I am submitting the…

I am submitting the following comments regarding the proposed Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) for the Searchmont Ski Resort Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) and its proposed discharge to the Goulais River.

 My comments are based on the information provided in the Design Brief (including the Assimilative Capacity Study), publicly available ERO postings, and provincial policies and guidelines. All references below are taken directly from the documents provided to the public

Cumulative Effects Were Not Assessed

The ACS does not evaluate cumulative impacts from:

Resort water withdrawals (11.5 million L/day) Upstream and downstream septic systems Stormwater runoff Forestry and land disturbance Hydro One Northshore Link Climate‑driven low flows Resort expansion Snowmaking return flows Existing contaminants Recreational use SAR habitat sensitivity Downstream impacts to Lake Superior

 Conclusion:
A cumulative effects assessment is required for a river with this ecological significance, above what was considered in the Assimilative Capacity Study.