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Lake Capacity Study

Chandos Lake Capacity Report - 2010 Update

Primary focus of a lake capacity report is the measurement of total phosphorus and dissolved oxygen. “The MOE considers lake basins with mean dissolved oxygen levels consistently below 7* and phosphorous concentrations above Provincial Water Quality Objectives to be at capacity for additional nutrient loading” and “oxygen concentrations above 7 are required to meet the needs of juvenile lake trout and to ensure the sustainability of naturally reproducing lake trout populations” Charlston Lake Capacity study, MOE, Jan 2006 Victor Castro & Bev Clark

A high level of protection against aesthetic deterioration will be provided by a total phosphorous (TP ) concentration for the ice free period of 10 or less. This should apply to all lakes naturally below this level. Prov Water Quality Objective Chandos Lake Capacity Michalski & Assoc. June 2009.

Chandos Lake Phosphorus Measurements

Between 2004 and 2008 the lake TP degregated from 8.9 to 18.9 on the main basin. All basins were above 10 although West Bay only marginally so. As a result Michalski Assoc. ( the report author ) recommended that “ every practical and reasonable effort should be taken to reverse the trend to ensure that higher annual loadings of phosphorous do not occur. (Chart attached)

In 2009 ( post study data ) the trend continued with readings ………………………

2010 measurements are not yet available although significantly increased weed levels would support the assumption of continued high levels of weeds.

As a result of all the TP measurements Michalski’s recommendation conclusion was “ in our opinion, there would be no ambiguity about Chandos Lake and Gilmour Bay; no further shoreline development would be permitted because phosphorous concentrations have been elevated …in excess of the threshold”

Dissolved Oxygen Measurements

Dissolved oxygen measurements for the original report were done in 2004 and, except for Gilmour Bay, were greater than 6. In this sense the original report could be read somewhat ambigulously in that Oxygen was fine and phosphorous was too high.

On Sept 10th updated Oxygen measurements were taken. These showed a very significant decline in all basins. The main basin, Chandos Lake now has levels on average of 5.0 ( from approx. 7.0 ) a 30% decline in dissolved oxygen in the hypolimnion level. ( chart attached for Chandos main basin )

Clearly both key metrics of lake capacity are now at danger levels. A failure to make change may result in reduced water quality ultimately impacting property values and lake living quality.

The conclusion from the Charlston Lake Capacity given similar results was “Based upon these readings the water quality management goal for Charston Lake should be to further reduce nutrient loadings and to take all practical measures to further improve lake quality. It is recommended that Charlston Lake be redesignated as an at capacity lake. …Development on existing lots of record be done under strict conditions of site plan control…..”

Development Potential for Chandos Lake

There are very few undeveloped lots on Chandos. The CLPOA estimates that even if all of the land available which meets new lot development criteria was actually subdivided and developed this would only increase the developed land by approx. 10%. In addition the criteria (septics, for construction are quite strict and we believe would have a relatively insignificant impact.

The issue is the redevelopment of existing properties, septic maintenance standards and general shoreline development.

An anecdotal comment from a prospective Chandos buyer from a realtor. “Chandos is the most liberal….anything can be done by….” This is how we want Chandos to be known.

Current Recommendation

The CLPOA believes action needs to happen at the local level. Waiting for Ont. Gov’t Ministries to issue proclamations is avoiding the issue. There are a number of specific actions which we believe are appropriate. Many of these actions are totally controllable by Chandos property owners. There is a culture change which needs to happen. We do believe, however, the township needs to be very active in enabling Chandos and other North Kawartha Lakes to improve lake quality.

The first step would be for The Township to recognize the seriousness of the problem through their strategic Plan. This plan would specifically recognize lake quality factors and actions which would improve quality both short and long term.

There is no doubt that failure to act will ultimately lead to increased weed growth, reduced fish habitat, poorer swimming conditions and REDUCED PROPERTY VALUES

*All numbers expressed as micrograms/litre

Chandos Lake Capacity Update

The CLPOA commissioned a lake capacity report which was completed in July 2009. Lake capacity is a scientific report which can be used as a planning tool to predict the results of land development on a lake. The report analyzed trends in our water quality over the last 20 years and, in addition, compared the current state to a “pre development model” used by the Ministry of the Environment. The report was completed by Michalski Nielson Associated Limited.

Lake capacity assessment addresses only water quality; specifically phosphorous, dissolved oxygen and lake trout habitat.

It is a critical set of measurements, however, as Lake Trout are the “canaries in the mine”. The habitat helps us understand the quality trends of our lake. As lake quality deteriorates we will see more weeds, more algae, a loss in water quality and a reduction in lake habitat suitable for cold water fish.

The Results

The results portrayed a disturbing trend best summarized by a couple of quotes:

"In our opinion, there would be no ambiguity about Chandos Lake and Gilmour Bay; no further shoreline development would be permitted , because phosphorous concentrations have been elevated…in excess of the threshold"

"In summary, it is our opinion that both Chandos Lake and Gilmour Bay are at capacity,…"

We have a fairly unique lake. Our basic geology gives us some protection from acidity. We are spring fed and not subject to in flows from other large lakes.

But that also means we do not turn over our water quickly. Chandos takes approx 7 years to flush out so we live with what we put in for a long time.

What Can We Do?

The really good news in this is that we are in control of our own destiny. Changing the trends within our lake is like changing any other environmental trend. It is a long process but one that can begin with some small easy steps.

New development is often the focal point of these initiatives but Chandos is 90% developed. In addition, new by laws such as the 30 metre setback and a rigorous new lot creation process will largely mitigate deterioration from new lot creation and development.

Changing the trend of our lake environment, therefore, will only come through changing the way we use and develop our existing properties. Items such as septic replacement and management, shoreline vegetation and building renovation are much more critical to lake protection.

The brochure "Protecting and Restoring Health Shorelines" published by The Township of North Kawartha provides some education and actions for water quality improvement.

What Will The CLPOA Do?

  1. Continue to monitor and publish lake quality trends.

  2. Remain active in the political process to ensure that the township is aware of our situation. We have made submissions recently advocating for by-laws which comprehend the trends occurring in Chandos Lake.

  3. Submit the Lake Capacity Report to the MOE and MNR for their review.

  4. Increase communication of the situation to our members to improve awareness of the situation and potential individual actions.

  5. Identify situations where our members may benefit through group actions resulting in positive lake results ( e.g. Septic clean out )

  6. Begin a Lake Plan Process. Towards this end we are seeking volunteers to become more active in generating group actions and awareness.

The Lake Plan Process is a community based approach which engages a broad range of stakeholders. It can encompass both physical, natural and social aspects of development.

It should enable a greater voice in the development of new policies and stewardship action.

It can help us work together with a common vision of the long term lake situation. It can enable a greater knowledge of what`s happening to our environment and help us understand what we can do ourselves and make us more aware of our actions impact on our neighbours.

Hopefully it gets us to understand that if we all do a couple of things differently it will be a big move towards improving lake quality.

If you have any comments or would like to be involved, please contact any member of the CLPOA executive or Bill Rasberry at billras1@msn.com.