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Blindman River key to health of Gull Lake

It was not my intention to infer that Ponoka County was doing anything illegal in its management of the Bluffton landfill and sewage lagoon. It was my intention to establish that in this time of advanced technologies, that more appropriate methods to manage these systems should be sought.

Re: Lake’s future draws concern, Monday, Aug. 9, Red Deer Advocate.

It was not my intention to infer that Ponoka County was doing anything illegal in its management of the Bluffton landfill and sewage lagoon. It was my intention to establish that in this time of advanced technologies, that more appropriate methods to manage these systems should be sought.

Because something is permitted does not mean it is right.

Because something is sanctioned does not mean it is safe.

Because something has always been done does not mean it should not change.

The Bluffton landfill and lagoon are not the only source of pollutants for the Blindman River. They are one of many, as the Gull Lake Intermunicipal Development plan clearly indicates. If that document is now left on the shelf and not acted upon, the health of the Blindman can only worsen.

The health of Gull Lake relies on the health of the Blindman River. The health of the Blindman depends on the health of its tributaries (Istapa and Lloyd creeks).

Finding the nature of the disease is paramount to finding the remedy.

Policies anchored in methods that are no longer suitable in a changing ecology must be examined and, where necessary, changed.

The IDP is not the solution. It is a guideline for resolution. Goals need to be set by those who signed the IDP. But even more important, action must be taken to meet those goals. If these steps are not taken, we are looking at a missed opportunity.

Those municipalities should call for assistance and resources from all levels of government, as well as landowners and community groups.

What enters Gull Lake stays in Gull Lake.

Frank Kurta and Irene Kurta–Lovell

Rimbey