Conservation Lac Brome

After having carried out more than 50 visits to construction sites since 2022, Conservation Lac Brome (CLB) and the authorities of Town of Brome Lake have, by mutual agreement, decided to suspend CLB’s visits on residential construction sites near the lake relating to environmental practices. Many construction sites did not comply with sediment management or erosion control measures prescribed by the municipal zoning by-law, and, despite awareness efforts, no improvement was perceptible.

Faced with this observation, it was agreed with the town’s authorities that municipal inspectors, both responsible for the application of regulations on construction sites and having all the necessary authority, would intensify their inspections and ensure compliance with the regulation. According to Jean-Pierre Pilon, president of CLB, “owners, developers and contractors have every interest in respecting environmental standards on construction sites, knowing that they have a direct impact on the quality of the lake water and consequently on the value of properties of Town of Brome Lake.”

Residents and visitors increasingly aware

More encouraging results, however, from residents and visitors who seem increasingly aware of the vulnerability of Brome Lake, largely thanks to the repeated interventions of CLB’s Blue Patrol made up of two environmental interns, Juliette and Alyssa. Both had enrich- ing discussions with nearly 500 people at the boat launches, at the washing station, at the Salamander Summer day camp and during door-to-door visits, on essential subjects such as boat washing, eco- responsible boating and sustainable rainwater management, making everyone aware that even small actions have considerable positive or negative repercussions on the lake’s ecosystem.

“Our work also included regular monitoring of the lake’s water quality and clarity as well as detailed reports to the municipality: more scientific work, but just as essential,” concludes Juliette.

Residents and even visitors, for the most part, welcomed the advice of our two patrollers, happy to see that their interventions “make a difference,” notes Alyssa.