Your Trusted Partner in Water-Taking Permits
If your facility is planning to pump surface or ground water in excess of 50,000 L/day, you will likely need to apply for a Permit To Take Water (PTTW) before the water taking can begin.
Some water takings may be covered under an Environmental Activity Sector Registry (EASR), rather than a PTTW. An EASR is quicker to implement and generally less expensive than an PTTW.
Visit our EASR page to learn more and if your project may qualify for an EASR, or speak with one of our environmental experts.
Typical PTTW Timelines
You should apply for an PTTW if your proposed activity will take more than 50,000 L/day and is not able to be covered by an EASR.
AEL Environment is here to help you understand your responsibilities and provide guidance throughout the PTTW application process. With 25+ years of environmental consulting experience, we aim to simplify the complexities of the PTTW process and support you in achieving full environmental compliance.
What is a PTTW?
An PTTW is permit from Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) authorizing a specific rate of water taking from a specific source or group of sources (i.e., surface water body, groundwater aquifer, etc).
Commercial and industrial businesses operations that require significant amounts of water for cooling, process water, irrigation, production of items containing or incorporating water, etc. will likely require a PTTW prior to starting operations.
A PTTW differs from an Environmental Activity and Sector Registry (EASR), as an PTTW is intended for complex, ongoing, or high volume operations with more significant potential for environmental impact than an EASR, and takes substantially longer due MECP review and approval. Both PTTWs and EASRs require annual reporting for water taking volumes.
Types of PTTWs We Can Help With
Depending on your operations, you may need one of three potential PTTW categories.
We provide full support for all categories, including:
- Category 1 PTTW: Covers water takings that are unlikely to pose adverse environmental impacts (low flow rate relative to recharge, no nearby sensitive receptors, renewals of old PTTWs if site conditions are unchanged)
- Category 2 PTTW: The MECP has a list of specific types water taking that may cause an adverse impact to the environment designated as Category 2 water takings. These require a scoped assessment by a Qualified Person as designated by the Professional Geoscientists Act, 2000.
- Category 3 PTTW: For all other PTTW, category 3 designation applies. This category is the most involved and generally applies to water takings that have higher likelihood of causing adverse environmental impacts. For category 3 PTTWs, a full hydrogeological and/or hydroecological study must be completed by a Qualified Person.
Typical PTTW Timelines
It’s recommended to begin the PTTW process early in your project planning phase, especially if a Category 2 or 3 PTTW is required, as the data collection process can be time consuming, often requiring installation of monitoring wells and carrying out pumping test(s).
The average timeline to final receipt of a PTTW will vary depending on its category and the amount of leadup work required to gather data for the supporting reports. In general, AEL recommends beginning the process at least six months in advance to allow for data collection, submission, MECP review and subsequent revisions prior to final acceptance.
Careful planning, comprehensive reporting and rapid response to MECP feedback can help reduce timelines in areas that are within your control.
AEL’s Typical PTTW Support Process
We will guide you through the permitting process from start to finish, which can vary based on site-specifics, but typically includes the following steps:
- Evaluate your operational needs to determine if an EASR or PTTW is appropriate
- Determine which category of PTTW is required
- Outline the process requirements, estimated timing and costs associated with the application
- Compile all relevant technical data available
- Conduct site visits, pumping tests, ecological assessments, etc. (as required)
- Coordinate assessment reports and mitigation strategies with Client input
- Assemble and submit the complete application package, including MECP forms and technical reports, and ensure the applicable fees are paid
- Liaise directly with the MECP, responding to requests for information
- Review the MECP’s draft PTTW and ensure all conditions are understood and manageable prior to finalization and submission
Why Choose AEL Environment?
- 25+ Years Experience navigating Ontario’s environmental regulations across various industries
- Full-Service Support including tailored guidance from early evaluation to final approval
- Compliance Confidence with all PTTW requirements
- Trusted Relationships with MECP reviewers and engineers
Ready to Get Started?
Let AEL Environment help you navigate the PTTW process with confidence and efficiency. We’re here to help.
What Our Customers Have To Say
In my two decades plus as a specialist in Environmental Law, I have dealt with numerous environmental consulting firms right across Canada, and from big to small, Not all of them are able to deal with sophisticated scientific questions and not all of the ones with greater scientific skills are practical. AEL Environment have the necessary science skills and their advice is always practical. They have never failed to help me and my clients.
Michael Peterson, Environmental Law
Sky Counsel Group
Helping Businesses Navigate Complex Environmental Regulations since 1999
AEL environment is focused on creating tailored solutions based on your end goals for each property. Let’s talk, and our team will guide you through the process.