In consideration of the ecosystem benefits of a healthy West Credit River and its sensitive Brook Trout and Redside Dace population, we are recommending that inground infiltration of the final wastewater effluent be seriously considered, as a viable alternative to discharging warm sewage effluent directly into the West Credit River. Discharge of treated effluent by way of passive infiltration into the ground with slow percolation into this relatively small stream is the best way to ensure that the final effluent reaches the stream as natural and cold groundwater.
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Photo by Linda Heron
Category Archives: Press Release
Media Release: Erin Wastewater Treatment Plant – Federal Review Denied
West Credit River. Photo by Steve Noakes.
Judy Mabee, Chair of the Coalition and President of the Belfountain Community Organization stated that, “The Coalition is not deterred by the Minister’s Decision. We will continue on with our work to protect this highly valued coldwater Brook Trout population in the West Credit River. We are more than willing to work with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and other federal and provincial regulators, including the Town of Erin and its consultants, to advocate for a wastewater plant that sets a new best in class industry standard for the protection of sensitive coldwater receiving streams.”
Experts agree: Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson must designate Erin Waste Water Treatment Plant for Impact Assessment
West Credit River. Photo by Steve Noakes
Jack Imhof, an Aquatic Ecologist/Watershed Scientist, says “It is essential an independent federal assessment of the Erin Wastewater Treatment Plant be conducted in order to ensure the health of downstream communities and survival of the last healthy Brook Trout and Redside dace populations left in the Credit River watershed. This is NOT a “Fish or People” issue.” Jack Imhof has been involved in the study, assessment and management of the West Credit River since 1979, as well as the data collection and writing of the West Credit Subwatershed Study.
Media Release: Town of Erin pays only $2 for 5 Hectares of Prime Real Estate?
Brook Trout fry, Photo by Steve Noakes
ERIN: Mayor Alls of Erin boasted, “I can reach in my pocket and pay for it” when the Town of Erin announced the purchase of 5 Hectares of land for $2 – land with an estimated value of $210,000 in the Environmental Study Report (ESR).
Environmental lawyer David Donnelly spoke to the more than 300 people attending the March 25th virtual meeting to discuss the impact of the proposed Erin Wastewater Treatment Plant on dumping 7.2 million liters of sewage effluent daily into West Credit River Brook Trout habitat.
Media Release: Concerns over Brook Trout in the West Credit River
Brook trout spawning in a coldwater stream. Film by Steve Noakes
Articles:
Groups concerned about Erin’s proposed plant effect on coldwater fish, by Keegan Kozolanka
Ontario Rivers Alliance says town has ‘dismissed’ plans to protect Credit River brook trout from Erin wastewater plant, by Alexandra Heck
The Town of Erin (Erin) is in the design phase of a new sewage treatment plant, and the Ontario Rivers Alliance (ORA) is concerned that the sewage plant effluent will endanger some of the most productive and highly valued brook trout populations in the West Credit River. Continue reading
Ontario–Recycling is the Last Resort – Joint
“Recycling” by andyarthur is licensed with CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/
Ontarians may have invented the Blue Box, but our current linear, make-use-dispose economy makes it impossible for recycling alone to solve our growing waste problem. Currently, less than seven per cent of Ontario’s waste is recycled through the Blue Box, and 1 the province sends over 8 million tonnes (70 per cent)2 of trash to landfills and incinerators every year.
Only 1 week left in the Hanlon Creek Crowd Funding Campaign
MEDIA RELEASE: For Immediate Release: 24 July 2019
Only 1 week left in the Hanlon Creek Crowd Funding Campaign
GUELPH – We need your help to raise enough dollars to move forward on the Hanlon Creek Weir Removal Project. So far, we have raised $2,725 but we must reach our goal of $10,000 by the 31stof July to schedule decommissioning for September of this year.
We have two incredible perks to be offered at the close of the Campaign when a 1st and 2ndplace winner will be drawn. For every $25 donated a ballot will be entered into the draw in the donor’s name. For more details or to donate check out our campaign page here: https://chuffed.org/project/hanlon-creek-weir-project-phase-ii Continue reading
Hanlon Creek Weir Removal Project – Phase II, Guelph – crowd funding campaign
GUELPH – The Ontario Rivers Alliance (ORA), Trout Unlimited Canada (TUC), Canadian Wildlife Federation, and four other partners are announcing Phase II of the Hanlon Creek Crowd Funding Campaign. We are looking to raise $10,000 by the 31stof July. The funds are required to pay for the weir modification and river rehabilitation work, scheduled to take place in September of this year. “We have a very short time-line and need your help to reach our fundraising goal”, said Alex Meeker, Ontario Provincial Biologist with TUC.
Hanlon Creek Weir Removal Project – Phase I
MEDIA RELEASE: For Immediate Release: 28 February 2019
Hanlon Creek Weir Project – Guelph
GUELPH – The Ontario Rivers Alliance (ORA) has only a few days left on a crowd funding Campaign looking to raise $2,050 for the Hanlon Creek Weir Project. We need your help to reach our goal by the 4th of March! Donations will go towards the design work and permitting in this critical first phase of the Project.
An amazing original acrylic painting by Sydney Campbell, will go to the person making the largest donation. All donations are welcome and will help move this important project forward. Please go to this link to take part: https://chuffed.org/project/hanlon-creek-weir-project
Hanlon Creek is a coldwater Brook Trout stream, with its headwaters rising within the City of Guelph, and the Hanlon Creek weir was built in 1972 to measure stream flow. The Grand River Fisheries Management Plan identified issues and management strategies to improve the coldwater tributaries of the Speed River Basin, which includes the Hanlon Creek.
The problem is that the Hanlon Creek weir is a barrier to fish passage, it interferes with sediment transport and causes upstream ponding which results in increased surface water that warms in the sun. This warming of the creek has negative impacts on the Brook Trout that require clear, cool waters below 24°C.
ORA and partners have a plan to mitigate this issue by removing a centre portion of the weir to lower the upstream water level. This will narrow the channel, resulting in cooler stream temperatures and improved Brook Trout habitat. Most importantly, it will improve the fishery’s resiliency to climate change.
Our partners in this project are the Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry, Grand River Conservation Authority, Trout Unlimited Canada, City of Guelph, in consultation with the Grand River Fisheries Management Plan Implementation Committee. Each partner has taken on a portion of the responsibility for bringing this Project to completion. ORA has taken on the challenge of raising the amount required for these crucial first steps of the Project.
“ORA is reaching out to the public at this critical first phase of the Project, where up-front funds are required to complete the engineered design and pay for a key regulatory permit, so all donations are appreciated”, said Linda Heron, Chair of the ORA.
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The Ontario Rivers Alliance (ORA) is a Not-for-Profit grassroots organization acting as a voice for several stewardships, associations, private and Indigenous members who have come together to protect, conserve and restore healthy river ecosystems.
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Linda Heron
Chair, Ontario Rivers Alliance
OntarioRiversAlliance.ca Tel: (705) 561-9027
Press Release: Conservationists Urge Federal Government to Protect American Eel
OTTAWA, Mar. 19, 2018 – Increased federal action to protect and recover American Eel is urgently needed, say the Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) and nine other partners in conservation including the Algonquin to Adirondacks Collaborative, the Lanark County Stewardship Council, Nature Québec, Ontario Nature, and the Ontario Rivers Alliance.