Progress

The most notable accomplishments of LSEMS Phase I (1990 - 1995) were the completion of more than 300 landowner environmental assistance projects, the development of a phosphorus reduction target, the creation of a Lake Simcoe Watershed Water Quality Model, and most importantly, an estimated phosphorus loading reduction of 14 metric tonnes. This success was tempered by the knowledge that much more needed to be done to achieve the LSEMS goal. The results of the studies conducted to establish the phosphorus reduction target suggested that an additional reduction of 25 metric tonnes of phosphorus was necessary to restore the health of Lake Simcoe and its coldwater fishery.

Achievements in Phase II (1996 - 2000) included the completion of an additional 69 water quality improvement projects, a 2.5 metric tonne reduction in the annual phosphorus loading to Lake Simcoe, the completion of a hydrologic mass balance for the lake and the completion of a Total Water Quality Study examining the benefits of phosphorous control measures. In addition, the province increased its involvement in the partnership in the form of representation from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to assist in future planning and policy issues.

Among the many achievements in Phase III was a further reduction of an estimated 1.5 metric tonnes of annual phosphorus loading to the lake. Although the program continues to make significant reductions, they are becoming more difficult and more expensive to accomplish. During Phases I and II, projects were targeted to agricultural areas of the watershed where phosphorus loading was most concentrated and where gains could be made more cost-effectively.

The Assimilative Capacity Study (ACS) has demonstrated that, through the investment in and implementation of best management practices (BMPs), phosphorus loading to Lake Simcoe can be maintained at the 75 tonne target. The BMPs brought forward in the ACS include both rural and urban opportunities for phosphorus reduction at a projected cost of approximately $163 million. These BMPs need to be implemented to sustain loading at the overall 75 tonne target.

Another important development influencing the effectiveness of Phase III was that the City of Barrie had joined the LSEMS partnership during Phase II and provided an additional source of funding.

LSEMS Phase III Progress Report Summary
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LSEMS Phase III Progress Report
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