SLIPP successes continue to add up, thanks in-part to funding for a comprehensive three-year water-quality monitoring program.
Early last year, four Columbia Shuswap Regional District electoral areas, the Thompson Nicola Regional District and District of Sicamous agreed to contribute funds to the Shuswap Lake Integrated Planning Process for a three-year water-quality monitoring program. The City of Salmon Arm contributed $20,000 for one year and have made a commitment to contribute another $20,000 in 2012. The District of Sicamous contributed $2,500.
"The process was a little late getting full endorsement, we had a bit of a problem getting agreement," says CSRD Electoral Area C South Shuswap director Ted Bacigalupo. "That's been finalized and we have $1 million in place over three years."
The program is well on its way with a total of 18 agencies, First Nations, stakeholders and non-governmental organizations taking part in watershed-wide monitoring.
Initiatives include monthly sampling of drinking water intakes in developed areas, regular testing of swimming beaches and work to determine the influence of last year’s large salmon run on the nutrient balance, algae growth, and sockeye salmon reproduction.
No algae blooms have been observed on Shuswap or Mara Lake this year; however, any minor changes that may influence algae growth in the lake are being monitored carefully, says Sarah Evanetz, SLIPP Program manager.
The program also assesses nutrient and contaminant loadings from all tributaries into Mara and Shuswap Lakes on a bi-weekly basis.
Samples are taken in several areas of the the Shuswap River watershed to determine which area and activity delivers the bulk of nutrients or contaminants that may contribute to algae growth. This is another step to finding the causes for previous blooms.
A web-based interactive map with water quality data results and analysis will be made available to the public on the SLIPP website in early 2012.
The website, launched earlier in the year, was a key element of SLIPP's education campaign on public safety, shoreline health and water quality. This involved more than150 people days of lake patrols on Shuswap and Mara lakes, three open public meetings in August, three Shoreline Care workshops in November with contractors, developers, real estate agents, property managers and others involved in the real estate industry.
SLIPP also initiated a Foreshore Restoration Project in co-operation with landowners whose lakefront properties were near sensitive fish habitat areas, to restore healthy shorelines by removing concrete boat launches, docks and jetties.
The first phase of voluntary restorations will take place in spring 2012.
A “one-window” approach to agency reviews through FrontCounter BC has improved the development application process, and shoreline management guidelines help clarify and streamline land use decision-making. The streamlined process also helps expedite applications in areas where fish habitat is not a concern.
Also on the slate for 2012 is a recreation management survey and public outreach initiative that will contribute to a comprehensive recreation vision for the Shuswap watershed, says Evanetz.
“More SLIPP activities have been delivered in 2011 than ever before and a solid foundation has been established for advancing SLIPP’s goals in years to come," she says.
Meanwhile, Bacigalupo, who was recently re-elected to the CSRD board and is chair for a one-year term, says the SLIPP program has made progress in dealing with another major issue – greywater.
"Waterway Houseboat Co. has already stepped on-board with that issue. All their new houseboats will contain greywater from all washers and hot tubs," he says, noting greywater in the company's new houseboats will be fully contained. "Showers and kitchen sinks are not yet contained, but hot tubs and washers were the issues of biggest concern."
Overall, Bacigalupo says he is pleased with the collaboration between all the inter-government agencies and local governments that have stepped on board.
"We've got to make the commitment, verbally, morally and financially," he says, noting SLIPP has removed the burden of protecting and enhancing the watershed from local government. "In my opinion, the SLIPP process has become the envy of a lot of other local governments."