The CEC's report reaffirms its 2003 recommendation for Winnipeg's wastewater treatment system that it is critical to also reduce ammonia and nitrogen because they are toxic to fish and degrade water quality. The city is required to meet its licensing and wastewater treatment requirements despite concerns that nitrogen removal might be an unneeded cost.

The scientific community advised the Manitoba government to focus on phosphorus, and not nitrogen for urban wastewater treatment in relation to the health of Lake Winnipeg. The 2003 investigation by the CEC occurred due to the huge cost to Winnipeggers to remove phosphorus and nitrogen before wastewater reaches Lake Winnipeg, and fines imposed by Environment Canada.

"While we know which commissioners participated in this review, we do not know which outside experts the CEC used, and the 2008 report the CEC used, An Assessment of Cost of Nitrogen Removal of City of Winnipeg Wastewater, does not appear to be public. We hope the CEC standards for access to information improve," commented Gaile Whelan Enns of Manitoba Wildlands.