Tag Archives: vermilion

ORA Roots

Vermilion River

The Ontario Rivers Alliance (ORA) was born out of 4 proposed Run-of-River Waterpower projects, using modified peaking, slated for the Vermilion River, in the District of Greater Sudbury, Ontario.

The challenges and frustration experienced while trying to engage the proponent to answer questions and provide information was the impetus for reaching out to other organizations dealing with these same issues on other rivers.   It quickly became abundantly clear that this lack of public engagement and lack of cooperation was a common thread running throughout all the proposed dam projects.

There were also several obvious deficiencies with the current Environmental Assessment (EA) process as it relates to the numerous proposals for Waterpower projects throughout the Province of Ontario.   Factors leading to this frustration with the EA process:

  • A Proponent driven process from beginning to end – the Proponent calls all the shots;
  • A FIT Contract has already been issued by the time stakeholders are made aware of the proposal;
  • The EA process does not function to approve the project, only to mitigate any negative impacts;
  • Community and the municipality do not have the power to refuse a proposed project or have meaningful input;
  • A lack of transparency, cooperation and accountability on the part of the Proponent, MNR and MOE;
  • A Lack of respect for the public’s right to know and participate in what should be, but is not, a democratic process;
  • Important documents are withheld from stakeholders until the Notice of Completion is issued, at which time the public only has 30 days to comment on highly technical documents;
  • A general shroud of secrecy pervades the entire EA process;
  • In 10 years there have been 50 requests for an elevation to an Individual Environmental Assessment, and not one of these bump-up requests has been successful;
  • No money up front by the developer for future decommissioning – so it will be left up to the taxpayer and our children to pay;
  • Acts and Regulations are constantly changing to facilitate these green energy proposals through to approval; and
  • No intervenor funding is available to these small groups and organizations who are working to protect the riverine ecosystems.

According to the Environmental Commissioner in his 2007 2008 Annual Report, “It would not be too forceful to say that Ontario’s EA process is broken.  We have lost the old vision for EA, and a new vision is urgently needed.”; and “A no decision is not a possible outcome”.   Many of the Acts and Regulations are changing to accommodate the “Open for Business” policy of the current government to facilitate the exploitation of our natural resources – especially those related to protecting and preserving our environment

It didn’t take too long to figure out that these dams would not be stopped through the normal EA process, so it became necessary to bring other groups and organizations together in order to share our experiences, expertise, knowledge, ideas and resources; and to create ONE BIG VOICE.

The ORA is founded on partnerships, so please consider partnering with us to build our VOICE so we will be heard and help bring some sense and sensibility back to the EA process and to ensure healthy river ecosystems!

Linda Heron

Chair, Ontario Rivers Alliance


Study Reveals Serious Potential for Heavy Metal Release from Hydro Facilities

Erik

Posted 8 March 2014

A recent study indicates that peaking facilities have serious potential to damage freshwater ecosystems, particularly in areas with heavy metal deposits from mining and industrial developments.  Based on the study, researcher Erik Szkokan-Emilson advised ORA in their preparation of a Part II Order request to the Minister of Environment regarding a proposed modified peaking hydroelectric facility at Wabagishik Rapids on the Vermilion River. Continue reading


Proposed Wabagishik Rapids GS – Part II Order Request – Submission to Minister Bradley

Wabagishik Rapids – Vermilion River

Excerpt:

“Our concerns have not been alleviated by Xeneca’s response; in fact they are heightened as a result of their continued insistence that studies were completed when clearly they were not.  As a result of this, one has to wonder what else they are not telling us.  What will happen when a company like this takes over a large 20 to 30 km section of lake and river that local stakeholders and aquatic life rely on – all to produce approximately 1.7 MW of power.  Xeneca’s behaviour does nothing but erode our trust and confidence even further. Continue reading


Potential Hydroelectric Dam at Cedar Rapids, Vermilion River

A company named WaterPower Group held a public meeting, in October of 2012, for members of the Capreol Business Association, Capreol Community Action Network, and members of the Town at the Millenium Centre.  This proponent proposes to build a hydroelectric dam on the Vermilion River at Cedar Rapids.

To read an article, go to page 15 of  The Capreol Press – October 1, 2012 – No. 87.

The photos below are of the area that is proposed to be dammed – Cedar Rapids on the Vermilion River.



Lively/Walden Wastewater Treatment System – Part II Order Request

The City of Greater Sudbury is proposing to decommission the Lively Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) and upgrade the Walden WWTP.  Vermilion River Stewardship (VRS) has requested tertiary treatment, which is a third means of effluent treatment, to improve water quality on the lower Junction Creek, Simon Lake, McCharles Lake, and the lower Vermilion River.  VRS is making a request to the Minister of Environment to issue a Part II Order to elevate this proposal to an Individual Environmental Assessment.  See attached letter.

Download (PDF, 649KB)



Green Energy be Dammed!

We all want green energy, but let’s ensure it is truly green.

Wabagishik Rapids is a beautiful 1 km stretch of rapids on the Vermilion River, about 1/2 hour west of Sudbury, Ontario.  A developer is proposing to build a modified peaking  hydroelectric dam that would only produce enough power to supply about 1,600 homes.  These types of dams have numerous negative impacts associated with them, and are very harmful to the riverine ecosystem.  Check out this film to find out more.


Blue-green Algae bloom on Ella Lake, Vermilion River – November 2012 to March 2013

An Ella Lake resident has just reported that the Blue-green Algae bloom is still persisting.  So all local residents, cottagers and fishermen should continue to refrain from drinking, boiling, or using the water for the sauna.

Dr. Andrea Kirkwood, Faculty of Science, University of Ontario Institute of Technology has taken a special interest in our winter outbreak, and has offered to examine a sample to determine the strain of blue-green algae present in Ella Lake.

Vermilion River Stewardship and the Beaver Lake Sports and Cultural Club are very concerned about public safety, and have requested signage warning of the blue-green algae to be posted at Ella Lake and Wabagishik Lake boat launches. Continue reading


Des algues bleu-vert même en hiver près de Sudbury – Blue-green Algae on Ella Lake, Sudbury

To view news video – click here.

Plus tôt ce mois-ci les riverains du lac Ella dans le Grand Sudbury ont été avisés de la présence de cyanobactéries communément appelées algue bleu-vert dans les eaux de leur lac.

Normalement, les cyanobactéries envahissent le plan d’eau pendant les derniers mois de l’été.

Le phénomène est surprenant en hiver. C’est d’ailleurs la première fois qu’on rapporte la présence de ces algues en plein hiver dans la région.

Un résident des environs, lors d’une partie de pêche blanche, en a retrouvé par hasard au bout de sa canne à pêche. Aussitôt alertées, les autorités sanitaires ont alors distribué un avis recommandant d’éviter d’utiliser l’eau du lac pour la consommation et pour se laver.

Elles ont mandaté le ministère de l’Environnement pour faire des tests approfondis.

L’analyse de ces tests a été publiée cette semaine. Les résultats indiquent que la concentration de toxines n’est pas assez élevée pour être nocive pour la santé humaine.

D’un point de vue scientifique, la découverte d’algue bleu-vert en hiver ne surprend pas le biologiste marin, Charles Ramcharan, du Centre pour la vitalité des lacs de l’Université Laurentienne. « Les lacs ne dorment pas sous la couche de glace qui les recouvre », dit-il. « Les organismes vivants ne gèlent donc pas et les cyanobactéries sont reconnues pour ne pas avoir un si grand besoin de lumière. Cela peut expliquer leur présence au lac Ella cet hiver », ajoute-t-il.

Le Service de santé publique de Sudbury conseille à tous les riverains, de la région, d’être vigilants devant l’apparition imminente d’algues bleu-vert. Celles-ci se multiplieront avec l’arrivée des mois chauds d’été.

D’après le reportage d’Olivier Charbonneau.