“While milfoil removal in Vaseux will have benefits for shoreline recreational values and potential long-term water quality benefits, it also has the potential to create larger impacts to human health and fish, and could potentially have drastic impacts on the health of Osoyoos Lake downstream.”

 

Milfoil Control Program Update – Vaseux Lake (OBWB – Okanagan Basin Water Board)

In summer 2016, residents around Vaseux Lake requested that OBWB start treating milfoil in the lake. The proposed work areas cover 67 Ha, which is equivalent to almost 24% of the total surface area of the lake. At that time, I advised them that rototilling would be the best option for long term treatment, and that there were several issues that would need to be addressed prior to OBWB undertaking any work. I indicated it would likely take until at least November 2017 before we could begin any treatment.

The issues and concerns are as follows:

1. Vaseux Lake is a migratory bird reserve, with a no-motors restriction on the lake.
– A federal permit from Environment and Climate Change Canada was issued in November 2016 to allow milfoil control on the lake.
2. OBWB requires a permit to conduct work ‘in and about a stream’ under the B.C. Water Sustainability Act.
– OBWB applied for a provincial permit in October 2016. We have yet to receive the Habitat Officer’s Terms and Conditions, which would authorize the work. I am meeting with the Habitat Officer on Thursday, Sept 28, and will provide a verbal report to the board on the outcome of that meeting.
3. There is no boat launch large enough to accommodate our machines around the lake.
– RDOS Public Works has been working on this issue, trying to identify a suitable location, and establish which permits may be needed for the launch site.
4. FirstNations Fisheries and Cultural/Archeological considerations.
– In June 2017, I met with staff from the Okanagan Nation Alliance and Osoyoos Indian Band to discuss concerns around the effect that rototilling and milfoil removal may have on ONA fisheries work, and possible solutions.
– At that meeting, I was also made aware that there may be cultural/archeological sites in or around the lake, which pre-date the building of McIntyre Dam, and the channelization of the river.
– As part of our milfoil permitting and mapping budget, $5,000 was set aside to offset the costs for ONA staff to create a work plan to identify and address concerns. This may lead to further collaborative mapping or fisheries-related work.
5. First time rototilling in undisturbed areas
– Since Vaseux Lake has never been rototilled in the past, it is unknown what may be released from the sediment of this shallow, small lake, and what potential effect it could have on water quality and the ecosystem. This is of special concern since, as noted above, the proposed work area covers 24% of the total surface area of the lake.
– We have started discussions with Dr. Jeff Curtis at UBCO, who has indicated there is potential for release of lead, arsenic, nitrate, and phosphorus, as well as other substances, which could lead to toxic bacteria and algae growth, affecting Vaseux, and also the Okanagan River downstream and Osoyoos Lake.