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The Rural Voice, 2005-02, Page 19Plans and other projects early enough to allow improvements to be made in an orderly and cost-effective manner." It adds that federal and local funding sources should be used to provide additional financial assistance. The worry for farmers in these times of BSE and low crop prices, of course, is where a farmer is supposed to find his share of a cost - share program. Even before farmers find out what source protection might cost them, the public bill for the process will be huge. The committee's report estimates it will cost $1,000 to $1,500 per square kilometer of watershed area to develop a plan — $6.5 to $10 million for an average watershed. As for implementation costs, the committee looked at the cost of implementing source protection under the Niagara Water Quality Protection strategy which cost $12.4 million per year for that one area. One thing is certain, source water protection will give new relevance, and new funding to Conservation Authorities. As the primary agencies of implementation of the program they'll have greater importance than at any time since their budgets were slashed by the Mike Harris government nearly a decade ago. But the committee's report doesn't forecast any blank cheques being handed out by the province. While it does say the province should provide some funding, it also suggests funding through increased water and sewage charges for urbanites, new water taking charges and pollution charges. The report notes the average Ontario home pays about $45 a month for water and sewage services. low in comparison to other countries and even other provinces. Water taking charges would be assessed to those taking water for commercial basis within a watershed. The committee also recommended a "pollution charge" as a funding tool for the program. It noted this charge would achieve several goals: providing incentives to modify behaviour in emissions; ensure that polluters internalize the costs associated with their impact on the environment and off setting some of the costs associated with READY TO LAY PULLETS WHITE & BROWN EGG LAYERS FISHER POULTRY FARM INC. AYTON. ONT NOG 1C0 519-665-7711 Nutrient Management Act Compliance with the Legislation in 2005? Update an NMP for municipal regulation? Nutrient Management Plan for a new project? Call Soil Solutions Plus 519-482-5740 or 519-525-1288 www.soil-solutions-plus. com FEBRUARY 2005 15 OWYour Farm - Voice in Ontario Support farming Support your business Support your farm family Make your dollars work for you! Vi CHECK AND STAY WITH ©Fifi The County Federations in Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth appreciate your support FEBRUARY 2005 15