I strongly oppose the…

I strongly oppose the proposal for a new Environmental Compliance Approval (sewage) for Infrastructure Ontario at 955 Lake Shore Boulevard West in Toronto. This proposal involves the construction of interim combined sewer overflows (CSOs) that would discharge stormwater into Lake Ontario.
CSOs are a significant environmental concern, as they can release untreated or partially treated sewage and stormwater into water bodies during heavy precipitation events. This can lead to the introduction of pathogens, chemicals, and nutrients into Lake Ontario, adversely affecting water quality and posing risks to aquatic ecosystems and public health.

Efforts to mitigate CSOs have been ongoing in the Great Lakes region. For instance, Hamilton Harbour on Lake Ontario has been part of a multiphase Clean Harbour program, which includes upgrades to large wastewater treatment facilities to reduce pollution.
Despite such initiatives, CSOs remain a challenge. In one year, 20 cities in the Great Lakes basin released a combined total of 92 billion gallons of untreated sewage and stormwater, primarily through CSOs.

Given the substantial investments and ongoing efforts to improve water quality in Lake Ontario, it is counterproductive to approve a proposal that could exacerbate pollution through additional CSO discharges. Instead, Infrastructure Ontario should focus on sustainable stormwater management solutions, such as green infrastructure, permeable surfaces, and enhancing wastewater treatment capacities. These approaches can effectively reduce runoff and prevent untreated discharges into the lake.
Approving this proposal would undermine the progress made in protecting Lake Ontario and set a concerning precedent for future environmental compliance decisions. I urge decision-makers to reject this proposal and advocate for more environmentally responsible and sustainable alternatives that align with our collective commitment to preserving Lake Ontario's water quality and ecosystem integrity.