Ellen’s Creek Watershed Group
© Ellen’s Creek Watershed Group, 2014

The Public Forum on Managing Watersheds

On Feb. 6, 2013, the New Democratic Party of Prince Edward Island held a public forum on Managing Watersheds. To see the proceedings of this forum, click here . At this forum, Dr. Daryl Guignon provided an overview of the issues surrounding watersheds in PEI which are summerized as follows: Background: Daryl Guignon presented a comprehensive history of watershed issues in Prince Edward Island. In a clear fashion he identified the root causes of many of the challenges we face today. He offered a context for issues such as eutrophication, elevated Nitrate concentrations, soil erosion and sedimentation, and pesticides contamination. Daryl’s presentation offered a view of the profound effect of public policy on the environment (e.g the Development Plan of the 1960’s) and the power of the community (e.g. the Morell River Cooperative and agreement to implement a 60 m buffer zone). He also pointed out that in some cases the tools we need are within our reach – for example the recommendations contained in “Soil conservation techniques for potato farmers” – and, if there were political will, they could be implemented to good effect.     Some specific comments from Dr. Guignon: In many instances, 15-metre buffer zones are insufficient. Buffer zones need to vary in width depending on the drainage slope into each waterway. High concentrations (often above Environment Canada standards) of Nitrates in surface water are causing increased anoxic conditions in many rivers and having a negative impact on diversity of aquatic life. Nitrates levels in well water tend to be higher in areas of intense potato production, often above Health Canada standards. 3-year crop rotation is insufficient; corn should be considered a row crop. Fall ploughing results in greater runoff from fields, and soil loss due to wind erosion.  We are losing water due to runoff from frozen bare fields. Water is also lost as a result of development (often resulting in large expanses of impervious surfaces) and urban ditch in-filling. Changes in the forests of PEI have a direct impact on water quality – we have less than 1% of old growth hardwood forest left. Efforts to restore the Acadian Forest must be increased. Terraces and grassed waterways are necessary when Island fields are long and sloping towards waterways. Problems with invasive species like green crabs need to be addressed. Non-indigenous species such as rainbow trout have a negative impact on other organisms. We need an inventory of culverts, to help prepare for storm situations. (See the March 15, 2013 item on the CBC News website entitled "PEI urged to replace aging culverts after flooding" PEI needs to designate more land as protected.         In conclusion Daryl said, a sense of urgency is needed, and must be created, starting with citizens. As a follow-up to the forum, an editorial appeared in the Charlottetown Guardian, expressing a need for action to improve our PEI waterways.
Ellen’s Creek Watershed Group
© Ellen’s Creek Watershed Group Inc. 2014

Public Forum on

Watersheds

On Feb. 6, 2013, the New Democratic Party of Prince Edward Island held a public forum on Managing Watersheds. To see the proceedings of this forum, click here . At this forum, Dr. Daryl Guignon provided an overview of the issues surrounding watersheds in PEI which are summerized as follows: Background: Daryl Guignon presented a comprehensive history of watershed issues in Prince Edward Island. In a clear fashion he identified the root causes of many of the challenges we face today. He offered a context for issues such as eutrophication, elevated Nitrate concentrations, soil erosion and sedimentation, and pesticides contamination. Daryl’s presentation offered a view of the profound effect of public policy on the environment (e.g the Development Plan of the 1960’s) and the power of the community (e.g. the Morell River Cooperative and agreement to implement a 60 m buffer zone). He also pointed out that in some cases the tools we need are within our reach – for example the recommendations contained in “Soil conservation techniques for potato farmers” – and, if there were political will, they could be implemented to good effect.     Some specific comments from Daryl: In many instances, 15-metre buffer zones are insufficient. Buffer zones need to vary in width depending on the drainage slope into each waterway. High concentrations (often above Environment Canada standards) of Nitrates in surface water are causing increased anoxic conditions in many rivers and having a negative impact on diversity of aquatic life. Nitrates levels in well water tend to be higher in areas of intense potato production, often above Health Canada standards. 3-year crop rotation is insufficient; corn should be considered a row crop. Fall ploughing results in greater runoff from fields, and soil loss due to wind erosion.  We are losing water due to runoff from frozen bare fields. Water is also lost as a result of development (often resulting in large expanses of impervious surfaces) and urban ditch in-filling. Changes in the forests of PEI have a direct impact on water quality – we have less than 1% of old growth hardwood forest left. Efforts to restore the Acadian Forest must be increased. Terraces and grassed waterways are necessary when Island fields are long and sloping towards waterways. Problems with invasive species like green crabs need to be addressed. Non-indigenous species such as rainbow trout have a negative impact on other organisms. We need an inventory of culverts, to help prepare for storm situations. (See the March 15, 2013 item on the CBC News website entitled "PEI urged to replace aging culverts after flooding" PEI needs to designate more land as protected.         In conclusion Daryl said, a sense of urgency is needed, and must be created, starting with citizens. As a follow-up to the forum, an editorial appeared in the Charlottetown Guardian, expressing a need for action to improve our PEI waterways.