Swim Drink Fish Blog
Read the latest updates and news releases about community science, water monitoring, Artists for Water, and more.
EPA study finds high levels of toxins in Great Lakes fish
In 2015, the US EPA published the results from a 2010 national assessment of US coastal waters. Its findings were shocking. High levels of toxins were found in the majority of Great Lakes fish that were sampled. What's more concerning is this information was only available for the U.S.'s shorelines. Information for Canada's shores are unavailable. How can Ontario – let alone Canada – take the health of the Great Lakes seriously if the health of our fish are not monitored?
Memo: Analysis of Minister McKenna’s Decision on the DGR
In 2006, OPG submitted a proposal to store low and intermediate level nuclear waste in a deep geological repository (the ‘DGR’) along the shores of Lake Huron. Recently, the Minister of the Environment, Catherine McKenna rejected the Joint Review Panel's EA Report and requested additional information from OPG. Mark analyzes the situation and highlights the significance behind this telling decision.
Federal ban on microbeads update: Gov’t invites public to comment
The Federal Government is moving forward with its plan to enact regulations to restrict the use of microbeads in personal care products. Waterkeeper will comment on the proposed regulations, but the government wants to hear from the public too. If you have thoughts you'd like to share on banning microbeads, you have until March 10th, 2016 to submit your thoughts.
Waterkeeper's comments on Scarborough Waterfront Project
Today is the deadline for submitting initial comments on the proposed Scarborough Waterfront Project. Waterkeeper has studied the proposal and submitted some preliminary concerns. This project will shape the future of an important section of Toronto’s shoreline, so we have expressed a desire to take part in the stakeholder consultations planned for later this year.
Decision time for the Scarborough shore: What kind of waterfront do we deserve?
Author of Along the Shore: Rediscovering Toronto’s Waterfront, Jane Fairburn wants to draw attention to a major facelift coming to the Scarborough waterfront. She submitted this guest post highlighting the Toronto Region Conservation Authority's proposal and citing some of her personal concerns. (If you have something to say, the first deadline for public comment is February 11, 2016.)
Waukesha: A small town raises big questions
Just outside of Milwuakee is Waukesha. With high levels of radon in its water supply, Waukesha aims to divert their water supply and draw water from Lake Michigan. This is the first attempt at sourcing water from the Great Lakes under 2008's Sustainable Water Resources Agreement meaning, Waukesha will set the precedent for future applications. And there will be future applications. So even though this is just a drop in the metaphorical bucket, many people are watching as it will set the course for what comes next.
The myths that hold us back
Waterkeeper’s VP Krystyn Tully was recently featured as a guest speaker at the Ontario Sewer and Watermain Construction Association (OSWCA) Conference in Kingston. Since improving infrastructure and protecting the lake are shared goals, Krystyn explained why our “Swim Drink Fish” mantra is so important to understand. Krystyn also shared common myths and why a discussion around protecting waterways can be challenging.
Why it's time to invest in Canada's love for water
Canadians love water. Our culture and our history can prove it. So how is it that Canada is also one of the dirtiest countries in the industrialized world? How have we fallen to dead-last amongst the world’s wealthiest countries when it comes to environmental protection? This question is at the heart of all Waterkeeper’s work right now. How can we reconcile what we say we love – water, nature, being outdoors with friends and family – with how we actually live?
Wolfe Island's Lake Ontario Cup Tournament
The Lake Ontario Cup is an annual hockey tournament hosted on Wolfe Island since 2002. Although a small event, the tournament is quite cherished amongst locals, writers, and musicians – including Waterkeeper Mark Mattson, Dave Bidini, and Paul Steenhuisen. Paul recalls how the tournament does so much more than satisfy his love for hockey and provide the winning team with a milkjug trophy.
The Lost Edens of Lake Ontario
What is considered "normal" today may not have been considered the norm 150 years ago. Imagine growing up in a time when Lake Ontario's shoreline was wild and accessible and not occupied by industry. If standards for normalcy shift with each generation, how does this shifting baseline affect our ability to protect and conserve resources if we've never known them to exist?