Public Comment – Opposition…

Public Comment – Opposition to Searchmont Wastewater Treatment Plant (ERO #025-1121)

I am writing as a lifelong resident of the Goulais River watershed to formally oppose the
above-referenced proposal for the new sewage works at Searchmont Ski Resort Inc. The
Goulais River is an essential ecological and recreational resource for our community, and I
believe that this proposal poses undue risk to its long-term health and water quality.

Concerns:
-Potential ecological effects include nutrient loading, micro-contaminants, and disruption of
aquatic habitat
The Goulais River’s assimilative capacity may not adequately account for climate change impacts, low-flow conditions, and cumulative discharge effects.
- The proposal relies on modelling that may underestimate nutrient loading, pathogen risk, and ecological disruption.
- There is insufficient detail on contingency planning, emergency response, and operational reliability to prevent discharge failures.
- Public and Indigenous engagement must continue for the lifetime of the facility.
- Claims of “minimal to negligible impact” should be verified through long-term monitoring rather than accepted at face value.

The proponent states that the current system is "inadequate". I believe that before approving full discharge into the Goulais River, alternative mitigation or system upgrades that reduce or delayed discharge should be more fully explored (Source Control, On-Site reuse, more advanced treatment, reduced discharge volume, or discharge to a more resilient environment. If the resort must expand, then the environmental risk to the watershed should be minimized.

If the proposal proceeds, I request that approval be conditional on:
1. Real-time public reporting of effluent quality and flow data.
2. Independent third-party performance audits every 3–5 years.
3. Binding discharge limits tied to seasonal flow and temperature.
4. Immediate public notification of any upset or bypass events.
5. Re-review by the ERO for any future capacity expansion.
6. If conditions are not met at any time - Immediate request to stop flow of Effluent

I Must Point out that even the proponents own ACS acknowledges uncertainty and the need for proper monitoring/consideration of low flow conditions for 2-3 years of water quality monitoring. This proves that there is precaution and the need for alternative solutions is absolutely mandatory. The Goulais River does not need to be damaged for Pure Profit.

Special Protection Measures with full public consultation should be put in place if it is determined that complex issues arise requiring additional studies, more detailed management direction or a detailed resource management plan if they cannot provide proof of compliance at any time.

The Goulais River is a vital ecosystem and community resource. Approving this proposal without strong, enforceable safeguards could cause irreversible harm. Please apply a precautionary approach and deny approval unless these conditions are met.

Thank you for considering my submission.