Q-2 - Environment Quality Act

Section 31.90 Disposition versions

2011-09-01

31.90. No water withdrawn from the St. Lawrence River Basin may be transferred out of the Basin, except as set out below and in section 31.91.

This prohibition does not apply to water withdrawals, from the outset made for purposes of transfer out of the Basin, that were authorized before 1 September 2011 or, if not authorized, were lawfully commenced before that date. Unless it is increased under the conditions defined by sections 31.91 to 31.93, the quantity of water derived from such a withdrawal must not, however, exceed the quantity authorized at that date or, if there is no authorization or the authorization does not determine a maximum quantity, the capacity of the withdrawal system at that date.

Nor does this prohibition apply to water withdrawn

(1)  to be marketed for human consumption, if packaged within the Basin in containers of 20 litres or less;

(2)  to be used within the Basin in the manufacture, preservation or processing of products;

(3)  to supply vehicles, including vessels and aircraft, whether for the needs of persons or animals being transported or for ballast or other needs related to the operation of the vehicles; or

(4)  for humanitarian, civil protection or emergency-response purposes provided the withdrawal is temporary and non-recurrent.

2009, c. 21, s. 19.