Montreal, April 11, 2019
TRANSMISSION BY EMAIL<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Mr. Benoit Charette, Minister <\/p>\n\n\n\n Minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Environment-Beach Program<\/a> aims to inform the public about the bacteriological quality of bathing water on a voluntary basis, which allows some to avoid any control. It has numerous flaws that endanger the safety of users who cannot access an adequate assessment of water quality. A Radio-Canada report broadcast in 2014 summarizes certain aspects of the case well. It is important to correct this situation which persists. We offer you pragmatic improvements.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Firstly, this Program is based solely on the results of bacteriological analyzes which, due to laboratory analysis delays, are systematically out of date by several days after taking the samples. The same goes for the reopening of beaches, the waters of which could potentially have become contaminated again during the analysis times! Second, the frequency of sampling only every 2 to 5 weeks adds to the danger. In fact, the ratings assigned (A, B, C or D) to the bacteriological quality of the water should never be considered valid at the time of the visit to the beach, because the analyzes are a few days old. However, the wording of the Environnement-Plage website indicates that the Program aims to \u201c\u00a0allow the population to enjoy these places, fully and peacefully<\/em>\u00a0". This wording induces a false sense of security<\/strong> and it should be revised <\/strong>to reflect the limitations of the Program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are now technologies that allow bacteriological analyzes to be carried out much more quickly than the current method, between 15 minutes and a few hours rather than the usual 24-72 hours. Unfortunately these are still not considered in the regulations. The authorities (INSPQ, DSP, MELCC) are slow to develop new approaches that would more effectively control the risk factors for swimming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of these would consist of following the recommendation proposed by Health Canada<\/a>, there USEPA<\/a>. and theWHO<\/a>, which requires operators to carry out a Environmental safety and health survey <\/em>avant chaque saison de baignade. De telles \u00e9valuations tiennent notamment compte de la pr\u00e9sence d\u2019ouvrages de surverses en amont, de l\u2019historique de la contamination, de la fr\u00e9quentation par des animaux, de la pr\u00e9sence ou non d\u2019un syst\u00e8me d\u2019alerte lors de surverses, etc. et permettraient\u00a0:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Such indicators additional<\/strong> should be introduced into the Environment-Beach Program in order to better assess risks and ensure safer monitoring for the public<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ministry of the Environment and the Fight against Climate Change
Marie-Guyart Building
675, boulevard Ren\u00e9-L\u00e9vesque Est, 30e<\/sup> floor
Quebec (Quebec) G1R 5V7<\/p>\n\n\n\nSubject: Environment-Beach Program<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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