Ted Briggs, Great Lakes Advisor with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks presented information to Council on the Healthy Lake Huron Program.
The Healthy Lake Huron initiative began in 2010 to follow- up on environmental stewardship work that has been taking place along the nearshore since the 1990's.
This initiative is a multi-stakeholder group, co-chaired by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks and Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Actions focus on reducing soil loss and improving soil health and include the installation of stream buffers, berms and use of cover crops. Other areas of focus include septic system inspections and upgrades and keeping livestock out of streams. A key component of the initiative is outreach and education programs.
Briggs noted that partnerships and collaboration are the key to maintaining momentum to continue environmental stewardship programs.
Committee of the Whole inquired about the benefit of sharing data on the septic inspection program and water quality testing with the Ministry. Staff will share the data.
Committee noted that Council has the opportunity to impact soil retention, when considering drainage construction projects.
Staff inquired about whether studies of the impact of zebra mussels trapping nutrients had been conducted. Briggs noted that they had not, but that they were part of the changing eco-systems of the lake. Briggs suggested that algae at the rock shoal is a combination of low water and zebra mussels, and may re-occur.
Committee inquired as to the sites that the Healthy Lake Huron Program was doing Water testing. Briggs noted that there were opportunities to coordinate testing to ensure overlap did not occur.
Committee discussed whether other water quality programs could be incorporated, and Briggs noted that collaborations are being encouraged where possible and practicable.
The Township was commended on the foresight of implementing the septic re-inspection program. Phil Beard, Maitland Valley Conservation Authority noted that the Township's program is being used to model programs in other areas, including the neighboring Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh, where a program is being implemented this year.
Committee inquired whether there would be a benefit to advocate to the Province that these types of Septic Re-inspection programs be made mandatory along the lakeshore.
Beard commented that Rural Stormwater management, such as the Township's Bruce Beach Drain construction is the new approach to municipal drainage to address some of the water quality issues noted in the presentation.