Dear Editor:
Re: Whitewater Region Draft Community Improvement plan (CIP)
Below is an email that was sent to Robert Tremblay, CAO of Whitewater Region, on February 27,2018.
When you look at just the total phosphorus (TP) load on Muskrat Lake according to the MOECC (Ministry of Environment and Climate Change) about 5 percent is anthropogenic. What I’ve been led to understand is that it’s that high because of lack of proper sewage treatment at some residences around the lake. If that’s true, there’s an opportunity for Whitewater Region to be proactive to reduce that — if the TP from anthropogenic was reduced by half, it would be equivalent to shutting down about three Cobden WPCP’s. i.e., low hanging fruit.
I also understand that septic inspections are one of the items on the MOECC list for Whitewater Region to undertake. Now would be a good time to start your inspection program in conjunction with the CIP. I will try and check to see if there are any funding programs that would pick up the other half for septic improvements that the CIP doesn’t fund.
You’ve stated that the Muskrat Lake issue is very complex, and it is, but there’s been no collaboration among the various levels of government and other groups. Every time I’ve talked to Whitewater Region council and Renfrew County staff it’s always; “Not Our Problem!” Unfortunately, the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario told us that it’s the responsibility of citizens to identify and recommend a solution for Muskrat Lake under the EBR.
That’s why the Muskrat Lake Association (MLA) originally put in the Part ll Order and the Request for Review a year ago, so we could get some action on the lake problem.
It’s unfortunate that Whitewater Region council has chosen not to involve the various groups/ people that are concerned about the lake and only focus on the Muskrat Watershed Council.
I’m certain that the MLA would be glad to work with Whitewater Region council to move forward on the Muskrat Lake problem.
Regards,
Donald W. Deer.
- Eng., Cobden
