Clean Up Rural Beaches (CURB) program interim final report

This report was prepared by staff responsible for program administration of the Ecosystem Science Section, Science and Technology Branch. Input and advice was received from MOEE regional staff, Conservation Authority (CA) staff who assist in program delivery and local review committee members representing OMAFRA, OSCIA, Health Unit. MNR. The Program achievements for the first 4 years are summarized in this report. The rural environment has been steadily degraded over the past century. Due to the nature of rural non-point source pollution, response to environmental remediation is slow and environmental recovery requires many years after pollution sources have been eliminated. The CURB Program addressed water quality problems in 150 subwatersheds in Southern Ontario. Three watersheds have been remediated. In 1991, the CURB Program was announced as a ten year program. As a result of the Ontario Economic Statement. November 1995, the CURB Program was terminated effective March 31, 1996. Approximately $20.0 million has been distributed as grants for 3,512 projects. Watershed-wide baseline monitoring data do not indicate substantial improvements in water quality, however the data indicates that significant local improvements have been achieved through implementation of CURB projects. Based on our experience, about one half of the total number of problems must be remediated before downstream beaches can be re-opened. Through on-site research and full scale demonstrations of new and innovative technologies CURB provided effective education. extension, technology transfer to the client group.