Criteria for classification as Outstanding Natural Waters class
5A watercourse and the water of the watercourse shall meet the following criteria in order for the water to be classified as Outstanding Natural Waters class:
(a)
the quality and quantity of the water are as naturally occurring, allowing for changes in the chemistry or flow of the water that, in the opinion of the Minister, are barely measurable changes resulting from atmospheric conditions or uses of the water or associated land;
(b)
the aquatic community of the water and of the watercourse is as naturally occurring, allowing for changes in the chemistry or flow of the water with resulting changes in its aquatic community that, in the opinion of the Minister, are barely measurable changes resulting from atmospheric conditions or uses of the water or associated land, and allowing for the presence of non-indigenous species if they are ecologically stable;
(c)
no contaminants are being released into the watercourse or the water, other than those causing barely measurable changes resulting from atmospheric conditions or uses of the water or associated land;
(d)
the water of the watercourse meets standards at least as stringent as the applicable standards;
(e)
the water is suitable as a habitat for aquatic life and for other appropriate uses that will not prevent the applicable standards from being met; and
(f)
the watercourse, in the opinion of the Minister, has one or more of the following characteristics:
(i)
the quality of the water in the watercourse or the nature of its aquatic community is of a type commonly found in the Province;
(ii)
a chemical or physical quality or characteristic of the water in the watercourse is unique;
(iii)
it contains a rare, unique, threatened or endangered aquatic community;
(iv)
it possesses outstanding recreational, aesthetic or historical qualities; or
(v)
the quality of the water in the watercourse is such that protecting it in its natural state is of paramount importance to the people of the Province and would, in the opinion of the Minister, support or promote clean water or the integrity of the ecosystem.