Move over phosphorus – salt is the big threat for Lake Simcoe

By Robin MacLennan Barrie Today

Salt is the new phosphorus according to the CAO at the Lake Simcoe Regional Conservation Authority.

“We are seeing salt concentrations increasing more than 500 per cent in some urban centres,” Mike Walters said in a presentation to Barrie city council on Monday, adding that the private sector is responsible for the contamination.

“We are seeing salt at acute and toxic levels in some areas,” he said. “It is causing destruction.”

The LSRCA launched a Smart about Salt program to educate and accredit people in the industry, to ensure that salt is applied to parking lots and other spaces in a more sustainable way.

“Anyone can buy a pick up truck with a salt spreader on the back and go into business,” Walters said. “It’s important to know how to apply, when to apply and how much to apply.”

The one-day educational and accreditation program is aimed at shopping malls and big box stores that use excessive amounts of salt during the winter on parking lots and walkways.

“It’s the environmental savings that is really important,” he said. “If you are hiring someone and they are not accredited why not suggest that they go through the day-long course?” Walters asked.

The LSRCA has been monitoring four major shopping plazas located south of Simcoe County and he said results show “phenomenal” amounts of salt being applied.

“They don’t know how much to apply and they think more is better,” he said.

“This is not a seasonal problem. We know that the impacts are year-round because salt does not dissipate quickly.”

Walters was at council to present the LSRCA’s strategic plan which focuses on creating a safer watershed.

Barrie Mayor Jeff Lehman was shocked to hear that there have been 10 “one hundred year” storms in the watershed area over the past five years.

In response, the LSRCA is developing a new flood relief program its not just good enough to warn the public that a flood in imminent. Program started to reduce the risk of floods.

Rainscaping is a voluntary program that ensures new subdivisions are being build properly to accommodate expected rainfall.

A retrofitting program identifies opportunities to change existing development that can be “greener”.

Urban restoration must address climate change and ensure the area can handle the amount of rain expected to fall – such as a rainfall capture and reuse system.

“Climate change is here we are seeing the results already,” Walters said.

“It is very important that we look at the change in climate and make sure urban development is prepared for the amount of water that is falling.”