How forest fire smoke in the Thunder Bay area is harming waterways

How forest fire smoke in the Thunder Bay area is harming waterways

As Canada continues to battle relentless forest fires, Thunder Bay's blue skies are sometimes turning grey with smoke from fires, both near and far. While the smoky air has created serious health risks for vulnerable groups, it is also putting the region's already at-risk waterways in jeopardy. According to Robert Stewart, an associate professor in the geography department at Lakehead University, the majority of the area's rivers are negatively affected by urbanization and storm water, but must now deal with the side effects of climate change.

Farmers struggling with waterlogged crops after rainy start to summer

Farmers struggling with waterlogged crops after rainy start to summer

He said this is the wettest start to the summer he's ever seen, which has stopped crews from getting into the fields to pick the produce. The rain is also washing away pesticides that protect tree crops. "Every time we've gone into the orchards to mow or spray or do anything, it's rotted it up or just everything's gotten washed off, so it's definitely been challenging," he said. Spurr said he expects that could create quality issues with their harvest this year. Jordan Eyamie, the manager at Webster Farms, is facing the same problems. Her farm grows strawberries and raspberries. She said her farm has been struggling to protect the strawberries — which are ready to harvest — from something called Botrytis rot brought on by cool and wet conditions. "It's like a grey mould and that can be a season-ender if you can't get it under control," she said.

First Nation calls on B.C. to restore shellfish harvesting sites closed for decades due to poor water quality

First Nation calls on B.C. to restore shellfish harvesting sites closed for decades due to poor water quality

A First Nation on Vancouver Island has been legally barred from accessing one of its primary traditional food sources for the past 25 years, one of 154 shellfish harvesting sites closed by federal law in B.C. due to poor water quality. Some of those sites may be safe at times, a recent audit concluded, but they cannot be reopened because the federal agency in charge of testing those waters is understaffed. As a result, it devotes the majority of its limited resources to commercial harvesting areas. Shellfish beds First Nations have relied on for as long as their people have existed haven’t been given such high priority.

Rainfall warning in effect for western Newfoundland, some areas already flooding

Rainfall warning in effect for western Newfoundland, some areas already flooding

Marilyn Roberts lost everything in her basement on Saturday when water from a nearby pond came rushing in. The Sally's Cove resident said it took less than 30 minutes for five feet of water to fill up her basement, leaving her with a massive mess and questions about the future of her home. "It's heartbreaking," she said. "I don't know how I'm going to pull through it down the road. It's going to be hard for me."

Edmundston residents dealing with damage in aftermath of storm, flooding

Edmundston residents dealing with damage in aftermath of storm, flooding

City officials have said more than 100 residences were damaged because of the storm. Gallant said this detour affects a lot of people in the area. It's a major roadway leading into the city's core. "At least temporarily for now. A lot of people come across here," said Gallant. However, despite the inconvenience, Gallant said he'll do a special garbage collection Tuesday for people affected by flooding.

Glencore moves to take full control of PolyMet, developer of Minnesota copper-nickel mine

Glencore moves to take full control of PolyMet, developer of Minnesota copper-nickel mine

The Corps said the permit did not comply with the water quality standards set by the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, whose reservation on the St. Louis River is downstream from the mine and processing plant sites near Babbitt and Hoyt Lakes. The project has long been criticized by environmental and tribal groups for its potential impacts on water resources, but it has also come under increasing fire in recent months from former Gov. Arne Carlson, a Republican who served from 1991-99. In addition to the risks to water quality, Carlson has sounded the alarm about the influence of big mining corporations on Minnesota politics.

Japan Set to Pour Fukushima Waste Into Pacific, Irking China

Japan Set to Pour Fukushima Waste Into Pacific, Irking China

Japan is set to win approval to discharge more than a million cubic meters of treated water from the Fukushima nuclear disaster site into the Pacific Ocean, a contentious plan that’s soured ties with neighbors including China. The International Atomic Energy Agency’s Director General Rafael Grossi will visit Japan from Tuesday to deliver a final report on the safety of the process and meet with officials including Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi. A domestic nuclear regulator is also set to issue a crucial assessment.

Water cremation: Co-op Funeralcare to be first UK company to offer resomation

Water cremation: Co-op Funeralcare to be first UK company to offer resomation

Water cremation is set to be made available for the first time in the UK. The process, known as resomation, uses a mix of potassium hydroxide and water to break down human remains in what is billed as a more sustainable option. It takes four hours - the bones remain, and are powdered then returned to loved ones in a similar way to ashes, in an urn. Resomation is used in Canada, South Africa and many US states.

The Depression-era project that could have made Campobello the Las Vegas of Canada

The Depression-era project that could have made Campobello the Las Vegas of Canada

The "Quoddy" project was envisioned at a time when electricity was an exploding industry —  like the internet for our generation, said the author. The concept was to generate electric power using the tides of Passamaquoddy Bay. Water from the rising tide was to be held back by massive dams and released through turbines. Initially, in the 1920s, the project architects wanted dams between the mainland and islands all the way from Lubec, Maine, to Letete, N.B. In the 1930s, they scaled down the plan to damming the waters on the U.S. side, in Cobscook and South bays. It still would have been the largest hydroelectric power plant in the world, said Borton, and could have changed Charlotte County in New Brunswick and Washington County in Maine forever. 

More than 100 Edmundston households report damage following torrential rains

More than 100 Edmundston households report damage following torrential rains

Julie Gagnon and Hugo Lajoie leaned on the barrier that separates them from their home in Edmundston, N.B. In front of them, a massive hole created by a landslide threatened to swallow up their shed and their house. Thursday's torrential rains forced them from almost all their belongings in the area of Verret Street. They have also been told their insurance does not cover this type of disaster. "I contacted our insurance company for a claim and they rejected it because these damages were not in my contract," Gagnon told Radio-Canada on Saturday while fighting back tears. "I called two or three times and there was nothing to be done. We pay for insurance and we have no help."

Canada takes first step to regulate toxic ‘forever chemicals.’ But is it enough?

Canada takes first step to regulate toxic ‘forever chemicals.’ But is it enough?

Canada recently took its first bold step to regulate the production and use of a large group of chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a family of environmentally persistent and toxic chemical compounds. These chemicals are found in food packaging, waterproof cosmetics, non-stick pans, stain- and water-resistant fabrics and carpeting, cleaning products, paints and fire-fighting foams. The Canadian government released a report detailing the risks of PFAS exposure and potential management options. This report, which advocates for the regulation of the thousands of PFAS as a whole, will directly influence future regulations and policies surrounding their production and use. This contrasts to previous policy initiatives that targeted PFAS individually.

CANADA: Nunavut's historic land-use plan submitted after 16 years

CANADA: Nunavut's historic land-use plan submitted after 16 years

The federal and Nunavut governments, as well as a group representing Inuit in the territory, are reviewing a massive plan to formally guide where, how and when land and water can be used in Canada's easternmost territory. The plan includes requirements for key wildlife habitat, contaminated sites, military facilities, community areas of interest and drinking water. It aims to balance economic, environmental and social needs.

Water quality advisory issued at Kitsilano Point Beach

Water quality advisory issued at Kitsilano Point Beach

The beach at the tip of Kitsilano Point is closed due to repeat E. coli samples above the recommended level. Vancouver Coastal Health issued an advisory on Canada Day, noting multiple E. coli counts of 591 per 100 millilitres, well above the advised limit of 400 per 100 mL. The health authority says there is an increased risk of illness to swimmers when E. coli levels exceed guidance. The public is advised not to swim or wade in the water until the advisory ends, especially seniors, infants and kids, and people with weakened immune systems who are most susceptible.

Halifax-area beach closed because of toxin-producing algae bloom in lake

Halifax-area beach closed because of toxin-producing algae bloom in lake

Municipal officials in the Halifax area have closed a popular lakeside beach after the discovery of a toxin-producing blue-green algae bloom. The beach at Springfield Lake in Middle Sackville closed Saturday.

Water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink — or flush with — at this Vancouver beach

Water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink — or flush with — at this Vancouver beach

Regulars at Spanish Banks West are wondering why one of Vancouver's largest and most beautiful beaches has run dry of clean water, again. The latest shutdown has lasted the better part of a year, leaving park- and beach-goers with no drinking water, no flush toilets, no showers, no change room access and no food concession at the public facility. 

Westwood Drive water main project in Cobourg to start July 3

Westwood Drive water main project in Cobourg to start July 3

Construction will start the week of July 3 for the Westwood Drive water main improvement project, says the Town of Cobourg. The Town of Cobourg and Lakefront Utility Services Inc. have engaged CIMA Canada Inc. to complete the design for the replacement of the water main and road surface improvements on Westwood Drive, from Burnham to Kerr Street, said the town, in a recent release. Starting the week of July 3, Westwood Drive will be closed to through traffic between Kerr Street and Burnham Street, for about five months. Access will be permitted to local area residents only, added the town.

Resort Village of Tobin Lake issues water ban

Resort Village of Tobin Lake issues water ban

Those looking to water their lawns up at the Resort Village of Tobin Lake this Canada Day long weekend will be unable to do so. This comes after the resort village issued a municipal order water ban. This means that anyone found irrigating (watering) their lawn will be subject to having their water turned off for the weekend. The resident will then need to make an appointment to have it turned back on, with applicable fees (fines).

UN nuclear agency chief to visit Fukushima plant to see final preparations for release of wastewater

UN nuclear agency chief to visit Fukushima plant to see final preparations for release of wastewater

The chief of the UN nuclear agency will visit Japan next week to meet with Japanese leaders and see final preparations for the release of treated radioactive wastewater from the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean, officials said Friday. Japan's government hopes the visit by International Atomic Energy Agency head Rafael Mariano Grossi will add credibility to the discharge plan. It has been strongly opposed by local fishing groups and by neighbouring South Korea, China and some Pacific Island nations over safety concerns.

Giardia found in pond at Pitt Meadows park

Giardia found in pond at Pitt Meadows park

This waterborne parasite, which is the most common intestinal parasite in Canada, can lead to some pretty nasty symptoms, including gas, diarrhea, dehydration, abdominal cramps, and nausea or vomiting. It is especially important to keep children away from the pond or to thoroughly wash their hands if they do come in contact with the water since children up to nine years old are most at risk of developing giardia symptoms, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.

RCMP investigates mischief to fire hydrants in Town of Yarmouth

RCMP investigates mischief to fire hydrants in Town of Yarmouth

RCMP in Nova Scotia are investigating mischief to fire hydrants in Yarmouth that caused flooding to a home. Yarmouth Town RCMP received a report Thursday morning that fire hydrants had been tampered with on Brunswick, King, Beacon, Main, Marsha and Water streets. Officers learned that several hydrants had caps removed and had been activated, allowing the water to flow, between Wednesday evening and Thursday morning. The water flooded the basement of a home on Marsha Street.