18 lakes affected in Greater Sudbury, including Ramsey and Nepahwin
Greater Sudbury city council is supporting a new pilot project that aims to control an invasive species that is spreading in lakes.
The Eurasian watermilfoil kills aquatic plants and is also an nuisance for swimmers, boaters and lakefront property owners.
City council is sending a letter to Ontario’s Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry Kathryn McGarry, and its representatives in Queen’s Park to support the Greater Sudbury Watershed Alliance’s push to control the plant.
Nicole Wittke, a member of the alliance, made suggestions to city council on Tuesday evening on how to tackle the issue.
“I mean frankly, this is my personal opinion [but] I don’t think anybody should be allowed on Ramsey Lake unless they have their boat washed,” Wittke said.
“I think there should be a boat washing station set up at the launch and people should be charged.” Read full CBC article here.
The Greater Sudbury Watershed Alliance is concerned that the rising levels of sodium and chloride, elements of road salt, in Ramsey Lake may not be given the attention deserved. It is widely recognized that increased levels of sodium can have a detrimental effect on human health, and that elevated levels of chloride can adversely affect aquatic life.
Meeting in-camera.
Meeting in-camera.
Meeting in-camera.
Meeting in-camera.
Council cannot ignore water and wastewater infrastructure demands. Citizens may not see the direct harmful effects of ignoring necessary upgrades and maintenance but we will all eventually see the harmful effects to our environment and our quality of life.
The following presentations were made:
It is our submission that the potential detrimental effects of any new and expanded roads and additional road salt on Ramsey Lake water quality outweighs any benefits from road expansion and therefore the “do nothing” option is the only option GSWA can currently support. There are other traffic and road mitigation measures that must be considered, such as magnesium chloride, crushed granite sand, increased public transportation, staggered business hours, bike lanes, etc., that must be in place. A Risk Management Plan to address effective road salt mitigation, and consideration of the Master Transit Plan are essential.