"Targets put a strain on agricultural community"
by Michelle Minnoch

Bradford resident Robert Keffer went before the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) Board of Directors, stating the targets established by the Authority regarding the Assimilative Capacity Study (ACS) puts a strain on the agricultural community.

"It appears that the science behind the Assimilative Capacity Study and BMP (Best Management Practices) is that the farming community will decrease their phosphorus loads so that the development community can increase their phosphorus pollution," he stated. "Your position statement says you strongly support the targets established under the ACS. In would suggest that you notice how those targets were established - on then backs of agriculture."

On a chart handed out to board members, he pointed out the phosphorus loading occurring in the West Holland watershed. He said according to the 'crop land' potion, the existing loading consists of 2686 kgs, reducing it to 893 kg using BMPs. Under high intensity development, the loading increases from 680 kg to 1308 kg including their BMPs.

"And this is right?" he asked.

CAO Gayle Wood told Keffer he had made some really interesting points. She said staff had not had an opportunity to meet with him. She said they will and invited him back to their September meeting.