Proactive Study Investigates Sand Movement Along Colchester to Point Pelee Shoreline
On Wednesday, January 16, Baird and Associates presented the findings of the Colchester to Southeast Shoal Littoral Cell Investigation to Council members from Essex, Kingsville and Leamington. This study was commissioned by the Essex Region Conservation Authority with funding from Parks Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources in order to be proactive in looking at the protection of shoreline homes and property within the study area. Landowners in this area had identified that they were experiencing erosion problems, and the understanding of sand exchange from east and west sides of Point Pelee National Park was required to determine options to reduce erosion along the east side of the Point Pelee peninsula.
Historically, the recession of the bluffs, beaches and the lake bottom provided a continuous supply of new sand and gravel to the section of Lake Erie located between Colchester and the tip of Point Pelee National Park. For thousands of years, the sandy sediment material eroded from the shoreline and was transported in an east then south direction towards Point Pelee National Park. This material, combined with the sediment transported in a southerly direction along the east side of the peninsula , built the long trapezoid shaped pile of submerged sand now known as the southeast shoal.
Today, approximately 87 % of the shoreline is armoured with shoreline protection structures between Colchester and Point Pelee National Park. These structures have reduced the natural source of new sand and gravel. In addition, it has been determined that the natural transport of sediment along this reach of shoreline has been disrupted by the construction of harbours and their sediment management practices over the past 100 years. Collectively, the harbours have trapped or permanently removed approximately 4.3 million cubic metres of sand and gravel.
This decreased supply of sand and gravel has resulted in the erosion of the lakebed and the loss of beaches within the study area. In addition, the overall reduction of sediment supply from both the east and west sides of Point Pelee has contributed to the reduced size of the national park in the last several decades. A proper sediment management plan for this reach of shoreline is required to slow or stop these adverse trends.
"We wanted to be proactive in trying to address these erosion problems before they become as serious as the conditions on the east side of the peninsula," explained Ken Schmidt, General Manager.
At the conclusion of the presentation, there was unanimous agreement amongst the key stakeholders to create a group to work together and determine the course of action. This working group will include representatives of the three affected municipalities, the Federal and Provincial Government, Ministries and Agencies associated with harbours and shorelines, including Parks Canada, the federal agency responsible for Point Pelee National Park.
"It is imperative that all groups work together to collectively determine a path forward to find solutions to this problem," Schmidt goes on to say. Solutions could include sand bypassing structures in the harbours and artificial sand nourishment in these areas. "We have a good scientific basis to create plans for the future."
It is anticipated that the final report will be completed in February, and drop in centres will be arranged in each municipality so that landowners can have a one-on-one opportunity to speak with technical staff to receive information and have their concerns addressed.
