KAWARTHA LAKES-The City of Kawartha Lakes was ordered to clean up the Scugog River after the Ministry found that Total Ammonia Nitrogen (TAN) levels exceeded the acceptable limits on at least seven occasions over the last 15 months. On one occasion the Total Suspended Solids (TSS) levels were also over the limit.
The Environmental Protection Agency says ammonia causes direct toxic effects on aquatic life not to mention some residents draw drinking water from the river.
In the order, issued to the City of Kawartha Lakes, Brad Jackson, a Provincial Officer with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks says, “I reasonably believe that the City of Kawartha Lakes has contravened the provisions, terms and conditions noted below in the Suspected Violations(s)/Offence(s) section.  I reasonably believe that the requirements in this order are in the public interest. I also believe that it is necessary for the purposes of the EPA to provide for the protection and conservation of the natural environment.”
The violation is listed as: 53(l) Subject to section 47.3 ofthe Environmental Protection Act, no person shall use, operate, establish, alter, extend or replace new or existing sewage works except under and in accordance with an environmental compliance approval. 2010, c.16, Sched. 7, s. 3 (9).
The order is in reference to the Lindsay Water Pollution Control Plant at 48 Lagoon Road which discharges into the Scugog River. The City pays a third party to manage the facility.
The first violation reported was on October 13th, 2018 when Total Ammonia Nitrogen Levels exceeded the limits. Levels exceeded the limits again in May 2018, June, July, August, September and October 2018.
On October 25th, Jackson completed an on site physical inspection of the Lindsay WPCP. During the inspection, it was noted that a significant amount of vegetation had grown and accumulated in the center of the Aeration Tank. The vegetation appeared to be causing a considerable impact on the overall function of the aeration tank.
The Ministry gave the City a number of opportunities to correct the problem before issuing the order. On June 14, 2018, the MECP formally requested that the operating authority, Ontario Clean Water Agency, prepare an action plan to mitigate further TAN exceedances. Â The OWCA responded saying ” A new jet aerator was purchased by the City in February 20l8 with an expected arrival date of July 20th, 2018. It was to be installed shortly after the delivery date. The Ministry was satisfied with these actions.
The aerator however was not installed until September 25th, 2018. The Ministry noted “This installation was considerably behind the anticipated delivery and installation date.”
During this time officials took steps to increase reporting frequency for the plant.
On October 25th, Jackson completed his on-site physical inspection of the Lindsay WPCP and found the overgrowth of vegetation around the aeration tank and the exceedances continued.
On December 6th the City was ordered to take the following steps:
1, By December 20, 2018,the City of Kawartha Lakes Shall retain the services of a Qualified person to prepare an action plan to address the TAN and TSS exceedances and the non-compliance issues the Environmental Compliance Approval.
2, By December 21,2018,the Company shall submit to the undersigned Provincial Officer written confirmation from the Qualified Person that he/she has:
(a). received a copy of the Order,
(b). been retained to carry out the work specified in Work Item No. 3; and (c). the experience and qualifications to carry out the work.
3. By December 21, 2018, the City of Kawartha Lakes shall direct the Qualified Person to prepare the action plan including recommendations outlined in the work ordered section I to the undersigned Provincial Officer.
4. By February 15,2019,the City of Kawartha Lakes shall submit the action plan prepared by the Qualihed Person to the MECP undersigned Provincial Officer.
- While this Order is in effect, a copy or copies of this order shall be posted in a conspicuous place’
- While the Order is in effect, report in writing, to the District or Area Offtce, any significant changes of operation, emission, ownership, tenancy or other legal status of the facility or operation’
On December 12, 2018 the City appealed the order and asked for a review.
The City stated a review was requested on the basis that the City has already taken steps to address the exceedances and had already retained the services of a Qualified Person to address the TAN and TSS exceedance, in addition to conducting an overall review of the system including capacity and future needs.
A meeting was held on December 20, 2018 between the City, OCWA and MECP to discuss the status of the order.
A report going to council next weeks states “During the meeting, City representatives and OCWA clarified the initiatives taken to rectify the non-compliance issues and opened the lines of communication. The City has committed to action by securing financing through capital approval and by hiring a firm to complete a detailed design for upgrades and improvements to the Lindsay WPCP. These upgrades include a new aeration cell to improve effluent criteria well into the future. The design process takes a significant amount of time due to the technical nature of the project. This planning process is critical to ensuring the City’s assets are designed to consider future growth for long-term investment and sustainability. To improve aeration in the interim the City installed a new type of aerator (jet) on September 25, 2018. There is a second jet aerator to be installed early in 2019 as part of the 2019 capital budget. OCWA has already seen improvement in water quality with the current aerator that was installed in 2018.”
The outcome from the meeting was that the City in conjunction with OCWA would prepare and submit an action plan that details how the TAN exceedances would be addressed on a short term basis and must be completed by January 31, 2018.
It’s unclear if that second aerator has been installed.
A stay was granted while the Ministry reviews the appeal by the City.
