• Protecting Water and Farmland in Simcoe County

Report looks at Lake Simcoe, one year later

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In Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Feb 2nd, 2011
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By SARA ROSS The Packet & Times January 28, 2011.
Work done to Lake Simcoe in the past year has created a firm foundation for future progress in improving the lake’s health, says Kate Jordan,spokesperson for the Ministry of the Environment.
The first annual Lake Simcoe report was released by the Ministry of the Environment this week.
The Lake Simcoe Protection Plan was released in June 2009.
“We have really taken a really strong approach out of the gates to get a lot of substantial work done,” Jordan said on Thursday. “This is where we can grow and work on from here.”
Last year, 88 of 119 recommendations were implemented, including a long-term plan to reduce phosphorus levels by 40%.
In the report, environment minister John Wilkinson said “Now, one year later, we can say that we have met our commitments for the first year of implementing the plan and are moving forward to meet the commitments for the second year and beyond.”
A commitment to release annual reports to the public is part of the plan.
The plan to reduce phosphorus levels in the lake includes yearly targets and is the “key priority,” Jordan said.
“The phosphorus has been loaded to the lake for many years, so we need a phased approach to target that.”
There has been a reduction of phosphorus in Lake Simcoe in the past year, Jordan said.
“In the report, it does show that because of actions already taken to date, there is more oxygen available, but we do have a long-term plan to raise the oxygen levels even more.”
The lake is undergoing enhanced monitoring of fisheries and aquatic life.
There have been a number of committees established involving community members and environmental experts to get communities involved in the cleanup, Jordan said.
A focus will now be put on encouraging business and industry to join the committees.
“They have a role to play to in terms of the impact of their industrial activities on the lake.”
Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop says he’s pleased that the ministry is focused on Lake Simcoe.
“The whole conversation around the Lake Simcoe protection is important for our area, Simcoe County and York Region.”
Dunlop encourages the community to get more involved.
“I’m hoping people would support any effort that the ministry has that would improve water quality in Lake Simcoe, not only for ourselves, but for future generations.”
Virginia Hackson, chair of the the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority’s board of directors and mayor of East Gwillimbury, commended the province in a media release for its “diligence in getting the plan off the ground and demonstrating their commitment to the long-term health of Lake Simcoe.”
Protecting Lake Simcoe is a shared responsibility, and the plan has everyone doing their part to protect the lake and its watershed, said Gayle Wood, CAO for Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA).
“LSRCA has enjoyed a very productive partnership with the province and the advancements that have been made highlight the importance of this plan in the protection and restoration of the Lake Simcoe watershed, and the health of the communities within it.”
Tim Crooks, director of finances with the Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition, would like to see more focus on setting restrictions on developers in the Lake Simcoe watershed.
“I am concerned that not enough is being done to make sure that new developments from additional people moving into the Lake Simcoe watershed do not put additional phosphorus into the lake,” Crooks said in an email response.
He would like the ministry to legislate the municipalities around the lake to pass bylaws and regulations that will stop new developments from putting additional phosphorus into the lake.
“The ministry should co-ordinate the work so that the new development regulations and bylaws are consistent and effective for the whole watershed,” Crooks said.
The report has identified private septic systems located close to the lake and stormwater runoff from urban areas as two of the major sources of phosphorus.
“We estimate that septic systems along the lake contribute roughly 4.4 tonnes of phosphorus each year,” the report states.
To ensure small, on-site sewage systems are performing well, municipalities will be required to re-inspect the existing systems.
“I am pleased that septic systems along the shoreline are going to be inspected. However, are the inspections going to be rigourous, thorough and complete?” Crooks questions.
To view the report, visit www.ene.gov.on.ca/environment/en/index.htm and look in the news section.

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