Richard Lake Subwatershed Study
Update - July 2020
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and social distancing guidelines, aspects of the Richard Lake Subwatershed Study have been delayed.
The intended study was broken into four major components for completion this year;
Study 1 - Phosphorus Mass Balance of Richard Lake - Sampling of input/output and potential point sources; lake capacity modelling.
Study 2 – Recreational Quality of Richard Lake - Algae and bacteria sampling
Study 3 - Milfoil Literature Review - Review with a focus on control measures
Study 4 - Existing Conditions - Addressing Data Gaps
- Sediment Chemistry - Collection of sediment for detailed metals analysis, focusing on the top layer of sediment to quantify current conditions. The data would be compared to historically published data.
- Fish Tissue Chemistry - Collection of tissue from sport fish specie(s) for analysis of mercury levels
- Waterfowl Survey - Inspect shorelines for nests; assess survival of young
A number of tasks will need to be postponed to next year (2021), including the following:
- Tributary sampling in March (biweekly), April (weekly) and May (weekly)
- Lake Sampling of spring turnover event
- Waterfowl nest visits (x4, involving residents)
In addition, all reporting will be inevitably postponed until the completion of all of the field work in 2021.
We have initiated some of the field program and you may see Kilgour staff about collecting samples throughout the Summer and Fall. Following is a link to the Preliminary Existing Conditions Report that was prepared by Kilgour and Associates Ltd. upon completion of the public meeting in January.
Original
The 2006 Stormwater Background Study to the Official Plan identified many subwatersheds that required further study including Richard Lake. The City is now initiating the Richard Lake Subwatershed Study. This study will assess the health and make recommendations for the care of the Richard Lake Watershed. The City of Greater Sudbury has retained Kilgour and Associates to complete the study.
