Re: Septic systems also a big water issue:
I, too, am a long-time resident of Shawnigan Lake. My family connection with Shawnigan dates back to 1905, and I’ve been personally involved since1950.
Perhaps Mr. Prenevost should do a little more homework about the topic of septic/sewage at Shawnigan Lake before he writes his next letter.
All of the facts disprove his comments. Yes, there are a number of septic fields that need fixing, but the studies show that he is wrong that they are the worst polluter. First, there has been a large turnover of the old cabins around the lake which have been replaced with permanent houses with conforming septic systems and second, animals contribute far more than humans with regard to waste counts. The lake has been in relatively good condition up to this point.
A constructive criticism is one based on facts, not hearsay. I suggest that he become better informed by:
1. checking the evidence (including septic issues) on the Shawnigan Residents’ Association website or, even better, by becoming a member
2. checking the information available through the Shawnigan Waterbasin Society (shawigan.org) (the reports and facts)…again, even better, by becoming a member, or by dropping by the watershed office in the village to see the many maps and information about the Shawnigan Lake watershed. There is a wealth of data about his particular concern and many more issues that the community is effectively dealing with
3. checking the Shawnigan Focus website search engine and past issues for all the data about the topics
4. taking a tour of the area around the SIA/SIRM contaminated soil dump site. A visit to that site will definitely change his opinion on which is the biggest threat to Shawnigan Lake’s water.
Grant Treloar
Shawnigan Lake
