News
Salt Spring water: a developing storyline
JOHN MILLSON, ANNE PARKINSON, SAMANTHA SCOTT, PETER ROSS
Published in the DriftwoodFreshwater is vital to life on Salt Spring Island, and to a healthy marine realm surrounding our beautiful home. Efforts to understand, monitor and protect our island’s watersheds are increasingly needed to support our island communities’ freshwater sustainability. Healthy freshwater and marine ecosystems underpin our island’s community and its natural systems sustainability.
During 2022-2023, the Salt Spring Island Water Preservation Society (SSIWPS), Marine Stewardship Group of Transition Salt Spring and Raincoast Conservation Foundation undertook a pilot study to examine water quality in seven creeks entering Fulford Harbour and possible effects on the adjacent marine ecosystems. The study goals included supporting the planned restoration of the sea gardens in W̱E¸NÁ¸NEĆ/Hwune’nuts (Fulford Harbour) by the W̱SÁNEĆ nations and Hul’q’umi’num-speaking nations. The participation of members from the W̱SÁNEĆ nations and Hul’q’umi’num-speaking nations delivered a strong sense of purpose, with Parks Canada contributing funding to the analyses.
Cover image for the authors’ pilot water quality report for waters discharging into Fulford Harbour. (Photo by Alex Harris)
The pilot undertook summer, fall and spring water sampling, and measured flow, temperature, water velocity, conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen, metal concentrations and fecal coliform. The SSIWPS FreshWater Catalogue (FWC) provided a five-year baseline dataset which underpinned the pilot study field locations and informed an understanding of natural and seasonal change, key information for developing an appropriate pilot freshwater quality sampling program.
Our study measurement results largely fell within measured FWC ranges, from Fulford Harbour streams and other freshwater sampling sites across Salt Spring Island. There were no exceedances of B.C. environmental quality guidelines for the protection of aquatic life for any of the water properties or metals. However, fecal coliforms were detected in the majority of water samples, indicating land-based contamination of creeks from wildlife, livestock, pets and/or humans. Fecal coliform counts were highest in summer and their detection raises questions about coliform sources (humans through failing septic tanks and/or faulty wastewater connections).
The results of our collaborative stewardship island watersheds pilot study were published recently in a pilot water quality report for streams discharging into W̱E¸NÁ¸NEĆ/Hwune’nuts (Fulford Harbour), Salt Spring Island, British Columbia report. The pilot study did not include pesticides, hydrocarbons, pharmaceuticals, roadway contaminants or other contaminants of concern, “invisibles” that may originate from homes, businesses and roadways in the watersheds draining into Fulford Harbour. However, more than five years of SSIWPS-led freshwater cataloguing and watershed reconnaissance work (some 8,000+ recorded FWC field sites across the island’s watersheds) highlight several potential sources of invisibles that impact our island watersheds and creek-systems. Tagged “refuse” (tires, sofas, cars, “historic” household waste, etc.) occurs in multiple in-stream or near-stream settings within the Fulford Creek watershed and elsewhere.
The findings from the pilot study speak to the value of collaborative stewardship and of the need for sampling for a wider suite of contaminants. The pilot study report recommendations include:
• Regular monitoring of the seven streams for coliform levels to establish temporal and seasonal trends,
• Bacterial source tracking to identify the host species for coliform contamination in these streams,
• A more in-depth study of Fulford Creek to assess the extent to which this principal freshwater stream in Fulford Harbour releases other contaminants of concern (“invisibles”), and
• A regular forum that brings First Nations, government agencies and stewardship organizations together in support of transparency, sharing, monitoring for threats and solution opportunities for our precious fresh and marine water systems.
Future re-opening of shellfish harvesting in the sea gardens will benefit from comprehensive data that identifies threats to the freshwater that discharges into Fulford Harbour. A first glimpse into water quality in Fulford streams provides some reason for optimism, but suggests that we may wish to dig a little deeper into contaminants that were not part of this study. In-depth knowledge will provide meaningful guidance for best practices in Fulford-area watersheds.
To see the full report, visit: raincoast.org/reports/saltspring-pilot/. Want to get involved? Contact info@ssiwaterpreservationsociety.ca or marinestewardshipssi@gmail.com.
John Millson is a SSIWPS board director at large and the FWC project lead. Anne Parkinson is the chair of the Transition Salt Spring Marine Stewardship Group. Samantha Scott is the water quality coordinator at Raincoast Conservation Foundation. Peter S. Ross is senior scientist and director of the Healthy Waters Program at Raincoast Conservation Foundation.
Larmour Lands purchase deadline looms
GAIL SJUBERG
Published in the DriftwoodAn attempt to preserve a second 20-acre lot forming part of the “Larmour Lands” is coming down to the wire.
A community-driven fundraising campaign saw Lot H secured last October with the Salt Spring Water Preservation Society agreeing to hold the land and place a conservation covenant on it. Efforts to also purchase nearby Lot F from the late Michael Larmour’s estate have continued, with a May 31 deadline to make an offer now looming.
“We are hoping to have a purchase offer by the end of this month and we are hoping to bridge the gap in our funding, which is something like $100,000,” said Rodney Polden, who has been working on the conservation campaign in one way or another for well over a year.
One reason the goal is in sight is because of an offer from one generous donor to match funds up to $10,000. Charitable tax receipts are given for donations of $20 or more.
Polden hopes islanders will be motivated to make a pledge for the purchase when they realize that it’s something they can do to help reduce the risk of wildfire.
“Maintaining wetlands and forests are an excellent way to maintain the hydrology and level of moisture in the ground for the future,” he said.
Lot F has stunning mature forests, three separate wetlands and even an area zoned for agricultural use. It connects to Lot H to create a V-shaped 40-acre area, and adds to significant lands already protected privately by Natural Area Protection Tax Exemption Covenants through the Islands Trust.
To donate to the Lot F purchase by etransfer or to get more information, contact ssiwps2020appeal@gmail.com. Polden can also answer any questions at penrod@saltspring.com or 250-537-5082.
Funds will be returned to donors if the purchase does not occur.
An Opportunity to Help Protect the Forest on Lot F of the Larmour Lands
by Corinne Boucherby Corinne Boucher
originally posted to the Salt Spring Exchange
All photos by Rodney PoldenA dedicated group of islanders is working to ensure over 8 acres of mature coastal Douglas fir, Western redcedar, and Bigleaf maple forest remains standing. This healthy mixed forest is on the upland portion of Lot F of the Larmour Lands, and its future is threatened. The community is invited to join us in this effort to prevent Lot F from being clearcut or developed.
Through the generous support of many donors, the adjacent forest and wetlands of Lot H have recently been saved and will be preserved in perpetuity! Now the focus is on extending this and creating a larger protected area to increase and enhance the health and function of this important ecosystem. With conservation covenants already in place on nearby properties, the forest on Lot F is the missing puzzle piece. Connectivity is key to increasing biodiversity, and protecting Lot F’s forest will create 46 acres (about 18.5 hectares) of pristine natural habitat, now and forever.
Mature mixed forests like this are becoming increasingly rare in the Southern Gulf Islands. Research shows they hold 375 tonnes of carbon per hectare and sequester about 4 tonnes per hectare annually, so maintaining them represents our best way to offset our carbon emissions and fight climate change.
As well, this forest provides habitat for many species at risk such as the Western screech owl, pygmy owl, night hawk, red-legged frog, and Mexican freetail bat, known as the fastest creature in level flight.
Lot F also includes extensive wetlands, ponds, fertile farmland, and some of the largest trees on Salt Spring. Many beautiful old firs and arbutus are found throughout the ALR portion of the property and along Beddis Road. Legal arrangements are being prepared to protect them as well.
Forested wetlands are natural sponges that clean and hold water, releasing it slowly to maintain water levels in creeks and groundwater aquifers. On this property, the old Western redcedars play an important role in reducing peak flows along the slopes, helping to build soil, moderate storm damage and reduce erosion. Healthy moist forests are also resistant to fire and create vital fire breaks that reduce the community’s fire risk.
SSI Water Preservation Society is pleased to participate in this campaign to protect the lands once owned by a founder of the society, Mike Larmour. Mike understood the importance of protecting water resources and watersheds. Undisturbed wetlands and forests filter and purify water as it percolates through the soils, providing good quality drinking water for residents throughout the whole area. Protecting the ecological values of this land in perpetuity will honour Mike’s lifetime work and legacy.
SSI Water Preservation Society is now fundraising to protect Lot F of the Larmour Lands. They welcome donations of any size and invite you to learn more on their website.
Channel ridge lawsuit update
We had hoped that when the Channel Ridge lands were sold in 2016, that the new owner would abandon the lawsuit against WPS and various agencies. Last December the new owner sent correspondence indicating an interest in proceeding with the lawsuit. But it is encouraging that we haven’t heard from them since then.
In September 2015, the Water Preservation Society was served with a lawsuit demanding, among other things, that the WPS return 272 acres of St. Mary Lake watershed to Channel Ridge Properties. The lawsuit, legally known as a Notice of Civil Claim, was filed by Paradigm Mortgage Investment Corporation (mortgage holder of Channel Ridge Properties) and Channel Ridge Properties Ltd. Also sued were the North Salt Spring Waterworks District (NSSWD), the Islands Trust, and the Province.
The reserve lands came to the Society through a 1986 agreement between the North Salt Spring Waterworks District (NSSWD), the Society, the Islands Trust, and other agencies that allowed increased residential development in Channel Ridge. The lawsuit claims, in part, that because of recent issues regarding the availability of water for new development in Channel Ridge this reserve should be returned to the developer. We think that the plaintiffs’ legal arguments for the return of the reserve lands are weak. However, WPS has to fight the lawsuit, or the community risks losing the land that has so many important values to our community.
Over the years, WPS has worked hard to keep these vital watershed lands in as pristine a condition as possible, which is no easy task given that there is public access to this area. Much of the WPS land is very steep; however, a few areas are relatively level with stunning views of St. Mary Lake and the mainland beyond. The rest of the land might be logged as it has been in the past. If this happens it could be devastating for St. Mary Lake, which has been plagued with blooms of toxin-producing cyanobacteria due to high levels of phosphorus. Land-clearing in the watershed could result in rains carrying more phosphorus into the lake making for more toxic blooms.
Senior lawyers at Woodward and Company in Victoria are handling WPS’s defence. They have been WPS's lawyers since the early 1980s and are familiar with its history. WPS thinks that the plaintiffs’ legal argument for the return of the watershed lands is weak. However, WPS has to defend itself or possibly lose the lands. Legal costs could be $50,000 or more depending on how long the legal wrangling goes on. One reason for the costs being high is that the case was filed in Kelowna, and our lawyers may have to travel there to appear in court.
These costs could easily exhaust WPS’s funds, carefully saved over many years from member donations and special bequests, including from one of our founders Tom Gossett. The WPS Board had planned to save this money to use for caring for this land and, in some cases, for restoring disturbed areas to their natural condition, all to protect St. Mary Lake drinking water.
The WPS Board of Directors is taking this challenge very seriously and will strive to do its utmost to maintain ownership of these lands, which are a precious resource for the entire Salt Spring Island community. In the 33 years since its formation in 1982, WPS has stood up to many who needed to be reminded of the importance of our drinking water sources. An example would be the long and successful battle WPS fought to keep gasoline-powered boats off of our drinking-water lakes.
With your help, WPS intends to fight this battle with the same seriousness of purpose. Our lawyers have submitted an initial response to the claim, which states that we do not believe the conditions for the return of the land to the developer as set out in the covenant have been met. If you would like a copy of the WPS response, please email us at ssiwps@gmail.com. Please consider making a donation to our legal fund. Just click on "make a donation" at the top of this website.
About cyanobacterial blooms
by Mike Larmour
originally published in the DriftwoodMany years ago, as I walked along the shoreline of St. Mary Lake, I was struck by the sight of a vivid blue green scum along the waters edge. You would think that someone had spilled a can of oil paint. I now know that what I saw was a bloom of blue green algae, more correctly identified as cyanobacteria.
These are clumps of blue-green (cyanobacteria) algae showing growth due to excess phosphorus.
This is what happened 20 days later on Cusheon Lake. Would you want to drink this water? It is the only drinking water source for over 200 households.
Cyanobacteria are thought to be some of the earliest life on earth, found in fossil records from 3.5 billion years ago. These bacteria, comprised of numerous species, are very adaptable, living in conditions ranging from deserts and hot springs to the Antarctic, but many species prefer warm water, adequate nutrition and light. Under ideal conditions for growth, the bacterial cells can multiply rapidly, forming a bloom, or if wind blown, a scum along a shoreline.
Some species of cyanobacteria produce toxins which are liberated into drinking water. Acute toxicity, resulting in death in human populations, is not common because the drinking water becomes distasteful and people avoid its use. However, exposure to lesser concentrations of toxins may cause abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea and headaches, as well as liver and kidney damage.
The health effects of long term exposure to lower levels of toxins have been examined. Based on rodent and pig studies, the World Health Organization (WHO) has determined a provisional guideline for microcystin LR, a common cyanobacterial toxin, which may be used as a basis for drinking water regulations. Microcystin LR has been shown to promote the growth of tumor precursors raising concerns about cancer.
World wide, there have been numerous instances of domestic animal deaths from drinking water containing a high concentration of cyanobacterial toxin. Toxic cyanobacteria are present at times in our lakes, particularly those that are enriched with nutrients from development in their watersheds, soluble phosphorus being a key nutrient to promote blooms of cyanobacteria.
Over time, cyanobacteria have evolved mechanisms to help them compete with algae for nutrients and light, and avoid predation. For instance, many have the ability to move up and down in the water column to obtain nutrients, warmth and light as the seasons change and the lakes stratify.
Drinking water treatment to remove the bacterial cells is possible but may liberate toxins into the water. Removing toxins is much more difficult and expensive, and requires constant monitoring to be effective. Any failure in the process would put water consumers at risk.