Muskeg Lake Cree Nation Source Water Protection Plan

Muskeg Lake Cree Nation
Source Water Protection
Plan
2009
Donna Rae Paquette
North Saskatchewan River Basin Council
Saskatchewan’s 29 Watersheds
Table of Contents
Page
What is Source Water
2
The Ice Age: Source of the North Saskatchewan River
3
Home of the dinosaur fish – Lake Sturgeon
6
Background of the Source Water Protection Plan
7
Purpose of a Source Water Protection Plan
7
Muskeg Lake Land Use
8
Planning a Water Protection Strategy
8
Water Conservation
9
Water Quality
11
Water Supply
13
Surface Water Quality
14
Groundwater Quality
16
Natural Habitat
18
Notes For Additional Key Actions
20
Muskeg Lake Source Water Implementation Plan
21
List of Objectives
22
List of Key Actions
23
Table of Key Actions, Costs & Personnel
25
Costs of Key Actions
31
Table of Costs to Meet Objectives
32
Conclusion
33
References and Photo Credits
34
1
What is Source Water
Source water is defined as water contained in all creeks, rivers, lakes and smaller water
bodies which drain into larger, main water bodies. All waters from all locations that
contribute their flow to the North Saskatchewan are considered source waters.
.
At 1,287 km the North Saskatchewan is the longest east-west river in Canada
There are 72 First Nations in Saskatchewan. Reserve lands throughout the province
account for 2.1 million acres of the 161.1 million acre provincial land base. Too many
have current and on-going failures in their drinking water supply and safety. These
failures are due to poorly-constructed and poorly-planned water delivery and sewage and
waste handling facilities and sub-standard equipment to handle the raw material entering
the system.
The consequences of unprotected source water became evident in 2001 in the City of
North Battleford whose drinking water source is the North Saskatchewan River. Between
5,000 to 7,000 people up and downstream drinking the river water were stricken with
various symptoms of gastroenteritis. Studies found the water had been tainted by a microorganism called ‘cryptosporidiosis’ found in both animal and human fecal matter. The
deadly bacteria came to the city via raw sewage from an upstream source. Protecting
source water is the first barrier to preventing water-borne diseases and toxins.
2
The Ice Age: Source of the North Saskatchewan River
The North Saskatchewan River originates from the Saskatchewan Glacier located in
Alberta’s Columbia Icefield in western Canada’s Rocky Mountains. Situated in Banff
National Park, the icefield is a remnant of a vast ice sheet that stretched from the foothills
of the Rockies to the Pacific Coast 15,000 years ago. The Saskatchewan glacier is
continually melting and shrinking in length, known as ‘retreating’. Currently 10 km long,
it has retreated 2 km since 1980.
Saskatchewan Glacier in 1964. Note the peak at top left and long strip of glacier flowing past
3
A 2005 close-up photo shows the same peak but much of the glacier strip has melted and
receded leaving the rocky channel exposed
Glacial melt water forms the headwaters of the North Saskatchewan River. Flowing east
across Alberta it absorbs the Clearwater River before flowing into Saskatchewan.
Crossing the border the river rolls past North Battleford. Along this journey, it is joined
by the Battle River near the Battlefords. The Battle River is the largest tributary to the
North Saskatchewan River in Saskatchewan but adds less than 5% of the total flow.
The South Saskatchewan River flows into our province from southeastern Alberta. It
flows east and then north to Saskatoon. Going through the city it flows northeast and ends
just past Prince Albert. The North and South Saskatchewan Rivers join at “The Forks”
east of Prince Albert and become simply the Saskatchewan River. From there it flows
into the Nelson River system and Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba. It ultimately empties into
Hudson Bay which eventually drains east to the Atlantic Ocean.
.
4
Approximately 80,000 km2 of land contributes runoff to the North Saskatchewan and
Battle Rivers before these rivers flow into Saskatchewan. Alberta contributes over 7 m2
of the water flow from Alberta into Saskatchewan. The yearly discharge at the
Alberta/Saskatchewan border is more than 7 m3. Starting from a height of 2,080 m above
sea level (ASL), it steadily drops as it winds its way east to 380 m ASL.
The North Saskatchewan River at dusk looking west from North Battleford.
5
Home of the Dinosaur Fish – Lake Sturgeon
The North and South Saskatchewan Rivers are home to an ancient fish species that goes
back 100 million years to the dinosaur age. Lake sturgeon are normally associated with
the Great Lakes regions as well as in major eastern rivers like the St. Lawrence. North
America's westernmost population of lake sturgeon can be found in two populations
divided between the North and South Saskatchewan Rivers.
The primitive ancestry of these fish can be seen in a shark-like tail, a skeleton that is
made of cartilage rather than bone, and five rows of bony plates that protect the body.
Sturgeon have no natural predators apart from sports fishers.
Lake sturgeon are
the geriatric giants of
the freshwater
world. Although
their average adult
size is 10 -14 kg, and
their average length
is 130 cm, (with a
tendency to smaller
sizes in colder rivers,
such as the North
Saskatchewan), they
can grow as large as
100 kg and live as
long as 150 years.
S
Sturgeon spend almost two decades growing before reproducing.
With a total population of less than 2,000 fish, of which only about 200 are mature and
capable of spawning, about 100 are female and only about 25 of these are actually
reproducing in any given year. The survival of an entire species is dependent on the
reproductive efforts of this small number of fish.
Water diversion and pollution can also cause a reduction in other fish eaten by sturgeon.
This reduction in the food chain therefore limits sturgeon growth. Hydroelectric dams,
storage reservoirs for irrigation and discharge of industrial, municipal and domestic
effluents all have a negative impact on aquatic populations. Juvenile sturgeon are very
sensitive to chemical pollution, and the extreme long life of sturgeon raises concerns
about accumulation of toxic contaminants in their bodies.
6
Background of the Source Water Protection Plan
In 2004, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) identified water quantity and
quality as major concerns on First Nations in Canada. From this the department
developed the “Plan of Action for Safe Drinking Water in First Nations Communities” in
2006 and set in motion the delivery of the plan. In 2000 INAC contracted Environment
Canada (EC), who contracted the First Nations Agricultural Council of Saskatchewan
(FNACS to administer the project.
Contract agreements were signed in March 2007 between FNACS and Environment
Canada and between FNACS and the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority (SWA). The
SWA provided funding for FNACS to develop source water protection plans on three
First Nations in Saskatchewan – Muskeg Lake, Witchekan Lake and Sweetgrass. These
communities were chosen because of their proximity to major tributaries and feeder
streams into the North Saskatchewan River. If the projects are successful, EC and INAC
will consider extending the project into other reserves in Saskatchewan.
Purpose of a Source Water Protection Plan
There are many concerns about water quality on First Nations in Saskatchewan. Water is
a very important aspect of First Nations tradition. It is considered the lifeblood of the
Earth. With changes in the lifestyles and culture of First Nations individuals since the
introduction and incorporation of Western European culture, views and treatment of
water have subsequently been affected.
The purpose of this Source Water Protection Plan is to provide stakeholders in Muskeg
Lake with relevant information to enable them to make decisions and carry out specific
actions to protect both surface and ground waters that exist on and around the
community. It also requires the identification of water resources and possible sources of
contamination that may negatively affect these water resources.
The people of Muskeg Lake are dependant on groundwater resources specifically for
their drinking water. The municipal water treatment plant currently gets its water from a
groundwater well, and supplies treated water to most of the residential units.
There are also currently twelve active individual wells on the Reserve. Surface water is
only used for some livestock watering; however, because there is a close linkage between
groundwater and surface water, the band members feel it is important to take actions to
protect surface water in addition to groundwater.
7
Muskeg Lake Land Use
Muskeg Lake Cree Nation is located approximately 130 km north of Saskatoon, near
Blaine Lake. It is situated in the North Saskatchewan River watershed in the North
Saskatchewan River Basin. The almost 300 residents occupy almost 90 square kilometers
of mostly cultivated land. About one third is prairie grass and a slightly smaller
percentage is marshland.
Planning a Water Protection Strategy
In the spring of 2008 Muskeg Lake members met for a “Future Search Conference” held
on the Reserve. The purpose was to create a vision and set goals to nurture the
community’s water and their environment, thereby protecting source water of the North
Saskatchewan River. Their vision included eliminating sources of water contamination,
such as old wells, substandard sewage handling facilities and an unregulated landfill.
Residents wanted to address drinking water supplies and alternate sources of water
delivery. The community agreed on the following issues:
Abandoned wells
o improperly sealed or decommissioned (at least 11 on Reserve)
Active wells
o Improperly sealed or maintained
Sources of contamination
o Pollutants around wells
Agriculture
o
o
o
o
o
Pesticide use (herbicides, insecticides, fungicides)
Improper disposal of agriculture chemical containers
Excessive/improper application of fertilizers and chemicals
Surface runoff of nutrients and chemicals
Livestock with direct access to wells and surface water
Sewage treatment
o Sewage lagoon discharge
o Septic tank/infiltration system discharge or leaks
Waste disposal grounds
o Objects not monitored
o Burns frequently
o Hazardous materials and chemicals possibly going into soil and
groundwater
8
Water Conservation
The World Commission on Water for the 21st Century, a consortium of global
water experts has issued a serious warning. "More than one-half of the world’s major
rivers are being seriously depleted and polluted, degrading and poisoning the surrounding
ecosystems, thus threatening the health and livelihood of people who depend upon them
for irrigation, drinking and industrial water. "
In the early 1900’s a Dene elder of the North West Territories, known as the Prophet
Ayah, told of a coming time when there would be no fresh water left in the world except
water in Great Bear Lake. Nations from around the world would come to the North
because of a global water shortage. Fighting and war over the last fresh water on Earth
would come to Dene country.
Canadians are the second highest users of water in the world. Industrialization, irrigated
agriculture, massive urbanization and rising standards of living are pushing the demand
for freshwater to new heights; undermining already fragile water security for many
nations.
The residents of Muskeg Lake understand the value of conserving water for non-drinking
uses and have researched innovative ways to capture and store this natural resource.
Objective 1: Increase awareness among residents of the need for water conservation
and the benefits of using water more efficiently.
Recommendation: The Chief and Council, in consultation with health and
environment agencies, should develop conservation strategies and promote efficient
water use using existing facilities.
9
Key Actions:
Key Action 1: Educate residents on benefits of conserving rainwater for watering
gardens.
Key Action 2: Inspect eaves troughing and repair or replace faulty eaves troughs.
Key Action 3: Investigate potential of providing rain barrels with base spigots for
garden hose attachment.
10
Water Quality
Maintaining a steady supply of safe drinking water is a priority for all communities.
The quality of potable water is affected by many sources in the environment,
especially from populated areas. Pollution can emanate from many sources and points
of origin. If left unchecked or allowed to continue unabated the potential for a waterrelated human disaster is very real. First Nations face many freshwater safety issues
including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Untreated sewage flowing on land and into static/flowing water bodies
Livestock close to water bodies
Unregulated and unmanaged landfills and resultant pests
Groundwater contamination by surface agents
Abandoned well hazards and pollution potential
Inordinate number of boil water advisories
Continual health concerns related to water quality
Inadequate funding levels to address/implement solution
Off-reserve pollution impacting reserve land (agricultural spraying)
Objective 2:
Ensure that all residents of Muskeg Lake Cree Nation have continued long-term access to
safe, clean drinking water.
Recommendation:
That all delivery systems, facilities and equipment be of high quality and manufacture,
and that it be maintained in optimum working condition and conform to all health and
environmental regulations; that all personnel employed in water delivery systems have
appropriate, up to date certification, training and accountability mechanisms. Ensure that
residents have confidence in the safety of and continued service from the reserve water
system.
11
Key Actions:
Key Action 4: Ensure that all Water Treatment Plant operators are certified.
Key Action 5: Send four residents for training as Water Treatment Plant operators
Key Action 6: Ensure Water Treatment Plant always has adequate supplies of
chemicals to treat the water.
Key Action 7: Ensure the sewage lagoon is safe by regular inspections.
Key Action 8: Fence off perimeter of sewage lagoon.
Key Action 9: Improve pumping system in sewage treatment plant.
12
Water Supply
The world’s supply of fresh, clean drinking water is dwindling. The world faces an
unprecedented crisis in water resources management, with profound implications for
global food security, protection of human health, and maintenance of aquatic ecosystems.
Water shortages threaten to reduce global food supply, while the world’s population
grows by 80 million people each year. With current trends, by 2025, one-third of all
humans will face severe and chronic water shortages.
Objective 3:
To ensure a steady, reliable and safe supply of drinking water for all residents.
Recommendation:
That all residences of Muskeg Lake Cree Nation be connected to the community water
and sewage lines.
Key Actions:
Key Action 10: Educate well users on the benefits of being included in the
community water and sewage system.
Key Action 11: Complete installation of water lines throughout the community.
Key Action 12: Investigate the potential installation of a reverse osmosis water
dispenser to be installed in the band office.
Key Action 13: Supply water filtration units to residents not connected to
community water lines.
13
Surface Water Quality
Agricultural activities contribute pollutants to the surrounding land and water bodies
close by. Examples are run-off from cropped fields sprayed with weed and insect control
chemicals and fertilizer. Run-off damage includes nutrient-loading of water bodies
resulting in algae blooms and the introduction of toxic chemicals detrimental to
vegetation. This is especially harmful to creek banks and edges of water bodies and to
aquatic and riparian wildlife.
Objective 4:
Reduce or minimize surface water contamination and groundwater pollution from animal
fecal bacteria.
Recommendation:
That steps are taken to ensure crop and livestock operations and practices do not
contribute to degradation of water quality and safety.
Key Actions:
Key Action 14: Establish a land use code and land use policy regarding agriculture.
Key Action 15: Raise awareness among cattle owners of the potential of animal
feces-borne bacteria and the health risks associated with their proximity to water.
Key Action 16: Develop rapport with R.M. for dialog on aerial spraying risks and
responsibilities;
14
Key Action 17: Investigate types of chemicals used by local producers as fertilizer
and pesticide to ensure harmful agents, like Atrazine, are prohibited.
Key Action 18: Investigate cost of fencing cattle away from riparian areas.
Key Action 19: Investigate potential of watering cattle using wind or solar-powered
pumps.
Notes
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15
Groundwater Quality
Muskeg Lake has many natural springs occurring all throughout their land. Flowing
artesian wells fed by groundwater are numerous also on the island in the midst of the
lake. Groundwater is water that occurs beneath the ground surface in the cracks and
empty spaces in soil, sand and rock.
Groundwater starts off as surface water or precipitation and enters the ground through
areas generally referred to as recharge areas. It accounts for most of the world’s useable
freshwater. It’s an important source of water for many municipalities and industries, for
irrigation, home and farms. However, the supply is not unlimited. Groundwater must be
managed and protected against exploitation and contaminants.
Objective 5:
To ensure that the above-ground activities of the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation do not
contribute to contamination or pollution of the groundwater. To ensure that Muskeg Lake
residents have continued confidence in the safety of the source of their drinking water.
Recommendation:
That all point sources of groundwater pollution are identified and action be taken to
remove the source or prohibit its continuance.
16
Key Actions:
Key Action 20: Locate and identify all existing wells and flag those to be
decommissioned.
Key Action 21: Decommission 28 wells at a rate of three wells per year.
Key Action 22: Identify natural springs feeding the community well.
Key Action 23: Identify and GPS the natural springs on the island.
17
Natural Habitat
Saskatchewan’s economy is heavily reliant on agriculture and the extraction of natural
resources which requires clearing natural ecosystems. Therefore, songbirds are fewer,
predators are many, waterfowl have lost their nesting ponds, and muskrat and beaver
populations are down. Nature is unbalanced, with large mammals like whitetail deer in an
overpopulated state while mallard ducks are decreasing.
Objective 6:
To preserve the island as an important environmental and cultural site by minimizing
human presence.
To preserve the natural beauty of the land by minimizing the community’s ecological
footprint.
To maintain a healthy and safe landscape for the human and animal inhabitants of
Muskeg Lake.
Recommendations:
That all activities associated with the Muskeg Lake island be regulated and policies
developed to preserve it in its natural state.
That the island be recognized as an important breeding and nesting site for golden and
bald eagles, as well as other wildlife significant to aboriginal people.
That the community members undertake a clean-up of the entire reserve to remove all
hazards, waste material and debris.
18
Key Actions:
Key Action 24: Establish the island as an ecologically sensitive area.
Key Action 25: Seek official designation of the island as a wildlife habitat area.
Key Action 26: Erect signs prohibiting hunting on the island.
Key Action 27: Prohibit motorized watercraft, including all size of motorized boats
and motorized recreational craft from entering Muskeg Lake.
19
Notes
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Additional Key Actions
Key Action
Person
Cost
Target Date
Actual Date
20
Muskeg lake CREE NATION
SOURCE WATER PROTECTION
Implementation Plan
2009
21
List of Objectives
Objective 1: Increase awareness among residents of the need for water conservation
and the benefits of using water more efficiently.
Objective 2: Ensure that all residents of Muskeg Lake have continued, long-term
access to safe, clean drinking water
Objective 3: To ensure a steady, reliable and safe supply of drinking and cooking
water for all residents
Objective 4: Reduce or minimize surface water contamination and groundwater
pollution from animal fecal bacteria
.
Objective 5: To ensure that the above-ground activities of Muskeg Lake do not
contribute to contamination or pollution of the groundwater; to ensure that Muskeg Lake
residents have continued confidence in the safety of the source of their drinking water.
Objective 6: To preserve the natural beauty of the land by minimizing the
community’s ecological footprint; to maintain a healthy and safe landscape for the human
and animal inhabitants of Muskeg Lake.
22
List of Key Actions
1. Educate residents on benefits of conserving rainwater.
2. Inspect eaves troughs for repair or replacement.
3. Investigate potential of providing rain barrels.
4. Ensure that all Water Treatment Plant operators are certified.
5. Certify four more residents as operators.
6. Ensure water treatment plant has adequate supplies.
7. Ensure regular inspections of sewage lagoon.
8. Fence off perimeter of sewage lagoon.
9. Improve pumping system in sewage treatment plant.
10. Educate well users on benefits of community water installation.
11. Complete installation of community water lines.
12. Investigate installation of water dispenser in band office.
13. Supply water filtration units to residents not connected to community water
lines.
14. Establish a land code and policy regarding agriculture.
15. Raise awareness among producers on water-borne bacteria in animal feces.
16. Develop rapport with R.M. regarding aerial spraying.
17. Investigate types of agri-chemicals used by producers nearby.
18. Investigate cost of fencing off riparian area to cattle.
19. Investigate wind a solar-powered pumps to water cattle.
20. Locate and I.D all wells; flag those for decommissioning.
21. Decommission 28 wells at rate of 3 wells per year.
22. Identify natural springs feeding community well.
23
23. Identify and GPS all island springs.
24. Establish the island as an ecologically sensitive area.
25. Seek designation of the island as protected under Ducks Unlimited or Fish &
Wildlife.
26. Erect signs prohibiting island hunting.
27. Prohibit all motorized craft of any type or size on Muskeg Lake.
24
TABLE OF KEY ACTIONS, COSTS & PERSONNEL
KEY ACTION 1
Action Item
Person
Responsible
Educate residents on benefits
Dennis Greyeyes
of conserving rainwater
Cost
Target date
No Cost
Completion
date
On-going
Key Action 2
Action Item
Person
Responsible
Cost
Target date
Inspect eaves troughs for
repair or replacement
To be designated
No Cost
December
2009
Completion
date
Key Action 3
Action Item
Investigate potential of
providing rain barrels
Person
Responsible
Cost
Target date
Anne Venne
No Cost
December
2009
Completion
date
KEY ACTION 4
Action Item
Ensure that all Water
Treatment Plant Operators
are certified
Person
Responsible
Cost
No Cost
Target date
Completion
date
On-going
Anne Venne
25
KEY ACTION 5
Action Item
Certify four more residents
Person
Responsible
Anne Venne
Cost
Target date
$ 4,000.
March 31,
2012
Person
Responsible
Milton Greyeyes
Cost
Target date
Completion
date
KEY ACTION 6
Action Item
Ensure Water Treatment
Plant has adequate supplies
No Cost
Completion
date
On-going
KEY ACTION 7
Action Item
Person
Responsible
Ensure regular inspections of Pat Lafond
sewage lagoon
Cost
Target date
No Cost
Completion
date
On-going
KEY ACTION 8
Action Item
Fence off perimeter of
sewage lagoon
Person
Responsible
Pat Lafond
Cost
Target date
Person
Responsible
Pat Lafond
Cost
Target date
$ 10,000.
October 31,
2009
Completion
date
$1,500/km December 31
2012
KEY ACTION 9
Action Item
Improve pumping system in
sewage treatment plant
Completion
date
26
KEY ACTION 10
Action Item
Educate well users on
benefits of community water
installation
Person
Responsible
Pat Lafond
Cost
Target date
Pat Lafond
No Cost
October 31,
2012
Person
Responsible
Carol Lafond
Cost
Target date
$ 20,000
December 31
2009
Person
Responsible
Chief and Council
Cost
Target date
$ 2,200.
March 31
2009
Person
Responsible
Chief and Council
Cost
Target date
No Cost
December
2009
No Cost
Completion
date
On-going
KEY ACTION 11
Complete installation of
community water lines
KEY ACTION 12
Action Item
Investigate installing a water
dispenser in band office
Completion
date
KEY ACTION 13
Action Item
Supply water filtration units
to residents not connected to
community water lines
Completion
date
Key Action 14
Action Item
Establish a land code and
policy regarding agriculture
Completion
date
27
Key Action 15
Action Item
Raise awareness among
producers on water-borne
bacteria in animal feces
Person
Responsible
Dennis Greyeyes
Cost
Target date
No Cost
On-going
Person
Responsible
Dennis Greyeyes
Cost
Target date
No Cost
December
2009
Person
Responsible
Dennis Greyeyes
Cost
Target date
No Cost
December
2009
Person
Responsible
Dennis Greyeyes
Cost
Target date
$ 1,500/km
December
2009
Person
Responsible
Dennis Greyeyes
Cost
Target date
No Cost
December
2009
Completion
date
Key Action 16
Action Item
Develop rapport with R.M.
regarding aerial spraying
Completion
date
Key Action 17
Action Item
Investigate types of
agriculture chemicals used
by producers
Completion
date
Key Action 18
Action Item
Investigate cost of fencing off
riparian areas to cattle
Completion
date
Key Action 19
Action Item
Investigate wind and solarpowered pumps for cattle
Completion
date
28
Key Action 20
Action Item
Locate and ID all wells; flag
those for decommissioning
Person
Responsible
Dennis Greyeyes
Cost
Target date
No Cost
December
2009
Person
Responsible
Land Manager
Cost
Target date
$ 1,200./well
2018
Completion
date
Key Action 21
Action Item
Decommission 28 wells at
rate of 3 wells/year
Completion
date
$ 33,600.
Key Action 22
Action Item
Identify natural springs
feeding community well
Person
Responsible
Dennis Greyeyes
Cost
Target date
No Cost
December
2009
Person
Responsible
Dennis Greyeyes
Land Manager
Cost
Target date
No Cost
October 2010
Person
Responsible
Chief and
Council
Cost
Target date
No Cost
May 15 2009
Completion
date
Key Action 23
Action Item
Identify/GPS all island
springs
Completion
date
Key Action 24
Action Item
Establish the island as an
ecologically sensitive area
Completion
date
29
Key Action 25
Action Item
Seek designation of the
island as a protected area
Person
Responsible
Land Manager
Dennis Greyeyes
Cost
Target date
No Cost
May 15 2010
Person
Responsible
Dennis Greyeyes
Land Manager
Cost
Target date
No Cost
May 15 2009
Person
Responsible
Chief and
Council
Cost
Target date
No Cost
April 30
2009
Completion
date
Key Action 26
Action Item
Erect signs prohibiting
island hunting
Completion
date
Key Action 27
Action Item
Prohibit motorized
watercraft of all types on
Muskeg Lake
Completion
date
30
Cost of Key Actions
KEY ACTION
ESTIMATED COST
Key Action 1
No Cost
Key Acton 2
No Cost
Key Action 3
No Cost
Key Action 4
No Cost
Key Action 5
$ 4,000.
Key Action 6
No Cost
Key Action 7
No Cost
Key Action 8
$ 1,500/km
Key Action 9
$ 10,000.
Key Action 10
No Cost
Key Action 11
No Cost
Key Action 12
$ 20,000
Key Action 13
$ 2,200
Key Action 14
No Cost
Key Action 15
No Cost
Key Action 16
No Cost
Key Action 17
No Cost
FINAL COST
31
Key Action 18
$ 1,500./km
Key Action 19
No Cost
Key Action 20
No Cost
Key Action 21
$ 33,600.
Key Action 22
No Cost
Key Action 23
No Cost
Key Action 24
No Cost
Key Action 25
No Cost
Key Action 26
No Cost
Key Action 27
No Cost
TABLE OF COSTS TO MEET OBJECTIVES
Subject
Key Actions
Est. Cost
Water Conservation
1, 2, 3,
No Cost
Water Quality
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
$ 5,500.
Water Supply
10, 11, 12, 13
$ 10,000.
Surface Water Quality
14 to 19
Groundwater Quality
20, 21, 22, 23
$ 33,600.
Natural Habitat
24 to 27
No Cost
TOTAL
Final Cost
$ 1,500./km
$ 50,600.
32
Conclusion
The waters that flow through the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation are protected by the people
because of their mandate as Keepers of the Earth, and their responsibility to enhance the
lives of their citizens and their environment.
They understand the ancient origins of the North Saskatchewan River, and know its
importance as water that touches a thousand communities and impacts millions of people
before it empties into the Atlantic Ocean.
Because of all this, the responsibility to ensure that local hazards to the natural water
system are managed, and the removal of contaminants, is both an individual and
collective one.
As individuals the Muskeg Lake residents voiced their opinions and concerns, offered
solutions and volunteered for action. Collectively they agreed to a plan to protect their
land and their water.
These decisions will have far-reaching positive impacts for generations to come, and will
continue the legacy left by their venerable ancestors.
33
References
Saskatchewan Watershed Authority, “Potable Groundwater Quality on Muskeg Lake
Cree Nation, Sweetgrass First Nation and Witchekan First Nation,” April 2008.
Saskatchewan Watershed Authority, “North Saskatchewan River Watershed: Preliminary
Background Report.” Fall 2005.
Saskatchewan Watershed Authority “State of the Watershed Reporting Framework,”
January 2006.
North Saskatchewan River Basin Council, “Source Water Protection Plan”, September
2008.
Indian & Northern Affairs Canada, “Plan of Action for Drinking Water in First Nations
Communities – Progress Report,” March 2007.
Denise Benfield, “Report to First Nations Agriculture Council of Saskatchewan Inc.
‘Nurturing the Earth and Water – Future Search Conference, Muskeg Lake Cree Nation,”
May 2008.
Denise Benfield, “Muskeg Lake Cree Nation Source Water Protection Pilot Project
Background Report,” March 2008.
www.greatcanadianrivers. “Great Canadian Rivers - The North Saskatchewan River
Ecosystems”
Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society “Saskatchewan Glacier”.
Photo Credits
Denise Benfield, Saskatchewan Watershed Authority, Canadian Parks and Wilderness
Society, Wild Prairie Man, Sean Goodson, Katherine Finn.
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