Lake Capacity Study
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?
-
Continue to monitor and publish lake quality trends.
-
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.
-
Submit the Lake Capacity Report to the MOE and MNR for their review.
-
Increase communication of the situation to our members to improve awareness of the situation and potential individual actions.
-
Identify situations where our members may benefit through group actions resulting in positive lake results ( e.g. Septic clean out )
-
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.