MANITOBA ANNOUNCES FURTHER ACTION ON WATER PROTECTION PLAN
Manitoba News Release November 8, 2006
Protection of Manitoba Water A Shared Responsibility: Struthers
Conservation Minister Stan Struthers today announced a third phase in the province's Water Protection Plan that focuses on curbing the impact of people, communities and industry on Manitoba's lakes and rivers.
"We have a shared responsibility to keep Manitoba's waterways clean," said Struthers. "This is part of a long-term action plan to help ensure clean water for tomorrow by reversing long-term neglect.
"If we want to pass on a legacy of clean, abundant water to our children, we must act decisively and provide appropriate resources to get the job done now to help ensure clean water for tomorrow. Our commitment to water quality has included raising the water and sewage-treatment standards for facilities in the cities of Winnipeg, Brandon and Portage la Prairie. Over the last several years, we have taken significant steps to protect Manitoba's water and today we continue this work by unveiling a third phase in our water protection plan."
The first two phases of the plan focused on strengthening manure management planning, improving municipal land use planning, increasing water testing and consolidating water resources and services within Canada's first department entirely devoted to water, Manitoba Water Stewardship.
The third phase of Manitoba's Water Protection Plan builds on work already completed to protect water quality and contains the following new measures.
LEADING-EDGE REGULATIONS:
* Innovative regulations to protect water in Manitoba are coming into effect. Regulations limiting the use and application of manure in Manitoba have been expanded to include phosphorus, the nutrient linked to algae blooms in lakes and rivers. Manitoba is only the second province in Canada to regulate manure phosphorus and will have the one of the strongest such regulations in the country. Water Quality Management Zone regulations which include restrictions for synthetic fertilizers that contain phosphorus and nitrogen have also been published for comment. Manitoba will be the first province to regulate synthetic fertilizer. Agricultural operations will have to comply with the nutrient-management regulations through a series of phased-in dates.
* New buffer zones will reduce phosphorus and nitrogen in water. Starting in 2009, every farmer, homeowner, groundskeeper and municipality with land next to water will not be allowed to apply fertilizer in buffer zones. The province will also launch public consultations on the use of cosmetic fertilizers and other products that contain phosphorous. Once the regulation comes into effect, no new manure-storage facilities, waste-water lagoons, confined livestock areas or septic fields will be allowed in sensitive areas.
* Strict, new nutrient reduction levels are in place. New or upgraded municipal waste-water treatment facilities will be required to meet strict new nutrient-reduction levels, especially for phosphorous, in line with recommendations of the Clean Environment Commission.
STRENGTHENED FINES AND INSPECTION:
* Fines under the Environment Act will be increased to ensure they are in line with current standards.
* Loopholes will be closed that allowed some proponents to divide livestock development proposals to avoid public reviews of their proposals.
* New staffing resources will be added to support increased inspection and enforcement.
* A more robust focus will be placed on inspection and regulatory enforcement of existing septic fields and other private waste-water management systems starting with a focus on the capital region and along Lake Winnipeg.
SUPPORT FOR RESEARCH, TECHNOLOGY AND PRODUCERS:
* Increased support for anaerobic digesters will be provided for pilot projects in emerging technology in which anaerobic digesters will be used to help in manure management processes.
* Enhanced tax credits for anaerobic digesters will help defray the costs of emerging manure management technology.
* Financial assistance will be made available to assist producers most affected by regulatory changes.
- 30 -
November 8, 2006
PROVINCIAL WATER PLAN REFERRED TO CEC FOR PUBLIC INPUT AND REVIEW
- - -
Temporary Pause on New or Expanded Hog Barns in Place Until Review Complete: Struthers
Conservation Minister Stan Struthers announced today that Manitoba's water protection plan will be referred to the Clean Environment Commission (CEC) for a full, independent and public review in order to provide Manitobans an opportunity for input into steps the province is proposing to protect rivers, streams and lakes.
"We believe long-term action is necessary to reverse long-term damage to our waterways," said Struthers. "However, any plan must maintain public confidence and credibility, and that is why the plan is being referred
to the independent CEC to ensure that what we're doing is sustainable over the long term.
"Until the CEC has completed its review, a temporary pause will be in place on new or expanded barns. We need to know from the CEC and Manitobans themselves that what we're proposing adequately addresses he sustainability of the industry over the long term."
To this end, the CEC will be asked to:
* review the current environmental-protection measures now in place relating to hog production in Manitoba in order to determine their effectiveness for the purpose of managing hog production in an environmentally-sustainable manner,
* take into account the efforts underway in other jurisdictions to manage hog production in a sustainable manner,
* consider various options and make recommendations in a report to the minister on any improvements that may be necessary to provide for the environmental sustainability of hog production in Manitoba, and
* conduct a review of the contents of the report prepared by Manitoba Conservation entitled An Examination of the Environmental Sustainability of the Hog Industry in Manitoba.
Hog barns that use emerging technology such as anaerobic digesters for
manure will be exempted from the pause.
- 30 -
November 8, 2006
GOVERNMENT ADDRESSES CEC RECOMMENDATION TO REVIEW HOG INDUSTRY- - -
Review Broadened To Include Entire Province: Struthers
Conservation Minister Stan Struthers has announced the province has addressed the recommendation of the Clean Environment Commission (CEC) to review the hog industry in Manitoba and today released the review.
"In response to the CEC recommendation, we decided to take a broader view of the hog industry rather than limiting the review to the Assiniboine Valley," said Struthers. "While taking a broader view took additional time, we thought it was better to expand the review to include the entire province."
The report, An Examination of the Environmental Sustainability of the Hog Industry in Manitoba, is a compilation of information relevant to livestock operations and, more specifically, hog operations in Manitoba.
The report addresses the remaining recommendation of the CEC report on Maple Leaf Foods' application for expansion. The provincial government has now acted on all recommendations from the CEC with respect to this application.
The report, together with Manitoba's Water Protection Plan, will be forwarded to the CEC for a full, independent and public review.
"The public needs to know that what we're doing is sustainable over the long term," said Struthers. "This study will be included in the CEC review and the public will be given a chance to comment and provide input on its conclusions."
- 30 -
November 8, 2006
MANITOBA’S WATER PROTECTION PLAN: THE FIRST TWO PHASES
The provincial government today announced the third phase of the Manitoba Water Protection Plan. What were the first two phases?
PHASE ONE
The first phase of Manitoba’s Water Protection Plan began with a ban on the sale of bulk water. In 2000, Manitoba announced the Livestock Stewardship Initiative and appointed a panel to examine the livestock industry.
The panel’s report, Finding Common Ground, provided a blueprint that helped guide the province’s early work in developing the province’s Water Protection Plan.
Some key elements included:
· setting targets in the Lake Winnipeg Action Plan for a 10 per cent reduction in nitrogen and phosphorous;
· requiring more livestock operations to submit annual water-source tests;
· initiating studies on phosphorous, the nutrient linked to algae growth in Lake Winnipeg;
· establishing the Office of Drinking Water to enhance the protection of the province’s drinking water;
· reintroducing subsidized testing for private well owners that was previously cut;
· requiring drinking-water plant operators to be certified; and
· investing in upgrades of water systems in rural Manitoba.
PHASE TWO
The second phase of Manitoba’s Water Protection Plan began in 2003 with the creation of Canada’s first department entirely devoted to water, Manitoba Water Stewardship.
Some key initiatives undertaken during the second phase included:
· introducing the Water Protection Act and significant amendments to the Planning Act,
· expanding the ban on winter spreading to operations of 300 or more animal units and requiring manure management plans,
· requiring that older manure storage facilities be registered, and
· reducing the rates of manure application on environmentally-sensitive soils.
- 30 -
November 8, 2006
MANITOBA’S WATER PROTECTION PLAN: WHAT’S BEING ANNOUNCED TODAY?
The third phase of Manitoba’s Water Protection Plan, focusing on the principle of shared responsibility, is being announced today. It includes five significant new steps:
· Manitoba has expanded cutting-edge regulations to protect water in the province. Regulations limiting the use and application of manure in Manitoba have been expanded to include phosphorus, the nutrient linked to algae blooms in lakes and rivers. Manitoba is only the second province in Canada to regulate manure phosphorus and will have one of the strongest such regulations in the country. Regulations for water quality management zones that include restrictions for synthetic fertilizers containing phosphorus and nitrogen have also been published for comment. Manitoba will be the first province to regulate synthetic fertilizer. Agricultural operations will have to comply with the nutrient-management regulations through a series of phased-in dates.
· Manitoba has completed its review of the hog production as recommended by the Clean Environment Commission (CEC). This review was expanded to include the entire province rather than limiting the review to the Assiniboine Valley region as recommended by the CEC.
· Manitoba’s Water Protection Plan will be referred to the CEC for a full, independent and public review.
· A temporary pause on new or expanded hog barns will be in place until the CEC public review is complete.
· A new Nutrient Management Assistance Fund will assist producers most affected by regulatory changes.
- 30 -
Lake Winnipeg - Sacrificed for Politics???
26 posts
• Page 1 of 2 • 1, 2
Lake Winnipeg - Sacrificed for Politics???
by Oscar » Wed Nov 08, 2006 6:11 pm
Last edited by Oscar on Sat Oct 06, 2012 9:21 am, edited 1 time in total.
- Oscar
- Site Admin
- Posts: 9104
- Joined: Wed May 03, 2006 3:23 pm
Doer Government Playing Parlor Tricks?
by Oscar » Thu Nov 16, 2006 10:22 am
Doer Government Playing Parlor Tricks?
November 15, 2006
Editor, Brandon Sun
Dear Editor:
I read with interest your recent editorial [“The dead hand strikes again” Sun, November 10, 2006) chastising the Doer Government for imposing a ‘moratorium’ on hog barn expansion, pending a “review” of the industry by the Clean Environment Commission (CEC).
One need only examine the fine print in Minister Struthers’ announcements to see that your criticism is misplaced.
On the one hand, as Struthers confirmed in an interview broadcast on CBC radio on November 9, the “moratorium” does not apply to the 17 or so hog barn proposals currently “in process.” Objectively, this means that these proposals will go forward to construction (and operation), as soon as they complete the approval process. By contrast, a bona fide ‘moratorium’ would involve the suspension of approval processes, pending the outcome of the CEC review.
On the other hand, inspection of the terms of reference issued to the CEC in this matter clearly shows that the government has absolutely no intention of seriously examining the environmental sustainability of Manitoba’s hog industry. In particular, the CEC will not be holding public hearings as part of its review. Instead, it will hold “public meetings.”
Public hearings, such as the one conducted by the CEC in relation to the Maple Leaf expansion, are governed by the Manitoba Evidence Act. Among other things, this involves sworn testimony, cross-examination, evidence elicited from experts as well as the public at large, and so on. The CEC assesses this evidence and then issues recommendations based on that assessment.
Public meetings, by contrast, have none of these requirements. Indeed, my experience has been that such meetings are little more than cheerleading sessions for the particular special interest group (here, the pork industry) with the most resources. Consequently, spectacular and unverified claims, rather than assessed evidence, become the basis of recommendations that emerge from this process.
Is it any wonder that Mr. Kynoch, Chair of the Manitoba Pork Council, has stated that the CEC review will vindicate the industry’s environmental record?
In closing, I would simply note that the most charitable interpretation of the Doer Government’s action here is that it represents nothing more than a political parlor trick, a cynical slight of hand which is explicitly designed to defuse the Hog issue until after the upcoming Spring election.
Sincerely
Joe Dolecki
RR1 Alexander, Manitoba ROK OAO (204 – 328-5385)
November 15, 2006
Editor, Brandon Sun
Dear Editor:
I read with interest your recent editorial [“The dead hand strikes again” Sun, November 10, 2006) chastising the Doer Government for imposing a ‘moratorium’ on hog barn expansion, pending a “review” of the industry by the Clean Environment Commission (CEC).
One need only examine the fine print in Minister Struthers’ announcements to see that your criticism is misplaced.
On the one hand, as Struthers confirmed in an interview broadcast on CBC radio on November 9, the “moratorium” does not apply to the 17 or so hog barn proposals currently “in process.” Objectively, this means that these proposals will go forward to construction (and operation), as soon as they complete the approval process. By contrast, a bona fide ‘moratorium’ would involve the suspension of approval processes, pending the outcome of the CEC review.
On the other hand, inspection of the terms of reference issued to the CEC in this matter clearly shows that the government has absolutely no intention of seriously examining the environmental sustainability of Manitoba’s hog industry. In particular, the CEC will not be holding public hearings as part of its review. Instead, it will hold “public meetings.”
Public hearings, such as the one conducted by the CEC in relation to the Maple Leaf expansion, are governed by the Manitoba Evidence Act. Among other things, this involves sworn testimony, cross-examination, evidence elicited from experts as well as the public at large, and so on. The CEC assesses this evidence and then issues recommendations based on that assessment.
Public meetings, by contrast, have none of these requirements. Indeed, my experience has been that such meetings are little more than cheerleading sessions for the particular special interest group (here, the pork industry) with the most resources. Consequently, spectacular and unverified claims, rather than assessed evidence, become the basis of recommendations that emerge from this process.
Is it any wonder that Mr. Kynoch, Chair of the Manitoba Pork Council, has stated that the CEC review will vindicate the industry’s environmental record?
In closing, I would simply note that the most charitable interpretation of the Doer Government’s action here is that it represents nothing more than a political parlor trick, a cynical slight of hand which is explicitly designed to defuse the Hog issue until after the upcoming Spring election.
Sincerely
Joe Dolecki
RR1 Alexander, Manitoba ROK OAO (204 – 328-5385)
- Oscar
- Site Admin
- Posts: 9104
- Joined: Wed May 03, 2006 3:23 pm
[b]Hog Barns Moratorium, Water Protection Review[/b]
by Oscar » Tue Nov 21, 2006 10:58 am
Hog Barns Moratorium, Water Protection Review
We are forwarding Manitoba Wildlands recent news item it is available online at:
http://www.manitobawildlands.org/news_i ... number=685
17 November 06
Manitoba Conservation Minister Stan Struthers has ordered a 'temporary pause' on new or expanded hog barns in the province to allow the Clean Environment Commission (CEC) to conduct a public review of the Manitoba's 'Water Protection Plan', and to fulfill a recommendation to review the hog industry.
No announcement has been made as to whether the CEC hearing for the proposed OlyWest Hog Processing Plant in Winnipeg will proceed as planned.
Manitoba Conservation also announced the third phase of its 'Water Protection Plan'. To alleviate confusion associated with announcing a new plan already in its third phase, the press release contained a backgrounder to describe actions attributable to the first and second phases. Manitoba's Water Protection Plan was never referred to publicly before November 8, 2006.
The 'Water Protection Plan' is also part of the review by the CEC. The Terms of Reference for the CEC review of the hog industry are available on the CEC web site. No report or Terms of Reference have been released for the 'Water Protection Plan' review.
Gaile Whelan Enns, director of Manitoba Wildlands, indicated, "We need a pause in the OlyWest review and CEC hearings too. It is unfortunate the Minister did not put a scientific and environmental basis to the review of the hog industry. The limited terms of reference assume the outcome. We need real hearings with intervener funding."
View three November 8, 2006 Manitoba Government press releases:
383: http://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?archive=2006-11-01&item=383
384: http://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?archive=2006-11-01&item=384
385: http://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?archive=2006-11-01&item=385
Visit Manitoba Conservation's Environmental Livestock Program
webpage
[url]http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/regoperations/livestock/
index.html[/url]
View the Minister of Conservation's Terms of Reference for the CEC Investigation (PDF)
[url]http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/regoperations/livestock/
pdf/cec_terms_of_reference.pdf[/url]
View the Proposed Amendments to the Livestock Manure & Mortalities Management Regulation (PDF):
[url]http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/regoperations/livestock/pdf/
livestock_manure_and_mortality_draft5_eng.pdf[/url]
View the November 10, 2006 Winnipeg Free Press article (DOC)
http://manitobawildlands.org/docs/HogIn ... 0Nov06.doc
View the November 14, 2006 CBC article
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/manitoba/story/2006/11/14/
hog-carcass.html?ref=rss[/
Source: Government of Manitoba
We are forwarding Manitoba Wildlands recent news item it is available online at:
http://www.manitobawildlands.org/news_i ... number=685
17 November 06
Manitoba Conservation Minister Stan Struthers has ordered a 'temporary pause' on new or expanded hog barns in the province to allow the Clean Environment Commission (CEC) to conduct a public review of the Manitoba's 'Water Protection Plan', and to fulfill a recommendation to review the hog industry.
No announcement has been made as to whether the CEC hearing for the proposed OlyWest Hog Processing Plant in Winnipeg will proceed as planned.
Manitoba Conservation also announced the third phase of its 'Water Protection Plan'. To alleviate confusion associated with announcing a new plan already in its third phase, the press release contained a backgrounder to describe actions attributable to the first and second phases. Manitoba's Water Protection Plan was never referred to publicly before November 8, 2006.
The 'Water Protection Plan' is also part of the review by the CEC. The Terms of Reference for the CEC review of the hog industry are available on the CEC web site. No report or Terms of Reference have been released for the 'Water Protection Plan' review.
Gaile Whelan Enns, director of Manitoba Wildlands, indicated, "We need a pause in the OlyWest review and CEC hearings too. It is unfortunate the Minister did not put a scientific and environmental basis to the review of the hog industry. The limited terms of reference assume the outcome. We need real hearings with intervener funding."
View three November 8, 2006 Manitoba Government press releases:
383: http://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?archive=2006-11-01&item=383
384: http://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?archive=2006-11-01&item=384
385: http://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?archive=2006-11-01&item=385
Visit Manitoba Conservation's Environmental Livestock Program
webpage
[url]http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/regoperations/livestock/
index.html[/url]
View the Minister of Conservation's Terms of Reference for the CEC Investigation (PDF)
[url]http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/regoperations/livestock/
pdf/cec_terms_of_reference.pdf[/url]
View the Proposed Amendments to the Livestock Manure & Mortalities Management Regulation (PDF):
[url]http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/regoperations/livestock/pdf/
livestock_manure_and_mortality_draft5_eng.pdf[/url]
View the November 10, 2006 Winnipeg Free Press article (DOC)
http://manitobawildlands.org/docs/HogIn ... 0Nov06.doc
View the November 14, 2006 CBC article
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/manitoba/story/2006/11/14/
hog-carcass.html?ref=rss[/
Source: Government of Manitoba
- Oscar
- Site Admin
- Posts: 9104
- Joined: Wed May 03, 2006 3:23 pm
Woman faces 13-year wait for hog industry info
by Oscar » Wed Jan 24, 2007 5:32 pm
Woman faces 13-year wait for hog industry info
Last Updated: Monday, January 22, 2007 | 3:22 PM CT
CBC News
A woman from the Rural Municipality of Daly in western Manitoba faces a long wait — 13½ years, to be exact — for government records she requested about the province's livestock industry.
Before the holidays, Ruth Pryzner asked the Manitoba government for records on all known hog operations in the province, filing a number of requests under the Freedom of Information and Personal Privacy Act (FIPPA).
"I'm looking for soil-test results, inspection reports, the types of manure storages that have actually been permitted in the province, the kinds of spread acres, the use of spread acres," Pryzner, a farmer and former councillor in the R.M. of Daly, said Monday.
"Everything, basically, about livestock operations in the province."
But the province told Pryzner it would take 13½ years to get the documents together, she said.
Pryzner said she wants the information to produce an accurate portrait of the province's hog industry, the growth of which is currently on hold.
Read the full article at:
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/manitoba/story ... -docs.html
Last Updated: Monday, January 22, 2007 | 3:22 PM CT
CBC News
A woman from the Rural Municipality of Daly in western Manitoba faces a long wait — 13½ years, to be exact — for government records she requested about the province's livestock industry.
Before the holidays, Ruth Pryzner asked the Manitoba government for records on all known hog operations in the province, filing a number of requests under the Freedom of Information and Personal Privacy Act (FIPPA).
"I'm looking for soil-test results, inspection reports, the types of manure storages that have actually been permitted in the province, the kinds of spread acres, the use of spread acres," Pryzner, a farmer and former councillor in the R.M. of Daly, said Monday.
"Everything, basically, about livestock operations in the province."
But the province told Pryzner it would take 13½ years to get the documents together, she said.
Pryzner said she wants the information to produce an accurate portrait of the province's hog industry, the growth of which is currently on hold.
Read the full article at:
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/manitoba/story ... -docs.html
- Oscar
- Site Admin
- Posts: 9104
- Joined: Wed May 03, 2006 3:23 pm
MARYKUCA: Saving Lake Winnipeg (Minister Chorniak)
by Oscar » Sun Nov 20, 2011 10:40 am
MARYKUCA: Saving Lake Winnipeg
----- Original Message -----
From: Peter Marykuca
To: Hon. Andrew Swan ; Hon. Bill Blaikie ; Hon. Christine Melnick ; Hon. David Walter Chomiak ; Hon. Eric Robinson ; Hon. Erin Selby ; Hon. Florina Marcelino ; Hon. George Hickes ; Hon. Gord Mackintosh ; Hon. Gregory Selinger ; Hon. Jennifer Howard ; Hon. Kerri Irvin Ross ; Hon. Peter Bjornson ; Hon. Ron Lemieux ; Hon. Ron Smith ; Hon. Scott Smith ; Hon. Stan Struthers ; Hon. Steve Ashton ; Hon. Tim Sale
Sent: Sunday, November 20, 2011 10:12 AM
Subject: Lake Winnipeg
Nov. 20/2011
Mr. Dave Chomiak
All concerned, et al:
Thank you for your reply.
To state, "There will have been some very localized effects on lake currents and erosion in the immediate vicinity of the causeway, but the vast majority of the lake and its shoreline are unaffected by the causeway "
Localized! Unaffected!
What about Grand Beach and Matlock areas? How about the millions of dollars that have been flushed down the toilet because retaining dykes have not worked? Tell me how much money is being spent to shore up the engineering mis-cues of the Hecla Cause Way. Is it not a fact that at this date the RM of Bifrost contracted out for more rubble to be dumped and spread because it is getting undermined by currents?
Trying to help save Lake Winnipeg will take a lot more knowledge than this Government is presenting. Lake Winnipeg is the 10th largest fresh water lake on earth. It contains a vast amount of artesian water! It has also the world's longest man-made groin. I have reason to believe that the Grimolfson Causeway that attaches to Hecla Island is changing the natural lake's currents that is causing all the erosion. Because the third channel is plugged by this causeway! One must consider the different organisms that are in surface waters and how they could relate to Lake Winnipeg's water because of man-made diversions?
By the way, due to the lack of sufficient rain, the water table has dropped and the Lake level is lower. Most creeks, swamps and drains are dry because of this as well. How positive is our Government that all the man-made diversions are not going to cause unforeseen detrimental effects like this causeway?
Respectfully
Peter Marykuca
- - - - -
November 7, 2011
Mr. Peter Marykuca
peterm@lakenet.ca
Dear Mr. Marykuca:
Thank you for your email of August 21, 2011 and my sincere apologies for the delay in responding. Lake Winnipeg is a major concern for Manitobans and I would like to assure you it is a priority of my government. We are undertaking a number of initiatives to understand the factors affecting the lake, and are implementing actions to ensure its health for future generations.
Manitoba Hydro has applied for a Final Licence for the Lake Winnipeg Regulation Project and the Minister of Water Stewardship has asked the Clean Environment Commission to review this request, including holding hearings to provide opportunity for public participation. Please consider participating in this process.
This past year has seen significant flooding in the Province. Fortunately, the Lake Winnipeg Regulation project, which was built by Manitoba Hydro in the 1970s, was very effective in providing flood relief on the lake in spite of record flood flows over the past two years. I have been advised that as of today, the level of the lake has dropped two and a half feet since it peaked in early July and it is back into the normal range of levels for this time of year. This significant drop is attributable in large part to the extra outflow capacity of the outlet channels build at the north end of the lake by Manitoba Hydro.
With regard to your concerns about the Hecla Island causeway, I can advise you that the flow of water out of Lake Winnipeg and the average level of the lake are unaffected by the causeway and that this project has no connection to Manitoba Hydro. There will have been some very localized effects on lake currents and erosion in the immediate vicinity of the causeway, but the vast majority of the lake and its shoreline are unaffected by the causeway.
The Manitoba Government has made water protection a top priority for the past decade. To learn more about the actions we have taken to date and our future plans for Lake Winnipeg, please look at our website at:
http://www.gov.mb.ca/lake winnipeg/index.html.
Sincerely,
Dave Chomiak
Minister Responsible for Manitoba Hydro
cc. Honourable Greg Selinger
Honourable Christine Melnick
- - - - - - -
Manitoba Hydro is blowing smoke!
From: Peter Marykuca [mailto:peterm@lakenet.ca]
Sent: Sunday, August 21, 2011 8:04 PM
To: Justice, Minister; Conservation, Minister; Water Stewardship, Minister; Innovation, Energy & Mines, Minister; Aboriginal & Northern Affairs, Minister; Advanced Education, Minister; Culture, Heritage and Tourism, Minister; Premier; Healthy Living, Minister; Housing and Community Dev, Minister; Hon. MaryAnn Mihychuk; Education, Minister; Local Government, Minister; Hon. Ron Smith; Finance, Minister; Hon. Scott Smith; Agriculture, Minister; Infrastructure & Transportation, Minister; Health, Minister; Nevakshonoff, Tom (NDP Caucus)
Subject: Manitoba Hydro is blowing smoke!
To whom may concern
Suggest that you investigate this, get the word out that you will call for an inquiry about this, before the election, Thx Peter
People from beach areas around Lake Winnipeg are voicing their opinions with Letters to the Editor of the Winnipeg Free Press, about Lake Winnipeg’s flooding. Manitoba Hydro’s comments on Lake Winnipeg’s was “high water levels recently stated that lake levels were as high as from 1913 to 1976”. Implied it had nothing to do about the Jen Peg power house. So what else has been added to change the lake since 1970? The Hecla Island causeway was added, this dam is having an effect on the lake's natural currents. Result is there is shore line erosion. Nobody has ever thought about the fact that the Lake is getting wider! Because of the erosion! Therefore, if brought back to the original size as it was from 1913 to 1976, the water height will be higher than stated, because there is more volume of it in the basin. Folks - the flooding will continue because of the erosion!. Will Manitoba Hydro request that the causeway be removed and a decent bridge be constructed before Lake Winnipeg spreads out further? Was this dam (causeway) necessary for the Jen Peg power site? Was it just a coincidence that Manitoba Highways built the causeway, as plans were laid out for Jen Peg back in about 1968? Has it helped to make Lake Winnipeg a reservoir and a cesspool ?
Peter Marykuca Ph. 204-376-2100
Interlake Resident
----- Original Message -----
From: Peter Marykuca
To: Hon. Andrew Swan ; Hon. Bill Blaikie ; Hon. Christine Melnick ; Hon. David Walter Chomiak ; Hon. Eric Robinson ; Hon. Erin Selby ; Hon. Florina Marcelino ; Hon. George Hickes ; Hon. Gord Mackintosh ; Hon. Gregory Selinger ; Hon. Jennifer Howard ; Hon. Kerri Irvin Ross ; Hon. Peter Bjornson ; Hon. Ron Lemieux ; Hon. Ron Smith ; Hon. Scott Smith ; Hon. Stan Struthers ; Hon. Steve Ashton ; Hon. Tim Sale
Sent: Sunday, November 20, 2011 10:12 AM
Subject: Lake Winnipeg
Nov. 20/2011
Mr. Dave Chomiak
All concerned, et al:
Thank you for your reply.
To state, "There will have been some very localized effects on lake currents and erosion in the immediate vicinity of the causeway, but the vast majority of the lake and its shoreline are unaffected by the causeway "
Localized! Unaffected!
What about Grand Beach and Matlock areas? How about the millions of dollars that have been flushed down the toilet because retaining dykes have not worked? Tell me how much money is being spent to shore up the engineering mis-cues of the Hecla Cause Way. Is it not a fact that at this date the RM of Bifrost contracted out for more rubble to be dumped and spread because it is getting undermined by currents?
Trying to help save Lake Winnipeg will take a lot more knowledge than this Government is presenting. Lake Winnipeg is the 10th largest fresh water lake on earth. It contains a vast amount of artesian water! It has also the world's longest man-made groin. I have reason to believe that the Grimolfson Causeway that attaches to Hecla Island is changing the natural lake's currents that is causing all the erosion. Because the third channel is plugged by this causeway! One must consider the different organisms that are in surface waters and how they could relate to Lake Winnipeg's water because of man-made diversions?
By the way, due to the lack of sufficient rain, the water table has dropped and the Lake level is lower. Most creeks, swamps and drains are dry because of this as well. How positive is our Government that all the man-made diversions are not going to cause unforeseen detrimental effects like this causeway?
Respectfully
Peter Marykuca
- - - - -
November 7, 2011
Mr. Peter Marykuca
peterm@lakenet.ca
Dear Mr. Marykuca:
Thank you for your email of August 21, 2011 and my sincere apologies for the delay in responding. Lake Winnipeg is a major concern for Manitobans and I would like to assure you it is a priority of my government. We are undertaking a number of initiatives to understand the factors affecting the lake, and are implementing actions to ensure its health for future generations.
Manitoba Hydro has applied for a Final Licence for the Lake Winnipeg Regulation Project and the Minister of Water Stewardship has asked the Clean Environment Commission to review this request, including holding hearings to provide opportunity for public participation. Please consider participating in this process.
This past year has seen significant flooding in the Province. Fortunately, the Lake Winnipeg Regulation project, which was built by Manitoba Hydro in the 1970s, was very effective in providing flood relief on the lake in spite of record flood flows over the past two years. I have been advised that as of today, the level of the lake has dropped two and a half feet since it peaked in early July and it is back into the normal range of levels for this time of year. This significant drop is attributable in large part to the extra outflow capacity of the outlet channels build at the north end of the lake by Manitoba Hydro.
With regard to your concerns about the Hecla Island causeway, I can advise you that the flow of water out of Lake Winnipeg and the average level of the lake are unaffected by the causeway and that this project has no connection to Manitoba Hydro. There will have been some very localized effects on lake currents and erosion in the immediate vicinity of the causeway, but the vast majority of the lake and its shoreline are unaffected by the causeway.
The Manitoba Government has made water protection a top priority for the past decade. To learn more about the actions we have taken to date and our future plans for Lake Winnipeg, please look at our website at:
http://www.gov.mb.ca/lake winnipeg/index.html.
Sincerely,
Dave Chomiak
Minister Responsible for Manitoba Hydro
cc. Honourable Greg Selinger
Honourable Christine Melnick
- - - - - - -
Manitoba Hydro is blowing smoke!
From: Peter Marykuca [mailto:peterm@lakenet.ca]
Sent: Sunday, August 21, 2011 8:04 PM
To: Justice, Minister; Conservation, Minister; Water Stewardship, Minister; Innovation, Energy & Mines, Minister; Aboriginal & Northern Affairs, Minister; Advanced Education, Minister; Culture, Heritage and Tourism, Minister; Premier; Healthy Living, Minister; Housing and Community Dev, Minister; Hon. MaryAnn Mihychuk; Education, Minister; Local Government, Minister; Hon. Ron Smith; Finance, Minister; Hon. Scott Smith; Agriculture, Minister; Infrastructure & Transportation, Minister; Health, Minister; Nevakshonoff, Tom (NDP Caucus)
Subject: Manitoba Hydro is blowing smoke!
To whom may concern
Suggest that you investigate this, get the word out that you will call for an inquiry about this, before the election, Thx Peter
People from beach areas around Lake Winnipeg are voicing their opinions with Letters to the Editor of the Winnipeg Free Press, about Lake Winnipeg’s flooding. Manitoba Hydro’s comments on Lake Winnipeg’s was “high water levels recently stated that lake levels were as high as from 1913 to 1976”. Implied it had nothing to do about the Jen Peg power house. So what else has been added to change the lake since 1970? The Hecla Island causeway was added, this dam is having an effect on the lake's natural currents. Result is there is shore line erosion. Nobody has ever thought about the fact that the Lake is getting wider! Because of the erosion! Therefore, if brought back to the original size as it was from 1913 to 1976, the water height will be higher than stated, because there is more volume of it in the basin. Folks - the flooding will continue because of the erosion!. Will Manitoba Hydro request that the causeway be removed and a decent bridge be constructed before Lake Winnipeg spreads out further? Was this dam (causeway) necessary for the Jen Peg power site? Was it just a coincidence that Manitoba Highways built the causeway, as plans were laid out for Jen Peg back in about 1968? Has it helped to make Lake Winnipeg a reservoir and a cesspool ?
Peter Marykuca Ph. 204-376-2100
Interlake Resident
- Oscar
- Site Admin
- Posts: 9104
- Joined: Wed May 03, 2006 3:23 pm
FEFCHAK: Lake Sacrificed for Politics
by Oscar » Sat Oct 06, 2012 9:19 am
Lake Sacrificed for Politics
Brandon Sun - September 13, 2012
http://www.brandonsun.com/opinion/lette ... he-editor/
lake-sacrificed-for-politics-169602686.html
ALSO
Politicking the norm on Lake Winnipeg front
Interlake Enterprise - September 12, 2012
http://www.enterprisenews.ca/
index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=891:politicking-the-norm-on-lake-winnipeg-front&catid=20:commentary&Itemid=25
LETTER TO THE EDITOR:
Dear Editor;
“It’s time to stop bickering and work together to find a viable solution to our mutual water quality issues, before we destroy one of our most precious resources.” Re: (Our View, 17 Aug, The Brandon Sun)
Thank You Brandon Sun for publishing your support and acknowledgement in recognizing that Lake Winnipeg and many of our other lakes in Manitoba are in desperate need of help.
On Feb.18, 2003, Steve Ashton, as Conservation Minister,announced a commitment to reduce the contribution of nitrogen and phosphorus to Lake Winnipeg and to restore nutrient conditions to those that existed prior to the 1970’s.
A decade later; has there been ‘any’ improvement? I will say NO, in fact, I believe conditions have worsened and steadily escalated.
There has to be ‘action' with a a determined will of the people and governments to Save Our Waters. The continual rhetorical propaganda that is being published has the effects of a placebo. Lake Winnipeg has been literally studied to ‘death'.
It will not be possible for Lake Winnipeg or any of our waters to survive as long as politics keeps playing it’s role of constipating the efforts of their recovery.
The threat is real. When the Lake collapses and dies, the people of Manitoba, of Winnipeg, all the fishers of the Lake, the several thousand cottagers, and all those who enjoyed the lake will ask “Why didn’t our governments do something”?
The governments were doing something, They were politicking.
For this, the lake was sacrificed, and the stain of this treachery will serve as it’s monument. It could not endure the constant abuse that emanates from the enemy among us.
What will we tell our children and grandchildren how we failed to stop the pollution that eventually destroyed the 10th largest fresh water lake in the world?
John Fefchak
Virden, Manitoba.
204 748-2521 5 September /2012
Brandon Sun - September 13, 2012
http://www.brandonsun.com/opinion/lette ... he-editor/
lake-sacrificed-for-politics-169602686.html
ALSO
Politicking the norm on Lake Winnipeg front
Interlake Enterprise - September 12, 2012
http://www.enterprisenews.ca/
index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=891:politicking-the-norm-on-lake-winnipeg-front&catid=20:commentary&Itemid=25
LETTER TO THE EDITOR:
Dear Editor;
“It’s time to stop bickering and work together to find a viable solution to our mutual water quality issues, before we destroy one of our most precious resources.” Re: (Our View, 17 Aug, The Brandon Sun)
Thank You Brandon Sun for publishing your support and acknowledgement in recognizing that Lake Winnipeg and many of our other lakes in Manitoba are in desperate need of help.
On Feb.18, 2003, Steve Ashton, as Conservation Minister,announced a commitment to reduce the contribution of nitrogen and phosphorus to Lake Winnipeg and to restore nutrient conditions to those that existed prior to the 1970’s.
A decade later; has there been ‘any’ improvement? I will say NO, in fact, I believe conditions have worsened and steadily escalated.
There has to be ‘action' with a a determined will of the people and governments to Save Our Waters. The continual rhetorical propaganda that is being published has the effects of a placebo. Lake Winnipeg has been literally studied to ‘death'.
It will not be possible for Lake Winnipeg or any of our waters to survive as long as politics keeps playing it’s role of constipating the efforts of their recovery.
The threat is real. When the Lake collapses and dies, the people of Manitoba, of Winnipeg, all the fishers of the Lake, the several thousand cottagers, and all those who enjoyed the lake will ask “Why didn’t our governments do something”?
The governments were doing something, They were politicking.
For this, the lake was sacrificed, and the stain of this treachery will serve as it’s monument. It could not endure the constant abuse that emanates from the enemy among us.
What will we tell our children and grandchildren how we failed to stop the pollution that eventually destroyed the 10th largest fresh water lake in the world?
John Fefchak
Virden, Manitoba.
204 748-2521 5 September /2012
- Oscar
- Site Admin
- Posts: 9104
- Joined: Wed May 03, 2006 3:23 pm
FEFCHAK: Saving our waterways requires focus
by Oscar » Thu Oct 11, 2012 6:23 pm
Saving our waterways requires focus
http://www.enterprisenews.ca/images/sto ... October10/
EnterpriseNews.pdf
Interlake Enterprise October 10, 2012
Dear Editor,
The Enterprise Funnies (3 Oct.) talks about a Jewish man praying at the Western Wall, and when asked what he was praying for he replied: “I pray that politicians tell us the truth and put the interests of people ahead of their own interests”. He concludes: “It’s like talking to a wall.”
Political bashing may not be the answer, but then what is? The facts are, you and I and many other caring people, that are fighting to save our lakes and waters of Manitoba know that the causes are excessive pollutants and nutrients getting into those waters.
The politicians know that and the professors know that also. But what they don’t know is how to deal with the symptoms. They skirt around the causes….excessive pollution. They would like to keep everything on the status quo and keep treating the symptoms.
That is not effective, as we know, and the patients (the waters) are getting worse as time passes. (Sometime the surgeon has to cut off the infected toe to save the patient’s foot.)
As Lake Agassiz receded 950,000 years ago, the Red River evolved and emptied through the years, as it does today into a body of water we call Lake Winnipeg.
Thousands of years later, agriculture developed, and along came towns and cities which emptied many contents into the waters. Some on purpose to get rid of waste, other contributions through the forces from water run-offs and nature.
In most recent time, Steve Ashton determined that the phosphorus levels must be reduced to the pre-1970 levels for Lake Winnipeg. This tells me, that he was quite aware that the pre-1970 level was a good target to shoot for to restore our Lake Winnipeg waters.
Then something else happened in the early 1970s. The lake was damned for Hydro power and the causeway to Hecla Island was established.
Now the lake can no longer flush itself as it was able to do previously and, in a sense, became and is becoming more constipated, day by day, year after year.
The lake is a holding reservoir, full of nutritious pollutants, which promote and feed algal growth.
Prof. Eva Pip, who I have the utmost respect for, has determined that pollutants and nutrients are entering those waters on a ratio of 3 to 1. (Three in, 1 out.) That is ’the cause’ of the water problem in Lake Winnipeg.
The hog Industry coming into Manitoba in the mid 1990s made its mark also. Its contribution of phosphorus (manure) was recognized by Hog Watch, and several other organizations.
Even the NDP agriculture critic, at the time, MLA Rosann Wowchuk, voiced concerns to the Legislature, but the Filmon Conservative government was not listening.
The answers are there. The big problem facing the politicians is the solutions.
One: Free Lake Winnipeg and flush the lake, and open the causeway to release the waters, so flowing may continue unimpeded around Hecla Island.
Two: Take radical and sweeping action to reduce the pollution from all sources.
Three: Continue with studies as the lake continues to deteriorate.
Four: Could it be that the lake is also being polluted by the fishers (the dumping of fish entrails, etc.)? Has this ever been considered?
Five: Do nothing, but keep an open mind, that something needs to be done.
I have no qualifications of schooling or a university degree to support any of my conclusions.
I am simply trying to put to use the plain common sense and logic that each and everyone has to use in this matter, to try and save the tenth largest freshwater lake in the world.
One thing, all of us will agree upon is: “The lake is not polluting itself.”
John Fefchak,
Virden
http://www.enterprisenews.ca/images/sto ... October10/
EnterpriseNews.pdf
Interlake Enterprise October 10, 2012
Dear Editor,
The Enterprise Funnies (3 Oct.) talks about a Jewish man praying at the Western Wall, and when asked what he was praying for he replied: “I pray that politicians tell us the truth and put the interests of people ahead of their own interests”. He concludes: “It’s like talking to a wall.”
Political bashing may not be the answer, but then what is? The facts are, you and I and many other caring people, that are fighting to save our lakes and waters of Manitoba know that the causes are excessive pollutants and nutrients getting into those waters.
The politicians know that and the professors know that also. But what they don’t know is how to deal with the symptoms. They skirt around the causes….excessive pollution. They would like to keep everything on the status quo and keep treating the symptoms.
That is not effective, as we know, and the patients (the waters) are getting worse as time passes. (Sometime the surgeon has to cut off the infected toe to save the patient’s foot.)
As Lake Agassiz receded 950,000 years ago, the Red River evolved and emptied through the years, as it does today into a body of water we call Lake Winnipeg.
Thousands of years later, agriculture developed, and along came towns and cities which emptied many contents into the waters. Some on purpose to get rid of waste, other contributions through the forces from water run-offs and nature.
In most recent time, Steve Ashton determined that the phosphorus levels must be reduced to the pre-1970 levels for Lake Winnipeg. This tells me, that he was quite aware that the pre-1970 level was a good target to shoot for to restore our Lake Winnipeg waters.
Then something else happened in the early 1970s. The lake was damned for Hydro power and the causeway to Hecla Island was established.
Now the lake can no longer flush itself as it was able to do previously and, in a sense, became and is becoming more constipated, day by day, year after year.
The lake is a holding reservoir, full of nutritious pollutants, which promote and feed algal growth.
Prof. Eva Pip, who I have the utmost respect for, has determined that pollutants and nutrients are entering those waters on a ratio of 3 to 1. (Three in, 1 out.) That is ’the cause’ of the water problem in Lake Winnipeg.
The hog Industry coming into Manitoba in the mid 1990s made its mark also. Its contribution of phosphorus (manure) was recognized by Hog Watch, and several other organizations.
Even the NDP agriculture critic, at the time, MLA Rosann Wowchuk, voiced concerns to the Legislature, but the Filmon Conservative government was not listening.
The answers are there. The big problem facing the politicians is the solutions.
One: Free Lake Winnipeg and flush the lake, and open the causeway to release the waters, so flowing may continue unimpeded around Hecla Island.
Two: Take radical and sweeping action to reduce the pollution from all sources.
Three: Continue with studies as the lake continues to deteriorate.
Four: Could it be that the lake is also being polluted by the fishers (the dumping of fish entrails, etc.)? Has this ever been considered?
Five: Do nothing, but keep an open mind, that something needs to be done.
I have no qualifications of schooling or a university degree to support any of my conclusions.
I am simply trying to put to use the plain common sense and logic that each and everyone has to use in this matter, to try and save the tenth largest freshwater lake in the world.
One thing, all of us will agree upon is: “The lake is not polluting itself.”
John Fefchak,
Virden
- Oscar
- Site Admin
- Posts: 9104
- Joined: Wed May 03, 2006 3:23 pm
Is It Too Late To Save LAKE WINNIPEG?
by Oscar » Fri Feb 08, 2013 4:33 pm
Is It Too Late To Save LAKE WINNIPEG?
Published in Interlake Enterprise Feb. 6, 2013, Vol. 5, Issue 6
by John Fefchak
Is it too late to save Lake Winnipeg?
That is the question on my mind. The JenPeg development project goes way back to 1958. There was a Canada and Manitoba agreement to jointly undertake the development of this hydro electrical potential. It was signed in 1966 by the Conservative Premier, Sir Raymond Roblin. Construction began in 1972 and was completed in 1979. The causeway installation at Hecla Island was completed in the early 1970's under the NDP government. I am aware that grave concerns were raised during both developments as to how they would affect the state and natural water flow of Lake Winnipeg.
Of course, these were important undertakings and the concerns that were being voiced were put aside and well…ignored. The government experts and their scientists knew better. The people who knew the lake, and there were scientists among them, were ridiculed for their opposition and opinions.
Now, some 40 years later, we can point out, who is responsible and what is to blame.
But none of that will help Lake Winnipeg in it's recovery. And that is why, I have to ask: Is it Too Late to Save Lake Winnipeg?
The wake up calls and bells have been ringing for years. Is government "finally" going to remove their ear plugs and get on with what needs to be done?
John Fefchak.
5 Feb.2013
Virden, MB
- - - - - - - -
MAY: Lake Winnipeg is in serious trouble
http://elizabethmaymp.ca/news/blogs/2012/12/06/
newsflash-lake-winnipeg-is-in-serious-trouble/
On Thursday, December 6th, 2012 in Blogues
Yesterday in Question Period, I was shocked to hear Parliamentary secretary Michelle Rempel proclaim that that the Conservatives have “cleaned up Lake Winnipeg.”
It is true that the Prime Minister has mentioned Lake Winnipeg. He has even announced $20 million for the clean-up of Lake Winnipeg. This was done in July on a trip to Manitoba when protesters had gathered to protest the closing of the Experimental Lakes Area — which was in the midst of researching what to do to save Lake Winnipeg. Those close to the issue tell me the money was largely re-profiled from other announcements, but at least, it is true that this is one environmental issue about which Stephen Harper seems acquainted.
I know that the Prime Minister is more powerful than any previous Prime Minister, but, no matter how revered by his caucus, speaking the words does not speak them into reality.
Lake Winnipeg is a long way from cleaned up – and almost as shocking as Ms. Rempel’s talking points was the fact that jaws didn’t drop on all sides of the House. I realized that Parliament, and maybe even most Canadians, do not know that Lake Winnipeg is in serious trouble.
It is the tenth largest freshwater lake in the world. Since the mid-1990s, Lake Winnipeg has experienced more frequent and more intense blooms of blue-green algae called cyanobacteria. Many species of cyanobacteria produce potent human and brain toxins that are harmful to people, pets, and wildlife. The growth of algae threatens the survival of fish in Lake Winnipeg and the lake itself. This algae is created by run-off of fertilizers, phosphorus and nitrogen, running off farmers’ fields and from the large mega-hog barns. The problem is being amplified due to climate change. As the hydrological cycle speeds up, heavier deluge rain events are more frequent, sweeping more nutrients into the lake. Observations by satellite confirm the summer blooms are covering a larger area and increasing in frequency.
The problem is that it is not clear how we can save Lake Winnipeg. It is enormous – 24,500 square kilometres. Cleaning up smaller lakes elsewhere in the world has run to billions. Meanwhile, the nutrients keep draining into the lake, the rains continue to become more intense.
Lake Winnipeg is not alone. According to some scientists, Lake Erie is now in worse shape than in 1970 when Life magazine’s cover story proclaimed “Lake Erie is dead.”
Freshwater issues we thought were solved in the 1970s are coming back – with a vengeance. And worryingly, it seems to have escaped the notice of many of us.
Meanwhile, critical research to find out what can be done to save Lake Winnipeg has been cancelled. As Ray Hesslein of the Lake Winnipeg Foundation science advisory board said quoted in the Winnipeg Free Press when the PM made his announcement:
“Much of the fundamental understanding of nutrient management in lakes so critical to the recovery of Lake Winnipeg has and is being developed at the ELA.”
Closing the Experimental Lakes Area is like shutting down a fire station while the fire is spreading. And, memo to the PMO talking point factory: Lake Winnipeg is not saved.
- - - - -
Save My Lake
http://www.cbc.ca/documentaries/natureo ... avemylake/
Thursday June 21, 2011 at 8 pm on CBC-TV
Repeating Thursday June 28 at 10 pm ET/PT on CBC News Network
- - - -
Related Video: Save My Lake (45 min.)
http://www.cbc.ca/documentaries/natureofthings/
video.html?ID=1867857094
- - - -
Imagine you’re taking a walk along the beach on a beautiful summer’s day. If the beach in question is along the shores of Lake Winnipeg, the 10th largest freshwater lake in the world, you could be in for a surprise. Instead of sandy beaches you find a thick, green sludge reminiscent of pea soup. Suppose your dog thirstily laps up the water, and winds up dead an hour later (that’s exactly what happened to one beach-goer’s beloved pet in 2009). What is happening to this once pristine lake? As biologist Al Kristofferson says: “We all assumed, somewhat naively, that nothing would happen to Lake Winnipeg. Well, it did.”
MORE:
http://www.cbc.ca/documentaries/natureo ... avemylake/
Published in Interlake Enterprise Feb. 6, 2013, Vol. 5, Issue 6
by John Fefchak
Is it too late to save Lake Winnipeg?
That is the question on my mind. The JenPeg development project goes way back to 1958. There was a Canada and Manitoba agreement to jointly undertake the development of this hydro electrical potential. It was signed in 1966 by the Conservative Premier, Sir Raymond Roblin. Construction began in 1972 and was completed in 1979. The causeway installation at Hecla Island was completed in the early 1970's under the NDP government. I am aware that grave concerns were raised during both developments as to how they would affect the state and natural water flow of Lake Winnipeg.
Of course, these were important undertakings and the concerns that were being voiced were put aside and well…ignored. The government experts and their scientists knew better. The people who knew the lake, and there were scientists among them, were ridiculed for their opposition and opinions.
Now, some 40 years later, we can point out, who is responsible and what is to blame.
But none of that will help Lake Winnipeg in it's recovery. And that is why, I have to ask: Is it Too Late to Save Lake Winnipeg?
The wake up calls and bells have been ringing for years. Is government "finally" going to remove their ear plugs and get on with what needs to be done?
John Fefchak.
5 Feb.2013
Virden, MB
- - - - - - - -
MAY: Lake Winnipeg is in serious trouble
http://elizabethmaymp.ca/news/blogs/2012/12/06/
newsflash-lake-winnipeg-is-in-serious-trouble/
On Thursday, December 6th, 2012 in Blogues
Yesterday in Question Period, I was shocked to hear Parliamentary secretary Michelle Rempel proclaim that that the Conservatives have “cleaned up Lake Winnipeg.”
It is true that the Prime Minister has mentioned Lake Winnipeg. He has even announced $20 million for the clean-up of Lake Winnipeg. This was done in July on a trip to Manitoba when protesters had gathered to protest the closing of the Experimental Lakes Area — which was in the midst of researching what to do to save Lake Winnipeg. Those close to the issue tell me the money was largely re-profiled from other announcements, but at least, it is true that this is one environmental issue about which Stephen Harper seems acquainted.
I know that the Prime Minister is more powerful than any previous Prime Minister, but, no matter how revered by his caucus, speaking the words does not speak them into reality.
Lake Winnipeg is a long way from cleaned up – and almost as shocking as Ms. Rempel’s talking points was the fact that jaws didn’t drop on all sides of the House. I realized that Parliament, and maybe even most Canadians, do not know that Lake Winnipeg is in serious trouble.
It is the tenth largest freshwater lake in the world. Since the mid-1990s, Lake Winnipeg has experienced more frequent and more intense blooms of blue-green algae called cyanobacteria. Many species of cyanobacteria produce potent human and brain toxins that are harmful to people, pets, and wildlife. The growth of algae threatens the survival of fish in Lake Winnipeg and the lake itself. This algae is created by run-off of fertilizers, phosphorus and nitrogen, running off farmers’ fields and from the large mega-hog barns. The problem is being amplified due to climate change. As the hydrological cycle speeds up, heavier deluge rain events are more frequent, sweeping more nutrients into the lake. Observations by satellite confirm the summer blooms are covering a larger area and increasing in frequency.
The problem is that it is not clear how we can save Lake Winnipeg. It is enormous – 24,500 square kilometres. Cleaning up smaller lakes elsewhere in the world has run to billions. Meanwhile, the nutrients keep draining into the lake, the rains continue to become more intense.
Lake Winnipeg is not alone. According to some scientists, Lake Erie is now in worse shape than in 1970 when Life magazine’s cover story proclaimed “Lake Erie is dead.”
Freshwater issues we thought were solved in the 1970s are coming back – with a vengeance. And worryingly, it seems to have escaped the notice of many of us.
Meanwhile, critical research to find out what can be done to save Lake Winnipeg has been cancelled. As Ray Hesslein of the Lake Winnipeg Foundation science advisory board said quoted in the Winnipeg Free Press when the PM made his announcement:
“Much of the fundamental understanding of nutrient management in lakes so critical to the recovery of Lake Winnipeg has and is being developed at the ELA.”
Closing the Experimental Lakes Area is like shutting down a fire station while the fire is spreading. And, memo to the PMO talking point factory: Lake Winnipeg is not saved.
- - - - -
Save My Lake
http://www.cbc.ca/documentaries/natureo ... avemylake/
Thursday June 21, 2011 at 8 pm on CBC-TV
Repeating Thursday June 28 at 10 pm ET/PT on CBC News Network
- - - -
Related Video: Save My Lake (45 min.)
http://www.cbc.ca/documentaries/natureofthings/
video.html?ID=1867857094
- - - -
Imagine you’re taking a walk along the beach on a beautiful summer’s day. If the beach in question is along the shores of Lake Winnipeg, the 10th largest freshwater lake in the world, you could be in for a surprise. Instead of sandy beaches you find a thick, green sludge reminiscent of pea soup. Suppose your dog thirstily laps up the water, and winds up dead an hour later (that’s exactly what happened to one beach-goer’s beloved pet in 2009). What is happening to this once pristine lake? As biologist Al Kristofferson says: “We all assumed, somewhat naively, that nothing would happen to Lake Winnipeg. Well, it did.”
MORE:
http://www.cbc.ca/documentaries/natureo ... avemylake/
Last edited by Oscar on Sun Feb 17, 2013 5:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- Oscar
- Site Admin
- Posts: 9104
- Joined: Wed May 03, 2006 3:23 pm
KENT: Reply: "Is it too late to save lake?"
by Oscar » Sun Feb 17, 2013 5:29 pm
KENT: RE: Your guest editorial published on February 12, Is it too late to save lake?
<http://www.enterprisenews.ca/images/stories/2013February13/EnterpriseNews.pdf >
Interlake Enterprise Page 5 Feb. 13, 2013
Dear Editor,
On February 2, the Global nature Fund named Lake Winnipeg “threatened lake of the year” for 2013. The Government of Canada is committed to improving the health of Lake Winnipeg. Since 2007, we have invested $18 million in the Lake Winnipeg Basin Initiative. The initiative has built a scientific foundation for sound water quality management, established strong partnerships across the watershed and provided funding for community stewardship actions to reduce the level of phosphorus that is at the root of the lake’s algae problem.
We recognize that, even with this progress, water quality and algae blooms remain a serious issue for Lake Winnipeg. That is why this past August, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced $18 million in new funding to continue the work of the Lake Winnipeg Basin Initiative. This second phase of the initiative builds upon the scientific foundations established in the first five years and increases our focus on community stewardship actions that measurably reduce nutrients and improve Lake Winnipeg’s water quality. We will continue to work with partners across the watershed to promote a clean, sustainable freshwater resource for generations to come.
– Hon. Peter Kent
Canada’s Environment Minister
<http://www.enterprisenews.ca/images/stories/2013February13/EnterpriseNews.pdf >
Interlake Enterprise Page 5 Feb. 13, 2013
Dear Editor,
On February 2, the Global nature Fund named Lake Winnipeg “threatened lake of the year” for 2013. The Government of Canada is committed to improving the health of Lake Winnipeg. Since 2007, we have invested $18 million in the Lake Winnipeg Basin Initiative. The initiative has built a scientific foundation for sound water quality management, established strong partnerships across the watershed and provided funding for community stewardship actions to reduce the level of phosphorus that is at the root of the lake’s algae problem.
We recognize that, even with this progress, water quality and algae blooms remain a serious issue for Lake Winnipeg. That is why this past August, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced $18 million in new funding to continue the work of the Lake Winnipeg Basin Initiative. This second phase of the initiative builds upon the scientific foundations established in the first five years and increases our focus on community stewardship actions that measurably reduce nutrients and improve Lake Winnipeg’s water quality. We will continue to work with partners across the watershed to promote a clean, sustainable freshwater resource for generations to come.
– Hon. Peter Kent
Canada’s Environment Minister
- Oscar
- Site Admin
- Posts: 9104
- Joined: Wed May 03, 2006 3:23 pm
First Nation Youth walk for Lake Winnipeg
by Oscar » Sun Feb 17, 2013 5:44 pm
Youth from Peguis, Fisher River and Jackhead hike four days for Lake Winnipeg and overcome some negativity along the way
Interlake Enterprise Page 6, Feb. 13, 2013
< http://www.enterprisenews.ca/images/sto ... seNews.pdf >
By Teresa Carey
Approximately 50 youths took part in a walk that spanned 260 km, from Jackhead (Kinonjeoshtegon) First Nation to the Legislative Building in Winnipeg.
The journey by foot, which took four days to complete, was the youths’ way of helping to raise awareness about the threatened state of Lake Winnipeg. It was another First Nations action taken as part of the Idle No More movement.
The walk was organized by Jackhead band member, Ben Raven, who was the person behind a similar walk that started from the east side of Lake Winnipeg recently. He had contacted Dawn Thomas to help coordinate the walk from Peguis First Nation.
MORE:
< http://www.enterprisenews.ca/images/sto ... seNews.pdf >
Interlake Enterprise Page 6, Feb. 13, 2013
< http://www.enterprisenews.ca/images/sto ... seNews.pdf >
By Teresa Carey
Approximately 50 youths took part in a walk that spanned 260 km, from Jackhead (Kinonjeoshtegon) First Nation to the Legislative Building in Winnipeg.
The journey by foot, which took four days to complete, was the youths’ way of helping to raise awareness about the threatened state of Lake Winnipeg. It was another First Nations action taken as part of the Idle No More movement.
The walk was organized by Jackhead band member, Ben Raven, who was the person behind a similar walk that started from the east side of Lake Winnipeg recently. He had contacted Dawn Thomas to help coordinate the walk from Peguis First Nation.
MORE:
< http://www.enterprisenews.ca/images/sto ... seNews.pdf >
- Oscar
- Site Admin
- Posts: 9104
- Joined: Wed May 03, 2006 3:23 pm
FEFCHAK: MONEY BUT NO ACTION
by Oscar » Wed Feb 20, 2013 11:47 am
FEFCHAK: MONEY BUT NO ACTION
< http://www.enterprisenews.ca/images/sto ... seNews.pdf >
by John Fefchak Interlake Enterprise Feb. 20, 2013 Page 6
It would seem that the Interlake Enterprise article has plucked the strings of a high profile Parliament, Member,Peter Kent,Canada’s Environment Minister. ( 13 Feb. Letters to the Editor.)
But, really, what did he say.? In my opinion, “nothing… to help Save Lake Winnipeg.”
The $36 M ( 2007 & 2012 ) over a 10 year period averages out to 300,000 thousand per month. But money alone will not be the answer, at least not yet. There must be decisions and action. The patient is dying.
The doctors and support staff are being paid, but the needed operation has not commenced.
On Feb.18, 2003, MLA, Steve Ashton,then as Manitoba’s Conservation Minister, announced a commitment to reduce the contribution of nitrogen and phosphorus to Lake Winnipeg and to restore nutrient conditions to those that existed prior to the 1970’s. This was his pledge, but the significance of the time period should also be noted. (“Prior to the 1970’s”) Now, a decade later; Has there been any improvement to the Lake’s condition?
I would say No.
In fact, I believe the conditions are much worse and have steadily escalated. There has to be action with a determined will of the people and all governments to Save Our Waters. The continual rhetorical propaganda that we read and hear has the effects of a placebo.
Lake Winnipeg has literally been studied to death. Why are we waiting for the coroners report and a Public Inquiry that follows?
It will not be possible for Lake Winnipeg or any of our waters tosurvive as long as politics keeps playing it’s role, of constipating the needed efforts of recovery.
John Fefchak. – Virden, Man.
< http://www.enterprisenews.ca/images/sto ... seNews.pdf >
by John Fefchak Interlake Enterprise Feb. 20, 2013 Page 6
It would seem that the Interlake Enterprise article has plucked the strings of a high profile Parliament, Member,Peter Kent,Canada’s Environment Minister. ( 13 Feb. Letters to the Editor.)
But, really, what did he say.? In my opinion, “nothing… to help Save Lake Winnipeg.”
The $36 M ( 2007 & 2012 ) over a 10 year period averages out to 300,000 thousand per month. But money alone will not be the answer, at least not yet. There must be decisions and action. The patient is dying.
The doctors and support staff are being paid, but the needed operation has not commenced.
On Feb.18, 2003, MLA, Steve Ashton,then as Manitoba’s Conservation Minister, announced a commitment to reduce the contribution of nitrogen and phosphorus to Lake Winnipeg and to restore nutrient conditions to those that existed prior to the 1970’s. This was his pledge, but the significance of the time period should also be noted. (“Prior to the 1970’s”) Now, a decade later; Has there been any improvement to the Lake’s condition?
I would say No.
In fact, I believe the conditions are much worse and have steadily escalated. There has to be action with a determined will of the people and all governments to Save Our Waters. The continual rhetorical propaganda that we read and hear has the effects of a placebo.
Lake Winnipeg has literally been studied to death. Why are we waiting for the coroners report and a Public Inquiry that follows?
It will not be possible for Lake Winnipeg or any of our waters tosurvive as long as politics keeps playing it’s role, of constipating the needed efforts of recovery.
John Fefchak. – Virden, Man.
- Oscar
- Site Admin
- Posts: 9104
- Joined: Wed May 03, 2006 3:23 pm
Call for Letters of Intent - Deadline - Apr. 1, 2013
by Oscar » Thu Feb 21, 2013 5:24 pm
Call for Letters of Intent for the Lake Winnipeg Basin Stewardship Fund (Round 7) – Deadline April 1, 2013
< http://www.ec.gc.ca/eau-water/default.a ... D7134110-1 >
February 21, 2013
The Lake Winnipeg Basin Stewardship Fund (the Fund) provides financial support for high-impact, solution-oriented projects that reduce nutrient loads and improve the ecological sustainability of Lake Winnipeg and its basin.
Environment Canada is now accepting applications for Round 7.
Stage 1: Letters of Intent are submitted and reviewed by Environment Canada against eligibility requirements. Once a Letter of Intent is deemed eligible, applicants will be invited to submit a detailed proposal.
Stage 2: Invited proposals will undergo a technical review and then be evaluated and ranked for funding recommendations to the Minister of the Environment. (Notification of Round 7 funding decisions anticipated for October 2013).
The deadline for Letters of Intent for Round 7 is April 1, 2013. Applicants are asked to submit Letters of Intent (maximum 2 pages), using the attached template, as follows:
an electronic copy by email to Lw.info@ec.gc.ca;
- or-
the original, signed Letter of Intent, by mail, to
Lake Winnipeg Basin Stewardship Fund
Environment Canada
Suite 150, 123 Main Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 4W2
Multi-phase projects are eligible for consideration if the phase(s) being funded is completed by no later than March 31, 2017.
Further details on the Fund and the application process, including eligibility criteria and guidelines for Letters of Intent, are available at
< http://www.ec.gc.ca/eau-water/default.a ... D7134110-1 >.
If you have any questions about the Lake Winnipeg Basin Stewardship Fund and/or the call for Letters of Intent, please call 1-800-567-1570 or e-mail LW.Info@ec.gc.ca.
Please forward this information to anyone who may be interested in taking action to restore, protect and conserve the aquatic ecosystem of the Lake Winnipeg Basin. Those wishing to be added to our mailing list should forward their e-mail address to LW.Info@ec.gc.ca.
Sincerely,
Loren Remillard
Senior Program Advisor, Lake Winnipeg Basin Stewardship Fund
Environment Canada
<<Template -
< http://www.ec.gc.ca/eau-water/default.a ... 4110-1.#b5 >
Loren Remillard BA, MA
Senior Program Advisor | Conseiller principal de programme
Lake Winnipeg Basin Stewardship Fund | Fonds d'intendance du bassin du lac Winnipeg
Environment Canada | Environnement Canada
Suite 150, 123 Main Street | 123 rue Main, pièce 150
Winnipeg (Manitoba) R3C 4W2
Loren.Remillard@ec.gc.ca
Telephone | Téléphone 204-984-7253
Toll Free | Sans frais 1-800-567-1570
Facsimile | Télécopieur 204-983-0964
Government of Canada | Gouvernement du Canada
Website | Site Web www.ec.gc.ca
- - - - -
BACKGROUND: Lake Winnipeg - Sacrificed for Politics?
http://forum.stopthehogs.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=172
< http://www.ec.gc.ca/eau-water/default.a ... D7134110-1 >
February 21, 2013
The Lake Winnipeg Basin Stewardship Fund (the Fund) provides financial support for high-impact, solution-oriented projects that reduce nutrient loads and improve the ecological sustainability of Lake Winnipeg and its basin.
Environment Canada is now accepting applications for Round 7.
Stage 1: Letters of Intent are submitted and reviewed by Environment Canada against eligibility requirements. Once a Letter of Intent is deemed eligible, applicants will be invited to submit a detailed proposal.
Stage 2: Invited proposals will undergo a technical review and then be evaluated and ranked for funding recommendations to the Minister of the Environment. (Notification of Round 7 funding decisions anticipated for October 2013).
The deadline for Letters of Intent for Round 7 is April 1, 2013. Applicants are asked to submit Letters of Intent (maximum 2 pages), using the attached template, as follows:
an electronic copy by email to Lw.info@ec.gc.ca;
- or-
the original, signed Letter of Intent, by mail, to
Lake Winnipeg Basin Stewardship Fund
Environment Canada
Suite 150, 123 Main Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 4W2
Multi-phase projects are eligible for consideration if the phase(s) being funded is completed by no later than March 31, 2017.
Further details on the Fund and the application process, including eligibility criteria and guidelines for Letters of Intent, are available at
< http://www.ec.gc.ca/eau-water/default.a ... D7134110-1 >.
If you have any questions about the Lake Winnipeg Basin Stewardship Fund and/or the call for Letters of Intent, please call 1-800-567-1570 or e-mail LW.Info@ec.gc.ca.
Please forward this information to anyone who may be interested in taking action to restore, protect and conserve the aquatic ecosystem of the Lake Winnipeg Basin. Those wishing to be added to our mailing list should forward their e-mail address to LW.Info@ec.gc.ca.
Sincerely,
Loren Remillard
Senior Program Advisor, Lake Winnipeg Basin Stewardship Fund
Environment Canada
<<Template -
< http://www.ec.gc.ca/eau-water/default.a ... 4110-1.#b5 >
Loren Remillard BA, MA
Senior Program Advisor | Conseiller principal de programme
Lake Winnipeg Basin Stewardship Fund | Fonds d'intendance du bassin du lac Winnipeg
Environment Canada | Environnement Canada
Suite 150, 123 Main Street | 123 rue Main, pièce 150
Winnipeg (Manitoba) R3C 4W2
Loren.Remillard@ec.gc.ca
Telephone | Téléphone 204-984-7253
Toll Free | Sans frais 1-800-567-1570
Facsimile | Télécopieur 204-983-0964
Government of Canada | Gouvernement du Canada
Website | Site Web www.ec.gc.ca
- - - - -
BACKGROUND: Lake Winnipeg - Sacrificed for Politics?
http://forum.stopthehogs.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=172
- Oscar
- Site Admin
- Posts: 9104
- Joined: Wed May 03, 2006 3:23 pm
FEFCHAK: Province withholding information
by Oscar » Fri Apr 12, 2013 9:35 am
FEFCHAK: Province withholding information
< http://www.brandonsun.com/opinion/lette ... html?thx=y >
By: Uncredited Friday, Apr. 12, 2013
Letter to the Editor:
{ **NOTE: FIPPA should read FOIP Act - ed.}
Many readers may recall the story which appeared in several major daily and weekly newspapers and news media six years ago? (re: Wpg Free Press Jan. 23, 2007) and CBC news, 22 January 2007 - Woman faces 13- year wait for hog industry info.
[ http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/ ... -docs.html ]
Ms. Pryzner had filed for records under the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act (FIPPA) in her attempt to produce an accurate portrait of the provinces hog industry.
The growth of which, at that time, was on hold. A moratorium had been imposed by Conservation Minister Stan Struthers, pending the outcome of a Clean Environment Commission review (CEC) on the industries sustainability.
Ruth Pryzner, a farmer and former councillor in the R.M. of Daly wanted this information so that the CEC would be better informed.
She was told, that she would have a long wait….13 and 1/2 years.
Well….The Long Wait is Over. The Province Made Changes to the Law.
Recently, through correspondence, I have been informed that Ms. Pryzner had initially received some information records, but so much of the needed and pertinent information had been blackened out, it was useless.
Then, the government retroactively applied changes to FIPPA and Pryzner's requests to obtain records were thereby nullified.
Systematically, the province has made changes to the law based on their conclusions and argument that this was necessary, because "soil test results" harmed the competitive position of operations, and therefore were not available to the public."
This makes no sense to me either! Information gleaned from the results of soil tests records are not a National Security Threat.
The public no longer has the right to access certain pertinent information that could assist and be helpful to establish what sources could be contributing to the cause of mass eutrophication of Lake Winnipeg waters.
The seriousness of Lake Winnipeg's waters is being dishonoured and downplayed as being of little importance. The relationship to the competitive position of Manitoba's hog Industry should not be a conclusive reason to prevent the public from obtaining "soil test results".
Could it be the government is not as sincere about the recovery of our lake, as they say they are, or has their integrity been misplaced?
Is it any wonder that Canada's 6th largest fresh water lake has been shamefully titled as the "most threatened" lake in the world.
John Fefchak
Virden, Man.
204 748-2521
< http://www.brandonsun.com/opinion/lette ... html?thx=y >
By: Uncredited Friday, Apr. 12, 2013
Letter to the Editor:
{ **NOTE: FIPPA should read FOIP Act - ed.}
Many readers may recall the story which appeared in several major daily and weekly newspapers and news media six years ago? (re: Wpg Free Press Jan. 23, 2007) and CBC news, 22 January 2007 - Woman faces 13- year wait for hog industry info.
[ http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/ ... -docs.html ]
Ms. Pryzner had filed for records under the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act (FIPPA) in her attempt to produce an accurate portrait of the provinces hog industry.
The growth of which, at that time, was on hold. A moratorium had been imposed by Conservation Minister Stan Struthers, pending the outcome of a Clean Environment Commission review (CEC) on the industries sustainability.
Ruth Pryzner, a farmer and former councillor in the R.M. of Daly wanted this information so that the CEC would be better informed.
She was told, that she would have a long wait….13 and 1/2 years.
Well….The Long Wait is Over. The Province Made Changes to the Law.
Recently, through correspondence, I have been informed that Ms. Pryzner had initially received some information records, but so much of the needed and pertinent information had been blackened out, it was useless.
Then, the government retroactively applied changes to FIPPA and Pryzner's requests to obtain records were thereby nullified.
Systematically, the province has made changes to the law based on their conclusions and argument that this was necessary, because "soil test results" harmed the competitive position of operations, and therefore were not available to the public."
This makes no sense to me either! Information gleaned from the results of soil tests records are not a National Security Threat.
The public no longer has the right to access certain pertinent information that could assist and be helpful to establish what sources could be contributing to the cause of mass eutrophication of Lake Winnipeg waters.
The seriousness of Lake Winnipeg's waters is being dishonoured and downplayed as being of little importance. The relationship to the competitive position of Manitoba's hog Industry should not be a conclusive reason to prevent the public from obtaining "soil test results".
Could it be the government is not as sincere about the recovery of our lake, as they say they are, or has their integrity been misplaced?
Is it any wonder that Canada's 6th largest fresh water lake has been shamefully titled as the "most threatened" lake in the world.
John Fefchak
Virden, Man.
204 748-2521
- Oscar
- Site Admin
- Posts: 9104
- Joined: Wed May 03, 2006 3:23 pm
FEFCHAK: What Happened?
by Oscar » Sat Jan 18, 2014 9:49 am
FEFCHAK: What Happened?
----- Original Message -----
From: John Fefchak
To: FREE PRESS WINNIPEG
Sent: Thursday, January 16, 2014 6:10 PM
Subject: WHAT HAPPENED ?
Letter to the Editor;
RE: It's hitting the fan over sewage - Opponents Outraged as St. Clements lagoon OK'd. - WFP 19 Dec. 2013.
[ http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/ ... ice=mobile ]
What Happened?
For years, as evidence mounted about the rising dangers of eutrophication in the waters of Lake Winnipeg, the former Conservative and present NDP government held their fingers in their ears.
Then, in Oct. of 2009, Conservation Minister Struthers had this to say: "When we entered office, we recognized that decades of poor planning, abuse and neglect of our lakes, rivers and wetlands had to stop."
On June 2 of 2011, Premier Selinger presented his Plan to Save Lake Winnipeg. In that plan, there was to be an International Summit that would bring together the stakeholders and levels of government throughout the Winnipeg watershed to co-ordinate phosphorus reduction to the Lake Winnipeg waters.
And that is why I have to ask, "What Happened"?
Isn't this the same government that said all those encouraging statements to make things better to 'Save Lake Winnipeg'?
The objections of the sewage lagoon, by the Lake Winnipeg Foundation and local residents, were dismissed. They were put aside, ignoring the advice of a 2010 evaluation report that the government paid for. It's little wonder the people are upset and it's hitting the fan over Sewage.
Although the lagoon has been OK'd by the government, in my view Lake Winnipeg has been KO'd, once again.
John Fefchak,
Virden, Man.
204 748 2521. 16 Jan.2014
----- Original Message -----
From: John Fefchak
To: FREE PRESS WINNIPEG
Sent: Thursday, January 16, 2014 6:10 PM
Subject: WHAT HAPPENED ?
Letter to the Editor;
RE: It's hitting the fan over sewage - Opponents Outraged as St. Clements lagoon OK'd. - WFP 19 Dec. 2013.
[ http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/ ... ice=mobile ]
What Happened?
For years, as evidence mounted about the rising dangers of eutrophication in the waters of Lake Winnipeg, the former Conservative and present NDP government held their fingers in their ears.
Then, in Oct. of 2009, Conservation Minister Struthers had this to say: "When we entered office, we recognized that decades of poor planning, abuse and neglect of our lakes, rivers and wetlands had to stop."
On June 2 of 2011, Premier Selinger presented his Plan to Save Lake Winnipeg. In that plan, there was to be an International Summit that would bring together the stakeholders and levels of government throughout the Winnipeg watershed to co-ordinate phosphorus reduction to the Lake Winnipeg waters.
And that is why I have to ask, "What Happened"?
Isn't this the same government that said all those encouraging statements to make things better to 'Save Lake Winnipeg'?
The objections of the sewage lagoon, by the Lake Winnipeg Foundation and local residents, were dismissed. They were put aside, ignoring the advice of a 2010 evaluation report that the government paid for. It's little wonder the people are upset and it's hitting the fan over Sewage.
Although the lagoon has been OK'd by the government, in my view Lake Winnipeg has been KO'd, once again.
John Fefchak,
Virden, Man.
204 748 2521. 16 Jan.2014
- Oscar
- Site Admin
- Posts: 9104
- Joined: Wed May 03, 2006 3:23 pm
FEFCHAK: Born of the Stump
by Oscar » Sat Jan 18, 2014 4:48 pm
FEFCHAK: Born of the Stump
[ http://www.pathslesstravelled.com/2014/ ... stump.html ]
by John Fefchak January 15, 2014
This article sprouts from the fertile mind of John Fefchak, a writer from Virden, Manitoba and a regular contributor to this blog. I believe you'll find it both funny and riveting. In it, he speaks of modern-day policy-makers forsaking their God-given duty to care for planet Earth. Instead, they have turned their backs on ancient biblical teachings and abandoned their sacred duty as stewards of our water resources, from which all life springs. - Editor, Larry Powell, Paths Less Travelled (PLT)
- - - - -
"There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jessie, and a branch shall grow out of his roots." Isaiah 11:1-10 RSV
INTRODUCTION….THE AGREEMENT.
Before there was anything, there was GOD, a few angels and huge swirling globs of rocks and water with no place to go.
The angels asked GOD: "Why don't you clean up this mess?"
So GOD collected rocks from the huge swirling glob and put them together in clumps and said, "Some of these clumps of rocks will be planets and some will be stars and some of these rocks will be…just rocks."
Then GOD collected water from the huge swirling glob and put it together in pools of water and said, "some of these pools of water will be oceans and some will be clouds and some will be . . . just water."
The angels said,"well GOD, it's neater now, but is it finished?” and GOD answered, "Nope."
On some of the rocks, GOD placed growing things and things that only GOD knows what they are, and when God had done all this, the angels asked, "Is the world finished now?" and God answered. "Nope."
GOD made a man and a woman from some of the water and dust and said to them, "I am tired now, please finish up the world for me…really, it is almost done."
But the man and the woman said, "We can't finish the world alone, you have the plans and we are too little."
"You are big enough," GOD answered them, “but I agree to this: If you keep trying to finish the world, I will be your partner.”
The man and the woman asked,"what is a partner?" and GOD answered "a partner is someone you work with on a big thing that neither of you can do alone. If you have a partner it means that you can never give up, because your partner is depending on you. On the days you think I am not doing enough, even on those days, we are still partners and we must not stop trying to finish the world." That is the deal and they all agreed to that deal.
Then the angels asked GOD, "is the world finished yet?" And GOD answered, "I don't know, go ask my partners."
Which brings us to this day and time, where we sometimes gather, to listen, to hear and to learn, and also to exchange our ideas with others, so that we may become better partners and continue to do the work that we agreed to.
THE PLAN:
Water concerns of Lake Winnipeg continue to come to the forefront and the news is not encouraging. Lake Winnipeg is dying.
It is being overcome with pollution and sediments. An over-abundance of phosphorus has created an algae bloom that is visible from outer space. Sadly, the lake cannot relieve itself as nature intended, for it has now become a reservoir, made by man to harness the power of its waters.
The reports by Mr. Bill Barlow and his associates (Lake Winnipeg Stewardship Board) along with the Water Steward Minister (then, Steve Ashton) agreed, that all 1.1 million of us in Manitoba have a role to play. And they are correct. For we are partners. That was the agreement.
While governments may actually accept some of the countless recommendations submitted over the years, it is my conclusion, that any which hinder economic development will simply be rejected. This is unfortunate and hopefully, time will prove me wrong.
Bucko Lake, near Waboden, Manitoba, is but one example of our governments, while claiming to be protectors, are very much in favour of allowing this pristine body of water to be turned into a dumping area for mine tailings.
A more recent example concerns the Little Saskatchewan River, in southern Manitoba. The provincial government granted an Environmental Act licence to a corporate consortium to extract a significant amounts of water from the river. There was no comprehensive study on whether this would harm the river's ecosystem. When the irrigators clearly violated their newly-acquired licence, government turned a blind eye, protecting the violators, not the public's interest.
The Town of Virden's ground water source is laden with arsenic and water must be treated to remove some of the arsenic to make it safer for human consumption. But then, the province allows this poison (removed from the treated water) to be dumped into a creek that eventually flows into the Assiniboine River.
Water, as we all should know, is the life blood of the land and all that lives on this planet. Yet, we often treat it carelessly, use it wastefully and polluting it without a thought.
It is indeed shameful that respect and gratitude have no place in our governments when it comes to the stewardship of our waters. The name of this affliction is complacency.
Even before we are born, we are all protected in the womb by water. Yet, it seems we respect it only after it runs out or is polluted beyond use!
This type of attitude must change.
The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. There are many things we cannot change. But we can change our attitude. It may be the one "string" we have left to play!
Therefore, in an effort to be a better partner, I will share with you two recommendations.
I believe these will be extremely beneficial in promoting a more responsible attitude toward water and a greater appreciation of its importance in life.
#1 - QUICK AND IMMEDIATE ACTION
Every government official, elected or appointed (at all levels) should be indoctrinated into a Water, Air and Environmental Protection Program. Under such a program, all would be trained by highly qualified professionals.
This course of action is extremely important. That's because decision-makers need to be more aware of the consequences of the decisions they, themselves are making.
Such a program, lasting 3 or 4 days, would be compulsory. This would give everyone at least some knowledge of what 'not to do'.
Naturally, back-up advice by independent experts could still be used before making the final decision.
#2 - LONG TERM ACTION
We, as adults, set the examples. Hopefully, they are good ones. Our children will usually follow the lead that is provided to them.
However, if the children are taught properly, from their early school years until graduation, then I believe the foundation will be strong and everlasting.
Their contribution, once established, will be final and for the generations that follow can only become stronger.
It is all a matter of how well we teach about the things we need most to survive - Gratitude, Respect and Caring.
THE USE OF THE WORD - SUSTAINABLE
Promoters, corporate executives and government officials commonly use the word "sustainable" to soften the unknown consequences of certain development proposals.
But when water, air and the environment are at stake, the use of the word becomes abusive and disrespectful. Water, for instance is not a renewable element, so when a proposed project endangers a water supply, any attempt to describe it as "sustainable" ought to be rejected, outright.
We should never tolerate the building of dream proposals, regardless of promises of economic windfalls, especially when conclusions are based on promises of "sustainability."
Our water, air and environment are much too important to be sacrificed in The Board Game of Greed.
The Precautionary Principle only reinforces my words as it reads, "Until you know the harm you are causing by an action, it is best to avoid that action." It's a message that I read in a book by David Suzuki.
The simple lesson that we need to remind ourselves of is this: We, are all but strands in the web of life. And anything we do to the web ultimately affects us all.
CONCLUSION
At school graduations you will hear officials congratulating the students and acknowledging their accomplishments. Often, they will warn the young adults that they face a lot of work ahead, cleaning up a mess created by shortsighted decisions made by adults, generations before.
I call this "Passing the buck."
We should never leave children the task of cleaning up after our mistakes. For if they are our mistakes, we must also take the necessary action to correct them, not pass them on to future generations.
Our graduates deserve to learn from our experiences but also to proceed to seek new challenges of their own.
They are not "clean-up mops" for the unwise decisions we made as adults in times past.
And, as we thank GOD for this glorious fertile planet on which we all live, may we also honour our commitment as its caretakers. To do less would be to show a shameful disrespect of our covenant.
So, how will you respond, when GOD replies, "I don't know, go ask my Partners."
[ http://www.pathslesstravelled.com/2014/ ... stump.html ]
by John Fefchak January 15, 2014
This article sprouts from the fertile mind of John Fefchak, a writer from Virden, Manitoba and a regular contributor to this blog. I believe you'll find it both funny and riveting. In it, he speaks of modern-day policy-makers forsaking their God-given duty to care for planet Earth. Instead, they have turned their backs on ancient biblical teachings and abandoned their sacred duty as stewards of our water resources, from which all life springs. - Editor, Larry Powell, Paths Less Travelled (PLT)
- - - - -
"There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jessie, and a branch shall grow out of his roots." Isaiah 11:1-10 RSV
INTRODUCTION….THE AGREEMENT.
Before there was anything, there was GOD, a few angels and huge swirling globs of rocks and water with no place to go.
The angels asked GOD: "Why don't you clean up this mess?"
So GOD collected rocks from the huge swirling glob and put them together in clumps and said, "Some of these clumps of rocks will be planets and some will be stars and some of these rocks will be…just rocks."
Then GOD collected water from the huge swirling glob and put it together in pools of water and said, "some of these pools of water will be oceans and some will be clouds and some will be . . . just water."
The angels said,"well GOD, it's neater now, but is it finished?” and GOD answered, "Nope."
On some of the rocks, GOD placed growing things and things that only GOD knows what they are, and when God had done all this, the angels asked, "Is the world finished now?" and God answered. "Nope."
GOD made a man and a woman from some of the water and dust and said to them, "I am tired now, please finish up the world for me…really, it is almost done."
But the man and the woman said, "We can't finish the world alone, you have the plans and we are too little."
"You are big enough," GOD answered them, “but I agree to this: If you keep trying to finish the world, I will be your partner.”
The man and the woman asked,"what is a partner?" and GOD answered "a partner is someone you work with on a big thing that neither of you can do alone. If you have a partner it means that you can never give up, because your partner is depending on you. On the days you think I am not doing enough, even on those days, we are still partners and we must not stop trying to finish the world." That is the deal and they all agreed to that deal.
Then the angels asked GOD, "is the world finished yet?" And GOD answered, "I don't know, go ask my partners."
Which brings us to this day and time, where we sometimes gather, to listen, to hear and to learn, and also to exchange our ideas with others, so that we may become better partners and continue to do the work that we agreed to.
THE PLAN:
Water concerns of Lake Winnipeg continue to come to the forefront and the news is not encouraging. Lake Winnipeg is dying.
It is being overcome with pollution and sediments. An over-abundance of phosphorus has created an algae bloom that is visible from outer space. Sadly, the lake cannot relieve itself as nature intended, for it has now become a reservoir, made by man to harness the power of its waters.
The reports by Mr. Bill Barlow and his associates (Lake Winnipeg Stewardship Board) along with the Water Steward Minister (then, Steve Ashton) agreed, that all 1.1 million of us in Manitoba have a role to play. And they are correct. For we are partners. That was the agreement.
While governments may actually accept some of the countless recommendations submitted over the years, it is my conclusion, that any which hinder economic development will simply be rejected. This is unfortunate and hopefully, time will prove me wrong.
Bucko Lake, near Waboden, Manitoba, is but one example of our governments, while claiming to be protectors, are very much in favour of allowing this pristine body of water to be turned into a dumping area for mine tailings.
A more recent example concerns the Little Saskatchewan River, in southern Manitoba. The provincial government granted an Environmental Act licence to a corporate consortium to extract a significant amounts of water from the river. There was no comprehensive study on whether this would harm the river's ecosystem. When the irrigators clearly violated their newly-acquired licence, government turned a blind eye, protecting the violators, not the public's interest.
The Town of Virden's ground water source is laden with arsenic and water must be treated to remove some of the arsenic to make it safer for human consumption. But then, the province allows this poison (removed from the treated water) to be dumped into a creek that eventually flows into the Assiniboine River.
Water, as we all should know, is the life blood of the land and all that lives on this planet. Yet, we often treat it carelessly, use it wastefully and polluting it without a thought.
It is indeed shameful that respect and gratitude have no place in our governments when it comes to the stewardship of our waters. The name of this affliction is complacency.
Even before we are born, we are all protected in the womb by water. Yet, it seems we respect it only after it runs out or is polluted beyond use!
This type of attitude must change.
The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. There are many things we cannot change. But we can change our attitude. It may be the one "string" we have left to play!
Therefore, in an effort to be a better partner, I will share with you two recommendations.
I believe these will be extremely beneficial in promoting a more responsible attitude toward water and a greater appreciation of its importance in life.
#1 - QUICK AND IMMEDIATE ACTION
Every government official, elected or appointed (at all levels) should be indoctrinated into a Water, Air and Environmental Protection Program. Under such a program, all would be trained by highly qualified professionals.
This course of action is extremely important. That's because decision-makers need to be more aware of the consequences of the decisions they, themselves are making.
Such a program, lasting 3 or 4 days, would be compulsory. This would give everyone at least some knowledge of what 'not to do'.
Naturally, back-up advice by independent experts could still be used before making the final decision.
#2 - LONG TERM ACTION
We, as adults, set the examples. Hopefully, they are good ones. Our children will usually follow the lead that is provided to them.
However, if the children are taught properly, from their early school years until graduation, then I believe the foundation will be strong and everlasting.
Their contribution, once established, will be final and for the generations that follow can only become stronger.
It is all a matter of how well we teach about the things we need most to survive - Gratitude, Respect and Caring.
THE USE OF THE WORD - SUSTAINABLE
Promoters, corporate executives and government officials commonly use the word "sustainable" to soften the unknown consequences of certain development proposals.
But when water, air and the environment are at stake, the use of the word becomes abusive and disrespectful. Water, for instance is not a renewable element, so when a proposed project endangers a water supply, any attempt to describe it as "sustainable" ought to be rejected, outright.
We should never tolerate the building of dream proposals, regardless of promises of economic windfalls, especially when conclusions are based on promises of "sustainability."
Our water, air and environment are much too important to be sacrificed in The Board Game of Greed.
The Precautionary Principle only reinforces my words as it reads, "Until you know the harm you are causing by an action, it is best to avoid that action." It's a message that I read in a book by David Suzuki.
The simple lesson that we need to remind ourselves of is this: We, are all but strands in the web of life. And anything we do to the web ultimately affects us all.
CONCLUSION
At school graduations you will hear officials congratulating the students and acknowledging their accomplishments. Often, they will warn the young adults that they face a lot of work ahead, cleaning up a mess created by shortsighted decisions made by adults, generations before.
I call this "Passing the buck."
We should never leave children the task of cleaning up after our mistakes. For if they are our mistakes, we must also take the necessary action to correct them, not pass them on to future generations.
Our graduates deserve to learn from our experiences but also to proceed to seek new challenges of their own.
They are not "clean-up mops" for the unwise decisions we made as adults in times past.
And, as we thank GOD for this glorious fertile planet on which we all live, may we also honour our commitment as its caretakers. To do less would be to show a shameful disrespect of our covenant.
So, how will you respond, when GOD replies, "I don't know, go ask my Partners."
- Oscar
- Site Admin
- Posts: 9104
- Joined: Wed May 03, 2006 3:23 pm
26 posts
• Page 1 of 2 • 1, 2
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 3 guests