NAACAP has become aware, through local residents, partner groups and recent news media stories about the sedimentation of local waterways on the Northeast Avalon Peninsula as a direct impact of poorly managed commercial development. (See the related media story here). One local resident out for a walk near a local waterway – South Brook – even snapped this photo and sent to us:
Others have continued to report the same. As you can see – this waterway, at the time of the walk, was highly infiltrated with sediments. Sedimentation has a very negative impact on the waterway, and is unacceptable in an age when proper planning and responsible development could significantly reduce and/or eliminate such devastating impacts.
We view the sedimentation of a waterway, regardless of the source as a substantial threat to the health of the impacted waterway and the entire ecosystem surrounding it. Waterway sedimentation results in fish kills, sediment build-up and habitat destruction. It is important to avoid such disturbances to all local waterways, including headwaters, rivers, ponds and lakes. Any development activity taking place needs to be well-planned using the appropriate sedimentation mitigation techniques, or another prescribed erosion and sedimentation control method.
For more information about sedimentation, including an in-depth slide-show about sedimentation effects and proper silt fencing mitigation – see NAACAP’s Sedimentation of Waterways webpage.
If you observe any spills, or other damage to waterways, please report it!
The Environmental Emergencies hotline for oiled birds, oil & chemical spills and fish kills can take your report. You can also contact NAACAP anytime through our Contact Us page.
