2010 News

Kawartha Conservation seeking 3.4-tonne reduction of phosphorus in Lake Scugog

(March 9, 2010) Kawartha Conservation is seeking a reduction of nutrients in Lake Scugog to help protect and enhance the lake. Research findings and strategies outlined in the draft Lake Scugog Environmental Management Plan (LSEMP) were presented to more than 75 people who attended open houses this week in Caesarea, Little Britain and Port Perry.

Each year, up to 9.6 tonnes of phosphorus enter Lake Scugog, contributing to aquatic plant growth and a decrease in water quality. One tonne of phosphorus can promote the growth of 500 tonnes of aquatic plants. Additionally, the nutrients taken up and produced by these plants accumulate on the bottom of the lake and feed new plants. Fish are also impacted by a reduction of oxygen in the water as the plants decompose.

“All lakes age naturally, becoming shallower with the build up of sediments and decomposed aquatic plants,” says Rob Messervey, Kawartha Conservation CAO. “But this aging process can happen much more quickly when there are high levels of nutrients from human activities. It’s important that we reduce our impact, so that we can extend the life of the lake.”

In the Lake Scugog Environmental Management Plan, Kawartha Conservation has identified that a 3.4-tonne reduction of phosphorus entering the lake each year is needed to improve water quality and maintain the lake’s ecosystem. Phosphorous is a key target, as it can have the greatest impact on aquatic plants. To achieve this, Kawartha Conservation has provided a detailed set of strategies based on its scientific research. These strategies include the following:

• Urban Land Use Strategy – Reduce phosphorus input by 50%-60% over the next 10 years by implementing Best Management Practices and stewardship programs on residential properties; working with municipal partners, small businesses and urban golf courses; and implementing storm water management plans.
  Stewardship Strategy – Reduce phosphorus input from septic systems by 25% over the next 10 years by developing septic system inspection programs, incentives and regulatory means; increase forest cover to 30% of the watershed; and increase natural cover to 75% of stream and lake shorelines.
  Agricultural Land Use Strategy – Reduce phosphorus input by 40%-50% by encouraging nutrient management planning on farms; minimizing erosion; and minimizing the input of manure nutrients into streams.
  Watershed Planning, Regulation and Enforcement Strategy – Protect existing natural features through ongoing collaboration with municipal planning staff; effective implementation of Regional and Municipal Official Plans and Zoning By-laws; and the enforcement of applicable regulations.
  Communications and Education Strategy – Create awareness of Best Management Practices for urban and rural landowners through Scugog Connections and a wide range of other activities.
  Monitoring and Scientific Studies Strategy – Continue research and monitoring to evaluate progress, identify other areas of concern, and help determine future decisions and actions.

SOURCE	WATERSHED AREA	PHOSPHOROUS LOAD	TARGET – MAX LOAD
Urban runoff	3.56%	1,713 kg (18.2%)	700 kg
Agriculture	53%	2,213 kg (23.5%)	1,100 kg
Septic systems	0.76%	911 kg (9.7%)	350 kg
Rural road runoff	1.56%	600 kg (6.4%)	300 kg
Port Perry Sewage Treatment Plant	1.2%	170 kg (1.8 %)	150 kg
Precipitation	na	1,784 kg (19.0%)	1,600 kg
Natural Sources	na	2,017 kg (21.4%)	2,017 kg

Based on the early research results of the LSEMP, Kawartha Conservation has already begun implementing the strategies. In 2008 and 2009, the Blue Canoe visited shoreline properties on Lake Scugog to help landowners take action. To start with, 99 landowners committed to adopting environment-conscious fertilizer practices; 72 committed to switching to phosphate-free soaps; and 57 committed to getting a septic system inspection. This is just the beginning of what needs to be done.

Other early actions included the Shoreline Naturalization program, which assisted landowners with projects, in addition to developing demonstration sites and undertaking naturalization projects on public lands around Lake Scugog. Another program was the Scugog WATER Fund, which will be focused this year on assisting with agricultural Best Management Practices. Scugog Connections was opened in downtown Port Perry last October to provide education and outreach programs that help landowners take action. And, Kawartha Conservation is completing the Port Perry Stormwater Management Plan that prescribes a framework for minimizing pollutants in urban runoff.

“There really is no quick and simple solution,” says Messervey. “We need to undertake a wide range of activities that involve everyone. By working together, we can protect and enhance Lake Scugog, and enjoy all of the economic and recreational benefits it provides for many years to come.”

Click here for more information about the LSEMP.

 

The LSEMP has been funded by the Region of Durham and the City of Kawartha Lakes, and was developed in partnership with the Township of Scugog, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Scugog Lake Stewards, the Durham Land Stewardship Council and the Victoria Land and Water Stewardship Council.