TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………………..…….. 1

WILBUR AND HARRY IN THE COUNTRY………………………………………….. 2

SEPTIC SYSTEM ………………………………………………………………………… 7

SHORELAND…………………………………………………………………………….. 10

AQUATIC PLANTS/FERTILIZERS………………………………………….……….. 13

GIARDIA “ BEAVER FEVER”/ WATER PURIFICATION ………………..……… 14

WATER TESTING ………………………………………………………………………. 16

RECYCLING/COMPOSTING/BURNING..…………………………………………. 17

HELPING PROTECT WILDLIFE AND HABITATS/

ZEBRA MUSSELS AND OTHER AQUATIC SPECIES………………….…………. 18

NOISE AND MISCELLANEOUS……………………………………………………… 19

REFERENCES/RESOURCES ………………………………………………………… 20

LAKE HUGHES

Municipalities of GORE and MILLE ISLES, Quebec

2002

This booklet has been inspired by the Lake Barron Environmental Report which was based on the work done by the Lake Louisa Association.

Prepared by:Lake Hughes Association Environmental Committee

Kelly Fahey, John Lough, Heather McCullough

Consultant:Bill Pollock

Contributors:Celeste Benard, Pierre Gregoire, Kim Nielsen

Photo: (front cover):Bunny McCullough

Typing:Kelly Fahey, Barbara Stolt

INTRODUCTION

This booklet summarizes many of the environmental issues which have been discussed over the years by the Lake Hughes Association.

The objective of the booklet is to provide some basic information about environmental issues pertaining to Lake Hughes and to recommend some environmentally friendly actions.

The continuous development of lakefront properties will ultimately have an effect on the quality of our lake. Before beginning any practice, stop and think about the potential risks to water quality.

Preservation of our lake is much easier and less costly than Restoration.

We are very fortunate at Lake Hughes as we do not have many of the most serious sources of pollution such as:

  • Gasoline Motor Boats Lake Hughes is a “no gasoline motor boat ” lake

(Municipal – Provincial & Federal law)

  • No industry or agriculture
  • No golf courses
  • No municipal spraying with pesticides

We encourage comments and suggestions for future revised editions of this booklet and we would appreciate any documentation or reference materials.

Being environmentally friendly requires understanding the consequences of our actions: this is very well portrayed in the following story about “Wilbur and Harry in the Country”.

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SEPTIC SYSTEM

How Septic Systems Function

Septic Systems are a vital part of our homes and cottages and can be a hazard to our lake environment when they fail to function. To understand how the septic system can fail it’s necessary to understand how it works. The septic system consists of two major components: the septic tank and the weeping field.

Septic Tank

The first stop for household sewage is the septic tank. Inside the tank the sewage solids sink to the bottom, and are called sludge. Greases and fats float to the top and are called scum. Liquid is left in the middle. Bacteria in the septic tank start the decomposition of the sewage solids. The sludge and scum are retained within the tank and should be pumped out on a regular basis.

The liquid flows out of the tank’s exit into the weeping field. In the soil it encounters more bacteria, which finish the good work begun in the tank. The weeping field acts as a natural sewage filtration and purification system. This natural filtering plant works when the run-off fluid from the septic tank flows past the weeping field, through the soil past the root systems of trees, shrubs and grass. This provides the lake with much needed protection.

Failure to pump out a septic tank when required will result in sludge and scum being carried into the weeping field. This in turn may clog the system. In this event, not only will the tank have to be pumped out, but the weeping field may have to be replaced.

The size and type of septic systems is based on the size of the home and lot, so when planning on building additions, such as adding a washroom, installing a hot tub, etc., check to ensure the system will handle the load.

Septic tanks must be pumped out regularly. Municipal by-laws require tanks to be pumped out based on occupancy of home or cottage.

Seasonal residents: Clean out every 4 years

Permanent residents: Clean out every 2 years

Proof of Clean-out must be sent to the municipality.

Septic tanks must have structural integrity and be watertight. You should be informed if the tank is damaged, leaking, rusting or of any other existing problems when it is pumped out. Ask for this information if it is not readily provided.

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SEPTIC SYSTEM

If your septic tank is 25 years old, it is recommended that you consider installing a new system.

Avoid commercial septic tank accelerators and/or bacterial additives. They are unnecessary preparations. Your septic tank contains the required bacteria to process waste.

When winterizing the cottage, use only plumbing antifreeze, not automobile radiator antifreeze.

Weeping Field

The weeping field is best located in an open area clear of tree root systems. The area over the weeping field should be grassed or left open to wild flowers so that maximum evaporation can take place.

The weeping field should be protected from all vehicular traffic, including large lawn tractors, snowmobiles, heavy equipment, etc. The weight of this traffic can crush the pipes in the weeping field. Compacting of snow in this area increases risk of freezing the septic field.

Warning Signs of a Failing Septic System

  • Odours near the septic system.
  • Spots of lush vegetation on or around the weeping field.
  • Ground becomes soggy over the weeping field.
  • Presence of thick black sticky soil near the weeping field.
  • Back-up of the sewage into the drains of the house.
  • High fecal coliforms present in the lake in front of the house. The Lake Hughes Association conducts water testing each summer.

How to Help the Septic System Function

Minimize Water Consumption (Don’t Overload the System)

Many homes draw water directly from the lake and therefore enjoy an unlimited supply. Remember that the septic system has to cope with the incoming liquid. The more liquid we feed it, the greater the likelihood that solids will be carried into the weeping field to clog it. This is the most common cause of septic system problems.

Here are some helpful ideas:

  • Use water restricted plumbing fixtures, such as low flow showerheads and low flush toilets.
  • Repair leaking faucets and “running” toilets.
  • Allow the septic tank to have a rest period between large loads of waste water, i.e., when laundry load is completed, wait before draining a bath.
  • Run the dishwasher only when completely full.

Septic System Hazards

Be careful as to what goes down the drain. Here are some ideas:

  • Limit the amount of toilet paper and choose one ply.
  • Do not allow food scraps, including coffee grounds, to escape down the drain. Sink garbage disposal systems (garbarators) are not appropriate for septic systems. The generated waste increases sludge and scum in the tank. Use a composter instead.
  • Avoid chlorine bleach (Javel) as it destroys the bacterial action in the tank. Alternatives are Borax or washing soda.
  • Do not allow grease, oil, household chemicals/cleaners, paint and thinners into the system. Baking soda is an excellent substitute for cleansers. Avoid commercial products used for unclogging household drains. Try a mixture of ¼ cup baking soda, ½ cup vinegar and 1 gallon of boiling water.
  • Switch to phosphate free detergents. Read the labels!

Phosphate free laundry detergents are readily available in the grocery stores and are not more expensive. Most companies have phosphate free bleach free brands.

Some examples are:

All Laundry Detergent - 100% Phosphate Free

President’s Choice Laundry Detergent - Phosphate Free

Sunlight Laundry Detergent -100% Phosphate Free

Phosphate free automatic dishwasher detergents are very difficult to find, usually only available in a health food or environmental store.

One example is:

Nature Clean Dishwasher Powder - Phosphate Free

Most hand dishwashing liquids are phosphate free, therefore this method is much more environmentally friendly.

 Phosphate free cleaning products

One example is:

Vim - Phosphate Free

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SHORELAND

Municipal Regulations

The shoreland of Lake Hughes is a protected municipal conservation zone.

Gore / Protected Zone – 20m/65.6ft
Mille Isles / Protected Zone – 10m/32.8 ft (if slope is less than 30% *)
– 15m/49.2 ft (if slope is more than 30% *)

Before disturbing or altering anything in this shoreland area, consult the municipality for the by-laws. Remember that these regulations and guidelines protect and preserve the lake. Authorization And Permits Are Required For Certain Projects.

In the protected zone, the natural vegetation must be left undisturbed. An opening of 5m/16.4 ft in width is permitted, giving access to the lake. When the slope of the shoreland is steep (more than 30%*) a stairway and the 5m access to the lake may be obtained by only trimming and pruning trees and shrubs.

* A 30% slope is represented by leaning a board against the wall with the top at 3ft and the base set 10ft away from the wall.

Anything done in the shoreland protected area should have the following two objectives:

  1. prevent erosion
  2. preserve and restore the natural vegetation

Note: In certain cases, when the stabilization of a slope is necessary, a rock- type retaining wall may be used with the help of natural vegetation. Consult the municipal inspector for specific details about what is permitted.

Activities Not Permitted In The Shoreland Protected Zone/Lake

  • Excavation, digging, levelling and landfilling in the shoreland protected zone. Dumping sand on the beach is strictly forbidden.
  • Dredging and landfill in the lake.
  • Destroying, damaging and removing aquatic vegetation (weeds) in the lake.
  • Pouring cement in the shoreland protected zone as well as the lake.

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SHORELAND

Deck (Terrace)

  • A wooden deck on posts (no cement) is permitted in the 5 meter opening giving access to the lake.
  • Maximum size 50 sq m/538.2 sq ft, must not occupy more than 5m/16.4 ft in width as per the Municipality of Mille Isles by-law.
  • Topography of the land must not be altered (no excavation/back-fill).
  • The deck must be situated entirely on the shoreline and not in the lake.
  • A space must be left between the ground and the platform to permit the growth of natural vegetation.

Wharf (Dock, Quay)

  • A wharf on posts or floating platforms is permitted. However, it must not interfere with the free circulation of water.

Municipality of Gore:size not exceeding 20sq m/215.3 sq ft

Municipality of Mille Isles:size not exceeding 2m x 6m/6ft x 20 ft

  • The Lake Hughes Association does not recommend treated wood. (Arsenic, part of the preservative in treated wood, can leach into the lake. Arsenic may cause cancer in humans and is especially toxic to children. ).

______

The importance of natural lakeside vegetation cannot be over-emphasized. Trees, bushes and shrubs along the shoreline provide a good network of deep roots which helps stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.

This root system also acts as a natural filter to stop harmful nutrients from reaching the lake. This filter strip of vegetation, especially between the septic system weeping field and the lake provides significant protection for the lake.

This vegetation also uses some of the nutrients that reach the ground water from the septic system, and although good for the vegetation, excessive amounts of certain nutrients are harmful to the lake, encouraging algae (green scum) and plant growth in the water.

The shallow area of the lake around the shoreline is the most productive part of the lake. Any disturbances or disruptions of this part of the lake threaten the fragile equilibrium of the lake’s ecosystem and should be avoided. Landfill (sand) dumped on the shore eventually washes into this sensitive area and destroys spawning beds and aquatic life.

Swamps also play an important role in the life cycle of the lake. There are regulations protecting them from being disturbed or altered.

Good Shoreland Practices

  • Preserve all the trees, shrubs, bushes, plants and flowers already present. A mature tree is a powerful filter which can absorb more than 250 gallons or 1125 liters of water per day!

Cutting the shrubs and vegetation to ground level is prohibited except in the 5m access to the lake. When your shoreland property is on a steep slope (over 30%) shrubs and vegetation may only be trimmed or pruned in this 5 m access.

  • If the natural vegetation has already been removed, restore it by planting native trees, shrubs, etc. normally found along the shoreland.

The following are some recommendations for shoreland planting:

Trees: Conifers such as, cedar, spruce, white pine.

Let hardwoods seed themselves.

Shrubs: Myrica gale, alder, spiraea, willow, cinquefoil.

Grasses: Lab Ecolo or Lab 2000

Special mixture of grass seeds for shoreland.

  • Do not put high maintenance lawns or gardens which require compost or fertilizer near the lake.
  • Natural sandy beaches are rare at Lake Hughes and artificial sandy beaches are prohibited. A good alternative is a dock with stairs and a raft.

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AQUATIC PLANTS (WEEDS)

Small to moderate amounts of aquatic plants are essential to the life of a lake. These plants thrive on available nutrients, light and heat in exactly the same way as other plants. If a lake becomes over fertilized (eutrophication) and/or the water temperature rises, the symptoms are excessive algae and aquatic plants. The decomposition of this excessive algae and plant growth depletes the supply of dissolved oxygen in the water threatening the survival of all living things in the lake. A healthy lake is one with an adequate supply of dissolved oxygen.

Control of Excessive Aquatic Plant Growth

  • Limit Nutrients. Phosphorus (Phosphates) is the key nutrient in stimulating algae and aquatic plant growth. The main sources of this nutrient are:

1)Septic system sewage due to the phosphates found in laundry detergents and automatic dishwashing products, etc.

2)Fertilizers used on lawns and gardens.

  • Protect or restore the natural vegetation on the shoreland to provide shade, prevent erosion and to act as a natural filter.
  • Avoid cutting the weeds in the lake or pulling them out by hand as this often promotes greater plant growth.

FERTILIZERS

The nutrients in the fertilizers used on lakeshore lawns and gardens can leach into the ground water and eventually arrive in the lake where they become a source of pollution promoting algae and aquatic plant growth.

The numbers on the fertilizer label refer to the percentage of nutrients contained and always in the sequence: Nitrogen – (Phosphorus/Phosphates) – Potassium.

Organic does not mean safe for the lake, it means a substance derived from plant or animal material, e.g. bone meal is an organic fertilizer high in phosphorus made from steamed and ground animal bones.

The Lake Hughes Association requests that lakeshore property owners avoid using FERTILIZERS as well as PESTICIDES, which also include HERBICIDES, INSECTICIDES and FUNGICIDES. These are all sources of pollution for the lake. The Lake Hughes Association has information about natural garden remedies for insects and/or diseases, please contact them for more information.

Compost is a natural and acceptable source of fertilizer; however, it is full of nutrients and therefore should not be used near the lake.

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GIARDIA “BEAVER FEVER”

“Is the water safe to drink?” is one of the most commonly asked questions about Lake Hughes. The lake is tested annually to determine the presence of coliforms and is deemed very safe for swimming. However, the lake water may not be safe to drink unless it is treated with an approved filter or boiled.

A contamination source of lakes, ponds, rivers and streams is a parasite known as Giardia Lamblia. This intestinal parasite causes Giardiasis, a disease commonly referred to as Giardia or “Beaver Fever”. It can be carried and spread by any warm-blooded mammal including dogs and humans. Beavers are prime agents in transferring this parasite because they spend so much of their time in and near water.

Signs and Symptoms

Some infected people experience no symptoms at all while others can be desperately ill. This intestinal infection can be associated with a large variety of symptoms, increasing and decreasing in severity, often intermittent and lingering for several months if untreated.

  • Pale, foul-smelling, frothy diarrhea accompanied by abdominal cramps, bloating and excessive gas.
  • General malaise, fatigue, weakness, nausea, lack of appetite and weight loss.

Incubation Period

Time it takes for symptoms to become apparent in an infected person.

  • One to four weeks.

WATER PURIFICATION

There are several methods of treating water. The organisms which have to be destroyed are: