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Ay 9 There is nothing wrong with the theory of the Port Perry Sew- age Treatment Lagoons as they are at the moment except for two important items, they exceed provincial guidelines for am- monia discharge and because of this the lagoons cannot be ex- panded to handle any new growth in this urban center. Ammonia (a form of nitrogen) is produced naturally from the decompo- sition of wastewater. Research indicates that excess nitrogen from the lagoons represents six percent of the excess nutrient problems for Lake Scugog. Under consideration atthe moment by Durham Region Works, which controls this facility, is a new process called “break-point chlorination” which they believe will not only solve the excess ammonia problem but eliminate the current hold on expansion by the province. This method would see an injection process that mixes a Strong chlorine solution with the ammonia filled wastewater. This breaks down that ammonia into a range of chloramines. This is then reacted using sodium bisulfate that supposedly eliminates a high percentage of the chloramines but results in Significant amounts of chlorides or salts and the release of some of the chloramines. In both theory and practice this method raises red flags for the Scugog Lake Stewards. This we understand is a relatively untried, chemical solution proposed to be used within a sensi- tive, organic environment. Our research indicates there are al- ways disinfection by-products, residual chlorine and of course products of human waste water that are not eliminated by con- ventional systems — products such as drug residues, residues from household and industrial cleaning products and personal care products. While the Lake Stewards are not scientific specialists; the more we research the more questions we have regarding Dur- ham Region's new technology solution. Our biggest question is: Is it not possible to accomplish a per- manent, workable, environmentally sound solution using a non- chemical means? Our research has tumed up several methods which might solve the ammonia and capacity problems with less up-front infrastructure costs and less long term running cost. 24 FOCUS- APRIL 2008 | “APRILoos2pagesinaa 24 Is there no way to prevent “treated” effluent and its load of inevitable additional pollutants from entering the Nonquon River directly. Can they assure Scugog residents that there will be no long term degradation on destruction of river or lake life? Is this solution in line with the ideas of the new Lake Scugog Environmental Management plan? Has Dr. Alex Shulyarenko of Kawartha Conservation, who has conducted years of research on Lake Scugog, approved of this solution? Lake Scugog has never had any industrial pollution around its shores, therefore fish can be eaten in almost unlimited quan- tities. Will this remain possible in years to come after the instal- lation of “break-point chlorina- tion?” And even further, the Lake Stewards are concerned that a large amount of money is to be allocated to this improvement at the lagoons. At the same time, what is being done for all the other small communities around the lake whose need is as great as Port Perry’s but are left out of this work program. Dr. A Shulyarenko Another solution has been proposed. A small sewage pipe to go over the moraine all the way to Brooklin and from there by existing lines to the Oshawa Sewage Treatment Plant. Edu- cated estimates indicate this proposed solution would be even more expensive, leading to the need for added building growth to help cover the cost. At this point, Port Perry has limited pro- jected growth because of Greenbelt and Moraine protection plans. There would be great pressure on these plans for some flexibility to allow growth. The Region is under pressure from the Province to comply with its ammonia standards. The Township is under pressure to bring in some growth. However, decisions made regarding this will be permanent. It is important that we all understand what we are choosing. focus@observerpub.ca sane 10:25:91 aM |