Press Release: Sudbury Takes Strong Action to Protect its Citizens

On April 23, 2015   /   Concerns, Life on the River, Media, VRS Comments, Waste Water, Water Quality  

SudburyWasteWaterTreatment

“The VRS wishes to thank the City of Greater Sudbury, Jacques Barbeau, Michael Vagnini, and Sudbury Water/Wastewater staff for taking strong action to protect the health and safety of its citizens“, said Linda Heron, Chair of the VRS.

The City of Greater Sudbury has provided a Sewer Bypass Alert Notification, whereby you can register to receive email notification whenever there is a sewage bypass or wastewater overflow at any of their wastewater treatment facilities.

The Vermilion River Stewardship (VRS) lobbied for this real-time Alert to ensure those families relying on the receiving lakes and rivers for their household water and/or recreational activities are notified whenever a bypass occurs, and can take appropriate action.

You are encouraged to register here to receive Alerts when a sewage bypass or spill occurs.  All bypass events will be posted at this location for a period of 7 days after the bypass has ended. Monthly bypass and overflow reports are also available on the Stewardship page.

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Protect Your Lake – Protect Your Investment – Septic System Handbook – Courtesy of Fairbank Lake Camp Owner’s Association

On August 20, 2014   /   Concerns, Life on the River, Media, Septic Systems, Waste Water, Water Quality  

Algae1

Greater Sudbury is the “City of Lakes” and many people living on waterfront properties are dedicated to protecting the water quality around their homes. Recently, several lakes in the Sudbury area have developed blue/green algae blooms affecting drinking water and closing beaches.

Some of the causes of algae blooms are faulty septic systems, storm water run-off and increased levels of phosphorus and nitrogen.

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Sudbury needs better model to evaluate lake health, manager says – Morning North, CBC Radio

On March 26, 2014   /   Blue Green Algae, Concerns, Media, Studies, Water Quality  

 

Simon Lake - Park

Simon Lake – Park

Mar 25, 2014 10:11 AM ET

The City of Greater Sudbury says it has started a long process toward more safeguards for city lakes, including how it can more accurately pinpoint water quality.

At a meeting Monday night, Sudbury’s environmental planning manager gave his report on lake quality. One of the big problems, he said, is the guide used by the province to determine water quality doesn’t work very well….  Read the full article and listen to the interview:

Sudbury needs better model to evaluate lake health, manager says

RELATED CONTENT BELOW:

Sudbury Lake Water Quality Report – Vermilion River Stewardship’s letters of concern

Posted:  25 March 2014

Sudbury lakes report questioned over omissions

Posted: Mar 24, 2014 1:37 PM ET

Posted: Feb 21, 2014 9:06 AM ET

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Interview by Vocal Vibes – Deep Waters

On July 8, 2013   /   Blue Green Algae, Concerns, Life on the River, Media, Waste Water  

Deep Waters – the latest edition of Vocal Vibes Podcast

Vocal Vibes recently interviewed Linda Heron, Chair of the Vermilion River Stewardship and the Ontario Rivers Alliance.

We all live in a watershed.  That’s not something most North Americans think about, even though we turn on our taps many times a day, wash our cars, fertilize our lawns, or throw away toxic substances.  The Deep Waters edition of Vocal Vibes dives into water quality, a type of bloom that you don’t want, and small victories.

Click here to listen to the interview.

Ella Lake - Blue-green Algae Bloom

Ella Lake – Blue-green Algae Bloom

 

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Baby Snapping Turtle Hatch 2012 – Vermilion River

On April 7, 2013   /   Concerns, Life on the River, Media, SARS  

The Snapping Turtle is a special concern species under Ontario’s Endangered Species Act. A management plan will be prepared. The Snapping Turtle has also been assessed nationally as a special concern species by the federal Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). Status: special concern provincially and designated special concern federally.

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Green Energy be Dammed!

On April 2, 2013   /   Blue Green Algae, Concerns, Costs, Dams, Green Energy, Life on the River, Media, MethylMercury, Wabagishik Rapids, Water Quality  

We all want green energy, but let’s ensure it is truly green.

Wabagishik Rapids is a beautiful 1 km stretch of rapids on the Vermilion River, about 1/2 hour west of Sudbury, Ontario.  A developer is proposing to build a modified peaking hydroelectric dam that would only produce enough power to supply about 1,600 homes.  These types of dams have numerous negative impacts associated with them, and are very harmful to the riverine ecosystem.  Check out this film to find out more.

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Blue Green Algae Outbreak on Ella Lake – Vermilion River – December through to February 2012-2013

On February 23, 2013   /   Blue Green Algae, Concerns, Media, Water Quality  
Blue-green algae on Ella Lake - November 2012

Blue-green algae on Ella Lake – November 2012

We have just had confirmation from MOE that we have a blue green algae outbreak on Ella Lake; however, we don’t have the details of what the toxicity levels are yet.   In the meantime, please refrain from using the lake/river water for drinking, brushing your teeth, sauna, showering, bathing, etc.  It was reported that this outbreak has been persistent since at least December, so this is a very curious situation and I suggest you refrain from using the water for the rest of the winter at least.  We will let you know more once all the details are known.

You should not drink surface water during an algal bloom, even if it is treated, because in-home treatments such as boiling and disinfecting water with chlorine or UV and water filtration units do not protect people from blue-green algal toxins.

If you have an opportunity to talk to any ice fishermen on the upstream lakes, please inquire as to whether they have seen this blue green algae (scum) coming up through their ice holes.  If blue green algae has been seen on any of the upstream lakes, please call the Health Unit at 705 522-9200 and they will come out to take a sample.   Please also contact Vermilion River Stewardship at info@vermilionriverstewards.ca to let us know so we can warn the local residents.

VRS will start our telephone tree; however, we may be missing some people living on the river, so please let your neighbours know of the outbreak and ask them not to use the lake/river water for any of the above uses.

For more information on blue green algae, please check out the information on our website at:

http://www.sdhu.com/content/health_hazards/doc.asp?folder=2865&parent=274&lang=0&doc=1805

http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2012/09/blue-green-algae-iridescent-but-deadly/261794/

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Save Wabagishik Rapids – Vermilion River

On January 18, 2013   /   Concerns, Costs, Dam Effects, Dams, Green Energy, Media, Studies, Wabagishik Rapids, Water Quality  

Wabagishik Rapids is a beautiful 1 km stretch of rapids on the Vermilion River, about 1/2 hour west of Sudbury, Ontario. A developer is proposing to build a modified run of river hydroelectric dam that would produce enough power to supply about 1,600 homes. These types of dams have numerous negative impacts associated with them, and are very harmful to the riverine ecosystem. Check out this film to find out more.

Full length film:

Short preview of the full version:

Find out how you can help by going to our Membership page.

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