MEGI invited our local Environmental Project Officer Gary Papic to a meeting with the BoD and he agreed. We met on Wednesday August 6th, 2008 to discuss our concerns around the existing sewage treatment lagoons at the Resort Village of Manitou Beach (RVMB) and what, if any, plans are in the works to upgrade the facilities.
After sampling effluent discharge and discovering the elevated levels of bacterial strain, MEGI cleared away the hearsay and rumors and established that the lagoons are NOT performing adequately at peak periods. (Please see blog post dated July 24th "Sewage Lagoon Run-off Analysis & Interpretation")
The reason the group felt it was important to meet with Gary Papic at this time is because we have asked the RVMB to explain what, if any, plans are in place to address this issue and our questions have been met with little or no meaningful response.
It is our position that the general public and the rate-payers in particular have an interest in understanding what steps are being taken to deal with the sewage lagoons, as they are at the present over-flowing and discharging high bacterial counts directly into the waters of Little Manitou Lake. As a Board we have established a policy of “ZERO TOLERANCE” for potentially harmful inputs into the lake, as it is a “closed basin system”. What goes in the lake stays in the lake, except through evaporation. We wish to raise public awareness around this issue so that the administration of the RVMB understands clearly that the health of this fragile ecosystem must be a number one priority for them in any plans they make for future sewage lagoon upgrades or expansions.
Our conversation with Gary Papic was very productive and informative. To summarize:
The RVMB has engaged the services of a certified, professional engineering firm to drill core samples to establish the most preferable location for a proposed lagoon expansion. The preference will be given to a site that features a clay layer, as clay acts as a natural barrier that effectively seals effluent in place as it is treated by whatever means is put in place.
There are two types of sewage treatment: 1) aerobic , depth of about 5 feet, uses oxygen, does not smell bad, and 2) anaerobic, depth of between 12 to 15 feet, without oxygen, is ‘stinky’ treatment.
Sask Environment is encouraging communities that are experiencing growth to upgrade to the aerobic with oxygen, the aerobic system said to be ‘fauculative’.
Mr. Papic said that there is professional engineering consultation to the project at this time and that there is an opportunity for input from the stakeholders ie: the ratepayers at RVMB and other interested parties. The first phase of the consultation involves extraction of core samples out of the ground to find the most ideal location for the lagoon upgrade. The lagoons must be lined with a layer of about 8-12 inches thickness of clay. A naturally-occurring clay bed would be an ideal location to excavate the lagoon upgrade. It will be quite expensive to bring clay in to a site to physically line the lagoon with a layer.
The optimum choice to mitigate possibly harmful inputs into the Little Manitou closed basin system would be a “aerobic total evaporation pond with clay liner, pond no deeper than 5 feet and located outside of the watershed into the closed basin”.
According to Mr. Papic, “The treatment process (at Resort Village of Manitou Beach at this time) is marginal. It needs work.”
One of the triggers that motivates serious consideration for sewage lagoon and other upgrades is the fact that when there is any application for expansion (eg: home and/or commercial construction and the infrastructure upgrades that must be implemented prior to any such expansion) to government the application involves Sask Power, Sask Energy, Sask Environment and other agencies. The present infrastructure is incapable of supporting any further expansion so there is a stop work order from the agencies until such a time that any required improvements/upgrades are made.
Any response or clarification of a definite time-frame for the sewage lagoon upgrade/expansion from the administration of the Resort Village of Manitou Beach to the stakeholders through a public notice would be welcome and appreciated. At this time, this group is looking for tangible assurances from the Village that they are working within a certain time-frame to deal with this important issue.
In addition, this group is prepared to issue an update on our most recent sewage effluent run-off sample test results collected July 30th, 2008 as supplied by the Saskatchewan Disease Control Laboratory Environmental Services through Saskatchewan Health. Samples were taken at the convergence of the effluent with the lake water and also at about 50 feet off-shore at the same location. The results are respectively for Fecal Streptococci: 250 organisms per 100 ml of lake water, 80 organisms per 100 ml of lake water. The results are respectively for Total Coliform 34, 500 organisms per 100 ml of lake water, 10 organisms per 100 mls of lake water. The results respectively for E Coli are 31 organisms per 100 mls of lake water, <10 organisms per 100 ml of lake water.
According to Phillip Bailey, Director of Environmental Services with the Saskatchewan Disease Control Laboratory, the public is advised to avoid swimming at or near the place where the sewage lagoon effluent mixes with the lake water. However, the lake water is diluting the bacterial organism counts down to negligible counts 50' away from the discharge area. The sample taken 50' away from the discharge area demonstrates that the water is of typical lake-water quality and of little or no concern.
This group maintains that the waters of Little Manitou Lake are a precious resource and must not be contaminated with any amount of sewage lagoon effluent and that an alternative as outlined above would be a more ecologically prudent course of action for any lagoon expansion/upgrade.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Healing Waters of Little Manitou Lake
The Resort Village of Manitou Beach typically hosts about 125,000 visitors per year and that number is growing. People come from all over the world to enjoy the 'Healing Waters' that this unique lake has to offer.
The super-buoyant waters of Little Manitou Lake hold swimmers in perfect suspension so that they experience the amazing sensation of weightlessness. Not only is this very beneficial for easing away aches and pains from muscles and joints, the minerals held in suspension also have been said to benefit those who suffer from arthritis and various skin problems. Many people actually harvest the minerals and oils to use them as the medicinal ingredients in a variety of salves, soaps, bath salts and mud-packs.
The super-buoyant waters of Little Manitou Lake hold swimmers in perfect suspension so that they experience the amazing sensation of weightlessness. Not only is this very beneficial for easing away aches and pains from muscles and joints, the minerals held in suspension also have been said to benefit those who suffer from arthritis and various skin problems. Many people actually harvest the minerals and oils to use them as the medicinal ingredients in a variety of salves, soaps, bath salts and mud-packs.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
More Sewage Lagoon run-off testing
On July 30th, 2008 MEGI directors Fraser Murray and Michael Gaudet went out to the spot where the Resort Village of Manitou Beach's sewage lagoon discharge mixes with the lake water to take a water sample. After this, they took another sample about 50 feet off-shore.
These two samples were packed on ice and sent by STC bus to the Provincial Disease Control Laboratory on the following day. The results and interpretation of these tests will be published as soon as they are available so stay posted.
It is our hope that the bacterial counts observed from our first test will be much lower once the discharge hits the water and is diluted. The PH levels in the lake ought to act to kill off the bacteria as well. In any event, this group has established a "ZERO TOLERANCE" policy towards any potentially harmful inputs into Little Manitou Lake, as outlined in our Mandate and Mission Statement.
These two samples were packed on ice and sent by STC bus to the Provincial Disease Control Laboratory on the following day. The results and interpretation of these tests will be published as soon as they are available so stay posted.
It is our hope that the bacterial counts observed from our first test will be much lower once the discharge hits the water and is diluted. The PH levels in the lake ought to act to kill off the bacteria as well. In any event, this group has established a "ZERO TOLERANCE" policy towards any potentially harmful inputs into Little Manitou Lake, as outlined in our Mandate and Mission Statement.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Sewage Lagoon Run-off Analysis & Interpretation
Manitou Environmental Group Inc. received the following letter from Phil Bailey, Director of Environmental Services, Saskatchewan Disease Control Laboratory. In this letter the laboratory analysis of the water sample taken from the sewage lagoon run-off just west of Camp Easter Seal were interpreted by Mr. Bailey.
"The values of total coliform and e.coli bacteria counts measured in the
sample taken from the ravine connecting the lagoon to Little Manitou Lake
(Invoice 1017013) are what might be found for run off from a sewage lagoon discharge source. Without being familiar with the location from which the sample was taken, it would be expected that the bacteria levels would undergo substantial reduction after dilution into the lake. The very high mineral levels in Little Manitou Lake will further act to inhibit the growth and survival of these bacteria, as will pH values above 7.
The attached Surface Water Quality Objectives document produced by
Saskatchewan Environment is available at
http://www.saskh2o.ca/WaterInformationFactSheet_Surface.asp
and includes information on the surface water quality objectives for the
protection of aquatic life, recreation and agricultural uses.
The Environmental Protection Officer responsible for the region should be
"The values of total coliform and e.coli bacteria counts measured in the
sample taken from the ravine connecting the lagoon to Little Manitou Lake
(Invoice 1017013) are what might be found for run off from a sewage lagoon discharge source. Without being familiar with the location from which the sample was taken, it would be expected that the bacteria levels would undergo substantial reduction after dilution into the lake. The very high mineral levels in Little Manitou Lake will further act to inhibit the growth and survival of these bacteria, as will pH values above 7.
The attached Surface Water Quality Objectives document produced by
Saskatchewan Environment is available at
http://www.saskh2o.ca/
and includes information on the surface water quality objectives for the
protection of aquatic life, recreation and agricultural uses.
The Environmental Protection Officer responsible for the region should be
consulted for further information on surface water standards for fecal
streptoccoci, coliforms and e.coli. A list of EPO officers is available at
the following address, I would guess that Little Manitou Lake would be under the Watrous jurisdiction.
http://www.saskh2o.ca/DWBinder/EPB230AContactList.pdf
In order to gain a more complete understanding of the water quality in the
lake it is recommended to carry out a study at several locations in the lake over an extended time period to determine seasonal and environmental effects.
Regards,"
Phil Bailey,
Director, Environmental Services,
Saskatchewan Disease Control Laboratory,
3211 Albert Street,
Regina, SK, S4S 5W6
Tel: (306) 787-3140
Fax: (306) 798-0046
E:mail pbailey@health.gov.sk.ca
Further notes:
Manitou Environmental Group Inc.has taken a sample of sewage lagoon runoff and has received test results back from the Ministry of Health SK Disease Control Laboratory. Phil Bailey, Director of Environmental Services, Saskatchewan Disease Control Laboratory explained the meaning of the test results.
Mr. Bailey says that the average effluent runoff (from 5000 sewage lagoons in SK) is 200-300 organisms and possibly as high as 1000 of fecal strepococci per 100 mls of discharge. The fecal strepococci count found in the sewage lagoon run-off at Village of Manitou Beach is 3000 organisms per 100 mls of discharge.
The average as per above for total coliform, another bacterial strain is upper level 1000 per 100 mls of discharge. Village of Manitou Beach is 275, 500 organisms per 100 mls of discharge.
You can see how much water is flowing when you watch the video that shows Fraser Murray and James Alcock taking the sewage runoff sample on the blog post (below) called "Manitou Beach Lagoon Runoff Sample"
Mr. Bailey emphasized that there is a high probability that the effluent will be diluted by the body of water. He also advised us that these are unusually high readings. Mr. Bailey said that the sewage lagoons at the Village of Manitou Beach rank in the upper 1 percentile of bacterial count. These statements by Mr. Bailey lead us to believe that the existing sewage treatment lagoons with the current flow of material are inadequate to lower the bacterial counts prior to the discharge being released into Little Manitou Lake.
This group feels that Little Manitou Lake is a precious resource and that it is important to build a concensus in the community around protecting it for future generations so they will enjoy the benefits of the "Healing Waters" as we do today.
On behalf of the Board of Directors,
Manitou Environmental Group Inc.
streptoccoci, coliforms and e.coli. A list of EPO officers is available at
the following address, I would guess that Little Manitou Lake would be under the Watrous jurisdiction.
http://www.saskh2o.ca/
In order to gain a more complete understanding of the water quality in the
lake it is recommended to carry out a study at several locations in the lake over an extended time period to determine seasonal and environmental effects.
Regards,"
Phil Bailey,
Director, Environmental Services,
Saskatchewan Disease Control Laboratory,
3211 Albert Street,
Regina, SK, S4S 5W6
Tel: (306) 787-3140
Fax: (306) 798-0046
E:mail pbailey@health.gov.sk.ca
Further notes:
Manitou Environmental Group Inc.has taken a sample of sewage lagoon runoff and has received test results back from the Ministry of Health SK Disease Control Laboratory. Phil Bailey, Director of Environmental Services, Saskatchewan Disease Control Laboratory explained the meaning of the test results.
Mr. Bailey says that the average effluent runoff (from 5000 sewage lagoons in SK) is 200-300 organisms and possibly as high as 1000 of fecal strepococci per 100 mls of discharge. The fecal strepococci count found in the sewage lagoon run-off at Village of Manitou Beach is 3000 organisms per 100 mls of discharge.
The average as per above for total coliform, another bacterial strain is upper level 1000 per 100 mls of discharge. Village of Manitou Beach is 275, 500 organisms per 100 mls of discharge.
You can see how much water is flowing when you watch the video that shows Fraser Murray and James Alcock taking the sewage runoff sample on the blog post (below) called "Manitou Beach Lagoon Runoff Sample"
Mr. Bailey emphasized that there is a high probability that the effluent will be diluted by the body of water. He also advised us that these are unusually high readings. Mr. Bailey said that the sewage lagoons at the Village of Manitou Beach rank in the upper 1 percentile of bacterial count. These statements by Mr. Bailey lead us to believe that the existing sewage treatment lagoons with the current flow of material are inadequate to lower the bacterial counts prior to the discharge being released into Little Manitou Lake.
This group feels that Little Manitou Lake is a precious resource and that it is important to build a concensus in the community around protecting it for future generations so they will enjoy the benefits of the "Healing Waters" as we do today.
On behalf of the Board of Directors,
Manitou Environmental Group Inc.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Manitou Beach Lagoon Run-off Sample
On Wednesday July 09, 2008, Fraser Murray, James Alcock and Michael Gaudet drove out to the west side of the Manitou Beach lagoon with the intention of taking a water sample if there was any noticeable run-off. Not only was it noticeable, it was a rushing stream. We were a bit shocked to see how much water was flowing out of the lagoon and down a ravine into the lake. We observed that there was a culvert installed at some point this spring/summer and that the water was rushing through and then onward down hill directly into the lake. We documented the extraction of the water sample by Fraser Murray, life-long resident of Manitou Beach and Director of Manitou Environmental Group Inc. James Alcock, who lives and farms about 10 kms southeast of Manitou Beach, accompanied us as a material witness to the fact.
The sample was sent (packed on ice) by courier to the Disease Control Laboratory of the Provincial Laboratory of the Ministry of Health in Regina the following morning and now we await the results. We are testing for fecal E-Coli and a couple of other pathogens. Now we have our fingers crossed hoping that he results will be negative and that we can all breathe a sigh of relief. In any event, we will certainly make our findings known to the public by publishing the official results (and the analysis of the results) both on this blog and in the Watrous Manitou newspaper.
The sample was sent (packed on ice) by courier to the Disease Control Laboratory of the Provincial Laboratory of the Ministry of Health in Regina the following morning and now we await the results. We are testing for fecal E-Coli and a couple of other pathogens. Now we have our fingers crossed hoping that he results will be negative and that we can all breathe a sigh of relief. In any event, we will certainly make our findings known to the public by publishing the official results (and the analysis of the results) both on this blog and in the Watrous Manitou newspaper.
Friday, July 4, 2008
MEGI AGM 08 goes without a hitch
The Manitou Environmental Group's 2008 Annual General Meeting went really well. It was a beautiful early summer day for the meeting and we enjoyed the commanding view of Little Manitou Lake from our vantage point in the Banquet Room "Above the Diner". Thanks to our hosts Kevin and Marg Harcourt for their generous donation of the space.
We read our amended by-laws and they were passed without opposition. One member suggested a minor clarification from the floor and that was agreed upon and entered into the record. The board feels that the AGM was very important and useful because now we have our by-laws all composed and written down. Seeing as how we are all volunteers and very busy with our own lives, it is sometimes quite a challenge to dedicate time to the task of administrating the corporation. However, we are all dedicated to our mandate and always find the time in our busy lives to get the job done, because we know how important it is to look out for the health and well-being of this fragile eco-system. This is especially true now that there is mounting pressure on the infrastructure here with all the new residential development.
In fact, The Resort Village of Manitou Beach is experiencing some growing pains as dozens of new homes are being constructed literally as we speak. A member announced from the floor at the AGM that the village administration has been advised by provincial authorities that they are no longer permitted to develop/sell residential lots until the issue of sewage waste is properly addressed. Apparently, the existing lagoons are inadequate to properly filter the ever-increasing volume of waste that is being generated by both residential and commercial properties.
This group has made inquiries about this issue in writing to the Mayor and Council but our concerns have not been taken seriously to date. We are going to send another letter in the near future and hopefully will receive a more meaningful response.
As outlined earlier, MEGI members are committed to ongoing monitoring of the water quality in the lake as well as potentially detrimental inputs from sources including the sewage lagoons. In light of the fact that we have just had our Canada Day long weekend and hosted in excess of 3000 visitors, this is a good time to sample the run-off from the lagoons into the lake. So, we have sample bottles on hand and are presently making arrangements with an independent laboratory in Regina to test for certain elements for public information.
Obviously, everyone would be happy and relieved if we get positive results back from the lab tests. Positive in the sense that the constant runoff into the lake from the lagoons is clear of pathogens, fecal matter, E-Coli bacteria, etc. THAT IS THE HOPE. However, we will only know for sure once we have the test results analyzed. Rest assured that the results will be made public as soon as they are available.
We are committed as a group to be transparent and fully open and forthcoming with any facts that we uncover through our observations and research.
MEGI Director Fraser Murray (front right) speaks with member Bob Guist after the AGM. Member Gene Angers is issued a receipt by Treasurer Sharon Gibson as he renews his annual membership.
We read our amended by-laws and they were passed without opposition. One member suggested a minor clarification from the floor and that was agreed upon and entered into the record. The board feels that the AGM was very important and useful because now we have our by-laws all composed and written down. Seeing as how we are all volunteers and very busy with our own lives, it is sometimes quite a challenge to dedicate time to the task of administrating the corporation. However, we are all dedicated to our mandate and always find the time in our busy lives to get the job done, because we know how important it is to look out for the health and well-being of this fragile eco-system. This is especially true now that there is mounting pressure on the infrastructure here with all the new residential development.
In fact, The Resort Village of Manitou Beach is experiencing some growing pains as dozens of new homes are being constructed literally as we speak. A member announced from the floor at the AGM that the village administration has been advised by provincial authorities that they are no longer permitted to develop/sell residential lots until the issue of sewage waste is properly addressed. Apparently, the existing lagoons are inadequate to properly filter the ever-increasing volume of waste that is being generated by both residential and commercial properties.
This group has made inquiries about this issue in writing to the Mayor and Council but our concerns have not been taken seriously to date. We are going to send another letter in the near future and hopefully will receive a more meaningful response.
As outlined earlier, MEGI members are committed to ongoing monitoring of the water quality in the lake as well as potentially detrimental inputs from sources including the sewage lagoons. In light of the fact that we have just had our Canada Day long weekend and hosted in excess of 3000 visitors, this is a good time to sample the run-off from the lagoons into the lake. So, we have sample bottles on hand and are presently making arrangements with an independent laboratory in Regina to test for certain elements for public information.
Obviously, everyone would be happy and relieved if we get positive results back from the lab tests. Positive in the sense that the constant runoff into the lake from the lagoons is clear of pathogens, fecal matter, E-Coli bacteria, etc. THAT IS THE HOPE. However, we will only know for sure once we have the test results analyzed. Rest assured that the results will be made public as soon as they are available.
We are committed as a group to be transparent and fully open and forthcoming with any facts that we uncover through our observations and research.
MEGI Director Fraser Murray (front right) speaks with member Bob Guist after the AGM. Member Gene Angers is issued a receipt by Treasurer Sharon Gibson as he renews his annual membership.
Monday, June 9, 2008
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