The permit application was only related to an operational change and not to a management plan for the future life of the quarry — the two are separate issues, according to the registry. The ministry does not believe the relocation of the sump "will cause any quantity or quality impacts on the aquifer," the text of the notice states.

Schreiner's letter to Bradley, which will be sent on Tuesday, states the ministry's decision to grant the amended permit "poses a threat to the quality and quantity of Guelph's water supply."

"Minister, your government has a solemn duty to protect our drinking water," the letter states. "You have failed to perform this duty by ignoring legitimate concerns raised by the City of Guelph."

The petition calls on the Environment Ministry to limit River Valley Developments' water-taking to historic average pumping rates. It also calls on the ministry to support a long-term management plan for the quarry that both protects Guelph's water, and puts the financial onus for mitigation on the quarry owner.

The ministry states in the notice that it continues to work with the operator and the city to prepare a management plan to address the potential concerns of quality and quantity impacts to the city's drinking water wells. Once such a plan is agree upon by both parties, River Valley will then apply to the ministry to have the plan incorporated in the Aggregate Resources Act as part of a rehabilitation plan.

"I'm hoping that the ministry reverses their decision on granting a water-taking permit, and I think that is exactly what the city is trying to accomplish in seeking to appeal the decision," said Schreiner in an interview, adding governments reverse decisions "all the time."

"I think given the fact that the city has put together a strong and compelling case for the reversal of the decision, I think it is in the best interests of the people of Ontario for the government to reverse themselves on this one," Schreiner added.

He said the weight of the petition will put pressure on the government and help reverse the decision.

Schreiner will run in the Guelph riding in the next provincial election. Some, including Greg Schirk the president of the Guelph Provincial Progressive Conservative Association, have accused the Green party of political opportunism on the Dolime issue.

"Whenever you take leadership on an issue, and you are making a difference, people will cast criticism your way," Schreiner said. "For me that's just the price of taking leadership on important issues."

Schreiner is convinced the permit provides an opportunity for River Valley to increase the amount of water it takes at the Dolime site. Guelph's water infrastructure can handle historic water-taking rates at the site, but a significant increase in water-taking will threaten the quantity of the city's water supply, he added.

The quarry operator said previously that the new water-taking permit would not change the amount of water it is taking and that it was approved by the Ministry of the Environment after "painstaking" scrutiny of its application.

roflanagan@guelphmercury.com