Water levels could meet or exceed flooding of 2017
Administrator | May 25, 2019 | Comments 2
With precipitation forecast for the coming week and record inflows continuing from Lake Erie into Lake Ontario, it is anticipated that water levels will rise gradually and reach or slightly exceed those of 2017 within the coming week.
Quinte Conservation reports that as of May 22, Lake Ontario was recorded at 76 cm above average for this time of year, which is 5 cm below the recorded level for May 22, 2017. This amount is 7 cm below the peak recorded on May 25, 2017.
“It is anticipated that Lake Ontario water levels will decline throughout the summer but will remain near seasonal highs for at least the next several weeks,” said Brad McNevin, CAO, Quinte Conservation.
“Lake Ontario water levels are influenced by uncontrolled, above average outflows from Lake Erie, and local rainfall and runoff throughout the Lake Ontario watershed, and reduced Lake Ontario outflows, in order to balance flooding impacts on the St. Lawrence River.”
Record breaking water levels for this time of year have been recorded for Lake Erie. Above average precipitation was received across the Great Lakes over the past three months. Flood conditions continue on the lower St. Lawrence River.
He said flooding and other high water impacts have been reported from areas of Lake Ontario and the upper St. Lawrence River during periods of strong winds.
“Shoreline residents are advised to either secure or remove loose items from their properties where there is a risk of encroaching flood water.”
He noted sandbags can be effective in protecting residences but are not intended to protect shorelines and accessory buildings.
Boaters need to be cautious of floating debris and should take proper safety precautions when out on the water. Boaters should reduce speeds and wakes when boating along shorelines to reduce the localized flooding and erosion.
“It is important that the public never wade through or play in flood water as it is extremely unsafe. Flood water can be contaminated with septic and hazardous debris.”
For more information on shoreline protection, contact the Quinte Conservation office. Residents concerned that their shoreline well or septic has been compromised, should contact their local health unit.
The County is not anticipating widespread flooding; however, residents living in low-lying, flood-prone areas are being told to take measures to protect their residence.
The municipality is offering sand and sandbags at no cost to residents whose primary residence is at risk of flooding. Sandbags are not intended to protect shorelines or accessory buildings. The municipality is asking residents to be respectful of their neighbours when picking up supplies and only sandbag if their home is at risk of flooding.
The sandbags are self-serve, and residents must bring their own shovels to fill bags. Residents must fill out the number of sandbags they have picked up and the civic address where they will be used.
Sand and sandbags are now available at:
Waupoos Community Centre, 2699 County Road 8 in North Marysburgh
South Marysburgh Fire Hall, 3076 County Road 10
Hiscock Shores Road cul-de-sac in Ameliasburgh
Sunrise Drive cul-de-sac in Ameliasburgh
35 County Road 14 in Sophiasburgh
15 Coleman Street in Ameliasburgh
75 County Road 1 in Hallowell (Sandy Hook Dome)
Wellington and District Community Centre, 111 Belleville Street in Wellington
Mariners’ Park Museum (Intersection of County Road 10 and County Road 13)
21651 Loyalist Parkway in Carrying Place
Consecon Fire Station (14 County Road 29)
Bay Bridge Jeans parking lot (5567 Highway 62)
The municipality is actively monitoring weather forecasts and flood forecasting data. Public works staff is inspecting flood-prone areas regularly.
To report flooding on your property, contact the County of Prince Edward at 613.476.2148 ext. 1023, 613.962.9108 ext. 1023, or send an email.
Boat launches closed
The following municipal boat launches are closed as a result of the high water levels:
Big Island
Weller’s Bay – Edward Drive
Mabel Kleinsteuber Launch – County Rd 12
Wellington Beach
The Rossmore boat launch is temporarily closed to allow municipal staff to remove debris.
More at QuinteConservation.ca
Filed Under: Local News
This is ridiculous houses being flooded but not being allowed to make changes to the shoreline?Where are elected officials?In a time like this we shouldn’t be applying for permits and paying fees we should have officials surveying the entire area coming up with ways that will work to protect our houses and wells and shoreline!
During the high water flooding of 2017/2019 I have lost probably 6-8 ft.to shoreline erosion because of the short sightedness of Quinte Con. Their refusal to allow steel piling on a 90ft. stretch of exposed beachfront has now resulted in a muddied exposed area that will be expensive to replace IF they allow that. Their Excuse::steel piling is not compatible for the reproduction of frogs and fish! 90 ft.!! The rest of our Bay is wide open for that reproduction. I only wanted to protect 90ft. Science tells me frogs and some fish will not spawn in a mudhole. Their idea of armour stone and silt cloth is a joke..no effect whatsoever after 2-3 years the cloth is gone and the waves eat up the beach leaving the armour stone exposed and isolated with no protection to the shoreline. These decisions seem to be made at the whim of the inspector as you apply for the work permit.According to Terry Murphy permits for steel piling are allowed in some cases but who decides what and where I have no idea. Is it any wonder the frustrated landowner/taxpayer breaks the rules and willingly pays the fine or goes to court to explain his side of the story. Let the judge decide.