TREPA was in the news today. Specifically, our subcommittee on water quality issues in the Carlton River watershed was mentioned in a front page article in the Vanguard of August 24, 2010. Randy and Jean Cleveland (Board Member) and the committee, have been instrumental in keeping this issue before the public. There are two comprehensive articles by Michael Gorman. One is on the issues of cyanobacteria related to blue-green algae whose growth is usually related to increased nutrients in the water. The other is on the willingness of the mink industry to cooperate on finding the sources of pollution and a solution.
The head of the Nova Scotia Mink Breeders Association is quoted as saying there is no proof that the industry is the source of the problems with the water. Maybe not. There are 104 mink licences in Digby County, many of which are on the affected water systems. Other potential sources have been identified as septic systems, graveyards, and global warming. Take your pick. Interesting that other lakes, without mink farms in their headwaters, do not seem to have an issue with blue-green algae.
Thanks to the Vanguard for initiating this this continuing series. Please keep posted.