Feature Article September 2, 2004
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Lake Associations urge Council to act on Septic reinspectionby Jeff Green
Elma MacLachlan, the President of the Kashwakamak Lake Association in North Frontenac, made a presentation at a public meeting with Council last week urging the township to enter into a septic re-inspection programme.
MacLachlan said Kashwakamak is one of the most developed lakes in the township, most of this happening in the late 60s and early 70s. Old, defective or poorly maintained septic systems are recognised as a source of lake pollution. This can happen in several ways, according to MacLachlan: makeshift systems were installed before permits were mandatory, and now rusted out metal tanks permit untreated sewage to find its way into lake and groundwater. Some systems that were properly installed have not been properly maintained and can cause damage. Other systems were installed too close to the lake, or are inadequate because cottages have been renovated.
MacLachlan concluded that the condition of existing septic systems is therefore important in maintaining our water quality and natural environment.
Both South Frontenac and Tay Valley townships have had septic reinspection programmes in place for a couple of years, but North Frontenac has never taken that step.
Deputy Mayor Gleva Lemke said this is an issue thats been on the backburner since 2001. I back this proposal, and Id like to see it brought back to Council, to see if we can form a task force.
The problem is that the people with proper septic systems will co-operate and those with faulty systems wont, said Councillor Bud Clayton.
Clerk/Administrator Penny Sharman said that she had contacted the township planner, Glenn Tunnock, who has had experience in these kinds of issues, and made a number of suggestions. He also said he could be available as a resource, if called upon.
The lake association representatives at the meeting all expressed support for Elma MacDonalds presentation.
One of the problems in developing a septic re-inspection programme is the labour required to gather information on the state of septic systems throughout the township, primarily on lakefront properties where septic failure has the greatest consequences.
Art Dunham of the Frontenac Environmental Partnership and the information technology company CGIS of Perth, said that he was developing an internet based computer application that could enable property owners to answer many of the questions on a septic re-inspection questionnaire online. This could save time, Dunham said, and would allow employees charged with gathering information to visit more properties over a shorter period of time.
The issue will be brought to a Council meeting in the near future.
