GBA Flipping Book - Spring 2020

4 ≥ www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Spring 2020 Continued from page 2 to climate change effects, this introduces an additional level of uncertainty and variability. Not to mention the impact of increasingly frequent devastating storm surges. Unquestionably, we need to keep a close eye on water levels as they unfold this winter and spring. GBA will be doing this and, in addition to our weekly water levels report, we will make sure you have information and advice on mitigation measures. What to Look for and Action You Can Take Here are some potential impacts and mitigation strategies you might find helpful: ≥ If your septic system is flooded by high water levels, and/or saturated by an extreme storm event, it will cease to function properly. This month’s Coastal Protection article on page 5 may be of use. GBA is in the process of researching potential solutions and we will share that information as soon as possible.  ≥ Docks: • Please ensure that any destroyed docks are properly disposed of. The contractor replacing your dock should be asked to remove the old one. • You should consider replacing any remaining crib docks with floating docks. This is the unfortunate reality of the new norm of extreme highs and lows and rapidly fluctuating water levels. • The shoreline clean-ups last year provided clear evidence why we should no longer use foam for dock replacements and repairs. Please only use alternative materials – there are many options available. Low-lying shoreline structures will either need to be raised or moved. Solutions are likely to vary significantly between different topographies. Most cottages and cabins are built on foundation blocks, which makes it possible to have them raised or moved. We would advise against attempting to hold back rising water with any type of shoreline structure, such as a retaining wall. Natural shorelines help the environment, and there is a high chance that such a structure will breach provincial and/or municipal regulations. There are concerns that higher water levels will sweep more dying and dead vegetation into the water, particularly in wetlands, and increase the risk of excess nutrient loading and algae outbreaks in bays with low fetch. You may want to consider cutting down flooded vegetation that has died and moving it to higher ground in order to keep it from decomposing in the Bay. We are expecting that municipalities will be reviewing the high-water level mark in official plans and planning bylaws. Therefore, we recommend erring on the side of caution and relocating any planned construction at a higher elevation, if you think it is at risk from higher water levels. Peering into our crystal ball, what can we say about 2021 and beyond? Much will depend upon the evaporation and precipitation levels this year and where we start next year. Nevertheless, from where things stand now, it looks like this year will not be the last we’ve seen of rising water levels.   HHBC Launch ramp, fork lift platform under water. HHBC, Shore wall overtopped Dec 11, 2019. Photo: Tom Halpenny Photo: Tom Halpenny