In addition to the inadequate space for both vehicles and pedestrians around Hotel Lake, there can be inadequate space for proper storm water diversion away from the lake.  Recent studies are showing the serious consequences, dubbed “Urban Runoff Mortality Syndrome” (URMS), in the unchecked rain and storm water runoff from roadways located beside lakes. Studies in various locations in BC showed correlations between the concentration of hydro carbons in streamed sediment and the storm water and the density of traffic.

The three predominant hydrocarbon types found—xylenes and alkyl-substituted benzenes, alkanes, and high-molecular-weight unresolved complex mixtures—are consistent with petroleum or petroleum-product sources, indicating a vehicle-related source.

​

Road salt has been commonly used to de-ice roads for many years. Compared with the literature on other road-related contaminants, the literature on pollution of surface water and groundwater by road salt is voluminous (Forman et al. 2003). The use of road salt results in the accumulation of sodium and chloride ions in runoff, which increases concentrations of those ions in surface water above background concentrations and sometimes to unacceptable concentrations in drinking-water sources. The increase in the concentrations of ions reduce the soil’s ability for ion exchange, decreasing permeability and aeration, and increasing alkalinity of the soil.

​

And if all that unattended road run off pollution isn't enough, we are learning more every day:

​

Local resident Trevor Andrews submitted this article about a 2021 University of Washington research paper which identified a compound in tires (6PPD-Q) that is found in run off from roads and is detrimental to coho salmon.