[All] SAVE the Grand's Wavy-rayed Lampmussels!

[Louisette Lanteigne]

Hi folks
Threatened and Endangered Species can help serve the function to mitigate risks to water quality and water flow in the Grand River but right now the Department of Fisheries is considering downgrading the status of the Wavy-rayed Lampmussel. We must protect this species to help protect the Grand. 

In today's Record, there was a notice in the paper about the proposed downgrading of the protective status for this mussel and the Department of Fisheries wants to hear from the public about this matter. You can visit this link for more details: http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/involved/consultation/default_e.cfm 
Comments can be emailed to Pooi-Leng Wong of Fisheries and Oceans Canada at the following email:  fwisar at dfo-mpo.gc.ca or by phone at 1-866-538-1609.
Below is the email I sent outlining my concerns about this species. Feel free to relay the same concepts. The more of us respond the better. 
Thanks!
Lulu :0)
--- On Thu, 12/9/10, Louisette Lanteigne <butterflybluelu at rogers.com> wrote:

From: Louisette Lanteigne <butterflybluelu at rogers.com>
Subject: Regarding Wavy-rayed Lampmussel
To: fwisar at dfo-mpo.gc.ca, commissioner at eco.on.ca
Date: Thursday, December 9, 2010, 12:05 AM

Hello
I was reading the Waterloo Record and came across a press release from the DFO stating that the DFO was considering changing the status of the Wavy-rayed Lampmussel  from endangered species to species of special concern.
I strongly advise the DFO maintain the Endangered Status of this animal due the imminent threats being posed upon known habitats for this species along the Grand River. 
For example, please review the Region of Waterloo's Official Plan and review MAP 5 regarding Mineral Aggregate Resource Areas at this link:http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/DocID/297822CA308E1ED985256E4000697FA3?OpenDocument
In viewing the map you will quickly
 see that numerous quarry operations are encroaching upon the riverbank habitats along the Grand River. Many of these operations will go under the water table and it will alter water flow and flow rates heading into the Grand. The water in the area will be used as a slurry to rinse and process aggregates and this will augment water temperature and water quality and chemistry.
Waterloo Region has been mandated by the Province of Ontario to increase it's population to add 300,000 new residents by 2031 and this will add further challenges for this vulnerable species. Effluent levels, residential contaminates and development activities will take a toll on water quality and flow rates putting these creatures at further risk.
In the Grand River Watershed, climate change is anticipated to affect our area by way of flood drought scenarios. It is expected that we will have the same annual volumes but it will be distributed in fewer episodes. This information was relayed to me by Mr. Rob DeLoe from the University of Waterloo as well as staff from Environment Canada. The Grand River Conservation Authority is already doubling our flood zones in anticipation of high water volumes and this will increase contamination risks in the river which could adversely impact these species. 
With climate change, it is anticipated that growing seasons will increase and this may double crops resulting in an increase the use of fertilizers and phosphates along the Grand River. Our phosphates are already 26 times above the MOE limits and if nitrate issues increase along with effluent levels, we could see a collapse of the ecological systems within the Grand River and Lake Erie. We must do everything we can to prevent this. 
We cannot afford to be complacent in the assessments of the current and future risks these species will face. In maintaining it's endangered status, it will help to protect the water quality and flow of the Grand River and in turn, protect the water quality of Lake Erie for the long term. These animals play a vital roll in protecting the Grand River, a Natural Heritage River which is a main water supply for Waterloo Region and downstream communities. We cannot negate the function this animal serves in protecting our human water supplies and in maintaining the biodiversity of the Grand for the long term.
The Grand River Conservation Authority is sponsored by Stantec who in turn is conducting many of the Environmental Impact Studies associated with gravel pits along the Grand River. The GRCA relies heavily upon data produced by this firm to form their data base. Stantec is currently involved with studies regarding Capital Paving Quarry in West Montrose in proximity to known Wavy Rayed Mussel habitats. It would be reasonable to state there may be an advantage for this firm and their clients if the protective status for the mussel were reduced. 
It is interesting to note that Stantec is also conducting the feasibility study for a Lake Erie pipeline which may or may not provide for Waterloo Region's future water
 needs. Should a pipeline to Erie be approved, the Grand River would lose it's Heritage status because the effluent would return to Erie by way of the Grand River technically making the Grand "infrastructure". To protect the water quality and water flow and flow rates in the Grand, it is vital we protect the rare species that dwell in it. They may be our last line of defense to protect this water system in the days ahead.  
The fact is, the Wavy-rayed Lampmussel plays a key roll in the protection and
 preservation of the water quality, water quantity and biodiversity of the Grand River which discharges into Erie. The current numbers may show increasing populations but based on the current plans as seen in our Regional Official Plans and by way of the Provincial Growth targets, it is reasonable to state this species is facing imminent risks. In light of this fact I formally request that the Endangered Status on this species be maintained. They are needed to protect our HUMAN water supplies. 
Thank you kindly for your time.
Louisette Lanteigne700 Star Flower Ave.Waterloo Ontario
N2V 2L2519-885-7619
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