Local fishermen in Ingonish Ferry, N.S., are expressing concerns about a proposed sewage pipe that is set to discharge treated sewage into the harbor, potentially impacting their livelihoods.
Despite objections from fishermen like Matthew Smith, who has been fishing in the area for generations, Victoria County officials argue that the sewage system is crucial for supporting commercial and residential growth. Regulatory bodies have affirmed that the project complies with both federal and provincial regulations.
Smith highlighted the challenge posed by the harbor’s limited circulation, likening it to a stagnant body of water. He utilized sonar technology on his fishing boat to map the harbor, revealing a deep basin with a shallow connection to the Atlantic Ocean.
According to Smith, the insufficient depth of the connection means that the tide may struggle to disperse the treated sewage effectively, potentially impacting marine life in the area.
While fishermen like Smith are not opposed to development or sewage treatment, they advocate for the outfall to discharge sewage into the ocean rather than the harbor.
The $15-million sewage treatment plant, being constructed by Victoria County, is aimed at supporting the development of Ski Cape Smokey, which includes plans for condominiums, a hotel, a brewery, and additional condo units.
Concerns have been raised about the proximity of the outfall to fishing activities, with the treated effluent potentially affecting lobster populations and other marine species in the harbor.
Additionally, fishermen are worried about the environmental impact of installing the sewer outfall, as heavy equipment was used in the process, potentially disrupting marine life in the area.
Although the project has obtained necessary permits from federal and provincial authorities, fishermen like Smith and Whitty feel that they were not adequately consulted during the planning stages.
In response to the fishermen’s concerns, County Councillor Tim Donovan acknowledged that consultation could have been better and assured that he is available to address questions and provide updates on the project through the county’s website.
The fishermen stress the harbor’s rich biodiversity, serving as a habitat for various marine species, and emphasize the importance of preserving its ecosystem amidst development projects.