Study examines area watershed

A study of the watershed surrounding Thunder Bay is ready for public consultation.

For the first time, a comprehensive assessment has been done on the 11,526-square kilometre Lakehead Source Protection Area. Commissioned by the Drinking Water Source Protection Committee, the study will now be used to develop a plan to make sure area drinking water sources are protected, said committee chair Bob Hartley.

"We’re trying to ensure that the source of the water for both is protected for future generations," Hartley said.

Hartley was at the first of three public consultation meetings Thursday afternoon at Rosslyn Village Community Centre. Along with Bare Point, Rosslyn Village’s community well is the other water source DWSP wants to develop a plan to protect.

Hartley said the assessment shows that neither Rosslyn or Bare Point show any concerns but that doesn’t mean a plan isn’t necessary.

"Anything can be problematic if you don’t take care of it," Hartley said. "You have to look at what could happen."

Bare Point has a one-kilometre zone around its intake to make sure the water stays clean said Bartley. A plan would ensure that continues but creeks feeding into Lake Superior near Bare Point need to be looked at if area around those creeks are developed.

For Rosslyn, Harltey said septic issues, chemicals and even road salt could affect the quality of water.

He’s hoping through the public consultation process that people will have a better understanding of where their water comes from and the potential environmental stresses water sources face. Hartley said the public could also contribute to the 200-page report.

"Sometimes the public know a lot more than some studies show. Especially If they live in the area," Hartley said.

Public meetings will also be held at Current River Community Centre Feb. 25 for 12 to 8 p.m. and March 10 at the Lakehead Regional Conservation Authority from 10a.m. to 4 p.m. The Rosslyn Village meeting ends at 8 p.m. Thursday.