Report a Concern

One of South Nation Conservation’s (SNC) principal mandates it to protect people and property from natural hazards. SNC relies on members of the public to assist in identifying and reporting development activities that may be in contravention of the Conservation Authorities Act.


SNC also administers Part 8 of the Building Code for sixteen municipalities in Eastern Ontario and encourages public reporting of potentially failing private septic systems and the installation of septic systems without a permit.

Please describe your observation to the best of your ability and identify the location. SNC staff will assist filling out the form upon request.

Before submitting your concern, please read and acknowledge the following:

No further action is required once you have submitted your report. SNC does not share information concerning the status of reports, inspections or investigations.


SNC staff may contact you for clarification or additional information. SNC may share your report with partner municipalities and other government agencies who have jurisdiction or interest in the matter.

SNC investigates the following concerns: 

·     Development activities (including the placement and removal of fill) in or adjacent to:  
  •  floodplains;
  • unstable slopes;
  • hazardous lands; and
  • Provincially Significant Wetlands
·     Alterations to the existing channels of watercourses;
·     Interference with Provincially Significant Wetlands;
·     Prohibited activities at Conservation Areas or other SNC properties;
·     Failing private septic systems (Building Code Part 8); and   
·     Private septic system installation or alteration without a permit (Building Code Part 8).

 

SNC does not investigate the following concerns: 

 

Tree cutting: Tree cutting is a municipal bylaw matter. Please contact your local municipality. SNC regulates tree removal within the boundaries of Provincially Significant Wetlands and Locally Significant Wetlands. 
 
Spills, pollution, and pesticides: If you believe a spill has occurred and is contaminating the environment, call the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Spills Action Centre at 1-866-MOE-TIPS (663-8477) - 24 hours a day 7 days a week. 

Drainage issues with neighbouring properties: Raise the concern respectfully with your neighbour. Drainage is primarily a civil matter between landowners. SNC involvement is limited to human caused alterations to existing channels of watercourses. 

Suspected private well water contamination: Call the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Spills Action Centre at 1-866-MOE-TIPS (663-8477). Contact your local health unit for well water testing.
 
Aggregate pits and quarries: SNC's regulations do not apply to activities approved under the Aggregate Resources Act. Concerns about aggregate pits and quarries can be directed to 1-877-TIPSMNR (847-7667). 

Wildlife in distress: If a wild animal is in distress or injured contact the Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary at 613-258-9480 or your local municipal animal control office.

Beaver dams: For beaver management best practices, contact the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Kemptville District Office at 613-258-8204. Please contact SNC if work to remove a beaver dam involves alterations to the channel of the watercourse or the placement or removal of fill.

Interference with migratory birds: Contact Environment Canada Wildlife Enforcement by email at enviroinfo@ec.gc.ca.

Harm to fish and fish habitat: Call the Fisheries and Oceans Canada Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Program at 1-855-852-8320.

Unlawful fishing and hunting: Call the Ministry of Natural Resources Tips Line at 1-877-847-7667.

Development and subdivision projects: Contact your local municipality if you have concerns about a proposed subdivision or development.