Actions Taken After 2010

• Swimmers are encouraged to use Sandy Beach• 2014: Thunder Bay District Health Unit invokes the Ontario

Beach Management Protocol to permanently post the main beach at Chippewa: • “Where historical data show that the bacterial counts

consistently either exceed or fluctuate above the limits set for recreational use, the beach may be permanently posted.”

• 2014: Health Unit discontinues monitoring at Chippewa

2011 RAP Conclusions

• Waterfowl likely a major source of E. coli when combined with other factors such as storm events

• Habitat at the park includes grassy lawns and unbroken lines of sight to the water, encouraging geese to stay at the beach

• There is no natural buffer between the area where waterfowl are active and the shoreline

• the city, as property owner/manager must be the driving force behind further remedial actions

2011 RAP Recommendations

Employ a “risk management approach”• Identify primary fecal pollution sources• Implement a pollution control plan focusing on management of

stormwater inputs, upgrades of septic systems to provincial standards, implementation of a waterfowl management program, completion of all feasible actions to improve water circulation

Potential Future Options

• Remove the breakwall to increase water circulation• Reroute Whiskeyjack Creek into the swimming lagoon to

increase water circulation• Implement an effective, ongoing waterfowl management plan• Implement an aggressive vegetation management plan• Implement a detailed stormwater management program

Whiskeyjack Creek - Swimming Lagoon

Boulevard Lake

Dam

Sunnyside BeachSandy Cove

Lakeview (main beach)

Boulevard Lake Data

• Lakeview Beach 2013: 2 postings• Sandy Cove 2013: 2 postings• Sunnyside Beach: 3 postings• Note: 2009 Current River and North Branch Current

River upstream sampling carried out by Conestoga & Rovers Associates in summer 2009 showed no E. coli concentrations exceeded public health guidelines

Boulevard Beaches – Advisory Lengths (in Days)

Boulevard Lake Interventions

• No substantial interventions have been implemented other than waterfowl hazing

Boulevard Lake Potential Interventions

• Increase water flow through Boulevard Lake• Dredging• Stormwater cleansing utilizing LID techniques• Beach Grooming• Pet Waste Disposal Stations• Microbial Source Tracking• Waterfowl management

• Define the nature, extent and causes of environmental problems

• Recommend actions to restore and protect the environment

• Assist municipalities and other organizations which are in a position to implement solutions with funding and expertise

• Assist in differentiating between human influences (i.e. – sewage) and natural conditions

• Provide resources funding and expertise

What is the role of RAP?

• Gather suggestions, comments, questions and input regarding beach advisories at Chippewa and Boulevard Lake

Purpose

Roles – Responsibilities – Resources – $$$$$$$$$$ - ????????

• RAP• City of Thunder Bay• Thunder Bay District Health Unit

• Friends of Chippewa• Other agencies/organizations

Concluding Discussion and Input

• Chippewa Main Beach?

• Chippewa Sandy Beach?

• Boulevard Lake?

Thank you!