“During the summer of 2015 NS Environment sampled Mattatall Lake for indications of malfunctioning septic systems and inspected a number of properties for possible malfunctioning septic systems,” spokeswoman Krista Higdon said, in an e-mailed response to inquires by the Truro Daily News.
“Specific malfunctioning septic systems were not identified as a nutrient source,” she said.
A stewardship group of lake property owners believes the algae is caused from the runoff of glyphosate, which they say was sprayed on forest areas around the lake in recent years.
Others, however, have written comments to the newspaper suggesting the algae is caused by human septic systems that feed into the lake.
“The main ingredient in the spray is the same as we use in agriculture across the province and have for over 30 years; the public can go on the Internet and read studies on anything they want,” says one response from a local farmer. “I’m sure we can find one that says the color blue causes cancer, the lake problem is most likely septic, you can’t put raw sewage in a lake forever and expect it not to build up. If spray caused it, every body of water in the province would have that algae in it …”
The stewardship group is opposed to applications that Northern Pulp has before the DoE, for permission to spray a compound including glyphosate in the area as a way to promote the growth of softwood trees.
And group chairman, Bob MacLean said residents are also convinced that septic waste is not the cause of the lake’s contamination.
"Subsequent tests showed no E.coli and no evidence of non-compliance by residents of septic systems,” he said.
Twitter: @tdnharry
