UTRCA receives $17.4 million to fund clean water projects
The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) has received $17.4 million from the Canada Water Agency for stewardship projects to reduce the amount of phosphorus entering Lake Erie.
In 2022, phosphorus loading in Canada reached 2,091 tonnes – with 53 per cent of that being present in the Huron-Erie corridor.
‘Phosphorus loading’ occurs when runoff, sediments or atmospheric conditions introduce increased concentrations of phosphorus to the lake. Although a certain amount of phosphorus in the water is completely natural, too much phosphorus can lead to toxic algae, depleted oxygen levels, and more.
“While overall water quality has remained stable across the subwatersheds, as indicated by the UTRCA Watershed Report Cards, there is still significant room for improvement to reduce phosphorus loading within the Thames River,” said Tatianna Lozier, Stewardship Services Coordinator with the UTRCA.
The UTRCA will use their funding to encourage agricultural best management practices for landowners through offering grants and support programs – encouraging cover cropping, soil testing, crop nutrient planning, erosion control measures, and subsurface fertilizer placement.
“There is a long history of conservation efforts across public and private lands, including agricultural properties,” said Lozier. “Between 2016 and 2020, over 200 Best Management Practice (BMP) projects were successfully implemented through the ongoing Clean Water Program, laying a strong foundation for future progress. The Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Program will build on this success and further enhance our impact.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Gunman at large after UnitedHealthcare CEO fatally shot in apparent targeted attack, law enforcement official says
The CEO of UnitedHealthcare was shot and killed in midtown Manhattan Wednesday morning in an apparent targeted attack as he was about to attend the company’s annual investor conference, a law enforcement official tells CNN. The gunman remains on the loose.
Trump considers DeSantis for the Pentagon with Hegseth under pressure over allegations: AP sources
The nomination of Pete Hegseth, U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's choice to lead the Pentagon, is under pressure as senators who would need to confirm him weigh a series of allegations that have surfaced against him.
VPD issue public warning after random sucker punch at bus stop
Vancouver police have released security video as they seek witnesses to an unprovoked assault in the downtown core.
$80-million jackpot: 2 winning tickets sold in Canada
There are two winners of the $80 million Lotto Max jackpot, Ontario Lottery and Gaming (OLG) has announced. The prize will be split between two tickets sold in Quebec and Alberta, respectively.
Mexico president says Canada has a 'very serious' fentanyl problem
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly is not escalating a war of words with Mexico, after the Mexican president criticized Canada's culture and its framing of border issues.
Mexican troops seize a record fentanyl haul days after Trump threatened tariffs
Mexican soldiers and marines have seized over a ton of fentanyl pills in two raids in the north, with officials calling it the biggest catch of the synthetic opioid in the country’s history.
Calls for Ottawa to end Canada Post strike mount as businesses face challenges
As the Canada Post strike nears its three-week mark, stores across the country have turned to alternate measures to send products to paying customers and keep operations running smoothly.
Cucumbers recalled for salmonella risks
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has announced a recall on whole cucumbers over risks of salmonella contamination, a Tuesday release from the agency reads.
Trump making 'joke' about Canada becoming 51st state is 'reassuring': Ambassador Hillman
Canada's ambassador to the U.S. insists it's a good sign U.S. president-elect Donald Trump feels 'comfortable' joking with Canadian officials, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.