Manitoba plans to spend $965,000 this year on research about Lake Winnipeg, including support for the Lake Winnipeg Research Consortium and the research ship Namao, according to water stewardship minister Christine
Melnick.
The province said this is in addition to the $80 million to be allocated this year for programs protecting and managing Manitoba’s water environment.
“Sound science is the key to effective action to clean up Lake Winnipeg,” said Melnick.
“The lake is a critical economic and ecological resource in Manitoba and our government is committed to strengthening the steps we take to restore and preserve this provincial treasure.”
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The Lake Winnipeg Research Consortium has been studying issues that affect the health of the lake, including nutrient loading and the formation of algae blooms. Manitoba Water Stewardship also funds lake-wide research on the Namao in collaboration with scientists from the federal government and universities.
Provincial staff monitor water and sediment quality throughout the lake. Results are compared to samples collected in previous years and become part of the long-term quality monitoring record. Research will also explore how, when and why algae blooms form on Lake Winnipeg.
Melnick also announced a team had been formed to co-ordinate efforts between the federal and provincial governments to reduce nutrient loads to the lake.
Federal, provincial and university scientists will serve both the new co-ordination team and the Lake Winnipeg Stewardship Board. Both new teams will be co-chaired jointly by Manitoba Water Stewardship and Environment Canada officials and are scheduled to hold inaugural meetings within the next few weeks.
Other action to protect Lake Winnipeg includes:
*Stricter limits on the location and installation of sewage systems and septic fields.
*A Department of Water Stewardship has been established, with stronger rules over the Ground Water and Water Well Act.
*A tax credit has been created to protect sensitive land bordering waterways.
*The public and municipalities will be educated and encouraged to keep beaches clean.
*All jurisdictions in the Red River basin will reduce contributions to nutrients to Lake Winnipeg by 10 percent within five years.
*The City of Winnipeg must reduce nutrients at all of its waste-water treatment facilities by 2014.
*New waste-water treatment facilities such as those serving the food processing sector will be required to implement nutrient abatement measures.
*Nutrient contributions will be regulated from fertilizers, animal manure and municipal waste-water sludge.
*Land-use planning in Manitoba will be modernized.
*The hog industry moratorium continues while the Clean Environment Commission assesses this sector’s long-term environmental sustainability.
*Individuals are urged to minimize or eliminate the use of household cleaning products containing phosphorus and the use of fertilizers for cosmetic purposes on lawns.
