I would like to update everyone on the research I have been conducting on reports of "black sooty fallout" typically found on surfaces such as boat decks/hulls, patios, patio furniture, etc. ,as well as occasional "sawmill, bonfire or noxious" odours.(which may occur during the evening or night). This would depend on wind direction and your location.
Last year I spoke at the LVA meeting and indicated that via discussions with the Ministry of Environment(MOE), one likely source of this fallout/odour was Panolam Industries (old Domtar plant) located just beyond the south shore of Lake Vernon. I will provide a more detailed description of  this for the next newsletter. Briefly, Panolam uses formaldahyde (potentially carcinogenic) as well as other toxic substances in their processes,along with incineration,to produce "particleboard". Apparently they have had difficulty complying with their Certificate of Approval (C of A) on several occasions. This information is available through "Freedom of Information". Those concerned with water and air quality need to take special note of the emissions from this company as they may end up in the water as well as the air. Apparently this company will be applying for a new/updated C of A, perhaps indicating that they are expanding their processes.
 
The MOE has requested that anyone smelling or seeing what I described above should immediately contact the "24 hour spills hotline" at 1-800-268-6060, and get an incident report #. This will allow the MOE to track any suspected violations of environmental limits, and take action when required.

Andrew

Large fish (e.g.20 lb salmon), good for eating, used to be caught on Lake Vernon. With the global decrease in wild fish stocks would there be any interest in increasing stocks of fish on Lake Vernon for our dinner tables?
Apparently the Ontario Govt. in a survey found only 2 respondents interested in fishing on the Lake, (but without information about the survey methodology this is meaningless) and as a result has decided not to stock the Lake with walleye. Is this what we really want?

Lesley

Frogs are interesting creatures!  Their resounding calls in the spring remind us that summer is just around the corner.  But did you know, they can also tell us a lot about the health of our lake?

Frogs are an indicator species, as they are vulnerable to changes in the atmosphere, land or water.  As they continue to disappear, they show how our activities interfere with not just their health and survival, but with the overall health of important eco-systems, such as Lake Vernon.

If you have a comment about our lake, some tips about how to improve our community, or would just like to post a great picture, please contact us.