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President’s Message
We all owe great thanks to Madawaska Valley Council for supporting the Kamaniskeg Lake Source Characterization Study. It is the most comprehensive study completed to date and provides tremendous insight into the lake we all love.
The research shows that the water quality of the lake is deteriorating and ultimately the lake is threatened by people including us. Being the source of the town drinking water, home to the public beach and host of swimming and sailing lessons – this is an issue for our entire community. If we do not take action to fix the problems, it will impact the entire community: cost of cleaning the drinking water will continue to increase, the taste of the water will decrease and recreational use will be limited.
KAPOA is urging you to contact Madawaska Valley Council and request a special meeting to discuss water quality. We need to work together as a community. We need to educate the community about the problem, risks and positive steps that can be taken to improve the situation. As property owners on the lake, we must take special care: get your septic system inspected and fix it if required, stop using phosphorus soaps and maintain a healthy shoreline.
KAPOA hopes to start a few initiatives focused on water quality this summer. We need your help. Please become a KAPOA volunteer.
– Sean Capstick
Kamaniskeg Lake Source Characterization Study
Madawaska Valley has just released an in-depth study of Kamaniskeg Lake. (Here is a link to a Draft copy of the Report – without appendices).
The purpose was to determine the causes of the impaired water quality detected at the municipal water treatment plant. Water quality in the North Basin is currently experiencing elevated levels of colour, turbidity and nutrients that are challenging to treat at the Water Treatment Plant.
The Study uses historical, current and predictive information to help understand the water quality of the Lake. Extensive physical, chemical, and bacteriological data was collected through the study. Surface water and sediment samples were analyzed from 22 locations during the spring, summer and fall of 2009. The hydraulic conditions of the Lake were monitored and modeled by Environment Canada.
The research shows the primary contributors of nutrients to Kamaniskeg are the creeks and tributaries which drain the surrounding landscape, the septic systems along the shore of the Lake, and the Barry’s Bay Waste Water Treatment Plant. It is well known that increases in nutrient concentrations, particularly phosphorus can lead to eutrophication. Eutrophication can lead to a loss of enjoyment of the water for recreational, aesthetic and economic uses. The treatment of eutrophic water as a drinking source is costly, and the quality of treated water produced is reduced; often tasting organic.
The research suggests that the main source of water quality impairment is the drainage from the surrounding landscape that enters the lake through several tributaries.
Water quality in the tributaries contains significantly greater concentrations of nutrients, suspended solids, colour,
turbidity and bacteria than the receiving water
within the lake. The 4 tributaries are:
- Cybulski Creek: Discharges into lake 350 meters west of the public beach. Connects Cybulski Lake, Drohan Lake & other lakes/ponds. Report estimates this creek contributes about 3x more phosphorus than existing waste water treatment plant (WWTP). High coli form concentrations in some samples indicate fecal contamination by humans or pets. It is the worst of the 4 tributaries.
- Carson Creek: Passes under Kartuzy Road. Connects with Kulas, Buch and Trout Lake. Report estimates Carson contributes 50% more phosphorus than existing WWTP.
- Biernacki Creek: Passes under Siberia Road. Discharges on west side of causeway. Total phosphorus exceeded interim PWQOs 2 of 4 samples. Could be causing impairment at WTP due to location of outlet.
- Muskrat Creek: Originates in Muskrat Lake. Passes beneath Combermere Road. Tests show there is a significant source of nutrient contribution on waterway. Due to low flow volumes the impact to Kamaniskeg is minor. If water flows were to increase, Muskrat Creek would be considered a major contributor of nutrients.
Septic systems surrounding the lakeshore are likely having an impact on phosphorus concentrations in the Lake. The proximity of the septic systems to the lakeshore and the topography and geology of the surrounding landscape are not conductive to phosphorus retention.
Though water quality is presently good in Lake Kamaniskeg, it is important that nutrient contributions be reduced as much as possible in order to prevent potential future problems as a result of nutrient loading. Impacts of nutrient loading would likely be detected in the north bay of the Lake first due to reduced flushing rate as a result of the topographical layout of the Lake and a lack of significant inflow and outflow.
The report concludes with recommendations. Here is a summary:
- Decrease loading of suspended solids. This will maintain water temperatures, protect fish habitat, decreasing nutrient inputs will slow excessive plant growth in shallow areas. Plant and maintain vegetative buffers. Leave shoreline vegetation intact. Follow best management practices during road construction and maintenance.
- Decrease Nutrient Inputs from Septic Systems. Inspection, maintenance and pumping are critical. Use environmentally friendly products.
- Decrease Nutrient Inputs from Livestock. Implement environmental best practices. Follow the Nutrient Management Act (2002). Discourage grazing of livestock on land directly upgradient of the Lake and tributaries.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades
Construction on the upgrades to the Wastewater Treatment Plant began in December. These upgrades, discussed at the last KAPOA Annual General Meeting, are an important step in maintaining the water quality especially in the North Basin. The upgrades will cost more than $6 Million with federal, provincial and municipal governments each paying a third. The MOE has placed stringent discharge limits as part of the Certificate of Approval (CofA). However, issues still remain with regard to the treatment of septage and landfill leachate in the future.
Upgrades to the System
The existing system, built in 1974, is a single train, two stage treatment system that uses chlorine to disinfect discharge. The new plant will be a dual train Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR), three stage system with sand filters and ultraviolet disinfection. The significant advantages to the new system include:
- Improved reliability: half the system can be taken off-line for maintenance
- Improved treatment: sand filters will improve phosphorus removal
- Elimination of chlorine: ultra-violet disinfection will avoid additional chemicals in lake
- Tighter standards and enforcement: with new CofA
The plant will continue to discharge through the exiting outfall in the North Basin.
Discharge Objective and Limits
With the new CofA, the plant is required to meet limits on the concentration and amount of contaminants in the discharge to the lake. The previous CofA only controlled an annual concentration limit and did not protect the lake very well. It was only the low volumes and the effective control by the operators that prevented the wastewater treatment plant from causing a more significant impact on the lake.
The new CofA places monthly limits on discharges into the lake. These limits cannot be exceeded. Importantly, the plant was designed to meet lower objectives. Both new objective and limits are much lower than the previous ‘limits’ (See table on next page for details).
Receiving Septage and Leachate
The new plant is approved to accept up to 12.7 cubic metres per day of septage (waste solids taken from septic tanks) and up to 21 cubic metres per day of landfill leachate (ground water taken from a landfill) and special receiving areas and storage tanks have been incorporated into the design. The plant must meet all the above limits and cannot exceed the total flow limit of 1.250 cubic metres per day during treatment. The CofA does not place any limits on where the septage or leachate can be generated. This was an issue of significance to KAPOA members last year and we will be following up on the Municipality’s plans for the receiving these wastes. Come to our Annual General Meeting for an update.
| Objectives | New Limits | Current Limits | ||
| Effluent Parameter | Monthly Average Concentration | Monthly Average Concentration | Monthly Waste Loading | Yearly Average Concentration |
| (milligrams per litre unless otherwise indicated) | (milligrams per litre unless otherwise indicated) | (kilograms per day unless otherwise indicated) | ||
| CBOD5* | 10 | 15 | 18.75 | 25 |
| Total Suspended Solids | 10 | 15 | 18.75 | 25 |
| Total Phosphorus | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.25 | 1 |
| Total Ammonia Nitrogen | Non-acutely lethal | Not applicable | Not controlled | |
| Summer (May to Oct) | 1 | |||
| Winter (Nov to Apr) | 3 | |||
| E. Coli | 100 organisms per 100 millilitres | 200 organisms per 100 millilitres | Not applicable | 200 organisms per 100 millilitres |
The pH of the discharge must be maintained between 6.0 to 9.5, inclusive, at all times.
The CofA requires that a performance report be prepared annually that describes the operation of the plant.
*CBOD (Carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand) testing is widely used as an indication of the pollutant removal from wastewater.
KAPOA Regatta 2009
More than 200 people came to Hinderland to compete in the 38th annual KAPOA Regatta. Fortunate for all involved, the regatta was a beautiful day of fun and enjoyment!
The weather held up, making it a busy day on Hinterland Beach. Events ran smoothly from the tough competition in the Sand Castle building, to the Sailing, Swimming and Canoe Races, to the 40 + children taking part in the tug-o-war.
Kayak demonstrations gave all kids a chance to paddle around the shoreline. It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm and pride as they got the kayaks moving under their own power!
Congratulations go to this year’s winners!
- Best Female Swimmer – tie between Laurel Kazazian and Nicole Buchanan
- Best Male Swimmer – Gordon Minty
- Overall Competitor– tied between Jim Beecroft and Nicole Buchanan
- Sailing -1st place- Bill Cahoon
I would like to take moment to thank you the volunteers for their vital assistance and sponsors for their support in making the regatta such a success. Thanks to:
- Sponsors: Cathy Pitts Realty, The Pyz Family and Steepe Financial
- Bill Cahoon: sailing coordinator
- John Michalecki: photography and uploading photos to KAPOA.net
- Nancy Steepe: running the BBQ
- Glenelda St. Amand, & Vince Steepe: Membership and prep
- Chris Pyz and family: generous donations for the BBQ
- Cathy Pitts: generous donations to the BBQ
- Ryan Mallany and Rachel Michalecki: judging the Sand Castle competition,
- Rachel & Angie Michalecki: 50/50 ticket sales – great job ladies!
- Dianne Stuart: Set-up and Registration
- Paddler Co-op: kayak demonstrations
- Jim Beecroft: tremendous assistance at the finish line all day!
And a special thank you to these men without whom this day couldn’t have happened
- Tom Supra: Registration, Tabulation and Set-up
- Sean Capstick: dock set-up, event/race organizer, and tug-o-war
- Mike Steepe: set-up and break down, event assistance and tug-o-war
- George St. Amand: dock set-up/break down and transportation assistance
Georgeen St. Amand, 2009 Regatta Director
Volunteers are needed for the 2010 Regatta and as always many hands make for light work! If you can spare a bit of time on the day of the regatta, please contact Georgeen @ 613-756-6412 or by email at: gstamand@rogers.com
New KAPOA Websitewww.kapoa.caGood communication is key to a strong community. With high-speed internet now in both Barry’s Bay and Combermere and wireless high-speed access with Satellite and 3G available on many parts of the Lake, it is time for a new, improved KAPOA website.
Most importantly, the website is now easy to update. So, visit it regularly to follow our community. |
KAPOA MembershipWe need to explain and apologize to some long standing members who did not receive a newsletter in the mail last year. Once again, KAPOA was on the verge of folding. It is estimated that there are |
New Municipal Complex in Hastings Highlands
Construction of the new 16,000 square foot Municipal Complex in Maynooth is well-underway. Photos are from mid-February. The following article was pieced together from Hastings Highlands Newsletter. For more info, contact the municipality.
The new Complex will house the municipal offices (6800 sq. Ft.), library (5600 sq. Ft.), multi-purpose room (3600 sq. Ft.) and storage space (2400 sq. Ft.). The new complex is being built to accommodate changes and growth anticipated until 2080.
The new Municipal Complex is an important step in the Revitalization of Maynooth, an economic development program. Maynooth, as the geographic center of the municipality, is in need of a face-lift, an economic stimulus to revitalize the ‘down-town’ core. It needs to become a business center to promote Hastings Highlands—as a vacation spot, a business opportunity, a preferred area to live, to work or raise a family. Just like the successful outdoor Market this year attracted many buyers and visitors, Hastings Highlands Council is confident that the Town Hall complex will become a major attraction for residents and visitors.
The project is expected to cost up to $4.566M with the feds, the province and the municipality each contributing 1/3 of the funds. The municipality will borrow ~$1.5M to cover their portion.
New services will include expanded library services and gym room with a stage (for details, see newsletter). The gym room will be used by Maynooth Public School students who currently have no gym. As a result, the school board will contribute to the operating costs of the gym.
Mayor Ron Emond has generously placed his 4 yr. municipal earnings in a trust to be applied to the gym; his gift will amount to $80,000. Ron has also been in contact with Corporate Sponsors to raise an additional $20,000.
As the project progresses, the municipality will provide regular updates via newspapers and their website.
