global warming

By Trevor Greenway

Local Journalism Initiative

The Aug. 26 Friends of the Gatineau River (FOG) tests show three sites from Wakefield to Chelsea that are not recommended for swimming. 

After a lab error during previous month’s testing of the Gatineau River, data now shows two concerning spots in La Pêche and another near the Alonzo Wright Bridge in Chelsea, where all recreational activities should be avoided, according to FOG. Several pieces of data were missing from the initial sample. 

FOG announced on its Facebook page that all three sites are not recommended for swimming. 

On FOG’s map of the test sites, one point near the Alonzo Wright Bridge has a red dot over it, with the tests reading more than 1,000 fecal coliforms per 100 millilitres. Standards for “good” or “excellent” readings are between 0 and 100 fecal coliforms per 100 millilitres. 

“So there should have been a no swim advisory actually issued,” said a FOG director, who wished to remain anonymous. “Whenever there’s a red dot, it means no swimming.”

A second site in south Chelsea at Mill Road is reading as “good,” but that area has been a constant concern for FOG, as historical data shows sites south of Chelsea’s sewage treatment plant have consistently yielded poorer results than most other river sites throughout the Hills. 

Last year’s tests showed the area around Alonzo as “mediocre” with tests showing between 101 and 200 fecal coliforms per 100 millilitres. In 2022, the Alonzo site was showing “good” results, however the Mill Road site at that time was “very poor” with fecal coliforms hitting over 1,000 per 100 millilitres. 

FOG said it can’t conclusively link Chelsea’s sewage treatment plant to increased bacteria in that area, but it remains a theory for the river advocacy group and something it will continue to monitor. 

The FOG director was adamant about including the missing data, as they feel that much of the attention is given to the river upstream from the Chelsea Dam, as that’s where most of the popular swimming holes are and where most of the motorboats and paddlers are. However, they said with new people moving into the area, it’s important to ensure residents are clear about the quality of the river. 

While much of the river has favourable results that are either “excellent” or “good,” two sites in La Pêche consistently show higher levels of bacteria: The McLinton Creek and near the entrance of the La Pêche River. Both have been deemed not recommended for swimming by FOG. 

FOG director Stephen Ferguson alluded to the fact that the bacteria could be coming from beaver dams upstream. Another FOG director also noted that there are two horse farms and a cattle farm above McLinton Creek, and FOG believes that could be part of why the fecal levels are so high.  

There was also the question around the septic treatment plant on top of Chemin de la Vallée-de-Wakefield and whether or not its effluent was contaminating sites in the village. However Mayor Guillaume Lamoureux confirmed that the exit pipe is near Kaffé 1870, which is downstream from McLinton and the La Pêche River sites.  

With global warming bringing more intense storms and rain to the region, FOG is now starting to test the river after rain events – 24 and 48 hours after a storm – to see how runoff from the roads and forests above the river affects its quality. 

FOG wants to be clear that its boating safety campaign, in which the organization is trying to lower the speed limit for motorboats on the Gatineau River, is not only about safety but also about preserving and protecting the river. FOG says that boat wakes are the top contributor to shoreline erosion, and legislation to slow boats down will both save lives and protect the river’s shoreline. 

What can you do to protect the river?

FOG has a section on its website where residents can gather information on how to be a steward of the river and how to limit our impact on the river

Eliminate household toxins

FOG encourages riverfront residents to refrain from using household toxins like herbicides, pesticides and exfoliating cosmetics, as they promote algae growth, affect animal biodiversity and can be found in the fish that residents catch and eat from the river. 

Maintain good septic systems

FOG encourages residents to “use healthy products” like biodegradable detergents and solutions that can break down in your system. 

Residents should also save water as much as they can, as increased consumption of water speeds up the circulation of the tank and stops the separation of sludge and scum. 

FOG also recommends keeping septic systems away from sheds and swimming pools to promote air circulation. 

Shoreline regulations

FOG also wants to remind residents of the shoreline regulations, as it is against municipal bylaws to cut vegetation within 15 metres of the shoreline. Permits are required for all docks on the Gatineau River and private boat launches are prohibited.