TO THE POLLUTION FROM LAND USE ACTIVITIES REFERENCE GROUP

INTERNATIONAL JOINT COMMISSION GREAT LAKES REGIONAL OFFICE WINDSOR, ONTARIO

MARCH, 1978

NOTICE

Statements, views and recommendations presented in this volume are totally those of the public consultation panels and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Pollution From Land Use Activities Reference Group or the International Joint Commission.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

N O T I C E

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

PREFACE

BACKGROUND

LONDON PUBLIC CONSULTATION PANEL REPORT

WATERLOO PUBLIC CONSULTATION PANEL REPORT

OWEN SOUND P U B L I C C O N S U L T A T I O N P A N E L R E P O R T

TORONTO PUBLIC CONSULTATION PANEL REPORT

S T , C A T H A R I N E S P U B L I C C O N S U L T A T I O N P A N E L R E P O R T

K I N G S T O N P U B L I C C O N S U L T A T I O N P A N E L R E P O R T

SUDBURY PUBLIC CONSULTATION PANEL REPORT

THUNDER BAY PUBLIC CONSULTATION PANEL REPORT

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V

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A1-18

B1-10

C1-25

d1-19

e1-10

F1-9

G1-10

H1-13

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

PLUARG expresses deep appreciation to the panelists, panel chairmen, and report writing committees who gave freely of their time and effort to produce the reports contained in this volume. The reports of the panels are very useful input to the decision making process of PLUARG.

The public consultation programme in Canada was coordinated by Sally M. Leppard. Excellent assistance, throughout the public information and public consultation programmes, has been provided by Mrs. Deborah Egi and Ms. Mary Vassov.

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PREFACE The reports of the Canadian Public Consultation Panels have been

reproduced with minimal editing. There has been no editing of content or meaning. Some minor editing was done to conform with International Joint Commission publ-ication poLicy.

These reports were wholly written, reviewed and approved by each panel. They are the result of a series of three meetings of each panel he1.d during the fall of 1977. The reports reflect the hard work, dedication, and genuine concern of the panelists to meet their Panelist Statement of Work listed below.

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7 .

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9.

The panel will consider t h e Pollution From Land Use Activities Reference Group (PLUARG) reference, major associated issues and possible remedial measures.

The panel will identify for PLUAKC; remedial action most practical from a social, economic and environmental perspective.

Each panelist will attend three meetings, necessary travel costs of panelists will be covered by PLUARG.

To the extent possible, panelists will interact with members of the groups which the panelisrs represent, and other groups and elicit responses.

At its first meeting, the panel will elect a chairman to conduct meetings and provide continuity. PLUARG staff will provide support services to keep necessary records on participation and views expressed.

Panelists will have access to all available reports and to PLUARG resource people.

Each panel will present to 1' i . i . I C , a written report by January 15, 1978 stating concerns, findings C ~ J I ' I the panels' recommendations to PLUARG on remedial measures. I! there is general agreement on an issue, or general polarization, this should be noted in the report. 'The panel is not required to come to consensus on any issue.

Each panelist will be asked to evaluate the advisory panel process.

Findings and recommendations stated in the panel reports to PLUARG (See 7 ) will be published as one volume of the PLUARG technical report series and made available for general distribution.

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BACKGROUND

PLL'AKG was e s t a b l i s h e d by the Governments o f the Uni ted S ta tes and Canada through ;I reft>rt>l1ct' t o t h e I n t e r n a t i o n a l J o i n t Commission under tilt' Great Lakt,s Natt'r Quc2lity Agreement of 1 9 7 2 . The PLUARG re f t l rLsnce dea l s w i th non-po in t sou rce po l lu t ion and i t s e f f e c t on Great Lakes [Jater Q u a l i t y .

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Art. the boundary w;\ters o f t h c Great L a k e s System being p o l l u t e d b y l a n d d r a i n a g e ( i n c l u d i n g g r o u n d a n d su r face runof f and s c .d imt .n t s ) f rom ag r i cu l tu re , f o r e s t r y , u r b a n a n d i n d u s t r i a l l a n d dLlvclopment, r t i c r ca t iona l and pa rk l and dL>ve loprn t>n t , u t i l i t y and t r anspor t a t ion sys t cms and n : l t u ra l sou rces?

I f t i l t > a n s w e r t o t h e f o r e g o i n g q u e s t i o n i s i n t h e a f f i r m a t i v e , t o w h a t e x t e n t , by what c ; luses , and in w h a t l o c a l i t i c s is the' p o l l u t i o n t a k i n g p l n c e ?

I f t h e C o m m i s s i o n s h o u l d f i n d t h a t p o l l u t i o n o f t h e c h a r a c t e r j u s t r c . f t , r r e d t o is t a k i n g p l a c c , what r emed ia l measu rcs wou ld , i n i t s .judgcmc>nt, be most prac t icable and what would b e thcx probable' c o s t t h e r c o f ?

PLUARG membership includes nine. Unit e s t a b l i s h m c ~ n t o f c i t i z e n p a n e l s i n e a c h o f t h e s t a t e s b o r d e r i n g the> G r c . a t Lakes and throughout t h e P r o v i n c e o f O n t a r i o .

PLUARG'S p u b l i c c o n s u l t a t i o n p r o g r a m m a r k s t h e f i r s t time t h a t p u b l i c i n p u t h a s b e e n s o u g h t p r i o r t o t h e c o m p l . e t i o n o f a rc.ferenccx g r o u p r e p o r t t o t h e I J C .

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REPORT OF THE LONDON PANEL

JANUARY 1978

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ""

PLUARG provided suitable background material on each major land use, and made available T.J.C. publications to prepare panel members for their assignment. Moreover, PLUARG was ably represented by technical resource personnel, Mr. Don Jeffs and particu' Mr. Ed Rrubaker, at all meetings.

'The excellent coordination by Sally Leppard and the capable chairmanship of Dr. Ed Pleva contributed much to the success of the series of meetings.

Finally the assistance of John Billham on editing and providing typing service was much appreciated.

Douglas Eagles Coordinator

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P o l l u t i o n of t h e L a k e s has been ongoing f o r a l o n g L i m e , l a t e l y w i t h o u t a d e q u a t e water q u a l i t y c o n t r o l . ' T h e r e f o r e , r e d u c t i o n i n p o l l . u t a n t l o a d i n g w i l l r e q u i r e l o n g term p lann ing and ca re fu l Leg i s l a t ion . Fu r the rmore , r e s t r i c s t i v e c o n t r o L s o n l a n d use a c t i v i t i e s wi 11 h e expens ive . Many o f t h e p a n e l r e c . o m m e n d a t i o n s , a l t h o u g h d e s i r a b l e , may b e imprac t icn l bec-ause of c o s t a n d o t h e r c o n s i d e r a t i o n s . Tn view of the "non-poin t" source n a t u r e of p o l l u t a n t s , much of t h e c o s t a s s o c i a t e d w i t h l e g i s l a t i o n , r e m e d i e s and control must be assumed by society a s a whole . S ince the t ax burden i s a l r eady heavy , r emed ia l measu res w i i h t h e most imp,ict 011 w' l te r qua l icy m u s t r e c e i v e p r i o r i t y a t t e n t i o n . B e c a u s e of the u rgency o € cleanup and p r e v e n t a t i v e m e a s u r e s , some o t h e r a p p r o c h w i t h lower direc. t ~ ' o s ' c is n e c e s s a r y .

The Lotldotl p a n e l Eelt an immedia te educa t ion program should be under taken t o a d v i s e t h e p u b l i c of e v e r - p r e s e n t water qua l i cy p rob lems , and recommend

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i m p r o v e d p r a c t i c e s i n a l l p h a s e s o f l a n d u s e t o r e d u c e w a t e r p o l l u t i o n . ' T h i s awareness program might well. be p a r t o f t he cu r r i cu lum in l ower s choo l g rades , a n d i n c l u d e a l l people whose ac t ions have an impact on w a t e r q u a l i t y . S o i l conse rva t ion and s ed imen t con t ro l cou ld be i nc luded in new u n i v e r s i t y c L ) u t - s e s , w h i l e e x t e n s i o n s t u d i e s c o u l d b e i n s t i t u t e d i n most c e n t r e s . L t was sugges ted t h a t l a n d u s e e d u c a t i o n b e c o o r d i n a t e d w i t h r e c r e a t i o n a l a c t i v i t i e s , s i n c e n e a r l y a l l p e o p l e a v a i l t h e m s e l v e s of t h i s f a c i l i t y .

I n t h e p a s t many c o n t e n t i o u s i s s u e s h a v e b e e n h e a r d by government (.oinnlittees, a n d a l . 1 t o o o f t e n t h e f i n a l d e c i s i o n was based on p o l i t i c a l i s sues r a t t l e r t h a n on t e c h n i c a l d a t a . I t i s sugges t ed t ha t t he gove rnmen t , t h rough t h e med ia , p rov ide t echn ica l background on major i s s u e s ( s u c h a s G r e a t L a k e s p o l l u t i o n ) , s o t .ha t the publ ic would unders tand the need and suppor t l e g i s l a t i v e a c t i o n . Under the Environmental Assessment ,let, ( E A A ) t h e p u b l i c h a s t h e r i g h t t o e x p r e s s i t s views on mos t pub l i c p ro j e r t s . 'Ihe f ina l dec i s ions shou l~d be based on f ac t .

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The p a n e l members a p p r e c i a t e d t h e c h a n c e t o p a r t i c i p a t e i n l.J.(:. 's a w a r e n e s s p r o g r a m , a n d t h e o p p o r t u n i t y t o g i v e p u b l i c i n p u t to E)Ll,~t'iRG. !'it t h e l a s t scheduled meet ing the London panel suppor ted t h e Water loo Resolut ion f o r a n a d d i t i o n a l p a n e l m e e t i n g i n e a r l y 1978 t o r e v i e w the3 l'LIT,\KG d r a f t r e p o r t on l and use a c t i v i t i e s , b e f o r e i t s ' p r e s e n t a t i o n t o t h e l n t e r n n t i o n a l J o i n t Commission i n J u l y , 1 9 7 8 .

21 ACTIVITIES ""

A g r i c u l t u r a l a c t i v i t i e s i n v o l v e 352 of t h e t o t a l l a n d a r e a i n the Great Lakes Rasin, a l a r g c p a r t o f which ( 6 4 % ) i s located around Lakes Erie and Huron. In t ens ive f - a rming ope ra t ions , c rop p roduc t ion and an ima l husbandry have r e s u l t e d in e n v i r o n m e n t a l c o n s e q u e n c e s , a n d s t u d i e s a r e b e i n g made t o d e t e r m i n e t h e i r c o n t r i b u t i o n t o G r e a t L a k e s p o l l u t i o n . I n t h e o p i n i o n of tht. p a n ( : l , a g r i c u l t u r a l p r a c t i c e W ; I \ one of t h e two h i g h e s t p r i o r i t y l)robl ems ( ' nus i ng non-po in t po l lu t i o r l . Kiln-of f f r o m a g r i c u l t u r a l l a n d car r ies I i n e s o i l p a r t i c l e s , p h o s p h o r u s a n d n i t r ' J g e n n u t r i e n t s , p e s t i c i d e s , i n sc , c t i ( : i des and he rb ic ides , and o t h e r e l e m e n t s t h r o u g h t h e t r i b u t a r y s y s t e m t-o the ( ; rc>at L a k e s . E ros ion p roduc t s f rom d i t ches , creeks, g u l l i e s a n d r i v e r b a n k s a d d to the p roblem. The s e d i m e n t , n u t r i e n t s a n d p o l l u t a n t s h a v e a p r o f o u n d d e t r i m e n t a l t f E e c t on a q u a t i c , p l a n t a n d f i s h l i f e - t h e s o - c a l l e d c>utrophicat i o n i n t h c ? Great Lakes.

f 'anc2lists wc'rt' s u p r i s c , d t h a t b a c k g r o u n d p a p e r s s a i d f e r t i l i z e r was be ing a p p l i c d u p t o 2 . 6 times t h a t r e q u i r e d , b a s e d o n s o i l a n a l y s i s , i m p l y i n g t h a t n large. p o r t i ~ n of the "excess" w a s be ing leached away in run -o f f . The re was unbcslief expressed b y some p a n e l i s t s t h a t f a r m e r s were v i r t u a l l y " t h r o w i n g away ' ' expens ive nu t r ien ts wi th no comparable increase i n y i e l d s . I t was n o t e d t h a t e a r l it.r : t g r i c u l t u r n 1 t e a c h i n g s s t r e s s e d t h e a p p l i c a t i o n o f f e r t i l i z e r f o r inc-rc,;~:;cd p r o d u c t i o n . I t i s recommended t h a t i n l i g h t of p re sen t c ropp ing p r a c t i c e s and run-of-f l o s s e s , t h a t more fa rmers t ake advantage of Guelph ' s

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soil testing service. It is also recommended that the farmers undertake not to exceed recommended rates of fertilizer application, as disclosed in the soil test or crop needs analysis.

Flash run-offs selectively pick up the finer soil particles and adsorbed nutrients. Remedial measures should include row crops grown in contour strips (No. 31) , grassy strips near ditches and river banks, Rip Rap bank protection (No. 8 2 ) , tiled fields, terraces (No. 22) and special tillage practices depending on the soil type and topography. Too little attention has been paid to flow control in designing run-off systems, so that I.arge amounts of soil and sediments are picked up and carried away in ditches and creeks. Considerable expertise and design to alleviate this problem has been developed in the U.S., and water flows are kept within critical flow rates based on the type of soil type and watercourse. Attention should be paid to vegetation in buffer strips (No. 80), grassed ditches and outlets (No. 3 9 ) , special culvert design and retention basins to minimize flow rate and sediment pickup.

Another loss of topsoil can be attributed to the removal of hedgerows and bush lots over the years, allowing windblown loss. Trees help maintain the water table, act as windbreaks, and retain soil in place. The Ministry of Agriculture has recommended that 2 rows of trees be planted on each side of lot lines and concession lines, so that 4 rows of trees surround each 200 acre lot. The ')enefits of the recommendation would have to be balanced against the land lost lor cultivation, which is a concern of the farming community. The provincial Tree by-law has been relatively ineffective in preventing removal of woodlots, and model tree by-laws have been proposed by special study groups (including The Canadian Environmental Law Association), and submitted to the Department of Fisheries for enactment.

It is recommended that one of the ''model tree by-laws" be adopted and enforced to preserve the remaining treed lots, especially about Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.

Intensive cattle, pig and poultry operations, and the disposal of animal waste present a serious pollution hazard. Some members of the panel thought this should be considered as a point source, and thus would come under the Environmental Protection Act and the Ministry Abatement program. There are no approvals required for feedlots or generally for animal waste disposal, although regulations specify distances these intensive operations must be from a dwelling, and recommend manure spreading practices (No. 6 3 ) . It was agreed new intensive operation should be reviewed pursuant t o the Agricultural Code of Practice, and requirements should be set and be controlled by municipal by-law. Similar by-laws should be passed controlling the spreading of sludge waste en agricultural lands (No. 62).

A note of caution was expressed by several panelists regarding too much regulation and requirements, such as sophisticated tilling practices to reduce erosion, and fence erection to exclude livestock from watercourses (No. 99). Farmers might turn more to intensive livestock operations with attendant pollution hazards.

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More than half of harvested farmlands are treated with insecticides, pesticides and herbicides. Although only approved chemicals can be used, the application and levels of use are not controlled. There should be assurance that all chemicals in this area, are biogradable and that the residues will not result in toxic effects to plant life, fish species or man.

Special concern was expressed over increasing concentration of polychlorobiphenyls (PCB), and many other chemicals in the Great Lakes especially since some of them are known carcinogens at extremely low levels.

Improved methods of application, such as incorporation in the soil, would be advised to reduce organic residuals in run-off waters.

The extent of water pollution from agriculture is not generally appreciated by the agricultural community, although most farmers are aware of the probable causes. In spite of substantial research and many published papers on improved farming operations to minimize water pollution, the important findings are not reaching the agriculturalists. A recent "Ontario Agricultural Practices Survey" of 1755 farmers showed that newspaper, radio and T.V. provided the most ( 5 4 % ) information on water pollution from farming activities; government agencies and farm organizations only 19%. It was felt initially that the most effective educational approach would be through the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Agricultural University programs and Ministry of Agriculture Representatives.

Although pollution control by guidelines has not been entirely successful, panel members generally agreed that the guideline and education approach rather than regulations should be followed. Some legislation might me necessary if guidelines are disregarded in some land use practices.

Federal departments should be more concerned with soil conservation, agricultural drainage, and water pollution control. Waste management, cropping practices and improved animal husbandry operations to reduce pollution would likely come under provincial or municipal by-law control.

Some measure of control over farming practices could be effected by making recommended Ontario Agricultural Practices a condition of financial assistance. This should apply to proviwial or municipal support loans, as it now applies to federal support.

Because of the large area devoted to agriculture and marginal operations in many individual cases, financial support for urgent remedial measures to reduce pollution is necessary. Many of the measures are almost cost-prohibitive, and the implementation of viable programs will revolve around the questions; what are the cost and cost benefits, and who will share the costs?

2,2 URBAN Although urban centres only occupy approximately 6% of the total Basin area, the water run-off carries a disproportionate amount of pollutants~because of

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the relatively impervious nature of urban surfaces. The wide range of pollutants reflect the urban complexity and include fertilizer and herbicides from lawns and gardens, petroleum residues from roads, soaps, dirt and sediment, sslts, phosphates, organics and many trace metals.

Since much of these pollutants are washed from urban areas during the first flush after a rain, steps should be taken to minimize run-off and to collect stormwaters in lagoons from which they can be released slowly to the waterways. The collecting ponds would allow sediment to settle and lower flow rates. Thus in open urban areas some of the same remedial measures apply as were covered under 'Agicultural Practices'.

The most positive method of dealing with stormwater pollutants is to prevent them from entering the system, or alternatively removing them from the effluent stream. However, the costs would be exorbitant, probably equalling those of treating sanitary sewage.

Long range efforts should be concentrated on reducing water usage by households, and lowering pollutant pickup in stormwater systems. Recycling as in car wash operation, could be more widely practised.

Several municipalities, such as the City o f Nississauga and the Town of Oakville, have incorporated in their Draft Official Plans, some remedial measures to control run-off, with hopes to approach zero rate of increase run-off in urban drainage. Included are some of the measures discussed by the panel, e.g. gravel parking lots, porous pavements (No. 4 ) , improved catch basins, recharge basins (No. 6), and detention storage (No. 7). Roof ponding (No. 2) and discontinuing the practice of draining eavestrough downcomers to the sewers would relieve the load on the sewer systems. In many cities during heavy rainfalls, the sewer systems are overtaxed and the combined flow of sanitary and storm sewers sometimes bypass the sewage treatment plants, allowing additional pollutants, soaps, phosphates, BOD organics, and sediments to enter the watercourses directly.

It is recommended that sanitary and storm sewers be completely segregated to decrease water pollut.ion at times of heavy rainfall.

Long term planning and cooperative 1egisl.ation by a11 levels of government are necessary to control urban pollutants i n future. Federal controls in non-point stormwaters, currently not existent, could be applied. 'l'he Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), for instance, could require as a condition precedent to financial assistance, that recipients of funding for land assembly adopt appropriate sediment control plans and laws. Since urban sewer and stormwater run-off with its pollutants affects a1.l national waterways, the CMHC should at least set guidelines for sediment and stormwater control. The guidelines could serve as examples for subsequent provincial legislation.

There should be closer liaison of regional, municipal and provincial bodies to expedite run-off control. As mentioned above, some towns and cities are incorporating certain control measures in draft Official Plans. The provinEial Ministry of Housing (MOH) and Ministry of the Environment (MOE),

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have taken stormwater, run-off and sediment control into consideration when planning land development in large population areas. Where these developments affect drainage in rural areas as well, plans are often made in conjunction with the Conservation Authorities. The actual design and construction comes under the Ontario Water Resources Act. Effective legislation is still lacking. Perhaps controls could be developed and legislated through the various provincial departments, i.e. MOH, MOE, E M and Conservation Authorities f o r urban areas. Such controls should be a condition of a l l plans of subdivision development, and should be integrated with Environmental Plan policies, i.e. density, vegetation, ecological zones and impact zoning. Where developments affect adjoining rural areas respecting stormwater, control of stream siltation, erosion and flood control, the Conservation Authorities should be automatically involved.

It is recognized that the costs of applying stormwater and sediment control are high, and therefore legislation should proceed based on priorities.

Finally, successful control of pollution from urban centres can only be accomplished by the support of the urban population. Therefore, the government should initiate an educational program for all ages to make them aware of the problem and elicit their help to change their habits. The educational awareness program should begin as soon as possible, and be promoted on basis of known technology.

2 , 3 SANITARY LANDFILL AND WASTE DISPOSAL ____ "" With increasing land development, industrial expansion and po1.pulation growth around the Great Lakes, the most urgent concern after urban and agriculture, was considered to be waste disposal. This incl.udes private waste disposal via septic tanks, solid wastes, sludge from municipal treatment plants, and liquid wastes. Some control exists over present methods of disposal, however, little technology exists on the impact of current practices on water pollution. Immediate research should be conducted to determine how each waste type may be best disposed of on the basis of economics and minimum pollution.

Of the 20% unsewered households in the Great Lakes Basin, most are served by - septic tanks; high density areas are served by the septic tankltile bedlfinger system. It is estimated that a third of the household high density units may have malfunctioning systems. The MOE conducts annual surveys (spot checks only) of private homp sewerage systems in selected recreational areas, however limitation of money and personnel, means it will be the year 2020 before all existing cottage systems alone are reviewed and deficiencies corrected.

Phosphorus is the major pollutant from private septic tank systems; trace contaminants are generally low. However, there is a risk that private well supplies might be contaminated by septic tank effluents. A panelist recommended

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that septic tank hstallations be inspected every three years and certified. It is assumed that recommendations are made at the time of construction on the required design in view of soil type and location. Recommended remedial measures for maintenance are discussed in No. 97.

2 , 5 SANITARY (SOLID) WASTE DISPOSAL As a result of population growth, more affluent society, and expanded collections services, there will be increasing amounts of solid waste to be disposed o f , at a time when the number of available landfill sites near urban centres are becoming limited. Long range efforts should be made to minimize household wastes. There should be separation and recycling of usable waste paper, plastic, glass and metals - and incineration of the remaining organic material to generate steam, heat or power. Wherever possible the householder should be encouraged to compost food and garden wastes.

The Province took over responsibility of waste disposal sites in 1970. Since then over 500 substandard sites have been closed. Some sites with water quality problems continue to operate under MOE approval. Since 1972, the Province has been encouraging county and regional waste management area planning studies, by the provision of a 50% provincial grant. Moreover, a 15 year, $500 million resource recovery program can provide capital funding for the construction of transfer stations and front-end resource recovery plants. More emphasis should be placed on programs of this nature to promote recycling and improve waste disposal.

Even more incentives should be provided to encourage reclamation techniques, in order to reduce the quantities of waste and resultant landfill site requirements. Most regional governments own all disposal sites in their region and some have undertaken studies to determine their short and long term solid waste waste-management options. Closer liason between regional, provincial and research centres is required to develop and apply technology in the waste disposal field.

One panelist mentioned cases where solid waste sites led to the contamination of domestic well water supplies. In future there should be a careful selection of landfill sites based on soil type, level of water table, and topography in order to prevent leaching of constituents to waterways. Remedial measures might take the form of tighter specifications for pond construction, such as impervious clay walls, or the use of liner (No. 106) .

Research studies are required on the potential hazards of disposal sites, to determine the chemical reactions involving iron and other constituents, and the migrating rates through different soils to surface waters and groundwaters.

A waste trade centre (Remedial Measure No. 89) was also suggested as a means of reducing waste. Environment Canada has set up such a centre, but found only limited amounts of industrial waste could be recycled.

2,6 SEWAGE SLUDGE DISPOSAL __- Sewage sludge from waste treatment ~].ants is often applied to agricultural lands. The application is subject to government site approval. The large volume of land-spreadable sludge that is generated by treatment plants and the relatively small number of MOE approved sites suggest that operators are spreading in environmentally inappropriate places. Regional governments do not retain any responsibility for how and where sewage sludge is land-applied after they contract with a sludge hauler for its removal. Apparently additional personnel are required to monitor haulage destinations as well as spreading techniques.

It is recommended that there be closer liaison between a l l levels of government and that legislation be enacted controlling all phases of sludge disposal.

Some monitoring of sewage sludge application is also required to make sure the toxic level of certain metals is not exceeded in farm use. The composition of sludge is not constant and industrial discharge may contribute too high levels of heavy metals, toxic organics and chemicals for specific crops. Zinc, copper and nickel concentrations in sludge are much higher than is found in fertilizers; cadnium is highly poisonous to animal life; chromium and lead have adverse effects on the physiological system; and heavy metals tend to build up in the food chain. Heavy metals should be removed from industrial effluents before entering the municipal sewage system. Monitoring is necessary to see present recommended toxic levels of elements are not exceeded, while more research is required to establish what elements are limiting for each agricultural crop.

Studies are in process to determine what constituents and to what extent they are leached from the soil and carried by rain run-off to the waterways. These should be expedited and applied to sludge farming practices.

It is recommended that sludge be incorporated in the soil shortly after application to reduce loss of nutrients and metals to the waterways.

If the sludge is marketed for application to agricultural lands, it would appear to be open to the Canadian Department of Agriculture's Fertilizer Act. However, as a potential pol.lutant of water systems monitoring of run-off might be controlled by an environmental agency, i.e. the N O E .

2 , 7 LIQUID WASTE AND DEEPWELL DISPOSAL - Provincial government policy calls for reducing disposal of toxic liquid industrial wastes in surface landfill sites or in deepwells. Disposal on land sites is covered in remedial measure No. 62. Potential pollution hazards are probably higher risks than those involving sewage sludge.

In some instances the use of retention ponds or lagoons might find application, to allow biodegradation of organic material, and settling of sediment. However,

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d i s a d v a n t a g e s i n t h e u . se o f l agoons , a s ide f rom cos t s , are t h a t t h e water m u s t b e e v e n t u a l l y r e l e a s e d t o w a t e r w a y s a n d t h e s l u d g e b u i l d - u p m u s t a l s o b e e v e n t u a l l y d i s p o s e d o f .

I n d u s t r i a l l i q u i d w a s t e s w h i c h m i g h t c a u s e e n v i r o n m e n t a l o r h e a l t h h a z a r d s a t 1 a n d f i l . l s i t e s , have been d i sposed of i n deep wells. C o n s i d e r a b l e a c t i v i t i e s h a v e b e e n c a r r i e d o u t i n t h e Great L a k e s B a s i n , c l o s e t o t h e S t . Clair and D e t r o i t K i v e r s . T r e a t e d r e s i d u e s , b r i n e s , c a u s t i c a n d c h e m i c a l wastes have b e e n i n j e c t e d i . n t o the Detr0i.t s ands f0rmati.m. B r i n e s r e q u i r i n g d i s p o s a l from o i l a n d g a s o p e r a t i o n s are s u b j e c t t o p r i o r 1)ermi.t. a n d r e g u l a t o r y c o n t r o l b y t h e MNR u n d e r t h e P e t r o l e u m R e s o u r c e s A c t t o e n s u r e t h a t f r e s h waters h o r i z o n s o r bod ie s of w a t e r a r e n o t c o n t a m i n a t e d . A t t h e same time o i l f i e l d b r i n e s a r e exempt from MOE r e g u l a t o r y c o n t r o l . P r o b l e m s o f c o n t r o l by the two m i n i s t r i e s s h o u l d h e r e s o l v e d a n d r e g u l a t o r y c o n t r o l b e a s s i g n e d t o o n e depar tment .

" " " . ~ - I _ _ - ~ " .

F o r t u n a t e l y , f r o m a p o l l u t i o n p o i n t of v i e w , the combina t ion of h igh well c o n t r u c t i o n c o s t s , p l u g g i n g of wel.ls, i n s t a n c e s o f w a s t e a p p e a r i n g i n n e a r l y abandoned wel l s , s t r i c t e r l e g i s l a t i o n and p u b l i c p r e s s u r e h a s e f f e c t i v e l y s t o p p e d w e l l d i s p o s a l a c t i v i t i e s . The a r e c u r r e n t l y no a c t i v e d e e p wel l d i s p o s a l s i t e s i n O n t a r i o . A l t h o u g h c o n s i d e r a b l e e x p e r t i s e e x i s t s i n t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n of well.s, r ega rd ing rock fo rma t ion , p re t r ea tmen t of waste, and knowledge of co r ros ion p rob lems , t echno logy i s l a c k i n g a b o u t t h e m i n g l i n g of waste w i t h n a t u r a l f o r m a t i o n waters, and the ra te a t w h i c h i n j e c t e d water mig ra t e s t h rough unde rg round s t r a t a . There i s no a s s u r a n c e t h a t i n j e c t e d c h e m i c a l w a s t e s d o n o t m i g r a t e s i g n i f i c a n t d i s t a n c e s t o t h e w a t e r w a y s ; o n t h e o t h e r h a n d t h e r e i s no ev idence tha t deep wel l wastes h a v e c o n t r i b u t e d t o Great Lakes po l lution.

T h e r e w i l l a l w a y s b e i n d u s t r i a l c h e m i c a l wastes to be d i sposed of and methods s h o u l d b e a v a i l a b l . e . , e i t h e r by i n c i n e r a t i o n o r d e e p w e l l , f o r t h e i r d i s p o s a l . I n c i n e r a t i o n i s p r o b a b l y t h e s a f e s t m e t h o d f o r o r g a n i c wastes, b u t a second c h o i c e i s deep w e l l d i s p o s a l . Well d i s p o s a l , i f used , m u s t be controlled by proper government p e r m i t and surve i l l -ance . There was n o c o n c e n s u s o n t h i s i s sue , a n d v e r y s t r o n g o p i n i o n s w e r e v o i c e d a g a i n s t w e l l d i s p o s a l .

O n e i s s u e of concern was b r o u g h t t o t h e a t t e n t i o n o f t h e p a n e l . Carriers of l i q u i d waste p a s s Cust.oms w i t h l i t t l e d e s c r i p t i o n o f t h e n a t u r e o f t h e t o x i c m a t e r i a l s p r e s e n t . I t was s u g g e s t e d t h a t U . S . c a r r i e r s m i g h t b e t a k i n g advantage of t h i s l a x i t y i n some i n s t a n c e s t o g e t r i d of wastes c o n t a i n i n g p r o h i b i . t e d o r g a i n c c o n s t i t u e n t s . A moni to r ing sys t em in wh ich spo t s amples o f incoming wastes were s e n t t o t h e MOE f o r a n a l y s i s m i g h t h e l p i n t h i s matter.

Erosion and r e s u l t a n t t r a n s p o r t of s ed imen t f rom sho re l ine and r i ve rbanks has occur red s i n c e the beginning of g e o l o g i c a l t i m e . I t i s e s t i m a t e d t h a t u p w a r d s o f 50 ,000 ,000 me t r i c t ons annua l l . y , or 90% of all. s e d i m e n t e n t e r i n g t h e Great Lakes, i s from t . h i s S O L I I : ~ ~ . Some land u s e by man - c o n s t r u c t i o n a c t i v i t i e s , cu l . t iva t ion , corn c ropping and removal of r i v e r b a n k v e g e t a t i o n - h a s o f t e n a c c e l e r a t e d n a t u r a l e r o s i o n ra tes . High sed iment l eve ls , as t u r b i d i t y i n streams, r i v e r a n d J h k e s h o r e , r e d u c e l i g h t p e n e t r a t i o n , a f f e c t i n g f i s h

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s p a w n i n g a c t i v i t y a n d ac1ua.t i c specl~es. A s s o c i a t e d n u t r i e n t s , pest-i.citlch r e s i d u e s , a n d o r g a n i c w a s t e s a d d t o water p o l l u t i o n . R a p i d s i l t a t i o n of river mouths and harbours l ead to subsequent d redging problems.

Large scale e r o s i o n p r e v e n t i o n is expens ive . However , spec i . a l a t t en t i on to l and p rac t i c . e s can r educe s ed imen t s t o r i v e r s . Land use p r a c t i c e s ( c o n s t r u c t i o n ac t ivi-ties rec . rea t icma1, u rban o r a g r i c u l t u r a l ) s h o u l d b e s u b j e c t t o g u i d e l i n e s and r e g u l a t i o n s when t a k i n g p l a c e 011 o r n e a r l a k e s h o r e ] - i n e s o r r i v e r b a n k s . 1 f g u i d e l i n e s ace n o t f o 1 l owed , l eg i s l a t ive con t . ro1 should be appl i ed .

H igh ly e rodab le areas may be prevented by t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n of g roynes , gab ion b a s k e t s (No. 1 -01) , o r by r e v e g e t a t i o n (No. 1 1 ) . Highway c ,onstruct ion and hous ing ad jacen t t o wa te rways may n e e d a r t i f i c i a l b a r r i e r s t o p r e v e n t e r o s i o n o f s h o r e p r o p e r t y by water a c t i o n . D i t c h e s d u g t o d r a i n f i e l d s o f t e n d e v e l o p i n t o g u l l i e s w i t h s i g n i f i c a n t l o s s o f a r a b l e l a n d . I n Huron County a l o n e , o v e r 1 1 7 g u l l i e s , v a r y i n g f r o m a f e w r o d s t o a mile i n l e n g t h , e n t e r Lake Huron. The l a r g e r t h e s e become, t h e g r e a t e r t h e exposed sur face , and a l l t h e s o i l , t o p s o i l a n d a s s o c i a t e d p o l l . u t a n t s c o n t i n u e t o move i n t o t h e l a k e . S i m i l a r s i t u a t i o n s may e x i s t a l o n g t h e o t h e r l a k e s h o r e l i n e s . G r a s s i . n g of l a n d n e a r b a n k s a n d s t e e p s l o p e s , a n d p e r h a p s t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n of check dams (No. 1 5 ) i n e x t r e m e c a s e s would min imize gu l ly e ros ion .

Where l a n d areas are haza rdous (gene ra l - ly de f ined as e r o s i o n o r f l o o d p r o n e ) , t h e p r o v i n c i a l g o v e r n m e n t s o m e t i m e s a c q u i r e s them for non-development purposes , and i n c o n j u n c t i o n w i t h C o n s e r v a t i o n A u t h o r i t i e s , e f f e c t measures to min imize water p o l l u t i o n . It shou ld be men t ioned t ha t we t l ands ac t a s a water r e s e r v o i r and f i l t e r o u t s e d i m e n t f r o m i n c o m i n g i n f l u e n t s . They a l s o p r o v i d e e x c e l l e n t h a b i t a t f o r i n s e c t s , b i r d s a n d w i l d l . i f e .

T h e C o n s e r v a t i o n A u t h o r i t i e s , a l t h o u g h u s u a l l y c o n c e r n e d w i t h f l o o d c o n t r o l , p r o v i d e e r o s i o n c o n t r o l a s s i s t a n c e t o p r i v a t e l . a n d o w n e r s , o n r e q u e s t a n d where budget permi ts .

Some of the more important p o l l u t i o n s t u d i e s on watershed areas were mentioned by c o - o r d i n a t o r S a l l y L e p p a r d . l lpon mot ion , du ly seconded and car r ied , i t was r e s o l v e d t h a t "PLIJARG be asked to t-bxpedite t he Task C Watershed Studies" .

2 ,9 SHORELINE LANDFILLING ______ The C o n s e r v a t i o n A u t h o r i t i e s (CA) a l s o u n d e r t a k e l a r g e - s c a l e p r o j e c t s , s u c h a s l a n d f i l l i n g , stream c h a n n e l i z a t i o n s and dam c o n s t r u c t i o n , a l l of which can h a v e a d v e r s e e f f e c t on l o c a l w a t e r q u a l i t y . The dumping of f i l l i n f l o o d p l a i n areas er i n w a t e r c o u r s e s i s pe rmi t t ed unde r t h e Fi .Ll , Construct ion and A l t e r n a t i o n Waterways Regu la t ion . The ( X ' s h a v e n o t a l w a y s e x e r c i s e d t h e b e s t management and c o n s t r u c t i o n p r a c t i c e s . However, i n f u t u r e t h e i . r a c t i v i t i e s w i l l b e s u b j e c t t o p r i o r s c r u t i n y u n d e r t h e E n v i r o n m e n t a l A s s e s s m e n t .~ Act.

C o n s i d e r a b l e 1 . a n d f i l l i n g a c t i . v i t y around t h e Great L,akes occurs and no approvals o r p e r m i t s are r e q u i r e d u n d e r t h e E n v i r o u m e n t a l P r o t e c t i o n A c t . T h e r e s h o u l d b e a s s u r a n c e t h a t s u c h l a n d f i l l i n g p r o g r a m s c l o s e t o w a t e r w a y s u s e o n l y c l e a n f i l l . Improved eng inee r ing , des i~gn and managemen t fo r sho re l ine l and f i l l i ng (No. 85) should be a c o n d i t i o n o f p r o j e c t c o n t r a c t s .

A - 1 1

Harbour and rivermouth dredging, often involving federal works results in dumping dredged material back into deeper water. These projects are subject so either environmental assessment or environmental design review, which are then incorporated into contracts between the Department of Public Works and dredging companies. There is little monitoring or effort to ascertain if these operations are detrimental, in terms of sediment pollution, under The Fisheries Act. This should be determined.

-

Only clean fill should be allowed for shoreline landfilling, and only clean dredged material should be disposed of in deep water.

2, IC] FORESTRY Forested area, although comprising 63% of the Great Lakes Basin, contributes less than 5% of total sediments to the Basin, of which over half is accredited to natural causes. Sediment to waterways is mainly associated with timber harvesting, road construction and maintenance, and land clearing. These operations lead to stream turbidity which adversely affects stream temperature, habitat and fish life. There is no provision for environmental protection under The Timber Act, and licenses for harvesting operations should include regulated practices for sediment control in tree removal and road construction. Perhaps this should be supervised by the Ministry of Natural Resources. Remedial measures to curb sediment in waterways would be the same as in general road construction, covered under transportation. Clearing of forested areas in strips would help reduce soil loss due to harvesting operations. Recommendations were suggested that:

Forestry management should come under environmental control.

Selective forestry and cutting be applied.

That some forested areas in southwestern Ontario, particularly adjacent to lakes, be maintained to prevent erosion.

Reforestation programs be instituted, e.g. replace 1-3 trees for every one removed.

In past years insecticide sprays for spruce budworm control (DDT), has contributed t o contamination of stream and lakes, causing harmful effects on wildlife, birds and toxicity in children. In future only rapidly biodegradable materials should be used, and the residues must not be toxic to wildlife or humans.

2 , l o RECREATION Although the land area devoted to recreational uses in the Great Lakes Basin is less than 3% of the total, most of it is situated near or on shores of waterways. It is projected that there will be a five-fold increase in this land use, as well as in users by the year 2020. Principal pollution from recreational activities arises from soil disturbance from off-road vehicle use, summer home development, marina construction and use, and heavy traffic

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pat terns.

Park management is fairly effective in dealing with environmental pollution, and both federal and provincial ministries invite public input for their 5-year plans. The object is to protect wildlife and plants, and minimize pollution, while serving a large number of people.

In view of the large number of people using recreational facilities close t o the waterways, there is an excellent opportunity to make them aware of the water quality issue. In fact Great Lakes water quality might be incorporated in the lower school curriculum, as suggested by panel chairman, E. G. Pleva, (appendix #l). This approach would instill in the young the need for preserving water quality and hopefully also have an effect on older people through contact with their children. A proposal along these lines will be made to Mr. Wells, Ontario Minister of Education.

2 , 1 1 EXTRACTIVE OPERATIONS Local extraction operations principally sand and gravel removal for the construction industry. Since there is little clay and sand settles readily, no widespread contamination of rain run-off occurs. On occasion extractive activities encroach on environmentally sensitive areas, such as sand dunes, and control under the Pits and Quarries Control Act has been found to be inadequate.

Clay mining sites, along the Ausable River drain directly into the river, damaging the spawning of trout and aquatic life. Barriers should be provided to remove sediment before it reaches the Ausable River (No. 11). The MNR under the Mining Act, and MOE might recommend this remedial measure as a provision of the mining privilege.

Base mining industries which produce acid mine water, should neutralize these wastes before discharge to waterways (No. 60). Where heavy metals are present in tailings, evaporative ponds and/or holding basins (No. 57) should be required. If heavy metals toxic to fish life are in the effluents, removal techniques should be applied. The EPS section of the Canada Department of Fisheries and Environment is responsible to protect fish, frequented water and aquatic habitat. A framework for such control should be adopted pursuant t o The Fisheries Act.

Uranium mining can result in radioactive wastes in milling effluents, contributing to pollution of waterways. Radioactivity problems have occured at Elliott Lake and at Port Hope. Recurrence of such problems should be prevented by preventative legislation.

In any excavation or mining operations, especially strip mining, at the end of mining activity the site should be restored and vegetation be planted to prevent further sediment loss. This should be a condition of a l l permits issued t o new ventures, and renewals of existing ones.

A-1 3

2,12 TRANSPORTATION ___" The construction of highways, roads, railroads, airports and utilit corridors, a l l involve disturbing the natural vegetative cover and result in considerable sediment and nutrients loss to waterways. The Ministry of Transportation and Communication (MTC) has sponsored studies into the effectiveness of sediment control measures on specific construction projects. More research is required. The findings should be built into the Ministry's construction and environmental programs.

Because of the large land area used for these facilities and the impervious nature of road and airport surfaces, many types of contaminants, - rubber, lead, heavy metals, and sediment - accompany drain offs. Improved construction practices, soil stabilization (No. 1) and revegetation should be applied in projects which handle large amounts of soil near tributary drainage routes.

Consideruble concern was expressed over the overuse of salt de-icer on roads and highways. Present laws al.low for the "moderate" use of salt on highways. However, it appear:; excessive amounts are being used (approximately 2.8 million tonnes in the Great Lakes Basin), resulting in high chlorides in run-off, damage to plant life and high corrosion rates in autos. Salt run-off studies currently being undertaken by the MTC may lead to lower salt requirements.

It is recommended that 3 maximum dosage rate of de-icer for highways be specified, and that sodium chloride be phased out in preference for some alternatives.

Chlorides from road de-icers, and effluents from brine pits account for the significant rise in chloride concentrations in the Great Lakes, expecially Lakes Erie and Ontario.

2 I 13 __ _______ ATMOSPHERIC TKANSPOKT OF POLLUTANTS Land use activities inside and outside the Great Lakes Basin contribute pollutants to the atmosphere, which often travel long distances before being deposited on land or water systems. These atmospheric inputs arise from energy production, fossil fuel combustion, municipal incineration, industrial manufacturing, farming and urban operations, transportation and other land use activities.

The most significant pollutants are probably sulphur dioxide, particulates, ozone and aerosols. Sulphur dioxide in air aggravates respiratory problems, and when deposited in some lakes endanger sensitive aquatic species. Lead arising mainly from transportation and base metal extractive industries, is a widespread contaminant, and is toxic to man. Trace levels of mercury, heavy metals (i.e. lead, cadmium, etc.) DDT and PCB from combined atmospheric fallout and land use activities, have reached alarming concentrations in the environment, and have recently jeopardized the drinking water supply and fishing industry i n the Great Lakes Basin.

Remedial measures to reduce environmental health hazards, due to airborne pollutants would have to control emissions from nearly all point and non-point

A-14

sources in the Great Lakes Basin and beyond. Perhaps the most effective measure to reduce contamination of the Great Lakes system would be to minimize the use of potentially harmful insecticides, pesticides and herbicides.

Heavy metals and pesticide residues deserve special consideration, since man's future in the Great Lakes area depend to a large extent on this water resource. Sport and commercial fishing in the lakes are of economic importance. The overall magnitude and value of harvests by commercial fisheries - 1973 were over 19 million; in addition the value of sport fishing (1975) was estimated at 350 million dollars. There has been a gradual degradation of fish habitats and a proliferation of species such as alewives, smelt and sea lampreys, reducing markedly the preferred species of steelhead, brown trout, brook trout, lake trout, coho and yellow perch. It would be a near calamity if increasing contamination by trace heavy metals and organic residues from pesticides and the like, rendered the total fish catch of the Great Lakes system unfit for consumption. Fishing in various areas has already been curtailed because of too high contaminants ih fish flesh.

Man's very existence could be endangered if levels of mercury, Mirex, PCB and other toxic materials continue to accumulate in Great Lakes waters.

In view of the increasing u s e of toxic materials in pesticide control and their accumulation in the environment, some scientists have recommended a moritorium on use of these chemicals until toxicological data is complete.

3, U B L I C PRESENTATIONS TO LONDON PLUARG PANEL

Two briefs were presented to the London PLUARG panel by the Huron County Federation of Agriculture and the Kent County of Agriculture. A third presentation by Stewart Hiltz of the geography department, University of Western Ontario, elaborated on regional land use planning and the need for greater appreciation of landscaping planning.

The Huron County presentation expressed support for measures reducing soil erosion and dif€use pollution resulting from nutrient loss from farms. Recommendations, other than covered to d a t e , included:

That one government ministry, possibly the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, be responsible for all soil erosion probl.ems.

That Universities and Colleges introduce comprehensive courses in soil erosion and conservation.

Conduct research in new crops and cropping practices to reduce erosion.

Encourage the retention of existing forest cover and wet lands, by certain incentives, such as eliminating property taxes.

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That new ideas be introduced with a minimum of regulation and maximum use of public education and extension programs.

The Kent County brief questioned the validity of general statements that agriculturists use more fertilizer than necessary in growing crops. It was pointed out that nitrogen application does not appear to be a problem. Kent County has worked in close cooperation with farmers in tiling of farms, since rapid removal of rainfall is essential for crop protection. Further improvements in drainage practices, especially in ditch and culvert construction would be beneficial and would, hopefully, be paid by the whole society. The two briefs from the agricultural sector noted in the appendices, are available upon request.

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L I S T OF APPENDICES

1. The Great Lakes Area in Educational Systems submitted by: Dr. E. G. Pleva

2. Huron County Federation of Agriculture Brief to PLUARG submitted by: Mr. Alan Walper

3. Kent County Federation of Agriculture Brief to PLUARG submitted by: Mr. Elliott Hardy

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CANADIAN PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PANEL MEMBERS

Mr. Donald F. Wheeler Goder i ch , On ta r io

Mr. Norm Alexander Londesborough, Ontar io

Mr. Douglas Eagles S a r n i a , O n t a r i o

Mr. John Lug t ighe id Blenheim, Ontar io

Mr. Graham MacDonald London, Ontar io

Mr. John Bi l lham S a r n i a , O n t a r i o

Mr. Paul Hansen Windsor , Ontar io

D r . Edward G. Pleva London, Ontar io

Mr. I a n G . Co les London, Ontar io

Mr. Wayne L. McEachern B u r l i n g t o n , O n t a r i o

Ms. Vera G. Brand F o r e s t , O n t a r i o

Mr. James McIntosh S e a f o r t h , O n t a r i o

Mr. Mil ford Purdy Poin t Edward , Ontar io

Chief James Mason Chippewa H i l l , O n t a r i o

Mr. Walter F r a i s S a r n i a , O n t a r i o

Ms. C . Canzona London, Ontar io

Mr. Gary Ingram P e t r o l i a , O n t a r i o

Ms. J a n e t T u r n e r S a r n i a , O n t a r i o

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REPORT OF THE WATERLOO

PANEL

JANUARY 1978

lI INTRODUCTION

The Waterloo panel met on three occasions to discuss aspects of Great Lakes Water Quality and the impact of non-point source pollution associated with land use activities. The panel members represented a number of local organizations and a spectrum of occupational backgrounds, and contributed to a series of wide ranging discussions. The land use in the Waterloo Region comprises a wide range of activities and when calculated on the basis of area, agriculture is predominant. There are, however, within the area covered by this panel, a number of land use practices associated with industrial and urban centres.

It was particularly noticeable that there was no polarisation of opinion between those members of the panel who represented urban and agricultural viewpoints and there was a general realization that all land use practices contributed in varying degree to the deteriorating water quality in the Great Lakes. Data presented by the PLUARG members demonstrated that as much as one-half of the phosphorus entering the lower Great Lakes comes from non-point sources and data such as this demonstrates the importance of reducing such non-point source pollution. There was a strong feeling, however, that the panel was provided with insufficient data and it was therefore not possible to assess the relative contributions of the various point and non-point sources of pollution in certain land use categories. Doubtless, the overall picture will not be changed by the publication of some of the more detailed PLUARG studies but it was felt that if the results of more detailed studies were available, then it would have been easier to place priorities on recommendations. In some cases delay in the provision of background information hindered the panel's ability to grasp the full complexity of the problem.

1,2 GREAT LAKES WATER QUALITY It i s now well known that there has been a considerable deterioration in the water quality of the Great Lakes over the past 60 years. The trend of deteriorating water quality in the Great Lakes has been a gradual one. This change in water quality is partly due to the size of the lakes and the volume of water involved, but it is also due to the increase in human population and its activities in the Great Lakes Basin. Much of the actual change in water quality has occurred in the lower lakes (Erie and Ontario) and this i s explained by a complex of climatological, geological, historical and socio-economic factors. Most of the population, agriculture and industry is concentrated in the southern region of the basin where rich soils and more favourable climates prevail. Change is also associated with the processes of eutrophication, thus the magnitude of nutrient and sediment loadings is extremely important. The effects of the release of toxic substances and such activities as over-fishing have also had a considerable impact on the biology of the lakes. Although the main problem is one of eutrophication (and the associated changes in flora and fauna) the panel felt that insufficient weight was given t o public health considerations. The trend of decreasing DDT levels in biota and sediments was

B-1

noted with approval but the data for PCB's (which show no significant decrease in recent years) was by no means encouraging. PCB's have wide ranging implications for both biota and for public health.

The panel does not wish to suggest that the non-point sources of pollution associated with .land use activities could be eliminated over night. This would involve a -rapid proliferation of draconian measures which would not be justified, either ecologically, socially or economically.

Therefore, we URGENTLY recommend to PLUARG that responsibilities to implement a clean-up program be clearly assigned to the various appropriate agencies of the two governments involved and the different levels of government together with clarification, simplicfication and amendment of legislation that will provide the authority for action.

Linked to this must be the provision of sufficient funding so that existing technology may be implemented in an efficient, economic and coordinated fashion.

In all of this, common sense, economy and co-operation must prevail. Political direction and engineering technology must combine to attract financiai investment to those programs that produce the most significant improvement to the ecology. Much can be readily achieved, but some advances may require further research into such areas as, for example, agricultural engineering and improved agricultural techniques. As a panel, we are concerned that neither Canada, nor the U . S . A . should be able to reap an economic advantage by putting off pollution control measures. In this day of scarce money and lagging economies, pollution controls are just as important as ever and both countries must be encouraged to proceed with all possible speed. Progress must be made in an equitable manner with controls being implemented by both Nations. Furthermore, as the water of the Great Lakes mix across the International boundary, it makes little sense for one country to implement controls without reciprocal action by the other.

1,3 WATER QUALITY GOALS There will always be a larger o r smaller gap between the scientific definition of water quality and the more commonly perceived aesthetic criteria. Evidently the water quality of the upper Great Lakes is regarded by most people as acceptable. The water is clear and the lakes are oligotrophic. (We leave the consideration of specific concerns t o the panels in N . Ontario). In the case of upper Great Lakes, scientific and aesthetic criteria come close together. In the case of the lower Great Lakes, however, there is some debate as to whether or not the Lakes should be (even if they could be) returned to a condition similar to the upper Lakes. A marked reduction in point source loadings of phosphorus (for example) to lmg/l will improve the water quality of the lower Lakes. At this point, non-point sources of phosphorus become an important target for action. To return Lake Erie to an oligotrophic condition will lead to improvements in water quality from both scientific and aesthetic viewpoints. To achieve this, reductions in both phosphorus and nitrogen

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loadings are desirable as well as a reduction in sediment loadings. Certainly most would agree that a reasonable goal for the lower lakes would be to improve water quality to the point where the water had reduced sediment loadings and has a cleaner and clearer appearance. Reduced algae growth would prevent nuisance blooms washing up on beaches. Also, depletion of oxygen in bottom waters in summer should cease to be a severe problem in Lake Erie.

Geological factors in the basins of the southern Great Lakes show that these lakes can never become as clear as the upper lakes and the higher nutrient loadings would tend to produce inherently more eutrophic lakes. The recommendations listed below do indicate, however, that much can be done to reduce the effects of land use on the water quality of the Great Lakes. The panel wishes to stress, however, that a co-ordinated international approach is essential I_ and that point source effluents must also be controlled effectively if the overall effect is to be worthwhile.

2, LANn USE ACTIVITIES - SOME PROBLEMS AND REMEDIES

2 , 1 PREAMBLE Panelists were provided with background papers describing sources of pollution from various land use activities and also information respecting remedial measures. In their discussions on these matters, frequent reference was made to point sources of pollution as it was found that many land use activities produce both point and non-point pollution and it is impossible to separate out what, in fact, is a chain of related events. Many human activities form parts of loops wherein materials are cycled through both human and other natural processes.

There are very strong and direct linkages between the nine land use activities identified by PLUARG and many of the concerns listed below apply in more than one category. The panelists were provided with a manual outlining 109 remedial measures and believe that the various agencies no doubt have further technical knowledge at their disposition. Thus debate of these matters would have been repetitive and most likely uninformed.

The panel did not feel its mandate required the production of detailed specific technical recommendations regarding individual problems but rather that it should collectively advise PLUARG of general areas of concern and its unanimous recommendation that the subject of water quality in the Great Lakes should be given a high political priority. The panel believed that at this time it is important that PLUARG appreciate that in the opinion of the panel there is strong public support for action to fulfill the provisions of the 1972 Agreement.

2,2 LAND USE ACTIVITIES The panel identified the following areas for concern and consideration. A s noted before, the panel did not list priorities since all activities and their

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impac t s mus t be cons ide red . I t i s as sumed t ha t , as p rob lems and so lu t ions a re i d e n t i f i e d , t h a t b o t h G o v e r n m e n t s w i l l d i r e c t t h e a p p r o p r i a t e a g e n c i e s t o t a k e n e c e s s a r y a c t i o n w i t h i n t h e f r a m e w o r k o f a n o v e r a l l p r o g r a m . T h e p a n e l t r u s t s t h a t t h e p r e s e n t s t u d i e s a n d r e s e a r c h b e i n g u n d e r t a k e n by PLUARG w i l l . l.ead s p e c i f i c a l l y t o t.he e s t a b l i s h m e n t o f s u c h a program by the I.J.C. and i t s subsequent endorsement by the Governments o f Canada and the Uni ted S ta tes of America.

A g r i c u l t u r e

- e n c o u r a g e u s e o f c r o p r o t a t i o n t o r e d u c e e r o s i o n

- encourage use o f contour p lowing

- d i s c o u r a g e p l o w i n g t o o c l o s e t o w a t e r c o u r s e s

- encourage p l an t ing of w indbreaks t o r educe s o

- O n t a r i o M i n i s t r y o f A g r i c u l t u r e a n d Food (0.M

i l e r o s i o n

. A . F . ) should encourage g r e a t e r u s e of soil. t e s t i n g f o r f e r t i l i z e r a p p l i c a t i o n a n d d i s c o u r a g e t h e a p p l i c a t i o n of f e r t i l i z e r i n e x c e s s of recommended r a t e s

- r e d i r e c t i o n o f d o l l a r s f r o m Great L a k e s c l e a n - u p t o a s s i s t a n c e of f a r m i n g p r a c t i c e s ( p r e v e n t i o n i s b e t t e r t h a n c u r e )

- make t h e a v a i l a b i l i t y o f c e r t a i n C a p i t a l G r a n t s a n d o t h e r f i n a n c i a l i n c e n t i v e s c o v e r i n g m u n i c i p a l d r a i n s , f e n c e row remova l and fo re s t cove r r emova l cond i t iona l on ev idence t ha t harm t o t h e h y d r o l o g i c r e g i m e s w i l l n o t r e s u l t o r t h a t a d e q u a t e c o m p e n s a t i n g m e a s u r e s are p a r t of t h e p r o j e c t

- encourage use of sewage s ludge a s f e r t i l i z e r p r o v i d e d t h a t i t does n o t c o n t a i n h e a v y metals o r t o x i c s u b s t a n c e s

- improved app l i ca t ion t echn iques r e spec t ing t he u se o f s ewage s ludge r e q u i r e d

- f e e d l o t s c a n c a u s e R . O . D . p rob lems ; cons ide r g roup ing o f such a c t i v i t i e s t o e n a b l e e c o n o m i c p r o v i s i o n o f t r e a t m e n t o f wastes

- a g r i c u l t u r a l s u b s i d i e s c o u l d d i s c o u r a g e f a r m i n g p r a c t i s e s d e t r i m e n t a l t o l o n g term s o i l q u a l i t y

- e x a m i n e t h e r e l a t i o n s h i p b e t w e e n i n c r e a s i n g l a n d c o s t s a n d o v e r i n t e n s i f i c a t i o n o f t i l l a g e ( t h i s a p p l i e s b o t h i n terms o f c rops grown and the u se o f marg ina l l and )

-” s t r i n g e n t c o n t r o l . of g r o w t h s t i m u l a n t s i n a g r i c u l t u r e i f p u b l i c h e a l t h hazard i s demonst ra ted . Tes t ing and approval must. be conducted by and w i t h i n a g o v e r n m e n t a g e n c y ( b u t n o t t h a t w h i c h i s s u e s the l icence f o r approval^ of u s e )

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- any financial incentives for erosion and sedimentation control on agricultural lands should he concentrated in key problem areas, n o t widely dispersed to "all" farmers; the effectiveness of the investment is very low in the latter case

- O . M . A . F . through its 4H, Junior Farmers, Soil and Crop Improvement Associations etc. should strongly promote a land stewardship ethic to balance its all out production emphasis

- more gove.rnment supported research is needed to adopt minimum tillage equipment (from the U . S . midwest) to Ontario conditions - particularly in certain cash crops

- there should be a removal of taxes on certain farm improvements which control pollution, such as manure holding tanks; the taxation of these as capital improvements is a disincentive to pollution control

- O.M.A.F. should redirect funds from such fringe areas as the planting of shruhs/flowers and the building of ice rinks to erosion control

Urban

municipalities should be required to adopt as part of their development control procedures the mandatory submission of detailed plans for runoff and erosion control during and after construction accompanying a l l development applications - such procedure might include:

application of simple environmental assessment processes t o identify measures required to reduce runoff during construction p h a s e

extended use of zero-increase runoff principle in engineering for storm drainage

encourage use of "traps" to coll.ect contaminants in runoff from streets, parking areas and other paved areas used by vehicles

limit removal of top soil in contruction

limit urban sprawl h v use of infilling and higher densities where possible

reconsider growth projections in light of changing fertility rates and migration policies

clearer enunciation respecting provincial policy on urban settlement patterns

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- examine pot:ential health hazards of development of old orchard sites where previously high concentrations of heavy metal sprays were used

- discourage dumping of fill in floodplains, environmentally sensitive areas or any other locations where it cannot be immediately stabilized

- municipalities shou ld be encouraged at the Official Plan development stage to incorporate environmental planning principles which seek to locate development firms in landscapes which are most capable of supporting these with the least detrimental impact on the aquatic environment

- consider construction of sewage plants .including storm surge tanks and other facilities to reduce by-pass problems from runoff. . . This would also reduce overflow of plants and main sewers into rivers and streams

- encourage public to minimize garbage disposal volume and reduce impact of urban landfill on ground water

Transportation

- phase out leaded fuels

- increase road sweeping to reduce heavy metals etc. in runoff - consider vacuum cleaning techniques?

- reduce weed spraying by use of low close-growing shrubs or by use of extended selective mowing

- re-examine possible use of studs in order to reduce salt use ( c o s t of road repair might b e less t han cost of environmental damage or compensation to farmers)

- examine vegetation of roadside strips, encourage planting of wind breaks. Use of subsidies?

- encourage development patterns that encourage use of public transit instead of private automobiles

- reduce use of salt on roads whenever possible Recreation

- position paper cursory and unsatisfactory and further research and consideration is required

- encourage provision of additional recreational areas (private as well as public) so as t o reduce intensive over-use of facilities and the erosion of same

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- encourage designation of recreation areas which are not just holding areas for future power stations or transportation corridors

Solid Waste and Sewage Sludge Disposal

- examine opportunities to reduce leaching of PCB's from existing landfill sites and eliminate same from all future landfill operations

- monitor the operations of sludge haulers and encourage agricultural recycling wherever possible

- encourage recycling of material resources and recovery of potential energy ( t o minimize the need for landfill)

Deepwell Disposal

- promote recycling of industrial wastes to reduce the need for deepwell disposal

- consider the continuation of disposal of radioactive material in proven deepwells

Forestrv

- reduce clear felling practises to reduce soil erosion and phosphorus runoff

- reduce land clearance of marginal lands in order to maintain forest cover

- improve spraying techniques to reduce runoff of same

- encourage use of non-persistent sprays

Extractive Areas

- restoration of worked out pits to reduce erosion

- application of environmental assessment process to ensure proper practices

Shoreline and Riverbank Erosion

- minimize or eliminate development in sensitive locations

- exercise regulations and undertake management practices t o reduce erosion

- ensure rigorous application of environmental assessment prior to undertaking harbour 'improvements' or modifications

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Private Waste Disposal Systems

- apply regulations to ensure that soil conditions are adequate for the system proposed

- encouragement of 'improved' systems to eliminate environmental impact and to recycle wastes

3, I N S T I T U T I O N A L RESPONSE - STATEMENT OF CONCERN

All levels of (Canadian) gcvernment must be given the legislative DUTY to protect the water quality of the Great Lakes Basin. This day, consistent with Article Two of the Water Quality Agreement of 1972, would relate to a l l regulatory, fiscal, planning, and management functions.

~-

'Yo achieve this goal, there are two fundamental requirements

Any person, upon establishment of a prima facie case, should have standing to appear in (Canadian) courts of law to seek restraint of activities claimed to be damaging to water quality. (The panel notes with concern but has no remedy for the problem of c o s t s being an extremely inhibiting factor).

"

A l l levels of government must recognize the problem of water pollution from non-point sources: to date, water quality management has seriously neglected this aspect. Therefore, wi.th regard to the Legis]-ative duty described, administrative agencies should be required LMMEDIATELY to proceed to eliminate existing inconsistencies and clari€y the interpretations of the regulatory framework. A short number of pressing examples are given below:

Shoreline landfilling, where a r e g i o n a l p o l i c y r e g a r d i n g environmentally sensitive areas may conflict with federal ownership and plans for the development of said lands ostensibly to "the general advantage of Canada".

Hazard and sensitive land areas, where such areas, acquired for non-development to minimize water pollution, are then developed €or recreation purposes by , s a y , a conservation authority, leading to a reduction in water quality.

Toxic 1.iquid industrial waste disposal regulation, where provincial government policy calls for reducing such disposal in d e e p w e l l s and in surface landfill sites: because of present insufficient industrial reclamation of liquid wastes and increase in these wastes, these policies cannot be carr Led out.

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4, PANEL EVALUAT I ON

The panel wishes to express its appreciation to PLUARG for recognizing the need for public participation and pioneering this IJC involvement in the public participation process. Any criticism implied in this report does not apply to PLUARG but rather to the problems that they are confronting. We see the need for continued public participation in and support for P L U A R G ' s activities. At our second meeting we passed a motion stating that:

"Sally Leppard and the PLUARG representative convey to the T . J . C . and all panelists throughout the system that PLUARG recommend t h a t panel activities be continued and funded".

By way of explanation, we l ook forward to reviewing the draft PLUARG recommendations to the I.J.C. and indeed, we foresee the value of continuing the public participation program through to the implementation of the required new legislation and programs. You may wish to consider the merits of a more or less continuous public participation program. We do appreciate, however, that it may not be necessary to keep the entire panel system in being through all stages of the process. We wish t o assure you that at least some of u s are prepared to continue to donate our time and expertise in order to assist you in the fulfil.lment of your objectives.

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C A N A D I A N P U B L I C P A R T I C I P A T I O N P A N E L MEMBERS

Mr. Robert A. Trotter Elmira, Ontario

Mr. Jim Ott Cambridge, Ontario

Mr. Richard Walker Simcoe, Ontario

Mr. Glen Crain Brantford, Ontario

Mr. Lanfranco Martini Hamilton, Ontario

Mr. A1 E. Kruzins Burlington, Ontario

Mr. Richard E. Legate Waterloo, Ontario

Mr. Dave R. Cressman Kitchener, Ontario

Ms. Laurie S. Mannell Oakville, Ontario

Mr. Mark Stagg Waterloo, Ontario

Mr. Ron Phillips Stratford, Ontario

Mr. Jim Walker Alma, Ontario

Mr. Sam Bowman Elora, Ontario

Mr. Joe Hujer Burlington, Ontario

Mr. Don Mooney Guelph, Ontario

Dr. Graham P. Harris Dundas, Ontario

Ms. Betty Barhydt Burlington, Ontario

Ms. Gil Simmons Hamilton, Ontario

Ms. Claudette Millar Cambridge, Ontario

Dr. George Priddle Waterloo, Ontario

Mr. Norris W. Webb St. Mary's, Ontario

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REPORT OF THE OWEN SOUND

PANEL

JANUARY 1978

The fo l lowing v iewpoin ts were gene ra t ed by a s s i g n i n g o n e o r more members o f t h e p a n e l t o a s p e c i f i c area of concern as o u t l i n e d i n t h e PLUARG m a t e r i a l s provided. About three weeks was t h e n a l l o w e d f o r p a n e l members t o s t u d y a s p e c i f i c area of concern as a s s i g n e d . Then f u r t h e r c o n s u l t a t i o n among members t o o k p l a c e a t another meet ing , where repor t s were p repared and presented to t h e p a n e l i n a p l e n a r y s e s s i o n f o r comment, q u e s t i o n , o r d i s s e n t .

The f o l l o w i n g t e x t was c o l l a t e d b y t h e E d i t o r i a l C o m m i t t e e f o r review by p a n e l members t o p e r m i t c o r r e c t i o n o r amendment.

The Committee was comprised of Mr. Stephen Shivas, Committee Chairman, Mr. Lorne Creighton, Panel Chairman and Mr. Robert L i s t , P a n e l i s t .

The above process was t o e n a b l e t h e p a n e l t o f u n c t i o n w i t h i n t h e t i m e c o n s t r a i n t s a n d t o a s s u r e a n o p e n p r o c e s s .

2 I SUMMARY

A summary o f t h i s r e p o r t i s expres sed as a number of needs and recommendations. The numbers fo l lowing i n b racke t s give. t h e s u b j e c t r e f e r e n c e , d e t a i l e d on the fo l lowing pages .

PERSONNEL

To in spec t and en fo rce improvemen t o f t he i nadequa te s ep t i c t anks e s p e c i a l l y n e a r w a t e r c o u r s e s ( C , H , Kg).

To t r a i n a n d e q u i p s t r a t e g i c a l l y p l a c e d e m e r g e n c y c r e w s t o remove o r con ta in ma jo r con taminan t s p i l l s o r o t h e r e n v i r o n m e n t a l d i s a s t e r s ( A ) .

RES EARCH

To d i a g n o s e t h e l o n g r a n g e t o x i c i . t y o f trace materials ( B ) .

TO d e v e l o p n a t u r a l p r e d a t o r s a n d b i o l o g i c a l i n s e c t i c i d e s t o r e p l a c e tox ic chemica l s (E , G ) .

To c o r r e l a t e t o x i c i t y w i t h t h e s t a t e o f metals ( B ) .

To f i n d t h e u l t i m a t e home f o r t o x i n s (F, Kg).

LEGISLATION AND LABS

To r e p o r t , tes t a n d c o n t r o l t h e f l o o d o f a l l t h e new menacing chemica l s (Kg).

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EDUCATION - ( E )

I n p u b l i c s c h o o l s t o t e a c h e n v i r o n m e n t a l h y g i e n e a n d p r e v e n t l i t t e r (C).

I n h i g h s c h o o l s - p o s s i b l y u s i n g PLUARG l i t e r a t u r e as a t e x t i n geography.

I n u n i v e r s i t y so a g r a d u a t e w i l l have had a complete course and w i l l unde r s t and a l l t h e d i s c i p l i n e s i n v o l v e d i n t h e b r o a d a s p e c t s o f p o l l u t i o n (K, C).

INCENTIVES

To encourage t r ea tmen t a t t h e s o u r c e b e f o r e d i l u t i o n a n d b e f o r e e c o l o g i c a l d e g r a d a t i o n ( K 1 ) s o :

I n d u s t r y , i n c l u d i n g a g r i c u l t u r e , c a n a f f o r d t o d e v e l o p i ts own a d e q u a t e t r e a t m e n t s ( E ) .

Households w i l l s e p a r a t e p a p e r e t c . f o r r e c y c l i n g .

Gas w i l l b e l e a d f r e e ( B ) .

E r o s i o n c a n b e r e d u c e d b y r e f o r e s t r a t i o n , p r e s e r v i n g swamps and b o t h r u r a l a n d u r b a n r u n o f f d e c r e a s e d ( D , J , K3, K 4 , K6).

Genera l ly , t he pane l . p re fe r r ed educa t iona l and i ncen t ive encouragemen t r a the r t han more b u r e a u c r a t i c r e g u l a t i o n s ( E , K3).

2 I 6 INFORM THE PUBLIC ___ Of t h e a l r e a d y a v a i l a b l e s o u r c e s o f k n o w l e d g e a n d e x p e r t i s e a n d p rov ide more r e a d y a c c e s s t o t h i s r e s o u r c e (D, E) by:

Developing a more e x t e n s i v e b i b l i o g r a p h i c a l s e r v i c e o n p o l l u t i o n s u b j e c t s .

Making a v a i l a b l e a n d e n c o u r a g i n g t h e u s e o f c o l l e g e l i b r a r i e s , and t he compute r r e f e rence r e source a t the Canada Cen t re fo r I n l a n d Waters.

P u b l i c i z i n g t h e e x p e r t i s e o f C o n s e r v a t i o n A u t h o r i t i e s , A g r i c u l t u r a l r e p r e s e n t a t i v e e t c . ( K 4 ) .

2 I 7 REDUCE SALT For d e - i c i n g a c c o r