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Some time ago a letter to the Editor blared the headline “Geese to blame for beach closure.” It would be great if beach closures and weed growth were caused only by un- wanted deposits from Canada geese. Kawartha C ion and the Scugog Lake Stewards have proven that the solution to the bacte- tia, weed and algae problems is much more difficult to solve than that. The main problem for Palmer Park Beach is rain water rushing into the lake from urban Port Perry through stormwater culverts during and after major rain events. For example, along the short stretch of shoreline from Queen Street pier to the Independent, there are a total of five stormwater outlets, some of them very large! The dou- ble culvert at Curt and Water Streets drains over 136 acres; much of it roads, driveways, parking lots, roofs and lawns. There is a stormwater outlet right at the beach! Port Stormwater outlet in Joe Fowler Park draining central Port Perry Perry was built with a system of storm drains and ditches according to older engineering custom that encouraged water to run off properties quickly to the lowest point, in this case Lake Scugog. The problem is that hard surfaces and lawns build up and concentrate the pollutants and nutrients during dry times -- then they are flushed clean during heavy rains. After a prolonged dry spell, this potent mix of pathogens and pollutants proceeds, untreated, into Port Perry Bay and Rowing Club bay of Lake Scugog. This runoff also includes pollutants from cars, pet feces, miscellaneous bird dropping, trash, fertilizers, metals, sediment, salt and much The very high level of population related nutrients (nitro- gen and phosphorus) in this water runoff causes and feeds the large weed and algae beds in the urban bays. It is this inevitable bacteria from stormwater that now primarily causes the beach closures. Throughout the lake, there is a strong connection be- tween populated areas and weed/algae problems. Canada Geese don't even factor at all in the larger health picture of the lake, but may cause local problems, no doubt. The first step toward improvement is the development of a stormwater management plan and funding to begin to carry out that plan. Along with this, a new set of benefi- Stormwater retention area built ty th the Scugog Lake Stewards to treat inoff from 136 acres of south Port Perry before it runs into the lake. cial management practices and works guidelines must be developed for work around the lake. Importantly as well, there must be continuous education of the public and the agricultural community regarding how everyone can im- prove their impact on the lake. Toward that goal, the Lake Stewards pioneered the shoreline naturalization program which is now being man- aged by the Township and Kawartha Conservation. They are also researching and advocating these stormwater p lagoo septic up-grades and re-inspection, lake weed wa- ter gardens and cisterns and much more. Itis important to remember that testing has proven that the water in Lake Scugog is overall safe for swimming and other water sports. The huge volume of lake water dissi- pates bacterial pollutants -- especially in this year of almost constant rain. So Canada geese may not be guilty after all, but they are also far from innocent. ue of “Life on the Lake to you by our valued partner, big thank you for your continued support. FOCUS - SEPTEMBER 2008 21 “SEPTEMBER FOCUS 40pgs.indd. 21 © 8725108 7:51:03 AM |