1. Dock, Deck & Construction Waste
You, a caring Lac Sammer, wouldn’t do this, but your sub-contractor might as was the case in Muskoka. If the ice takes away a part of your dock, please retrieve it. Many construction materials, including coatings, glues, and certain materials are toxic and harmful to the lake and humans. Got a construction project? Ensure your sub-contractor disposes of construction waste correctly. Not the lake, not beach, not the garbage bins, but at the municipal waste sites.2. Brush and Yard Waste
Organic material including grass clippings, branches, and leaves release nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous as it decomposes. Algae and aquatic vegetation feed on these nutrients and can grow very quickly negatively affecting the lake’s ecosystem and oxygen balance.Instead of dumping, turn your yard waste into compost.
3. Human and Animal Waste a.k.a. Poo!
Don’t dump that pet poo and please don’t go number 2 in the lake. Got a portable toilet on your boat? Empty it properly in your well-maintained septic system or government sanitation depot. Human or animal feces can introduce toxic bacteria such as e-coli into our water.4. Ashes
Ash is high in calcium and contain other nutrients including potassium that can also negatively impact Lac Sam’s biodiversity. Ash affects pH levels and can increase alkalinity. What can you do with your woodstove ash? Check out this site for a few good tips. It’s a sensitive subject but cremations ash also fits this category.5. Fishing Bait or Aquarium Pets
Our post on invasive species mentions fishing bait as a source of unwanted species in our lake. Don’t dump your bait into the lake and let’s also remember pet fish, turtles, frogs, snakes and the like. Leave your aquarium pets at home and please don’t flush them down the toilet! I know you won’t, but it had to be said!6. Beach Sand, Gravel or River Rock
The introduction of a foreign material into the lake means the possible introduction of foreign chemicals, such iron, phosphorous and other potential contaminants. Dumping sand or aggregate on your shore hastens a lake’s filling-in process (gradual growth of sediment over time), can smother bottom-living invertebrates, destroy fish spawning or nesting sites and interfere with natural fish behaviour.7. Boat Bilge, Trash, Fuel & Fish Guts
Let’s just say, don’t dump anything from your boat or barge. Be mindful of accidental spills of pollutants including motor oil and fuel. Fill your gas tank away from the lake and shoreline. Maintain your battery and motor to operate cleanly and efficiently. Keep your onboard trash secure so that it doesn’t blow overboard and into the lake. Dispose of fish guts and boat bilge away from the lake in proper waste disposal sites. Bilge water can contain toxic contaminants and fish guts add organic nutrients that can increase the growth of algae.When it comes to dumping in the lake, follow the golden rule – don’t dump anything!KV
7 Things Not to Dump in the Lake