I am writing to express…

I am writing to express concern regarding the proposed Environmental Compliance Approval (sewage) for Searchmont Ski Resort Inc. (ERO #025-1121), which involves the establishment of on-site sewage works and the discharge of treated effluent into the Goulais River.

As someone who lives and harvests downstream of this proposed discharge, and as a Métis person whose family fishes and drinks from this watershed. I am deeply concerned about the potential contamination and long-term ecological impacts of releasing treated wastewater into such a small and sensitive river system.

The Goulais River supports walleye, trout, pike, bass, muskellunge, sturgeon, salmon, and smelt, and provides water for nearby camps and wildlife. Even treated effluent can alter nutrient levels, increase biological oxygen demand, and introduce trace contaminants that harm aquatic life and bioaccumulate through the food chain.

Searchmont Ski Resort is an important regional facility, but sewage management should not come at the expense of downstream water quality or public health. A responsible alternative would be to continue using holding tanks with regular pump-outs, or to transport effluent to the existing wastewater treatment facility in Sault Ste. Marie (PUC), where it can be processed under stricter monitoring.

I respectfully request that the Ministry deny any proposal involving direct discharge into the Goulais River and require the proponent to pursue an off-site or closed-system wastewater management option. Protecting the health of this watershed and the people who depend on it must remain a top priority.