Dear Readers and Supporters,
At Concerns About Wind Energy (CAWE), we believe that the health, safety, and voices of our community must come first. That’s why we’ve taken action to oppose the Town of Marystown’s proposal to rezone Linton Lake from 'Protected Water Supply' to 'Industrial' as part of the Burin Peninsula EverWind Green Fuels Project.
This rezoning proposal poses significant threats to our environment, public safety, and democratic rights. On November 28, 2024, we officially submitted a detailed response to the Town of Marystown outlining the critical reasons why this proposal must be halted.
What’s at Stake?
Rezoning Linton Lake for industrial use endangers the long-term safety of our drinking water, puts Marystown residents at risk due to inadequate emergency infrastructure, and ignores widespread public opposition. Here are the key points from our letter:
1️⃣ Protecting Our Water: Rezoning compromises the town’s critical water supply, with risks of contamination and ecological damage that cannot be reversed.
2️⃣ Public Health and Safety: Hydrogen and ammonia production come with severe risks, such as explosions, toxic spills, and environmental hazards, which Marystown is ill-equipped to manage.
3️⃣ Ignoring Public Voices: Over 5,000 residents have voiced their concerns through petitions, protests, and forums, but their input has been dismissed.
4️⃣ Environmental and Economic Risks: The proposal endangers local fisheries, tourism, and the natural beauty that supports our economy.
5️⃣ An Experimental Gamble: Marystown would serve as a test site for green hydrogen technology with no precedent for safety or success in similar rural settings.
Our Request to the Town of Marystown
In our letter, we call on the Town to:
Halt Rezoning Efforts until independent studies and meaningful community consultations are conducted.
Preserve Linton Lake’s Protected Status to ensure water security for generations to come.
Engage with the Community transparently and fairly, addressing concerns and valuing public input.
Read Our Full Response
We’ve shared the full letter of our response for transparency, which you can read here 👉
DID YOU KNOW?
In the Town of Marystown’s Integrated Community Sustainability Municipal Plan (2017–2027), the protection of natural treasures such as Linton Lake was a priority. Linton Lake was also designated as a "Protected Water Supply" to maintain its ecological integrity and provide the town’s main water supply. The name fit the plan’s sustainability targets of ecological protection, public health, and sustainable economic development.
If Linton Lake is relegated from protected to industrial use, we would face significant water pollution, environmental degradation and health impacts. Industry may pollute, destroy vegetation and animals, and alter ecosystems. That would be against the stated purpose of the plan to ensure safe water, fewer greenhouse gas emissions and regional sustainability in the long term.
Maintaining such spaces as Linton Lake not only maintains environmental and public health requirements, but also ensures that citizens believe the municipality’s commitment to sustainable development. The scheme made the point that these are needed so that growth does not threaten critical resources and local well-being.
The shift would contradict the sustainability objectives set out in the plan, which prioritizes clean air, water, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. By preserving Linton Lake's status as a protected area, the town aligns its growth with its vision for sustainable development and long-term community well-being.
Permit Required
Of note, permission from the Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment Water Resource Management Division is required to 'Alter A Body of Water'.
Why Your Voice Matters
This is not just about Linton Lake—it’s about protecting our shared future. Decisions of this magnitude must prioritize people over profits and consider the long-term well-being of our community and environment.
We encourage you to share this post, engage with local leaders, and continue to stand with us in advocating for responsible and sustainable development.
Thank you for your continued support. Together, we can ensure that the values and voices of our community are heard.
🌱 Lisa Kearney
Community Advocate
Concerns About Wind Energy (CAWE)
💬 Share your thoughts and comments below, and let us know how you’re getting involved in the fight to protect Linton Lake!
#strongerTogether #SaveLintonLake #CommunityAction #CAWE #Marystown #SustainableFuture #BurinPeninsula
References
Town of Marystown Integrated Community Sustainability Municipal Plan
Permit To Alter A Body of Water, https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/files/waterres-permits-water-alt-infilling-2018-r-alt9638-2018.pdf
Government of NL, Water Resources Act - An Act Respecting The Control and Management of Water Resources in the Province, 2002, https://www.assembly.nl.ca/legislation/sr/statutes/w04-01.htm
Guide To the Water Resources Act, Government of NL, Department of Environment, 2002, https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/files/pdf-guide-water-resources-act.pdf
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