Preliminary Bacteria Sampling and Canine Detection Report

PRELIMINARY BACTERIA

SAMPLING AND CANINE DETECTION REPORT

ARLINGTON MILL RESERVOIR MILLVILLE POND CAPTAIN’S POND HEDGEHOG POND SALEM, NH DECEMBER 2014

SALEM, NH DECEMBER 2014

OGUNQUIT, MAINE

Preliminary Bacteria Sampling and Canine Detection Report

Arlington Mill Reservoir Millville Pond Captain’s Pond Hedgehog Pond

December 2014

Prepared for: Town of Salem Engineering Department 33 Geremonty Drive Salem, NH 03079

Prepared by: FB Environmental Associates 170 West Road, Suite 6 Portsmouth, NH 03801

2014 REPORT SUMMARY

Salem, NH Bacteria Sampling and Canine Detection

Project Overview Multiple waterbodies in Salem, NH have been identified by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) as impaired due to persistent bacterial contamination from unidentified sources that are largely attributed to nonpoint source pollution from the watershed (NHDES 2012 List of Impaired Waters). These high bacteria counts have led to occasional beach closures in Arlington Mill Reservoir, Captain’s Pond, Hedgehog Pond, and Millville Pond in the past few years. In an effort to address these impairments, minimize beach closures, and identify the sources of bacteria, the Town of Salem contracted FB Environmental Associates (FBE) and Environmental Canine Services (ECS) to conduct a preliminary bacteria investigation including canine detection and water quality sampling. Canine detection is an EPA-approved method to detect the presence or absence of human wastewater in a water sample. The primary goals of this study were to:

 Obtain an overview of the water quality of each of the four ponds to address the impairments and as part of Salem’s MS4 permit requirements for stormwater quality;

 Determine if the surface water in different areas of the pond contained sources of bacteria derived from humans;

 Conduct an extensive shoreline survey of each pond to determine the location of actual sources of human wastewater that may be contaminating the water; and

 Educate the public on water quality in the four ponds.

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Field Assessment On October 28 and November 20 and 21, 2014, FBE and ECS investigated the waters in Arlington Mill Reservoir, Captain’s Pond, Hedgehog Pond, and Millville Pond. At each pond, samples were collected for bacteria analysis and for assessment by canine detection from locations throughout the surface water of the ponds. Where possible and as time permitted, the shorelines of the ponds were investigated as well as select storm drain outfalls and catch basins in the watersheds. It is important to note that the canines are trained to alert only in the presence of human wastewater and cannot assess the level of contamination in a sample. Further, as shown in a 2011 Water Environment Research Foundation study and described in more detail in the report below, one of the canines is more sensitive to low levels of human waste than the other. In cases of a positive alert by the more sensitive dog (Logan) only and if other indicators of human wastewater (e.g. toilet paper, visible sewage) were not present, it is likely that the actual amount of human wastewater present at the time of detection was also relatively low. Major Findings 1. On the days sampled, human wastewater was likely a small component of the bacteria present in Arlington, Captain’s, Hedgehog, and Millville Ponds. 2. Based on field observation and accompanying bacteria data, waterfowl was a relatively large source of bacteria at some locations in Hedgehog and Arlington Mill Reservoir on the days sampled. 3. Multiple specific human-derived bacteria sources were found through shoreline and storm drain system investigations.

Summary of results and potential sources for bacteria source tracking conducted on Arlington Mill Reservoir, Captain’s Pond, Hedgehog Pond, and Millville Pond in October and November 2014. Samples Samples Water Positive for Other Investigations Waterbody Taken Quality Human- Potential Sources Identified Conducted from Pond Exceedances* Derived Bacteria** Shoreline investigation Arlington Mill from Wheeler Dam to Lou- Waterfowl, Malfunctioning 24 1 19 Reservoir Al Lane and the dam to septic systems Ford Road

Storm drain system investigation on Carriage Outfall at intersection of Lane, Captain's Drive, and Carriage Lane and Hooker Captain's Pond 10 2 7 Olde Woode Road; Farm Road, waterfowl, shoreline investigation at all malfunctioning septic systems camp beaches

Waterfowl, residual sources in Hedgehog Pond 9 1 3 Full shoreline investigation soil on western shoreline Waterfowl, Malfunctioning Millville Pond 7 3 7 -- septic systems *Bacteria concentrations assessed as colonies of E.coli/100mL with a water quality standard of 88 colonies/100mL. **Several samples are considered to have fairly low levels of human-derived bacteria.

Next Steps This project was a significant first step in assessing water quality and identifying sources of bacteria to four ponds in Salem, NH. This work also meets requirements by NHDES to address impairments and for compliance with Salem’s MS4 permit. Future efforts should include: 1. Continue to monitor bacteria levels throughout the four ponds. 2. Follow-up on suspected sources identified in this study. 3. Develop an extensive public outreach program on waterfowl.

4. Conduct further bacteria source tracking investigations through additional sampling and canine investigation both through shoreline surveys and from the water (on a boat). 5. Develop watershed plans for each pond.

Outreach Event On October 28, 2014, an outreach event was held at the Ingram Senior Center in Salem, NH. Approximately 20 people attended the event which was hosted by Bob Puff, the Director of Engineering in Salem. The event included a discussion of the water quality in Arlington, Captain’s, Hedgehog, and Millville Ponds and sources of bacteria to waterbodies in general, and a demonstration by the ECS team.

Outreach event at the Senior Center

Salem, NH Preliminary Bacteria Sampling and Canine Detection

Table of Contents Introduction ...... 8 Bacteria in Waterbodies ...... 8 Bacteria Source Tracking Methods ...... 9 Sampling in Salem, NH ...... 11 Arlington Mill Reservoir ...... 12 Arlington Mill Reservoir Results ...... 12 Arlington Mill Reservoir Discussion ...... 16 Arlington Mill Reservoir Next Steps ...... 17 Captain’s Pond ...... 18 Captain’s Pond Results and Discussion ...... 18 Captain’s Pond Next Steps ...... 20 Hedgehog Pond ...... 21 Hedgehog Pond Results ...... 21 Hedgehog Pond Discussion ...... 22 Hedgehog Pond Next Steps ...... 24 Millville Pond ...... 24 Millville Pond Results and Discussion ...... 24 Millville Pond Next Steps ...... 26 Overall Next Steps ...... 26

Salem, NH Preliminary Bacteria Sampling and Canine Detection List of Figures Figure 1: Sampling locations and results for Arlington Mill Reservoir ...... 14 Figure 2: Sampling locations and results for Captain’s Pond...... 19 Figure 3: Sampling locations and results for Hedgehog Pond ...... 23 Figure 4: Sampling locations and results for Millville Pond ...... 25

List of Tables

Table 1: Water Quality Impairments in Salem, NH ...... 9 Table 2: E.coli (colonies/100mL) results and canine results for all recurrent sampling locations on Arlington Mill Reservoir, Captain’s Pond, Hedgehog Pond, and Millville Pond in October and November 2014...... 11 Table 3: E.coli (colonies/100mL) and canine detection results for all sampling locations on Arlington Mill Reservoir on November 20 and 21, 2014...... 13 Table 4: E.coli (colonies/100mL) and canine detection results for all sampling locations on Captain’s Pond on October 29, 2014...... 18 Table 5: E.coli (colonies/100mL) and canine detection results for all sampling locations on Hedgehog Pond on October 29, 2014...... 21 Table 6: E.coli (colonies/100mL) and canine detection results for all sampling locations on Millville Pond on November 21, 2014...... 24

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Salem, NH Preliminary Bacteria Sampling and Canine Detection Introduction

On October 29 and November 20 and 21, 2014, FB Environmental (FBE) and Environmental Canine Services (ECS) collaborated with the Town of Salem, NH to conduct targeted bacteria source tracking at four of their ponds: Arlington Mill Reservoir, Millville Pond, Captain’s Pond, and Hedgehog Pond. The primary purpose of this testing was to obtain an overview of the water quality of each of the four ponds and to determine if the surface water in different areas of the pond contained sources of bacteria derived from humans. Multiple waterbodies in Salem, NH have been identified by the NHDES as impaired due to persistent bacterial contamination from unidentified sources that are largely attributed to nonpoint source pollution from the watershed (NHDES 2012 List of Impaired Waters). These high bacteria counts have led to occasional beach closures in Arlington Mill Reservoir, Captain’s Pond, Hedgehog Pond, and Millville Pond in the past few years. The ECS Team investigates storm drains to Captain’s Pond Once a waterbody is identified as impaired, NHDES requires municipalities to work towards addressing these impairments through assessment and implementation projects. The Town of Salem, NH is further required to address water quality issues through their Municipal Separate Stormwater System Permit (MS4 Permit). This permit requires the assessment of stormwater quality and its effect on local waterbodies. Scott and Karen Reynolds of ECS, along with canines Sable and Logan, pioneered the canine detection method of identifying pollution sources in the Midwest and California. Canine detection is recognized by EPA Region 1 as an effective, quality-controlled tool able to rapidly detect human-source wastewater in the environment. FBE coordinated with ECS to conduct three days of field work in Salem, NH.

Bacteria in Waterbodies High concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria in waterbodies can lead to posted advisories at swimming beaches and closure of shellfish beds. These bacteria are used to signal human health risks such as gastrointestinal, respiratory, eye, ear, nose, throat, and skin infections transmissible to humans through consumption of contaminated fish and shellfish, skin contact, and/or ingestion of water.

E. coli bacteria are present in the intestinal tracts of warm-blooded animals and are used to indicate the presence of fecal contamination in waterbodies. Each gram of human feces contains approximately 12 billion bacteria, many associated with human health issues. Wastes from other warm-blooded animals, including pets, farm animals, and wildlife may also contribute bacteria and associated disease vectors to waterbodies. E. coli bacteria are used by the State of New Hampshire to assess the designated uses for fresh water bodies. For this effort, E. coli sampling was conducted in addition to the canine detection efforts as all sampling locations were from fresh waterbodies. The canines can detect human-source wastewater at low concentrations, so the conventional bacteria test provides an idea of the severity of pollution. New Hampshire’s Class B water quality 8

Salem, NH Preliminary Bacteria Sampling and Canine Detection standard (WQS) for fresh waters for E. coli is 406 colonies/100 mL for instantaneous samples for non- designated beaches and 88 colonies/100 mL for designated beaches. This classification is used by the NHDES to assess attainment of bacteria water quality standards in all four ponds as these ponds are used for recreation. Table 1 list all water quality impairments as designated by the NHDES for ponds in Salem, NH.

Table 1: Water Quality Impairments in Salem, NH (from NHDES 2012 303d List of Impaired Waters) – This project addressed impairments in bold.

Waterbody Aquatic Use Impairment Suspected Source

Primary Contact Arlington Mill Reservoir E.coli (bacteria) Source Unknown Recreation Captain's Pond Aquatic Life Chlorophyll-a Source Unknown Captain's Pond Aquatic Life Dissolved oxygen saturation Source Unknown Captain's Pond Aquatic Life Phosphorus (Total) Source Unknown Atmospheric Deposition - Captain's Pond Aquatic Life pH Acidity Naturally Occurring Captain's Pond Aquatic Life pH Organic Acids Captain's Pond Aquatic Life Dissolved oxygen saturation Source Unknown Captain's Pond – Aquatic Life Dissolved oxygen saturation Source Unknown Camp Otter Captain's Pond – Aquatic Life Dissolved oxygen saturation Source Unknown Camp Y Wood Captain's Pond- Primary Contact E.coli (bacteria) Source Unknown Camp Hadar Recreation Primary Contact Hedgehog Pond E.coli (bacteria) Source Unknown Recreation

Bacteria Source Tracking Methods Identifying the sources of bacteria to a waterbody is often difficult, as many sources are diffuse, may change over time, and can depend on weather conditions. Methods to track sources of bacteria include: 1. Bacteria Sampling: Regular water quality sampling of a waterbody at established sampling locations can provide general information about the sources of bacteria. For instance, high bacteria levels during wet weather may indicate that stormwater runoff is a primary source of bacteria, while dry weather sampling may indicate the presence of an illicit discharge. 2. Bracket Sampling: Bracket sampling is used to locate the sources of bacteria entering a storm drain system or tributary by sampling upgradient and downgradient of potential sources to “bracket” (or isolate) pollutant source locations. This type of testing can guide remediation efforts as it may reveal an isolated bacteria source or that elevated bacteria levels are spread throughout the storm drain system or watershed.

Salem, NH Preliminary Bacteria Sampling and Canine Detection 3. Mapping and Watershed Investigation: Once areas of high bacterial pollution have been identified, creating a map of the watershed draining to a storm drain outfall or waterbody can provide additional information about sources of bacteria in the watershed. Through this method, the location of bacteria sources such as sewer lines, agricultural operations, and septic systems can be assessed and their potential contribution to the waterbody can be evaluated. 4. Microbial Source Tracking: Microbial Source Tracking refers to a broad range of genetic tests aimed at identifying specific sources of bacteria. These methods can often indicate the source species of animal. A highly specialized laboratory is required, cost per sample is high, and more time is required for this method. Some methods remain experimental. 5. Canine Detection: Environmental Canine Services (ECS) has trained dogs to identify human sources of bacteria (human sewage) through scent in a storm drain system or waterbody. This cost-efficient method provides a rapid screening method for illicit discharge detection. Each of the above methods has its merits, and they are most effective when used in a coordinated, watershed- based, iterative approach to detecting sources of bacteria to waterbodies.

FBE Project Manager, Emily DiFranco, collects a water quality sample from Arlington Mill Reservoir.

Salem, NH Preliminary Bacteria Sampling and Canine Detection Sampling in Salem, NH

On October 29, 2014, Scott and Karen Reynolds and canines Sable and Logan from Environmental Canine Services (ECS) and Emily DiFranco from FB Environmental Associates (FBE) investigated Hedgehog and Captain’s Ponds. On November 20 and 21, 2014, Karen Reynolds and canines Sable and Logan and Emily DiFranco returned to investigate Arlington Mill Reservoir and Millville Pond. The primary purpose of these investigations was to identify bacteria sources to these waterbodies in an effort to address their water quality impairments. Since 1998, NHDES has been collecting water quality samples from all four ponds to assess its safety for recreation. If the results of the sampling exceed the water quality standard for bacteria, a swimming advisory will be posted. As shown in Table 2, results from this study fell within the range of bacteria concentrations collected by NH DES since 1998. This project included the Karen Reynolds and canine Sable from ECS investigate sites sampled by NHDES (Table 2) as well as multiple other sites throughout the shoreline at Arlington the ponds, including surface water, incoming tributaries, and outfalls. Mill Reservoir Table 2: E.coli (colonies/100mL) results and canine results for all recurrent sampling locations on Arlington Mill Reservoir, Captain’s Pond, Hedgehog Pond, and Millville Pond in October and November 2014.

NHDES Number of Sampling E.coli NHDES Sampling Sampling Location Name Beach Canine Waterbody Range Fall Location Name Fall 2014 Advisories Results** (1998 – 2014* (1998-2014) 2014)* Site 14: Arlington Pond Arlington Mill Reservoir Arlington Pond Beach 2-400 6 13 No/No Beach Site 7: Second Street Arlington Mill Reservoir Second Street Beach 2-250 3 11 No/Yes Beach

Captain's Pond Camp Hadar Beach Camp Hadar Beach 1-510 4 33 No/No

Captain's Pond Camp Otter Beach Camp Otter Beach 2-2000 6 5 No/No

Captain's Pond Camp Y Wood Beach Camp Y Wood Beach 2-170 1 20 No/No

Site 6: Hedgehog Pond Hedgehog Pond Hedgehog Pond Beach 1-400 5 7 No/No Beach Site 2: Millville Pond Millville Pond Millville Pond Beach 4-240 1 115 No/Yes Beach Bold cells indicate an exceedance of the water quality standard for designated beaches in NH (88 colonies/100mL). Italic cells indicate a positive response by at least one canine. *Bacteria concentrations assessed as colonies of E.coli/100mL. **Canine results are for the presence/absence of human sources of bacteria only; Results are from two canines (Sable/Logan).

Salem, NH Preliminary Bacteria Sampling and Canine Detection

Arlington Mill Reservoir FBE and ECS conducted an investigation of the shoreline and surface water of Arlington Mill Reservoir (“Arlington Pond”) on November 20 and 21, 2014. Arlington Pond is a 319-acre reservoir on the Spicket River. It is a full recreation lake with both boating and swimming. The pond was created in the 1920's when the Arlington Mills built a new dam to take advantage of the water in the Spicket River which flows from Big Island Pond in Derry, NH. In 1980, the rights to Arlington Pond were acquired by the town of Salem. Today, the lake serves as a recreational body of water and supplies a portion of the drinking water needs for the Town of Salem. The outlet of the pond is located at the southern corner of the pond at Wheeler Dam. The Spicket River continues south and eventually flows into the Merrimack River in Lawrence, MA. The project team began at Wheeler Dam at the outlet of the pond. Samples were collected at locations throughout the pond in buckets for Outlet of Arlington Mill assessment by the canines and in whirl-pak bags to be transported to Reservoir at Wheeler Dam Nelson Laboratory in Kennebunk, Maine for bacteria analysis. The bucket samples were assessed in the field and provided an overall view of potential sources of bacteria throughout the pond. The shoreline was investigated in the southeastern corner of the pond (from Lou-Al Lane to Wheeler Dam) and in the southern section of the pond (from Ford Road to Wheeler Dam).

Arlington Mill Reservoir Results Results from the investigation are presented in Figure 1 and Table 3. Major findings included: 1. Human wastewater was detected at 19 of the 24 bucket sampling locations throughout Arlington Mill Reservoir. 2. Highest bacteria concentrations in the pond were found at Site 20: Arlington Shore Drive Bridge. This site is located just downstream of the bridge crossing and was sampled from the southern bank. This was the only site that exceeded the water quality standard of 88 colonies/100 mL. 3. The shoreline between Site 2 and Site 3 (Cove Road neighborhood): Positive alert from canine Logan in front of 43 Cove Road, wall at empty lot near point, and at 24 and 31 Cove Road. Logan was particularly animated at 31 Cove Road.

Karen and canine Logan investigate the shoreline on Cove Road (left 31, right empty lot)

Salem, NH Preliminary Bacteria Sampling and Canine Detection Table 3: E.coli (colonies/100mL) and canine detection results for all sampling locations on Arlington Mill Reservoir on November 20 and 21, 2014. Site Canine on Site Name Type of Sample Site Description Date E. coli* Results** Map 1 Arlington Out River Spicket River DS from Dam 11/20/2014 11 --/Yes To the left of the dam 2^ Arlington Cove Pond 11/20/2014 3 --/No (looking US) 3^ Arlington Brown Pond In front of 31 Cove Road 11/20/2014 8 --/Yes To the right of dam 4^ Arlington Blake Pond 11/20/2014 4 --/Yes (looking US) 5^ Arlington Private Beach Pond North Salem Private Beach 11/20/2014 6 --/Yes 6^ Arlington Evergreen Pond On town property 11/20/2014 3 No/Yes 7^ Second Street Beach° Pond At beach 11/20/2014 11 No/Yes 8^ Arlington Outfall Outfall Alfred and Sandy Beach 11/20/2014 11 Yes/-- 9^ Arlington Betty Pond 11/20/2014 29 No/Yes

10 Arlington Sunset Pond 11/20/2014 5 No/Yes

11 Arlington Tilton Pond 11/20/2014 6 No/Yes

12 Arlington Independence Pond Next to gas station 11/20/2014 16 No/Yes 13 Arlington Taylor Pond Small inlet 11/20/2014 80 No/Yes 14 Arlington Pond Beach° Pond Beach 11/20/2014 13 No/No 15 Arlington Chase River Outlet of river 11/20/2014 14 No/No 16 Arlington Jamil Pond At bridge 11/20/2014 12 No/Yes 17^ Arlington Wreck Pond In cove 11/21/2014 1 Yes/Yes 18 Arlington Artemis Pond In cove 11/21/2014 22 No/Yes 19^ Arlington Ford Pond In cove 11/21/2014 10 No/No 20 Arlington Shore Dr Bridge Pond DS of crossing 11/21/2014 488 No/Yes Arlington Shore Bridge 21 River Small inlet 11/21/2014 20 Yes/Yes Cove Stream 22 Arlington Ann Ave Pond At small beach 11/21/2014 63 No/No 23 Arlington Gullivers Pond 11/21/2014 30 No/Yes

24 Arlington James Pond 11/21/2014 32 No/Yes

Bold cells indicate an exceedance of the water quality standard for designated beaches in NH (88 colonies/100mL); Italic cells indicate a positive response by at least one canine. ^Indicates shoreline in this area was investigated *Bacteria concentrations assessed as colonies of E.coli/100mL **Canine results are for the presence/absence of human sources of bacteria only; Results are from two canines (Sable/Logan) °Indicates that the sampling location corresponds with a NHDES sampling station.

Salem, NH Preliminary Bacteria Sampling and Canine Detection Figure 1: Sampling locations and results for Arlington Mill Reservoir (sites in italics indicate human wastewater was detected; shaded color indicates an exceedance of the water quality standard; black dashed line indicates a shoreline investigation was conducted; triangles indicate locations of NHDES sampling stations).

Site 13 Site 16

Site 11

Site 14 Site 12

Site 15 Site 10 Site 8 Site 24 Site 7 Site 23

Site 22 Site 9

Site 3 Site 6 Site 21 Site 20 Site 5

Site 4 Site 19 Site 2

Site 1 Site 18 Site 17

Salem, NH Preliminary Bacteria Sampling and Canine Detection 4. The shoreline at Site 17: Arlington Wreck (Wreck Avenue neighborhood): No alert from canine Sable along western shoreline (Wreck Avenue). Positive alerts from Sable on eastern shoreline (Cove Road) in front of 377, 379, 381, 15, and 15 Cove Road. Sable was particularly animated at 377 and 379 Cove Road.

377 Cove Road 379 Cove Road 15 Cove Road

5. The shoreline at Site 19: Arlington Ford (at Ford Street and Shore Drive): Investigated what appeared to be a seep from the wall at 319 Shore Drive. Sable did not alert at this location. 6. The shoreline at Site 4: Arlington Blake (right side of pond looking upstream). Positive alert at 3 and 5 Blake Road with particular interest in 5 Blake Road. 7. The shoreline between Site 5 and Site 6: North Salem Town Beach to town property at Evergreen. Positive alerts at: a. Outfall at North Salem Town Beach (outfall was dry) b. 23 Blake Road (visible wet seep at wall). Canine Logan was very animated. c. 27, 31, 33, 39, and 41 Blake Road

3 and 5 Blake Road 23 Blake Road Wet seep from wall at 23 Blake Road

Salem, NH Preliminary Bacteria Sampling and Canine Detection 8. The shoreline between Site 6 and Site 9 (end of Sandy Beach Road to Lou-Al Lane). Positive alerts at: a. 21 Sandy Beach Road b. Outfall pipe at corner of Alfred and Sandy Beach Road (Site 8) c. Brown house and adjacent white house on Franz Road point

Outfall pipe (Site 8) Brown and white houses White house on Franz Road on Franz Road

9. As shown in Table 2 the beginning of this report, bacteria concentrations from Arlington Mill Reservoir Pond in November 2014 were at the lower end of the range measured by NH DES since 1998 at two beaches in the pond (2-400 colonies of E.coli/100mL).

Arlington Mill Reservoir Discussion Overall, bacteria concentrations throughout Arlington Mill Reservoir were well below the water quality standard (Table 2). The major findings are discussed below: 1. Human wastewater was detected at 19 sites throughout the pond. At many of these sites, Logan alerted to the presence of human wastewater while Sable did not. In a 2011 Water Environment Research Foundation study, it was shown that Logan is more sensitive to low levels of human wastewater than Sable. In these cases of a positive alert by Logan only and if other indicators of human wastewater (e.g. toilet paper, visible sewage) were not present, it is likely that the actual amount of human wastewater present at the time of detection was also relatively low. Follow-up investigations should include assessment for other sources of bacteria, including pet and wildlife waste. Though, human sources are not likely the primary pollutant source in these locations, future monitoring should include continued assessment of the total contribution of human sources to bacteria concentrations as this input may increase over time, at different times of year, and under different weather conditions. 2. At Site 21, both dogs alerted to the presence of human wastewater. This site is a small inlet stream that drains a predominately residential area. Though bacteria concentrations at this location were below the water quality standard, there may be a malfunctioning septic system upstream of this inlet. 3. Multiple properties are suspected of contributing human wastewater to the pond. These properties may have malfunctioning septic systems and should be investigated.

Salem, NH Preliminary Bacteria Sampling and Canine Detection 4. Site 20 located downstream of the culvert crossing at Shore Drive on the western side of the pond had bacteria concentrations that were over five times the water quality standard. At the time of sampling, dozens of waterfowl were present near this location. As only one dog alerted to the presence of human wastewater (indicating it is likely a small amount of the total bacteria), it is assumed that most bacteria at this location are derived from animal sources (waterfowl).

Arlington Mill Reservoir Next Steps 1. Continue sampling at the multiple locations throughout the pond under various weather conditions. 2. Conduct septic system investigations of the properties indicated as contributing human wastewater to the pond, including the area upstream of Site 21. 3. Conduct shoreline investigations on other sections of the pond, with particular focus on areas that had positive alerts by at least one dog. 4. Develop an education campaign to reduce feeding waterfowl.

Site 6: Town property at Evergreen Site 14: Beach on Shore Drive and Sandy Beach Roads

Salem, NH Preliminary Bacteria Sampling and Canine Detection Captain’s Pond FBE and ECS conducted an investigation of the shoreline and surface water of Captain’s Pond on October 29, 2014. Captain’s Pond is a 90 acre, freshwater pond in Salem, NH and Haverhill, MA. The pond has documented bacteria impairments and was included in the NH Statewide Bacteria TMDL in 2010. Three summer camp properties are located on the pond. The eastern shoreline is undeveloped, while the remaining shoreline is characterized by single-family homes. The project team began at the three camp beaches located on Captain’s Pond. As most of the shoreline was inaccessible, samples were collected from the pond in buckets for assessment by the canines and in whirl-pak bags to be transported to Nelson Laboratory in Kennebunk, Maine for bacteria analysis. In many locations on the north side of the pond, outfall pipes and drainage The beach at Camp Hadar ditches were also investigated. on Captain’s Pond Captain’s Pond Results and Discussion Results from the investigation are presented in Figure 2 and Table 4. Table 4: E.coli (colonies/100mL) and canine detection results for all sampling locations on Captain’s Pond on October 29, 2014. Type of Canine Site Description Date E. coli* Sample Results** Camp Hadar Pond At Beach 10/29/2014 33 No/No Beach^° Captain Pond 1^ Pond In pond below house on Hooker Farm Road 10/29/2014 93 No/Yes Carriage Lft^ Outfall Pipe on Hooker Farm Road 10/29/2014 8 Yes/Yes Carriage Middle^ Outfall Pipe on Hooker Farm Road 10/29/2014 162 Yes/Yes Carriage Right^ Outfall Pipe on Hooker Farm Road 10/29/2014 <1 Yes/Yes Camp Otter Pond At Otter Beach 10/29/2014 5 No/No Beach^° OC Culvert River Culvert at Otter Camp 10/29/2014 32 No/Yes Wetland crossing near Olde Woode Dr and HF crossing River 10/29/2014 34 No/Yes Hooker Farm Road Camp Y Wood Pond Beach at Camp Y Wood 10/29/2014 20 No/No Beach^° Captain Pond 3 Pond Beach at red house on Captains Dr. 10/29/2014 48 No/Yes Bold cells indicate an exceedance of the water quality standard for designated beaches in NH (88 colonies/100mL); Italic cells indicate a positive response by at least one canine. ^Indicates additional investigation was conducted at this site *Bacteria concentrations assessed as colonies of E.coli/100mL **Canine results are for the presence/absence of human sources of bacteria only; Results are from two canines (Sable/Logan) °Indicates that the sampling location corresponds with a NHDES sampling station.

Salem, NH Preliminary Bacteria Sampling and Canine Detection Figure 2: Sampling locations and results for Captain’s Pond (sites in italics indicate human wastewater was detected; shaded color indicates an exceedance of the water quality standard; triangles indicate locations of NHDES sampling stations).

Carriage, Left, Right, Middle Captain Pond 1

Camp Hadar Beach

HF Crossing Camp Otter Beach

OC Culvert

Captain Pond 3 Camp Y Wood Beach

Salem, NH Preliminary Bacteria Sampling and Canine Detection Major findings included: 1. Human wastewater was detected at seven of the ten sampling locations in Captain’s Pond. At most of these locations, only Logan alerted indicating that the actual amount of human wastewater is relatively low. 2. Highest bacteria concentrations in the study were found at Carriage Middle, an outfall pipe on Hooker Farm Road near the intersection with Carriage Lane. Human wastewater was detected at this site. At this location, three outfall pipes flow through a field directly to the main pond to Captain Pond 1 through a drainage ditch. All vegetation around the drainage ditch has been mowed. An investigation of the storm drain system on Carriage Lane was conducted and was found to have some amount of human wastewater in all catch basins (indicated by one of two dogs).

Outfall pipes and drainage ditch on Hooker Farm Road near Carriage Lane. Middle pipe had high bacteria concentrations and was positive for human wastewater. 3. Highest bacteria concentrations in the pond were found at Captain Pond 1. This was the only site located in the pond that exceeded the water quality standard of 88 colonies/100 mL. Any contribution of bacteria at this location is likely from the outfall pipe discussed above. 4. Bacteria concentrations at the three beaches at the three camps on the pond were below the water quality standard and the canines did not alert to the presence of human wastewater at these sites. 5. An investigation of the storm drain system on Olde Woode Road was conducted. The dogs did not alert to the presence of human wastewater at any catch basin. 6. An investigation of the storm drain system on Captain’s Drive on the southern side of the pond was conducted. The dogs alerted to the presence of human wastewater in a small drainage ditch near the outfall to the pond. The adjacent home (red house) appears to be an older building 7. As shown in Table 2 at the beginning of this report, bacteria concentrations from Captain’s Pond on October 29, 2014 were at the lower end of the range measured by NH DES since 1998 at the three camps on Captain’s Pond (1 -2,000 colonies of E.coli/100mL).

Captain’s Pond Next Steps 1. Continue sampling at the camp beaches on Captain’s Pond under various weather conditions. 2. Investigate the sources of bacteria to the outfall pipes on Hooker Farm Road and Carriage Lane.

Salem, NH Preliminary Bacteria Sampling and Canine Detection 3. Investigate any possible sources of bacteria to the drainage ditch on Captain’s Drive.

Hedgehog Pond FBE and ECS conducted an investigation of the shoreline and surface water of Hedgehog Pond on October 29, 2014. Hedgehog Pond is a small freshwater pond in Salem, NH. The pond is used as the town’s public beach. The inlet to the pond is located near sampling location HH7, but is not visible from the pond as it is directed under Lowell Road/NH State Road 38. The outlet is located at the southern tip of the pond. The project team began at the public bathhouse at Hedgehog Pond and walked the entire shoreline of the pond. As the inlet to the Karen and canine Logan pond was not accessible on Lowell Road, samples were collected investigate Hedgehog Pond from the culvert crossing on Stiles Road. Samples were collected from the pond in buckets for assessment by the canines and in whirl-pak bags to be transported to Nelson Laboratory in Kennebunk, Maine for bacteria analysis. Hedgehog Pond Results Results from the investigation are presented in Figure 3 and Table 5.

Table 5: E.coli (colonies/100mL) and canine detection results for all sampling locations on Hedgehog Pond on October 29, 2014. Canine Site Description Date E. coli* Results** Site 1 In pond 10/29/2014 47 No/No Site 2 In pond 10/29/2014 11 No/No Site 3 In pond 10/29/2014 20 Yes/Yes Site 4 In pond 10/29/2014 8 No/Yes Site 5 In pond 10/29/2014 17 No/Yes Site 6° In pond – Hedgehog Pond Beach 10/29/2014 7 No/No Site 7 In pond 10/29/2014 479 No/No Site 8 In pond 10/29/2014 42 No/No Site 9 Inlet - Stream crossing on Stiles Road 10/29/2014 88 No/No Bold cells indicate an exceedance of the water quality standard for designated beaches in NH (88 colonies/100mL); Italic cells indicate a positive response by at least one canine. *Bacteria concentrations assessed as colonies of E.coli/100mL **Canine results are for the presence/absence of human sources of bacteria only; Results are from two canines (Sable/Logan) ° Indicates that the sampling location corresponds with a NHDES sampling station

Salem, NH Preliminary Bacteria Sampling and Canine Detection Major findings included: 1. Human wastewater was detected at three of the nine sampling locations in Hedgehog Pond, all located in the southern end of the pond. Both canines also alerted on multiple locations on the southwestern shoreline of the pond. 2. Highest bacteria concentrations in the pond were found at Site 7 and were over five times the water quality standard. This was the only site that exceeded the water quality standard of 88 colonies/100 mL. 3. The inlet stream to Hedgehog Pond met the water quality standard Existing sign at Hedgehog threshold of 88 colonies/100mL at the crossing on Stiles Road (Site Pond 9). Human wastewater was not detected at that site. 4. As shown in Table 2 at the beginning of this report, bacteria concentrations from Hedgehog Pond on October 29, 2014 were similar in magnitude to those found since 1998 by NH DES at sampling location Site 6 (1 -400 colonies of E.coli/100mL). Hedgehog Pond Discussion Overall, bacteria concentrations throughout Hedgehog Pond were below the water quality standard and did contain human wastewater (Table 5). The major findings are discussed below: 1. Site 7 located near the inlet to the pond had bacteria concentrations that were over five times the water quality standard. At the time of sampling, dozens of ducks were present near this location. As no human wastewater was detected at this site or from the inlet stream (Site 9), it is assumed that bacteria at this location are derived from animal sources (waterfowl). 5. Human wastewater was detected in the pond at Site 3, Site 4, and Site 5. At Site 4 and Site 5, Logan alerted to the presence of human wastewater while Sable did not. In a 2011 Water Environment Research Foundation study, it was shown that Logan is more sensitive to low levels of human wastewater than Sable. In these cases of a positive alert by Logan only and if other indicators of human wastewater (e.g. toilet paper, visible sewage) were not present, it is likely that the actual amount of human wastewater present at the time of detection was also relatively low. Follow-up investigations should include assessment for other sources of bacteria, including pet and wildlife waste. Though, human sources are not likely the primary pollutant source in these locations, future monitoring should include continued assessment of the total contribution of human sources to bacteria concentrations as this input may increase over time, at different times of year, and under different weather conditions. 2. At Site 3, both dogs alerted to the presence of human wastewater. Both dogs also alerted along the shoreline in multiple locations along the western and southern edges of the pond. No obvious sources were discovered at these locations, though historical use of this area (old outfalls, wastewater systems) should be investigated as residual sources of human wastewater may exist in the soils in this area. However, the overall contribution to the pond appears to be relatively low indicating this is not a concentrated source.

Salem, NH Preliminary Bacteria Sampling and Canine Detection Figure 3: Sampling locations and results for Hedgehog Pond (sites in italics indicate human wastewater was detected; shaded color indicates an exceedance of the water quality standard; triangles indicate locations of NHDES sampling stations).

Site 9

Site 8 Site 7

Site 1 Site 6

Site 2

Site 5

Site 3

Site 4

Salem, NH Preliminary Bacteria Sampling and Canine Detection Hedgehog Pond Next Steps 1. Continue sampling at the public beach on Hedgehog Pond under various weather conditions. 2. Enhance the education campaign to reduce feeding of waterfowl. This could include signage or pamphlets outlining bacteria contributions from waterfowl. 3. Investigate residual sources of bacteria in soils near the southwestern shoreline of the pond.

Millville Pond FBE and ECS conducted an investigation of Millville Pond on November 21, 2014. Millville Pond is a freshwater pond in Salem, NH with areas of dense residential development and little shoreline buffer. The outlet of the pond is located at a dam at Site 3. The project team began at the inlet of Millville Pond on Millville Street. As much of the shoreline was inaccessible, even in draw-down conditions, samples were collected from the pond in buckets for assessment by the canines and in whirl-pak bags to be transported to Nelson Millville Pond at Woodmeadow Beach Laboratory in Kennebunk, Maine for bacteria analysis. Millville Pond Results and Discussion Results from the investigation are presented in Table 6 and Figure 4. Table 6: E.coli (colonies/100mL) and canine detection results for all sampling locations on Millville Pond on November 21, 2014.

Site Description Date E. coli* Canine Results** 1 Mill- Inlet 11/21/2014 186 No/Yes 2° Millville Pond Beach 11/21/2014 115 No/Yes 3 Mill-Dam 11/21/2014 44 No/Yes 4 Mill- Grove 11/21/2014 59 No/Yes 5 Mill - Crescent 11/21/2014 9 No/Yes 6 Mill-Jana 11/21/2014 145 No/Yes 7 Mill-Woodmeadow 11/21/2014 57 No/Yes Bold cells indicate an exceedance of the water quality standard for designated beaches in NH (88 colonies/100mL); Italic cells indicate a positive response by at least one canine. *Bacteria concentrations assessed as colonies of E.coli/100mL **Canine results are for the presence/absence of human sources of bacteria only; Results are from two canines (Sable/Logan) ° Indicates that the sampling location corresponds with a NHDES sampling station

Salem, NH Preliminary Bacteria Sampling and Canine Detection Figure 4: Sampling locations and results for Millville Pond (sites in italics indicate human wastewater was detected; shaded color indicates an exceedance of the water quality standard; triangles indicate locations of NHDES sampling stations).

Site 1

Site 2

Site 3 Site 4

Site 5

Site 7

Site 6

Salem, NH Preliminary Bacteria Sampling and Canine Detection Major findings included: 1. Human wastewater was detected at all of the seven sampling locations in Millville Pond. However, only canine Logan alerted to the presence of human wastewater indicating that the actual amount in the pond is minimal. 2. Highest bacteria concentrations in the pond were found at the inlet (Site 1), public beach (Site 2), and a small cove off of Jana Road (Site 6). These sites exceeded the water quality standard of 88 colonies/100 mL. 3. As shown in Table 2 at the beginning of this report, bacteria concentrations from Millville Pond on November 21, 2014 were within the range previously assessed by NH DES since 1998 at sampling location 2 (2-240 colonies of E.coli/100mL). Millville Pond Next Steps 1. Continue sampling at the public beach on Millville Pond under various weather conditions. 2. Investigate the potential sources of bacteria upstream of the inlet, near the beach on Millville Circle, and near Jana Road. 3. Conduct a more detailed investigation of the shoreline from a boat in the summer. Overall Next Steps

This project was a significant first step in assessing water quality and identifying sources of bacteria to four ponds in Salem, NH. This work also meets requirements by NHDES to address impairments and for compliance with Salem’s MS4 permit. Future efforts should include:

1. Continue to monitor bacteria levels throughout the four ponds under different weather conditions and at different times of year. 2. Follow-up on suspected sources identified in this study. 3. Develop an extensive public education and outreach program on waterfowl.