undertaken for all of Alberta not only central Alberta.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties request that Alberta Environment undertake groundwater resource mapping for all of Alberta, and not only concentrate on central Alberta.

On March 6th, Alberta Environment announced that it would be initiating a two year program to map groundwater resources in Central Alberta.The County of Grande Prairie No. 1 strongly supports this initiative and sees the merit in obtaining data relating to groundwater. All future municipal development, whether it be industrial, commercial or residential is dependant upon water resources so knowing the quantities and quality of groundwater is essential to sustain growth.While there is underground mapping data available, much of it is outdated and does not provide an accurate accounting of Alberta’s water resources.Attached is a copy of the March 6th News Release.

Alberta Environment is investing in improved groundwater mapping, starting in the Ardley coal zone area, including the overlying Paskapoo Formation. This region was selected as a starting point based on planned future coalbed methane development and the increasing residential population in the area. This mapping project, however, is part of a larger groundwater mapping program for the entire province. Alberta Environment will continue to work to improve groundwater inventory for the province. The AAMDC will monitor the progress of this inventory to ensure it is a province-wide initiative.