MASSIVE FISH KILL IN LAKE ERIE

Today's Waterloo Region Record has the following story "Ministry investigating thousands of rotting fish on Lake Erie shore". Quoting an on-line commenter to the Record's story "Something smells about this fish kill". At this point in time it appears as if the Ontario Ministry of the Environment are throwing out the possibility of natural causes including a "lake inversion". The M.O.E. of course are keeping their options open as "...the investigation is continuing.". My guess is that they want to see if the lake inversion phenomenon also referred to as the lake "rolling over" will sell to the locals and the public.

"lake inversion" refers to rapid cooling of the surface water, causing it to sink to the bottom layer which has a lower oxygen content. This lower oxygenated water then rises depriving the fish of the oxygen they require. There are a number of problems with this theory including the fact that, at most to date, we've had barely a handful of cool nights needed to dramatically lower the water temperature. Also of significance is a well known zone in lake Erie called the "dead zone". This is a large area of water with already lowered oxygen levels due to causes other than temperature change. Finally this time of year toxic algae are fluorishing due to warm temperatures, low rainfall and farm nutrients in the water.

The only way we the public will learn the whole truth is if our government decides to be absolutely forthcoming. My experience indicates that if this massive fish kill has anything to do with man made circumstances or pollution, we will not be so informed. Also keep in mind readers that this lake is the location for the future planned Pipeline to supply the ever expanding Waterloo Region with it's water. Do you think the already committed politicians want to hear anything bad about our proposed future source of water?