MONTREAL — Representatives from 338 Quebec municipalities that are calling on the province to grant them increased power to protect their water supplies said Saturday that they’re ready to take the matter to court. The towns want to be able to ensure any future oil and gas installations have to be at least two kilometres from drinking water sources, rather than the 500 metres currently required by the government. But Gerard Jean, who is mayor of Lanoraie, said the province’s environment minister has appeared open to the committee’s request. He said the municipalities’ position is based on more than 300 pages of scientific expertise that shows 500 metres of separation is not enough to prevent contamination. Provincial Environment Minister Isabelle Melancon met with the group earlier this week and has promised to have an answer by the week of April 9.

Source: National Post March 24, 2018 20:38 UTC