Searchmont Ski Resort is preparing an application to the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks for an Environmental Compliance Approval to build a new on-site wastewater treatment plant.
The plant would replace the resort’s existing septic system on lands owned by Searchmont Ski Resort.
It would discharge treated effluent into the Goulais River.
SooToday heard from Goulais River residents who are concerned about effluent from the plant flowing into the Goulais River where they enjoy swimming and fishing.
The river is also a protected area for sturgeon spawning.
There is also concern about possible adverse effects on the established First Nations fishing industry in Goulais Bay.
“A study has been completed to ensure that the Goulais River will not be adversely impacted by this proposal,” Kresin Engineering said in a release.
However, some Goulais River residents are requesting that they see data compiled in that study by March 31.
“Consultation is an integral component to the ECA application process. Searchmont looks forward to working with all interested parties to ensure that this project protects the environment while allowing the continued operation of the resort, as well as the potential to boost economic development to the benefit of the surrounding community,” Kresin said.
A public information meeting will be held at a later date.
The Sault’s Kresin Engineering will design, analyze and prepare the ECA application for the proposed project.
Searchmont residents were officially notified about the proposed wastewater treatment plant in a notice from Kresin dated March 19.
Citizens have 15 days from that date to provide their comment or concerns to Joseph Kosik, Searchmont Holdings president by email.
They may also contact Becca Smit, Kresin Engineering project engineer at 705 949-4900 or by email.
Comments or concerns can also be sent to the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks Client Services and Permissions Branch by email.
While only Searchmont residents were notified of the project in the March 19 letter, Kresin Engineering project engineer Becca Smit told SooToday Wednesday that all concerned citizens - including those from Goulais River and other communities - are welcome to forward comments and concerns to Searchmont Holdings, Kresin Engineering or the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks.
Interested individuals or groups may also contact the Searchmont Ski Resort general manager by email.
“An integral component of the ECA application is notifying the neighbouring abutting properties, government agencies, and Indigenous Communities. Although only immediate neighbours are directly contacted, all public input is welcome,” Smit said.
It should be noted that the project is not a done deal.
The March 19 notice, prepared by Kresin, is a general notice to the public of the upcoming application and to advise of their plans for a future public information centre on the project.
"Once a formal application has been made to the ministry, it will be reviewed by our Client Services and Permission Branch. As part of this review, the ministry will post a notice of the proposal on the Environmental Registry of Ontario for public comment. As is required for registry postings, the public comment period will be at least 30 days.The ministry will conduct a technical review of the proposal before any approval is issued to ensure that the new sewage system will meet ministry policies and regulations and not adversely affect the environment or human health," said the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks in an email to SooToday Thursday, March 27.