Lake Care Tips
Here are some ways in which we, as custodians of Salmon Lake, can contribute to its continuing health:
- We can have our septic tank inspected once every two years (less often if a pattern of tank performance has been established), and the tank pumped out when necessary. In most cases, the pump out should occur every 3 to 5 years, but this depends on the size or capacity of the tank, the flow of wastewater entering the tank, and the volume of solids in the wastewater stream. More people living in the cottage (or house), or the addition of a high water use appliance, can cause the capacity of the existing tank to be exceeded, requiring more frequent pump outs. Failure to pump out a septic tank when required may result in sludge or scum being carried over to the leaching bed. This, in turn, will result in soil clogging and the complete failure of the system.
- We can have our old septic system upgraded, if it is not up to current standards.
- We can protect natural shoreline vegetation – trees, shrubs, and small plants – in 300 ft. zone from the shore. Living roots, large and small, soak up moisture and prevent run-off of nutrients into the Lake.
- We can keep the lake free of pollutants including shampoo, toothpaste, water soluble lotions and insect repellants.
- We can avoid the use of fertilizers. If we must use fertilizers, we can keep them at least 300 ft. from the shore. Fertilizers contain nitrates and phosphates which promote excessive growth of underwater plants and algae.
- We can keep dock size to a minimum, and have fun in gas-less boats – canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, paddle boards.
- We can start to replace our lawns with native plants. These are available from a government-sponsored shoreline restoration project. Fore more information about this, contact info@salmonlake.ca.
- We can purchase a fuel efficient four-stroke engine, or an electric motor when we need to replace a two-stroke outboard. Environment Canada's Environmental Technology Centre tests show that two-stroke outboards produce 12 times as much benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes and five times as much oil and grease as four-stroke outboards. Environment Canada's Environmental Technology Centre found that:
"Further comparisons of th exhaust emissions from a light duty van, a 9.9 two-stroke outboard and a 9.9 four-stroke outboard showed that the two-stroke produced 50% more carbon monoxide than the four-stroke and nearly 60 times more than the van. The two-stroke also emitted 15 times more unburned hydro-carbons than the four-stroke, and nearly 125 times more than the van." (Source: http://dsp-psd.pwgsc.gc.ca/Collection/En1-28-1-2000-06E.pdf.)
- We who are anglers can use lead-free sinkers and jigs to avoid poisoning our precious waterfowl population. We can also resist the temptation to discard fishing line into the lake or on the shore, as this too often ends up tangled around some poor animal's beak, neck, or limbs, resulting in slow starvation, strangulation, or cruel disfigurement and infection.
- We can take an active interest in developments around the lake. Unfortunately, not everyone shares the SLRA's environmental concerns. The association relies heavily on its members for any potentially damaging activities taking place near their homes or cottages. Such information can be sent, in confidence, to info@salmonlake.ca.
- We can pass this information around to our neighbours, and encourage them to play their part in protecting the water quality in beautiful Salmon Lake.
Care to pass on any additional tips? Send them to info@salmonlake.ca