The Rural Voice, 2004-07, Page 46News in Agriculture
No clear trend on Lakeshore pollution
Continued from page 41
summer where posted beaches were
causing concern in some areas.
The study concluded that bacterial
pollution was a concern along all
three county shorelines of Bruce,
Huron and Lambton. The data
showed high frequencies and
duration that the Provincial Water
Quality Objectives set for E. coli
(which is 100 coliform units/100
mL), were exceeded for a number of
public beaches in the study area. As
a result, a number of these beaches
have been posted for extended
periods of time in recent years
advising people against swimming.
Nutrient data, specifically nitrogen
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and total phosphorous, also showed
elevated concentrations in some
watercourses flowing to the
shoreline. Algae can be a result of
excessive nutrients and beaches with
piles of decomposing algae have
been a problem in many areas south
of Kincardine over the past four to
five years. Historical accounts of
algae problems suggest an ongoing
problem in the Goderich area.
Are things getting worse?
"As far as bacterial impairments
go, there doesn't appear to be an
upward or downward trend. Bacterial
pollution was a problem twenty years
ago and it's still a problem," said
Peach. "As far as nutrients getting to
the lake, it appears that nitrogen is
taking an upward trend while
phosphorous may be declining."
The report also identified a need
for better consistency and co-
ordination in data collection between
agencies and organizations carrying
out water monitoring.
"Improvements in water quality
monitoring on a regional basis will
help in better understanding the state
of nearshore water quality, and in
targeting clean-up projects," Peach
said. "Lakeshore waters don't stop at
county or municipal boundaries. It
has to be looked at in a regional
context, and it appears that efforts are
starting to get underway to do that."
For those interested in learning
more about Lake Huron's water
quality, the Coastal Centre will be
hosting the, "Is the Coast Clear?",
conference on Lake Huron's
environment on July 17 in Port Elgin.
Experts will be on hand to discuss
the past, present and future of Lake
Huron's water quality.
For further information about the
conference, or the study, contact the
Coastal Centre at (519) 523-4478, or
visit the Centre's website at
www.lakehuron.on.ca0