Community Based Initiatives - Understanding the Environment

Monitoring the Environment

Objectives:

Ever since 1990, WIFN has sought to establish itself as a site for integrated environmental monitoring. The need for a site in the location and environmental situation that Walpole Island offers was initially recognized by the International Joint Commission in the context of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. Creation of such a monitoring station would assist Walpole Island in documenting and resolving its numerous pollution and other environmental concerns.

Description:

Two sub-agreements associated with the Tri-Partite Boundary Negotiations were negotiated. The Air Quality Monitoring Sub-agreement called for continuation of the station on Walpole Island under a co-management regime, and the Water Quality Monitoring Sub-Agreement called for establishment and co-management of a water quality monitoring station. Support for one element of what could have contributed to an integrated program – WI's baseline air quality measurements related to the impact of the Detroit Waste Incinerator- was terminated when the immediate objective had been achieved. WIFN is now operating a water monitoring station at its own expense, in partnership with Oakland, Michigan University. Monitoring of water quality on the beaches of Walpole Island continues, and informal monitoring of soil samples and wildlife has taken place as well.

 

Outcome:

WI's monitoring program takes place in a largely informal and uncoordinated manner. While a more systematic monitoring system could be built on this base, a continuing source of funding would be required.

Support:

Most of the monitoring takes place through community initiative, with no formal financial support. The air quality monitoring station was supported by Environment Canada, DIAND, WIFN, and the Lambton County Health Unit is involved with beach sampling.