Decline in Credit River Brook Trout Distribution
Maps of Brook Trout Distribution in the Credit River Watershed show a dramatic decline in Brook Trout habitat and population over time.
MISCONCEPTION – Erin WWTP Effluent will Cool the West Credit River in the Summer
There is a misconception that the effluent from the proposed Erin WWTP will “help the West Credit River” by cooling it in the summer. This misconception is based on observations from the Orangeville WWTP and the main Branch of the Credit River that do not apply to the West Credit River.
Thermal Impact of Acton WWTP on Black Creek
The Acton WWTP discharges into Black Creek, a coldwater creek similar to the West Credit River. Data collected by the Coalition show that the Acton WWTP makes Black Creek warmer in the summer and that the effluent remains warm into the fall.
Why Can’t Specific Temperatures Be Used In Ontario
Ontario’s Water Quality objective for effluent temperature is out of date and ineffective. Other jurisdictions protect Brook Trout with specific temperature limits. Why can’t Ontario do the same?
As Goes the Air Goes the Effluent
Effluent temperatures is influenced by air temperatures. As the air temperature increases effluent temperature increases. The hottest effluent temperatures occur after consecutive hot days.
Data Logger Here, Data Logger There
Effluent temperatures from 5 southern Ontario wastewater treatment plants in the summer of 2021 were above the 19 °C effluent discharge temperature assumed in the Erin Wastewater Treatment Plant Environmental Study Report (ESR).
Why the fuss about temperature?
Why the Coalition for the West Credit River is worried about thermal impacts of the Erin Wastewater Treatment Plant.