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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1994-06-01, Page 12PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1994. Water pollution reduction grants available Hundreds of area farmers have been doing their part to improve water quality in the Maitland River. Over the past two years about 400 projects designed to reduce bacteria and phosphorus pollution have been completed by landowners with the financial assistance of the CURB (Clean Up Rural Beaches) Program. Under the program, grants are available to construct manure storages, to fence livestock out of watercourses, to install milkhouse washwater disposal systems, and to repair private septic systems. "Farmers and homeowners who are interested in taking advantage of grant assistance in 1994 should apply now" said Anne Loeffler, Maitland Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) water quality technician. Application forms and further information are available by calling the MVCA at 335-3557. The CURB Program is designed to help clean up sources of bacteria and phosphorus pollution that affect water quality in the Maitland, Nine Mile and Eighteen Mile Rivers. This voluntary program is funded by the Ministry of the Environment and Energy and the MVCA. Financial assistance is limited to applicants who are polluting surface waters. Proposed projects with the greatest potential reducing pollution will considered first for funding. The CURB Program offers 50 per cent grants up to $2,000 to repair or replace a septic system that is polluting a watercourse. Farmers can receive a 75 per cent grant up to a total of $10,000 to pay for costs of fencing livestock out of watercourses. Grants are also available for the construction of a crossing and an alternate water source as part of a fencing project. Manure storages are eligible for a 50 per cent grant up to $12,000. The grant for milkhouse washwater disposal systems is 50 per cent, with a maximum grant of $5,000. The presence of bacterial water pollution does not change the appearance of water, but it docs pose an immediate health hazard if the water is used for drinking or swimming. Waterborne infections include stomach flu and diarrhea. Eye, ear and throat infections car, also occur. Cattle watering in the river can also be infected with disease-causing organisms from upstream herds. MCVA tree planting a success b««t tot 'if Optimist Creed W- Yourself ywwr f<eac« "tot ■spStoSy to «wry ptstSSft kJ aira is szx'-wtosjng tri thdto. -ng and make y y.- ctom as yr® aal arid pitos. on to des syossts?' « al ail brm® andtossdst? >«««* ACT n nobte tor opnwsi The Maitland Valley Conser­ vation Authority (MVCA) has successfully completed its 24th year of spring tree planting operations. About 75,000 trees and shrubs were planted or supplied to landowners, community groups, schools and municipalities. "More people are becoming aware of the value of trees to the environment" said Dave Grummett, MVCA director of operations. Forests conserve water, prevent soil erosion, reduce water pollution and flooding, and even moderate the climate. Taken in total, forests and wetlands dramatically improve the health of the environment. The MVCA offers several reforestation services. Seedling trees and planting services are available for the reforestation of larger acreages and windbreaks through the Reforestation Assistance Service. This service is available through the Roadside and Windbreak Tree Service. A variety of hardwood trees about six feet high and conifers about two to three feet high are available. A minimum of 50 trees must be ordered. About 70,000 trees were planted for landowners through the Reforestation Assistance Service this spring. Through the Roadside and Windbreak Service about 3,200 larger trees were supplied to municipalities, private landowners, schools and community groups. Two community planting projects are also underway. Through the Wingham Ecological Park and Lucknow Greenway Projects, trees and shrubs are being planted along rivers in these communities. About 1,000 trees and shrubs have been planted with the volunteer help of citizens, community groups and school classes. Continued on page 19 Now an Optimist George Langlois of Brussels, left, the Lieutenant Governor of Zone 2 Optimists' newest member, Brian Wiersma, while his sponsor Murray Siertsema, right, looks on at a special evening on Friday at the United Church. welcomes the Blyth Visit our newly redecorated Come to the Rutabaga Festival Parade Saturday, June 25,1994 starting at Hubbard's Rutabaga Plant at 11 a.m. Lots more accessories Computers Radio Shack departme Ghetto Blasters After sale $1799.00 Phones Fax Machines Cameras Technics Stereos Special Compaq Introductory Offer Integrated % sponsored by many local groups and businesses Entry forms available from Brenda Burkholder 523-9541 IBM, COMPAQ & AST COMPUTERS Presario 433 $1599.00 Sale ends June 30,1994 Oldfield’s Pro Hardware & Radio Shack Brussels Radio /hack 887-6851