I have read the Lake Simcoe…

I have read the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan, this Phosphorous Reduction Strategy, and the Shoreline Protection Regulation Discussion Paper. There are stringent regulations for municipalities with regards to Sewage Treatment Plants and Stormwater Management Works (ie. ponds). These are needed if Lake Simcoe is to be cleaned up. However I can find no regulations concerning the nutrient rich water that flows from farm fields through weeping tile systems under the ground. It seems that Best Practices are to be relied upon to control this problem. I spoke to one of the scientists at Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and asked how the LSRCA dealt with this nutrient source. I was informed that the best way to stop this nutrient rich water from flowing through ditches into rivers, creeks, and Lake Simcoe would be to have a storm water retention pond at the end of each weeping tile system. The nutrient rich water could then be used as irrigation in dry spells. I am told that LSRCA encourages farmers to create these ponds with minimal success. 1) Why is this not being considered as part of the new regulations? The problem of excess nutrients reaching Lake Simcoe isn't an isolated occurrence. Lakes Erie, Huron, and Ontario are also experiencing similar problems. 2) Why is the government taking no action about reducing phosphorous loading elsewhere in the province? 3) Should not all municipalities have the same Sewage Treatment Plant and Stormwater Management Regulations? 4) Why is there no consideration of regulating the amount of phosphorous permitted to in fertilizers and cleaning products?

[Original Comment ID: 125403]