Remediation at the Experimental Lakes Area
Fisheries and Oceans Canada will be undertaking remediation activities at the Experimental Lakes Area this summer. These activities will help prepare the facility, watersheds and lakes for future operations under the International Institute for Sustainable Development. This work is also in accordance with the Memorandum of Agreement with the Government of Ontario to ensure that the site is in good condition.
The following remediation efforts will begin shortly at the Experimental Lakes Area:
- Removing five cabins that are at the end of their life cycle. Newer facilities that are in excellent condition will remain on site for accommodation. These facilities can house up to 47 people;
- Dismantling left-over infrastructure of previous science experiments no longer in use. This includes removing plastic curtains and enclosures from lakes, removing submerged wooden platforms from lakes, and removing boardwalks, ships, docks and sheds in poor condition from lakes and surrounding watersheds;
- Continuing the annual practice of burning brush and other wooden debris prior to the fire season; and,
- Addressing minor environmental concerns, such as cleaning up localized fuel spills.
The lakes themselves require no active remediation. All of the planned remediation activities have been discussed with the incoming operator, the International Institute for Sustainable Development, as well as the landowner, the Province of Ontario.
We have contacted the lead researchers for the various projects to discuss and support their needs to maintain their projects at the site. Our discussions with them include scientific equipment at the site, access to the site, and coordination between their project activities and remediation efforts. These discussions will continue.
Ministerial Statement:
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