Newsletter July 2009

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10 Things I’ve Learned About Water Quality

In May, I set out to answer “What do you know about the water quality of Lake Kamaniskeg?” to help protect the water system we all love.  Here’s a list of 10 things that I that I learned that I think you’d all like to know. This is a summary of the AGM presentations by George Newton and me, Deanne Farrar.  I apologize for any technical jargon, I am short on space and therefore unable to fully explain in layman terms. Drop me a note at KAPOAcares@gmail.com and I will gladly provide insight or answer any questions.

BOTTOM LINE:
WATER QUALITY IS GOOD.
THREATS EXIST.
IT IS UP TO YOU TO TAKE ACTION.

  1. Lake Kamaniskeg is 2 Distinct Basins: North and South
    The south basin is the largest and deepest of the two basins (max. depth of approximately 40 metres). The north basin, which is more populated and receives effluent discharge from Barry’s Bay Wastewater Treatment Facility, is shallower (max. depth 24 metres).
  2. The North Basin Threatens Lake Trout
    Survey data (from ‘77, ‘79, ‘85, ‘95, ‘05) indicates that the north basin consistently cannot meet the Provincial Water Quality Objectives (PWQOs) for the protection of lake trout. North basin samples do not meet dissolved oxygen limits. As a result, the north basin is considered a “Policy 2 Lake” meaning water quality presently does not meet PWQOs. MNR wants to protect against further degradation (by restricting site alteration and development) and all practical measures will be taken to upgrade the water quality to PWQOs.
  3. Water Flow and Water Quality are Related
    Water flow helps distribute contaminants throughout a larger body of water – reducing areas of high concentration and promoting natural breakdown. The south basin benefits from large inflows from the Madawaska River resulting in high flushing rates.  The Madawaska inlets are located on the west side and outlets on the east side of the south basin (See Figure 2). The north basin is isolated from this high flushing effect. The Barry’s Bay wastewater treatment plant is in a terrible spot – being at the very end of a “7-mile low flow” bay. I have not been able to find any information about water flow in Blackfish Bay.
  4. Human Factors Threatening the North Basin
    Phosphorus is often the most important indicator of human environmental impact on our lakes. Recent sediment tests show phosphorus is impacting the food chain in north basin.
    Phosphorus sources include:

    • Barry’s Bay Wastewater Treatment Facility
    • Septic Systems
    • Fertilizers
  5. New Wastewater Treatment Facility is a Huge Event
    This is a great initiative for the Lake. The current facility was built in ’74.
    Improvements include:

    • More stringent effluent parameters
    • Tertiary process with deep bed sand filtration to reduce phosphorus, suspended solids and BOD levels of the wastewater.
    • UV disinfection – eliminating chlorine gas based disinfection and discharge
    • Quarterly acute-toxicity tests to assess if rainbow trout and water fleas (Daphnia magna) can survive in samples taken from the effluent.
    • Dual train facility – enabling half the plant to operate easing maintenance and providing contingency in the event of a major failure.
  6. Municipal Revenue vs. Water Quality
    Recently, MV received ~$50,000 to process leachate from another municipality at our wastewater treatment facility. Now, MV is considering making the Wastewater Treatment Facility a regional septage treatment facility (septage is highly concentrated material pumped-out from septic tanks). Septage treatment could potentially generate hundreds of thousands of dollars of revenue for MV & place additional contaminant load on the lake. How do you feel about that? See AGM Summary on page 4 for KAPOAs next steps.
  7. Inspect  and Pump-out Your Septic System
    Poorly maintained septic systems are a huge threat to (7) the lake. Get an expert to inspect your system. Many experts say your septic tank should be pumped every 3 to 5 years. When was the last time you pumped your septic system? It is up to you to take action. Even a well maintained septic system will leach phosphorus and other contaminants which will runoff into the surrounding environment. Use phosphorus free and environmentally friendly soaps and detergents. Dishwasher detergent is especially high in phosphorus. The grocery stores in Barry’s Bay now carry phosphorus free and environmentally friendly cleaning products. Please use them.
  8. Better Phosphorus Monitoring is Required The phosphorus testing conducted by MV in the spring provided no real insight into water quality. KAPOA has worked with MV to change future testing procedures.We desperately need volunteers to support an ongoing water quality monitoring initiative. Volunteers will simply sample water near their properties. The Ontario Lake Partner Program would provide free testing and record keeping. Are you willing to help?
    It is up to you to take action.
    In the 70s, Jim Haskins led a dedicated group of volunteers. It sounds like an awesome effort by everyone involved.  I am in search of those records, if you know of their whereabouts…please let me know.
  9. Unable to Answer Questions about Blackfish Bay
    I had a number of residents ask me about water quality and flow in the Blackfish Bay. Unfortunately, I have not uncovered any data or insight. We have a representative from Blackfish Bay that has offered to help with water quality testing to start gaining insight – more help is welcome.
  10. Your Help is Needed
    It is up to you. On behalf of the KAPOA community, please:

    • Ensure your septic system is running well
    • Use environmentally friendly and phosphorus free cleaning products. Where is your grey water going?
    • Do not assume that someone else is working to protect the water quality of Lake Kamaniskeg.
    • Become a KAPOA volunteer. We need your help.

KAPOA AGM 2009 Report

Thanks to the 70+ members that joined us last Saturday for the Annual AGM. It is so great that we are reviving the committed KAPOA community of years past. For those unable to attend, here’s a quick overview of a few of the most discussed items.

  1. KAPOA Supports Banning all Future Leachate
    Treatment at Barry’s Bay Wastewater Treatment Facility. A large majority of KAPOA members supported this motion.
    Next Steps: KAPOA will work with Renfrew Water Watch to present ban to MV council.
  2. KAPOA members are concerned about septage treatment in Barry’s Bay. We will be sending a letter to MOE and MV council stating our concern. Some members are concerned about the extra load being put into a low-flow bay. While others feel that with the new wastewater treatment plant will be well equipped to handle the waste and as good global citizens MV should handle its own waste. KAPOA will be doing more analysis to estimate contaminant load on lake and will publish a septage bulletin.
  3. Hinderland Beach needs our help. We will be organizing a clean-up in the near future.
  4. Great Volunteer team for water quality initiative.
Newsletter July 2009