Opening Comments
Last summer, we undertook a comprehensive study of Lake Morissette, our sister lake. All of the reports are in and we promised we would issue a special edition of this newsletter to announce the various results. We hope that the report will encourage cottagers and permanent dwellers to change their daily habits, with a view to extending the lifespan of that beautiful lake.
It is therefore with great pleasure that are dedicating this issue to Lake Morissette. However, since time does not stand still, and there are other pressing issues, which need to be discussed, we will preface the edition with other material of timely importance.
Municipal Referendum: May 30, 1999
Over the past three years, Blue Sea has fought a battle with the Quebec Ministry of Municipal Affairs, which would like to see us merge with Messines.
You will remember that, three years ago, this association prepared an in-depth study of the possibilities, and presented a brief to the Ministry opposing such a merger. Since then, Blue Sea sent a unanimous resolution of Council to the ministry, solidly opposing such a merger.
Messines, eyeing an opportunity to extend its influence over a larger territory, and acquire significant assets to boot, gave in to pressure from the ministry and acquiesced in a study to be done by ministry officials, on the possibility of merger. Naturally, the results were heavily biased in
favour of such a merger. That was expected, given the ministry was footing the bill, and supplying some of the basic data.
Blue Sea, not satisfied with the outcome, and rightly so, proceeded to have its own independant study done by the firm of Ethier, Logue, & Lacroix. Blue Sea requested that the firm also do a critique of the ministry report prepared for Messines. The results were vastly different, and the general outlines have been printed and distributed in the most recent Blue Sea newsletter "Blue Sea in mind".
Most of the results were an updated version of the study this association prepared three years ago. In fact, we had covered terrain which they decided not to tread upon. The bottom line is that they felt that a merger with Messines would be to the general detriment of the village of Blue Sea and its inhabitants. They also highlighted mistakes made in the ministry report prepared for Messines which were basic to their conclusions.
The ministry wants discussions to take place, but Blue Sea is categorically opposed to the principle of discussing something in which its council and its residents are basically opposed to. The ministry has stated that a merger WILL NOT BE FORCED UPON US if we really do not want it.
With that in mind, Blue Sea council called a referendum for May 30, 1999, to ask the residents to confirm their desire to remain independant from Messines. A vote rejecting such a merger would solidly enhance Blue Sea's position of independence with the Ministry.
Some of you attended the various information sessions this association held three years ago. Others attended the information sessions held by Blue Sea Council recently. It is considered of the utmost importance to all cottagers and village residents to get out and vote on this merger question on May 30, 1999.
The Quebec law on elections and referendums says that cottagers are limited to a single vote per property, while every permanent resident over 18 years of age has a right to vote. Find out who is the designated voter on your property. Telephone the municipal offices (1-819-463-2261) if you are not sure and determine you are on the voters list. And even if you normally do not bother in municipal matters, this one is of the utmost importance. Get involved. Exercise your right in the decision making process. The results could affect you for years to come.
This association remains categorically opposed to the merger.
Consider this. Blue Sea has a surplus of approx. $176,000.00 currently, while Messines has approx. $125,000.00. A merger would combine both under a single authority. Since Messines is a vastly larger population, Blue Sea would be very limited in its representation on a joint council.
Blue Sea's roads are in reasonably sound condition, but have you seen Messines'? Where do you think our reserves will end up? Perhaps in repairing roads such as the Traverse St.Jacques, which is in deplorable state.
And what about the garbage situation? For the past two years, although Messines has levied a special tax on garbage, that tax has produced revenues lower than actual cost of doing the work. The difference has been covered by their general levy. In a merger, Blue Sea would in effect be paying through the general levy, for garbage costs of Messines residents, although Blue Sea
has its own dump.
Other areas of concern to us are too numerous to mention but be sure that, if we merge, your taxes will go UP,NOT DOWN as a direct result. We will be paying more, to get much less.
As a cottager, our influence on Blue Sea council is important, due to our high numbers. In a merger situation, with Messines' low cottager population, our influence would become insignificant. If you thought Blue Sea Lake had its problems before, remember that the largest pollution factor in the lake eminates from their side of the municipal borders.
The small ministry grant to be given to the merged population represents less than $100.00 per resident, spread over 5 years. And out of this fund will have to be paid the additional large legal expenses associated with revising all municipal bylaws and other legal documents. Clearly the grant is insignificant in the overall consideration of things.
Do yourself and your children a huge favor on May 30, 1999. Go out and vote, and for your own sake, oppose the merger with Messines. Send the ministry a clear signal that we want to be masters in our own house, not second class citizens subservient to Messines.
Mont Morissette Development Committee
The committee has at last been formed. Your president, Morris Richardson,was asked to form part of that committee and accepted. The committee is composed of the Mayor, two councillors, the Secretary-Treasurer of the municipality, and six members of the community at large. Pierre Turnbull, former councillor, has been named President of the committee. Several meetings of the committee have already been held, much progress has already been made, and important decisions have already been taken. We will keep you informed of its progress as time and events develop.
Fish Stocking on Laurier Lake
On October 6, 1998, the ministry stocked the lake with approx. 5,000 small speckled trout. When trout season opened a few weeks ago, the topic of conversation at the restaurant, the morning after the first day of fishing was about how one single individual caught well over 100 all by himself, and another over 80. The shocking thing is, nobody is complaining about the idiocy of this situation. Two people, on the first day of fishing season, by themselves catch 4% of the entire stocking quantity and nobody bothers to tell them they are selfish idiots, not to mention that they are breaking the law. And then we expect the ministry will continue to pour money into further stockings every year. Good luck.
Posted Fire Danger Warnings
The unusual hot spring melt and the subsequent lack of rain has resulted in parched land surfaces in our community. The authorities declared a fire emergency period commencing Thursday, April 29, and extended until May 10, 1999. During this time no open fires were permitted. Our association had posted no fire signs on its association signs at either end of our community.
Notwithstanding, we had to have an individual challenging lady luck by making a campfire in dense bush undergrowth. Naturally, mother nature won and he lost. We had the beginnings of a serious forest fire on Lake Morissette.
Thankfully, winds were very low, and the fire spread slowly. It required three loads with an aerial waterbomber and a team of firefighters brought in by helicopter to put out the flames. The sheepish property owner retreated back to Ottawa with his tail between his legs, awaiting a serious fine for his misconduct.
Don't give fire a place to start. Obey posted signs at all times. And if you are making a fire, be sure it is fully extinguished before you abandon the site. Your cottage property is a valuable asset. Protect it and those of your neighbours by utilizing safe fire methods.
Wearing Apparel
For your last minute gift suggestions, why not call Fran to purchase some clothing items with our logo on it. We still have jackets, hats, and sweaters. Her phone number, in Ottawa, is (613) 727-0409.
Scheduled Events
Executive Meetings:
You will remember that last year, we were informed that when the municipality took over the control and verification of septic system emptying, they would require large circular covers over septic tanks, in order to facilitate their being emptied.
On May 3, 1999, council finally passed the enabling by-law to control septic wastes. However, to the surprise of many, council deleted section 9 of the original legislative by-law, with regards to these covers. For the present, there is no need to spend several hundred dollars in acquiring these large covers and piping and existing vents are acceptable. If you have already spent the money in the new covers, consider it an investment for the future. If not, keep your money in your pocket. Stay tuned.
The Lake Morissette ReportLatourelle
General Remarks
Some years ago, the Ministry of the Environment did a detailed analysis of Lake Latourelle. It was felt that a similar analysis of Lake Morissette would be useful. This association, with the support of municipal council, made the request to the ministry in mid 1997 and the ministry accepted to do the study in the summer of 1998. We have reproduced herein a translated version of the report, originally prepared by Michel Lalancette, technician with the ministry.
Because the lake had suffered a population explosion in recent years, due to two land developments on the lake, there were some concerns regarding the capacity of the small lake to support this development without suffering collateral damage. We expressed our concerns to the ministry and they offered to do an evaluation on the capacity of the lake to support the added
population, at the same time as they did their other analysis. On Sept. 11, 1998, a report was submitted to us, signed by Henri Fournier, biologist with the ministry. The report is translated herein. A copy of this report was transmitted to municipal authorities at the time.
In the same timeframe, as a result of concerns expresed by Lacs des Iles Association when they took water samples in Lake Latourelle, our association decided to take a number of water samples of both lakes and submit them for analysis. The samples were analysed by the Department of Microbiology, central laboratory of the Urban Community of the Outaouais, in Gatineau, Que. We have already published some of the results, and we publish the full
report, as it pertains to Lake Morissette, herein.
Again, in the same timeframe, our association had been considering a suggestion given by another lake association to monitor the water clarity of the lake and, with the help of volunters, we carried out regular recorded samplings of water clarity on both lakes. We are publishing these results, as concerns Lake Morissette, also herein.
Water Sample Analysis
Of the four samples taken on Morissette, two were wonderful, and two were of questionable quality.
Sample 98-1 was taken at the public access. Sample 98-2 came from the foot of the Mayor's dock (chemin des Bons Vivants). Sample 98-3 was taken fronting Chris Juteau's property (chemin de la Perdriole). Sample 98-4 was taken at the culvert where the Morissette discharges into Lake Latourelle.
All samples were taken on Aug. 3, 1998, between 11:50 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. The worst results were obtained at the public access (sample 98-1). There, 6 fecal coliform and 2 streptococal bacteria were present in 100ml. of water sample. Mathematical barometer analysis would seem to indicate human feces.
This would indicate one of two possible scenarios. The first is that the public are deficating at or in the water at the public access now that the municipality has removed the toilet facilities which used to be there. The second possiblity is that a close neighbouring property of the access, on either side, has a problem with its septic system. We shall attempt to pin down the cause as soon as we can.
The second questionable sample was sample 98-2. There, the results were 2 fecal coliform and 6 streptococal bacteria per 100 ml of water. Before you tear a strip off the Mayor, an explanation is in order. One should note that the location is in the normal current flowing from the public access and would thus tend to probably be runoff from the public access.
Since a number of families along Avenue des Bons Vivants use the lake water for drinking, I would think that an immediate solution must be found to correct the problem. Note that the water quality is considered excellent for swimming and bathing purposes. However, a single fecal coliform per 100ml. of water sample renders it unfit for human consumption. The municipal
inspector has indicated to us that he has several files on his desk, regarding septic systems in that area, and the problem will hopefully resolve itself when these files are brought to a successful conclusion.
Expert Evaluation of Lac Morissette
The analysis was done on Aug. 18, 1998, by two employees of the Ministry of the Environment, under the direction of Michel Lalancette, technician.
Lac Morissette covers an area of 41 hectares (one hectare is roughly equivalent to the size of a football field) and a maximum depth of 10 metres. According to ministry documents, a bathymetry of the water system was done in 1969. Additionally, two fish stockings of young adult yellow walleyes have been recorded. 55 adults were introduced in 1969 and another 184 in 1971. The fish measured between 30 and 75cm. in length.
In accordance with the association's request, a study of the quality of the water system was undertaken in August, 1998. There have been no previous recorded similar studies taken on this lake. Therefore, the ministry cannot detect by comparison if there has been degredation in the quality of the water in the lake. It will take another 5 years before more can be known on this lake.
The pH factor in the water, which is a mesure of the acidity is at 8.55, which is marginally superior to the norm (7.0), but acceptable to fish which inhabit the lake.
Lake Morissette contains sufficient disolved oxygen for the fish up to a depth of 7 metres. In effect, the small mouth bass and the pike which are found in abundance in this lake can easily tolerate these conditions. As a result, due to the large presence of these two species of fish and the small area of the lake, stocking with salmonides(?) should not be considered.
Physico-chemical data on Lac Morissette on August 18, 1998
| Depth (Meters) | Temperature (Celcius) | Oxygen (Parts per Million) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Evaluating the Support Capacity of Lac Morissette
The ministry proceeded with the evaluation of the support capacity in total phosphorus in Lac Morissette. As can be readily understood, such an evaluation can only be done by modelizing. The model utilized comes from a family of such models that have a proven history and are a useful tool for decision taking.
To aid in the understanding of the eutrophication phenomena, we have firstly explained the phenomena and its effects, certain intervening factors and the model utilized to arrive at our conclusions.
Eutrophication
This is the increase in the productivity of plant life in a water system. This increase in productivity of plants gradually transforms the water system. Sedimentation of organic material on the bottom of the lake encourages an increase in the activity of decomposing agents resulting in an increase in the biological demand for oxygen (BDO)and lowers the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the water of the hypolimnion when the lake is stratified during the summer months.
This productivity can become so intense it becomes a nuisance. This can result in a decrease in the transparency of the water caused by the development of phytoplancton, the noticeable increase of quantities of macrophyte aquantic plants, flowering of various types of algaes which can give off nauseating odors and even be toxic.
Eutrophication is caused by a surplus supply of nutrients in a water system. The two key elements are phophorus and nitrogen. In our waters, the factor which limits the development of vegetation is usually phophorus.
The majority of human activity brings about an increase in phophorus presence in our lakes: deforestation, agriculture, fish farming, urbanization, industries, and cottage life.
In our area the major factors are somewhat diffused since they usually do not originate from an easily and singly definable source. Causes can originate in the water chain from another lake, from creeks pourring into the water supply, from underground leeching and even from the atmosphere. It is therefore sometimes difficult to measure the causes and also difficult to halt the effects.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus has a strong tendency to be absorbed on mineral particles. In this form, it is not bio-degradable by aquatic plants. Phosphorus is utilized by phytoplancton in soluble form. However, chemical reactions in water permit the passage of phosphorus from one form to another. This is why we always consider the total phosphorus when we consider phosphorus in a water system and its tributaries.
In areas where we generally work the principal sources of phosphorus are deforestation, agriculture, fish farming, and septic installations. Deforestation acts by facilitating soil particles running into the water system by eliminating ground cover. In the process, these particles bring with them the phosphorus which they carry. Deforestation, even if ground cover is present, exports more phosphorus than the forest. A cut area of forest will adversely affect a water system for 10 years after the fact.
Agriculture acts not only by deforestation process but also from the spreading of fertilizers and weed killers. The quantity of phosphorus exported from an agricultural basin varies enormously according to the type of agriculture practiced. We do not consider agriculture as a factor in the Lac Morissette water system.
Fish farming promotes phosphorus in the system because the fish can only assimilate a portion of the phosphortus in their food supply. The quantity of rejected phosphorus into the environment is therefore directly proportional to the size of the fish farm operation.
Septic installations are, in our area, sources of phosphorus. A septic installation eliminates phosphorus when it is absorbed by soil particles in the weeping tile bed. Our soils are traditionally thin, and their capacity to absorb is at best limited, often week, and sometimes non-existant. Once the capacity of the soil to absorb is breached, all of the phosphorus, which comes from the weeping tile bed, will leech into the landmass, and ultimately, into the water system. It is only a question of time.
Septic installations are efficient in treating other effluents, such as BDO, suspended particulates and pathogenic bacteria.
Models
Models allow us to predict concentration of total phosphorus equilibrium in a lake if we know the phosphorus concentrations in its tributaries. These models are not perfect but they do allow us, as a general rule, to achieve realistic results. The quantity of phosphorus produced by a large number of human activities has been established and is utilized as an export co-efficient. A measure of the quantity of the activity in a water system permits us, by utilizing an average export co-efficient for that activity, to estimate the quantity of total phosphorus in the lake and thus predict the concentration equilibrium of the lake. By eliminating all human activity and supposing the concentration at its natural state, we can estimate the natural concentration of total phosphorus in a lake devoid of all human development.
Results of modeling for Lac Morissette
Modeling allows us to estimate that the natural concentration of total phosphorus in Lac Morissette was approx. 6.3 micro-grams per litre (ug/l)(per revision of Dec. 4, 1998). This concentration of phosphorus is typical of a poor lake, technically referred to as oligotropic, and is typical of the lakes in the region.
Experience shows us that, to avoid all modifications in the quality of the water in a lake of this nature, the concentration of total phosphorus should not increase over 9.4 ug/l of total phosphorus (per revision of Dec. 4, 1998). The data available on present human activity in this water basin permits us to estimate that the concentration of total phosphorus will eventually
attain, on equilibrium, 9.6 ug/l (per revision of Dec. 4, 1998).
We must therefore conclude that the present development of the Lake Morissette water basin will, in the long term, go beyond the oligotropic state to a mesotropic state, which is undesirable.
The incidental increase in Lake Morissette will translate into an increase in the concentration of
total phosphorus in the lake and the ecological changes in the long term will devolve per the negative effects already explained earlier in the process of eutrophication. However, according to a revision of the original report, submitted on Dec. 4, 1998, the level of eutrophication might be acceptable if all new or additional supplementary activity in the Lac Morissette watershed is curtailed. If this is the case, we could avoid problems in the longer term which are otherwise a question of time.
Human Activity in the Lake Morissette water basin
Seasonal residents: 7 (data supplied by APPEL)
Permanent residents: 11 (data supplied by APPEL)
Land development: 25.2 hectares Imaging satellite interpretation and maps at 1:20000.
Water Clarity testing
The clarity of the water was tested on 22 different dates between July 11, 1998 and Sept. 7, 1998. Each time a clarity test was taken, the time of day was noted, as was the general weather, the water colour, and the depth of clarity measured in feet. While space constraints do not permit us to detail all the individual tests, persons wishing raw data may contact the president
of this association for same.
Generally speaking, the water was heavily sedimented in the days immediately following the tornado and clarity was limited to approx. 15 feet. After July 17, 1998, the water seemed to clear somewhat, and clarity increased to 18 feet. In days immediately following rainfall, the lake waters were somewhat brown in colour, whereas, as a general rule, the water was green. The depth of clarity after July 17, 1998, and until Sept. 7, 1998, varied from 12 to 18 feet,and averaged 14.63 feet.
By comparison, clarity tests taken in the centre bay of Lake Latourelle show an average clarity of 17.5 feet.
A word from the Federation of Gatineau Valley Lake and River Associations
The need for a comprehensive land use management plan that both respects and promotes healthy lake and river environments has become increasingly evident. The consequences of inadequate planning can be seen in many lakes. Accelerated eutrophication provoked by the massive inputs of phosphorus into Heney Lake by the fish farm can be qualified as an ecological disaster unequaled in the lakes of our region. Other lakes, such as Blue Sea, Roddick, and Carson, have manifested eutrophication symptoms. Proper land use management would be of importance for the prevention of these situations. Forestrial borders around lakes, maximum densities and setbacks from the lakes are other elements that can help in preventing such situations. We must send a clear message to our decision makers that it is essential that they act now to adopt appropriate measures.
The Federation has developed a phosphorus reduction program designed for lake association executive committees to administer to their respective waterfront property owners. We are pleased with the initial responses and encouragement we have received from potential government and non-government sponsors.
The water system in which Lake Morissette is situated
In order to show the relevance of maintaining a high quality on Lake Morissette, it is necessary to study the entire water basin in which Lake Morissette is included.
The beginning of the water system is in the mountains surrounding Laurier Lake. The surplus waters of that lake dump into Lake Morissette via a currently dammed creek overlooking the south eastern end of Lake Morissette. From Lake Morissette, the water flows under Lac Long Road, near Paul Cousineau's property, into Lake Latourelle. Lake Latourelle dumps into a
creek at the southwestern end, via a dam constructed by Laurier Lafontaine some years ago. The creek meanders along till it flows through a number of small lakes and eventually finds its way to Lac des Iles. From there, it again wanders along a creek which becomes a small river bed, known as the Picanoc. It eventually finds its way down to the Gatineau River.
As you can readily see, any contamination or degradation of Lake Morissette will eventually have negative impact upon all the chain of lakes downstream. If we preserve Lake Morissette, we help preserve the other lakes downstream.
Other Information sources
Eutrophication isn't something that happens overnight. Providing there are no fish farming operations on a lake and/or signiicant agricultural inputs, accelerated eutrophication is usually the result of decades of phosphorus loading of the lake by an ever increasing number of lakefront property owner/occupants. It is estimated the seasonal use of each lakefront cottage introduces between 575 and 3,355 grams of phosphorus into the environment per season. To further compound the problem, conventional septic systems and associated drainage fields are very inefficient methods of treating and removing the phosphorus contained within domestic liquid waste. These systems were designed primarily with a view to preventing outbreaks of waste water born diseases (cholera and typhus) and as such, approx. 70 to 80% of the phosphorus entering a septic system eventually leeches into the lake. In order to appreciate the broader implications, it is also necessary to take into account future lakefront development on the various lakes and the possible trend asssociated with seasonal residents in the future becoming permanent residents. Each additional cottage on a lake represents an increase in phosphorus loading and the change in status from seasonal to permanent resident represents a quadrupling of the phosphorus loading asssociated with that particular cottage.
Did you know that up to 82% of the phosphorus loading associated with the seasonal use of each waterfront cottage can be abated, based solely on the substitution of household and yard products that contain phosphorus for those that are phosphate-free. This represents a huge opportunity for us to make a big difference in our respective lakes' eutrophication rate.
APPEL Recommendations
How to Reach Us
Email:webmaster@apell.org
Website:www.apell.org
Executive Committee
| Name | Title | Home Phone# | Cottage Phone # |
| Morris Richardson | President | ||
| Steve Slaby | Vice-President | ||
| Rita Lingen | Secretary/ Treasurer | ||
| John Devlin | Director | ||
| Lise Parent | Director | ||
| Terry Samets | Director | ||
| Gaston Tremblay | Director | ||
| Cristian Juteau | Alternate Director | ||
| Marcel Lacasse | Alternate Director |
The executive welcome calls from members, but we would ask they be before 9 PM.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank our new sponsors for supporting our assocation, and we invite our members to avail themselves of their services and products whenever the opportunity arises.
Copyright © 1996 APELL
All Rights Reserved
Droits d'auteur et copie © 1996 APELL
