Concern Raised About Acid Rain In La Loche Area

Concern Raised About Acid Rain In La Loche Area

Tuesday, August 11, 2009 at 12:31

 

 

The Saskatchewan Environmental Society says there is new data to justify acid rain concerns in northern Saskatchewan, especially in the La Loche region.

 

The society says provincial government data for precipitation in La Loche shows rainfall and snowfall in that region to have an average pH level of 4.96, with many readings below that number.

 

Environment Canada considers pH readings below 5.0 to consitute acid rain.

 

The SES also notes that research done for the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment reveals that parts of the La Loche area have already exceeded their critical load for sulphur and nitrogen.

 

The society says that same research also shows that northern Saskatchewan has the most acid sensitive soils in Canada.

 

An ecologist who sits on the SES board says the health of people and wildlife in the La Loche region should not be sacrificed for the sake of the economy.

 

Dr. Joe Schmutz says this new research shows the need for northerners to speak out about the impact of oilsands development, on both sides of the Saskatchewan-Alberta border.

 

Schmutz says these activities are beginning to pose a threat to wildlife.

 

“In particular, it impacts reproduction of fish. The egg stage in a water system is a very vulnerable stage, and that’s where the mortality is most likely to occur,” says Schmutz.

 

Schmutz says northerners need to tell government that they want their natural environment to outlast any oilsands project, and industry demand should not outweigh quality of life.