DOCSLIB.ORG

Identifying the Potential Sources of Contaminants to the Welland Canal, the Major Source of Drinking Water in the Niagara Region

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

Ryerson University Digital Commons @ Ryerson Theses and dissertations 1-1-2010 Identifying The otP ential Sources Of Contaminants To The elW land Canal, The aM jor Source Of Drinking Water In The iN agara Region Zahra Labbaf Ryerson University Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.ryerson.ca/dissertations Part of the Environmental Sciences Commons Recommended Citation Labbaf, Zahra, "Identifying The otP ential Sources Of Contaminants To The eW lland Canal, The aM jor Source Of Drinking Water In The iN agara Region" (2010). Theses and dissertations. Paper 1557. This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by Digital Commons @ Ryerson. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses and dissertations by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Ryerson. For more information, please contact [email protected]. IDENTIFYING THE POTENTIAL SOURCES OF CONTAMINANTS TO THE WELLAND CANAL, THE MAJOR SOURCE OF DRINKING WATER IN THE NIAGARA REGION by Zahra Labbaf Bachelor of Science, Shahid Chamran University, 2006 A thesis presented to Ryerson University in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Applied Science in the Program of Environmental Applied Science and Management Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 2010 © Zahra Labbaf, 2010 i I hereby declare that I am sole author of this thesis. I authorize Ryerson University to lend this thesis to other institutions or individuals for the purpose of scholarly research. Zahra Labbaf I further authorize Ryerson University to reproduce this thesis by photocopying or by other means, in total or in part, at the request of other institutions or individuals for the purpose of scholarly research. Zahra Labbaf ii Zahra Labbaf Master of Applied Science Environmental Applied Science and Management October 2010 Ryerson University Abstract Identifying the potential sources of contaminants to the Welland Canal, the major source of drinking water in the Niagara Region The Welland Canal is the only source of raw water to the largest drinking water treatment plant in the Niagara Region in southern Ontario. The water of the Welland Canal has historically been contaminated from different sources, and identifying these potential pollutants to drinking water relies on direct chemical analysis that is time-consuming and costly to identifying the critical contaminants of concern. Therefore, the aim of this research is to assess and prioritize the chemicals of concern and the possible sources of contamination impacting the Welland Canal water. Metals and organic contaminants originating from industrial effluent, agricultural runoff, Port Colborne STP effluent, Lake Erie sediments and antifouling paints on ship vessels are identified as major contributors of pollutant loads into the Welland Canal. Specifically, atrazine, glyphosate, metolachlor, TBT, mercury, lead and zinc are identified as major contaminants that could pose a health risk to over 300,000 residents in the Niagara Region. iii Acknowledgment First and foremost, I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to Dr. Lynda McCarthy for allowing me the opportunity to be part of this unique and important project. Her support and guidance is always encouraging and has greatly contributed to the completion of this project. Her enthusiasm and patience has been integral in successful completion of this challenging work. Special thanks to Dr. Vadim Bostan for proving support as my co-supervisor, and Dr. Andrew Laursen for providing guidance over the past two years in the overall project development. My gratitude is also extended to Karen Terry, who was always there to help with laboratory logistics and conscientiously answering any questions. I would also like to extend my thanks to all scientists and engineers from different industry and government levels in Niagara Region for their help in data analysis and gracious collaboration with my thesis and their responses to my endless questions. Thank you also to my fellow graduate students, especially Alisa Tchebotareva for her endless support and friendship since we met on our first day at school. Also, to my friends Isabelle Netto and Vivian Fleet, who where always there to provide input and expertise. I would like to extend my gratitude to my parents Jaleh Bahasadri and Amin Labbaf, for providing me the opportunity to pursue my studies miles away from home. Their inspiration and unending encouragement have allowed me to overcome challenges, for which there are no words to thank express my feeling. Finally, to my beloved husband, Sam Samsami for being there listening and not giving up. This acknowledgment would not be complete without his drive, determination and unconditional support over the past two years. iv Contents 1.0 Introduction ................................................................................................................................1 1.1 Project Background and Objectives .......................................................................................1 1.2 Development of the Welland Canal and Attendant Pollution Problems.................................5 2.0 Watershed Characteristics ........................................................................................................10 2.1 Lake Ontario Watershed.......................................................................................................12 2.2 Central Niagara Region Watershed ......................................................................................14 2.3 North Lake Erie Watershed ..................................................................................................20 3.0 Potential Sources of Pollution..................................................................................................21 3.1 Industrial and Municipal Activities......................................................................................21 3.1.1 Steel Fabrication and Metal Manufacturing..................................................................24 3.1.2 Concrete and Cement Manufacturing ...........................................................................25 3.1.3 Ship Repair Operations .................................................................................................25 3.1.4 Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs)......................................................26 3.2 Agricultural Land Use ..........................................................................................................29 3.2.1 Agriculture Profile.........................................................................................................32 3.2.2 Soil Texture ..................................................................................................................35 3.2.3 Pesticide Application.....................................................................................................36 3.3 Atmospheric Deposition of Pesticides..................................................................................39 3.4 Lake Erie ..............................................................................................................................41 3.4.1 Lake Erie Hydrologic Setting........................................................................................41 3.4.2 Sediment Transport and Characterization .....................................................................43 3.4.3 Point Sources of Pollution.............................................................................................45 3.4.4 Non-Point Sources of Pollution.....................................................................................49 4.0 The Necessity for Early-Warning Biomonitoring System (EWBS) Implementation ..............53 4.1 Industrial Effluent.................................................................................................................53 4.2 Sewage Treatment Plants Effluent .......................................................................................56 4.3 Pesticides Input ....................................................................................................................57 4.4 Ship Related Pollution..........................................................................................................59 5.0 Conclusions and Future Applicaitons.......................................................................................61 6.0 References ................................................................................................................................63 List of Figures Figure 1. Location of the Welland Canal and the DeCew WTP.......................................................1 Figure 2. Aerial view of the Lake Erie entrance to the Welland Canal at Port Colborne.................5 Figure 3. Cross sectional views of a lock in the Welland Canal ......................................................7 Figure 4. Closer view of the ship traffic in the Welland Canal upstream of DeCew WTP..............8 Figure 5. Niagara Region watersheds ............................................................................................11 Figure 6. Lake Ontario Subwatersheds ..........................................................................................12 Figure 7. Location of the Feeder canal and drainage ditches alongside of the reservoir ...............14 Figure 8. The Central Niagara Region Subwatersheds ..................................................................15 Figure 9. Location of Singer’s Drain and
Recommended publications
  • Lake Ontario

    Lake Ontario

    196 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 6, Chapter 5 Chapter 6, Pilot Coast U.S. 76°W Chart Coverage in Coast Pilot 6—Chapter 5 78°W 77°W NOAA’s Online Interactive Chart Catalog has complete chart coverage http://www.charts.noaa.gov/InteractiveCatalog/nrnc.shtml 44°30'N 79°W Kingston ONTARIO 14802 Cape Vincent 44°N Sackets Harbor 14810 14811 Toronto L AKE ONTARIO CANADA UNITED STATES 14806 14813 43°30'N Oswego Point Breeze Harbor 14815 14814 LITTLE SODUS BAY 14803 SODUS BAY Hamilton 14816 14805 IRONDEQUOIT BAY Niagra Falls Rochester 14804 WELLAND CANAL 14832 43°N Bu alo 2042 NEW Y ORK 14833 19 SEP2021 L AKE ERIE 14822 19 SEP 2021 U.S. Coast Pilot 6, Chapter 5 ¢ 197 Lake Ontario (1) under the navigational control of the Saint Lawrence Chart Datum, Lake Ontario Seaway Development Corporation, a corporate agency of the United States, and the Saint Lawrence Seaway (2) Depths and vertical clearances under overhead cables Management Corporation of Canada. These agencies and bridges given in this chapter are referred to Low Water issue joint regulations covering vessels and persons using Datum, which for Lake Ontario is an elevation 243.3 feet the Seaway. The regulations are codified in33 CFR 401 (74.2 meters) above mean water level at Rimouski, QC, and are also contained in the Seaway Handbook, published on International Great Lakes Datum 1985 (IGLD 1985). jointly by the agencies. A copy of the regulations is (See Chart Datum, Great Lakes System, indexed as required to be kept on board every vessel transiting the such, chapter 3.) Seaway.
  • Welland Canal

    Welland Canal

    Welland Canal Bruce McKay www.Travel-Pix.ca Welland Canal Contents Introduction 3 Map 5 Canal Profile 6 Port Weller 7 Lake Ontario Entrance 11 Lift Locks Lock 1 19 Lock 2 23 Welland Canals Centre 26 Lock 3 27 Twinned Flight Locks 4 - 6 33 Lock 7 Viewing Centre 39 Lock 7 40 Crossings Bascule Bridges 51 Double Leaf Bridge 56 Vertical Lift Bridges 59 Welland Bypass 66 Tunnels 67 Port Robinson 69 Guard Lock – Lock 8 72 Port Colborne 78 Trends and Outlook 81 Lake Erie 89 Introduction Niagara Falls is impressive but makes navigation on the Niagara River between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie difficult, especially paddling upstream. Introduction … Bypassing Niagara Falls has led to the construction of four successive Welland Canals over the years. Work on the first began in 1824. Construction of the current canal started in 1913, was interrupted by World War I, and was completed in 1932. The development of the St. Lawrence Seaway in the 1950s ultimately led to the Welland Bypass project, a major realignment of the central section of the canal in the 1960s and 70s. Many people find it fun to watch the big boats do their stuff. I'm especially interested. My great great grandfather emigrated from Scotland to Canada in 1837. He was a stone mason by trade, and worked on the construction of the second Welland Canal. And I came in contact with the Welland Bypass project in a variety of ways myself while working in nearby Hamilton in the 1960s. This isn't a typical Travel-Pix package.

  • The St. Lawrence Seaway Pleasure Craft Guide

    The St. Lawrence Seaway Pleasure Craft Guide This publication is free V17 This publication is free This guide book is based on the Seaway Practices and Procedures. Seaway Practices and Procedures made pursuant to the Canada Marine Act empower a Seaway officer to deny a vessel permission to transit if: a) its equipment or machinery are inadequate b) its crew is insufficient to ensure safe passage and the condition of the crew might jeopardize safe transit. For these purposes, an officer may board any ship. “Pleasure craft” means a ship, however propelled, that is used exclusively for pleasure and that does not carry passengers who have paid a fare for passage. This guide book is available free of charge from: The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation 202 Pitt, Cornwall, Ontario, Canada K6J 3P7 Tel: (613) 932-5170 Fax: (613) 932-7286 E-mail: [email protected] and Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation P.O. Box 520 Massena, N.Y. 13662-0520 Tel: (315) 764-3200 Also available at: www.greatlakes-seaway.com 2017 Table of Contents Page FOREWORD ................................................................................................2 EQUIPMENT................................................................................................4 PASSING UNDER BRIDGES .......................................................................5 REPORTING IN AT THE LOCKS ................................................................7 LOCATION OF DOCKS ...............................................................................9

  • A Primary Reason for Not Including the Northwest Area Into the Urban Boundary Is Taken from the Words of the City of Weiland in Its Letter to the Region

    2017 The Planning Committee Region of Niagara 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way Thorold, On •. ;, !:.~.i1ti1 L) ~~3 Fu!:dlc \\:'or~(s U L2V 4T7 Re: objection to the request dated January 3, 2017, "City of Weiland Response to Niagara 2041 Growth Strategy-Local Municipal Growth Allocations" to bring the northwest area of the City within the urban area. Dear Councillors, Please accept this as an objection to the request dated January 3rd, 2017, by City of Weiland, to bring a parcel of land in the northwest area of the City into the urban boundary area. A primary reason for not including the northwest area into the urban boundary is taken from the words of the City of Weiland in its letter to the Region. The City states that it wants to promote the growth within the urban area before expanding beyond the urban boundary. This is also indicated by WELLAND'S GROWTH MANAGEMENT STRATEGY "To prevent development in inappropriate areas and support the conservation of valuable econornic, environmental and cultural resources, the City recognizes that growth should be directed in a strategic manner. The foundation of the City's growth management strategy is to direct all urban growth to lands within the designated Urban Area Boundary.~~ (Welland's Official Plan: 3.1 pg. 23) Therefore, it is not within the City's OFFICIAL PLAN to include the northwest area into the urban boundary as it is in the City's objective to develop the areas already existing vvithin its ovvn urban boundary before the inclusion of new lands. In the City's STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS 2.4.2 ix.
  • Central Welland River Watershed Plan

    Central Welland River Watershed Plan

    CENTRAL WELLAND RIVER WATERSHED PLAN NOVEMBER 2010 NIAGARA PENINSULA CONSERVATION AUTHORITY RD 250 THOROLD ROAD WEST, 3 FLOOR WELLAND, ONTARIO L3C 3W2 (905) 788-3135 www.npca.ca CENTRAL WELLAND RIVER WATERSHED PLAN Executive Summary The Central Welland River watershed is a unique watershed for many reasons. The rich history of the Welland Canal has influenced and shaped the cultural and economic history of the area. The patterns of land use in the region are a result of the early construction of the Welland Canal and the strategic location of settlements and industries that took advantage of the accessibility to markets flourished throughout the last century and a half. Aside from being rich in cultural history, the Central Welland River watershed study area is also rich in ecological diversity with 3 unique and provincially significant Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest such as the Wainfleet Bog and the Fonthill Kame-Delta Complex, as well as an additional 5 more regionally significant ANSI‟s. The study area also boasts 27 listed Species at Risk by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, including the eastern massasauga rattlesnake which is the only venomous snake in Ontario. In addition, 17 provincially rare species, numerous provincially significant wetlands and natural areas can be found throughout the watershed. The study area extends within the boundaries of the Township of West Lincoln, Town of Pelham, City of Welland and small portions of the Township of Wainfleet and City of Port Colborne. Numerous subwatersheds form the Central Welland River watershed including Beaver Creek, Black Ash Creek, Parkers Creek, Unnamed Creek, Sucker Creek, Coyle Creek, Drapers Creek, Little Forks Creek, Lyons Creek Drain, Indian Creek Drain, Biederman Drain #1 and Biederman Drain #2, as well as Welland River Between Canals, Welland Canal and a portion of Welland Canal North (Figure 1).
  • Council Meeting Agenda May 4, 2021

    Council Meeting Agenda May 4, 2021

    COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA Tuesday, May 4, 2021 7:00 P.M. Due to COVID-19 and the closure of the Civic Square All Electronic Meetings can be viewed at: City of Welland website: https://www.welland.ca/Council/LiveStream.asp YourTV: The meeting will be aired on channel 700 on May 6, 2021 at 9:00 p.m. 1. COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE (IN-CAMERA) (6:30 p.m.) (See yellow tab) • Litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board; - Welland/Advantage Cannabis. - 349 Ridge Road. - Innio Update. 2. ARISE FROM COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE (IN-CAMERA) (7:00 p.m.) 3. OPEN COUNCIL MEETING (7:00 p.m.) 3.1 NATIONAL ANTHEM 3.2 OPENING REMARKS 3.3 ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO AGENDA 3.4 ADOPTION OF MINUTES Regular Council Meeting of April 20, 2021 (Previously Distributed). 3.5 CALL UPON THE CITY CLERK TO REVIEW COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE ITEMS (IN-CAMERA) TO BE ADDED TO BLOCK 3.6 DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST 3.7 COUNCILLORS TO DETERMINE AGENDA ITEMS AND BY-LAWS TO BE REMOVED FROM BLOCK FOR DISCUSSION IN COMMITTEE-OF-THE- WHOLE (OPEN) (See pink tab) 4. ORAL REPORTS AND DELEGATIONS 4.1 PRESENTATION(S) - Nil 4.2 DELEGATION(S) (maximum 5/10/5 policy) - Nil COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA – Page 2 Tuesday, May 4, 2021 7:00 P.M. Due to COVID-19 and the closure of the Civic Square All Electronic Meetings can be viewed at: City of Welland website: https://www.welland.ca/Council/LiveStream.asp YourTV: The meeting will be aired on channel 700 on May 6, 2021 at 9:00 p.m.
  • The Welland Canal Section of the St

    The Welland Canal Section of the St

    THE WELLAND CANAL SECTION OF THE ST. LAWRENCE SEAWAY he chain of lakes and rivers used by early To circumvent nature's wonder, a man-made North American explorers and Canadian wonder was required. The Welland Canal, with T fur traders has evolved into the unique and its eight large locks, was built to fulfil this need. efficient water transportation route, the St. Law- This canal system, the western section of the rence Seaway. Before the potential of these inland St. Lawrence Seaway, ranks as one of the out- waters could be fully realized, several turbulent standing engineering feats of the twentieth century. sections located at key points had to be The all-Canadian Welland Canal is the first overcome or by-passed. The falls and rapids of segment of the modern Seaway to have been the Niagara River presented the major obstacle built. It connects two of the Great Lakes to an uninterrupted waterway to the American (Ontario and Erie) and forms an integral part of heartland. Until 1829, the only route from Lake the deep waterway that allows large lakers and Ontario to Lake Erie included a lengthy portage ocean vessels to navigate to and from the heart of around Niagara Falls from Queenston to North America. Chippawa Creek. 1 HISTORY he present Welland Canal, the fourth to be construction of a canal was feasible, he founded constructed, reflects the evolution of the the Welland Canal Company which was financed T North American shipping trade during the by government and private sources. past 174 years. The first sod was turned on November 30, The First Welland Canal - 1829-1844 1824, at Allanburg.
  • Meeting Agendas

    Meeting Agendas

    NOTICE THE MAYOR HAS CALLED A SPECIAL MEETING OF COUNCIL AT 5:30 P.M. TUESDAY; SEPTEMBER 10, 2019 IN THE COUNCIL ANTE ROOM - CIVIC SQUARE TO DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING: • PROPOSED OR PENDING ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION OF LAND BY THE MUNICIPALITY OR LOCAL BOARD. - 300 Major Street. • A TRADE SECRET OR SCIENTIFIC, TECHNICAL, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL OR LABOUR RELATIONS INFORMATION, SUPPLIED IN CONFIDENCE TO THE MUNICIPALITY OR LOCAL BOARD, WHICH, IF DISCLOSED, COULD REASONABLY BE EXPECTED TO PREJUDICE SIGNIFICANTLY THE COMPETITIVE POSITION OR INTERFERE SIGNIFICANTLY WITH THE CONTRACTUAL OR OTHER NEGOTIATIONS OF A PERSON, GROUP OF PERSONS, OR ORGANIZATION. - Recreational Bid opportunities for the City of Welland. • PERSONAL MATTERS ABOUT AN IDENTIFIABLE INDIVIDUAL, INCLUDING MUNICIPAL OR LOCAL BOARD EMPLOYEES. - Personnel matters/staffing issues. AND IN OPEN SESSION IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CIVIC SQUARE TO CONSIDER ANY CORRESPONDENCE, REPORTS, AND BY-LAWS ~ Tara Stephens, City Clerk SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA Tuesday, September 10, 2019 COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CIVIC SQUARE 1. COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE (IN-CAMERA) (5:30 P.M.) (See yellow tab) • Proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board: - 300 Major Street. • A trade secret or scientific, technical, commercial, financial or labour relations information, supplied in confidence to the municipality of local board, which, if disclosed, could reasonably be expected to prejudice significantly the competitive position or interfere significantly with the contractual or other negotiations of a person, group of persons, or organization: - Recreational Bid opportunities for the City of Welland. • Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees: - Personnel matters/staffing issues.
  • St. Lawrence Seaway Pleasure Craft Guide

    St. Lawrence Seaway Pleasure Craft Guide

    The St. Lawrence Seaway Pleasure Craft Guide This publication is free V21 This guide book is based on the Seaway Practices and Procedures. Seaway Practices and Procedures made pursuant to the Canada Marine Act empower a Seaway officer to deny a vessel permission to transit if: a) its equipment or machinery are inadequate b) its crew is insufficient to ensure safe passage and the condition of the crew might jeopardize safe transit. For these purposes, an officer may board any ship. “Pleasure craft” means a ship, however propelled, that is used exclusively for pleasure and that does not carry passengers who have paid a fare for passage. This guide book is available free of charge from: The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation 202 Pitt, Cornwall, Ontario, Canada K6J 3P7 Tel: (613) 932-5170 Fax: (613) 932-7286 E-mail: [email protected] and The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation 180 Andrews Street Massena, N.Y. 13662 Tel: (315) 764-3200 Also available at: www.greatlakes-seaway.com 2021 Table of Contents Page FOREWORD .............................................................................................2 EQUIPMENT ............................................................................................4 PASSING UNDER BRIDGES ....................................................................5 REPORTING IN AT THE LOCKS ..............................................................7 LOCATION OF DOCKS ............................................................................9 LOCKING THROUGH ............................................................................10