New report links Algae problem along the Ajax waterfront to Duffin Creek WPCP

 

November 12, 2014

 

 

A team of scientists from Michigan Technological University have definitively linked the algae problem plaguing the Ajax waterfront for years to the Duffin Creek Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP).

 

The Michigan Tech team, led by Dr. Martin Auer, undertook field and laboratory studies in relation to the Ajax waterfront over the spring and summer of 2014, and outlined their results and conclusions in a new report titled: Phosphorus Provenance and Cladophora Growth in Lake Ontario.

 

“The findings strongly support the Town’s position that the Duffin Creek WPCP is the cause of the algae issue along the Ajax nearshore,” said Mayor Steve Parish. “The positive news is that through proper management actions, the algae can be remediated, and the Ajax waterfront restored for generations to enjoy. I’m hopeful that the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change will intervene and require the Regions of Durham and York (owners’ of the plant) to work with the Town to find a suitable solution.”

 

The new report has been sent directly to the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, Ajax-Pickering MPP Joe Dickson and the Regions.

 

Report findings include:

- The Duffin Creek WPCP discharge creates a plume of nutrient enriched water within the area of the nearshore where algae growth occurs.
- The offshore waters of Lake Ontario do not contain nutrients at levels capable of causing nuisance-level growth of algae in the Ajax nearshore. The Duffin Creek WPCP discharge is by far the largest and most constant local source of algae-growth-causing nutrients to the Ajax nearshore and should be the primary focus of future management efforts.
- Algae samples taken across the Pickering-Ajax nearshore indicate that algae in the vicinity of the Duffin Creek WPCP outfall is being exposed to more growth stimulating nutrients than elsewhere in the area. This pattern indicates that the Duffin Creek WPCP discharge is feeding the algae with nutrients and causing excessive growth.

The Town commissioned the Michigan Technological University team to conduct the 2014 spring and summer field and laboratory studies. Further modeling and field work is currently being undertaken by the Michigan Tech team to develop possible management strategies to restore the Ajax waterfront. This work is expected to be completed and released in early 2015. The findings will assist the Town in ensuring the best possible method of stopping the release of phosphorus that feeds algae growth is implemented. To read the full Phosphorus Provenance and Cladophora Growth in Lake Ontario, visit www.ajax.ca/wpcp.

 

 

Media Contact: Christie McLardie, Manager of Communications, Town of Ajax, 905-999-8254.