A Stewardship Guide to the Lake Superior Shoreline

Home , Current River (Ontario), Lake Minong, Mount McKay, Nipigon, Shuniah, Sibley Peninsula

Self-assessment of your environmental performance as a property owner

February 2009 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKES SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE

Using this Guide… a quick overview

1. Familiarize yourself with the Guide (pg. 4-6). 2. Complete the Worksheets that apply to you. Enter your rating in the boxes provided (starts pg. 18). (NOTE: If a particular Worksheet does not apply to your situation or property, simply skip over it). 3. Locate the “1”s and “2”s ratings and transfer these to the Action Plan Sheet found at the back of the document. The ratings identify where certain situations or practices on your property could be improved. 4. Use your Action Plan to help you identify priorities and plan short term and long term actions to address them.

The Resource List gives you a lot of sources for further assistance in working through your Action Plan .

Enjoy! This Guide is intended to inform and assist you.

i Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Table of Contents

What is the purpose of the Lake Superior Stewardship Guide? 2 Glossary 106 Is this Guide for you? 2 Resource List 118 A Bit of Background 3 Thank You 123 How to use the Lake Superior Stewardship Guide The Workbook 4 PART III – ACTION PLAN 124 The Action Plan 5

PART I – INTRODUCTION TO LOCAL ECOLOGY Where do you fit in? Broad Scale – A Watershed Perspective 7 Local Scale – Lake Superior Shoreline – Dorion Township to U.S. Border 9 – The Coastal Features of the Watershed 12 – Natural Hazards and How They Can Affect You 16

PART II – THE WORKBOOK Worksheet #1 – Buying Rural Property 18 Worksheet #2 – Before & During Construction 20 Worksheet #3 – Getting to Know Your Property 28 Worksheet #4 – Private Well Water Supply 35 Worksheet #5 – Wastewater & Septic Systems 41 Worksheet #6 – Gardening & Landscaping Worksheet #6a – Landscape Water Efficiency 48 Worksheet #6b – Natural Buffers & Shoreline Access 52 Worksheet #6c – Trees 55 Worksheet #6d – Plant Selection & Care 59 Worksheet #7 – Waste Management 70 Worksheet #8 – Proper Handling, Storage & Disposal of Chemicals 74 Worksheet #9 – Lake Recreation 84 Worksheet #10 – Living with Wildlife 90 Worksheet #11 – Lowering Your Energy Bill 95 Worksheet #12 – Water Runoff Management 101

1 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE The Lake Superior Stewardship Guide Introduction What is the purpose of the Lake Superior Stewardship Guide?

The goal of the Lake Superior Stewardship Guide is to assist in the protection of the natural environment, including groundwater and surface water such as streams, rivers, creeks, wetlands and lakes and the natural landscape features that support these ecosystems.

By protecting natural resources, not only is the natural and cultural heritage of our region being conserved, but the legacy of Ontario’s clean water will also be protected for future generations.

By protecting water quality, property owners and residents are protecting their investments. Residents will realize that being a water quality steward and working with the environment will result in savings of time, money and frustration.

This guide is an important tool designed to help individuals make a difference. It provides a framework to allow residents to evaluate and manage their property. Through completion of the worksheets, residents will learn what they are doing right, and where they can improve in protecting water quality.

Is this guide for you? Silver Harbour Conservation Area This guide is intended for non-farm rural residents, cottage and property owners along the Canadian shore of Lake Superior from Dorion in the north to the Canada-U.S. border in the south. The focus is on the communities east of Highways 11/17 and 61 within the Area of Jurisdiction of the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority. This area of land stretches over part of Dorion Township, Municipalities of Shuniah and Neebing and the City of Thunder Bay. This guide can also be adapted for shoreline property owners along inland lakes and rivers within the Area of Jurisdiction since water quality protection starts upstream as these lakes and rivers flow into Lake Superior.

2 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE The Lake Superior Stewardship Guide Introduction

A Bit of Background Visit the LRCA office to view the regulated area screening maps. If your The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority (LRCA) is a local resource proposed development is located within a regulated area, the staff at the management agency working on a watershed basis. Conservation LRCA will assist you in determining whether or not a permit is required. authorities protect people and their property from natural hazards of Staff will review your submitted project information and conduct a site flooding and erosion; protect natural areas and open space, restore and visit, if necessary. protect aquatic and natural habitats; and provide recreational and The LRCA has a Level II Agreement with the Department of Fisheries and educational opportunities to local residents. Oceans (DFO), Ontario Great Lakes Area. The LRCA is responsible for the The LRCA Area of Jurisdiction covers over 2,600 square kilometres and initial evaluation of proposed work as to its potential impact on fish habitat. extends from the U.S. border to the eastern edge of Dorion Township. During review of proposed works, staff will determine whether or not the There are eight Member Municipalities in our jurisdiction which are the project is likely to result in a harmful alteration, disruption or destruction of City of Thunder Bay, Municipalities of Oliver Paipoonge, Neebing and fish habitat (HADD). Projects not considered to be a HADD, will be issued Shuniah and Townships of Dorion, Gillies, Conmee and O’Connor. a Letter of Advice regarding proper techniques to prevent a HADD from occurring. Projects which may likely result in a HADD are referred to the Ontario Regulation 180/06 regulates development in areas where the DFO for their authorization. control of flooding, erosion, pollution or the conservation of land may be affected by development. Areas considered to be regulated by the Conservation Authority include all floodplains surrounding watercourses including streams, rivers and creeks, Provincially Significant Wetlands, Lake Superior and large inland lake shorelines, ravines, river or stream valleys, steep slopes, talus slopes and property zoned “Hazard Land” or “Use Limitation”. On Lake Superior the regulated area extends 15 metres landward from the 100-year high water level and one kilometre into the lake but does not include islands. Typical activities that may be regulated include construction of all buildings and additions including modification or reconstruction of foundations which support existing buildings, breakwalls, revetments, rubble groynes, jetties, docks, stairs, decks, gazebos, boat ramps, boat storage structures, dredging, temporary or permanent placement of fill, grading, removal of fill or site alteration, retaining walls, bridges, crossings Self-assessmentand roads. of your environmental performance as a property owner 3 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE How to use the Lake Superior Stewardship Guide

This Guide will help you see your property and your actions from a new For each topic there are four descriptions of either natural conditions perspective. This guide will ask you to think about your land, the buildings or current situations. Each has a number rating: and structures on your land, and how your actions affect the larger landscape. It will ask you to rate how your actions affect the environment 4 (Best) and water quality around your property. Finally, the guide will ask you to 3 (Good) consider new ways of using and maintaining your property in order to 2 (Fair) decrease the risks to natural resources. 1 (Poor)

The Lake Superior Stewardship Guide has three parts – an Introduction to The Best (or 4) rating describes conditions that protect the Local Ecology, a Workbook and an Action Plan. environment and water quality or have the lowest potential for environmental damage. The Poor (or 1) rating describes conditions that have the highest potential to affect the environment negatively and require an Action Plan. The Workbook Circle the condition that best describes your property. If you circle 1 or The workbook includes twelve worksheets to help you rate your activities 2, mark the rating number for each topic in the matching box at the on your property. A glossary is located at the end of the workbook to help right hand side of the Worksheet. The purpose of this rating system is you with terminology. not to tally the numbers in the right-hand column, but to identify areas that need improvement on your property. A rating of 1 or 2 indicates Pick out the worksheets that apply to your property; you need not do the room for improvement. entire workbook. Read the introductory page for each worksheet. Fill in the box “Your Rating” in the right hand column for each topic that applies to NOTES: you. For topics that don’t apply, write the letters ‘NA’ (not applicable) in Bold, italic type indicates conditions that may violate federal or the rating box. If you don’t know how you rate, mark the box with a provincial legislation or municipal bylaws at the time this document question mark to remind yourself to conduct further research. was originally developed. As legislation and policy can change over time, always check with the applicable agency for up to date legislation and requirements.

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Example of completed worksheet question:

Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating DURING CONSTRUCTION 5 Minimizing erosion Project area is Clear only the area Large areas are Entire Property is and/or compaction subdivided into necessary for the cleared but vegetation cleared at once 2 smaller projects and project is restored. done sequentially. The Action Plan

When you have filled in all the worksheets that apply to your property, record the ratings for each topic in the Action Plan part of the guide. Remember, some worksheet sections may not apply to your property.

Your 1 and 2 ratings indicate which areas of your property management need some improvement to reduce the risk of environmental damage and water contamination.

Use the information in the Action Plan section to help analyze your potential problems and decide what you can do to solve or control them. Remember, this is YOUR Action Plan. It must suit you and your property.

An example of an Action Plan is found on the next page of this manual. A blank Action Plan is found at the end of this manual.

Often, the information in columns 4 and 3 can indicate how to improve your practices. As well, you can consult the Resource List at the end of the workbook to find more information for developing your Action Plan.

5 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Sample Action Plan Worksheet and Page Worksheet Theme Rating Short-term Actions Long-term Actions Topic Number 7 – 2 ? Waste Management 2 Get another recycling bin Generate less garbage 10a – 6 ? Forested Land 1 Check worksheet resources for more info Plant trees to establish connections Decide where connections are needed 10c – 2 ? Wetlands 2 Talk with tenant farmer about his field If possible widen buffer and plant requirements wildlife shrubs in it

6 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Where do you fit in? Broad Scale – A Watershed Perspective

What is a watershed?

A watershed is the entire land/water area that drains into a body of water such as an ocean, lake, river, or pond. The boundaries of a watershed are formed by the highest points in the landscape – they are like all the edges of a bathtub or sink – any water that falls within it will drain downwards to the same outlet.

On its journey towards an outlet or drain, the water within a watershed can pass through different landscape features such as streams, rivers, lakes, bogs and marshes.

The Lakehead Watershed forms part of the Lake Superior Watershed and even larger Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Watershed.

The first step in protecting water quality is to better understand your place in this watershed. Become familiar with local natural features and understand how they function in relation to this watershed and to water quality.

Lakehead Region Conservation Authority (LRCA) Why should you be concerned? jurisdiction within the Lakehead Watershed

• Precipitation, evaporation and temperature largely determine the quantity of water in a watershed. • The amount of water moving through the various landscape features at any given time determines the amount of water available for ecosystems and for human use. • YOU live in the Lakehead Watershed. Your actions and those of your neighbours affect water quality in this watershed.

7 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Where do you fit in? Broad Scale – A Watershed Perspective What is the water cycle? The water cycle, technically known as the hydrologic cycle, is the circulation of water within the Earth’s environment. This involves changes in water’s physical state as it moves between the liquid, solid and vapour phases. The hydrologic cycle refers to the continuous exchange of water between atmosphere, land, subsurface waters as well as organisms.

8 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE

Where do you fit in? Local Scale – Lake Superior Shoreline – Dorion Township to U.S. Border Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes, with a volume of 12,230 Above this formation, is a younger sequence of rocks that consists mainly cubic kilometres (km3), a surface area of 82,100 square kilometres (km2), of sedimentary rock from the unique Gunflint and Rove Formations, which an average depth of 147 metres and a maximum depth of 406 metres. It is contain a complex variety of rock types. also the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area and is the world’s third-largest freshwater lake by volume. It has the longest hydraulic In the northwest of Lake Superior, the formation of three large bays protect retention time (191 years), of all the Great Lakes. Theoretically, it would the coastline from high energy wave exposure. The coastlines in our region take this long for all the water to replace itself. Initially it appears that this generally have a maximum fetch (the area of open water over which waves large volume of water can be beneficial to diluting pollutants, but in reality are generated by wind) under 50 kilometres compared to 500 kilometres it would take generations to cleanse the waters once polluted. Over 200 farther east towards Terrace Bay. rivers feed Lake Superior; the largest include the Nipigon, St. Louis, Pigeon, Pic, White, Michipicoten and Kaministiquia Rivers. The areas along Lake Superior that are exposed to wave action tend to form various types of bluffs, pebble/cobble beaches and boulder beaches. The Local geology of the area is of late Wisconsinan age, which were deposited shoreline areas that form bays or are protected by islands, tend to have low by the retreating glaciers approximately 12,500 years ago. Lacustrine vegetated banks, mixed beaches, cobble beaches, pebble beaches and (lake) sediments were deposited by a re-advance of the Superior Lobe wetlands. The shore zone ice cover lasts 5 months of the year. There are no approximately 11,500 years ago. Generally, the surficial deposits dune formations or erosional/dynamic beaches along the Lake Superior throughout the area are thin, less than 14 metres thick, with local Shoreline in the Thunder Bay Area. exceptions. The thickest layer occurs near the mouth of the Kaministiquia River where deposits are up to 50 metres (160 ft) deep. The largest development in the region is the City of Thunder Bay, which has a population of 109,016 (Statistics Canada 2001). The City was The bedrock of the region consists entirely of rock dated from the established in 1971 through the amalgamation of the cities of Port Arthur Precambrian age and is over 2.5 billion years old. The rocks have been and Fort William. There are several other major settlements in the region. extensively deformed through metamorphism. Generally, the rocks that are This includes the Municipalities of Neebing, Shuniah and Oliver Paipoonge, the oldest in the region were volcanic rocks that changed over time, with which include the geographical Townships of Blake, Crooks, Pardee, local intrusions of ultramafic rock (dark coloured with high magnesium and Pearson, Scoble, McGregor and McTavish. The Townships found within iron content) and felsic rock (light coloured with high silica i.e. quartz or the region include Conmee, Dorion, Gillies, and O’Connor. granite).

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Where do you fit in? Local Scale – Lake Superior Shoreline – Dorion Township to U.S. Border

The shoreline from Pass Lake to Dorion is comprised mostly of wetlands MacKenzie Point Conservation Area (2.5 acres/1 hectare) occupies the very and low vegetated banks. The shoreline is protected from wave action by tip of a peninsula extending into MacKenize Bay. The bluffs at Silver the peninsula at Black Bay. As a Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW), Harbour were quarried to create the large granite blocks used for the Hurkett Cove, which lies approximately four kilometres north of Dorion breakwall protecting the City of Thunder Bay shoreline. Most of the rivers on the Lake Superior shoreline, is important habitat for migratory birds and creeks flowing into Lake Superior from this shoreline support cold and has been named one of the top birding locations in all of Ontario. water migratory fish species. Seasonal fish spawning occurs along the areas Hurkett Cove Conservation Area (233 acres/94 hectares) border the PSW of Caribou Island, Amethyst Bay, Mary Harbour, Papoose Islands, Wild on both the north and south shorelines. Goose Point and Melancon Point. The shoreline is protected from wave action by the Sibley Peninsula. On the peninsula, Sleeping Giant Provincial Black Bay and the coastline from Hurkett to Thunder Cape on Sibley Park, designated as a Natural Environment Park, is an important area for Peninsula is designated as part of the larger Lake Superior National seasonal fish spawning during the fall including Lake Trout, Herring and Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) by Parks Canada. The official Whitefish. The Thunder Cape bird observatory at the tip of the peninsula is designation prevents resource extraction or other operations which may a migratory bird landing. damage the aquatic or terrestrial ecosystems in the conservation area. As well, it is intended to protect historic shipwrecks and archeological sites of Native Americans.

The shoreline immediately north east of the City of Thunder Bay has many small beaches and has traditionally been the location for cottages or summer camps. The area from Thunder Bay to Pass Lake (approximately 35 km) is the only part of the Lake Superior shoreline in the region where depositional sand beaches can be found. The shoreline has several high- use recreational beaches and boat launches. At the mouth of the Blende River the wetland area has abundant wildlife. The area is a preferred nesting site for a variety of wading birds and Peregrine Falcons, and is an ideal location for fish spawning.

Mackenzie Point Conservation Area

10 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE

Where do you fit in? Local Scale – Lake Superior Shoreline – Dorion Township to U.S. Border

The shoreline along the City of Thunder Bay contains a breakwall, which is Russell Point Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) is located 500 approximately 1.2 km in length and serves as protection to the harbour from metres inland from the shore of Lake Superior, about 15 km due south of wave damage. With the exception of some areas such as the mouth of the Thunder Bay. This ANSI contains a section of raised cobble beaches at the Current River, Marina Park, some land on McKellar Island and Mission base of a 90 metre high bluff that formed part of the ancient shoreline of Island, most of the Lake Superior shoreline within the City of Thunder Bay glacial Lake Minong. Sturgeon Bay, as a wetland, is important habitat for is zoned for Heavy Industrial use. Located within this zone are grain furbearers (i.e. muskrats and minks), migratory waterfowl and fish. elevators, paper mills, sawmills, shipyards, the Thunder Bay Port Authority Sturgeon Bay is designated as a PSW. Thompson Island Provincial Park, off and Keefer Terminal. The majority of the shoreline within the breakwall is the coast from Sturgeon Bay is designated a Nature Reserve because of riprap, with some low vegetated banks making up a small portion of this. special geological formations and raised cobble beaches. Similarly, Spar Island, off the coast from Jarvis Bay is designated as an ANSI. The Inside the breakwall, at the mouth of the Neebing-McIntyre Floodway is the provincial significance of the island arises from its unique geological Neebing Marsh, a Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW). Located south formations and rare arctic-alpine plant species which can be damaged by of the breakwall are McKellar and Mission Islands, each hosting a wetland human activity. Local and migratory birds find important habitat in the along the shoreline. Mission Island Marsh is designated a Provincially Caldwell Lake PSW, off Jarvis Bay Road East, and the Cloud Bay PSW, at Significant Wetland (PSW). In addition, part of Mission Island the mouth of the Cloud River. Conservation Area (131 acres/ 53 hectares) is located within the PSW. These islands are important habitat for migratory waterfowl, Peregrine Little Trout Bay Conservation Area (44 acres/ 18 hectares) provides public Falcons and Bald Eagles. access to Lake Superior, walking trails and recreational fishing. Pine Bay is mainly comprised of low vegetated banks. At the mouth of the Pine River, The shoreline south of Thunder Bay in Neebing, from Fort William First Pine Bay PSW is an active feeding area for colonial waterbirds, a habitat for Nation and Loch Lomond to Pigeon River on the Canada/U.S. border has a several species of furbearers and is regionally important for fish spawning. mixture of pebble/cobble/boulder beaches and exposed bedrock bluffs Commercial and recreational fishing have seasonal significance in the area. greater than 5 metres in elevation. The coastline is more exposed to high- The area also has local significance as a winter cover for deer and moose. intensity waves and is more jagged with many small peninsulas, inlets, bays, as well as a linear chain of small islands. This area of shoreline is less At the border is Pigeon River Provincial Park. This 949 hectare park is populated and less developed and contains many ecologically significant designated as a Natural Environment Park characterized by a spectacular features. river gorge and two water falls.

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Where do you fit in? Local Scale – The coastal features of the watershed Wetlands Why are wetlands important? Where fish start out and hang out Hydrologic Processes – Wetlands influence water flows mainly by What is a wetland? intercepting surface runoff from neighbouring land, absorbing the water like a sponge, ultimately reducing flooding. Wetlands also help stabilize stream Wetlands can occur as both coastal and inland features of the watershed. banks and lakeshores to prevent erosion from flowing water or waves. A wetland is a highly diverse ecosystem that includes swamps, marshes, Furthermore, wetlands contribute to the recharge of groundwater and can bogs, fens, pothole lakes and shallow waters. Wetlands occupy a therefore help to maintain aquifers. transitional zone between well-drained upland areas and a permanently flooded deepwater habitat. In many wetlands, the land is permanently or intermittently flooded with shallow water. The most common type of Water Quality – Wetlands help wetland along the Lake Superior coastline in the Thunder Bay Area is to improve water quality by marsh. It is characterized by herbaceous and aquatic plants such as filtering out sediments, cattails, rushes, reeds, grasses and sedges. Contact the LRCA before you organic or inorganic nutrients begin your construction project if your property contains a wetland. and toxic chemicals. This reduces the amount of pollutants found on the surface and in the groundwater. Wetlands also detoxify some pollutants as they pass through the various stages of the Wetlands are habitat for the Great Blue Heron wetland.

Wildlife Habitats – Wetlands produce an abundance of vegetation that provides food for a diverse groups of species, including insects, fish, amphibians, birds and mammals. They also provide nesting and breeding sites for local and migratory species including species that are threatened or endangered. The abundance of cover and food make wetlands some of the busiest fish nurseries around. Wetlands are among the most biologically productive places on Earth. Wetland at Mission Island Marsh Conservation Area 12 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE

Where do you fit in? Local Scale – The coastal features of the watershed Riparian Zones Buffering the bad stuff

The strip of trees, shrubs and grasses that naturally grow along a shoreline is important for fish habitat. This riparian zone, if undisturbed, acts as a buffer between land and water. The network of roots act as both a shoreline stabilizer and a water filter to control erosion and remove impurities from surface water runoff. Leaves and branches break the force of falling rain, and runoff is slowed by the leaf litter and broken twigs. By No Riparian Zone slowing down the runoff, the riparian zone allows the water to be Riparian Zone absorbed into the ground, resulting in less surface flooding and bank According to the federal Fisheries Act, which protects fish and their habitat, erosion. the onus is on landowners or developers to ensure that their shoreline or in- • The overhanging tree branches create shelter that fish seek out to lie low water work does not harmfully alter, disrupt, or destroy (HADD) fish habitat. from predators, lay eggs, find food and shade from direct sunlight. Some of the projects that can damage fish habitat include dredging your boat • Riparian vegetation filters out contaminants such as fertilizers and launch, removing aquatic plants, building a bridge, culvert, dock or boathouse pesticides. Excessive fertilizers entering the watercourse fuel the growth or creating a beach. of algae which, in turn, uses up the precious oxygen in the water needed Department of Fisheries & Oceans (DFO) Operational Statements (See “Fish by fish to breath. Habitat” in Resource List pg. 119), provide guidance on different types of • Tree roots stabilize the soil. Bare soil banks become unstable and can activities in or around water. By following these guidelines, your project may easily erode which adds higher levels of silt to the watercourse that can not require DFO’s review under the Fisheries Act. damage fish gills and lead to suffocation of the fish. If you are unsure whether or not your project may harm fish habitat, contact the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority (LRCA). The LRCA has a Why should you be concerned? Level II Agreement with DFO and is responsible for the initial evaluation of the proposed work within the LRCA jurisdiction. Projects not considered to When it comes to large bodies of water like Lake Superior, our greatest be a HADD will be reviewed by the LRCA and issued a Letter of Advice potential impacts do not occur where we get in over our heads, but rather regarding proper mitigation techniques to ensure a HADD does not occur. where we get our feet wet – the nearshore habitat like wetlands and Projects which are likely to result in a HADD are referred to the DFO. riparian zones. 13 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE

Where do you fit in? Local Scale – The coastal features of the watershed

Bluffs Groundwater A land feature that’s on the move An invisible feature of this watershed

Exposed bedrock bluffs are a unique coastal feature along the north Many residents along the Lake Superior shoreline obtain their drinking shore of Lake Superior. They are common south of Thunder Bay, in water from private groundwater wells. Groundwater is a limited and Neebing Township near Pigeon River. Shoreline bluffs are also found vulnerable resource that needs to be protected. Although groundwater is at Mount McKay, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park and Silver Harbour. not seen, it should not be forgotten. • Bluffs are continuously changing. Natural erosion is an element of • As rain and melting snow pass through the soil and crevices in the bluff dynamics and a normal part of a shoreline environment. underlying rock, the water is filtered and purified. • The materials that make up a bluff determine how vulnerable the • Water will continue to flow downwards through the ground until it bluff is to erosion or slumping. As a bluff erodes, the shoreline recedes. reaches an impenetrable layer of soil or rock where it collects, forming an underground reservoir known as an aquifer. •The toe of the bluff is where most of the erosion occurs, depending on the force of the waves and the bluff material. • Aquifers supply water to farms, homes, industry and businesses. This groundwater is the source of drinking water for many people, including • As waves hit the bluff, material is removed (eroded). Long shore Lake Superior shoreline residents. currents deposit this beach material further down the coast. • The size of the aquifer and the movement of underground water is • The beach found at the toe of the bluff protects the bluff from further influenced by the type of rock and soil in the area and the amount of rain erosion because beaches absorb wave energy. that falls in that area. If water is removed faster than it is being • While some areas are inherently erosion-prone and unstable, natural replenished, the amount of water in the aquifer decreases, and the height bluff erosion increases in areas cleared of vegetation, narrow sandy of the water table drops. beaches and steep offshore slopes. • Groundwater contamination is a serious concern. Contaminated water • Bluffs often create special microclimates that allow rare plant species, from over-fertilized lawns, septic fields, agricultural runoff, and especially arctic-alpine disjuncts, to survive. Bluffs are also important industrial discharge can seep through the ground and make groundwater habitat for Peregrine Falcons. unfit for human and animal consumption and use. • The presence of groundwater within a bluff can cause instability and slope failure. 14 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Where do you fit in? Local Scale – The coastal features of the watershed Boulder Beaches Pebble/Cobble Beaches Boulder beaches are common along the Lake Superior shoreline. They are Pebble/cobble beaches are common along the Lake Superior shoreline. They accumulations of large boulders (≥25cm diameter), the smaller sediments consist of a mixture of pebble (0.2-4 cm) and larger cobble material (4.5-25 having been washed away by wave action in this high energy environment. cm). Generally these beaches are narrower and steeper than pebble beaches; Boulder beaches are extremely narrow and often quite steep. Beach widths of widths of 2-3 metres are common. 2 metres or less are common. Mixed Beaches Rip Rap (Man-made Shoreline) Mixed beaches are also common along the Lake Superior shoreline. They When natural shorelines are covered with debris to protect the shore from are accumulations of very poorly-sorted sediment including large amounts of wave-induced bank erosion, the resulting shoreline is termed rip rap. This coarse sediment (boulders and cobble) and some finer material (e.g. sand). usually takes the form of large, coarse material, which is inexpensive and Mixed beaches are typically shallow sloped, very small (less than 100 metres locally available. On Lake Superior, most rip rap shorelines are composed of in length), moderately wide, and restricted to pockets/covers between roughly quarried granite blocks. headlands, in well sheltered, low energy environments.

Sand Beaches: Depositional Depositional sand beaches occur where wave and littoral drift deposited sand has accumulated along a cove or other sheltered environment. Offshore regions tend to be shallow and uniformly sloping. Small coves and bays tend to produce a thinner beach face, which rarely terminates with elevated sand dunes. These thin beach faces are typical of sand beaches along Lake Superior.

Low Vegetated Banks (Grasses or Trees) Low vegetated banks are sheltered environments almost entirely covered by vegetation, with no erosive bluffs or exposed sediment immediately down the waterline; vegetation covers all land surfaces along the shore. Most exist in low energy environments and are generally gentle in slope.

Rip Rap at Silver Harbour Conservation Area

15 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Natural Hazards and How They Can Affect You Risks and Challenges

Why should you be concerned?

The areas adjacent to a stream, river, lakeshore or other water body are subject to seasonal and perpetual changes, due to the dynamic nature of wind and water. Streams and rivers migrate and meander naturally, and as water levels rise and fall, banks and shorelines will shift with erosion. While this presents risks and challenges for property owners and residents living near water bodies, both personal danger and costly rebuilding and restructuring efforts can be avoided if you take the time to understand, predict and work with the natural processes that affect your property.

FLOODING CHANGING WATER Natural LEVELS, SHIFTING Dynamics of SHORELINES, Wind and MIGRATING RIVERS Water AND STREAMS EROSION

Are there any natural hazard areas on your property? Mapping out your property and its features can be a helpful way to understand the risk and challenges involved. (See Make a Map of Your Property in Worksheet #3)

16 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Natural Hazards and How They Can Affect You

The principle mandate of the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority (LRCA) is to prevent the loss of life and property Approximate Regulated Area damage due to flooding and erosion and to conserve and enhance natural resources. 100-year flood level The Ontario Regulation 180/06: Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses is a key tool the LRCA uses to ensure development in the regulated area Lake Superior does not affect flooding, erosion, pollution or the conservation of land. It protects the mutual needs of the watercourse and the landowners adjacent to it. 1-kilometre lake- The Regulation may affect you if your property is located within ward 15 m allowance for the LRCA jurisdiction (see page 3) and is located within the wave uprush regulated area. Screening maps have been developed to quantify the Approximate Regulated Area and can be viewed at the LRCA office.

The Lake Superior shoreline is also regulated. The lake shoreline Approximate Regulated Area Approximate Regulated Area is derived by the 100-year flood (100-year Lake Flood Level plus level plus an allowance of 15 metres landward for wave uprush. 15-metre allowance) Approximate Regulated Area The 100-year flood level, from the U.S. border (Pigeon River) to Lake-ward (1 km from Jarvis Point, was determined by the Ministry of Natural shoreline) Resources to be 184 metres above mean sea level. From Jarvis Point to the north limit of Dorion Township, the 100-year flood level was determined to be 183.9 metres above mean sea level. Lake Superior is also regulated one kilometre into the water; however, islands are excluded. Lake Superior If you are planning to do any work near lakes, rivers, streams or wetlands, you may require a permit from the Conservation Authority.

17 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Worksheet #1 – Buying a Rural Property

Why should you be concerned? What can you do? 1. Consider noise, odours and traffic from nearby properties and activities • Rural life is different from city living and can sometimes involve a more (such as farming and industry) and consider the inconveniences, maintenance active participation in monitoring the immediate environment for your safety. and legal restrictions that come with rural/hazard land ownership.

• Your property may fall within a hazard zone that is governed by particular 2. If you are planning on altering your shoreline contact the Lakehead regulations. If you think this is the case, contact the Lakehead Region Region Conservation Authority prior to initiating your project. You may also Conservation Authority to find out details. require authorization from the Ministry of Natural Resources.

• Your new property may have a private well and a septic system. You will 3. If purchasing a ‘legal non-conforming’ property, check to make sure you need to know where these are on the property and how to maintain them can obtain any necessary future permits, i.e. building a septic system. properly to avoid water contamination. 4. Would you like an open view of the lake? Choose a property that already offers one instead of clearing existing trees and shrubs. Alternatively, contact a certified arborist to help design selective breaks in tree canopies.

5. Visit the property during and immediately following a major rainfall event. Note drainage patterns and any evidence of flooding. Be sure to also read the Worksheet #3 - Getting to Know Your Property for more information. 6. Find out if you are purchasing the title to the building and surrounding land or just the building on land owned by a Cottage or Camper Association.

7. Find out if you own the Right-of-Way property along the shoreline. In some cases the Municipality has ownership of the 20 metre (66 foot) strip of land along the shoreline.

18 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Purchaser Checklist Supplementary Questions for Seller Property Information Statement-Residential. Adapted, in part, from: The Living Edge: Your Handbook to Waterfront Living . 2003. Sarah Kipp and Clive Callaway. Anyone who is considering purchasing rural and/or hazard land property should ask the seller the following questions in addition to those in the Ontario Real Estate Association’s Seller Property Information Statement-Residential. This list is only a guide and may not include all possible considerations.

n n

w w Is the property serviced by a private well or is water n

o o

n n

o n /

k k obtained from a surface supply? s s

A A

N U Erosion Plumbing N

e e

o o n n / /

Y Y

N N U U If YES in either case: N Are you aware of any erosion problems or instability? N Is the existing plumbing system built for year-round Do you have records of water quality tests? Are you aware of any neighbours with erosion use? Do you have well records? problems? Is the well properly sealed? Are there erosion control structures or buffers on the Is there an underground cistern? property or nearby? Other Is there a seasonal variation in the well water level? Are there any runoff control measures (culverts, water- Are there any registered or unregulated ancient burial Has the well ever run dry? bars) in place? sites or archaeological relics? Do you know what the normal rate of flow is? Are there any culverts/creeks that drain into the Are motorized sports allowed on any nearby water Do you know what the draw down data for the well property? bodies? capacity is? Is the location of the erosion hazard limit known? Are there any environmentally significant areas Is the property serviced by a septic system? Is the location of the floodplain known ? (Provincially Significant Wetlands) or If YES: Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSIs)? Is there a permit for the system? Is the lake or water body heavily used? Is the leaching bed over 30 m (100 ft) from surface Access to water Is any beach sand naturally occurring? water or a well? Is there access to water? Are you aware of any mineral claims on the property? Has the tank been pumped in the last 3 years? If so, is it within a reasonable distance for your plans? Are there any temperature inversions which bring Does the tank adequately serve the dwelling(s) size? If there is a dock, is it pulled out seasonally? smoky air down to the ground? Is there an effluent lift pump? Are there occasional odours and/or noise from nearby Is there a second leaching bed or space for it? farming or industry? If the property is serviced by a septic holding tank, are Water levels Is the property part of a Cottage or Camper’s there any cracks or holes in the tank? Is any of the property within the 100-year floodplain? Association? Is a community or municipal sewer system planned in Is the basement, crawl space, or main floor 30cm (1 Does ownership include the 20 metre (66 ft) right-of- way along the shoreline? the next 3 years? foot) or more above the floodplain and in compliance Are there any unregistered easements or with regulations? unregistered right-of-ways? Is the 100-year flood elevation and wave reach known? If YES: Does access to the property require any unregistered means such as historic use, handshake agreement, Zoning unregistered easement, etc? Are there any special zoning regulations, setbacks, or Does anyone else have unregistered access across the shoreline protection bylaws? property? Does all existing development on the property conform Are there any adjoining road allowances for public to local zoning bylaws? water access, including any old shoreline road Are all existing buildings/structures located fully on the allowances? property and adjacent properties been disclosed? Are there conservation easements on the property? 19 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Worksheet #2 – Before & During Construction Note: Use this worksheet to help assess the potential opportunities and constraints for your construction projects.

Why should you be concerned? • If the property is part of a Cottager or Camper’s Association you may need the Association’s permission to do work on the property. • Your property is part of a larger landscape, so any project you undertake may not only affect your immediate neighbours, but may also have negative What can you do? consequences for land and water farther away. 1. Make a plan including an inventory of existing plants, features and • There may be existing legislation, regulations and zoning that affect your structures. See Worksheet #3-Getting to Know Your Property. project plans. Regulated areas include all watercourses including streams, river and creeks, wetlands, Lake Superior shoreline, ravines, valleys, steep 2. Start early and be organized – the permit process may take several slopes, talus slopes and areas zoned hazard land or use limitation. Check months. with your municipal office, the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority or MNR office to ensure that your project is permissible. 3. Protect yourself. Keep records, including permit applications. These can be useful if disputes should arise with agencies or neighbours in the future. • Shorelines of lakes, rivers and streams are protected under Federal legislation such as the Fisheries Act. Under this legislation, the onus falls 4. Be a land steward: contact the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority upon shoreline property owners to ensure that they do not “harmfully alter, office or the MNR if you witness shoreline alteration or potential disrupt, or destroy” (HADD) fish habitat. Offenders may be substantially environmental damage. You can call the MNR toll-free reporting line (24 fined or face criminal charges, as well as restoring the shoreline to it’s hours, 7-days a week) or for anonymity, contact Crime Stoppers. previous state. Check with the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority to determine whether your project requires LRCA review or DFO 5. Refer to the Department of Fisheries & Oceans (DFO) Operational Authorization. Statements to learn about the necessary measures required to protect fish and fish habitat before you begin your construction project (See “Fish Habitat” • Investigate who owns any shoreline areas of your property – it may not be in Resource List pg. 119). you. Municipalities often own a 20 metre (66 ft) right-of-way along the shoreline. If the shoreline is owned by the Crown, the Public Lands Act will 6. Contact the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority to find out if your apply, and a permit may be required for any development – even a construction project falls within the Approximate Regulated Area. restoration project. Only activities permissible under this legislation will be allowed. 7. Contact Transport Canada to find out if your project requires their authorization as part of the Navigable Waters Protection Act.

20 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Before & During Construction: How do you rate? Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating PERMITS & REGULATIONS Knowledge and Planning begins the No planning involved. 1 understanding of summer before work is tip Expect immediate application process to begin. Make sure you review an updated, legal survey start. of your property before you begin construction. Erosion or deposition processes may have Check with local * Necessary permits occurred over time and may be misleading as to Municipality and are not obtained. where your property ends. Conservation Authority to determine if permit is required.

PREPARING A SITE PLAN Knowledge of Thorough Identification of General idea of existing No knowledge of 2a existing natural understanding of existing and/or natural features. existing natural features of the natural features, sensitive natural features or sensitive property including long-term features or areas. areas. history of water levels.

Knowledge of effect Construction does not Awareness of the Awareness of the Disregard of potential 2b of construction on impact existing potential for potential for for construction existing natural features. construction impact construction impact. impact. No precautions features of the and precautions taken. taken. property

* These conditions may violate federal or provincial legislation or municipal by-laws 21 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating PREPARING A SITE PLAN...continued Site and location of Intensively used areas Intensively used areas Intensively used areas 3 various activity and paths are are not near surface are near surface water areas concentrated and water but in locations and in locations located at least 30 m contributing to contributing to (100 ft) from surface increased erosion, such increased erosion, such water and away from as at the top edge of as at the top edge of steep shoreline slopes. steep slopes. steep slopes.

Wind and Sun All outdoor living Where possible, No consideration given areas are sheltered outdoor living areas to the prevailing winds from the prevailing are sheltered from the and sheltering outdoor 4 wind. prevailing winds. living areas.

Window locations are Where possible, No consideration given placed to allow for window locations are to the sun exposure in maximum winter placed to allow for winter. sunlight. maximum winter tip sunlight. Consider adding a Evergreen trees are Evergreen trees are Landscaping design Tree placement does . natural wind break kept/planted on the kept/planted on the attempts to use trees not consider climatic or snow fence to northwest face for northwest face for strategically to improve factors your design. wind protection. wind protection. energy conservation to a small degree. AND deciduous trees OR deciduous trees are kept/planted on the are kept/planted on the southwestern face for southwestern face for summer shading. summer shading.

22 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating DURING CONSTRUCTION Minimizing erosion Project area is Only the area Large areas are cleared Future property is 5 and/or compaction subdivided into necessary for the but vegetation is cleared at once. smaller projects and project is cleared. restored. done sequentially. tip Protect all soil/sand Buffer strip of natural Project site requires Buffer strip is piles from erosion vegetation wider than minimal removal of bulldozed clear of all and avoid 30 m (100 ft) retained trees and shrubs in existing vegetation. construction during along shoreline or buffer strip. heavy rain. Review surface water. the DFO publication: Working Around Project does not Project interferes Project interferes with Water? Factsheet interfere with existing minimally with existing existing surface runoff Series – Fish Habitat surface runoff patterns. surface runoff patterns. patterns. & the Effects of Silt and Sediment (See “Fish Habitat” in Disturbed areas are Disturbed areas are Bare soil is covered Bare soil is left Resource List replanted as quickly as replanted as quickly as immediately with burlap exposed. pg.119). possible with native possible with non- or mulch. species. invasive species. tip Use of machinery is Heavy machinery is Place straw bales or minimal. used extensively. silt fences around vulnerable existing features such as AND machinery used wetlands. is appropriate to job size.

23 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating DURING CONSTRUCTION…continued Location of All construction All construction Only hazardous Construction materials 6 construction materials are stored materials are stored construction materials are stored without materials and access away from downspout away from downspout are stored away from regard to runoff to construction site openings. openings. downspout openings, patterns. open water or any AND at least 30 m watercourse. (100 ft) from the shoreline or watercourse.

Concentrate and Vehicle access is kept Concern about Vehicles are parked or tip restrict vehicle access away from shorelines, compaction is limited to driven throughout site, Fence or rope off to minimize soil slopes, or other septic leaching bed. contributing to soil all areas that are not compaction. sensitive areas. compaction. to be disturbed.

Toilet facilities are Toilet facilities are not available. tip available. If you are undertaking a new construction or major renovation consider obtaining LEED The location of (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) * Location of buildings and access certification. Review the Canadian Green buildings and access do not interfere with Building Council LEED rating system to learn interfere with shorelines or design and construction strategies that improve shorelines, waterways, waterways. energy and water efficiency and generate less or runoff patterns. waste (See “Energy Efficiency” in Resource List pg. 119).

* These conditions may violate federal or provincial legislation or municipal by-laws. 24 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating DURING CONSTRUCTION…continued

Protecting the existing Check if there is a Develop a plan or design * Cut trees down on your 7 features municipal bylaw that first and then check if property without protects the trees on your there is a municipal checking if a municipal property. Design or plan bylaw that protects the tree-cutting bylaw exists. accordingly. trees on your property. tip Proceed accordingly. Check with your local Protect trees from Protect trees from Trees are not protected Damage to tree trunks, Municipality if there damage caused by damage caused by during construction but any limbs, and roots is left is a tree bylaw that digging and heavy digging and heavy damage incurred is unattended. protects the trees on machinery machinery immediately and your property. appropriately handled. AND remove no trees for AND clearly mark those construction. trees that need to be felled to avoid unnecessary tree removal. Soil grade is not altered Soil grade is not altered Soil grade is partially Soil grade level within within 3 metres (10 feet) altered in sections within the dripline is tip AND soil around trees is of dripline for any tree dripline permanently altered from intended to be preserved pre-construction level Plan to be on site any not compacted. time trees are to be OR materials are stored removed. AND there is minimal within dripline for limited OR soil is compacted compaction near dripline. periods. around trees.

Septic bed, well(s) and Septic bed, well(s) and Septic bed and well(s) are *Distance requirements environmentally sensitive environmentally sensitive protected from are not considered in features are protected features, such as wetlands construction activity. protecting septic bed, and rare trees, are wells, or AND distance protected. environmentally requirements are sensitive features. respected.

* These conditions may violate federal or provincial legislation or municipal by-laws. 25 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating DURING CONSTRUCTION…continued Purchasing and No use of off-site soil Limited use of off-site Limited use of off-site Excessive use of off- 8 location of soil or or fill. soil or fill soil or fill site soil or fill fill AND awareness of the AND no awareness of OR No consideration source of soil or fill the source of soil or fill for the non-renewable nature of soil tip AND no excess or AND approval is * It is dangerous and unnecessary fill is used obtained. * OR fill is dumped in illegal to deposit fill in any fill-regulated area flood-prone or AND approval is such as a shoreline regulated shoreline obtained. without a permit. areas without a permit.

Construction Local non-hazardous Non-hazardous Minimal use of Hazardous materials . 9 materials materials used where materials used where hazardous materials are used possible possible where necessary. OR materials sourced AND obtained in a AND no use of oil- unnecessarily from far responsible and based paints or away or from appropriate manner. varnishes. environmentally- damaging production tip practices. Know where your topsoil or fill is coming from – it may bring contaminants and invasive species onto your property.

* These conditions may violate federal or provincial legislation or municipal by-laws. 26 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating DURING CONSTRUCTION…continued Construction waste Your local Reputable waste Care is taken to at least * Waste material or 10 Municipality is removal/disposal prevent paint or solvents excess fill is dumped contacted before company is hired to from getting into waste into open surface construction to learn remove and water or septic systems, water how to properly sort appropriately dispose or open surface water. and dispose of of all hazardous waste. * OR waste material is construction waste burned (including burn barrels). AND it is ensured that tip contractors dispose of Paint (any kind) is a waste appropriately. hazardous substance. Waste containers are Waste containers are Waste containers are Take it to your local clearly and clearly and not labeled hazardous waste depot. appropriately labeled appropriately labeled It is illegal to pour paints or thinners into AND recycling of AND waste materials runoff channels or material is not a are recycled where surface water. Inform priority. possible. your painting contractor of your Absolutely no concrete *Concrete or need for compliance. or construction wash construction waste water flows into open water flows into open surface water, towards surface water, or is trees or into septic drained into septic system. system.

* These conditions may violate federal or provincial legislation or municipal by-laws. 27 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Worksheet #3 – Getting to Know Your Property

Note: Use this worksheet to help assess your property’s vulnerability to natural hazards.

Why should you be concerned? What can you do?

1. You or your legal representative can contact the Lakehead Region •In rural areas, you are your own WATER QUALITY STEWARD! Conservation Authority office or Ministry of Natural Resources to learn of any alteration restrictions (especially watercourses, groundwater sources, and •As a rural landowner, you are the steward of a property that is a small piece shorelines) and how these may affect any future property projects. of the larger rural landscape. What you do on your property affects not only your well-being but that of your neighbours and the other creatures that share the landscape and ecosystems that support it all. 2. Talk with long-time residents to learn more about how the property may be affected by natural processes and potential hazards. •Upstream practices WILL affect your property and your actions will affect downstream users. 3. Make a map of the property. Identify physical characteristics such as soil type, floodplain, and depth to water table, and learn how these can affect the •A property’s soil and landform can influence water quality by influencing vulnerability of your property and water quality. Accept these natural surface water and groundwater contamination, erosion of soil by water and conditions and modify your activities accordingly to protect yourself and your wind and soil compaction. property.

•Provincial regulations and municipal by-laws may restrict development of any kind and affect how you can use your property 4. Determine if your property contains any special landscape designations, such as Areas of Natural or Scientific Interest (ANSI), or Provincially Significant Wetlands (PSW). Learn how these designations affect your rights •Knowing your property will ensure you make informed decisions. Talk to and responsibilities as a landowner. neighbours and other local people to be aware of concerns such as informal traditional access on your property for hunting, fishing or hiking etc. 5. Determine if current services (e.g. water and sewage) are adequate for your planned/intended use of the property.

6. Look beyond property boundaries. It is important for you to be able to analyze the potential for surface water contamination, wind and water erosion, and groundwater contamination. 28 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Make a Map of Your Property

For this map, draw the features of your whole property. Aerial and topographic What you should include: maps will be helpful for this. Try Google Earth online. Flood and Fill Line Maps and Screening Maps of the Townships and Municipalities around . property boundaries Thunder Bay can be viewed at the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority office. . north arrow . any buildings or structures Why make a map? . roads, trails, any traditional/informal access through your property for hunting, fishing, hiking, etc. . bridges This map will assist your planning and establish the relationship between the various features on your property. . fields, both working and retired . orchards . wells (including dry or abandoned wells) and pipes . septic tank and septic field . surface water features (stream, pond, lake, etc.) . springs . floodplain . dams, weirs . drainage ditches, drainage tile outlets . fences and treed fencerows . forested areas (plantation and natural) . wetlands . utility lines . communication towers . easements and right of ways . known special or sensitive features (e.g. raptor nests, stone piles)

29 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Make a Map of Your Property

Date: ______

30 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Understanding Risk Note: Use this page to help assess your property’s vulnerability to water contamination.

LESS RISK MORE RISK

Soil type Clay-silt loam Silt loam Silt-sand loam Gravel or Sand

Soil depth Greater than 4 metres 1-4 metres (3-13 feet) Less than 1 metre (3 feet) (13 feet)

Bedrock Non-permeable and Semi-permeable Any kind. Direct access Fractured bedrock – any kind solid. No direct access limestone or sandstone. from the surface from the surface No direct access from surface

Depth to Greater than 14 metres 5-14 metres (16-46 feet) 1-5 metres (3-16 feet) Less than 1 metre (3 feet) water table (46 feet)

tip tip To find soil depth, bedrock, or depth of The risk of pollution is greater in water table, check your well drilling areas where the groundwater table is records, ask a neighbour with a well or call near the surface or in highly porous a local well-drilling company. soils (e.g. sand, gravel).

31 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Getting to Know Your Property: How do you rate?

Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating HAZARD LANDS – DETERMINING RISK Knowledge of lake Understand dynamic Understand dynamic Limited understanding No understanding of processes and nature of shorelines nature of shoreline. of dynamic nature of dynamic nature of 1 hazards and plan accordingly, No long-term shoreline. Property shoreline. Attempt to with long term planning for natural management attempts to control any naturally- outlook and flexibility change. control any naturally- occurring change. for change. occurring change.

Understand potential Understand potential Limited understanding No understanding of hazards affecting your hazards affecting your of potential hazards potential hazards property, such as property. affecting your property. affecting your property flooding and erosion

AND have your own plan to deal with any eventualities. Development and No development or Minimal structures or Structures or Development or natural hazards disturbances within 30 disturbance near disturbance near disturbance within 30 m 2 m (100 ft) of water or beaches/water/bluff beaches, water, or bluff (100 ft) of water or the the erosion hazard edge, constructed in a edges constructed in a erosion hazard limit for tip limit for bluffs. proper manner and proper manner and bluffs. elevated. elevated. Existing shoreline protection structures Know whether or not No knowledge of are a good indication buildings may be whether or not that erosion and relocated or raised. buildings may be flooding are a relocated or raised. concern.

32 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating HAZARDS LANDS – DETERMINING RISK...continued Buffers and Large expanse of Moderate expanse of Narrow, natural beach No natural beach located 3 potential for naturally-occurring beach naturally-occurring beach located along lakefront along lakefront end of erosion located along lakefront located along lakefront end end of property. property. end of property. of property.

Large expanses of well- Large expanses of well- Narrow expanses of well- No natural vegetation established native species established native species established native species buffer present. including trees and shrubs including trees and shrubs including trees and shrubs adjacent to shoreline or adjacent to shoreline or adjacent to shoreline or wetland. wetland although punctured wetland. with small cleared areas.

No development on a Development set behind the Development on a bluff Development on a bluff bluff erosion – hazard limit for set behind the erosion – set within the erosion – bluffs hazard limit for bluffs hazard limit for bluffs AND natural vegetation is undisturbed within the 30 AND natural vegetation is BUT natural vegetation is AND natural vegetation is m (100 ft) setback area. undisturbed within the 30 m disturbed within the 30 m disturbed within the 30 m (100 ft) setback area. (100 ft) setback area. (100 ft) setback area.

Home Insurance Know whether potential No knowledge. 4 damage to property can be covered by insurance.

33 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating HAZARDS LANDS – DETERMINING RISK...continued Legal Municipal zoning bylaws Municipal zoning bylaws No regard to whether No regard to whether 5 considerations and Official Plan checked and Official Plan checked to intended use of property intended use of property is to know how property is know how property is is in accordance with in accordance with zoned zoned. Official Plan or zoning Official Plan or zoning AND property land use is bylaws. bylaws in accordance with this AND property land use is zoning. not in accordance. tip Exact knowledge of actual General idea of actual No knowledge of actual Typically, septic property limits, setbacks, property limits, setbacks, property limits, setbacks, systems are not conservation easements, conservation easements, conservation easements, included in home floodplain restrictions and floodplain restrictions and floodplain restrictions and inspections. Make right-of-ways right-of-ways. right-of-ways. separate arrangements for AND Conservation this. Authority regulations are observed.

Vendor provides a Vendor provides a Seller Vendor refuses to provide notarized statement of the Property Information a Seller Property tip condition of the property. Statement. Information Statement. If a buried, No knowledge. abandoned fuel tank Knowledge of ownership Assumption of ownership is found, the property of any streams that run of all natural features owner is responsible through property. tip within property for any costs Be careful about where you think your boundaries without associated with property ends. Municipalities may retain inquiry. removal or ownership of a 20 metre (66ft) right-of- contamination. This Ensure that there are no way along the shoreline. Erection of fences No knowledge of fuel is typically not fuel tanks buried or or buildings/structures may require tanks buried or otherwise covered under home otherwise on the property. approval. on the property. insurance.

34 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Worksheet #4 – Private Well Water Supply Note: Use this worksheet to assess the condition of your well(s) and water supply.

Why should you be concerned? What can you do?

• Wells can provide a clean and safe supply of water, pumped from aquifers . Make sure the water you drink and the groundwater that supplies your below the ground. If you use a private well, you must manage your own 1 water quality. well are protected from contamination. Test your water regularly (minimum once per season). Contact the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. • If a well is not constructed or maintained properly, or if a contaminant is spilled within the capture zone of a well, the quality of the water supply 2. Know where your septic system and well are located, as well as those of could be at risk. your neighbours.

• If your groundwater becomes contaminated, it can affect the health of your family. It may also affect the quality of groundwater supplying other wells, 3. Handle fertilizers, pesticides and other potential contaminants carefully. lakes or streams in the area. Your neighbours and community may all be affected. Ultimately, all wells are connected. 4. Assume that your entire property recharges your groundwater and •Treating contaminated water, constructing a new well or getting water from contains the capture zone for your well(s). another source are all inconvenient and expensive. It is much easier and more cost effective to prevent contamination rather than trying to clean it up. 5. Contact a licensed well professional or your Health Unit to assist with items that get a “2” or “1” rating in this worksheet. • Whether you are using a private well or a municipal system, everyone plays a role in source water protection.

• If your water supply comes from a private surface water intake (i.e. tip directly in Lake Superior), skip to Topic Numbers 13 to 15 in this worksheet. Be familiar with any springs or The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) Free Use Policy allows other groundwater sources on property owners to pump water directly from a lake/river where the water your property. These contribute intake is positioned in front of the owner’s lawfully occupied land, for clean water to the watershed. household or cottage use only.

35 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Calculate Your Household Water Use Note: The chart below shows the average amount of water used in the average household. Calculate the average amount of water used in your house for a typical day or week.

Fixture Average water use Water use in my household Water efficiency measure installed New water use

Toilet 20 litres (5.3 gal.) per flush Install a toilet water displacement device in the tank – 18 litres (4.75 gal.) per (standard toilet) ___ flush per day as simple as a plastic bottle filled with sand. flush

____ litres ( ____ gal.)

___ flush per week Install a water efficient toilet at a cost of $130-$450. 6 litres (1.58 gal.) per flush

Shower 10 to 30 litres (2.5 to 8 gal.) ___ minutes per day Install a water efficient showerhead at a cost of $10- 9.5 litres (2.5 gal.) per per minute ____ litres ( ____ gal.) $40. minute ___ minutes per week

Bath 60 litres (15 gal.) ___ bathes per week ____ litres ( ____ gal.)

Clothes Washer 208 litres (55 gal.) Install a water-efficient clothes washer. 100 litres (22 gal.) per ___ loads per week ____ litres ( ____ gal.) Do less laundry. load

Dishwasher 40 litres (10 gal.) Install a water-efficient dishwasher. 26 litres (7 gal.) per ___ loads per week ____ litres ( ____ gal.) load

Faucets 15 litres (4 gal.) per minute ___ minutes per day Install a kitchen faucet aerator at a cost of $3. 9.5 litres (3.3 gal.) per (bathroom and ____ litres ( ____ gal.) minute kitchen) ___ minutes per week

Leaks 25 litres or more (6.6 gal.) per day (rate of one drop ___ number of leaks ____ litres ( ____ gal.) per second)

Total 394 litres (104 gal.) Conversion factor: Litres x 0.22 = Imperial Gallons ____ litres ( ____ gal.)

* Source: Government of Alberta Ministry of the Environment. 2001. (www.gov.ab.ca/env/water/conservation/residential.cfm)

36 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Private Well Water Supply: How do you rate? Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating LOCATION OF WELL Position of water Upslope from all sources Upslope from, or level with Level with most sources Downslope from any 1 well in relation to of contamination any source of contamination of contamination source of contamination potential sources so that surface water of contamination AND all surface water AND surface water runoff AND some surface water reaches well moves away from well. does not reach well. runoff may reach well. OR water ponds at and around well.

Distance from Greater than 90 m (300 ft) • 24-90 m (76-300 ft)* • 15-23 m (50-75 ft)* • *Less than 15 m (50 ft) 2 well to potential (drilled well) (drilled well) (drilled well) sources of • 47-90 m (151-300 ft) • 30-46 m (100-150 ft) OR contamination (bored/dug well) (bored/dug well) • *Less than 30 m (100 ft) (bored/dug well) *Note: Drilled wells must have at least 6 m (20 ft) of watertight casing below ground level. If less than 6 m, treat well as a bored/dug well. CONDITION OF WELL Condition of well Good condition. No No visible defects No holes or cracks Holes or cracks visible casing visible defects visible 3 AND checked every one to OR can hear water AND checked annually by two years by certified AND checked every three running into well tip certified inspector. inspector. years or more by certified Always maintain as inspector. OR never inspected. great a distance as you can between a potential contaminant source and wells or surface water.

* These conditions may violate federal or provincial legislation or municipal by-laws. 37 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating CONDITION OF WELL...continued Condition of well Excellent condition, Fair condition, Commercially No commercially 4 cap commercially commercially manufactured, manufactured, vermin manufactured vermin manufactured, vermin vermin proof and tightly proof cap is loose or proof cap. proof and tightly secured. secured. needs repair.

Condition of well Screened vent in excellent Screened vent in good Well vented but not No well vent. 5 venting condition. condition. screened.

Condition of Surface material raised No settling of the surface Can see settling of Can see settling of surface 6 surface material above normal ground material around well casing surface material around material around well around well level beside well casing well casing casing casing AND no space between well AND no space between casing and surrounding AND no space between AND/OR visible space well casing and surface material. well casing and between well casing and surrounding surface surrounding material. surrounding surface material. material.

Casing Depth More than 45 m (150 ft) 31-45 m (101-150 ft) below 15-30 m (50-100 ft) Less than 15 m (50 ft) 7 below ground level. ground level. below ground level. OR no casing.

Casing height 40 cm (16 in) or more *Less than 40 cm (16 in) 8 above ground above normal ground above normal ground level level. level, in pit or in basement.

9 Age of well Less than 20 years old. Less than 40 years old. 40-60 years old. More than 60 years old.

* These conditions may violate federal or provincial legislation or municipal by-laws. 38 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating MANAGEMENT OF PRIVATE WELL WATER SUPPLY Type of well Drilled – Casing Drilled – Casing terminates Sand point or driven. Bored or dug. 10 terminates above ground, in a well pit. approved well cap. Backflow Anti-backflow devices Anti-backflow devices No anti-backflow devices No anti backflow devices 11 prevention (such as check valves and installed on some faucets AND air gap of at least OR air gap not vacuum breakers) with hose connections 15 cm (6 in) maintained. maintained. installed on all faucets AND air gap of at least 15 with hose connections cm (6 in) maintained. AND air gap of at least 15 cm (6 in) maintained. Unused or No unused or abandoned Unused wells capped, *Unused wells not capped 12 abandoned wells. properly protected and or protected wells maintained OR abandoned wells not AND abandoned wells properly plugged and properly plugged and sealed. sealed. Water testing Water tested for bacteria Water tested for bacteria Water tested for bacteria Water is not tested more than 3 times a year more than 3 times a year more than 3 times a year OR does not meet Ontario 13 (including once in the and once a year for other and not tested for other Drinking Water Standards spring) and more than parameters (e.g. nitrate parameters (e.g. nitrate on first test or on second once a year for other levels) levels). test (follow-up check). parameters (e.g. nitrate AND bacteria, nitrate, and levels) other tests (health related) AND bacteria, nitrate, and always meet Ontario tip other tests (health related) Drinking Water Standards Your local Health Unit is a valuable resource in helping always meet Ontario on the second test (the you manage the quality of your drinking water. Drinking Water follow-up check) if first test Participate in EcoSuperior’s Well Aware Program. Ask Standards. fails. your neighbours what their test revealed (See “Private Well Water Supply” in Resource List pg. 121).

* These conditions may violate federal or provincial legislation or municipal by-laws. 39 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE

Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating SURFACE WATER INTAKES Screen Filtration screen at water intake to tip *No filtration screen. prevent fish, sediment, leaves and Review DFO- Freshwater Intake End of Pipe 14 other debris from clogging the Fish Screen Guideline available online at: pipe/hose http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/Library/223669.pdf AND condition checked once a year. Pipe Intake pipe is less than 10 cm in tip *Pipe installed underneath a diameter road or the bed of a If you plan to install pipes for water lines watercourse does not have AND pipe installed underneath a underneath the bed of a lake/river, you may be approval/ permit. 15 road or the bed of the watercourse required to follow certain measures to protect obtains approval/permit. fish and fish habitat during construction Location Water intake upstream from required by the DFO. Contact the LRCA prior to Water intake directly potential sources of contamination. installation for project review. Also see the DFO downstream from potential Operational Statement titled High-Pressure sources of contamination. Directional Drilling (See “Fish Habitat” in Water intake deep enough that it is Resource List pg. 119). *Water intake and/or pipe is not a navigational hazard for shallow enough to act as a watercraft navigational hazard. AND it is moved according to tip changing water levels tip If you pump more AND all portions of the pipe lie on Review Transport Canada-Navigable Waters than 50,000 litres the bed of the waterway at all times. Protection Program to determine if your water per day, a Permit to intake project is considered a minor work or Take Water may be Water intake deep enough that water requires approval (See “Navigable Waters” in Water intake is left frozen in required. Contact does not freeze around it in winter Resource List pg. 121). the lake/river through the your local MOE for OR removed in winter. winter season. further details.

* These conditions may violate federal or provincial legislation or municipal by-laws. 40 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Worksheet #5 – Wastewater & Septic Systems Note: Use this worksheet to determine whether household water is treated safely on your property. Why should you be concerned?

•In urban areas, household wastewater is treated at a treatment plant before it •Facilities such as outhouses and chemical toilets can be effective and is discharged into the lake. environmentally responsible. Contact your local Health Unit or Municipality to learn more. •In rural areas, people use a septic tank or similar system to treat household wastewater. All the water that flows down your drains ends up in your septic system. It must be able to safely handle all the wastewater to prevent contamination of ground and surface water. What can you do?

•Household wastewater contains disease-causing bacteria and viruses, 1. Make sure your septic system is large enough to meet your needs. Look for household chemicals, and excess nutrients. All of these contaminants can ways to reduce the amount of wastewater that enters the septic system. cause serious health problems.

•Your household drinking water should be tested regularly for total coliform 2. Protect your health and the quality of your drinking water by disposing of and E-coli. If present, these bacteria indicate that the water is not safe for contaminants properly. drinking or food preparation. Your septic tank system could be one source of contamination. 3. Keep your septic system in good repair. Pump the septic tank out regularly •If your home treatment system has to handle too much wastewater, it will not (every 3-5 years). be as effective and may cause premature failure. Increased use of water, through additional appliances or a second bathroom will increase the load on . Keep trees, shrubs and vehicles out of your septic field. your septic system. 4

•Not only can septic system failure be highly inconvenient, it can also be very 5. Consider renting a portable toilet when hosting large gatherings. expensive. In addition, new regulations and higher standards may mean that the system may have to be replaced instead of being repaired or upgraded.

41 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Wastewater & Septic Systems: How do you rate? Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating QUANTITY OF WASTEWATER 1 Efficient water Conservative water use Moderate water use (180- High water use (271-360 Very high water use use affects (less than 180 litres/40 gal. 270 litres/40-60 gal. per litres/61-80 gal. per (greater than 360 litres/80 septic function per person per day). person per day). person per day). gal. per person per day). 2 Fixtures and Water-conserving fixtures Some water-conserving No water-conserving No water-conserving maintenance throughout house fixtures throughout house fixtures in house fixtures

tip AND fixtures are AND fixtures are inspected OR fixtures are not OR leaks are not fixed Install faucet inspected regularly regularly inspected regularly. immediately. aerators and use Problems are fixed when low-flow shower AND leaks fixed AND some leaks are fixed found heads. immediately. immediately. AND some leaks are fixed immediately. QUALITY OF WASTEWATER Solid waste No use of garbage disposal Daily use of garbage 3 unit in kitchen sink. disposal unit in kitchen sink. 4 Dissolved waste Minimal use of Careful use of household Moderate use of High use of household environmentally friendly detergents and cleaners (0.5 household detergents and detergents and cleaners (4 household detergents and litres per week) cleaners (1 litre per week) litres per week) tip cleaners (0.2 litres per Using less water week) AND minimal disposal OR moderate disposal of OR frequent disposal of helps your septic household solvents and household solvents and household solvents and field perform AND no disposal of cleaning agents into cleaning agents into cleaning agents into better. household solvents into plumbing system. plumbing system. plumbing system. plumbing system.

42 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating QUALITY OF WASTEWATER...continued Water softener Water softener does not Water softener discharges to Water softener discharges 5 discharge discharge to septic tank. septic tank but the system is into septic tank not properly designed to designed to accommodate accommodate discharge discharge water. water. Grease and oils No disposal of household Minimal disposal of Moderate disposal of Frequent disposal of 6 grease or oils into household grease and oils household grease or oils household grease or oils plumbing system into plumbing system and into plumbing system into plumbing system. oil and grease wiped from AND household wastes cooking utensils before OR no attempt to reduce only. washing. disposal of grease and oil from household.

DESIGN OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM Design and Has Building Permit or *No Building Permit or construction Certificate of Approval Certificate of Approval

AND system adequately OR system not sized 7 sized according to regulatory requirements AND system installed by tip a licensed installer. All septic systems eventually need replacing but OR system not installed tip with proper maintenance, your system can last 15 by a licensed installer. Don’t park or drive any vehicle years or longer – even with year-round use. The or any heavy equipment on the septic tank should be pumped after the first year of leaching bed of your septic use to determine the frequency of pumping. Keep a system. Keep trees and shrubs maintenance record of your septic system (See out of the septic leaching bed “Wastewater & Septic Systems” in Resource List too. pg. 123).

* These conditions may violate federal or provincial legislation or municipal by-laws. 43 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating DESIGN OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM...continued Knowledge of Excellent knowledge of Good knowledge of Limited knowledge of No knowledge of 8 septic system overall septic system overall septic system overall septic system overall septic system size, location, and size, location, and size, location, and size, location, and operation. operation. operation. operation. Septic tank Two compartment tank, Two compartment tank Single compartment Single compartment tank tank 9 AND septic tank AND septic tank checked OR seldom pumped out – last time checked every 3 years every 4-5 years and OR septic tank more than 10 years ago and pumped as required pumped as required checked every 6-10 years and pumped as OR no maintenance, no checks, AND good AND some maintenance required and leaks from tank. maintenance – baffles and no leaks. and tank checked and OR no maintenance, no leaks. but no leaks. Other Regular maintenance Regular maintenance Regular maintenance No maintenance program 10 treatment program followed program followed program not followed system OR frequent system failure AND no mechanical AND no mechanical OR occasional failures failures failures (once every 2 years). OR system overloaded.

AND loaded at rate AND loaded at rate near below design capacity. capacity. OR Holding tank Capacity is higher than Capacity meets design Loaded at design *Capacity does not meet – no leaching design requirements requirements capacity recommended guidelines 11 bed connected AND tanks checked – AND tanks checked – no OR tanks not checked OR leaks and overflow from tank no leaks leaks for leaks OR no alarm system. AND working alarm AND working alarm OR alarm system not system. system. working. * These conditions may violate federal or provincial legislation or municipal by-laws. 44 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating LOCATION OF WASTEWATER SYSTEM Distance from Greater than 150 61 - 150 m (200 - 500 ft) 15 - 60 m (50 - 199 ft) for: *Less than 15 m (50 ft) 12 wastewater treatment m (500 ft) • septic tank from: system to nearest • leaching bed • septic tank surface water • holding tank • leaching bed (lake, river, etc.) • other treatment unit • holding tank • other treatment unit

Distance from Greater than 90 m For leaching bed or For leaching bed or For leaching bed or 13 wastewater treatment (300 ft) holding tank: holding tank: holding tank: system to a well • 24 - 90 m (76 - 300 ft) • 15 - 23 m (50 - 75 ft) • less than 15 m (50 ft) (drilled well) (drilled well) (drilled well) • 47 - 90 m (151 - 300 ft) • 30 - 46 m (100 - 150 ft) • less than 30 m (100 ft) (bored/dug well) (bored/dug well) (bored/dug well)

For septic tank or other For septic tank or other tip treatment unit: treatment unit: Always maintain as great a distance as • 15 - 23 m (50 - 75 ft) •less than 15 m (50 ft) you can between a potential contaminant (drilled well) (all wells) source and wells or surface water. • 30 - 46 m (100 - 150 ft) (bored/dug well)

Leaching bed location Located more Located: *Located less than: than: 1 •5 m (16/2 ft) from any •5 m (16.5 ft) from any 14 1 •5 m (16 /2 ft) building or structure. building or structure. from any building • 3 (10 ft) from any • 3 m (10 ft) from any or structure. building or property line. property line. • 3 m (10 ft) from any property line.

* These conditions may violate federal or provincial legislation or municipal by-laws. 45 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating LOCATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM...continued Depth to water More than 1.8 m (6 ft). 0.9 - 1.8 m (3 - 6 ft). *Less than 0.9 m (3 ft). 15 table or bedrock from bottom of leaching bed trench COLLECTION OF WASTEWATER Sources and All wastewater is *Some wastewater does 16 amount collected for treatment not reach septic system tip because of leaks in AND there is no loss of To keep your septic system pipes/fixtures wastewater that should be operating at peak performance, treated don’t let unnecessary clear OR some wastewater is water enter the system. This diverted away from the AND no clear water is means fixing leaks and septic system collected and directed to conserving water. the septic system OR clear water is getting into the septic system. AND no clear water enters the septic system tip by infiltration through All downspouts should be diverted joints, access port, etc. away from the septic system to reduce overloading the leaching bed with clear water. An average size home with a roof area of 93 square metres (1000 sq ft) will deposit 930 litres (246 gallons) of water onto the ground after a 10 mm (0.4 inch) summer rain storm.

* These conditions may violate federal or provincial legislation or municipal by-laws. 46 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating DISTRIBUTION OF WASTEWATER Subsurface Pressure or dosed Gravity-fed distribution to *Drainage directly into 17 distribution of distribution to leaching leaching bed. septic field, with no septic wastewater bed. tank (septic or other treatment OR piped to anywhere but systems) a septic or other approved treatment system. LOADING OF LEACHING BED Leaching bed Surface water drains away Surface water drains onto 18 surface water from leaching bed area. leaching bed area. drainage Leaching bed Soil always firm Ground is seldom wet, or Ground is frequently wet, Ground is always wet or loading (visual spongy or spongy spongy inspection) AND no odours. 19 AND no odours OR odours noticed OR strong odours noticed occasionally. frequently

*OR pooling or bubbling of wastewater noticeable on surfaces. HAULED SEWAGE Disposal of Regulated and certified *Disposal is not done by a pumpage from disposal by a licensed licensed hauler. 20 septic tanks, hauler. tip other treatment If on clay soil, plant grass over the systems, and leaching bed. If on sand, plant beach holding tanks grass or leave without a ground cover.

* These conditions may violate federal or provincial legislation or municipal by-laws. 47 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Gardening and Landscaping Worksheet #6a – Landscape Water Efficiency

Note: Use this worksheet to learn about water efficiency your gardening and landscaping.

Why should you be concerned? What can you do?

• There is a limited supply of fresh, clean water. 1. Find out how much water you use in your landscaping and gardening.

• As water moves through the ground, it is filtered and purified before it is stored in underground aquifers. 2. Choose proper equipment that is water efficient and maintain it on a regular basis. • If water is drawn from these aquifers at a rate faster than it can be replenished by the water cycle, we can experience severe shortages and damage to aquatic systems. 3. Consider plants that grow well in local conditions with minimal irrigation.

• Prolonged temperature changes, such as heat waves, make the problem worse by lowering the groundwater levels even further.

• While the fresh water supply is shrinking, demand from municipalities, industries and agriculture is always increasing.

• Whether your drinking water comes from a private or a municipal well, we’re all pulling water from the same limited source.

48 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE LANDSCAPE WATER EFFICIENCY: How do you rate?

Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating

WATER MANAGEMENT AND USE

Knowledge of Water use is monitored Water use is monitored Water use is not monitored. 1 water use in the regularly and steps are on occasion. landscape taken to improve efficiency.

Regular monitoring for Leaks are required only Leaks are not repaired. leaks. Leaks are fixed when they become a immediately. problem.

Irrigation Irrigation equipment Low-level sprinkler system. Mid-level sprinkler or Fixed sprinkler head. 2 Equipment type applies water to plant mobile sprinkler head. rooting area only (e.g. drip system).

Irrigation System is properly Irrigation system too large design designed and sized for the for the garden area (water 3 size of the garden or reaches pavement, landscape area. driveway, etc.

No ponding of irrigation Water ponds briefly but then Irrigation water ponds but Water runoff along the water. infiltrates soil. does not run off the surface and into any property. underground drains.

49 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating WATER MANAGEMENT AND USE...continued Watering your Good knowledge of plant General recommendations General Water needs of plants are 4 plants water needs and followed for water needs of recommendations for not known. limitations specific plants water needs of specific plants known but not AND soil moisture, water OR soil moisture, water always followed. application rate and the application rate and the volume of water are volume of water are monitored. monitored.

Watering schedule is Watering schedule is Monitored watering Watering is not adjusted adjusted to rainfall, stage sometimes adjusted according limited to when according to rainfall, stage of plant development, use to rainfall, stage of plant establishing new plants. of plant development, use of water gauges, and plant development, use of water of water gauges, and plant appearance. gauges, and plant appearance. appearance.

Water only in the early Water only in the early Water only in the late Water during the hottest morning. morning or early evening. evening, thereby hours of the day. increasing the chance of fungal disease. tip Use rain barrels or cisterns to collect irrigation water for plants. In the month of June, Thunder Bay receives an tip average of 85.7 mm of rain (Environment Canada Climate Watering in the morning (versus the evening) Normals 1971-2000) and when you consider an average lowers the chance of fungal disease in plants. roof size of 93 square metres (1000 sq ft), a rain barrel attached to your downspout will collect 7,970 litres (2,105 gallons) of water FREE for lawn and garden irrigation each summer month.

50 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating Water features There is no artificial Water feature(s) and Water feature(s) are Indiscriminate design, and ponds water feature or pond on landscaping are designed located as far from placement and chemical 5 the property. to minimize the amount waterways or open natural treatment of artificial of light falling on water water as possible. water features. feature

AND water is tip continuously moving in If you are planning to construct a pond on your property (i.e. irrigation, water feature(s) livestock watering or aesthetic), you may require a permit for construction and be required to follow certain measures to protect fish and fish habitat. AND water feature(s) are Contact the LRCA prior to pond construction for project review. Also see located as far from the DFO Operational Statement titled Isolated Pond Construction (See waterways or open “Fish Habitat” in Resource List pg. 119). natural water as possible.

Pond is isolated; not Pond is created by *Pond is created by connected by any diverting flow from a digging or dredging an inlet/outlet channel to a natural watercourse into an area within an existing natural watercourse adjacent pond watercourse or by tip damming a watercourse Do not stock ponds that AND pond is at least 30 AND pond does not alter have an outflow to a metres away from the groundwater OR pond alters natural watercourse with ordinary high water groundwater, non-native fish. Contact mark temperature, the MNR before stocking AND approval/permit is obtained. sedimentation or fish a private pond that is in migration the floodplain or AND riparian connected to a natural vegetation is protected watercourse where fish OR approval/permit is could escape. AND pond does not not obtained. alter groundwater.

* These conditions may violate federal or provincial legislation or municipal by-laws. 51 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Gardening and Landscaping Worksheet #6b – Natural Buffers & Shoreline Access

Note: Use this worksheet to learn about living within natural buffer areas.

Why should you be concerned? What can you do?

•A buffer is an area of natural vegetation that runs along the shoreline, stream 1. Minimize water access points, avoid access ways through any or bluff. It extends from the high water mark to the water’s edge. environmentally sensitive areas including wetlands, bluffs, Provincially Significant Wetlands (PSWs) and Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest • Natural buffers can include wetlands, beaches, forest corridors, and any (ANSIs). native vegetation along the shoreline or bank.

• Natural buffers not only protect the stability of the shoreline, bluff, or bank, 2. Maintain the existing buffer(s). but they protect water quality by filtering and purifying water before it enters a watercourse. 3. Restore buffers where they have previously been removed or degraded in • In order to have visual or physical access to water, people sometimes consultation with the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority. remove all or part of a buffer. This activity weakens the buffer’s ability to protect against erosion or poor water quality. This leads to the degradation of ecological function. It can also lead to liability cases with neighbours and 4. Divert downspouts into screened rain barrels to reduce erosion. criminal charges if fish habitat is harmed.

52 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE NATURAL BUFFERS & SHORELINE ACCESS: How do you rate?

Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating Puncturing the Buffer is not punctured for Only a small puncture in your Buffer is punctured but Buffer mostly punctured or buffer access to water. buffer. vegetation is allowed to re- non-existent. Vegetation 1 establish naturally cleared and prevented from re-establishing. OR punctures are concentrated in one area.

Size of buffer Buffer is greater that 50 m Buffer is at least 50 m (165 Buffer is less than 50 m (165 There is no buffer present. (165 feet) wide and in feet) wide. feet) wide. Grass/lawn extends to 2 environmentally sensitive property limit. areas, buffer is 150 m (500 feet) wide. Composition of Buffer comprised of Buffer comprised mostly of Buffer comprised of some Buffer comprised of no buffer native vegetation. native vegetation and some native vegetation and mostly native vegetation and mostly 3 non-invasive introduced non-invasive species. invasive and/or non-invasive species. introduced species.

Property Aware of any especially Aware of any especially Aware of any especially No awareness of any maintenance sensitive buffers, sensitive buffers, including sensitive buffers, including especially sensitive buffers 4 including wetlands and wetlands and bluffs, and plans wetlands and bluffs. No including wetlands and bluffs, and active in to protect them. plans to protect them. bluffs, and no plans to protecting them. protect them.

Aware of exact shoreline Aware of general shoreline No awareness of shoreline property boundaries and property boundaries and property boundaries and jurisdiction including jurisdiction. jurisdiction. municipal right-of-ways, flood plain and fill regulated areas.

53 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE

Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating

Property All trees, woody debris, Vegetation alterations are Trees removed to provide Trees are removed maintenance and leaves are left in limited to pruning branches access are concentrated in an throughout to provide place. No alterations. from trees to provide for visual area. Other vegetation visual access. access. (shrubs, ground cover) is not tip removed. If you need to remove shoreline vegetation to maintain an existing right-of-way (i.e. power lines), try to remove no more than 1/3 of the vegetation, allow the root system to stay intact and use hand tools rather than large machinery. Also see the DFO Operational Statement titled Maintenance of Riparian Vegetation in Existing Right-of-Way (See “Fish Habitat” in Resource List pg. 119).

Shoreline Planting native deep- Rock rubble or rip-rap Placement of baseball to Vertical retaining stabilization rooted shrub species embankments with a slope of football sized rocks into wall of stone or 1:3 (vertical: horizontal) closed wire cages (Gabion concrete 5 OR bioengineered soft baskets). structures that incorporate AND filter cloth placed under OR concrete rubble. natural materials (i.e. logs, the rocks to prevent release of live stakes, live brush sediment. bundles). tip tip Review the DFO publication: Working Around Water? If you are planning a major shore protection Factsheet Series – Fish Habitat & Shoreline Stabilization tip project, consider a common group effort with (See “Fish Habitat” in Resource List pg. 119). Review Always contact the Lakehead Region neighbours to save construction and Transport Canada - Navigable Waters Protection Program Conservation Authority before the consulting engineering costs. Remember: to determine if your erosion protection project is construction of structures or placement altering your shoreline will effect erosion and considered a minor work or requires approval (See or removal of materials in the regulated deposition processes on the shoreline of “Navigable Waters” in Resource List pg. 121). area (i.e. shoreline) on your property. others.

54 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Gardening and Landscaping Worksheet #6c –Trees

Note: Use this worksheet to assess trees on your property.

Why should you be concerned? What can you do? Please note that this worksheet applies to small cottage lots – not woodlots.

• Ecologically, trees provide shelter and a food source for wildlife. Their 1. Protect existing trees from animal browsing, insect and disease infestation presence is critical to the health of their ecosystems and watershed. and physical damage from machinery or weather events. • The roots of trees and shrubs anchor the soil, helping to stabilize slopes and prevent the loss of soil through erosion. 2. Plant appropriate trees where possible. Check with Worksheet #6d – Plant Selection & Care, or the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority to ensure • Trees remove carbon dioxide, one of the main gases involved in climate that you are not planting invasive species. Native plants are best suited to local change, from the atmosphere. They also absorb and store many pollutants that conditions. are emitted into the air from industry and cars. This helps to improve the quality of air we breathe. 3. Identify mature and rare trees that you want to protect. Include these in a • Trees can be natural air conditioners. If planted strategically around long-term management plan. windows, doors and outdoor activity areas, trees (especially larger, mature ones) can provide shade from the hot summer sun. 4. Every Arbour Day, make it a family tradition to plant a shrub or tree. • Similarly, in winter, evergreen trees can provide shelter from cold winds. This can lower the heat loss from buildings and help reduce heating costs.

•From a real-estate perspective, trees add value to a property. They not only help to create an established feeling in a neighbourhood or property, they also improve the appearance.

55 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE TREES: How do you rate?

Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating TREE ECOLOGY Understanding Proper instructions Trees planted following proper Non-invasive, exotic No consideration given to and followed when planting instructions species are planted. tree ecology in selection of 1 appreciation for trees AND tree species selected to new trees the role of trees AND tree species selected suit existing site conditions. OR invasive species are in ecosystem to suit existing site planted. health conditions AND priority given to native species.

Standing, dead trees are Both standing and hazard dead Some wood is left to rot All felled wood is removed tip left in place to provide trees are felled and left to rot and provide habitat while from your property. Before you cut a habitat. Only hazard trees in place. some is removed. tree down, consider are felled and left to rot in the time it took for place. tip it to grow to its Review the DFO Submerged logs are left in Submerged cut logs (no root *Submerged logs that are current size, and Operational Statement titled place on the bed of wad or branches) that are located in water less than 5 check local tree Submerged Log Salvage lake/river to provide fish located in more than 5 metres m deep and buried more bylaw (See “Fish Habitat” in habitat. of water depth are safely than 10% of diameter in the requirements. Resource List pg. 119). removed. lake/river bed are removed. tip Trees and shrubs on bluffs Only some trees (e.g. hazard Many trees are removed All natural vegetation is Before clearing or and other slopes are trees) are removed from bluffs from bluffs and other removed from bluffs and trimming trees on a protected and never and other slopes. Great care is slopes. No care is taken to other slopes slope, get a certified removed. Dead trees are taken to ensure that slope ensure that slope stability arborist to help you carefully felled and left to stability is not compromised. is not compromised. *OR tree limbs that with your plans. rot. overhang water ways or shores are cut.

* These conditions may violate federal or provincial legislation or municipal by-laws. 56 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating TREE MANAGEMENT Tree All trees are protected Trees at shoreline and Trees are not protected Lot is generally cleared. 2 maintenance against browsing, injury, watercourse buffers are and care and potential diseases protected OR some healthy trees are removed. AND no healthy trees are AND no healthy trees are removed. removed. tip Branch pruning is done Branch pruning is irregular Trees are pruned carelessly Protect trees during properly and at the right but is done properly. or without regard for tree construction by time to provide lake views health and vigor. ensuring that there from a distance. is no disturbance within the dripline. Trees are watered Trees are watered during hot, Trees are watered Watering is inadequate properly and regularly for dry periods for the first three irregularly during the first three years a minimum of three years years after planting following planting after planting AND mulch is properly AND mulch is properly piled at least 3 inches away OR mulch is piled too close AND mulch is properly piled at least 3 inches away from tree trunk. to the tree trunk, causing piled at least 3 inches from tree trunk. damage to the bark. from tree trunk.

Knowledge of Have knowledge of A certified arborist is hired to Existing trees are checked No consideration is given to issues related to potential insect and assess tree health and periodically for disease or tree health or insect 3 tree health disease problems in your development and to develop a insect infestation. problems in your area. area long-term management plan. tip AND a certified arborist is tip hired to assess tree health Be aware of the source of new If necessary, ensure trees are and development and to trees when purchasing and properly staked after planting and develop a long-term ensure they are infection-free that stakes are removed after two management plan. before planting. years. 57 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating

TREE MANAGEMENT...continued

Tree root Tree rooting zone has Tree rooting zone is adequate Tree rooting zone is not less Soil volume and growing system adequate soil volume and but may need supplemental than 60 % of appropriate conditions of tree rooting conditions appropriate to water or nutrients. volume and may require zone are inadequate for the 4 the tree species. supplemental water during tree species selected. dry spells. tip Most tree roots extend beyond the dripline of the tree.

Soil Tree species selected is Tree species selected is Tree species selected will Tree species selected is well suited to existing soil tolerant of existing soil survive in existing soil unsuited to existing soil 5 conditions especially soil conditions. conditions with occasional conditions, especially structure and moisture supplemental nutrients and moisture availability. availability. water.

tip tip Cues for proper species Never pile mulch too selection can be gained by close to the trunk of a looking at nearby native or tree. This can damage non-invasive trees that are the bark, possibly thriving in the same girdling and killing the conditions as your property. tree.

58 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Gardening and Landscaping Worksheet #6d – Plant Selection & Care

Note: Use this worksheet to help select appropriate plants for your landscape.

Why should you be concerned? What can you do?

• Native plants have evolved as part of a greater ecological community. They Learn about the plant community in your area/region and select plants are well adapted to local conditions, but may have some disease or insect 1. problems. with the help of Thunder Bay Naturalist Club or a reputable nursery or market garden. • Using native species helps to integrate your property into the greater landscape context. 2. Never plant invasive plants on your property and understand which invasive species already exist in your area. • Native plants are a valuable food source for insects and native wildlife. They also provide valuable habitat for many kinds of species. 3. Know your soil type and depth. Some areas along Lake Superior have • Invasive species can spread into other areas and are difficult to eradicate. very shallow soils. They can also introduce disease and require more maintenance such as watering and fertilizing. 4. Reduce your lawn area to only what is needed for particular activities and • Avoid extensive lawns because they reduce biodiversity. keep it as far as possible from any water-body or shoreline.

• Extensive lawns also contribute to erosion and increase the potential for slope instability. 5. Use low maintenance plants that don’t require watering or fertilizing.

59 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE PLANT SELECTION & CARE: How do you rate?

Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating

Plant selection No use or presence of No new planting of invasive No new planting of Continued use of invasive 1 and control invasive plants on plants invasive plants plants. property AND measures taken to eliminate existing invasive tip plants. When selecting any plant, consider its Match plant selection to Plant selection suits local soil Occasional addition of Plant selection does not size at maturity and your soil conditions and climate conditions nutrients to support non- suit local soil and climate determine if this is invasive plants. conditions appropriate to the AND only native plants. AND non-invasive plants space available. selected. OR includes invasive plants.

Complete eradication and Long-term management plan Short-term management No attempts to eradicate tip proper disposal of existing for the eradication of existing plan for the eradication of invasive plants. When planting in a invasive plants on your invasive plants. existing invasive plants. floodplain, ensure property. that plants can tolerate seasonal Aquatic plants are left Aquatic plants are removed by *Aquatic plants are flooding conditions. undisturbed to provide approved methods in the removed without regard fish habitat and stabilize appropriate timing window. for fish habitat sediments. OR removed by tip unapproved herbicide Review the DFO publication: Working Around Water? Factsheet Series – Fish application or in-water Habitat & Controlling Aquatic Plants (See “Fish Habitat” in Resource List pg. 119). dredging.

* These conditions may violate federal or provincial legislation or municipal by-laws. 60 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating

Garden Regular checks to ensure Regular checks to ensure that Occasional checks to ensure No checks to ensure that monitoring that invasive species have invasive species have not that invasive species have invasive species have not 2 not established in gardens established in gardens. not established in gardens established in gardens

AND once spotted, OR once spotted, invasive OR once spotted, invasive invasive plants are plants are immediately plants are not disposed. immediately disposed of disposed of in an in an appropriate manner. inappropriate manner. Lawns No traditional lawn. Lawn is limited to a area over Lawn is kept to a minimum Much of property is given 3 the septic bed with no use of size and at a maximum over to lawn pesticides, fertilizers or distance from any shoreline irrigation. or bluff edge. OR lawn is used to the water’s edge.

Learn about appropriate Allow for a mix of native and Non-invasive plants used Species used require alternative groundcovers non-invasive plants that that tolerate some mowing extensive use of irrigation, from local experts and tolerate some mowing and and drought. fertilizer or pesticides plant them drought. OR use of invasive species. AND encourage local nurseries to stock native groundcovers. Sod is used to establish new Establishment of new lawn Bare soil. tip lawn. with seed, subject to erosion. If planting a traditional tip lawn with non-native During hot, dry tip grass, choose a grass To gradually remove or reduce the size of weather, allow that is hardy, pest your lawn, stop mowing. Gradually, native grasses to go resistant and non- plants will return. dormant. invasive.

61 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE

Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating PESTICIDE USE Pesticide use No cosmetic pesticide Pesticide alternatives are Pesticides are handled Pesticides are applied and use. used. carefully according to indiscriminately without 4 application instructions and weather concern for application. conditions AND spot treatment. FERTILIZER USE Understanding Good understanding of Good understanding of plant Basic understanding of No consideration for of plant plant nutrient nutrient requirements plant nutrient soil condition or 5 requirements requirements requirements plant nutrient and fertilizer AND plant is monitored requirements use AND soil is tested to regularly to detect nutrient AND occasional determine nutrient deficiencies. Fertilizer used monitoring for plant OR excessive use of requirements before accordingly. nutrient deficiencies. fertilizer. fertilizing. Fertilizer Fertilizer used regularly. used accordingly. Fully-composted manure Fully-composted manure and Occasionally apply Over-application of and yard waste is used yard waste is used fertilizer over the entire nutrients appropriately to amend appropriately to amend soil garden and/or the lawn. soil. OR poor care taken OR controlled spot use of in following package fertilizer if necessary. instructions. Locally-produced, well- Local, well-rotted compost Well-rotted compost or Quick-release rotted compost or or manure is used manure is used but not synthetic/commercial manure is used. OR slow-release synthetic from local sources fertilizer is used. fertilizer is used. OR quick-release fertilizer is used but nutrient composition is appropriate to situation.

62 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE

Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating FERTILIZER USE...continued Application Nutrient application is a Nutrient application is a Nutrient application is a Fertilizer, compost or 6 practices and minimum of 30 m (100 ft) minimum of 30 m (100 ft) minimum of 30 m (100 ft) manure applied to frozen water access from wells, water intakes, from wells, water intakes, from wells, water intakes, or saturated soils or on streams and water courses streams and water courses streams and water slopes where surface courses. run-off is likely AND a permanently AND check to ensure that vegetated buffer, greater heavy rain or thunderstorms *OR closer than 30 m that 3 m (10 ft) wide runs are not forecasted for at least (100 ft) to wells, water between the area of 24 hours following intakes, streams and nutrient application and application. water courses. any well, water intake, stream or water course tip AND check to ensure that NEVER compost invasive species unless heavy rain or you are sure that there are no seeds thunderstorms are not present and that composting will forecasted for at least 24 effectively kill the root system. hours following application. tip At the Nursery: what you should ask… tip 1. What native, local plants do you have? Test your soil for nitrogen, phosphorus and 2. Are they nursery grown or were potassium levels before adding nutrients. they harvested from the wild? Contact a soil testing lab for more details 3. Is there potential for invasion? on soil sampling. See the Yellow Pages for 4. How can you control or eradicate it, if necessary? a listing near you (See “Soils” in Resource 5. What are the nutrient and water requirements? List pg. 122).

* These conditions may violate federal or provincial legislation or municipal by-laws. 63 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE

Dangerous Beauty! … the problem with invasive species

Be aware of the plant that can grow anywhere… A well-intentioned ‘gift’ from a friend or neighbour may end up taking A database of invasive species sightings across the province is maintained over your garden and spreading into nearby plant communities where it through a partnership between the MNR and the Ontario Federation of can have a disastrous impact on the health of that ecosystem. Being Anglers and Hunters (OFAH). Learn to identify invasive species on their invasive depends on site conditions. It is possible that a well-contained website (www.invadingspecies.com). Please report any occurrence of plant in your garden may run rampant in a friend’s garden. Never accept invasive species by calling the Invading Species Hotline (1-800-563- or give plants if you are unsure. 7711). The following is a partial list of invasive plants that are of concern in Ontario.

AVOID THE USE OF THESE PLANTS!

Amur Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) European frog-bit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae) Morrow Honeysuckle (Lonicera morrowii) Fanwort (Cabomba caroliniana) Tatarian Honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica) Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus) Common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) Garlic Mustard (Alliara petiolata) Glossy buckthorn (Rhamnus Frangula) Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) Common Reed (Phragmites australis) Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) Dog-strangling vine (Vincetoxicum nigrum) Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) Eurasian Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) Curly- leaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus) Yellow Iris (Iris pseudacorus) Yellow floating heart (Nymphoides peltata) Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)

64 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE

Dangerous Beauty! … the problem with invasive species

Name: Bottumus umbellatus Name: Potamogeton crispus Common Name: Flowering Rush Common Name: Curly-leaf Pondweed Colours: 3 whitish pink umbrella shaped Colours: Reddish brown curly leaves in flowers with triangular-shaped stems summer and blue green flattened leaves in Size: Can reach 1 m (3.2 ft) above water winter and shallow roots Type: Aquatic perennial Size: 3-10 cm (1-4 in) leaves Type: Aquatic annual that form surface mats

Name: Lythrum salicaria Common Name: Purple loosestrife Name: Myriophyllum spicatum Colours: 5-7 purple flowers opposite or Common Name: Eurasian Watermilfoil in whorls of 3 and stiff 4-sided stem Colours: pale pink to reddish brown stem Size: 1-3 m (3-10 ft) tall and green feathery leaves Type: Perennial that prefers wet habitats Size: 12 or more pairs of featherlike leaflets such as wetlands, marshes, etc. Type: Aquatic plant that that has seeds but only needs a small fragment to spread

65 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Tips about cosmetic pesticides & their alternatives…

Why should you be concerned? What can you do?

• Research studies have found that many cosmetic pesticides are toxic and may cause serious health problems for humans and ecosystems immediately 1. Inform yourself of alternative non-toxic or lower toxicity chemicals to or many years later. deal with the problem.

• The presence of pesticides in surface and groundwater may make it Read and follow instructions carefully. Note if weather conditions may unsuitable for drinking. 2. affect application.

•When contaminated surface water runs into streams and lakes, it reduces the quality of the water and may harm fish, wildlife and humans. 3. Avoid storing pesticides for long periods of time. Buy only the amount you need and make sure you have a safe storage area. Dispose of empty • Pesticides must be handled carefully to prevent them from getting into any pesticide containers and rinse water safely. water source.

• Pesticides below tolerance level (set by the government) have been found in 4. Never pour leftovers down the drain, storm sewer, storm drain, or into Ontario’s drinking water. The effects of repeated exposure to very small open water. amounts over a long period of time are still unknown. Chronic health problems may not appear for many years. 5. Do not apply pesticides on windy days or when it is raining. Wind can cause the pesticides to be transported through the air to locations that were not desired initially. If pesticides are applied when it is raining, there will be an increased chance that they will be washed away, possibly into a nearby water source.

66 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Tips about cosmetic pesticides & their alternatives…

Alternatives

Successful landscapes rely on preventative measures and careful monitoring just The Cosmetic Pesticides Ban Act was passed by the Ontario legislature like your health. June 18, 2008. The government has not yet determined which products and/or active ingredients will be included in the ban but now is the time to • Learn about your garden’s current situation, such as nutrient composition, soil start researching safe and effective alternatives to keep your lawn healthy type, moisture regime and shade tolerances. Add only what is needed and work and beautiful. with what cannot be changed.

•Keep you lawn fed (compost/manure/fertilizer), aerated, de-thatched and maintain adequate soil moisture. Most problems can be avoided if your lawn is in good condition to start with. Lawn grasses go dormant naturally in the last days of summer and will become green again with precipitation in the fall.

• Try old-fashioned remedies for pests, such as Borax© sprinkled around ant nests, insecticidal soap for various insects, and baking soda or sulphur for fungal diseases. These are just a few ideas – more can be found at your public library, the • To make plants less appetizing for the insects, use a garlic spray (10 cloves of garlic in 1 litre/4 cups of water and heat for 5 minutes). web and your local nursery or plant club. Just ask about pesticide • To get rid of unwanted plants, spray household vinegar (not diluted) on the alternatives! plant every day until it dies.

• Bring in reinforcements. Create suitable habitat for birds or bats that will eat insect pests.

• Get out the hand tools and dig up unwanted weeds.

67 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE

Tips about nutrients

Why should you be concerned? What can you do?

• Nutrients have an important and beneficial role in plant growth and soil Test to find out the nutrient level in your soil before adding any amendments. As plant roots take up nutrients from the soil over time, the 1. soil may become depleted, resulting in less vigorous plant and lawn nutrients. growth. 2. Effectively manage nutrients in an environmentally responsible • Over-application of fertilizers can result in fertilizer running off the manner. garden or lawn. This can contaminate both groundwater and surface water and encourage algae and algal blooms. 3. Reduce your nutrient application volume. • Our activities both inland and along the shoreline affect the nutrient- loading of our rivers and lakes. 4. Plant species of shrubs and plants that require little or no fertilizers. • Water quality protection includes nutrient management and the appropriate use of fertilizers.

•We can all potentially contribute to harmful eutrophication, reducing N –P –K water quality and thereby recreational pleasure. Nitrogen (N) for leaf development and vivid green colour. Phosphourus (P) for root growth. Potassium (K) for root development and disease resistance.

68 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Lawn Care: How to have a healthy, low-maintenance lawn tip tip When to water? How much? Fertilizing

. In hot, dry weather and during water shortages, allow grass to . Leaving grass clippings on the lawn can increase soil become dormant. Water 7 – 12 mm (0.25-0.5 inch) every 2 or 3 fertility up to 50 %. weeks. Grass will look brown but it is dormant, not dead. . If you do use a fertilizer, choose a slow-release product. . Encourage deep rooting by watering infrequently but The nutrients are released slowly, preventing ‘lawn burn’ thoroughly. Your lawn needs no more that 25 mm (1 inch) of and groundwater contamination. water per week. tip tip When to mow? How? Dealing with weeds

. Mow when the grass is as dry as possible. . Remove unwanted plants from lawn by hand using long handled tools. It is easier to remove weeds when the ground is damp. . Leave your grass at least 8 cm (3 in) long. This encourages Alternatively, pour boiling water over the exposed roots of unwanted root growth and lessens moisture loss. plants.

.Aerating your lawn improves rooting conditions. . Spread a layer 8-10 cm (3-4 in) thick of natural mulch overtop your garden. This will prevent weed seeds from germinating.

. If you do use a pesticide, directly spray only those plants that you want to get rid of. Avoid spraying the entire lawn.

. Appropriately dispose of invasive plants. Check the Resource List for information on the control of invasive species.

69 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Worksheet #7 – Waste Management

Note: Use this worksheet to learn about how you can help manage your waste.

Why should you be concerned? What can you do?

• The millions of tonnes of garbage produced in our communities every year is Consider how you can personally generate less waste. quickly filling up existing landfill sites. 1.

• It is increasingly difficult to place new landfill sites. No one wants to live 2. Inform yourself of initiatives that are redesigning products, packaging, near one. and manufacturing processes to reduce waste. Support them through your purchasing power. • If a Municipality’s landfill site is full and a new nearby location cannot be obtained, residents must pay more to have their waste transported elsewhere. 3. Recycle effectively. Contact your local Municipality to learn what items • Recycling saves natural resources, energy and water by using already can be recycled in your community and how you should prepare them for manufactured items instead of more natural resources. recycling (i.e. rinse, bundle, sort, etc.).

• Durable products may initially be more expensive but they are generally a Compost food and yard wastes. Don’t use kitchen sink garbage disposals better long-term investment and will keep from entering landfill sites longer. 4. as garborators. • There is the potential that leachate from landfill sites may contaminate groundwater. 5. Use refillable and reusable containers and products as much as possible and purchase durable products that won’t need short-term replacement (i.e. • Open burning of garbage in barrels, woodstoves, fireplaces, outdoor reuseable travel coffee mug). furnaces or open pits releases a large number of pollutants. Burning of garbage at home, cottage and farm is one of the largest known sources of dioxins and furans in Ontario. 6. Watch for Waste Reduction Week/Hazardous Waste Disposal Days in your community. Encourage your local Municipality to support recycling programs and similar events. 70 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE WASTE MANAGEMENT: How do you rate?

Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating MINIMIZING THE WASTE THAT COMES ‘IN’

Purchases Instead of buying, always Purchase or use only Purchase more than is Purchase more than is 1 attempt to borrow, rent or what you need and avoid necessary necessary share any items possible accumulating unused products. AND recycling as much as OR throw away OR purchase used items. possible, including unwanted items into donating items. regular household garbage.

Preference given to items Preference given to items Disposable or single Frequently purchase that are durable, reusable, that are durable, reusable, serving items purchased disposable, or single and/or recyclable and can and/or recyclable and can even when alternatives serving items be recycled locally be recycled locally available OR no effort to recycle or AND take-out or OR cottage recyclables AND minimal effort is reuse. disposable food/beverage stored and taken home to made to recycle or reuse. containers are seldom recycle. used. tip Use your Choose items that have no Choose items that have Choose items with No consideration given to purchasing power packaging minimal packaging packaging that is product packaging to help minimize recyclable in your waste and protect AND always re-use carry- OR always re-use carry- Municipality. OR plastic carry-out bags water quality. out grocery bags or bring out grocery bags or bring are accepted and then a reusable tote bag. a reusable tote. discarded.

71 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating MINIMIZING THE WASTE THAT GOES ‘OUT’ Re-using and Reduce the number of Reuse as many items as Recycle as many items as No consideration given to recycling items you use. possible. possible. reduce consumption or 2 reuse items

OR recyclable items not sorted but disposed of at tip landfill. Redirect or place Both sides of a sheet of Both sides of a sheet of Most paper is recycled and Paper is not recycled. your newspaper and paper are used paper are used all paper purchased magazine contains some recycled subscriptions on hold AND all paper is recycled. OR all paper is recycled. content. while you are away from home. Check with local Most recyclable items are Little or no attempt made Municipality to learn what recycled. to participate in local items are recyclable and recycling programs how they should be prepared for recycling * OR waste is burned / a tip burn barrel is used. To reduce packaging AND comply with all buy larger volumes applicable practices in (more product for your community. less packaging) bulk or concentrated Food scraps and yard Food scraps and yard Food scraps or yard products. wastes are properly wastes are composted wastes are thrown in composted regularly, on occasionally. regular household site. garbage

OR a garborator or garbage disposal is used.

* These conditions may violate federal or provincial legislation or municipal by-laws. 72 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE

Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating MINIMIZES THE WASTE THAT GOES ‘OUT’...continued Composting Household compost is Compost composition is Household compostable No composting. Food scraps 3 practices rodent proof monitored and mixed waste is sent to local and yard waste regularly composting facility. is thrown in regular AND compost household garbage. composition is monitored AND compost is used on-site. and mixed regularly

AND compost is used on- site. Know your numbers…

Beverage and Beverage and Clear deli food Carry-out grocery Margarine and Foam cups, Bottles food bottles food bottles, packaging, bags, bread bags, yogurt containers trays, and foam containing detergent and ice vegetable oil frozen food bags take-out several resins cream containers bottles containers

Check with your Municipality to learn which numbers can be recycled in your local program. Look on the bottom of plastic containers to learn what number they are.

73 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Worksheet #8 – Proper Handling, Storage & Disposal of Chemicals

Note: Use this worksheet to learn about management of fuels, pesticides and typical household chemicals.

Why should you be concerned? What can you do?

• Petroleum products contain toxic compounds, such as benzene, which can Inform yourself of alternative non-toxic or lower toxicity chemicals to cause cancer. 1. deal with the situation. • Some toxic chemicals are colourless and odourless and can go undetected in water that has not been tested for contamination. 2. Avoid storing chemicals. Buy only the amount you need and make sure you have a safe storage area. Contact your local Municipality to learn how • Contaminated water or soil greatly devalues property and is very expensive you can dispose of empty chemical containers and rinse water safely. to clean-up. Clean-up may not even be possible in some cases.

• A property owner may be held liable for contaminating any water source. 3. Never store fuel or any chemical on your property where it may come in contact with water. • Vapours from some chemicals such as fuels can ignite or cause explosions. 4. Read and follow instructions carefully. Note if weather conditions can • Pesticides have been found in amounts below the tolerance levels set by the affect application. government in Ontario’s drinking water. We don’t know the effects of repeated exposure to low amounts over a long period of time. Chronic health problems may not appear for many years. 5. Never put chemical leftovers down the drain, storm sewer, storm drain or into open water.

74 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE CHEMICALS: How do you rate?

Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating FUEL CHEMICALS Vehicles and Regular checks ensure Irregular checks to ensure Never check to ensure 1 machinery vehicles and machinery vehicles and machinery are vehicles and machinery are not leaking. not leaking. are not leaking.

Any fluid spills are Any fluid spills are Some spills are cleaned up Drips and spills are not cleaned up immediately. cleaned up immediately. immediately. cleaned up. Rags are disposed of appropriately.

Used oil, antifreeze, and Used oil, antifreeze, and Used oil, antifreeze and * Used oil, antifreeze and tip other wastes are other wastes are disposed other wastes are allowed to other wastes are dumped Keep your vehicles appropriately recycled. of at landfill. accumulate on your down the storm sewer, in regularly serviced property. a ditch or on the ground. to check for oil, antifreeze or gas leaks. There are no unused or There are no unused or There are no unused or There are unused or decommissioned vehicles decommissioned vehicles decommissioned vehicles decommissioned vehicles on the property on the property on the property on your property

AND no dirty car parts, AND/OR dirty car parts AND/OR dirty car parts * AND/OR Car parts and wastes or chemicals. and vehicle and vehicle wastes or vehicle wastes or wastes/chemicals are chemicals are left on chemicals are left near kept out of reach of unpaved areas outside. water courses. storm water runoff.

* These conditions may violate federal or provincial legislation or municipal by-laws. 75 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating FUEL STORAGE Portable fuel All fuel is used up A minimal amount of Fuel is stored in safe, Fuels are stored in storage regularly so that storage is fuel is stored in safe, approved, original-sale, unmarked, open or 2 not required anywhere on approved, original-sale, and clearly labeled unapproved containers. the property. and clearly labeled containers. containers

AND liquid fuel containers have a spout to prevent spills.

Distance between Distance between Distance between * Distance between petroleum storage and petroleum storage and petroleum storage and petroleum storage and nearest surface water is nearest surface water is nearest surface water is 30- nearest surface water is greater than 150 m (500 61-150 m (200-500 ft). 60 m (100-199 ft). less than 30 m (100 ft). ft).

Distance between Distance between Distance between * Distance between petroleum storage and petroleum storage and petroleum storage and petroleum storage and well(s) is greater than 90 well(s) is 24-90 m (76- well(s) is 15-23 m (50-75 well(s) is less than 15 m m (300 ft). 300 ft) for a drilled well ft) (50 ft) for a drilled well

OR 47-90 m (151-300 ft) OR 30-46 m (100-150 ft) OR less than 30 m (100 for a bored/dug well. for a bored/dug well. ft) for a bored/dug well.

* These conditions may violate federal or provincial legislation or municipal by-laws. 76 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating

ABOVE GROUND FUEL TANK STORAGE Gasoline and No fuel tanks are present All tanks are made of * Steel tank with no 3 diesel fuel tanks above or below ground steel and have a protective coating anywhere on the property. protective, anti-corrosive coating OR fibreglass tank

AND ULC approved. OR not ULC approved.

Tanks are regularly Tanks are tested monthly Tanks are not checked for checked for leaks. for leaks. leaks.

The water table is located The water table is located The water table is located more than 3 m (10 ft) consistently 1.5 m (5 ft) to consistently less that 1.5 tip below the surface under 3 m (10 ft) below the m (5 ft) below the If a spill or leak the fuel tank. surface. surface. occurs, report it immediately to the Inactive tanks are Inactive tanks are Spills Action decommissioned and abandoned. Centre at the MOE properly removed. by calling: 1-800-268-6060 Tanks sites are checked Tanks sites are not for contamination. If checked for found, it is immediately contamination reported. OR if found, not immediately reported.

* These conditions may violate federal or provincial legislation or municipal by-laws. 77 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating

ABOVE GROUND FUEL TANK STORAGE...continued Heating oil All types of tank(s) are Tank(s) with a capacity Fuel tank is located inside 4 tanks located more than 3 m (10 of less than 2500 litres a building. ft) from any building. (550 gallons) are located 3 m (10 ft) or less from * OR tanks(s) with a any building. capacity greater than 2500 litres (550 gallons) are located less than 1.5 m (5 ft) from a building.

Tanks are ULC approved, * Tanks are not ULC monitored for leaks, and approved or monitored proper vent pipe used for leaks tip AND protective coating OR no vent pipe used * If you have maintained. underground storage OR protective coating not of fuel, you are not maintained. in compliance with regulation. Tank less than 5 years old. Tank less than 10 years Tank less than 20 years Tank more than 25 years old. old. old

OR age of tank unknown.

Fuel delivery system * Fuel delivery system between fuel storage and between fuel storage and appliance is installed by a appliance is not installed registered contractor and by a registered contractor inspected annually for leaks. OR not inspected annually for leaks.

* These conditions may violate federal or provincial legislation or municipal by-laws. 78 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating

COSMETIC PESTICIDES, HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS AND NON-FUELS Cleaning All household cleaning Most household cleaning Typical chemical cleaners No consideration given to 5 products products are non-toxic and products are non-toxic are used properly a product’s toxicity non-harmful to humans and non-harmful to humans. AND minimal quantities OR more than is AND minimal quantities are used. necessary is used. are used.

Total amount of No chemicals used any Chemicals are not stored Small amount of chemicals Large quantities of 6 pesticide and time. longer than immediate stored for longer than chemicals stored for other non-fuel use period. immediate use period. longer than immediate chemicals use period. stored

Distance from Greater than 150 m (500 60-150 m (200-500 ft). 30-60 m (100-199 ft). Less than 30 m (100 ft). 7 chemical ft). storage to nearest surface water source 8 Distance from Greater than 90 m (300 23-90 m (76-300 ft) for a 15-23 m (50-76 ft) for a Less than 15 m (50 ft) for chemical ft). drilled well drilled well a drilled well storage to well OR 46-90 m (151-300 ft) OR 30-45 m (100-150 ft) OR less than 30 m (100 for a bored/dug well. for a bored/dug well. ft) for a bored/dug well. Chemical Chemicals are mixed in Chemicals are not mixed 9 solution mixing well ventilated area, on an in well ventilated area impervious surface, and OR surface is not far from any open drain or impervious open water source. OR mix far from any open drain or open water source. 79 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating

COSMETIC PESTICIDES, HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS AND NON-FUELS...continued

Chemical Stored in a water-proof Stored in a garage or Stored with human or 10 storage area locked cabinet or storage shed with a concrete animal food and containers container. The container floor that does not itself stored in a garage or contain any drains. OR stored in residence shed with a concrete floor that does not contain any OR stored in a garage or drains. shed with a concrete floor that contains drains.

Sill installed in cabinet to No sill installed in No sill installed in cabinet contain any spills. cabinet. AND garage/shed has floor drains that leads to a water source, drainage ditch or soil Garage or shed is well Garage or shed is not ventilated to outside. ventilated to the outside.

Emergency numbers are No emergency numbers posted nearby. are posted nearby.

All chemicals are in Containers not labeled. clearly marked containers.

Storage/use of chemicals Storage/use of chemicals before the expiration date. after the expiration date.

80 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating COSMETIC PESTICIDES, HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS AND NON-FUELS...continued Disposal of Sprayer rinse water is Sprayer rinse water is Sprayer rinse water is Sprayer rinse water is pesticide applied only to plants applied only to plants applied only to plants listed applied to plants other 11 sprayer rinse listed on the label listed on the label on the label than those listed on the water label AND more than 9 m (30 AND less than 9 m (30 AND less than 9 m (30 ft) ft) from surface water ft) from surface water from surface water source OR dumped into open source source water source OR less than 45 m (150 ft) AND more than 61 m AND 45-60 m (150-200 from well. OR dumped near a well. (200 ft) from well. ft) from well.

Return, rinsing Use of returnable or Triple or pressure rinsed Triple or pressure rinsed * Inappropriate disposal 12 and disposal of refillable containers containers or empty bags containers or empty bags of un-rinsed containers chemical taken to municipal taken to municipal landfill including burning them. containers AND rinse water is used landfill as per label instructions. BUT rinse water is allowed AND rinse water is used into septic system or storm as per label instructions. drain.

Emergency Emergency plans easily Emergency plan easily Emergency phone numbers * No emergency plan 13 plan and clean accessible, outlining accessible, outlining posted nearby prepared up equipment actions to be taken in case actions to be taken in for spills of spill, leak, fire or case of spill, leak, fire or AND general plan in case OR no spill cleanup explosion explosion. of emergency. equipment ready nearby. AND cleanup equipment available.

* These conditions may violate federal or provincial legislation or municipal by-laws. 81 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating DISPOSAL OF ANY CHEMICALS Disposal of No unused vehicle Unused vehicle batteries hazardous batteries stored on the are stored on the 14 chemicals or property. property. materials

Expired household Expired household Expired household batteries are taken to a batteries are thrown in the batteries are not disposed hazardous waste facility. regular garbage and taken of. to a landfill.

Disposal is unnecessary Leftover hazardous Chemical waste is properly * Hazardous substances because appropriate substances are given to disposed of at a hazardous are poured down the amount of chemical others in proper and waste facility. drain, on the ground, purchased and used up. clearly labeled containers burned or taken to a for appropriate use as landfill. soon as possible. tip If you have leftover chemicals, such as paint or turpentine, ask your neighbours or friends if they need it for a current project.

* These conditions may violate federal or provincial legislation or municipal by-laws. 82 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE

Typical Hazardous Household Chemicals

Typical Hazardous Household Chemicals: (Taken directly from Home*A*Syst, An Environmental Risk Assessment Guide for the Home 1997 available for purchase online. See “Chemicals” in Resource List pg.???)

Household Waste Building/Wood Cleaners and Repair Products Vehicle Maintenance Chemicals

• Ash/sludge from burned household waste Any building and wood cleaners with the following • Antifreeze, oil and grease, transmission fluid • Light bulbs/lamps (contain mercury) ingredients: • Solvents for oil and grease removal/disposal • Waste motor oil • Wood polishers • Engine/car parts cleaners such as carburetor and brake • Plastic wraps and containers (hazardous only when burned) • Products for wood floor and panel cleaning cleaner • Pesticide or solvent containers • Paints and paint preparation products • Empty containers from other product categories listed here Building and equipment maintenance products: • Lead acid batteries • Strong acids/bases * • Tire cleaners Clothing and Fabric Care Products • Lead-based paint • Rust removers • Oil/alkyd paints and primers • Ignition wire dryer • Mothballs • Marine and exterior paints containing mercury and/or • Gasket removers pesticides • Dry-cleaning fluids • Aerosol paint and primer products • Aerosol paint products • Spot removers (solvent based) • Stains and finishes • Shoe-leather polishes • Roof coatings and sealants • Rust removers Hobby and Recreation Products • Silicon and other lubricants • Adhesive removers • Artist paints and solvents • Paint and finish preparation products • Charcoal lighter fluid • Adhesives (glues, caulk) • Strong acids/bases * • Wood-preserving products • Bottled gas • Products for brush or spray-gun cleaning • Household batteries (may contain mercury or cadmium) NOTE: • Water repellents for wood and cement * A strong acid/base can be identified by noting if there is • Solvents such as those used in degreasers, paint thinners, Pesticides a hazard warning label that recommends using skin stains and varnishes protection or to avoid breathing in vapours or aerosol mists. Also, if the product is intended for commercial use • General use and ‘restrictive use’ pesticides or if is intended to manage difficult stains or dirt on hard • Old and/or unwanted pesticides surfaces.

83 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Worksheet #9 – Lake Recreation

Note: Use this worksheet to learn about enjoying the lake in a sustainable way. Why should you be concerned? What can you do?

. Being in close proximity to the lake or waterfront is probably the reason Operate an engine-less watercraft such as a canoe or kayak, or use a 4- why you purchased your property. It is important that everyone contributes 1. positively to ensure water quality in the lake is safe for it’s users. stroke engine boat.

. Fuels, wastewater and other hazardous or toxic chemicals associated with 2. Reduce boat wake and its effects on shorelines, channels and aquatic motorized recreational watercraft can contaminate the lake, destroying fish nesting areas by decreasing your speed on the water. habitat and making the water unsuitable for use.

. Invasive species are easily transported between water bodies and can 3. Rinse off your craft (with water) every time it is hauled out of the water. quickly invade, driving native species away and destroying the natural This will prevent invasive species from being transported and spreading to ecosystem. other water bodies and water courses.

. Waves from the wake of motorized recreational vehicles can cause shoreline and channel erosion and damage water nesting areas for fish and waterfowl. 4. Never dispose of waste (including fish guts) in the water. Dispose of them properly on land.

5. Don’t expand your beach by removing vegetation and/or dumping sand.

6. Choose not to build docks or boathouses. Not only do they damage sensitive ecosystems along shorelines, they are not practical because of high intensity waves and water level fluctuations on Lake Superior. Use a public boat launch or marina instead.

84 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Lake Recreation: How do you rate? Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating BOATING Boat engine and Boat/watercraft does not Boat has four-stroke Boat has a modern direct Boat has an older two- 1 maintenance have an engine. engine that meets or injection two-stroke stroke engine. exceeds emission engine. standards

OR use an electric motor on board with a battery and an outboard tip propeller. Check your engine regularly for any Boat has a portable fuel Boat is refueled on board Little care is taken to No care is taken to leaks including the container that is filled far but great care is used to prevent fuel from getting prevent fuel from getting fuel line, clamps from any open water. prevent spills or into open water. into open spaces and filters. overfilling. Any spills are cleaned up immediately. * OR fuel is dumped into open water. tip Bilge is cleaned out at an Disposable cloths are Bilge cleaners (including * Black or grey water is Keep a tray under approved local marina used for cleaning bilge. biodegradable ones) are discharged into the lake the battery to catch bilge pump-out facility. These and any fuels from rarely used. or water body instead of any acid spills. inside the bilge are an approved pump-out properly disposed of at facility. the local hazardous waste facility.

On-board waste All garbage is kept on Food scraps are rarely Food scraps, plastic waste 2 board in a designated area thrown overboard and any other on-board until it can be properly waste is thrown disposed of or recycled AND plastic waste is never overboard. back on land. thrown overboard.

* These conditions may violate federal or provincial legislation or municipal by-laws. 85 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating BOATING Boat use Within 150 metres (500 ft) Within 30 m (100 ft) of No consideration given to of shore, means taken to shore, speed of any the noise/disturbance of 3 reduce wake from power-driven vehicles lake bottom from watercraft reduced to 10 km/h (5.4 watercraft knots or 6.2 mph). tip AND turn off propellers OR boat near nesting Take any oils or when in shallow waters to birds or other wildlife boat craft fluids to avoid stirring up lake near or on the shore your marina or bottom. local municipal hazardous waste collection site. See Worksheet #10.

Watercraft Watercraft and trailer not Watercraft and trailer are Watercraft and/or trailer 4 launching and stored in the water stored in the water for sits in water for longer hauling use period than use period AND when launching the watercraft, trailer is AND watercraft and tip OR clinging submerged for as little trailer are checked for The speed limit and the plants/wildlife/fish are time as possible. any plants/wildlife/fish type of watercrafts not removed from that may be clinging to permissible on a water watercraft or trailer, and the watercraft or trailer. body can be changed. disposed of properly. Petition your Municipality to apply to the MNR for a change in designation under the Ontario Boating Restriction Regulations.

86 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating DOCKS, BOAT LAUNCHES AND BOAT HOUSES Dock and Floating, cantilever, non- Open-faced cribs built Vertical planking along the Solid dock made from boathouse permanent or post- from timber and filled with sides of the dock that steel sheeting or concrete. 5 construction supported dock or rock restricts water movement. boathouse that does not disturb the lake bottom. AND cribs are placed at tip least 2 metres out from the Review the DFO publication: tip high water mark. Working Around Water? Use the LRCA public boat Factsheet Series – Fish launches at Silver Harbour Building materials Building materials include Habitat & Building Materials Building materials or Little Trout Bay include untreated cedar stainless steel and plastic. (See “Fish Habitat” in include creosote- treated Conservation Areas along or hemlock timber. Resource List pg. 119). wood, pressure-treated Lake Superior. wood, painted steel or concrete. Boat launches Use public/Municipal Boat launch is placed Boat launch is built from *Boat launch is built boat launches. where natural launch concrete with proper with no approval/permit. 6 amenities exist (i.e. gentle approvals from the slope, break in the buffer) Conservation Authority without having to alter the and/or MNR. shoreline. Boat launch Use alternatives to Dredging activity has *No approval/permit dredging dredging: necessary approval/permit tip 7 Review the DFO Drive around obstacles Operational Statements AND dredging activity tip such as shoals, stumps or AND minimize the size titled Dock and Boathouse occurs during local fish Check with Transport rocks and depth of the area to be Construction, Moorings, spawning and nursery Canada to see if your dredged Timing Windows and times of the year Routine Maintenance dock/boathouse OR use an offshore Dredging (See “Fish construction or boat launch mooring during low dredging requires approval AND dredged sand, silt or Habitat” in Resource List AND no care is taken to water levels. (See “Navigable Waters” clay is disposed above the pg. 119). protect fish habitat. in Resource List pg. 121). high water mark.

* These conditions may violate provincial or federal legislation or municipal by-laws. 87 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE

Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating FISHING

Permits and Fishing license obtained .No fishing license 8 Regulations obtained AND check with your OR nearest MNR office for .quota is exceeded. local catch regulations AND are familiar with the tip Recreational Fishing To prevent the spread of tip Regulations Summary invasive species, never dump Bring your family out to the your bait bucket remains in Lakehead Region Conservation the water if it contains water Authority’s Family Fishing Day AND when possible, fish from another water body. in July at Hazelwood Lake. from shore or off a pier. ACTIVITIES ALONG THE SHORE Beach access Use public beaches Access shoreline or trails Access shoreline or trails Plants, wildlife or other using specific locations using several locations natural elements are AND access along the removed or disturbed shoreline is minimal. AND keep to the trail to OR trails or stairs are built from most of beach 9 avoid trampling. without consulting the local access authorities first. AND trails or stairs are built without consulting tip tip the local authorities first. Check for beach postings before Avoid hiking or using any you go swimming and don’t go all-terrain vehicle or in water if you can’t see your snowmobile on bluffs, feet from the waist height of an banks, and along adult. Escherichia coli (E. coli) shorelines, especially levels may be high. during the spring thaw.

* These conditions may violate provincial or federal legislation or municipal by-laws. 88 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating

ACTIVITIES ALONG THE SHORE...continued Minimizing Never remove or move Natural artifacts or No consideration for 10 disturbance wildlife or natural artifacts wildlife are seldom ecosystem or slope such as logs, vegetation, removed or moved disturbance shells, or nests AND waste is disposed OR waste is not disposed AND waste is disposed of of properly. of properly. properly.

Beach Creation Beach is placed above the Beach is placed below tip *No approval/permit high water mark the high water mark Fill placed along the 11 shoreline may require AND fill is placed in the AND vegetated strip or AND pea-sized gravel is a permit from the floodplain tip small berm exists to used instead of sand LRCA. Review the DFO Operational prevent beach sand from AND no consideration to Statement titled Beach entering into the water tip AND vegetation removal Make sure permission is protect fish habitat Creation for Residential Use is minimized through sediment and (See “Fish Habitat” in granted by the owner of the AND obtained erosion control measures Resource List pg. 119). shoreline before creating a approval/permit. AND obtained beach (i.e. Municipality-owned approval/permit. Right-of-Way or Camper/ AND vegetation removed Cottager Association land). indiscriminately. Campfire safety Check with your local Check weather Ignite an outdoor fire Municipality regarding conditions and local fire without consideration of 12 campfires bans before starting a bylaws or weather campfire. restrictions AND always exercise caution with any fire. OR burn plastic products or wood covered or soaked in hazardous chemicals.

* These conditions may violate provincial or federal legislation or municipal by-laws. 89 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Worksheet #10 – Living with wildlife

Note: Use this worksheet to learn more about how your actions affect wildlife species.

Why should you be concerned? What can you do?

• It is important to accommodate wildlife on your property. They were there Protect natural habitats and species that depend on specialized conditions. long before you were, so respect their home too. 1.

•It is also important to ensure that wildlife don’t become a problem, 2. Ensure that any buildings or structures on your property are appropriately preventing you from enjoying your property. built and sealed to prevent wildlife infestation.

• Learn about local wildlife; they can be very beneficial and even indirectly decrease your property maintenance, costs and efforts (e.g., songbirds or bats 3. Learn about Species-At-Risk and take a proactive role in protecting and can decrease insect pest populations). expanding the quality of their habitat in the landscape whenever possible.

• Protecting local wildlife is key to a healthy ecosystem and watershed. 4. See the landscape as an integrated whole and support initiatives that connect important wildlife habitat areas together. • There is incredible wildlife diversity along lakeshores and other water courses. Shoreline biodiversity is increasingly threatened by human activity and development. 5. Provide space and resources for wildlife in specific areas so that they don’t become a nuisance in human activity areas.

6. Work with neighbours to create continuous habitat along shorelines and water courses.

90 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Living with Wildlife: How do you rate? Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating RESOURCES FOR WILDLIFE Familiarity Thorough understanding Good understanding of Basic familiarity with local No knowledge 1 with local of wildlife in your area wildlife in your area and wildlife wildlife and their seasonal patterns their seasonal patterns. OR no consideration for AND/OR general idea of wildlife on your property OR continually seek to wildlife seasonal patterns. learn how you can provide OR immediately take habitat for local wildlife. action to exterminate without sufficient knowledge.

Wildlife habitat Development and No formal plan exists but Property provides some Property is managed with planning implementation of a property management wildlife habitat and this is no regard to wildlife 2 wildlife habitat plan that includes wildlife habitat protected and preserved. habitat requirements. enhances habitat resources enhancement for desired wildlife AND property AND plan seeks to link management links habitat habitat on property with on property with the the larger landscape using larger landscape using ecological corridors. ecological corridors.

Trees, shrubs and other Bird seed is available but Birds are expected to Bird feeders are readily plants on your property vermin are kept out of forage elsewhere beyond accessed by vermin. provide food for birds. feeders. your property.

91 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating RESOURCES FOR WILDLIFE...continued Providing Extensive buffers are created Numerous buffers are A few buffers are No buffers present. wildlife habitat or conserved beside wet areas created beside wet areas and present but contain 3 and the property contains the property contains several no woody species, several woody and woody and herbaceous plant offering a limited herbaceous plant species, species, offering a range of range of wildlife tip offering a large range of wildlife habitats and good habitats but do offer Adhere predatory wildlife habitats including water quality protection. some water quality bird silhouettes onto wetlands. protection. windows into which birds commonly fly. Natural bird-food sources, Natural bird-food sources, Natural bird-food Natural bird-food nest boxes and perches are nest boxes and perches are sources such as sources, nest boxes, or tip strategically placed and available but not berry-bearing perches are not present. Don’t leave indoor managed to include species strategically placed and only shrubs are provided. lights or yard lights that provide specific managed for species that on at night. They ‘services’ (e.g. fly, mosquito, provide specific ‘services’ attract animals and or garden insect control) (e.g. fly, and mosquito insects. control). AND are cleaned regularly

AND are all more than 1.5 metres (5 ft) above the ground.

Change bird bath water at Screens are placed over rain- There are no water Stagnant water is present least 3 times per week barrels and other water- opportunities for near the house or outdoor catching items to prevent wildlife. living areas AND screens placed on water wildlife drowning. catching barrels/cisterns. AND/OR rain-barrels are not screened.

92 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating PREVENTING ACCESS Sealing your All crevices, openings, All crevices, openings, All doors and windows Seals are not checked or 4 buildings conduits, pipes, seams, conduits, pipes, seams, and have a tear-free screen. maintained. and soffits are properly soffits are properly sealed sealed AND checked yearly. AND checked regularly.

AVOID ATTRACTING NUISANCE WILDLIFE Food and waste All food/waste (including Garbage is stored Compost-free garbage is Garbage (including scraps pet food and birdseed) is outside, but in stored outside but all empty food) is stored outside 5 stored indoors (including insect/rodent-proof food/drink containers are and inappropriately garage or shed) in containers. rinsed. maintained tip insect/rodent-proof Keep your BBQ containers OR insect/rodent-proof clean to avoid containers are not used attracting wildlife. AND bird feeders are not used in the summer. OR bird feeders are used in the summer.

Preventing Chicken wire wrapped Plastic coil around trunk No protection used but No protection used unwanted around the trunk of young of young trees. damaged tree left in place. 6 browsing on trees. Tree is checked AND damaged trees are plants every year to ensure the removed. It is likely that wire is not girdling the with food gone, wildlife tree. will browse another tree.

93 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating PET MANAGEMENT Controlling Cats are kept indoors Cats are belled and kept on a Pets are allowed outside Pets are allowed to roam 7 access leash. unleashed but are freely outside and are AND all cats and dogs supervised. unsupervised. wear their license tags and have up-to-date rabies tip shots If bitten by an animal, including domestic pets, seek medical attention AND dogs are confined to and notify your local Health Unit. a fenced run.

DEALING WITH NUISANCE WILDLIFE Control measures for nuisance wildlife are regulated by provincial legislation. Contact the nearest Ministry of Natural tip Resources (MNR) office if you have any questions or concerns regarding nuisance wildlife (i.e. beavers, black bears). Be cautious: never approach an animal if you are Managing the interactions between wildlife and residents will continue to be a challenge. The significant contribution not sure of its that residents are making toward the conservation of biodiversity will continue to be a key in preserving our natural behaviour. landscape and in protecting the quality of our water.

FINDING A DEAD ANIMAL tip If you find a dead, injured, abandoned or nuisance animal (including birds, fish and other aquatics) on your property Notify your local or elsewhere, contact the nearest Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) office for advice and to report the incident. Health Unit upon Be prepared to provide information regarding the location, condition and number of animals/fish. discovery of any dead birds where cause of death is not immediately apparent.

94 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Worksheet #11 – Lowering Your Energy Bill

Note: Use this worksheet to find out how to improve your energy efficiency.

Why should you be concerned? What can you do?

. Increasing energy costs means that the average home owner will have to pay Realize that small changes can have a cumulative effect in protecting our more to be comfortable. 1. environment, including air and water quality. . As the world’s demand for energy continues to increase, so will the cost of energy. To protect yourself against growing costs, invest in homes, vehicles, 2. Ensure that your home is tightly sealed, properly insulated and that all appliances, electronics, and practices that consume less energy. mechanical systems such as heating and cooling are operating efficiently. Have a professional conduct a home energy audit of your house and ensure . Greenhouse gas concentrations are increasing, leading to alterations in that heating/cooling systems receive regular maintenance. average temperatures known as climate change. Emitted gases also threaten air quality and have resulted in a record high number of ‘Smog Days’. 3. Choose energy-efficient appliances and electronics such as those with an . Climate change may cause an increase in extreme weather events such as EnergyStar label. droughts, ice storms, floods and hurricanes. 4. Reduce the amount of driving that you do, especially in urban areas, and choose the most fuel-efficient vehicle for your needs.

5. Reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that you produce annually.

95 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating BUILDINGS Heating and Use the most energy Use the most energy A window air conditioning Heating or cooling unit is cooling units efficient heating and/or efficient heating and/or unit is used but it is removed inefficient and no 1 cooling units for your cooling unit for your during the winter upgrading planned needs, upgrading if needs, upgrading if necessary necessary OR if it is fixed in place, it is OR older than 15 years. tip sealed with caulking or tape Seal and insulate AND choose a unit that OR choose a unit that and covered with an airtight, warm air ducts. carries the EnergyStar carries the EnergyStar insulated jacket. label. label. Heating and cooling units Heating and cooling units Heating and cooling units Heating or cooling units are serviced yearly by a are serviced yearly by a are serviced immediately are seldom maintained tip licensed heating contractor licensed heating contractor when malfunctioning or when a problem is OR filters are not changed In winter, naturally AND furnace filters are OR furnace filters are suspected. as per energy efficiency warm your home by cleaned or replaced every cleaned or replaced every recommendations. ensuring that sunlight two months and air two months and air can enter through all conditioner filters are conditioner filters are south-facing replaced monthly (central replaced monthly (central windows. Close air filters are cleaned or air filters are cleaned or drapes or shutters in changed at the beginning of changed at the beginning the evening. the warm season each of the warm season each year). year). In summer, close windows and doors Regularly check that vents, All chimneys are cleaned Occasionally check that Fireplace dampers are left during the day, air intakes and chimneys and inspected annually vents, air intakes and open, when not in use especially those are not blocked and that chimneys are not blocked along the south and seals around them are intact AND pilot lights of gas OR heat inefficient south-west facing fireplaces or wall heaters OR retrofit fireplaces or fireplaces or older wall. Open in the AND retrofit fireplaces or are turned off in the older woodstoves with a new woodstoves are used evening to catch cool older woodstoves with a summer. advanced combustion model. regularly. breezes. new advanced combustion model. 96 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating BUILDINGS...continued Lights Minimize light-bulb use Lights are turned off Attempt to minimize light Everyday practices do not by maximizing the use of when not in use bulb use attempt to minimize light- 2 natural lighting bulb use OR motion detectors or AND EnergyStar-Qualified tip AND all incandescent automatic timers are compact fluorescent light OR lights are left on for a Re-arrange your light bulbs are replaced installed on outdoor bulbs used in the most prolonged period of time workspace and with EnergyStar-Qualified lights. commonly used areas. such as overnight or activities to be near compact fluorescent light while occupants are south facing windows bulbs. away. and free light.

Building Hire a professional to Check regularly for Check occasionally for Seldom check for drafts 3 components conduct an energy audit drafts or leaks around drafts or leaks throughout or leaks and develop an energy doors, windows, the building. plan of your home (see baseboards, ducts, attic OR condensation or frost Resource list) hatches, window air appears on windows. conditioning units and tip AND inform yourself of electrical Install storm alternative energies such outlets/switches. windows and doors as solar power and wind over single-pane energy. AND immediately take windows and use the appropriate action to weather-stripping fix the situation. around all joints.

Alternatively, install All duct work is located in All duct work is located Some duct work is located Ducts are not insulated double-glazed heated and/or cooled in heated and/or cooled in unheated and/or un- and outside heated/cooled windows that carry space within the building space within the building. cooled space (e.g. attic, space the EnergyStar label. garage) AND weather stripped. AND ducts have no AND insulated. weather-stripping around joints. 97 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating BUILDINGS...continued Building design Construction uses R-2000 Energy efficiency is an Passive solar heating used Building is difficult to building practices and important factor in where possible. heat in winter, and 4 technologies building design and difficult to cool in layout. summer. OR construction aims for LEED Green Building certification. Heating and Use a programmable Use a programmable In the winter, lower the Heating and cooling cooling system and, in the winter, system and in the winter, thermostat at night and systems are not adjusted practices lower your thermostat at lower your thermostat at while you are away during to time of day or activity night and while you are night and while you are the day within the space 5 away during the day away during the day AND in the summer set OR no attempt is made to AND in the summer AND use a ceiling fan, your air conditioner to adopt practices that tip naturally cool the building especially in rooms with 24oC (75oF) while you are minimize energy use. by closing blinds/shutters/ high ceilings or with at home and raise it when Review the Canadian drapes, and using awnings electric baseboards to you leave. Green Building Council help circulate the air. In LEED rating system to winter ensure that blade learn building designs and AND strategically place trees outside the building direction pushes warm technologies that use less air downwards. energy, water and natural to provide shade in resources and generate summer and reduce tip less waste (See “Energy blowing winds (to provide o Efficiency” in Resource warmth) in winter. Every 1 C that a thermostat is List pg. 119). lowered results in 2% savings in energy costs. The most cost- effective change is to lower it by 3oC.

98 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating WATER HEATING AND USE Hot water use Most laundry is rinsed Length of showers is Hot or warm water is left Clothes are often washed 6 using cold water and hot minimized and a low running while bathing or or rinsed using hot water water is seldom used for flow shower head is washing dishes or produce. laundry used. OR no attempt to minimize amount of hot AND length of showers is water that is used. minimized.

Water heaters High-efficiency water Non-plastic hot water An electric water heater is Water heater is left on 7 heater unit that heats pipes are insulated for used, but it is uninsulated. year-round, regardless of water only when it is the first two metres of use necessary pipe from the water heater. OR water heater tank is AND water heater is inefficient or not turned off when building insulated. is not in use for a prolonged period of time.

Hot tubs and Location optimizes use of Water is heated with Water is not heated with No actions taken to 8 pools natural wind shelter or solar panels solar panels ensure that heat energy is shade from climatic not lost from water when factors AND water is covered AND pump timers are used air temperatures drop with a thermal blanket to to regulate the temperature OR there is no pool or hot trap heat. and duration of water OR pump timers are not tub. heating. used for pools/hot tubs.

99 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating APPLIANCES AND ELECTRONICS Energy Always purchase high Always turn off and Locate the refrigerator or Energy efficiency is not 9 efficiency energy efficient unplug appliances that freezer away from heat considered when EnergyStar appliances, are not in use, especially sources (including other purchasing appliances or especially the refrigerator, older, inefficient appliances) or windows electronics oven, dishwasher, and appliances tip laundry washer/dryer AND keep the refrigerator OR no action is taken to Choose front-loading AND minimize the use of between 1.7oC (35oF) and improve the energy washing machines or AND electronics such as appliances and 3.3oC (38oF) and the efficiency of appliances water-efficient top- computers and printers electronics. freezer unit at –18oC (0oF). or electronics. loading models with that go into ‘Standby’ the EnergyStar label. mode when not in use.

During hot weather, all Dishwasher is used but Dishwasher is used but No consideration given to baking, washing, drying, always runs full and is always runs full actions or practices that and ironing are done early set to the ‘no-heat’ or minimize energy. tip in the morning or in the ‘air-drying’ option AND clothes washer/dryer Set your computer to evening are almost always run full use the energy-saver AND clothes and cold settings are used mode when not in AND whenever possible, washer/dryer are almost often. use. clothes are hung to dry. always runs full and cold settings are used most of the time.

Maintenance Check appliances Appliances rarely checked Appliances never checked 10 regularly to ensure that to ensure that seals remain to ensure that seals seals remain in good in good condition, remain in good condition condition, especially especially refrigerators and especially refrigerators refrigerators and freezers. freezers. and freezers.

100 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Worksheet #12 – Water Runoff

Note: Use this worksheet to assess how well your property minimizes the potential for water runoff and property damage. Why should you be concerned? What can you do?

• Surfaces such as roofs, paved areas, bare soil, and sloped lawns all Minimize the amount of water runoff from your property. contribute to the volume of water runoff because they impede water 1. infiltration into the ground. 2. Minimize the area of your property that is used as a path or driving • Runoff carries soil, pet faeces, salt, pesticides, fertilizers, oil and grease, surface and use water permeable materials for driveways and pathways. fuels, leaves, litter, and other possible pollutants into streams, ponds, wetlands, lakes and oceans. 3. Do not locate any impermeable surface near the shoreline or adjacent to • Water that flows into storm drains or ditches is transported and discharged any water course. eventually into Lake Superior, untreated.

• Polluted water runoff degrades the lake, rivers, and wetlands. Soil makes the 4. Foundation tiles and municipal drain outlets should not be in erosion- water murky and damages fish habitat. Nutrients such as phosphorus prone areas. encourages algae that can crowd out other aquatic life and change the chemistry of the water. 5. Reduce the amount of potential pollutants on your property that can be carried by water runoff. • Water runoff is not only a problem for water quality. It can also flow into basements and cause extensive property damage including erosion, slope instability and flooding, which decreases property value. 6. Encourage the use and infiltration of storm water within your property boundaries. • Erosion can reduce property value and cause significant property damage.

•Without vegetation at the shoreline, contaminants flow directly into the lake.

101 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Water Runoff: How do you rate? Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating SURFACES Surface All Porous paving such as Paved surfaces are located All paths, parking, 1 Permeability driving/parking/walking interlocking bricks used far away from any water driveways and outdoor and patio surfaces are to surface driveway and course. patios are paved water permeable lanes. Additional parking regardless of proximity to spaces are not paved. watercourse AND gravel and woodchips are used to AND walking surfaces surface walkways and not restricted to paths. driveways. Minimal Foot-traffic compaction compaction. throughout.

Extent of Driveway is minimal and Driveway is minimal but Driveway extensive but Extensive driveway and impervious follows natural contours does not follow natural follows natural contours. paved surfaced areas that 2 surfaces and contours. does not follow natural slope AND there are no other contours impervious/compacted areas. OR compacted and/or paved surfaces run straight down a slope.

102 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating SURFACES Areas of bare No areas of bare soil. Grass or non-invasive Non-invasive groundcover Bare soil left uncovered 3 soil groundcover planted planted immediately to and unplanted. immediately to prevent prevent erosion. erosion.

Temporary bare areas are Some areas are mulched to No regard given to mulched prevent erosion. sediment loss through surface water runoff. AND straw bales, diversion ditches and silt fences are used to trap sediment.

All plant beds have Plant beds have 2.5-5 cm Most plant beds are No plant beds are minimum 8 cm (3 in) (1-2 in) depth of mulch. mulched to a depth of 2.5 mulched. depth of mulch. cm (1 in).

tip tip Cover newly-seeded Organic material, like leaves, lawns lightly with straw swept or blown into street sewers, mulch to a cover of 50% possibly provide a breeding spot to prevent erosion. for mosquitoes over winter. Try to sweep out gutters.

103 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating POTENTIAL POLLUTANTS Car Washing Cars and trucks are Cars and trucks taken to Cars, trucks, or other items Cars, trucks or other 4 occasionally washed at commercial car wash or are washed on a lawn or items are washed on a commercial car wash. spray booth. gravel driveway. driveway, street or other paved area.

Application and Spills are cleaned up Spills are cleaned up Spills are not cleaned use of pesticides, immediately immediately on paved up 5 fertilizers, de-icers surfaces. and salts, pool and AND applications are OR applications are other outdoor delayed until after rain. not delayed to avoid chemicals rain.

Grass clippings, Grass clippings, leaves, Leaves and other yard Leaves and other yard Grass clippings, leaves and other and other yard wastes are wastes are left to wastes are collected in leaves and other yard 6 yard wastes swept off paved surfaces compost on site. appropriate containers and wastes are left on and away from water flow left for municipal driveways, streets, routes collection. and other paved areas to be carried off by tip AND plant material is not stormwater Ensure that your placed on bluff slopes or tip winter snow pile is over the top of banks To avoid sending your dirty, soapy OR yard waste is not close to any where it can kill slope water into a water course or lake, burned on-site. shoreline or water vegetation and cause slope wash your car on the lawn, or take course. Melt water instability it to a commercial car wash or may cause erosion spray booth where the dirty water and contamination. OR leaves and other yard is treated and recycled. wastes are composted.

104 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Topic 1 Best 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor 1 Rating POTENTIAL POLLUTANTS...continued Pet and animal Animal and pet wastes are Animal waste is collected Animal wastes are left to Animal wastes are left 7 wastes flushed down the toilet and placed in appropriate decompose on grass or soil. on paved surfaces, container for Wastes are scattered over a concentrated in pen or OR contact local transportation to landfill. wide area. yard areas, or dumped Municipality to determine down a storm drain or most appropriate means of in a ditch. disposal.

DRAINAGE Downspouts, Roof gutters, downspouts Downspouts are not Downspouts direct Roof gutters, 8 gutters and drains and basement drains directed at or into nearby drainage onto impervious downspouts and/or installed and cleaned gullies. surfaces basement drains not regularly. checked/cleaned regularly AND downspouts not directed at nearby gullies. * OR downspouts and tip roof gutters are Use rain barrels to catch aimed at adjacent rainwater that can later be tip properties without an used to water gardens during Clogged gutters on a single intercepting swale or low rain-periods. Cover the house can produce over one ditch in between, onto rain barrel with a screen to million mosquitoes a season. septic tile beds or into prevent mosquito breeding. nearby gullies.

Surface water All surfaces are sloped Any paved surface is Paved or compacted 9 drainage away from the house at a sloped away from the surfaces do not slope minimum slope of 2%. house at a minimum away from the house slope of 2%. by a minimum slope of 2%.

* These conditions may violate federal or provincial legislation or municipal by-laws. 105 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Glossary

4-stroke engine: Boat engine constructed similarly to Anti-backflow device: Check valve, vacuum breaker or Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI): that of a car. Its emissions are cleaner, it is quieter, other mechanical device that prevents liquids from Areas identified by the Ministry of Natural Resources more durable and has better fuel economy than a 2- flowing backwards through a water supply pipe to a well as containing natural landscapes or features that have stroke engine. or surface water source. Also called an anti-back been identified as having life or earth science values siphoning device. related to protection, scientific study, education and 100-year flood level: Elevation (metres above sea natural heritage appreciation. Such designation helps level) calculated through engineering studies or flow Approved containers: A portable container made of to protect representative and special natural areas, models based on the probability that the level of flood metal or other material that has been approved for use by plants and animals. water can be expected to equal or exceed this point, the Underwriter’s Laboratories of Canada (ULC), the on average, every 100 years. For Lake Superior, the Canadian Standard Association (CSA), or Transport Atmosphere: The layer of air surrounding the earth Ministry of Natural Resources has determined the Canada. An approved container must have a certification that is primarily composed of nitrogen and oxygen, 100-year flood level to be 184 metres above sea level label such as jerricans - CTC-5L, BTC-5L, ICC-5L, and held in place by gravity. from the International border (Pigeon River) to Jarvis DOT-5L, TC-5L. Point and 183.9 metres above sea level from Jarvis Backflow: The unwanted reverse flow of liquids in a Point to the northern limit of Dorion Township (entire Approximate Regulated Area: Floodplain adjacent to piping system. Thunder Bay Lake Superior Shoreline). Also known all water courses plus all streams, rivers and creeks, as 100-year high water level, 100-year high water Provincially Significant Wetlands, lake shorelines, Baffles: Inlet and outlet devices in a septic tank, mark or 100-year floodplain. ravines, valleys, steep slopes and talus slopes, and designed to reduce the transfer of solids to the property zoned “hazard land” or “use limitation” that is leaching bed. They also prevent fats, oils, and grease Air gap: An air space (open space) between the hose identified on screening maps and affected by Ontario from discharging to the leaching bed. They increase or faucet and the level of liquid. This is one way to Regulation 180/06. For Lake Superior, the Approximate the amount of solids retained, prevent plugging of prevent backflow of liquids into a well or water Regulated Area is derived by the 100-year high-water inlets and outlets, and prevent rapid flow of supply. level plus an allowance of 15 metres landward for wave wastewater through the tank. uprush. Lake Superior is also regulated 1 kilometre into Air intake/ventilation: A permanent opening that the water. Beach: A band of variable width, typically of sandy allows outside air to flow into a heating and cooling material located adjacent to the lake. The sand is system. It is critical that there is adequate air intake Aquifer: An underground layer of rock and sand that deposited and removed by the action of waves and and that the air that is brought and distributed through can store water, and lies above a layer of clay or other currents. the building is not contaminated. impermeable material that does not allow water to flow to lower depths. Aquifers can be present at various Benzene: An organic compound, in the form of a ring, Amendment (soil): Organic or inorganic material depths depending on the location of the impermeable with the molecular formula C6H6. It is known to cause that is added to the soil for the purpose of improving material. They are an important well water source. cancer in humans. It is a natural component of its texture, nutrients, moisture-holding capacity and petroleum (crude oil and gas) and it is an important infiltration rates. Arborist: See Certified Arborist. industrial solvent and precursor in the production of many drugs, plastics, rubbers and dyes.

106 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Glossary

Berm: A low earthen or sod wall adjacent to a ditch. Bored Well: Large diameter well constructed by using Cantilever dock/boathouse: A cantilever dock Berms can control erosion and deposition by reducing specialized Earth boring equipment. Casting material is typically relies on the shoreline or on a shoreline the rate of surface runoff. usually concrete or corrugated steel. These wells are structure for its entire anchorage. Some docks may typically 60 to 90 cm (24-36 in) in diameter. have intermediate supports very close to the shoreline. Bilge: The lowest part inside a boat’s hull or frame The end of a cantilever dock juts out over the water, where water, fuel, oil, and other hazardous chemicals Browsing: A mode of feeding by herbivores, such as deer appearing to float on air. Cantilever docks are suitable can collect. or rabbits, in which leaves and outer shoots are removed for almost any type of environment and have a very from trees and shrubs. small environmental footprint. Biodegradable: The ability of a substance or material to break down into harmless substances by living Buffer: An area of natural vegetation that runs along the Capture zone: See Well capture zone. things such as microorganisms and bacteria. shoreline, stream or bluff. It extends from the high water mark to the water’s edge. Also referred to as a buffer strip, Carbon dioxide: A colourless, odourless gas Bioengineered soft structures: The harvesting and filter strip or riparian zone. occurring naturally in the atmosphere, but also planting of dormant cuttings or branches from tree and released through the burning of fossil fuels. plant species in order to prevent shoreline erosion. Building permit: A Municipality-issued document that These cuttings are arranged into individual stakes (live regulates construction and enforces Building Code Carpooling: The shared use of a vehicle typically to stakes) and/or put into bundles. Cuttings are usually compliance. commute to work, often by people who each have a taken from dogwoods and/or willows. This is mainly car but travel together to save costs and decrease because the cut branches of these species are able to Burlap: A coarse, canvas-like fabric made from the fibers pollution. take root and grow on their own. As the cuttings grow of jute, hemp or cotton plants. and extend their root structure, the soil becomes more Casing: See Well casing. stable. Burn barrels: Open burning of household waste in barrels that results in very high levels of toxic chemicals Certified Arborist: A professional trained in the Block heater: An electric heater that heats the engine emitted in the smoke. planting, care and maintenance of individual trees and of a car so that it is easier to start in cold weather. This a current member of the International Society of also reduces pollution because cold engines have much Burning: The controlled use of fire to dispose of paper or Arboriculture. higher emissions. cardboard containers. Smoke from the fire must be directed away from buildings, highways, roads or public Cistern: A storage tank/basin for rainfall that has Bluff: A high, steep bank at the water’s edge. All of outdoor areas and must not affect people or animals. been collected from a roof or some other catchment the bluffs along the Lake Superior shoreline are Municipalities may have burning bylaws that prevent such area. Also known as a rain barrel. bedrock bluffs. fires or regulate how they must be carried out. Clean up equipment: Includes absorbent materials Boat wake: The wave(s) that spreads behind a boat as (e.g. sawdust, soil or kitty litter) to soak up spilled it moves forward through the water. liquids, and shovel, broom, empty pails to gather solids and absorbed liquids.

107 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Glossary

Clear water infiltration: Entry into a septic system Compost: Organic material resulting from the natural Creosote-treated wood: Wood preserved by pressure by water that does not need treatment, such as breaking down or rotting of plant and animal material by treatment with the pesticide, creosote, to protect it rainwater or sump pump. bacteria, fungi, and other organisms. It is used to enrich from insect attack and decay; primarily used for utility soil. poles, bridges, dams, retaining walls and railway ties. Climate change: The gradual change in global As a highly toxic compound, exposure to creosote temperature which in turn causes changes in climate Compostable: Items that will decompose naturally and may present certain health hazards, including cancer. around the world. It is caused by the emission of gases enrich soil, such as food and yard wastes. that trap the sun’s heat in the Earth’s atmosphere. Crib: A crib is a cubic frame of large timbers (made Gases that contribute to global warming include Condensation: The process by which water vapour of a durable wood such as Douglas-fir, larch, or carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, becomes a liquid. hemlock) filled with rocks that lie in the shallow water chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and halocarbons (the off the shoreline. Horizontal planks for a dock or replacements for CFCs). Carbon dioxide emissions are Conservation Authority (CA): Responsible for the boathouse are placed on top of the cribs, above the primarily caused by the use of fossil fuels for energy. management of the local watershed and floodplains within water. Timbers continually submerged in water can the watershed. last 50 years or longer without treatment. Crib docks Coastal Wetland: An areas that is permanently or are not suitable for deep-water applications. temporarily submerged, or saturated for at least part of Conservation easement: A legally binding agreement not the year. Unlike upland wetlands, coastal wetlands to develop part of a property, but to leave it “natural” Crown Land: Publicly owned land, typically under don’t transition into drier communities. permanently or for some designated period of time. The the jurisdiction of the provincial government and property still belongs to the landowner, but restrictions are administered on behalf of the people. Coliform organisms: Harmful bacteria usually found placed both on the current landowner and on subsequent in polluted water. If they are found in a water sample, landowners. The easement becomes part of the land deed Dampers (fireplace): A metal flap-like device that it indicates that the water is not be safe for drinking or so that all future property owners are bound by the terms when closed, prevents outside air from entering the food preparation. of the easement; regulated under Ontario’s Conservation house and heated air from escaping. When in the open Lands Act and Ontario Heritage Act. position, it allows smoke and heat to flow up the Compaction (soil): Compression of soil that decreases chimney. A traditional damper is located where the the spaces between soil particles. This hinders the Contaminant: Anything which can cause pollution. firebox and the flue meet. Alternatively, dampers can movement of air and water into and through the soil. Septic systems, stored pesticides, fuels, pet wastes, be mounted on top of a chimney and this type is more Consequently the soil holds less water and surface furnace oil, paints and cleaners are all possible energy efficient, although they can not be used with runoff and erosion occurs. Soil compaction may be contaminant sources. Contaminants may be colourless gas fireplaces or wood stoves. caused by ongoing pedestrian traffic, one time or and/or odourless. ongoing vehicular traffic, construction equipment or Deciduous trees: Trees that shed their leaves in the the storage of materials. Contaminate/Contamination: Alteration of a material by fall. the introduction of a chemical or other substance so that the material is unfit for a specified use.

108 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Glossary

Deposition: The geological process whereby material Drilled well: Wells that are constructed using percussion EnerGuide: A rating system managed by Natural is added to a landform (e.g. beach shoreline). The or rotary drilling machinery. Casing is usually plastic or Resources Canada that helps consumers compare the material is eroded and transported from elsewhere by metal pipe with a small diameter; 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 in) energy efficiency between appliance models and wind, water or ice. Also referred to as sedimentation. across. Drilled wells can be very deep. buildings.

Design capacity: The total daily sanitary sewage flow Dripline: The outer extent of a tree’s branches. The Energy Audit: A thorough assessment of how much that the septic system is designed to handle. The dripline is used as a rule-of-thumb indication of the extent energy a building uses, conducted by an energy audit Ontario Building Code (OBC) determines wastewater of a tree’s root system, though most roots in fact extend professional. It pin-points the areas where the building flows. beyond the dripline. is losing energy, and includes suggestions on how to improve energy efficiency. Dioxins: A group of chlorinated organic chemicals Driven well: See Sand point well. with similar chemical structures. Dioxins have no Energy consumption: The amount of energy that is uses. They are formed unintentionally and released as Duct: A tube or conduit, usually made of sheet metal that used. This is affected by the energy efficiency of all byproducts of human activities such as waste carries cooled or heated air from one place to another in a objects and materials in a space. incineration, fuels combustion, chlorine bleaching of building. pulp and paper, or pesticide manufacturing. They are Energy efficiency: Reducing as much as possible, the also formed by natural processes such as forest fires Dug well: Large-diameter well often constructed by power total amount of energy used to complete an activity. and volcanoes. shovel, backhoe or by hand. The most effective way to determine the energy efficiency of a building is to have a home energy audit Downspout: A vertical conduit used for draining E-coli (Escherichia coli): Harmful bacteria that comes done by a service professional. water from the roof gutters of a building. from human and animal feces. If E-coli is found in drinking water, it is not safe for drinking, food preparation EnergyStar: An internationally recognized symbol Drainage Pattern: The network of water courses or bathing. for energy efficiency. In Canada, the international (streams and rivers) that drain a watershed(s) into a EnergyStar symbol is monitored and promoted by lake or water body. Also called runoff pattern.. Ecological Corridor: An area of vegetation, typically Natural Resources Canada’s Office of Energy linear that is similar or the same in nature as wildlife Efficiency. Dredging: The removal or displacement of any habitat areas, allowing wildlife to move between habitat material from the bottom of a lake or stream using areas. The size of the corridor determines its effectiveness Emergency plan: A plan of action to deal with an heavy machinery to widen or deepen the channel. It as a safe means of movement. emergency. The plan should include: location of can harmfully alter, disrupt or destroy the areas in emergency equipment, emergency telephone numbers, which fish live, feed and reproduce and can also re- Ecosystem: A complex, natural system created and cleanup methods, and steps to follow in case of spill or suspend contaminants settled on the bottom, affecting maintained by the interaction and interdependency fire. water quality. between all living organisms and their particular environment. Any action taken at any level in this interacting system has a potential domino effect on every other organism or element within the ecosystem.

109 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Glossary

Emissions standards: Emission standards limit the Exposure: Contact with a gas, liquid or solid. Exposure Floodplain: The area adjacent to a water body or amount of pollution that can be released into the can happen by swallowing (oral), skin contact (dermal) or water course that becomes covered with water during atmosphere from sources such as industry, power breathing in dust or vapour (respiratory). high water levels. Often this occurs following plants, vehicles and small equipment such as lawn snowmelt or an extreme rainfall event. Floodplains are mowers. Faucet aerator: A round case at the mouth of the faucet regulated by your local Conservation Authority. that contains a mesh-like disk, through which the water Emissions (vehicle): Pollutants such as unburned flows. Low-flow faucet aerators save water as well as any Forest corridor: A linear remnant of a forest gases and smoke that are produced during combustion energy used to heat that water. community. It is too narrow to be viable as habitat but in an engine and released into the air. can have the important role of connecting other larger Fertilizer: Any organic or inorganic substance that is isolated or separate areas of forests, creating the effect Erosion: The geological process by which soil or rock applied to the soil in either liquid or granular form to of a continuous forest. This allows animals and other is worn away by water, wind, or other forces. improve plant growth and vigour. species to travel through disturbed landscapes.

Erosion-hazard limit: A setback distance determined Fill: Material that is brought from elsewhere and added to Foundation tiles: A drainage system by which by considerations that include the 100 year erosion the existing landscape, such as soil, gravel, sand or loam. groundwater can be transported away from your rate (the average annual rate of recession of a bluff Fill regulations exist and are administered by your local basement. Water travels the path of least resistance extended over a one hundred year time span), plus an Conservation Authority. down to the basement foundation, through a gravel allowance for slope stability and an erosion bed into the drainage tile (pipe that has perforated allowance. Fish Habitat: “Spawning grounds and nursery, rearing, holes along its length) which leads the water to an food supply and migration areas on which fish depend outlet away from the house. Also known as weeping Eutrophication: A process by which a water body directly or indirectly in order to carry out their life tile. becomes rich in dissolved nutrients. The nutrients processes” (Canada Fisheries Act, Sec. 31.5). encourage algal blooms and plant growth which Fuel: A material that can be transformed into usable depletes the oxygen in water, threatening aquatic life. Fisheries Act: A federal law administered by the energy. This process can be accelerated by human activity. Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Environment Canada to protect fish and fish habitat. It prohibits the Fuel economy: A description of the amount of fuel Evergreen trees: Trees that retain their leaves or destruction or damage of fish habitat and the discharging required to move a vehicle over a given distance. needles year-round. of substances that may harm fish or fish habitat. Fungal disease: Any fungus harmful or lethal to plant Exotic (plant): An exotic species (also known as an Fixed sprinkler head: Sprinkler head affixed seen in growth. introduced species) is an organism that is not place more or less permanently. native/indigenous to the place or area where it resides Furans: A family of chemicals that are formed during and instead has been accidentally or deliberately combustion. They are extremely toxic. transported to the new location by human activity. Exotic species can often be damaging to the ecosystem to which they are introduced.

110 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Glossary

Garbage: A general term used to describe household Habitat: The environment that provides what an organism Holding tank: A sealed tank to hold household items that are no longer desired. It can include requires for survival and reproduction. Specialist species wastewater until the tank can be pumped out by a packaging, plastics, treated wood, old furniture, even have the ability to live in only one type of habitat, eat only septic pumping company, rather than a septic field. newspaper and junk mail. Also called trash. a few types of food, or tolerate a narrow range of climatic or environmental conditions. Household chemicals: Any chemicals normally used Garborator: A type of garbage disposal system that within the house such as detergents or cleansers. functions through the kitchen sink. Food scraps go into Hazard land: An area prone to flooding or erosion such the municipal water or septic system. as properties located within a floodplain, on beaches, Impervious surface: A solid surface that does not bluffs, or subject to strong winds, wave activity, etc. allow water or other substances to pass through. Grey water: Wastewater from household uses such as Formally recognized and managed in municipal Official dishwashing or bathing. Plans and zoning by-laws. Also known as hazard zone or Incandescent light bulb: A glass bulb that contains a use-limitation. glowing wire filament that, when heated to white hot Groundwater: Fresh water that has seeped through by electrical resistance, generates light. Tends to lose the soil and rock on the Earth’s surface and naturally Hazard tree: A tree or any component of a tree that has 95% of energy due to the air as heat. collects forming a reservoir, the top of which is sufficient structural infirmity to be identified as having a referred to as the water-table. This water supplies high risk of falling and causing personal or property Infiltrate/Infiltration: Allowing water or other wells and springs and is the source of most people’s damage. substances to pass through pores or spaces in soil. drinking water. Also percolate/ percolation. Hazardous wastes: Substances that can be dangerous to Gullies: Resemble large ditches or small valleys. humans or animals and must be disposed of in a manner as Inorganic fertilizer: A synthetically-made chemical Gullies can form on slopes that have been cleared of to not pollute groundwater. mixture that is applied to plants to promote growth. vegetation after a large rainfall event; from water Plants nutrients are immediately available for plant running over loose soil that causes significant deep Health Unit: A provincial health agency that administers roots to absorb. Consequently, the risk of over- cutting action. health promotion and disease prevention programs through applications or ‘burning’ is higher. local offices. Gunflint Formation: A narrow band of generally Invasive species: A plant, animal or aquatic organism iron-rich and cherty rocks that extends from Gunflint Herbaceous: Non-woody plant material or vegetation. A (not native to the area) which typically spreads Lake on the Minnesota-Ontario border to near herbaceous plant goes dormant or dies back every year. quickly and may be difficult to control or eradicate. Schreiber, Ontario. Cherts are glassy rocks (bright red These species are of concern because they can be and yellow) with high silica content that are ideal for High water mark: The highest level to which a body of detrimental to other species and threaten ecosystems. producing sparks. The first fossils of microorganisms water rises and remains for a sufficient period of time so ever found were inside the cherty rocks; aged at 1.9 as to change the characteristics of the land; there is some Irrigation: The process of drawing water from a billion years old. evidence or mark on the landscape that indicates the height concentrated source (well, pond, municipal water of flooding by water and the natural vegetation shifts from system, etc.) and applying it to your garden or aquatic/wetland species to upland species. See Ordinary landscaping. high water mark and 100-year high water mark.

111 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Glossary

Landfill: A site specially engineered for the Liability: An obligation that legally binds a person to be Mid-level sprinkler: Sprinkler where water stream permanent disposal of solid waste on land, constructed responsible for their actions, including restoring damage reaches a moderate height; type often seen on so that it will reduce hazard to public health and to others. residential properties for children’s recreational use. safety. Loading: See Leaching bed loading. Mooring: A floating platform anchored to the bottom Lawn: A mown or smooth expanse of vegetation of a water body in open water (using concrete anchor typically comprised of one or more grass species. Loam: Soil containing a mixture of clay, silt and sand that blocks, chains, rope and floats) and away from the is typically loose, well-drained and rich in organic matter. shoreline. It is used to secure a boat or to hold a Leachate: Liquids that have percolated through soil It is considered best for the growth of most plants. The channel marker in place as a navigational aid. and carry contaminants. exact ratio of sand, silt and clay determines texture and Moorings alleviate the need for boats to set temporary other soil characteristics. anchors and therefore reduce damage to the bed or Leaching bed (trench type): Consists of trenches of bottom of a lake from shifting/dragging anchors. buried distribution pipe. Each pipe is set in a bed of Low-flow shower head: A shower head that restricts the stone in a trench. Wastewater leaves the septic tank flow of water and forces it through very small apertures. It Mulch: Loose, organic materials such as woodchips, and flows through the distribution pipe into the soil uses 8-9 litres (about 2 gallons) per minute while a bark, and straw, or a mixture thereof. When applied through perforations in the pipe. See septic leaching conventional showerhead uses 15-19 litres (3-4 gallons) or around a plant, mulch protects the plant, suppresses bed. more per minute. It is easy to install and can be fitted to weeds and retains moisture. Re-apply as mulch breaks most standard shower arms. down over time. Leaching bed loading: Refers to the volume of wastewater in relation to the capacity of the leaching Low-level sprinkler: Sprinkler where water stream National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA): Area bed. Increased household water use can overload the reaches a low height; type often seen on residential designated by Parks Canada that is representative of system. properties with direct, pulsed water jets. Canada’s diverse marine environment. The area is protected from activities such as undersea mining and Legal Non-Conforming: Buildings or structures Management Plan: A (typically) paper document that oil and gas exploration. The area is intended to protect which existed before the current municipal zoning by- outlines the guidelines and recommended practices to be historical and ecological features and promote law was passed. When existing uses do not conform implemented over the full rotation cycle of the selected conservation and marine research and recreation. to the regulations in a new zoning by-law, their prior trees in order to achieve current and future goals of the legal existence ensures their continuation as a lawful owner. Native species: Plant and animal species that have use. This means that some variations of use can evolved in a specific area over a period of time prior to legally exist without requiring an amendment to the Manure: Any animal or plant material that is used to human activity; species that are adapted to and occur zoning by-law. fertilize soil but is not yet broken down or decomposed by naturally in a specific location. Also referred to as bacteria, fungi, or other micro-organisms. naturally-occurring species or indigenous. Legislation: Law or set of laws made by a law- making body. Also referred to as Statutes or Acts. Metamorphism: The gradual change of rock chemistry Natural Processes: A series of changes or actions that over time through heat, pressure and the presence of occur within an ecosystem to maintain its health or liquids. regulation.

112 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Glossary

Non-Invasive: A plant with a low potential to spread Ontario Drinking Water Standards: The minimum Percolate/Percolation: Refers to the flow of water quickly or become difficult to control or eradicate. water quality standards set by the Ontario Ministry of the through the soil. Also infiltrate/infiltration. Local native plants are typically not invasive. Environment to protect public health. It is advisable that drinking water meets these standards. Perennial: A type of herbaceous plant that completes Non-native species: A plant or animal species that did its lifecycle over more than 2 years. not evolve naturally in the specified location and has Open-faced crib: See crib. arrived by human influence. Permit: A document granting legal permission. Ordinary high water mark: The usual or normal or Non-renewable: Something that cannot be replaced by average annual level to which a body of water rises at its Pesticides: A general name given to toxic chemicals nature once it is used up or that regenerates only over a highest point and remains for a sufficient time so as to used to eliminate or control unwanted insects, very long period of time. change the characteristics of the land. Ordinary high water diseases, plants, or other organisms. Pesticides include marks fluctuate based on the last few years of climatic insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides. Non-toxic: A substance that is not poisonous or will conditions (e.g. recent low water levels on Lake Superior). not cause harmful health effects. It is NOT the same as the regulated 100-year high water Pesticide-alternative: Generally any pesticide derived mark. See High water mark or 100-year high water mark. from natural sources and/or that does not require a Nuisance or Problem wildlife: Any wildlife that license to apply. Considered gentler than conventional causes damage to your property or is a potential threat Organic fertilizer: A product that promotes plant growth pesticides, alternatives do not degrade the to health and safety. that is derived from animal or vegetable matter such as environment. compost. Nutrients are released at a slower rate that Nutrients: Any element needed for plant growth. facilitates plant absorption and therefore are less likely to Pesticide storage: the legal requirements for pesticide Usually refers to elements added to the soil or garden be carried away by surface or leached into groundwater. storage can be found in the Ontario Pesticides Act. as fertilizer. Commonly used nutrients are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Animal Other treatment systems: Includes biofilters, packaged Pilot lights: A small flame that stays lit all the time (in (including human) waste contains nutrients that, when aerobic systems, sand filter systems, etc. See the Ontario a hot water heater, boiler or furnace) and ignites the available in excess, can become a pollutant. Building Code (OBC) for approved systems. burner flame.

Nutrient management: The responsible and Passive solar heating/lighting: The natural Ponding: The process through which water collects or appropriate application of nutrients (especially heating/lighting of buildings or rooms by capture of direct pools on a surface before being infiltrated into the nitrogen) to plants, with the purpose of improving sunlight. Buildings can be designed with large windows in ground. plant growth and soil conditions, in such a way as to south-facing walls and small windows in north-facing protect surface and groundwater from nutrient walls, to reduce the need for electricity and fossil fuel Portable fuel container: A portable container made contamination. energy as a source of heat and light. of metal or other material that has been approved for use by the Underwriter’s Laboratories of Canada Official Plan: A municipal policy document that Paved surface: A hard surface that is impermeable to (ULC), the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), or outlines basic principles to guide future development liquid substances such as rainwater. Transport Canada to transport and store fuel. within an area. Available at the municipal office or community library. 113 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Glossary

Pressure or Dosed distribution: A septic system that buffer it has disrupted. Punctures provide opportunity for those portions of land affected by the right of utilizes a pump to load shallow, rapidly-changing, soil erosion and for invasive species to colonize. way/easement. Right of ways are typically registered distribution lines in doses. on the certificate of title to the property and are Quick-release fertilizer: Type of synthetic (inorganic) automatically transferred from one owner to another Pressure rinse: One method to properly rinse fertilizer that is immediately available for plant roots to as the land is sold. They remain on the title until the containers. Spray water under high pressure against all absorb. There is a high ‘burn’ potential if too much is holder of the easement discharges their rights from the inside surfaces of the container. applied and the potential for it to leach into ground and certificate of title. Often the Municipality holds a 20 surface water is high causing algal blooms and metre (66ft) right-of-way along the Lake Superior Prevailing wind: Wind that blows in an area most eutrophication. It is also referred to as Water Soluble shoreline. Right-of-ways also run along utility lines. frequently. Nitrogen (WSN). Rinse water: Wastewater from cleaning the inside of Protective coating: A paint or other coating material Recyclable: Materials that can be collected, sorted, and a product container or applicator. designed to prevent rust. processed back into raw materials that are used to make new products. Typical recyclables include glass and Rip-rap: rock embankment with the appropriate slope Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW): Areas selected metal, paper and plastic products. and rock size designed so that waves hitting the slope identified by the Ministry of Natural Resources as will “roll-up” the slope rather than crashing into it. A being valuable for biological and hydrological Registered contractor: A person registered by the filter cloth placed under the rock prevents the slope function and societal values determined by a science- province of Ontario to install and repair petroleum storage from being eroding away and releasing sediment. based ranking system known as the Ontario Wetland tanks. Evaluation System (OWES). The designation is used Risk: The potential for disaster and loss. by municipalities to protect the area through the Regulation: A binding rule of law. Regulations are not policies in their Official Plans (land use plans) and made by Parliament but rather by persons or bodies that Rove formation: Bedrock containing predominantly zoning by-laws. have received authority from Parliament to do so. dark-coloured fissile argillites (a metamorphic rock, intermediate between shale and slate that is easily split Public Lands Act: Legislation protecting the integrity Restriction: Refers to legislation that ensures that along close parallel lines) and red and green shales. of public lands and waters for all citizens of Ontario. It activities do not harmfully affect aquatic habitat or water requires that property owners obtain work permits quality. Runoff: Snow melt or rain that flows over land rather from the Ministry of Natural Resources for activities than infiltrating through the soil/rock. on Crown land. Reusable: Items that can be used again in their current state by another individual or for another purpose. Runoff pattern: The arrangement of how rain or Puncture: An area of change or disturbance within a water flows over an area. This is determined by the natural community such as a buffer. It is often created Right-of-way (includes Easements): A legal agreement land form; water will flow down slope to the lowest by a change in land use or development. The threat or that confers on an individual, company or Municipality elevation points due to gravity. Also called drainage damage caused by the puncture depends on its size the right to use a landowner’s property in some way. It pattern. and the type and health of the natural community or also therefore partially restricts an owner’s use of

114 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Glossary

R-2000: A building technology designed in Canada of trees, shrubs, and structures such as patios, pools, and Slow-release fertilizer: The type of synthetic and not recognized internationally for energy sheds, and vehicles including snowmobiles. Any (inorganic) fertilizers that break down using bacteria, efficiency and indoor air quality. Every R-2000 home compaction of the soil reduces leaching bed performance fungi or other soil micro-organisms in the soil, or that is certified by the Government of Canada and the R- and crushed leaching bed pipes can cause backups in your are coated to reduce solubility. As a result, nitrogen 2000 rating is managed by the Canadian Home home. becomes available for plants over time. While it is Builders’ Association and Natural Resources Canada typically more expensive than quick-release (NRCan’s) Office of Energy Efficiency. Septic system: Consists of a separate tank to settle the fertilizers, it lowers the chance of ‘burning’ plants solids out of the wastewater, followed by a leaching bed in when over-application occurs and has less potential to Sand point well/driven well: Wells constructed by which the wastewater is treated and distributed into the leach into ground or surface water. It is also referred driving assembled lengths of pipe into the ground. soil. to as Water Insoluble Nitrogen. These wells are usually smaller in diameter (5 cm or less) and less than 15 m (50 ft) deep. They can be Septic tank: A watertight vault in which sanitary sewage Soffit: The material used to bridge the gap between a installed in loose soils, such as sand. is collected to remove scum, grease, and solids from the house’s exterior wall and the roofline, also known as liquid without the addition of air. This is where solids eaves. Saturated (soil): Soil in which all the pore spaces are settle and anaerobic digestion of the sanitary sewage takes completely filled with water and no additional water place. Soil compaction: Reduced pore space in the soil due can be stored. to human or equipment traffic. Compaction makes it Setback: the distance which a building, structure or difficult for water to infiltrate and for roots to Seller Property Information Statement: A non- activity is set back from a street, shoreline, floodplain or penetrate the soil. legally binding document that outlines what the current any other feature that may need protection. A setback can owner of the property knows about the property. Also also include a minimum distance from septic systems, Soil depth: The depth of soil influences the potential known as a Disclosure Statement. drinking water wells, utility or property lines. A setback is for groundwater contamination. Deeper soils are often regulated in municipal zoning by-laws. typically more effective at filtering out contaminants Sensitive natural feature: An environmental element before they can reach groundwater. of the landscape that is readily affected by or Sill: A lip or catch under the spout of a container that responsive to external influences or change. effectively catches any drips from the mouth of the spout. Soil grade: The elevation of the ground surface. Grade may also refer to the steepness of the slope of Septic field: See septic leaching bed. Silt fence: A temporary barrier stretched across an area to the surface. trap sediment and prevent runoff water from moving it off- Septic leaching bed: Part of the septic system. site during construction. Soil type: The material(s) that a soil is made of affect Together with the septic tank, it treats household its ability to filter water and other substances sewage. It is comprised of rows of perforated pipes set Slope: Refers to land surface steepness. It is measured as a (including pollutants). Sand and gravel soils provide at a specific distance apart and above a stone layer that number of centimetres rise in a 100 cm (1 m) horizontal the fastest infiltration and therefore increase the distribute liquid wastewater along an underground length (for example, a 2 % slope equals 2 cm rise across potential for groundwater contamination. Conversely, field into the soil. The area above a leaching bed 100 cm horizontal length). clay soils are slow to allow water to infiltrate and may should have a good grass cover and should be kept free cause water to runoff along the surface which encourages erosion and surface water contamination. 115 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Glossary

Solvent: A liquid that can dissolve another substance Sub-surface distribution: Underground discharge of Triple rinse: One way to properly rinse containers. (e.g., paint thinner, mineral spirits, and water). household wastewater to a leaching bed after pretreatment Fill the container 10% full of water or other diluents, in a septic tank. cap and shake the container, then add the rinse water Species-at-Risk: A general term used to describe the to the spray tank. Repeat two more times. fragile state of a species population. This term is Surface material: Refers to soil, lawn, or other ground further organized into 5 categories of risk: Special material that surrounds the well. ULC approved: Approved for safety by the Concern, Threatened, Endangered, Extirpated, and Underwriter’s Laboratory of Canada. ULC approval Extinct. The usual causes for a species to be at risk Surface water: Any open or exposed body or flow of should be marked on a storage tank. include habitat destruction, genetic and reproductive water including springs, streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, drain isolation, the suppression of natural occurrences such inlets, ditches, etc. Unused well: A water well that is not currently used as fire, environmental contamination, over-harvesting, or is used occasionally. All water wells regardless of climate change, disease, and the presence of invasive Survey: A map document made by a licensed surveyor use must be properly maintained or they must be species. that illustrates and describes the measurements and layout properly abandoned (plugged and sealed). of a parcel of land including its size, boundaries, location, Stagnant water: Water that is motionless or ceases to elevations, the dimensions and position of any structures Use Limitation: See Hazard Land. flow. and indicates any easements, rights of ways, etc. Vegetated buffer: A permanent strip of vegetation Steward: An individual with a personal commitment Swale: A ditch that can direct and divert water runoff or along the side of a watercourse that reduces soil to care for the land and the surrounding landscape in that can hold water allowing it to slowly infiltrate into the erosion and surface water contamination. order that it may be preserved or enhanced for future soil. Swales are usually moist, marshy, fertile areas. generations. Vegetation: All plants including trees, shrubs, non- Talus slope: The accumulation of rock debris at the base woody plants, lichens, mosses, etc. Storm water: Water from rain or melting snow that of a cliff or steep mountain slope. It is often too unstable to does not infiltrate into the ground. support to growth of vegetation. It is the transition zone Vent: See Well vent. between the bare rock face of the cliff and the ground with Storm windows: An extra pane of glass or plastic soil. Visual access: The ability to observe an environment added to the outside of windows to provide additional or scene from a distance without physical entry or insulation and wind protection. Tree rooting zone: Often considered the radius on the presence. ground that corresponds with the tree dripline (the greatest Storm sewer: A system of underground pipes extent of the tree branches) that is critical for root uptake Vulnerability: Capacity to be open or exposed to (separate from sanitary sewers) that collects and of water and nutrients; however a more accurate way to harm. carries only water runoff from building and land measure the radius of a tree’s rooting zone is to extend the surfaces to a discharge point (e.g., infiltration basin, circle on the ground by 20 cm for every 1 cm of tree trunk Wastewater: Dirty/used water of domestic origin, stream, lake or treatment plant). diameter. including the kitchen, laundry, and bathrooms (toilet, shower, tub).

116 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Glossary

Wastewater treatment system: A sewage system Weir: A small dam where water continues to flow over extend from the vent up above the ground level to approved under the Ontario Building Code (OBC). top commonly used to raise the water level in a stream. prevent flooding of the well. Creates a barrier to fish migration upstream; can prevent Water bar: Ridge of compacted soil, loose rock or the migration of invasive species Sea Lamprey upstream. Well-rotted manure: Any animal waste that is used gravel constructed across disturbed right-of-ways and to fertilize soil and has undergone decomposition by similar sloping areas. A water bar shortens the flow Well cap: A commercially manufactured device used to bacteria, fungi, or other micro-organisms for a length within a long sloping right-of-way, thereby cover the top of a well casing pipe. This cap prevents minimum of 6 months. Its odour is no longer pungent reducing the erosion potential by diverting storm surface water, vermin, or solid material from entering the but is often sweet, its colour is dark or black and its runoff to a stabilized outlet or sediment trapping well. texture is crumbly. device. Well capture zone: The area of land that replenishes Wetland: Area that is permanently or temporarily Water efficiency: The degree to which practices or water to a pumped well or a group of wells. Determining submerged, or saturated for at least part of the year devices are used to reduce the amount of water needed the size of a capture zone is complex and expensive. under water. Unlike upland wetlands, coastal wetlands to do a job. Knowing its area may not be necessary if the entire don’t transition into drier communities. property is treated as the capture zone for the well(s) and Water feature: Any constructed landscape feature potential contaminant sources are managed properly. Wildlife: Any non-domesticated insect, fish, that holds or has water spill over it. This includes amphibian, mammal or plant. artificial small ponds, artificial waterfalls, and artificial Well casing: Steel, fibreglass, plastic pipe or concrete tile, streams. installed when a well is constructed, in order to strengthen Wind energy: Energy that is obtained from wind- the well bore hole so it does not collapse. It also prevents powered turbine engines. Water heater: An appliance that typically uses gas or contaminants from entering the well and allows placement electricity to heat water. A water heater also stores the of a pump or pumping equipment. Woody Species: A plant that produces woody stems heated water until it is used. such as a tree or shrub. Well pit: Lined, shallow excavation around the top of the Water table: The boundary between the saturated soil well casing of a drilled well. Zoning by-law: Municipal legislation that describes (where all the soil pore spaces are filled with water) the exact use for a specific parcel of land including and the unsaturated soil (where the soil pore spaces are Well vent: An opening in the well cap or well seal that permissible buildings, size, building heights and filled with air, roots, soil organisms and some water). makes the air pressure inside the well the same as outside. setbacks from lot lines. It also lets gases escape. The vent should always have a Weather stripping: Strips of resilient material, screen to prevent dirt, vermin, or other materials from Zoning: The division of a Municipality by legislative typically rubber or plastic, used to plug air leaks getting into the well. A screened pipe may regulations into areas (zones) that control the use of around doors and window frames in order to prevent the land by specifying the uses allowable for the real cold air or water from coming indoors. property in these areas (e.g. residential, agricultural, commercial, heavy industrial).

117 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Resource List

GENERAL CONTACT INFORMATION City of Thunder Bay Household Hazardous Waste Depot Thunder Bay City Hall John Street Landfill Lakehead Region Conservation Authority 500 Donald Street East John Street Road, South of Mapleward Road 130 Conservation Road, P.O. Box 10427 P.O. Box 800 T: Landfill Information (807) 623-5756 Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6T8 Thunder Bay, Ontario P7C 5K4 T: Landfill Site (807) 767-9472 T: (807) 344-5857 Phone: (807) 625-2110 F: (807) 345-9156 www.thunderbay.ca EcoSuperior Environmental Programs Email: [email protected] 212 Miles Street East www.lakeheadca.com Thunder Bay District Health Unit Thunder Bay, ON P7C 1J6 www.conservation-ontario.on.ca 999 Balmoral Street T: (807) 624-2140 Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6E7 www.ecosuperior.com Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources T: (807) 625-5900 435 James Street South, Suite 8001 F: (807) 623-2369 TOPICS Thunder Bay, ON P7E 6S8 www.tbdhu.com T: (807) 475-1471 Boating www.mnr.gov.on.ca Fisheries and Oceans Canada • Prince Arthur’s Landing Municipal Marina with Thunder Bay Office pump-out facilities Municipality of Shuniah 100 Main Street, Suite 425 T: (807) 345-2741 Municipal Office Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6R9 • Concrete boat launch and courtesy docks available at 420 Leslie Avenue T: (807) 346-8118 Silver Harbour and Little Trout Bay Conservation Thunder Bay, ON P7A 1X8 F: (807) 346-8545 Areas for $2/vehicle visitor fee. Call LRCA at (807) T: (807) 683-4545 Email: [email protected] 344-5857 for details. F: (807) 683-6982 www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca •The Enviro Boater Guide: A guide to Email: [email protected] environmentally-friendly boating. 2005. 4th Edition. www.shuniah.org Ontario Ministry of the Environment Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons. Available online Thunder Bay Regional Office at: www.cps-ecp.ca under Boating Resources- Municipality of Neebing 435 James Street South, Suite 331 Environment 4766 Highway 61 Thunder Bay, ON P7E 6S8 • The Safe Boating Guide. 2000. Canadian Coast Neebing, ON P7L 0B5 T: (807) 475-1205 Guard. Available online at: www.tc.gc.ca T: (807) 474-5331 F: (807) 475-1754 • www.boatsmartcanada.ca F: (807) 474-5332 Toll free: 1-800-565-4923 www.neebing.org www.ene.gov.on.ca

118 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Resource List

Buying a Rural Property • Contact the MNR if construction/building on public • Natural Resources Canada Office of Energy • Seller Property Information Statement – Residential. land. Review MNR Crown Land Policies, Public Lands Efficiency 2006. Form 220. Ontario Real Estate Association. Act Work Permits oee.nrca.gc.ca/ Available online at: • Green Communities Canada www.ottawastructural.com/pictures/orea.pdf Chemicals www.gca.ca • Andrews, E. et al. (Ed.). 1997. Home*A*Syst: An • Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Construction/Building Permits Environmental Risk Assessment Guide for the Home. helps building construction gain certification for stainable • Contact your local municipality’s Chief Building Natural Resource, Agricultural, and Engineering Service site development, water efficiency, energy efficiency, Official (CBO) (NRAES): New York. Publication Number: NRAES-87. materials selection and indoor air quality See Blue Pages ISBN: 0-935817-30-1. Available for purchase online at: www.cagbc.org • Contact your local Municipal Office. If within the www.nraes.org City of Thunder Bay, contact Development Services: • Thunder Bay Broom & Chemical Fishing 2nd Floor, 11 Syndicate Avenue South T: (807)577-7795 • Check out the Ministry of Natural Resources, Fish Thunder Bay, ON P7E 6S4 • ECOgent Environmental Solutions at: 1-877-994-9908 Ontario for information on regulations, licenses, fish facts T: (807) 625-2574 www.ecogent.ca and fish stocking. Available online at: F: (807) 623-9344 • Simply clean www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/LetsFish • Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing www.simplyclean.ca Building and Development Branch Fish Habitat 435 James Street South, Suite 435 Ecological Labeling • Contact your local Conservation Authority before starting Thunder Bay ON P7E 6S7 Environmental Choice Program construction project/activities in or near watercourses. T: (807) 475-1651 c/o TerraChoice Environmental Marketing • Check out Department of Fisheries & Oceans F: (807) 475-1196 1280 Old Innes Road, Suite 801 Operational Statements that describe the conditions • Ontario Building Code (OBC) Ottawa, Ontario K1B 5M7 under which the Fisheries Act is applicable to your project Regulates design, construction, operation and Call Toll-free: 1-800-478-0399 and the measures to incorporate into your project in order maintenance of on-site septic systems and new Fax: (613) 247-2228 to avoid negative impacts to fish habitat. Available online building/structure construction www.environmentalchoice.com at: www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/oceans-habitat/habitat/ Email: [email protected] modernizing-moderniser/epmp-pmpe/index_e.asp www.obc.mah.gov.on.ca Energy Efficiency Operational Statements: • Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design • Contact EcoSuperior for an at-home energy evaluation • Removal of Aquatic Vegetation (LEED) helps building construction gain certification conducted by a Certified Energy Advisor at: • Beach Creation for Residential Use for stainable site development, water efficiency, (807) 624-2140 • Beaver Dam Removal energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor air • Contact a Professional Energy Auditor • Bridge Maintenance quality See Yellow Pages • Clear-Span Bridge www.cagbc.org • Deacon, G. 2006. Green Tips: How to Save Money and • Culvert Maintenance • Before construction in or near watercourses see the Planet. Toronto, ON: Green Living Enterprises. (list continues on next page) resources under “Fish Habitat” and “Navigable • R-2000 Residential Buildings Waters” www. r2000.chba.ca 119 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Resource List

Fish Habitat (continued) Fuel Tanks Living along the Shoreline Operational Statements: • Ontario Petroleum Contractor’s Association • Visit the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority to • Dock and Boathouse Construction (OPAC) provides assistance in finding a petroleum view screening maps of the Approximate Regulated • High-Pressure Directional Drilling equipment mechanic (PM2) Area along watercourses/shoreline on your property • Ice Bridges T: (705) 735-9467 • Living by the Water • Isolated Pond Construction www.opcaonline.org www.livingbywater.ca • Maintenance of Riparian Vegetation in Rights-of-Way • Green tips: Residential fuel oil. Ministry of • Environmental Sensitivity Atlas for Lake Superior’s • Moorings Environment (MOE) publication Canadian Shoreline. 1993. Environment Canada – • Overhead Line Construction • Underwriters’ Laboratories of Canada (ULC) Conservation and Protection Branch, Environmental • Public Beach Maintenance product safety certification for above-ground fuel Protection – Ontario Region. ISBN: 0-662-20522-7. • Punch and Bore Crossings oil storage tanks • Keillor, P. (Ed.). 2003. Living on the Coast: • Routine Maintenance Dredging www.ulc.ca Protecting Investments in Shore Property on the Great • Submerged Log Salvage Lakes. Detroit, Michigan: U.S. Army Corps of • Underwater Cables Invasive Species Engineers and University of Wisconsin. • Contact Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) • Understanding Natural Hazards: An introductory Hardcopy Operational Statements available at local DFO for disposal of invasive species guide for public health and safety policies 3.1, and LRCA offices. • Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters (OFAH) provincial policy statement. Ontario Ministry of and MNR Natural Resources. Ontario: Queen’s Printer. ISBN: 0- • Department of Fisheries & Oceans (DFO) Working Around www.invadingspecies.com 7794-1008-4. Water? Factsheet Series on: Invasive Species Reporting at: 1-800-563-7711 • Stevens, J. (Ed.). 1994. Living Near the Water: • Docks, boathouses & boat launches • Canadian Wildlife Education Environment Design for Shoreline Properties. • Building a beach www.cwf-fcf.org Burnstown, Ontario: General Shore Publishing House. • Building material • Lui, K. et al. 2008. Field Guide to Aquatic • Edgett, R. 1995. Buyers Guide to Shoreline Property: • Shoreline stabilization Invasive Species. Ministry of Natural Resources: Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. Conservation • Dredging Queen’s Printer for Ontario. MNR: #52089. ISBN: Association of Ontario/ Environment Canada: • Controlling aquatic plants 978-1-4249-4380-7. Burlington, ON. • Sunken log retrieval • Docktalk environmental education kit available to • Stream clean up Landscape Water Efficiency Cottager Associations • Silt & sediment • City of Thunder Bay Wise Water Use Program Federation of Ontario Cottager’s Associations (FOCA) • Fluctuating water levels www.thunderbay.ca 239 McRae Dr. Toronto, ON M4G 1T7 Available online at: www.dfo- • Straight Talk About…Landscape Care During (T): 416-629-0444 mpo.gc.ca/regions/central/pub/factsheets-feuilletsinfos- Water-Use Restrictions. Capital Regional District www.foca.on.ca on/index-eng.htm Water Department: Victoria, BC. Factsheet • Kipp, S. & C. Callaway (Ed.). 2003. On the Living available online at: www.crd.bc.ca/ Edge: Your handbook for waterfront living. Nature • The Fish Habitat Primer: A Guide to Understanding • Henderson, C.L. et al. 2000. Landscaping for Saskatchewan: Regina. ISBN: 0-921-10417-0. Freshwater Fish Habitat in Ontario. Fisheries and Oceans Wildlife and Water Quality. St. Paul, Minnesota: Available for purchase online at: Canada, Burlington: Queen’s Printer. ISBN: 0-662-40593-5. Department of Natural Resources. www.livingbywater.ca 120 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Resource List

Navigable Waters • Montreal Botanical Garden Factsheets/Leaflets: • Review the Navigable Waters Protection Program www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/jardin/en/menu.htm • Green Facts: Important Facts About Water Well (NWPP) to determine if your project requires approval • Ontario Horticultural Association Construction PIBS no. 3788e01, 2003 by Transport Canada for any works (i.e. docks, www.gardenontario.org • Green Facts: Managing Your Water Well in Times of boathouses, water intakes) built or placed in, on, over, • Thunder Bay Horticultural Society Shortage PIBS no. 3784e, 1999 under, through or across navigable water in Canada T: (807) 767-6165 • Green Facts: The Protection of Water Quality in prior to construction of the work(s). Local Master Gardener representative: Bored and Dug Wells PIBS no. 3962e01, 2003 Navigable Waters Protection Act (NWPA) Erika North • Green Facts: The Protection of Water Quality in Regional Manager Email: [email protected] Drilled Wells PIBS no. 3961e01, 2003 Navigable Waters Protection Program • Green Facts: The Protection of Water Quality in Transport Canada, Marine Office Private Well Water Supply Jetted or Driven Point Wells PIBS no. 4505e, 2003 100 S Front Street, 1st Floor • Contact Thunder Bay District Health Unit online at: Sarnia ON N7T 2M4 www.tbdhu.com under Environmental Health – Drinking •Review the Ontario Water Resources Act and Ontario T: 1-866-821-6631 Water Safety – Private Wells Regulation 903 (Water Wells). This regulation F: (519) 383-1989 • Contact EcoSuperior to participate in their free Well governs how wells must be constructed in Ontario. It E-mail: [email protected] Aware home visit service, a guided self-assessment with includes construction standards, distances required www.tc.gc.ca/marinesafety/oep/nwpp/menu.htm water samples taken to the Public Health Laboratory from contaminant sources and licensing requirements www.tc.gc.ca (Ontario Ministry of Health) for well contractors. www.ecosuperior.org/water_wellaware.html • Best Management Practices: Water Wells. 2003. Pesticide Alternatives www.wellaware.ca Revised Edition. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada • Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides • Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food. (NCAP) (OMAFRA) Publications: Available for free at the Lakehead Region www.pesticide.org Agricultural Information Contact Centre at: Conservation Authority. • Pesticide Free Ontario 1-877-424-1300 www.pesticidefree.ca www.omafra.gov.on.ca Private Surface Water Intake • Rubin, C. 1990. How to get your Lawn and Garden Factsheets/Leaflets: • Freshwater Intake End-of-Pipe Fish Screen off Drugs: Pesticide-free Gardening for a Healthier • Private Water Well Owners – Dealing with Water Guideline. 1995. Department of Fisheries & Oceans: Environment. Madeira Park, BC: Harbour Publishing. Shortages (order no. 99-025) Ottawa. ISBN: 0-662-23168-6. Available online at: • Water Quality for House and Barn (order no. 87-026) www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/Library/223669.pdf Plant Selection & Care Videotapes: • Review the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) • The Forest Gene Conservation Association • Water wells (produced by Town & Country Ontario Free Use Policy. Available online at: www.fgca.net Television) www.mnr.gov.on.ca under Crown Land Policies – • The Society for Ecological Restoration (Ontario Public Land Stewardship Chapter) - Native Plant Resource Guide. Order online • Ontario Ministry of Environment (MOE) Publications: at: www.serontario.org Public Information Centre Toll free: 1-800-565-4923 www.ene.gov.on.ca 121 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Resource List

Resource Violations Reporting • Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Waste Burning • CRIME STOPPERS at 1-800-222-8477 (OMAFRA) Publications: • Contact local Municipality about regulations (1-800- 222-TIPS) Agricultural Information Contact Centre at: • www.burnbarrel.org • MNR toll-free reporting line: 1-877-424-1300 • Canadian Centre for Pollution Prevention 1-877-847-7667 www.omafra.gov.on.ca www.c2p2online.com • Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Books: • Great Lakes Trash and Open Burning Website T: (807) 344-5857 • Soil Erosion Manual, 1986 OMAFRA www.openburning.org www.lakeheadca.com Soil survey reports and maps may be ordered for $15 • Best Management Practices: Soil Management. 1994. Waste Reduction Shoreline Restoration/Rehabilitation Best Management Practices: Buffer Strips. 2003. • Contact EcoSuperior to learn about • Minnesota Management Resource Guide Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Ontario Ministry vermincomposting (by worms) at: www.shorelandmanagement.org of Agriculture and Food. Available for free at the www.ecosuperior.org • Understanding, Living with, and Controlling Lakehead Region Conservation Authority. • Ontario Ministry of Environment (MOE) Shoreline Erosion. A Guidebook for Shoreline Factsheets/Leaflets: Publications: rd Property Owners. 2007. (3 Edition). Tip of the Mitt • Control of Soil Erosion – Order No. 95-089 Toll Free: 1-800-565-4923 Watershed Council: Michigan. ISBN: 978-1-889313- • Soil Erosion – Causes and Effects – Order No. 87-040 www.ene.gov.on.ca 11-4. Available free to download at: • Soil Compaction – Order No. 88-082 Factsheets/Leaflets: www.watershedcouncil.org • Recycling • Heaton, M., Grillmayer, R. & J. Imhof. 2002. Spills • Garden waste Ontario’s Stream Rehabilitation Manual. Ontario Ministry of Environment (MOE) • Home renovation waste Streams: Belfountain, Ontario. Available free at: Spills Action Centre www.ontariostreams.on.ca 1-800-268-6060 • Composting Council of Canada T: 1-877-571-GROW Soils Tree Ecology/ Advice Email: [email protected] th • Smillie, J. & G. Gershuny. 1999. The Soul of Soil (4 • Thunder Bay Field Naturalists www.compost.org Edition). White River Junction, Vermont: Chelsea P.O. Box 10037 Green Publishing Company. ISBN 1-890132-31-4. Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6T6 • Soil Testing Laboratories T: (807) 474-6007 (cell phone) See Yellow Pages www.tbfn.net or •Ontario Forestry Association (OFA) Lakehead University Centre for Analytical Services www.oforest.on.ca (LUCAS) •Ontario Woodlot Association (OWA) http://lucas.lakeheadu.ca/ www.ont-woodlot-assoc.org •Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP) application and guide is available on MNR, OFA or OWA websites.

122 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Conserve Today...For A Better Tomorrow LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Resource List Thank You

Wastewater & Septic Systems The original version of this Guide was the Lake Huron Stewardship • Contact Thunder Bay District Health Unit Visit online at: www.tbdhu.com under Environmental Health – Manual (2006). Contributors to the first edition included Diane Leal, Karen Septic & Land Landman and Wayne Caldwell. We would also like to acknowledge the excellent work of all the members of the original steering committee Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs including: Steve Bowers, Ray Letheren, Geoff Peach, Susanna Reid, Mari (OMAFRA) Publications: Veliz, Wayne Caldwell, Karen Landman and Diane Leal. We would also Agricultural Information Contact Centre at: like to acknowledge the Environmental Farm Plan that was the inspiration 1-877-424-1300 for much of the original guide. www.omafra.gov.on.ca • Care and Maintenance of a Rural Septic Tank System (order no. In addition, we would like to acknowledge the financial support provided 93-081) • Septic Smart!: New Ideas for Household Septic Systems on by numerous organizations for the development of the original version of Difficult Sites. 1999. (with Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement this guide. These include: The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Assistance Program) Rural Affairs, Ontario Trillium Foundation, Environment Canada, Ontario www.ontariosoilcrop.org Soil and Crop Improvement Association, the University of Guelph, • Septic Smart!: Understanding your home’s septic system. 2008. Ashfield- Colborne Lakefront Association, Ausable Bayfield Conservation (with Rideau Valley Conservation Area) Authority, Bluewater Shoreline Residents Association, Canada Ontario www.rvca.ca Agreement, County of Huron, Friends of the Bayfield River, Grand Bend Community Fund, Great Lakes Aquatic Habitat Fund, Huron Stewardship Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Publications: Council, Municipality of Central Huron, Rotary Club of Grand Bend, and www.obc.mah.gov.on.ca • A Guide to Operating and Maintaining Your Septic System, 1999 TD/Canada Trust Friends of the Environment Foundation. • Ontario Building Code Part 8 Published by the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority. Ontario Onsite Wastewater Association Publications: Copyright February 2009 www.oowa.org Lake Huron Stewardship Guide First Edition 2006 • Ontario On-site Sewage Systems Do’s and Don’ts Guide • Your Septic System: Protecting your Investment and the All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted Environment in any form or by any means, including all usual methods, without written Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation permission of the publisher. www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca • Your Septic System Printed in Canada. • Ontario Rural Wastewater Centre • Household Guide to Water Efficiency

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LAKE SUPERIOR STEWARDSHIP GUIDE Your Action Plan Worksheet and Page Worksheet Theme Rating Short-term Actions Long-term Actions Topic Number

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