"At Capacity" Lake
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This information was provided by the LCPOA Environment Committee, December 2020.
For many years now, property owners on Lake Clear have known that the lake had been classified as “highly sensitive” or “at capacity” (both have the same meaning). But, did we really understand how that had been determined and why it had halted the creation of new lots and how it is intended to impact on the overall water quality? Read on to understand the meaning and the impacts on us as property owners and as ‘stewards’ of the lake. |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Following is an excerpt from the Renfrew County Official Plan, March 2020.
All lakes have a finite capacity to assimilate phosphorus without impairing water quality; however, when this capacity is exceeded, it can result in excessive algal and plant growth. This, in turn, can result in depletion of dissolved oxygen and loss of cold-water fish habitat.
Cold-water lake trout lakes are especially important because they provide very unique physical conditions (deep cold waters, low nutrients) that support a prized top predator species - Lake Trout.
Lake Clear is the only lake trout lake in Bonnechere Valley.
All lakes have a finite capacity to assimilate phosphorus without impairing water quality; however, when this capacity is exceeded, it can result in excessive algal and plant growth. This, in turn, can result in depletion of dissolved oxygen and loss of cold-water fish habitat.
Cold-water lake trout lakes are especially important because they provide very unique physical conditions (deep cold waters, low nutrients) that support a prized top predator species - Lake Trout.
Lake Clear is the only lake trout lake in Bonnechere Valley.
The province has a significant interest in land use planning, expressed via the Planning Act and Provincial Policy Statements, to which lower tier governments must adhere. Through these instruments, the province requires, among other things, that development around lakes shall be permitted only if there will be no negative impact on features such as water quality and fish habitat. To assist in this determination, the province classifies cold water lake trout lakes as being either [i] at capacity, or [ii] having additional development capacity (near capacity).
To assist counties and municipalities in developing land use policies pertaining to shoreline development, the province developed an analytic tool, the Lakeshore Capacity Model, to provide a consistent approach to quantifying water quality impacts resulting from shoreline development.
The measurements and calculations of the model, which links shoreline development and dissolved oxygen levels, results in a lake’s classification.
The measurements and calculations of the model, which links shoreline development and dissolved oxygen levels, results in a lake’s classification.
The model was used in the 2011 provincial MOE (now MECP] study relating to all lake trout lakes within Renfrew County. The study encompassed twenty-two countywide lake trout lakes, including Lake Clear. In particular, the model calculated dissolved oxygen concentration levels for each lake based upon a number of lake characteristics [e.g. area] and water chemistry parameters [e.g. phosphorous, nitrates, alkalinity] derived from extensive survey measurements.
Shoreline development can be especially detrimental for lake trout, whose needs include well-oxygenated bottom waters. Development can result in additional phosphorus loading [e.g. from sewage, fertilizer] – this encourages algae growth, the decomposition of which consumes oxygen, thereby reducing dissolved oxygen levels.
Shoreline development can be especially detrimental for lake trout, whose needs include well-oxygenated bottom waters. Development can result in additional phosphorus loading [e.g. from sewage, fertilizer] – this encourages algae growth, the decomposition of which consumes oxygen, thereby reducing dissolved oxygen levels.
The provincial Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry [MNRF] has determined that the minimum amount of dissolved oxygen concentration, in the bottom waters (where lake trout live), necessary to sustain a lake trout population is 7 mg/l.
The model derived an oxygen concentration of 4.6 mg/l. As a result, Lake Clear is classified as “At Capacity”.
The province has directed that for lakes deemed “At Capacity”, no new shoreline development shall be permitted which will result in increased phosphorous loading.
The study also recommended other best practices aimed at reducing the input of nutrients to lakes, such as establishing appropriate setbacks, discharging sewage into an appropriate system, ensuring sewage system maintenance, and maintaining protective buffers between the septic system and the shoreline.
The province has directed that for lakes deemed “At Capacity”, no new shoreline development shall be permitted which will result in increased phosphorous loading.
The study also recommended other best practices aimed at reducing the input of nutrients to lakes, such as establishing appropriate setbacks, discharging sewage into an appropriate system, ensuring sewage system maintenance, and maintaining protective buffers between the septic system and the shoreline.
The study, “Water Quality and Management of Lake Trout Lakes, County of Renfrew, 2011” is available for download at the bottom of this page.
It can also be obtained from MECP by calling the Kingston Regional Office at 1-800-267-0974 or 613-549-4000.
It can also be obtained from MECP by calling the Kingston Regional Office at 1-800-267-0974 or 613-549-4000.
Inland lakes constitute a major environmental, recreational and economic resource for the province of Ontario. In 1990, anglers spent an estimated 2.5 billion dollars in purchases and activities related to fishing in Ontario’s inland lakes.
Increased demand for waterfront property and the proximity of lakes in Ontario to major urban centers has resulted in considerable residential and commercial development on many of our lakes.
Lakes have a finite capacity to accommodate most types of development. Land use changes around a lake can have a detrimental effect on water quality.
The primary linkage between water quality and shoreline development is nutrient input to the lake. Development can increase the supply and availability of “fertilizing” plant nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen. These nutrients promote the growth of algae and other aquatic plants.
Development can be especially detrimental to lake trout lakes. Habitat requirements for lake trout are more demanding than those of other fish species. Lake trout require clean, cold, deep lakes with well-oxygenated bottom waters.
Although lake trout are present in only 1% of Ontario’s lakes, these lakes make up 25% of the world’s lake trout resource. Lake trout lakes, more than any others, epitomize the ideal of pristine, clear, quintessential wilderness waters.
Lake trout lakes are an important part of our natural heritage and provide high quality angling and recreational experiences. Unless properly managed, these fisheries and their benefits will be lost forever.
Increased demand for waterfront property and the proximity of lakes in Ontario to major urban centers has resulted in considerable residential and commercial development on many of our lakes.
Lakes have a finite capacity to accommodate most types of development. Land use changes around a lake can have a detrimental effect on water quality.
The primary linkage between water quality and shoreline development is nutrient input to the lake. Development can increase the supply and availability of “fertilizing” plant nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen. These nutrients promote the growth of algae and other aquatic plants.
Development can be especially detrimental to lake trout lakes. Habitat requirements for lake trout are more demanding than those of other fish species. Lake trout require clean, cold, deep lakes with well-oxygenated bottom waters.
Although lake trout are present in only 1% of Ontario’s lakes, these lakes make up 25% of the world’s lake trout resource. Lake trout lakes, more than any others, epitomize the ideal of pristine, clear, quintessential wilderness waters.
Lake trout lakes are an important part of our natural heritage and provide high quality angling and recreational experiences. Unless properly managed, these fisheries and their benefits will be lost forever.
The total phosphorus (TP) levels and the impact on lake trout should be treated by all Lake Clear property owners as an early warning sign (a barometer, or the canary in the coal mine!) that the water quality is deteriorating and that human factors, such as land development and use (especially improper use and/or lack of proper maintenance) of septic systems are the main culprits. In the extreme (such as nearby Muskrat Lake), this situation would likely affect property values and associated Municipal tax revenue
That is highly unlikely. If water quality deteriorates to the point of lake trout (near) extinction, the MNRF has indicated that the designation would not change, since it would re-stock the lake. After all, lake trout lakes are rare
That is difficult to quantify. Opeongo Mountain Resort reports that several lake trout are caught each year.
Looking at that from a different perspective, we can visually compare it to an earlier time (early 1900’s) when lake trout abounded in our lake.
Looking at that from a different perspective, we can visually compare it to an earlier time (early 1900’s) when lake trout abounded in our lake.
Lake Trout Fishing, Lake Clear, Early 1900's
This was a time when fast boats, fish finders, GPS and fishing derbies were unheard of.
It is quite obvious that their numbers are greatly depleted.
It is quite obvious that their numbers are greatly depleted.
Water Quality and Management of Lake Trout Lakes, Renfrew County 2011
| 2011_moecc_renfrew_county_report.pdf |
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