The primary effects of a four-lane road through the Junction Creek Watershed would replace natural wetlands and their ecosystem services. Wetlands act to mitigate flooding and help to purify water, and more impermeable road surface would further reduce the effectiveness of the wetland. The possibility of flooding is increased through reduced ability of the wetland to buffer flooding and retain water. As a consequence, the risk of flooding is increased in the low-lying areas along Notre Dame Boulevard.
The increased surface area of the new roadway will more than triple the amount of surface (storm) water entering into the storm water drainage system in the Ramsey Lake Watershed. Presently, open ditches service some of this area and provide for a level of natural filtration and infiltration of runoff. In the proposed extension of the original project, ditches would be replaced by underground pipes leading directly to Ramsey Lake, thus reducing natural filtration.
The City is to be commended for beginning flow monitoring so that the full impact of Inflow and infiltration can be understood. GSWA also highly approves the plan to drastically reduce “I and I” since it is a contributing factor to sewage by-passes and of course, flooded basements. All of the proposals to limit “I and I” are welcomed.
Press Release
April 21, 2014
Greater Sudbury Watershed Alliance Inc. (GSWA)
Are you concerned about sewage back up in homes? Are you concerned about minimally treated sewage by-passing full treatment and entering our watersheds? Are you concerned about our 300 plus lakes, rivers and creeks?
The Greater Sudbury Watershed Alliance in partnership with Dynamic Earth is hosting an Earth Week open panel discussion on Thursday April 24, 2014 starting a 6:30 pm at Dynamic Earth. This is a free event and all are welcome.
WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE OR …NOT?
Our title questions our relationship to the water around us. As climate changes how does our relationship with water need to be changed? Discover why and how we need to adapt to climate change in relation to our lakes, our city and our own backyards.
Our panelists will offer thought for discussion and open audience questions will further that discussion. Dr. Charles Ramcharan of Laurentian University will address climate uncertainty, Nick Benkovich, Manager of Water and Waste Water from the City of Greater Sudbury will address the issue of storm water and Dan Chaput a staff scientist at Science North will address alternatives to lawns, rain gardens shoreline buffers and summer drought.
GSWA is an association of lake, river and creek stewardship groups within the City of Greater Sudbury. Several member groups will have displays of their individual stewardship projects. Come on out and see the strides being made in lake stewardship. Meet our panel and members of GSWA. Find out what is going on!
It would seem that no one storm water management system can effectively protect Ramsey Lake from all storm water pollutants. As a consequence, the GSWA would like to suggest that the following ideas be considered: