Kinsmen Lake water safe for current uses
By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Despite some contamination in Kinsmen Lake, levels are safe for residents based on current recreational uses, according to a report by the Town of Strathmore.
During the April 21 town council meeting, Councillor Densie Peterson requested an inquiry into the findings of past water and soil testing in and around Kinsmen Lake. In response, a report regarding soil and water quality in Kinsmen Lake was included in the May 17 town council agenda package.
The town conducted a study of the sediment and surface water of Kinsmen Lake in 2018, known as the Assessment of Human Ecological Health Impacts Report. This testing identified petroleum hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in the stormwater pond, but at levels below health guidelines for drinking water. Arsenic levels were above those recommended for the consumption of fish, however.
Some surface water samples exceeded guideline levels for alkalinity, aluminum, iron, mercury and zinc. Aside from alkalinity, these exceedances were found in only one of 10 samples. Sediment samples showed elevated levels of seven metals in some locations. Overall, these contaminants were not considered harmful to humans, according to the report. Above-guideline levels for aquatic life were not consistent throughout the lake.
An environmental site assessment (ESA) was also conducted on Kinsmen Lake prior to the construction of the new town office in 2019. This report showed some contaminants of concern in the area, including petroleum hydrocarbons, VOCs, nitrate and nitrites, herbicides and pesticides. These compounds being present are consistent with the site previously featuring an Esso bulk plant, fertilizer distribution facility and grain elevator.
A recommendation of the ESA was to conduct soil sample testing during construction of the building, which was conducted separately for each stockpile. The result of this testing was “good” with only some material needing to be disposed of at an industrial landfill, according to the report. The town installed new water and storm infrastructure as part of the building project, which will reportedly minimize the chance contaminants will migrate into Kinsmen Lake or the town’s water system.
Kinsmen Lake was dredged in the fall of 2019 to remove sediment from the north side of the lake. Materials were hauled to a landfill, without being tested first.
The waters of the lake were tested again in October 2020, which showed an increase in arsenic levels and alkalinity, and some changes in metal concentrations, both up and down. However, the results in relation to drinking water quality and aquatic health had not changed compared to the 2018 report.
Town administration concludes water quality in Kinsmen Lake is of no concern, based on the use restrictions there, namely limited recreational use, and catch-and-release fishing. Even if there was unintentional contact or ingestion of the water, there would be no immediate concerns. Administration is recommending regular testing of the lake every three to five years.