The Severn Sound Environmental Association (SSEA) has spent a lot of time this past summer on the beaches in west Tiny Township at three focus sites: Balm Beach, Jackson Park, and Woodland Beach, but they haven’t been relaxing. The Tiny Beach Study began in the spring by examining background information such as location of ditches, streams flowing to the beaches, current studies in Nottawasaga Bay, rainfall, and historical data to determine potential pollution sources.

Throughout the summer there was a variety of field work conducted by the study partners, SSEA, the Township of Tiny and the Simcoe District Health Unit. The SSEA monitored weekly dry weather samples in the streams; the Simcoe County District Health Unit staff conducted routine weekly sampling at area beaches, including re-sampling when required. Tiny Township staff conducted surveys on the weekends, recording wave action, water clarity, bather load, number of birds, wind, and air and water temperature. SSEA staff also collected rainfall data and installed temperature loggers at several sites that recorded the water temperature every 30 minutes all summer.

As part of this study, wet weather surveys of potential sources were conducted by SSEA staff during storm events at the three focus sites. E. coli and basic chemistry were monitored and recorded in the beach areas and major discharges associated with the beach areas. Samples were taken before the storm and then at timed intervals after the storm started; 20 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 12 hours and 24 hours. The staff did attract a few curious onlookers during these storm events, braving waves, winds and a lot of rain, and we are grateful for the businesses at Balm Beach and residents at the three locations who provided a little shelter and assistance. Roger Neal was particularly helpful with the Balm Beach area.

To see Maps of Study areas, click here (pdf format - 676k)

Once all of the data has been collected and received from the labs, the SSEA will develop a conceptual model of how the beaches respond to various factors affecting bacteria including storm events, run off, temperature, lake bed conditions and bather load. The study will then be presented to the Township of Tiny later this year.

For more information about how you can help to improve water quality at home or at the cottage, please contact the Severn Sound Environmental Association at 705-526-7809 or visit our website: http://www.severnsound.ca