PETITCODIAC WATERSHE D ALLIANCE
Education, Science, Environment
WATER QUALITY REPORT 2009
236 St. George Street, Suite 109, Moncton. N B • Téléphone: 506.384.3369 • www.petitcodiacwatershed.org PETITCODIAC W A T E R S H E D ALLIANCE
Education, Science, Environment
The Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance (PWMG-GSBP Inc.) is a non-profit environmental science and education organi- zation that promotes sustainable use of the Petitcodiac River and its tributaries. In addition since 1997, the group has been involved in a monitoring program of established sites in the Petitcodiac River and tributaries of concern or in- terest. These sites are verified through the following stream health indicators: temperature, dissolved oxygen, total coliforms, E. coli., nitrates, phosphorous, sediment and pH. More information about the groups’ activities can be found on the following web-site: www.petitcodiacwatershed.org
236 St. George Street, Suite 109, Moncton. N B • Téléphone: 506.384.3369 • www.petitcodiacwatershed.org PETITCODIAC WATERSHE D ALLIANCE
Education, Science, Environment
Project Team:
Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance PO Box 23046 Moncton. NB E1A 6S8
Telephone: 506.384.3369 Fax: 506.854.4824 Email: [email protected]
Susan Linkletter BSc (Project Coordinator) Jacinthe Roberge BSc (Assistant Project Coordinator) Mélanie LeBlanc BA (student intern) Chris McKnight BA (student intern) Rebecca Woodman BSc (Science Horizons intern)
236 St. George Street, Suite 109, Moncton. N B • Téléphone: 506.384.3369 • www.petitcodiacwatershed.org
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Context 1 1.2 Objectives 2 1.3 Study Area 2 2.0 Methodology 3 2.1 Dissolved Oxygen. Salinity. Water Temperature. PH 3 2.2 Suspended Sediment Concentrations 3 2.3 E. Coli and Total Coliforms 3 2.4 Nutrients 4
3.0 CLIMATE 4 3.1 Climate 4 3.2 Temperature 5 3.3 Precipitation 6
4.0 WATER QUALITY RESULTS 7 4.1 Summary 7 4.2 Dissolved Oxygen 22 4.3 Water Temperature 24 4.4 pH 24 4.5 E. coli and Total Coliform 25 4.6 Suspended Sediments Concentration 26 4.7 Salinity 27 4.8 Nutrients: Nitrates and Phosphates 27 4.9 Conductivity 29
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5.0 PETITCODIAC WATERSHED 31 Fox Creek 31 Halls Creek 33 Humphreys Brook 36 Micheals Creek 38 Jonathan Creek 40 Little River 45 North River 46 Mill Creek 47 Petitcodiac River 49 Pollett River 51 Rabbit Brook 53 Turtle Creek 57
6.0 MEMRAMCOOK WATERSHED 58 Breau Creek 58 Meadow Brook 59 Memramcook River 61 Smith Creek 64 Stony Creek 65
SOURCES CITED 67
APPENDIX A: RAW WATER QUALITY DATA (2009) 68
APPENDIX B: SUMMARY OF PWA ACTIVITIES 2009 75
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1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Context
Water quality monitoring in the Petitcodiac and Memramcook watersheds has been an ongoing activity under the leadership of the Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance since 1999. In 2003, the Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance partnered with the University of Moncton to implement a cost effective long-term water quality monitoring program with financial support from the Environmental Trust Fund and other organizations that share a common concern for the health of our natural aquatic environment. In our water quality monitoring program we monitor key parameters such as bacteria levels, dissolved oxygen, water temperature, nutrients, sediment and pH.
Jonathan Creek Humphreys Brook Centennial Park
With the data that has been collected over the last 10 years, the Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance can detect changes, positive or negative, within sub-watersheds of the Petitcodiac and Memramcook Rivers. We have found that the major environmental problems in our watershed tend to be those associated with the effects of growth and development. In urban areas we have seen the conversion of natural land surfaces into land that is covered with pavement, a net loss in wetlands and high levels of pollutants from land based activities. This increase in actvity has precipitated a rise in the levels of pollutants entering our rivers and streams. In rural areas where intensive agriculture or deforestation are the key economic activities, there is also a measurable degradation of water quality and aquatic habitat quality.
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1.2 Objectives
The objective of this report is to review the data that was collected in by the Petitcodiac watershed Alliance during the 2009 sampling season.
1.3 Study Area
The Petitcodiac and Memramcook watersheds cover an area of approximately 2400 km². The urban areas within the watersheds, most notably Moncton and Dieppe, are experiencing rapid growth and development. The rural areas (Pollett River, North River, Little River, Memramcook River and its tributaries) have not changed considerably, in terms of population growth, but have seen some growth in agricultural activities and clear cutting of forests.
Major tributaries of the Petitcodiac and Memramcook Rivers
Anagance River Pollett River Stony Creek Bennett River Rabbit Brook North River Fox Creek Turtle Creek Mill Creek Halls Creek Weldon Creek Jonathan Creek Humphreys Brook West Branch Halls Creek North Branch Halls Creek Breau Creek Little River Meadow Creek Smith Brook
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2.0 Methodology 2.1 Dissolved Oxygen. Salinity. Water Temperature. PH
Dissolved oxygen (DO), salinity and water temperature were monitored using an YSI® 85 meter and the pH was measured using a Lamotte pH Kit.
Sampling the Pollett River Lamotte pH kit YSI 85 Meter
2.2 Suspended Sediment Concentrations
Suspended sediment concentrations are measured by filtering 500 mL grab samples taken in situ. Water samples are vacuum filtered through a pre-weighed 11.5 cm Whatman filter which has a 1.2 µm pore size. The filters are then dried in an incubator at 75º for a 24 hour period and are re-weighed. The seston mass is recorded and used to calculate the suspended sediment concentration (SSC) in mg/L.
2.3 E. Coli and Total Coliforms
Quanti-tray® Quanti-tray® sealer Escherichia coli
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Bacteria levels are measured using the Quanti-tray® method. The Quanti-trays® are filled with a 100 mL sample of water with an added bacterial growth medium, ensuring that every well in the tray is full. The trays are then incubated at 35ºC for 24 hours. After the incubation period, the Quanti-trays® are placed on a white surface where the numbers of yellow wells are counted. The yellow wells indicate a positive reaction for the presence of coliform bacteria from which the most probable number (MPN) of Total Coliforms is calculated (IDEXX. 2007).
To determine E.coli MPN, the incubated Quanti-trays® are placed on a black surface and using a long wavelength UV light of 366 nm, the fluoresced blue wells are counted as positive for the presence of E. coli. Both bacteria and E. coli levels are recorded as the Most Probable Number (MPN) per 100 mL of water. All equipment is sterilized prior to use, bottles are autoclaved for 45 minutes at 120 ºC.
2.4 Nutrients
Nitrate and phosphorous levels are measured in the field during the water quality monitoring using the YSI® 9500 photometer. The YSI® 9500 photometer is a water quality analysis system that can measure a variety of parameters and provide results within minutes. A test tube containing a 10 mL sample of water is combined with reagent tablets specific to the parameter tested. After waiting the designated amount of time for a colour reaction, the water sample is then placed into the darkened chamber of the YSI® 9500 photometer for a reading based upon the colour intensity. Phosphorous and nitrogen levels are recorded in mg/L. Midway through the sampling season, the Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance also began using a Horiba Twin Nitrate meter. The Horiba Twin nitrate meter is a multifunction nitrate monitoring tool that allows us to quickly test water samples for nitrogen levels in the field. Nitrate levels measured by the Horiba Twin nitrate meter are recorded in the units of parts per million (ppm).
® YSI 9500 photometer
Horiba Twin Nitrate Meter
3.0 CLIMATE 3.1 Climate
Monthly air temperatures (maximum, minimum, mean) and precipitation rates were obtained from the Environment Canada database found on-line at: http://www.climate.weatheroffice.gc.ca/climateData/canada_e.html
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All weather observations used in this report were made at the Moncton Airport (Station ID: 8103200, Latitude 46°6, Longitude 64°41). While the study area has a combined area 2400 km², experience indicates that the Moncton Airport data is relevant for the entire watershed.
3.2 Temperature
For April to October, the average monthly air temperature varied between 4.9ºC and 19.1 ºC. The spring was warmer than normal in 2009, while the average temperature in October was slightly cooler than the October average of 2008 and the three year average.
3 0 Y E A R MONTH 2009 2008 NORMS 1971-2000
April 4.9 4.3 3.2
May 11.0 9.5 9.9
June 15.7 15.7 15.1
July 18.3 20.7 18.6
August 19.1 17.9 17.9
September 12.9 13.3 13.0
October 5.9 7.8 7.1
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3.3 Precipitation
Monthly precipitation rates during the 2009 sampling season (April - October) were higher than those recorded in 2008. The 2009 summer was extremely wet with precipitation amounts that at times more than doubled the 30 year normal average.
3 0 Y E A R MONTH 2009 2008 NORMS 1971-2000
April 83.0 48.9 99.3
May 81.2 87.1 97.1
June 124.4 103.6 91.5
July 133.7 64.0 103.3
August 191.9 117.2 79.5
September 89.4 128.0 92.7
October 220.3 76.3 103.8
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4.0 WATER QUALITY RESULTS 4.1 Summary
The water quality results were collected between April and October of 2009. The results are listed in the table below. Further discussions of each parameter are given in sections 4.2 to 4.8.For table interpretation, please take note of the following:
Green indicates a primarily rural system.
Brown indicates a primarily urban stream; this classification is based upon field observation.
Standard Sediment Count (SSC) =0 means SSC < 5 mg/L. SSC levels above 25 mg/L have been highlighted in red.
Results written in red indicate an abnormal concentration or level (too high or too low) based on the Canadian Recreational Water Quality Guidelines or the Canadian Water Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Habitat (CCME. 1999).
The number of samples used for statistical purposes are indicated by “count (n)”, which is variable between sites and between parameters within a site. Each of the three Jonathan Creek sites was considered as a separate site for statistical purposes.
TOTAL E.COLI SSC DO TEMP. CONDUCTIVITY SALINITY SITE COLIFORMS PH (MPN) (MG/L) ( MG/L) ( ° C) ( µ S) (PPT) (MPN)
Min 960.6 47.1 0.0 7.0 7.02 4.4 91.6 0.0
Max ≥2420 816.4 26.0 7.46 12.95 22.1 324.8 0.2
Mean 2176.4 296.2 10.0 7.1 9.24 232.4 0.1 JC 02 14.15
Jonathan Creek at Median ≥2420 227.3 10.0 7.0 9.05 13.45 262.6 0.1 Berry Mills Rd Std. 595.63 274.84 9.30 0.19 2.32 6.41 80.12 0.06 Dev.
Count 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 (n)
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TOTAL E.COLI SSC DO TEMP. CONDUCTIVITY SALINITY SITE COLIFORMS PH (MPN) (MG/L) ( MG/L) ( ° C) ( µ S) (PPT) (MPN)
Min 1553.1 25.6 0.0 6.5 8.55 4.4 0.25 0.0
Max ≥2420 ≥2420 120.0 7.0 13.6 22.7 316.4 0.12
Mean 2160.7 553.4 32.0 6.9 10.61 14.0 205.4 0.1 JC 07
Jonathan Creek at Median ≥2420 150.9 4.0 7.0 9.875 14.0 263.05 0.1 Horseman Rd.
Std. 405.05 935.39 49.83 0.20 1.95 6.36 130.08 0.04 Dev.
Count 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 (n)
TOTAL E.COLI SSC DO TEMP. CONDUCTIVITY SALINITY SITE COLIFORMS PH (MPN) (MG/L) ( MG/L) ( ° C) ( µ S) (PPT) (MPN)
Min ≥2420 95.9 0.0 7.0 7.98 5.0 0.29 0.1
Max ≥2420 ≥2420 140.0 8.0 13.08 25.1 413.3 0.2
JC 10 Mean ≥2420 694.7 38.0 7.4 10.0 14.6 271.2 0.2
Jonathan Creek at Median ≥2420 474.8 14.0 7.5 9.9 14.15 319.0 0.2 Centennial Park Std. 0,0 862.70 54.77 0.38 1.84 6.95 160.57 0.05 Dev.
Count 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 (n)
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TOTAL E.COLI SSC DO TEMP. CONDUCTIVITY SALINITY SITE COLIFORMS PH (MPN) (MG/L) ( MG/L) ( ° C) ( µ S) (PPT) (MPN)
Min 1046.2 1.0 0.0 6.5 9.33 5.2 0.05 0.0
Max ≥2420 160.7 6.0 7.5 12.23 24.0 56.7 0.0
PWMG Mean 2174.0 80.1 1.0 6.9 10.7 15.1 39.9 0.0 11
Pollett Median ≥2420 62.9 0.0 7.0 10.42 14.35 47.6 0.0 River
Std. 553.97 64.64 2.45 0.38 1.24 6.61 21.56 0.01 Dev.
Count 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 (n)
TOTAL E.COLI SSC DO TEMP. CONDUCTIVITY SALINITY SITE COLIFORMS PH (MPN) (MG/L) ( MG/L) ( ° C) ( µ S) (PPT) (MPN)
Min 1413.6 18.3 0.0 6.0 9.3 5.7 0.125 0.0
Max ≥2420 648.8 10.0 8.0 12.81 25.1 244.5 0.1
Mean 2179.7 202.3 3.7 7.0 10.94 15.7 98.48 0.1 PWMG 16
Petitcodiac Median ≥2420 151.25 2.0 7.0 11.07 14.65 78.25 0.08
Std. 413.41 234.03 4.46 0.77 1.36 6.79 105.90 0.05 Dev.
Count 6 6 6 5 6 6 6 6 (n)
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TOTAL E.COLI SSC DO TEMP. CONDUCTIVITY SALINITY SITE COLIFORMS PH (MPN) (MG/L) ( MG/L) ( ° C) ( µ S) (PPT) (MPN)
Min ≥2420 16.6 0.0 6.5 9.28 5.7 0.06 0.0
Max ≥2420 613.1 12.0 7.6 12.86 25.9 67.7 0.0
Mean ≥2420 193.88 3.33 7.03 10.30 15.65 46.79 0.00 PWMG 17
Little Median ≥2420 88.6 0.0 7.0 9.86 14.7 55.7 0.0 River
Std. 0.0 230.07 5.32 0.54 1.37 7.21 25.96 0.01 Dev.
Count 6 6 6 5 6 6 6 6 (n)
TOTAL E.COLI SSC DO TEMP. CONDUCTIVITY SALINITY SITE COLIFORMS PH (MPN) (MG/L) ( MG/L) ( ° C) ( µ S) (PPT) (MPN)
Min 1299.7 5.2 0.0 5.5 6.25 4.0 29.3 0.0
Max ≥2420 1119.9 18.0 7.0 13.37 27.5 167,00 0.1
PWMG Mean 2195.62 371.96 8.0 6.375 10.258 15.28 78.54 0.02 20
Median ≥2420 270.0 8.0 6.5 10.08 14.9 82.0 0.0 Mill Creek Std. 500.83 454.31 8.12 0.63 2.64 8.36 56.27 0.04 Dev.
Count 5 5 5 4 5 5 5 5 (n)
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TOTAL E.COLI SSC DO TEMP. CONDUCTIVITY SALINITY SITE COLIFORMS PH (MPN) (MG/L) ( MG/L) ( ° C) ( µ S) (PPT) (MPN)
Min ≥2420 214.3 0.0 7.0 6.63 9.2 198.6 0.1
Max ≥2420 ≥2420 12.0 8.0 13.63 23.2 944.0 0.5
Mean ≥2420 1835.4 4.3 7.7 9.4 585.4 0.3 15.6 PWMG 24
Median ≥2420 ≥2420 2.0 7.8 8.8 15.3 573.3 0.3
Rabbit Brook Std. 0.0 949.22 5.43 0.41 2.76 4.99 296.21 0.15 Downstream Dev.
Count 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 (n)
TOTAL E.COLI SSC DO TEMP. CONDUCTIVITY SALINITY SITE COLIFORMS PH (MPN) (MG/L) ( MG/L) ( ° C) ( µ S) (PPT) (MPN)
Min 547.5 11.9 0.0 6.5 10.1 6.6 136.8 0.1
Max ≥2420 461.1 40.0 8.0 12.29 17.7 479.6 0.2
Mean 2107.6 160.9 9.0 7.3 10.72 346.65 0.2 13.3 PWMG 27 Median ≥2420 97.7 0.0 7.3 10.29 13.6 359.0 0.2 W. Branch Hall’s Std. 764.28 170.28 16.19 0.61 0.84 4.16 125.20 0.05 Creek Dev.
Count 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 (n)
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TOTAL E.COLI SSC DO TEMP. CONDUCTIVITY SALINITY SITE COLIFORMS PH (MPN) (MG/L) ( MG/L) ( ° C) ( µ S) (PPT) (MPN)
Min 686.7 18.7 0.0 7.0 8.8 7.8 61.8 0.0
Max ≥2420 344.8 16.0 7.5 11.54 21.0 208.4 0.1
Mean 2130.8 118.7 4.7 7.3 10.17 143.6 0.1 14.0
PWMG 28 Median ≥2420 69.9 0.0 7.5 10.18 14.1 144.5 0.1
N. Branch Std. 707.45 127.50 7.34 0.27 1.17 4.35 47.35 0.04 Hall’s Dev. Creek Count 6 6 6 5 6 6 6 6 (n)
TOTAL E.COLI SSC DO TEMP. CONDUCTIVITY SALINITY SITE COLIFORMS PH (MPN) (MG/L) ( MG/L) ( ° C) ( µ S) (PPT) (MPN)
Min ≥2420 28.8 0.0 6.5 8.56 7.8 73.1 0.0
Max ≥2420 1732.9 4.0 7.5 11.13 23.7 290.9 0.1
Mean ≥2420 592.3 1.3 7.1 9.77 241.2 0.1 16.1 PWMG 29
Humphreys Median ≥2420 481.1 1.0 7.3 9.76 15.3 274.8 0.1 Brook at Mill Rd. Std. 0.0 639.20 1.63 0.48 1.09 5.78 84.19 0.05 Dev.
Count 6 6 6 4 6 6 6 6 (n)
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TOTAL E.COLI SSC DO TEMP. CONDUCTIVITY SALINITY SITE COLIFORMS PH (MPN) (MG/L) ( MG/L) ( ° C) ( µ S) (PPT) (MPN)
Min ≥2420 28.2 0.0 6.5 7.85 7.6 67.4 0.0
Max ≥2420 275.5 178.0 7.5 12.75 21.0 450.4 0.2
Mean ≥2420 152.95 35.0 6.9 9.66 256.4 0.1 15.3
PWMG 30 Median ≥2420 144.05 10.0 7.0 9.35 15.2 262.8 0.1
Humphreys Brook at Std. 0.0 115.02 70.25 0.38 1.69 4.88 125.67 0.06 TCH Dev.
Count 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 (n)
TOTAL E.COLI SSC DO TEMP. CONDUCTIVITY SALINITY SITE COLIFORMS PH (MPN) (MG/L) ( MG/L) ( ° C) ( µ S) (PPT) (MPN)
Min ≥2420 81.6 0.0 6.0 7.81 6.9 74.8 0.0
Max ≥2420 ≥2420 14.0 7.5 12.38 21.1 383.9 0.2
Mean ≥2420 1095.5 5.3 6.8 9.96 203.1 0.1 14.4
PWMG Median ≥2420 732.6 4.0 6.8 9.79 14.6 177.8 0.2 31
Fox Std. 0.0 1061.78 6.15 0.52 1.62 5.14 114.75 0.08 Creek Dev.
Count 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 (n)
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TOTAL E.COLI SSC DO TEMP. CONDUCTIVITY SALINITY SITE COLIFORMS PH (MPN) (MG/L) ( MG/L) ( ° C) ( µ S) (PPT) (MPN)
Min 1732.9 13.8 0.0 5.0 7.65 3.8 26.8 0.0
Max ≥2420 866.4 6.0 7.0 12.77 22.8 58.0 0.0
PWMG 35 Mean 2305.2 197.7 2.0 6.0 10.42 15.5 46.3 0.0 Memramcook River at Cal- houn Median ≥2420 51.3 0.0 6.0 10.84 16.5 48.6 0.0
Std. 280.34 334.12 3.10 0.79 1.79 6.72 11.95 0.0 Dev.
Count 6 6 6 5 6 6 6 6 (n)
TOTAL E.COLI SSC DO TEMP. CONDUCTIVITY SALINITY SITE COLIFORMS PH (MPN) (MG/L) ( MG/L) ( ° C) ( µ S) (PPT) (MPN)
Min 1732.9 15.8 0.0 6.5 8.78 5.1 0.277 0.0
Max ≥2420 866.4 4.0 8.0 12.72 25.3 650.0 0.3
PWMG 5
Mean 2305.2 240.6 0.7 7.4 10.41 15.9 357.0 0.2 North River Median ≥2420 141.9 0.0 7.5 9.91 15.2 441.3 0.2
Std. 280.34 312.26 1.63 0.54 1.48 7.03 263.77 0.11 Dev.
Count 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 (n)
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TOTAL E.COLI SSC DO TEMP. CONDUCTIVITY SALINITY SITE COLIFORMS PH (MPN) (MG/L) ( MG/L) ( ° C) ( µ S) (PPT) (MPN)
Min 365.4 23.1 0.0 6.5 8.51 4.6 58.2 0.0
Max ≥2420 344.8 18.0 7.0 13.47 19.2 107.2 0.1 PWMG 52 Mean 2005.0 138.4 3.0 6.8 10.46 14.0 82.5 0.0
Breau Creek Median ≥2420 101.1 0.0 7.0 9.6 15.0 82.4 0.0
Std. 821.73 128.15 7.35 0.27 1.97 5.55 17.25 0.04 Dev.
Count 6 6 6 5 6 6 6 6 (n)
TOTAL E.COLI SSC DO TEMP. CONDUCTIVITY SALINITY SITE COLIFORMS PH (MPN) (MG/L) ( MG/L) ( ° C) ( µ S) (PPT) (MPN)
Min ≥2420 18.7 0.0 6.0 8.25 3.2 42.6 0.0
Max ≥2420 613.1 12.0 6.5 11.34 20.6 87.1 0.0
Mean ≥2420 233.6 4.0 6.3 9.79 70.7 0.0 14.2
PWMG 58 Median ≥2420 132.5 2.0 6.5 9.62 14.3 78.25 0.0 Meadow Cr. At Calhoun Std. 0.0 238.29 5.06 0.27 1.43 6.30 16.87 0.0 Dev.
Count 6 6 6 5 6 6 6 6 (n)
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TOTAL E.COLI SSC DO TEMP. CONDUCTIVITY SALINITY SITE COLIFORMS PH (MPN) (MG/L) ( MG/L) ( ° C) ( µ S) (PPT) (MPN)
Min 1732.9 11.0 0.0 5.0 7.95 4.3 23.9 0.0
Max ≥2420 365.4 12.0 6.5 13.26 21.8 36.2 0.0
PWMG 59 Mean 2305.2 136.5 5.06 5.7 10.16 15.2 28.5 0.0 Memramcook R. at Abouja- gane Rd Median ≥2420 60.9 4.0 5.5 9.76 15.6 28.1 0.0
Std. 280.34 146.57 5.02 0.57 2.29 6.32 4.38 0.0 Dev.
Count 6 6 6 5 6 6 6 6 (n)
TOTAL E.COLI SSC DO TEMP. CONDUCTIVITY SALINITY SITE COLIFORMS PH (MPN) (MG/L) ( MG/L) ( ° C) ( µ S) (PPT) (MPN)
Min 1299.7 10.9 0.0 6.0 7.76 3.3 40.7 0.0
Max ≥2420 186.0 18.0 7.0 14.2 20.4 91.7 0.0
PWMG 61 Mean 2233.0 86.8 4.3 6.5 10.68 14.12 69.9 0.0 Meadow Cr. Near mouth Median ≥2420 74.3 2.0 6.5 10.59 15.1 84.6 0.0
Std. 457.20 74.51 6.86 0.41 2.20 6.19 26.59 0.0 Dev.
Count 6 6 6 4 6 6 5 6 (n)
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TOTAL E.COLI SSC DO TEMP. CONDUCTIVITY SALINITY SITE COLIFORMS PH (MPN) (MG/L) ( MG/L) ( ° C) ( µ S) (PPT) (MPN)
Min 1299.7 9.8 0.0 5.5 6.73 3.8 24.9 0.0
Max ≥2420 362.3 32.0 6.5 12.54 20.5 53.8 0.0
PWMG 72 Mean 2088.5 135.9 9.3 5.9 9.08 14.6 36.7 0.0 Memramcook River. South Branch Median ≥2420 81.3 5.06 5.5 8.66 15.4 36.8 0.0
Std. 519.11 135.36 12.37 0.55 2.40 5.94 10.23 0.0 Dev.
Count 6 6 6 5 6 6 6 6 (n)
TOTAL E.COLI SSC DO TEMP. CONDUCTIVITY SALINITY SITE COLIFORMS PH (MPN) (MG/L) ( MG/L) ( ° C) ( µ S) (PPT) (MPN)
Min 816.4 7.5 0.0 6.0 8.45 3.1 40.7 0.0
Max ≥2420 178.5 36.0 7.0 14.06 18.8 75.9 0.0
PWMG 73 Mean 2008.0 86.4 6.7 6.6 10.86 13.0 59.32 0.0
Stony Creek Median ≥2420 82.7 0.0 6.5 9.80 14.5 61.9 0.0
Std. 678.90 58.78 14.48 0.42 2.40 5.83 14.16 0.0 Dev.
Count 6 6 6 5 6 6 6 6 (n)
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TOTAL E.COLI SSC DO TEMP. CONDUCTIVITY SALINITY SITE COLIFORMS PH (MPN) (MG/L) ( MG/L) ( ° C) ( µ S) (PPT) (MPN)
Min ≥2420 21.1 0.0 5.5 9.1 4.0 38.00 0.0
Max ≥2420 770.1 22.0 7.0 12.73 21.2 101.1 0.0
PWMG 74 Memramcook Mean ≥2420 296.6 10.0 6.5 10.59 14.8 64.2 0.0 R. at railroad
Median ≥2420 154.6 9.0 6.75 10.1 15.6 56.3 0.0
Std. 0.0 328.72 9.63 0.71 1.31 6.38 25.96 0.0 Dev.
Count 6 6 6 4 6 6 6 6 (n)
TOTAL E.COLI SSC DO TEMP. CONDUCTIVITY SALINITY SITE COLIFORMS PH (MPN) (MG/L) ( MG/L) ( ° C) ( µ S) (PPT) (MPN)
Min 435.2 4.1 0.0 6.0 8.42 4.8 37.7 0.0
Max ≥2420 387.3 14.0 6.5 13.77 21.7 69.3 0.0
PWMG Mean 1902.2 156.7 3.7 6.2 10.69 15.2 57.2 0.0 75 Smith Creek Median ≥2420 144.9 1.0 6.0 10.05 15.3 61.5 0.0
Std. 846.87 151.34 5.57 0.27 2.51 6.35 11.86 0.0 Dev.
Count 6 6 6 5 6 6 6 6 (n)
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TOTAL E.COLI SSC DO TEMP. CONDUCTIVITY SALINITY SITE COLIFORMS PH (MPN) (MG/L) ( MG/L) ( ° C) ( µ S) (PPT) (MPN)
Min ≥2420 920.8 0.0 7.0 9.15 9.4 204.4 0.2
Max ≥2420 ≥2420 240.0 8.0 14.46 15.4 775.0 0.4 PWMG 80 Rabbit Mean ≥2420 2169.8 67.3 7.3 11.06 12.6 482.2 0.3 Brook at Plaza Blvd. Median ≥2420 ≥2420 36.0 7.0 10.97 13.1 451.8 0.3
Std. 0.0 611.88 91.05 0.42 1.95 2.51 195.97 0.08 Dev.
Count 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 (n)
TOTAL E.COLI SSC DO TEMP. CONDUCTIVITY SALINITY SITE COLIFORMS PH (MPN) (MG/L) ( MG/L) ( ° C) ( µ S) (PPT) (MPN)
Min ≥2420 12.1 0.0 6.0 6.52 5.3 0.0 0.0
Max ≥2420 1732.9 260.0 7.5 12.82 23.4 305.5 0.8 PWMG 81
Micheals Mean ≥2420 555.1 46.0 6.8 9.17 14.5 179.9 0.2 Brook Rosewood Trailer park Median ≥2420 172.3 1.0 7.0 8.57 14.3 231.2 0.1
Std. 0.0 729.78 104.98 0.52 2.39 6.67 123.79 0.30 Dev.
Count 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 (n)
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TOTAL E.COLI SSC DO TEMP. CONDUCTIVITY SALINITY SITE COLIFORMS PH (MPN) (MG/L) ( MG/L) ( ° C) ( µ S) (PPT) (MPN)
Min 387.3 4.1 0.0 6.5 5.26 0.0 30.9 0.0
Max ≥2420 214.3 14.0 7.5 9.79 25.7 57.9 0.0
Irishtown Mean 1936.5 59.8 6.7 6.8 8.51 17.8 47.8 0.0 Reservoir
Median ≥2420 28.7 6.0 6.5 9.11 17.4 50.5 0.0
Std. 834.33 79.97 7.34 0.42 1.65 6.31 10.16 0.0 Dev.
Count 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 (n)
TOTAL E.COLI SSC DO TEMP. CONDUCTIVITY SALINITY SITE COLIFORMS PH (MPN) (MG/L) ( MG/L) ( ° C) ( µ S) (PPT) (MPN)
Min 1046.2 9.6 0.0 6.5 9.5 5.9 0.0 0.0
Max ≥2420 ≥2420 28.0 7.5 13.01 21.5 55.8 0.0
Turtle Mean 1931.8 819.8 4.7 6.8 10.83 13.2 35.7 0.0 Creek
Median 2203.0 28.3 0.0 6.8 10.2 13.2 39.6 0.0
Std. 616.55 1239.26 11.43 0.40 1.57 5.77 20.27 0.01 Dev.
Count 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 (n)
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TOTAL E.COLI SSC DO TEMP. CONDUCTIVITY SALINITY SITE COLIFORMS PH (MPN) (MG/L) ( MG/L) ( ° C) ( µ S) (PPT) (MPN)
Min 47.7 1.0 0.0 6.5 8.21 16.1 0.1 0.1
Max ≥2420 ≥2420 28.0 7.5 10.36 27.0 199.7 0.1
Mean 2024.3 1227.3 9.6 7.0 9.40 20.1 114.6 0.1
Riverview Marina Median ≥2420 1255.3 0.0 7.0 9.62 17.6 114.3 0.1
Std. 968.32 1306.45 13.45 0.34 0.98 4.65 73.41 0.02 Dev.
Count 6 6 5 5 5 5 5 5 (n)
TOTAL E.COLI SSC DO TEMP. CONDUCTIVITY SALINITY SITE COLIFORMS PH (MPN) (MG/L) ( MG/L) ( ° C) ( µ S) (PPT) (MPN)
Min 344.8 3.0 0.0 6.0 6.79 12.8 71.5 0.0
Max ≥2420 95.9 38.0 7.5 9.55 24.5 287.4 0.1
Mean 2004.64 34.7 12.0 6.6 8.02 18.1 152.1 0.0 McLaughlin Reservoir
Median ≥2420 24.3 4.0 6.5 7.39 17.7 98.0 0.0
Std. 927.88 37.49 16.31 0.65 1.23 5.12 92.09 0.05 Dev.
Count 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 (n)
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4.2 Dissolved Oxygen
An important measure of water quality is the amount of dissolved oxygen (DO) that can be found in an aquatic ecosystem. Higher levels of DO generally indicate a healthy and stable ecosystem capable of sustaining many different kinds of aquatic life. Different organisms require different levels of DO; trout and salmons require high levels of DO (7-14 mg/L), while carp and catfish can survive in waters with low levels of DO (below 7 mg/L). DO levels can also influence the distribution of aquatic insects.
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) (Adapted from S. Behar. 1996)
0-2 mg/L: Not enough oxygen to support life
2-4 mg/L: Only a few kinds of fish and insects can survive
4-7 mg/L: Acceptable for warm water fish
7-11 mg/L: Very good for most stream fish including cold water fish
The CCME water quality guideline for the protection of aquatic organisms is a minimum of 5.5 mg/L for DO in fresh water systems. There are several factors that can influence the amount of DO present in a body of water:
(1) Temperature: Water Temperature and DO are directly related to each other. As water tempera- ture increases, DO decreases, thus cold water holds more oxygen than warm water. The com- bined effects of DO and temperature are considered when the percent of water saturation is cal- culated.
(2) The level of photosynthesis
(3) Flow rate and turbulence: Flow rate and DO are directly related to each other. Higher volumes of faster moving water, especially if it creates "white water" increases the turbulent diffusion of at- mospheric oxygen into the water. Low flow conditions are much less conducive to oxygenation and when water temperature is high, DO levels can become critically low.
(4) Degree of light penetration as determined by turbidity and water depth.
(5) Amount of decaying organic matter and nutrients: As the amount of organic material and exces- sive nutrients increase, the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) tends to increase (oxygen is used up in the decomposition of organic matter) which in turn lowers the overall level of DO.
2009 RESULTS FOR DISSOLVED OXYGEN
Dissolved oxygen levels in the Petitcodiac Watershed were higher in 2009 than in the previous year. The dissolved oxygen levels are generally higher than the three year average in every river sampled. This
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could be a result of higher precipitation rates in the summer of 2009. The high water levels and the ac- celerated flow caused by unusually high precipitation rates could have increased the turbulence of the streams therefore increasing the levels of dissolved oxygen. The Irishtown Nature Park had the lowest dissolved oxygen readings; we believe that this is likely due to the high levels of cyanobacteria observed in this watercourse.
The following changes to the sampling protocol have been made for the entire sampling season in 2009 to ensure the accuracy of our dissolved oxygen results.
1. Dissolved oxygen samples should be collected at roughly the same time of day for each river. Dissolved oxygen readings are known to be lowest in early morning hours when rates of photosynthesis have been slow due to lack of sunlight at night. 2. The YSI used to determine levels of dissolved oxygen must be calibrated every time that it is turned on since atmospheric conditions can affect dissolved oxygen readings. 3. Dissolved oxygen readings should be taken as soon as the temperature reading has stabilized. The dissolved oxygen reading will never stabilize, but will continue to drop as long as the YSI probe is in the water since dissolved oxygen continuously crosses the thin membrane of the YSI probe. 4. Dissolved oxygen readings will vary according to the depth of water that the measurements are taken from. The best dissolved oxygen readings will be found in the top 12 inches of the water column. Measurements from greater depths may not provide accurate information concerning oxygen levels for the watercourse.
River clean-up crew Sediment deposition in Halls Creek Irishtown Nature Park
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4.3 Water Temperature
Water temperature will influence the composition of aquatic communities (Bain and Stevenson, 1999). Fish can only survive and thrive within a limited temperature range, brook trout for example, require cooler temperatures; ideally within the range of 13–18 ° C. They are able to survive in water temperatures of up to 22 °C.
Water temperatures vary with the time of day, the season, and the water depth. Heat gains and losses occur more rapidly in small streams like Rabbit Brook, where the water depth is shallow and is intermit- tently mobile. Although water temperatures are dependent on direct solar radiation, they can also be in- fluenced by water velocity, climate, elevation, stream order, the amount of stream side vegetation provid- ing shade, water source, the temperature and volume of groundwater input, the dimensions of the stream channel and Human impact.
Runoff can indirectly add warm water to streams. Rainwater running off from heated surfaces such as parking lots, roof tops and roads has been documented to increase stream temperatures (Rossi, L. and RE. Hari. 2007).
2009 RESULTS SUMMARY FOR WATER TEMPERATURES :
Water temperatures exceeding 22°C have been proven to be harmful to Brook Trout, a species of fish that can be found in the Petitcodiac and Memramcook watersheds. There were only 2 water temperatures over 22°C recorded in 2007, 11 recorded in 2008 and 12 were recorded in 2009. During the 2008 season fewer streams reached the threshold temperature but the temperature remained high for a longer period of time. In 2009 more streams reached the harmful temperature of 22°C, but only during the month of August. The water temperature averages of 2009 have generally been below the 3 year average of 2005- 2007 and that of 2008, with a few exceptions. This trend of cooler water temperatures has followed the climate trend of cooler temperatures and higher precipitation rates that we have experienced during the 2009 sampling season.
4.4 pH
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) classifies water that is suitable for biota as having a pH that is within the range of 6.5 - 9 (USEPA, 1996). Severe stress to aquatic life can be evident at pH levels below 4 units. Buffering capacity is water's ability to resist changes in pH and is critical to the survival of aquatic life. Low or high pH values can occur naturally due to the presence of humic acid emanating from wetlands (peat bogs in particular). Changes in pH can also be caused by acid rain,
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accidental spills, agricultural runoff and sewer overflows. The lowest pH values are generally collected in the Memramcook watershed.
2009 RESULTS SUMMARY FOR pH :
The lowest pH value recorded during the 2009 sampling season was taken from the Memramcook River in September where the pH was recorded as 5.0. Since the Memramcook watershed is heavily forested, the generally low pH values recorded in this watershed over the 2009 sampling season could be the result of the presence of humic acid in the water. Humic acid is a compound produced by decaying wood, with increased precipitation in the region over the summer of 2009; it is likely that precipitation run-off has been contaminated with humic acid from decaying wood debris on the forest floor.
4.5 E. coli and Total Coliform
Both total coliform counts and E. coli levels are used to assess the microbiological quality of surface water. E. coli is a class of bacteria found only in human or animal faecal waste. Studies have shown that certain illnesses such as gastroenteritis, eye infections, skin rashes, ear, nose and throat infections and respiratory illnesses can result from exposure to certain faecal bacteria as measured by the presence of E. coli (Calderon and Modd, 1991; SMBRP, 1996; Seyfried et al., 1985). High E. coli counts signify the presence of human and/or animal waste, and the possible presence of other, more serious, disease- producing pathogens. Common sources of E. coli contamination are municipal sewage discharges or runoff from failing septic systems, animal agricultural operations and faeces deposited in woodlands from warm blooded animals. The contamination in surface water is often highest immediately following a storm, because of the runoff. (CCME. 1999) Total Coliform (TC) counts reflect the presence of non-faecal bacteria, which occur naturally in water, derived from such sources as water weeds, floating vegetation and aquatic organisms. These bacteria do not normally cause illnesses, but they will give the water an unpleasant odour and taste. If an inordinately high TC count increases each year and cannot be explained by natural causes, it is likely the result of a “man-made” nutrient-overload, either caused by the use of fertilizers or high phosphate washing products introduced into septic systems (PBIA, 2003). The CCME environmental quality guidelines dictate a recreational guideline of 200 MPN/100 mL for faecal coliforms.
2009 RESULTS SUMMARY FOR E. COLI :
There were only 2 rivers sampled in the 2009 sampling season that had E. coli levels below the 200 MPN recreational limit at least once. In comparison, in 2008 there were 11 rivers that were found to have E. coli levels below the 200 MPN recreational limits. The rivers that maintained E. coli levels below the recreational limit during the 2009 sampling season include the Pollett River and Stony Creek. E. coli contamination was above last years levels in both the Petitcodiac River and Memramcook River watersheds. This could be a result of increased precipitation levels, but more research will have to been done to determine an exact cause. Some work has been done in the past to improve E. coli levels in some streams. Jonathan Creek has had some improvement in recent years, although in 2009 we still recorded levels above 200 MPN. Humphreys Brook has also seen a decrease in E. coli levels and Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance Water Quality Report 2009
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generally has less than the recreational maximum at the Trans-Canada Highway sampling site more often than it does at the Mill Road sampling site.
4.6 Suspended Sediments Concentration
Suspended sediment concentration (SSC) is the mass of suspended sediments contained in a given quantity of water. SSC is closely related to turbidity; a measure of the extent to which light penetration in water is reduced from suspended solids (Armantrout, 1998). Suspended sediments are fine particles, primarily clays, silts and fine sands, which require only low velocities and minor turbulence to remain suspended (Allan, 1995).
Summary of the Impacts of Suspended Sediment on the Aquatic Environment
- Abrades and damages fish gills, increasing the risk of infection and disease. - Scouring of periphyton (plants attached to rocks) from stream beds. - Loss of sensitive or threatened fish species. - Shifts in fish community toward more sediment tolerant species. - Reduces sight distance for trout - reduction in feeding efficiency. - Reduces light penetration causing reduction in plankton and aquatic plant growth. - Reduces filtering efficiency of zooplankton in lakes and estuaries. - Adversely impacts aquatic insects which are the base of the food chain. - Slightly increases stream temperature in summer. - Suspended sediments are a major carrier of contaminants. - Turbidity increases probability of boating, swimming and diving accidents. - Increased water treatment costs to meet drinking water standards. - Reduces anglers chances of catching fish. - Physical smothering of benthic aquatic insect community. - Reduced survival rates for fish eggs. - Destruction of fish spawning areas. - “Imbedding” of stream bottom reduces fish and macro-invertebrate habitat value. - Sensitive or threatened darters and dace may be eliminated from fish community. - Increase in sediment oxygen demand can deplete DO in lakes or streams. - Significant contributing factor in the alarming decline of fresh water mussels. - Reduces channel capacity, exacerbating downstream bank erosion and flooding. - Reduced flood transport capacity under bridges and through culverts. - Loss of storage and lower design life for reservoirs, impoundments and ponds. - Dredging costs to maintain navigable channels and reservoir capacity. - Deposits diminish the scenic and recreational value of waterways.
The CCME`s Canadian Water Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Life state the following:
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2009 RESULTS SUMMARY FOR SSC:
Most of the streams sampled in 2009 had higher suspended sediment counts in 2009 than 2008, and counts were most often higher than the three year average as well. The highest suspended sediment counts came from streams affected by construction activity. These include Rabbit Creek, Turtle Creek, and Jonathan Creek. Samples from Jonathan Creek in Centennial Park had five times the normal amount of sediment than was recorded in previous years. This is most likely due to increased construction activ- ity along the Ryan Road and lack of enforcement of sediment control plans by the City of Moncton and the provincial Department of the Environment.
4.7 Salinity
Salt is a natural component of our landscape. It has been deposited from a variety of sources over millions of years. Salt can enters our waterways from groundwater, from weathering rocks and from the atmosphere. In Canada, de-icing salt is a increasing concern as a source of anthropogenic salt that enters our rivers and streams. Increased salt concentrations have contributed to a loss in soil stability, which in turn increases soil erosion. The salt used during winter for road maintenance can have a negative effect on aquatic ecosystems. Recent studies have shown that salt concentrations in surface waters are frequently at levels that can negatively affect the biota (CEPA, 1999). High salt concentrations are causing damage to vegetation and shifting plant community structure as well as provoking non-negligible effects on fish communities that can not adapt to the elevated salt concentrations. Longer-term toxicity occurs at concentrations as low as 210 mg/L, these concentrations have been observed in numerous urban creeks and streams (CEPA, 1999). Based on the data available, it is likely that road salt is entering the environment in concentrations that have or may have immediate or long-term effects on the environment or its biological diversity (CEPA, 1999).
2009 RESULTS SUMMARY FOR SALINITY:
There were no signifigant changes in salinity levels recorded in samples collected in 2009.
4.8 Nutrients: Nitrates and Phosphates
4.8.1 Nitrogen
Nitrogen occurs in natural waters as nitrate (NO3), nitrite (NO2), ammonia (NH3), and organically bound nitrogen. Of these, nitrate is usually the most important to consider when determining water quality. Normally only small amounts are found naturally, such as those formed when aquatic plants and animals die and bacteria break down large protein molecules containing nitrogen into ammonia. Ammonia is then oxidized by specialized bacteria to form nitrites and nitrates. An increase in nitrate levels can come from numerous man-made sources such as septic systems, fertilizer runoff and improperly treated wastewater.
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Nitrates are nutrients and they cause an increase in plant, plankton and algae growth in aquatic envi- ronments. As these organisms die and decompose, dissolved oxygen levels subsequently decrease.
An increase in nitrates is often coupled with an increase in phosphates. Phosphates usually act as a limiting factor in the growth rates of organisms in aquatic environments since it is relatively rare and usually not available in a usable form. When phosphates are available in quantities that promote the growth of aquatic organisms, nitrates and phosphates will work together in freshwater to cause a bloom in algae populations and increased aquatic vegetation. Eventually, the death of all of this new organic matter robs the water of oxygen and makes it an unsuitable environment for aquatic animals. The most common sources of phosphate contamination include septic tanks, runoff from farm feedlots, runoff from agricultural operations and waste water treatment plants. The water quality guidelines in Canada states that in order to protect freshwater life, levels of nitrates should be of 13 mg/L or below (Environment Canada, 2005).
4.8.2 Phosphorous
Pure phosphorus (P) is rare. In nature, phosphorus usually exists as part of a phosphate molecule (PO4). Phosphorus in aquatic systems occurs as organic phosphate and inorganic phosphate. Organic phosphate consists of a phosphate molecule associated with a carbon-based molecule, as in plant or animal tissue. Phosphate that is not associated with organic material is inorganic. Inorganic phosphorus is the form re- quired by plants and is known as orthophosphate. Plants require orthophosphate for photosynthesis, making orthophosphate a limiting factor in aquatic plant growth. Since phosphorus is a nutrient nor- mally in short supply in most fresh waters, even a modest increase in phosphorus can, under the right conditions, set off a whole chain of undesirable events in a stream including accelerated plant growth, algae blooms, low dissolved oxygen, and the death of certain fish, invertebrates, and other aquatic ani- mals.
Orthophosphate forms of phosphorous are produced naturally, but can also be introduced in streams by man-influenced sources such as: partially treated and untreated sewage, runoff from agricultural sites, and application of lawn fertilizers. Orthophosphates applied to agricultural or residential lands as fertilizers are carried into the surface water during storm events or snow melts.
Phosphorus is a key element necessary for the growth of plants and animals. In lake ecosystems, phosphorus tends to be a growth limiting nutrient- because there is usually not enough of it. When phosphate is available it stimulates growth of plankton and aquatic plants which in turn provides food for larger organisms, including: zooplankton, fish, humans, and other mammals. Initially, this increased productivity will cause an increase in the fish population and overall biological diversity of the system. If the phosphate loading continues, a build-up of phosphate occurs, the aging process of the lake or surface water ecosystem will be accelerated. This is called eutrophication, this natural aging process can result in large fluctuations in water quality parameters and in some cases periodic blooms of cyanobacteria. Algal blooms result in a net decrease in diversity, food supply and habitat destruction because it blocks light penetration. This results in the death of plants and algae. Bacteria then try to decompose the organic waste, consuming all dissolved oxygen in the water and releasing even more Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance Water Quality Report 2009
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phosphate in the process. The pond, stream, or lake may gradually fill in with decaying and partially decomposed plant materials becoming a swamp, which is part of the natural aging process.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, phosphate levels in healthy streams should fall within 0.01 to 0.03 mg/L. Phosphate levels above 0.1 mg/L indicate phosphate contamination and phosphate levels over .25 mg/L indicate that a stream is heavily contaminated by phosphorous.
2009 RESULTS SUMMARY FOR NITRATES AND PHOSPHATES
The Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance began sampling for nitrates and phosphates in 2008. There has been some variance in our sampling techniques that make comparison of our results from the 2008 and 2009 sampling season difficult to compare. We also suspect that the photometer used to analyse our samples did not giving us accurate nitrate readings and we are working with the manufacturer to correct the problem before the 2010 sampling season. In July of 2009 a handheld nitrate meter was purchased to fin- ish our sampling season. The nitrate levels determined using the handheld nitrate meter correlated closely with nitrate levels obtained from the City of Moncton sampling results obtained from the Turtle Creek water treatment plant, so it is believed that the nitrate results recorded with this latter instrument are correct.
All of the streams sampled during the 2009 sampling season had at least one nitrate reading that was re- corded over the 13 mg/L level recommended by Environment Canada with the exception of Turtle Creek. This probably reflects the fact that a lot of work has been done by the City of Moncton to keep ni- trates out of the Turtle Creek watershed since it is the resource used to supply drinking water to River- view, Moncton and Dieppe. The highest recorded levels of nitrates were found in the Irishtown reservoir at 71ppm in September of 2009. Blue green algae are an annual reoccurring problem in this body of water.
All of the streams sampled during the 2009 sampling season had phosphorous levels over the 0.1 mg/L level used as an indicator of impairment by the United States Environmental Protection Act. The highest phosphate levels were recorded in samples taken from Fox Creek in June at 2.6 mg/L and Breau Creek in May at 1.55 mg/L. The presence of golf balls in Fox Creek suggests that the source of contamination in Fox Creek could be the Fox Creek golf course. However, the exact sources of phosphate contamination in any of these streams requires further investigation and additional monitoring to determine normal back- ground levels which varies from stream to stream.
4.9 Conductivity
Conductivity is the measurement of the water’s ability to conduct electrical current. It can be affected by the presence of inorganic dissolved solids such as chloride, nitrate, sulfate and phosphate ions, or so- dium, magnesium calcium, iron and aluminum cations. Conductivity is also affected by water tempera- ture: as the water temperature increases so does conductivity. For this reason all conductivity is reported as conductivity at 25°C.
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Conductivity in streams is generally determined by geology. Streams that run through granite bedrock tend to have lower conductivities that those that run through clay soils. Discharges into streams can affect the conductivity of a stream. Failing sewage systems can raise conductivity because of the presence of chloride, phosphates and nitrates but an oil spill would lower conductivity.
Distilled water has a conductivity range of 0.5 to 3 uS and most rivers will naturally have a conductivity range between 50 uS and 1500 uS. Conductivity measurements of 150 uS to 500 uS are the desired range for fish habitat. Conductivity outside of this range is an indication that the watercourse sampled may not be a suitable habitat for some species of fish or microinvertebrates.
2009 RESULTS SUMMARY FOR CONDUCTIVITY:
There were a few changes in conductivity in streams where conductivity is usually stable throughout the entire sampling season. The fluctuating conductivities may be a result of significant rainfalls within 24 hours of our sampling days.
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5.0 PETITCODIAC WATERSHED Fox Creek
Fox Creek is the major system that flows through the Town of Dieppe. The watershed area is about 29 km². It is characterized by heavy residential and commercial development. The physical habitat for the middle and lower parts of Fox Creek is of relatively poor quality, with a sand and silt substrate.
The headwaters of this system drain part of Dieppe's industrial park. Approximately 200-300 metres of the creek has been piped, and now flows underground. Bank erosion is a concern in some sections of the creek.
The middle and lower reaches of Fox Creek still supports abundant wildlife like deer, fox, pheasant and porcupine populations. These species are often observed in this area.
SAMPLING FOX CREEK
PWMG 31 - Fox Creek The Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance sampling site for Fox Creek is located at the intersection where Amirault Street crosses Fox Creek. Latitude: 46.06361, Longitude: 64.70578
RESULTS
SSC DO TEMP EC TC SAL. P C O N D SITE MONTH PH ( MG/L N ( MG/L ) ( °C) ( MPN) ( MPN) ( PPT) ( MG/L ) ( µ S ) )
0.625 May 11.08 10.7 7.5 649 ≥2420 10 0.2 0.73 383.9 mg/L
0.797 June 10.07 13.8 6.5 816 ≥2420 8 0.1 2.6 114.6 mg/L
0.388 PWMG July 8.91 18.4 7.0 187 ≥2420 14 0.1 0.36 171.3 mg/L 31
Aug 7.81 21.1 7.0 ≥2420 ≥2420 0 0.2 20 ppm 0.33 184.2 Fox Creek Sept 9.51 15.4 6.5 ≥2420 ≥2420 0 0.2 19 ppm 0.17 289.6
Oct 12.38 6.9 6.0 82 ≥2420 0 0 19 ppm 0.13 74.8
average 10.0 14.4 6.8 1096 ≥2420 5.3 0.1 0.72 203.1
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DISCUSSION
An electrofishing survey conducted in Fox Creek on September 4th, 2009 indicated that there were no fish in Fox Creek upstream of Dieppe Boulevard. Electrofishing downstream of Dieppe boulevard yeilded only slightly better results, 6 American Eels, 4 Creek Chub and 3 White Suckers were found. A third section of Fox Creek off of Andrea Court in Dieppe had 27 brook trout and frogs.
Some water parameters were tested near the golf course and showed extremely high amounts of NO3 (270 ppm) and a pH of 5.5. The PWA will increase monitoring activity in this section of Fox Creek and inform the Fox Creek Golf Club that they may be having a negative impact on Fox Creek.
The site on Fox Creek that has been monitored by the PWA for the past 10 yrs may not be giving us a complete picture of what is happening with the water quality of this stream. Additional sites from Fox Creek should be added to the monitoring plan for 2010. Sites should be chosen so that they can document possible run-off problems associated with the Fox Creek Golf Course or other industries that have the potential to impact this stream.
The Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance received a phone call form a watershed citizen on July 15th, 2009 concerning construction work taking place along the banks of Fox Creek near the Melanson Road in Dieppe. This photo was taken of the work and it was forwarded to the Department of the Environment for further investigation. It is unknown whether the landowner had a permit to fill in a section of the marsh.
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Halls Creek
Halls Creek covers an area of 126 km²; it is divided into 2 branches: North Branch Halls Creek and West Branch Halls Creek. The lower part of this creek is tidal. The Halls Creek watershed has been significantly impacted by human activity. Residential, commercial, and public developments are scattered throughout this sub- watershed (ex: Magnetic Hill, golf courses, campgrounds, quarries, farms, nature parks and residential dwellings).
The lower branches of Halls Creek were modified by the construction of Wheeler Boulevard in 1983 and the construction of two bridges; one in 1978 and another in 1983. Most of the wetlands in the Halls Creek estuary have been severely impacted by urbanization, in particular, road construction. Part of l'Université de Moncton is located directly on the wetland that borders Halls Creek. This same wetland was also used as a dump by the City of Moncton in the 1960's. The regulations of the time were followed, and the dump was capped, leachate can still be seen to this day leaking out of the bank along this section of Halls Creek.
The North Branch of Halls Creek was damned to create the McLaughlin Reservoir, which now serves as Greater Moncton’s secondary source of drinking water. Ogilvie Brook, a tributary of the North Branch Halls Creek was also damned at the Irishtown Nature Park to make the Irishtown Road Reservoir. This reservoir has annual cyanobacteria blooms that were particularily bad in 2008 and resulted in the closure of the reservoir to recreational use in 2008 and again in 2009.
SAMPLING HALLS CREEK
PWMG 28 - North Branch Halls Creek
On Trans-Canada Highway heading west (towards Salisbury). This site is at the second guard rail just after the road sign for Gorge Rd and Mapleton rd (close to marker 457 km). This sample should be taken 50 m upstream from the culvert under the TCH. (2nd guard rail, be careful you are not sampling Olgilvie Brook). Latitude: 46.12902 Longitude: 64.80616
PWMG 27 - West Branch Halls Creek at Briardale St. From Gorge Rd. enter the West entrance of Mapleton Park. Follow the path closest to the parking lot until you reach the bridge. Sample site is upstream from the bridge. Latitude: 46.12872 Longitude: 64.85709
IR - Irishtown Reservoir At Irishtown Nature Park the sample is taken in reservoir above the spillway. Latitude: 46° 8'37.67"N Longitude: 46° 8'37.67"N
MR - McLaughling Road Reservoir Heading north on McLaughlin Rd, sampling site is approx. 3.7 km from TCH overpass. Latitude: 46° 9'32.99"N Longitude: 64°48'28.49"O
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RESULTS
DO TEMP EC TC SSC SAL. P C O N D SITE MONTH PH N ( MG/L ) ( °C) ( MPN) ( MPN) ( MG/L ) ( PPT) ( MG/L ) ( µ S )
2.57 May 12.29 11.1°C 7.0 12 ≥2420 12 0.2 0.16 367.6 mg/L
1.112 June 10.29 13.1°C 7.0 49 ≥2420 16 0.1 0.10 286.6 mg/L PWMG 27 0.886 July 10.27 17.4°C 7.5 145 ≥2420 0 0.2 0.06 350.4 mg/L
W. Branch Aug 10.28 17.7°C 8.0 50 548 0 0.2 20ppm 0.0 479.6 Hall’s Creek Sept 10.1 14.0°C 8.0 461 ≥2420 0 0.2 18 ppm 0.17 458.9
Oct 11.09 6.6°C 6.5 248 ≥2420 0 0.1 16 ppm 0.15 136.8
average 13.3°C 7.3 161 2108 4.7 0.2 346.7 10.7 0.11
DO TEMP EC TC SSC SAL. P C O N D SITE MONTH PH N ( MG/L ) ( °C) ( MPN) ( MPN) ( MG/L ) ( PPT) ( MG/L ) ( µ S )
0.213 May 10.82 11.7°C 7.0 99 ≥2420 12 0.1 0.22 141.5 mg/L
0.527 June 9.53 14.7°C 7.0 19 ≥2420 16 0.1 0.05 142.4 mg/L
1.435 July 9.11 21.0°C 7.5 345 ≥2420 0 0.1 0.14 146.6 mg/L PWMG 28 Aug 11.21 15.0°C 7.5 41 687 0 0.1 9.0ppm 0.2 208.4
N. Branch Sept 8.8 13.5°C 7.5 186 ≥2420 0 0.1 21 ppm 0.07 161.0 Hall’s Creek Oct 11.54 7.8°C 23 ≥2420 0 0 11 ppm 0.07 61.8
average 10.2 14.0°C 7.3 119 2131 4.7 0.1 0.13 143.6
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DO TEMP EC TC SSC SAL. P C O N D SITE MONTH PH N ( MG/L ) ( °C) ( MPN) ( MPN) ( MG/L ) ( PPT) ( MG/L ) ( µ S )
0.115 May 9.79 17.2 6.5 75.4 387 12 0 0.14 41.7 mg/L
0.07 June 8.53 17.1 6.5 22.3 1553 14 0 0.63 47.6 mg/L
2.71 July 8.94 22.2 7.0 35.0 ≥2420 0.0 0 0.04 53.3 mg/L
IR Aug 9.28 25.7 7.5 7.5 ≥2420 0.0 0 13 ppm 0.06 57.9
Irish- town Sept 5.26 17.5 6.5 4.1 ≥2420 14 0 71 ppm 0.04 55.6 Re- sevoir Oct 9.27 7.0 6.5 214.3 ≥2420 0.0 0 13 ppm 0.05 30.9
average 8.51 17.78 6.8 59.77 1937 6 0 0.16 47.83
DO TEMP EC TC SSC SAL. P C O N D SITE MONTH PH N ( MG/L ) ( °C) ( MPN) ( MPN) ( MG/L ) ( PPT) ( MG/L ) ( µ S )
May 9.55 17.7 6.0 8.1 ≥2420 38 0 0 mg/L 0 71.5
0.31 June 9.12 13.6 6.0 42.2 ≥2420 0 0 0.07 96.2 mg/L 1.342 July 7.23 22.0 6.5 24.3 ≥2420 18 0 0.12 98 MR mg/L
McLau Aug 7.39 24.5 7.5 95.9 344.8 0 0.1 8.6 ppm 0.12 207.5 ghlin Reserv Sept 6.79 12.8 7.0 3.0 ≥2420 4 0.1 62 ppm 0.12 287.4 oir
average 8.02 18.1 6.6 34.7 2005 12 0.04 0.086 152.12
DISCUSSION
An electrofishing survey conducted in Mapleton Park yielded a wide variety of fish species in Halls Creek. During the effort, 86 fishes were counted (8 Atlantic salmon, 15 Brook Trout, 23 American Eel, 27 Creek Chub, 12 White Sucker and 1 Stickleback). A DNA analysis of caudal fin clippings taken from the Atlantic Salmon determined that these fish were placed in Halls Creek through the Fish Friends Program sponsored by the Atlantic Salmon Federation.
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Nitrate and Phosphate levels are at times over the recommended levels for healthy aquatic ecosystems, moreso in the Irishtown Reservoir; this is most likely due to high organic content and lack of depth in the water of the Irishtown Resevoir. The presence of a golf course may also play a role, however this link has yet to be proven. Work is currently underway to improve water quality conditions at the Irishtown Resevoir. The City of Moncton, Université de Moncton and the PWA are working together to prevent future algal blooms in the Irishtown Nature Park.
Results for the McLaughlin Rd Reservoir are missing because the sampling site was flooded, making conditions unsafe for PWA staff to obtain samples.
The Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance has also initiated a water quality educational program at the Irishtown Nature Park. We now offer guided outdoor water quality labs to local schools at the Irishtown Nature Park where students can test water quality parameters for themselves through hands-on experiments.
Humphreys Brook
Humphreys Brook is another tributary of Halls Creek. The sub-watershed area of Humphreys Brook is 39 km². One lake is also present in this watershed (Aero Lake) which has an area of 1. 8 km². This watercourse is considered to be an urban stream. Near the headwaters of this stream, there is a golf course, the Greater Moncton Airport and the Caledonia Industrial Park. This brook's main influences include the presence of a dam (9,1 metres wide x 4,7 metres high x 7,6 metres deep) and a scrap yard that borders and encroaches the watercourse. The dam is situated under Mill Road and is approximately 3 km upstream from the brook's confluence with Halls Creek. Directly below the Mill Road dam on the true right bank is a textile mill.
In the tidal part of Humphreys Brook, wetland destruction and construction activity are the major threats to water quality. Nearby wetlands continue to be been targeted for development and the loss of these wetlands diminishes the environment's capacity to filter and clean its waters (surface and ground). In addition to infilling, some of the Humphreys Brook sub-watershed is used as a snow dump during the winter months. Dirty water runs from these snowdumps into Humphreys Brook well into the summer. Work has been done by the City of Moncton during the summer of 2009 to minimize this problem. We will continue to monitor the impact of snowmelt on the water quality of Humphreys Brook.
SAMPLING HUMPHREYS BROOK
PWMG 29 - Humphreys Brook at Mill Road Bridge On Mill Rd. This site is located under the bridge on Mill rd, below Humphreys Mills Pond. Latitude: 46.11035 Longitude: 64.76817
PWMG 30 - Humphreys Brook at TCH Driving on Dieppe Blvd, towards Caledonia Park, take TCH west towards Saint John/Fredericton, and stop at guardrail after 459 A+B sign. Latitude: 46.12752 Longitude: 64.74371 Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance Water Quality Report 2009
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RESULTS
DO TEMP EC TC SSC SAL. P C O N D SITE MONTH PH N ( MG/L ) ( °C) ( MPN) ( MPN) ( MG/L ) ( PPT) ( MG/L ) ( µ S )
0.146 May 11.13 13.0°C 7.0 29 ≥2420 0 0.1 0.14 277.9 mg/L
June 10.37 14.4°C 687 ≥2420 2 0.1 0 0 242.9
0.19mg July 8.73 21.4°C 7.5 770 ≥2420 4 0.1 0.16 290.9 PWMG /L 29 Humph Aug 9.15 23.7°C 7.5 60 ≥2420 0 0.1 15 ppm 0.11 271.6 reys Brook Sept 8.56 16.1°C 1733 ≥2420 2 0 10 ppm 290.6 at Mill Rd. Oct 10.66 7.8°C 6.5 276 ≥2420 0 0 13 ppm 0.15 73.1
average 9.8 16.1°C 7.1 592 ≥2420 1.3 0.1 0.112 241.2
DO TEMP EC TC SSC SAL. P C O N D SITE MONTH PH N ( MG/L ) ( °C) ( MPN) ( MPN) ( MG/L ) ( PPT) ( MG/L ) ( µ S )
0.12mg May 12.75 13.1°C 7.0 28 ≥2420 0 0.1 0.14 249.2 /L
0.12mg June 10.02 14.9°C 6.5 276 ≥2420 178 0.2 0.29 450.4 /L 1.621 July 9.36 20.0°C 7.5 50 ≥2420 10 0.1 0.28 276.4 mg/L PWMG 30 Aug 8.62 21.0°C 7.0 74 ≥2420 0 0.1 18 ppm 0.2 297.6 Humph reys Sept 9.34 15.4°C 7.0 276 ≥2420 10 0.1 9 ppm 0.08 197.6 Brook at TCH Oct 7.85 7.6°C 6.5 214 ≥2420 12 0 50 ppm 0.15 67.4
average 9.7 15.3°C 6.9 153 ≥2420 35.0 0.1 0.19 256.4
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Sedimentation in Humphreys Brook Clear cutting near Harrisville Blvd. New apartment complex on Lewisville Rd built on the bank of Humphreys Brook.
DISCUSSION
Construction in buffer zones of Humphreys Brook resulted in sediment problems early in the 2009 sampling season. The PWA investigated two reports from concerned watershed citizens concerning clear-cutting in the Humphreys brook watershed and the construction of an apartment complex within the protected buffer zone of Humphreys Brook. The PWA registered complaints about these projects to the Department of the Environment but it did not have any affect on the development. The developers already had the required permits to proceed with their projects.
The Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance will have to play a more pro-active role with future development projects to protect Humphreys Brook. Even though we have laws in this province that are in place to protect wetlands and streams, it appears that wetland alteration permits are easily obtained and rarely denied within Moncton City limits.
Micheals Creek
Micheals Creek is a tributary of the Petitcodiac River that has a tidal estuary. This creek is mostly rural but flows through a mobile home park and the old Moncton Railyard.
SAMPLING MICHEALS BROOK
PWMG 81 From the Salisbury Rd, turn onto Midway or Cascade Street into the Rosewood Mobile Home Park. Fol- low this road until it crosses over Micheals Brook. Sampling site is on the right hand side, 10m down- stream from the crossing. Latitude 46.06791 Longitude 64.83930
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RESULTS
DO TEMP EC TC SSC SAL. P C O N D SITE MONTH PH N ( MG/L ) ( °C) ( MPN) ( MPN) ( MG/L ) ( PPT) ( MG/L ) ( µ S )
0.089 May 11.8 9.5 7 26 2420 14 0.1 0.03 227.8 mg/L
0.344 June 7.39 15.4 6.5 1733 2420 2 0.1 0.36 260.8 mg/L
0.137 July 8.2 20.08 7 178 2420 0 0.1 0.06 157 mg/L PWMG 81 Aug 6.52 23.4 7.5 166 2420 0 0.1 17ppm 0.02 34.5
Michea ls Sept 8.93 13.1 7 1203 2420 260 0.1 20ppm 0.0 305.5 Brook
Oct 12.82 5.3 6 38 2420 0 0 15ppm 0.22 50.8
average 9.17 14.46 7 557 2420 59.33 0.1 0.115 172.73
DISCUSSION
Dissolved oxygen and water temperatures fell below desired levels in August. E. coli was high in June and September; there was also one high sediment count in September. Phosphate levels were high in June and October. Nitrates were high in August, September and October. We will continue to monitor this stream in 2010.
The Micheals Creek sampling site was cleaned up in the Spring of 2009 by volunteers from the Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance and the Petitcodiac Riverkeepers.
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There is an undersized culvert at this site, a second culvert at this site is larger but it is completely filled in with sediment.
There is a lot of garbage in this stream on the opposite side of the road from where we take our water sam- ple. Old cars, appliances and furniture have been thrown over the banks of this stream, and the banks are too steep to ask volunteers to help clean it up.
Jonathan Creek
The Jonathan Creek watershed area is approximately 50 km². The middle and upper stretches of the creek are mostly forested areas. The lower reaches lie within the Moncton City limits. Jonathan Creek reaches Jones Lake after flowing through Centennial Park, which serves as a major recreational area for the residents of Moncton and surrounding communities.
Urbanization and agriculture are the major impacts on Jonathan Creek's waters. Urbanization has a more noticeable impact on water quality due to the creek's proximity to the Moncton Industrial Park and also from residential/commercial storm sewer outlets that discharge into the creek. Fine sediments characterize the physical substrate for the lower reaches of the creek. This sediment originates from bank erosion and runoff coming into the creek from ditches. Fish passage is also restricted because of two barriers located at the outfalls of Centennial Park Pond and Jones Lake. These barriers have serious impacts on anadromous fish species like Trout and Salmon that can't access potential spawning grounds upstream.
SAMPLING JONATHAN CREEK
JC 10 -Jonathan Creek at Centennial Park At Centennial Park, park by the canteen and walk down to the man-made beach. The site is behind the pool, you will see the path that goes right to the stream on the left side. Latitude: 46.08685 Longitude: 64.81882
JC 07 -Jonathan Creek at Horseman Rd. Go down Berry Mills road. Turn onto Horseman Rd. on your right and go down to the end of that road. The sampling site is on the right side. Latitude: 46.10254 Longitude: 64.86169
JC 02 -Jonathan Creek on Berry Mills This site is on the left side of Berry Mills Rd, just after Christie Rd. Continue on this road until you pass under the TCH and the site is just after the bridge. Latitude: 46.10726 Longitude: 64.93249
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RESULTS
DO TEMP EC TC SSC SAL. P C O N D SITE MONTH PH N ( MG/L ) ( °C) ( MPN) ( MPN) ( MG/L ) ( PPT) ( MG/L ) ( µ S )
May 10.34 11.5°C 7.0 115 961 8 0.1 0.859 0.4 270.2
June 7.02 15°C 7.0 816 ≥2420 2 0.1 0.346 0.07 259.2
July 8.03 20°C 7.5 236 ≥2420 12 0.1 0.315 0.16 266.0 JC 02
Jona- Aug 7.02 22.1°C 7.0 219 ≥2420 0 0.2 13 ppm 0.11 324.8 than Creek 120 at Berry Sept 10.07 11.9°C 7.0 345 ≥2420 26 0.1 0.18 208.5 Mills ppm Rd. Oct 12.95 4.4°C 7.0 47 ≥2420 12 0 14 ppm 0.38 91.6
average 9.2 14.2°C 7.1 296 2176 10.0 0.1 0.22 236.7
DO TEMP EC TC SSC SAL. P C O N D SITE MONTH PH N ( MG/L ) ( °C) ( MPN) ( MPN) ( MG/L ) ( PPT) ( MG/L ) ( µ S )
May 12.34 10.7°C 7.0 26 ≥2420 8 0.1 0 0 273.1
June 9.41 14.8°C 7.0 77 1733 0 0.1 0.118 0.12 302.2
July 9.44 7.0 64 0.1 0.97 0.4 250 JC 07 18.7°C 225 ≥2420
Jona- Aug 8.55 22.7°C 7.0 548 1553 0 0.1 13 ppm 0.31 316.4 than Creek at Horse- Sept 10.31 13.2°C 6.5 ≥2420 ≥2420 120 0.1 17 ppm 0.05 253.0 man Rd. Oct 13.6 4.4°C 7.0 26 ≥2420 0 0 14 ppm 0.15 87.2
average 10.6 14.1°C 6.9 569 2160 32.0 0.1 0.17 205.4
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DO TEMP EC TC SSC SAL. P C O N D SITE MONTH PH N ( MG/L ) ( °C) ( MPN) ( MPN) ( MG/L ) ( PPT) ( MG/L ) ( µ S )
May 10.84 10.2°C 7.5 96 ≥2420 0 0.2 0.266 0.51 364.6
June 7.98 14.8°C 7.5 488 ≥2420 8 0.2 0.096 0.21 402.0
July 8.41 18.9°C 7.0 517 ≥2420 20 0.2 0.133 0.32 290.0
JC 10 Jonatha Aug 9.79 25.1°C 8.0 461 ≥2420 0 0.2 18 ppm 0.19 413.3 n Creek at Centen Sept 9.93 13.5°C 7.5 ≥2420 ≥2420 60 0.1 17 ppm 0.1 273.4 nial Park Oct 13.08 5.0°C 7.0 186 ≥2420 140 0.1 15 ppm 0.15 173.8
average 10.01 14.6°C 7.4 695 ≥2420 38.0 0.2 0.25 319.5
DISCUSSION
In 2008 and 2009 the Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance assessed the culverts in Jonathan creek for fish passage. There are many culverts in Jonathan Creek that are undersized and contribute to the flooding problem in this sub-watershed of the Petitcodiac River. The dams at Centennial Park and Jones Lake both prevent fish passage, and there are identifiable problems with many more of the culverts along the creek that likely hinder fish passage during dry spells. One culvert, that is separating has been identified as a hazard to humans and animals since a hole has emerged in the bank that is large enough to fall into.
In 2008, the Petitcodiac watershed Alliance objected to a zoning by-law change that would permit more construction in the Jonathan Creek sub-watershed off of the Ryan Rd in an effort to prevent more silt and sediment from entering this stream from construction sites. We were assured by the developer and by the City of Moncton that a sediment control plan was in place that would prevent sediment deposition in Jonathan Creek. During the 2009 sampling season sediment deposition increased in Jonathan Creek and the PWA complained to the City of Moncton and the Department of the Environment, asking that the sediment control plans already in place be enforced. Despite our request, sediment control plans are still not being enforced along Jonathan Creek.
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Separating segments of a culvert in Jonathan creek pose a hazard to the general public and animals as the hole is large enough to fall into; it also allows sediment to fall into the waterway during run-off events. (Summer 2009 PWA photo)
Constructions companies working within buffer zones along Jonathan Creek have done very little to prevent sediment loading in the creek. In this picture a single layer of filter fabric is the only barrier to sediment deposition for a new culvert with bare eroding banks. (Summer 2009 PWA photo)
Dead fish were observed in Jonathan Creek on two occassions during the 2009 sampling season. (Summer 2009 PWA photo)
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Damaged culvert in Jonathan Creek (PWA photo 2008)
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Little River
Little River, formerly known as Coverdale River, is located south of the Village of Salisbury. This river has a drainage area of 276 km². It is characterized by agricultural activities and forested areas.
SAMPLING LITTLE RIVER
PWMG 17 - Little River near mouth. On route 112 E. The site is at a dirt rd. just before a bridge. The dirt road is on the right hand side. To access this site, you have to walk under the bridge. Latitude: 46.02046 Longitude: 65.02310
RESULTS
DO TEMP EC TC SSC SAL. P C O N D SITE MONTH PH N ( MG/L ) ( °C) ( MPN) ( MPN) ( MG/L ) ( PPT) ( MG/L ) ( µ S )
May 10.65 11.4°C 7.0 63 ≥2420 8 0 0.097 0.21 53.3
June 9.49 15.6°C 7.0 613 ≥2420 12 0 0.048 0.16 58.1
July 9.28 21.5°C 7.6 308 ≥2420 0 0 0.013 0.06 51.0
PWMG 17 Aug 10.22 25.9°C 7.5 17 ≥2420 0 0 9.3 ppm 0.09 67.3
Sept 9.29 13.8°C 6.5 115 ≥2420 0 0 9.5 ppm 1.2 67.7 Little River Oct 12.86 5.0°C 6.5 49 ≥2420 0 0 9.2 ppm 0.21 34.3
average 10.3 15.5°C 7.0 194 ≥2420 3.3 0 0.32 55.3
DISCUSSION
Little River water quality is generally good, except during periods of heavy rain when E. coli levels tend to be elevated. Run-off from agricultural operations could explain the elevated E. coli levels in this stream. During the 2009 sampling season cattle were spotted standing in this stream and a lot of damage is visible in the buffer zone of this river in areas where cattle are pastured. Some agricultural lands are visibly eroding along the banks of this river. High phosphate levels in the spring and fall in this river may coincide with manure or fertilizer applications on agricultural lands. In most areas, the physical and aquatic qualities of this river are in good condition and the water quality of this river is typical of
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other rural streams in the Petitcodiac River watershed. There is some interest in restoring salmon runs in this stream once the causeway on the Petitcodiac River is replaced by a bridge.
The Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance should begin working with agricultural organizations that encourage their members to reduce the environmental impact of their agricultural operations. At least one agricultural operation in this sub-watershed is increasing the size of their operation.
North River
The North River is located in the northern part of the Petitcodiac River watershed. The total drainage area is 264 km² and its main land use is agriculture. Except for a few farms and a golf course, commercial development is non-existent.
SAMPLING NORTH RIVER
PWMG 5 - North River above Rte 885 Bridge Follow HWY 2 towards Saint John (exit 423) and take exit 233. Follow route 106 E towards Petitcodiac. At the yield sign, turn right on Old Post Rd. Follow sign to Havelock (on the left, on King) and follow route 885 (to the right). Turn left at Intervale rd. and the site is beside house # 915. Take the sample 30- 40m upstream of bridge on route 885. Latitude: 45.96181 Longitude: 65.20003
RESULTS
DO TEMP EC TC SSC SAL. P C O N D SITE MONTH PH N ( MG/L ) ( °C) ( MPN) ( MPN) ( MG/L ) ( PPT) ( MG/L ) ( µ S )
May 11.66 14.1°C 7.5 16 1733 4 0.2 0.048 0 428.2
June 9.45 16.2°C 7.0 179 ≥2420 0 0.2 0.213 0.17 454.3
PWMG July 9.81 21.6°C 7.7 173 ≥2420 0 0.1 0.877 0.18 259.0 5
North Aug 8.78 25.3°C 8.0 99 ≥2420 0 0.3 32 ppm 0.19 650.0 River
Sept 10.01 13.4°C 7.5 866 ≥2420 0 0.3 18 ppm 0.23 544.0
Oct 12.72 5.1°C 6.5 111 ≥2420 0 0 17 ppm 0.02 65.0
average 10.4 15.9°C 7.4 241 2305 0.7 0.2 0.13 400.1
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DISCUSSION Water temperatures in Little River exceeded the optimal temperatures required by salmonid species of fish for a short period of time, (25.3°C in August). E.coli levels exceeded the maximum value of 200 MPN recommended for recreational use in September. Nitrate and phosphate levels were high during most of the sampling season. The water quality in this river is probably influenced by agricultural activity in this sub-watershed. There are farms in this sub-watershed of the Petitcodiac River that have increased in size in the past year. The PWA will continue to monitor the Little River to see what impact this may have on future water quality. Any farmer within the Petitcodiac River watershed should be encouraged to contact the PWA to obtain our sampling results and determine what impact their agricultural operation has on water quality.
Mill Creek
The Mill Creek watershed is located in the Town of Riverview. This system has a watershed area of 51km2. Activities within this watershed include; the Dobson hiking trail, the Town of Riverview cross country ski trails, snowmobile trails, and forestry. ATV trails also cross this river at our sampling site. In the lower parts of Mill Creek near the confluence with the Petitcodiac River, the physical substrate is very silty and the surrounding vegetation is mostly grasses, similar to the vegetation found along the shores of the Petitcodiac River below the causeway. This area is also under tidal influence twice a day. Approximately one to two kilometres upstream from the confluence, the physical habitat changes dramatically with rocky substrate and a mixed forest buffer zone. A unique feature to Mill Creek is an old dam located two kilometres from the confluence. This structure was built in the 1950's by the Department of Defence as an artificial reservoir to be used in case of forest fires. The dam is approximately 40 meters long by 7 meters high and the reservoir is back up one kilometre behind the structure. This structure does not provide any fish passage. The majority of the Mill Creek watershed is still forested, but there is some clear-cutting and residential development above the dam. Severe bank erosion and poorly planned dirt roads are responsible for some sediment deposition in the creek.
SAMPLING MILL CREEK
PWMG 20 - Mill Creek below reservoir. On route 114 S (downtown Riverview), drive until you pass the Petro-Canada service station. Take a right on Runnymede Rd and drive all the way up to the dirt road. Follow the dirt road that goes to the left until it reaches the river. Latitude: 46.060003 Longitude: 64.758088
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RESULTS
DO TEMP EC TC SSC SAL. P C O N D SITE MONTH PH N ( MG/L ) ( °C) ( MPN) ( MPN) ( MG/L ) ( PPT) ( MG/L ) ( µ S )
May 11.68 13.8°C 6.5 5 1300 18 0 0 0.18 82.0
June 9.91 16.2°C 5.5 270 ≥2420 8 0 0.133 0.22 29.3
July error
PWMG Aug 6.25 27.5°C 7.0 30 ≥2420 0 0 14ppm 0.18 84.5 20
Mill Sept 10.08 14.9°C 435 ≥2420 14 0.1 19ppm 0.06 167.0 Creek
Oct 13.37 4.0°C 6.5 1120 ≥2420 0 0 29 ppm 0.15 29.9
average 10.3 15.3°C 6.4 372 2196 8.0 0 0.16 65.5
DISCUSSION
An electrofishing survey was conducted in Mill Creek during the 2009 sampling season. In the elec- trofishing survey, 1 Brook Trout, 76 American Eels, 3 Black Nose Dace, 10 Creek Chub, 1 Killifish, 21 Shiners and 16 White Suckers were found in the section of river below the dam.
Some nitrate and phosphate levels in this sub-watershed were high, the source of these contaminates re- quires further investigation. E. coli levels were also high which is not what we expected to find in Mill Creek. Last year there were no E. coli levels over the recreational limit of 200 MPN and the three year av- erage for E. coli is only 70 MPN. For 2009 the average for the entire summer is 372 MPN. If the E. coli lev- els remain high during the 2010 sampling season the PWA will have to investigate the source.
The Mill Creek dam (pictured below) does not allow fish passage, and has an impact on the species of fish that can be found in Mill Creek. This dam should be removed or fish ladders should be installed to allow the passage of diadromous fish species in Mill Creek.
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Petitcodiac River
The Petitcodiac River is the main stem of the watershed; it has a drainage area of over 2000 km². The numerous tributaries of the Petitcodiac River run through a variety of different natural and man made enviroments. The Petitcodiac River begins in the Village of Petitcodiac at the confluence of the Anagance River and the North River. It then runs through the Village of Salisbury, the Town of Riverview and the Cities of Moncton and Dieppe. Along the shores of these major settlements we find agricultural activities, forestry, residential developments, a causeway and sewage lagoons (effluent pipes). Long sections of the Petitcodiac River have virtually no buffer zones and some of the small tributaries that run into it are also badly degraded, especially those within city limits.
The Petitcodiac River has been the focus of much controversy over the past few years. A causeway was built over the Petitcodiac River in 1968 to connect Riverview and Moncton. The causeway structure was designed to allow fish passage, but the gates in the causeway never worked properly and fish passage for some species of fish was and still is severely affected. The Province of New Brunswick has initiated an environmental impact study to assess the possibility of the removal of the causeway and susequently replacing it with a bridge. The gates in the causeway will be opened permanently for two ice-free seasons beginning in March or April of 2010. During this time fish passage, sediment deposition, bank erosion and other parameters will be assessed by an independent consulting company and a coalition of environmental groups interested in the restoration of the Petitcodiac River. The Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance is one member of this coalition. Other members include the Moncton Fish and Game Association, the Petitcodiac Sportsmans Club, the Dieppe Fly Tying Club, the Atlantic Salmon Federation, the Petitcodiac Riverkeepers, Fort Folly First Nation, the NB Salmon Council, the NB Wildlife Federation and the Big Salmon River Angling Association.
SAMPLING PETITCODIAC RIVER
PWMG 16 - Petitcodiac River below Route 112 bridge On route 112 heading East, there is a little dirt road across from house # 2588 that will give you access to the sampling site. Latitude: 46.02165 Longitude: 65.03470
PWMG RM - Riverview Marina Cross the causeway over the Petitcodiac River to go to Riverview then turn right on to route 112. At the traffic lights turn right onto Biggs Drive then turn left onto Lakeside Drive. Drive to the end of Lakside drive to find the Riverview Marina, sample is taken near the warf by wading into the Petitcodiac River as far as possible.
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RESULTS
DO TEMP EC TC SSC SAL. P C O N D SITE MONTH PH N ( MG/L ) ( °C) ( MPN) ( MPN) ( MG/L ) ( PPT) ( MG/L ) ( µ S )
0.04 May 12.81 13.1°C 6.7 20 1414 0 0.1 0.12 141.9 mg/L
0.248 June 9.48 15.7°C 7.0 225 ≥2420 10 0.1 0.32 184.7 mg/L 21.25° 0.058 July 9.3 7.5 179 ≥2420 8 0.1 0.08 116.0 C mg/L PWMG 16 Aug 11.12 8.0 0 0 16 ppm 0.01 140.6 25.1°C 18 1986 Petit- codiac Sept 11.02 13.6°C 7.0 649 ≥2420 0 0.1 14 ppm 0.12 244.5 River Salis- bury Oct 11.88 5.7°C 6.0 124 ≥2420 4 0 11 ppm 0.19 150
average 10.9 15.7°C 7.1 202 2180 3.7 0.1 0.14 163
DO TEMP EC TC SSC SAL. P C O N D SITE MONTH PH N ( MG/L ) ( °C) ( MPN) ( MPN) ( MG/L ) ( PPT) ( MG/L ) ( µ S )
May 10.25 17.0 6.5 13.2 ≥2420 28 0.1 0.04 0.36 114.3
June 8.2 17.6 7.0 ≥2420 ≥2420 20 0.1 0 0.36 149.1
July 8.6 22.8 7.5 ≥2420 ≥2420 0 0.1 0 0.15 136.0 RM Aug 10.4 27 7.0 ≥2420 ≥2420 0 0.1 7.2 ppm 0.21 109.8 Petit- codiac River at Sept 9.6 16.1 7.0 90.9 ≥2420 0 0.1 14 ppm 0.52 199.7 River- view Marina Oct error 1 48
average 9.4 20.1 7.0 1227 2024 0.0 0.1 0.32 114.8
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DISCUSSION
In our sampling data from 2009, we see that water temperatures were high in both sampling sites in August, especially at the marina site, probably because it is deep and dark standing water. E. coli levels were high at the Salisbury sampling site in June and September and they were over recreational limits at the marina sampling site in June, July and August. Nitrates and phosphates were occassionally high at both sites. There are multiple point and non-point sources of pollution affecting water quality in the Petitcodiac River. The City of Moncton has used the banks of the Petitcodiac River as a dump-site in the past and leachate from those sites affect water quality today. The Greater Moncton sewage treatment plant also continues to dump effluent into the Petitcodiac River with only a primary level of sewage treatment. The contaminants from these two problems are probably affecting the marina sampling site during high tides when water can seep into the headpond through the open gates. Upstream at the Salisbury sampling site, contamination sources are harder to identify and require further study and monitoring.
Leachate from the old City of Moncton dumpsite cannot be contained and affects water quality downstream of the Petitcodiac River causeway.
Sewage from the Sewage treatment plant that has undergone only primary treatment and raw sewage from communities along the river continue to be dumped directly into the Petitcodiac River.
Pollett River
The Pollett River is located between the Villages of Elgin and Salisbury. This system has a watershed size of 314 km². Approximately 50% of this sub-watershed is made up of woodlots. A good portion of these woodlots is still intact. It goes without saying that the major activity in this watershed is forestry mixed with light agriculture. Cottages and private dwellings also border the Pollett. This river system encom- passes the most pristine terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in the entire Petitcodiac River watershed. The physical habitat of this river is comparable to habitats found in the Miramichi River. The uniqueness of this watershed has captured the interest of the Fundy Model Forest and other groups, which carry out different studies on woodlot management and beneficial practices such as the main- tainance of sustainable wildlife habitat within the watershed.
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The Pollett River watershed is the crown jewel of the Petitcodiac River watershed, is a perfect example of how moderate development can proceed without negatively affecting the aquatic ecosystem of a region. The ecotourism potential of this area is like no other in the Petitcodiac River watershed, and should be considered in order to help maintain its long-term ecological integrity.
SAMPLING POLLETT RIVER
PWMG 11 - Pollett River, 1km above mouth On route 106 towards Salisbury and turn onto Powers Pit Rd (on the right). Turn right after covered bridge and the sampling site is on the left at the first clearing. Latitude: 45.99573 Longitude: 65.09082
RESULTS
DO TEMP EC TC SSC SAL. P C O N D SITE MONTH PH N ( MG/L ) ( °C) ( MPN) ( MPN) ( MG/L ) ( PPT) ( MG/L ) ( µ S )
0.15 May 12.07 12.3°C 6.5 1 1046 0 0 0.159 43.9 mg/L
0.235 June 9.33 15.2°C 7.0 77 ≥2420 6 0 0.16 51.3 mg/L 0.35 July 9.54 20.6°C 7.0 49 ≥2420 0 0 0.16 45.0 mg/L PWMG 11 Aug 10.26 24.0°C 7.5 161 ≥2420 0 0 17 ppm 0.09 56.7
Pollett Sept 10.58 13.5°C 7.0 154 ≥2420 0 0 8.8 ppm 0.28 55.6 River
Oct 12.23 5.2°C 6.5 39 ≥2420 0 0 9.2 ppm 0.1 32.1
average 10.7 15.1°C 6.9 80 2191 1.0 0 0.16 47.4
DISCUSSION
The Pollett River was part of a larger detailed study that will soon be available on the PWA website. Our sampling results indicate that the only problem in the Pollett River was one high water temperature (24°C during the month of August). Since the government has announced that the gates on the causeway across the Petitcodiac River will be permanently opened in 2009 there has been a great interest in restoring the Inner bay of Fundy Atlantic Salmon population in the Pollett River. In June of 2009, 26,000 young unfed salmon fry were released in the Pollett River. The Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance is also applying to have the Pollett River classified as an Outstanding Natural Watercourse. There has been some clearcutting in the headwaters of the Pollett River which has raised the concern of local residents, and a quarry operation in the Village of Elgin was opened in 2009. There is also a lot of riverfront land for sale along the banks of the Pollett River and the Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance is
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working with local landowners to ensure that the buffer zones within the Pollett River watershed are pro- tected. Monitoring of the Pollett River will continue in 2010.
This picture taken in 2009 by the PWA shows a road under construction very close to the Pollett River. The landowner did not have a permit for this work and was reqired to apply for one before this job was completed. During heavy rainfall events, this road will contribute sediment into the Pollett River.
Rabbit Brook
Rabbit Brook is a tributary of Halls Creek. It has a watershed area measuring 29 km² and is a watercourse that is highly influenced by urbanization. A physical habitat survey of this brook indicates that it is con- siderably degraded. Sediment deposition, E. coli contamination and siltation due to urban sprawl are ma- jor issues for the physical habitat of Rabbit Brook. A large part of Rabbit Brook is now underground. The majority of the brook's substrate is made up mainly of fine sediments, which is knee deep in some areas. This sediment originates from multiple sources such as bank erosion, storm sewer outlets, inade- quate culvert installation, streambed modification and piping. Storm sewer outlets carry large amounts of sand and silt into Rabbit Brook during rain events. Bank erosion resulting from poor culvert installation (ex. size, height from the stream bed, etc.), and from modification of the brook's streambed to accommo- date urban development is common.
SAMPLING RABBIT BROOK
PWMG 24 - Rabbit Brook near mouth On Kendra St. and drive all the way to the end (to the cul-de-sac). Take the sample approx. 10 m upstream from the culvert under Wheeler Blvd. Latitude: 46.11176 Longitude: 64.80861
PWMG 80 - Rabbit Brook Upper Take Hwy 15 (Wheeler blvd.) and take the Mountain Rd. exit (#5). Turn right and then left on Plaza Blvd. Pull into the parking lot of the apartment buildings across from the Moncton Chrysler Dodge on Plaza Blvd. If you turn onto this rd. from Mountain Rd. the site is on the right. Latitude: 46.11194 Longitude: 64.83027
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RESULTS
DO TEMP EC TC SSC SAL. P C O N D SITE MONTH PH N ( MG/L ) ( °C) ( MPN) ( MPN) ( MG/L ) ( PPT) ( MG/L ) ( µ S )
1.582 May 13.63 12.2°C 8.0 ≥2420 ≥2420 4 0.5 0.16 944.0 mg/L
Too June 6.63 13.6°C 7.0 1120 ≥2420 12 0.2 0.27 397.6 high
0.687 July 9.68 18.5°C 8.0 ≥2420 ≥2420 0 0.4 0.22 749.0 mg/L
PWMG Aug 11.67 8.0 0 0.4 19 ppm 0.18 832.0 24 23.2°C ≥2420 ≥2420 Rabbit Brook Downst Sept 7.13 17.0°C 7.5 ≥2420 ≥2420 0 0.1 12ppm 0.20 198.6 ream
Oct 7.92 9.2°C 7.5 214 ≥2420 10 0.2 19 ppm 0.22 391.4
average 9.4 15.6°C 7.7 1835 ≥2420 4.3 0.3 0.21 585.4
DO TEMP EC TC SSC SAL. P C O N D SITE MONTH PH N ( MG/L ) ( °C) ( MPN) ( MPN) ( MG/L ) ( PPT) ( MG/L ) ( µ S )
0.266 May 11.6 9.4°C 7.0 ≥2420 ≥2420 36 0.2 0.59 440.2 mg/L
0.917 June 9.2 12.4°C 7.0 921 ≥2420 36 0.3 0.14 619.0 mg/L
0.286 July 14.46 13.7°C 7.5 ≥2420 ≥2420 0 0.3 0.68 204.4 mg/L
PWMG Aug 10.84 14.8°C 8.0 ≥2420 ≥2420 0 0.4 23 ppm 0.51 775.0 80 Rabbit Brook Sept 11.1 15.4°C 7.0 ≥2420 ≥2420 240 0.2 11ppm 0.71 463.3 at Plaza Blvd. Oct 9.15 9.9°C 7.0 ≥2420 ≥2420 92 0.2 17 ppm 0.42 391.2
average 11.1 12.6°C 7.3 2170 ≥2420 67.3 0.3 0.51 482.2
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DISCUSSION
The Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance received calls from concerned watershed citizens during the summer of 2009 to report construction activitity causing damage to the buffer zone and the riverbed of rabbit Brook. Our investigation revealed that a business in the area had obtained a permit to bury another 100 ft of Rabbit Brook to make additional space for a parking lot in 2008 and was permitted to do additional work in 2009 under the already obtained permit. It was also reported to the PWA, that a local landowner was pushing snow from a storage lot into Rabbit Brook. The Department of the Environment was called in to investigate and the property owner was allowed to continue pushing snow into the river but only under certain conditions. Sewage cross connections with parking lot stormsewers continue to affect the water quality of Rabbit Brook. Almost all parameters test above the recommended water quality limits at least once, sometimes every month. Despite the fact that this watercouse is abused and contaminated, fish were observed in sections of the stream between sampling sites. The Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance needs to help Petit- codiac River watershed citizens learn to value their remaining watercourses and water resources.
Snow being pushed into Rabbit Brook from the back of a business on Karen Drive. (left) (Photo courtesy of Georges Brun, December 2009)
Culvert work taking place in Rabbit Brook where Rab- bit Brook emerges from underground, just off of Plaza Bouleverd in Moncton, NB. (right) (PWA photo, summer 2009)
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Rabbit Brook at Mapleton Road, Moncton, NB in 2001. (Photo courtesy of Georges Brun) In this photo, a section of Rabbit Brook is protected from sediment deposition through the construction of a silt fence.
Rabbit Brook at Mapleton Road, Moncton, NB in August of 2009. (PWA photo) In this photo, the same section of Rabbit Brook is being filled in to make room for more parking lot spaces next to Skipper Jacks on Mapleton Road.
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Turtle Creek
Turtle Creek is situated near the Town of Riverview and the head pond above the Turtle Creek dam provides the main supply of drinking water for the tri-community (Dieppe, Moncton, Riverview). The reservoir is 15,000 hectares in size and is protected under the Provincial Watershed Protected Area Designation Order, which puts strict limits on the type of activities that can be done within 75 meters of the reservoir. The Turtle Creek watershed is mainly forested and managed by the City of Moncton.
RESULTS
DO TEMP EC TC SSC SAL. P C O N D SITE MONTH PH N ( MG/L ) ( °C) ( MPN) ( MPN) ( MG/L ) ( PPT) ( MG/L ) ( µ S )
0.058 May 13.0 8.2 6.5 9.6 1046.2 0 0 0 48.6 mg/L
0.235 June 9.8 13.4 6.5 37.9 ≥2420 0 0 0.13 55.8 mg/L
0.217 July 9.6 17.6 7.5 ≥2420 ≥2420 0 0 0.12 48.0 mg/L
Turtle Aug 10.6 21.5 7 13.2 1986.3 0 0 8.9 ppm 0.21 30.6 Creek
Sept 9.5 12.9 7 ≥2420 ≥2420 28 0 8.8 ppm 0.14 48.4
Oct 12.6 5.9 6.5 18.7 1299.7 0 0 10 ppm 0.18 30.7
average 10.8 13.24 6.8 820 1931.8 4.7 0 0.13 43.7
DISCUSSION
There were some unusually high E. coli and sediment levels in Turtle Creek recorded over the 2009 sampling season. This could have been the result of some clearcutting work that had been started by the City of Moncton in the Turtle Creek sub-watershed to expand the Turtle Creek drinking water resevoir. Conductivity, phosphate and nitrate levels remained relatively constant throughout the sampling season.
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6.0 MEMRAMCOOK WATERSHED Breau Creek
Breau Creek is located in the central area of the Memramcook watershed. The Breau Creek watershed has an area of approximately 60.25 km². Near its mouth, Breau Creek is influenced by tides. In its lower section, Breau Creek flows through a rural area with marshlands, whereas its median section moves along an uninhabited wooded area, but there is still human and industrial activity present (quarries).
The physical habitat of Breau Creek in its lower section (between Route 106 and the Palmer Road bridge) is indicative of a region that is influenced by the tides (mainly 70%-80% and more silt/mud/sediment) and the water is sometimes cloudy. In the central and upper sections (from Palmer Road up to the quarry), the physical habitat improves considerably, and the substrate is composed mainly of gravel, of rocks, and sand.
SAMPLING BREAU CREEK
PWMG 52 - Breau Creek at Route 106 bridge From the Memramcook East Rd. (exit 488) turn right on Breau Creek Rd and follow it until you get to a fork in the road. Take a left on to Palmer Rd at the fork and the site is just under the bridge. Take the sample about 100 m downstream from the bridge. Latitude: 45.96970 Longitude: 64.51754?
RESULTS
DO TEMP EC TC SSC SAL. P C O N D SITE MONTH PH N ( MG/L ) ( °C) ( MPN) ( MPN) ( MG/L ) ( PPT) ( MG/L ) ( µ S )
0.199 May 12.32 11.7°C 7.0 23 365 0 0 1.55 88.8 mg/L
0.54 June 9.33 17.0°C 6.5 80 1986 18 0 0.21 72.3 mg/L
July 9.23 18.8°C 7.0 122 ≥2420 0 0 92.5
PWMG 52 Aug 8.51 19.2°C 7.0 236 ≥2420 0 0.1 10 ppm 0.12 107.2
Breau Creek Sept 9.87 12.9°C 7.0 345 ≥2420 0 0 16 ppm 0.15 75.9
Oct 13.47 4.6°C 6.5 24 ≥2420 0 0 8.9 ppm 0.38 58.2
average 10.5 14.0°C 6.8 138 2005 3.0 0 0.48 82.5
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DISCUSSION
Nitrates and phosphates were high in Breau Creek in the spring, probably as a result of agricultural operations in the area, although this has yet to be confirmed. Since E. coli levels remained low in the spring the nitrate and phosphate contamination likely came from an application of chemical fertilizers. Suspended sediments were also high in June, most likely a result of heavy rainfall the day before.
In 2008, the Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance partnered with the Village of Memramcook to obtain funding for the Haut-du-ruisseau Nature Park near our sampling site at Breau Creek. This park officially opened in the fall of 2009.
Also in the fall of 2009 an electrofishing survey was conducted in a short section of Breau Creek. Breau Creek was found to have a healthy population of 43 brook trout, 21 American eels, 1 three-spine stickle- back and 22 white suckers. Breau Creek is also home to many beavers.
One breached culvert was also located on Breau Creek during the electrofishing survey; in 2010 the PWA will re-locate this culvert and report it to the Department of the Environment.
Meadow Brook
Meadow Brook is located in the upper region of the Memramcook River Watershed and runs on each side of Route 2. The Meadow Brook watershed covers an area of approximately 38 km².
The bed of Meadow Brook is mainly characterized by a bottom of rocks sometimes covered by sand or a bit of sediment and also organic matter. The surrouding environment of the water course is primarily wooded (presence of coniferous and leafy trees, including yellow birch). Meadow Brook has a good width and its flow is good. Water is clear, sometimes reddish.
SAMPLING MEADOW CREEK
PWMG 58 - Meadow Creek at Calhoun Take the HWY going towards Nova Scotia. Take exit 480 towards Calhoun, turn left onto the Old Shediac Rd and follow it until you see the HWY to your left. This site is on the left side at a guardrail (Side closest to the TCH). Latitude: 46.09135 Longitude: 64.59552
PWMG 61 - Meadow Creek at mouth Take HWY 2 and exit 482. Cross the bridge to the Quarry and take the dirt rd into the quarry. Before you get to the quarry you will see a dirt road on your right. This road is a service road for the railway so it is maintained but rough (do not travel this road with anything but a four wheel drive truck) Stay on the well travelled road, there are numerous roads branching off it. Near the end you will come to a cross- road. From here take a right, all the roads will look about the same at this point. Then take your first left, it will likely be barely passable. Keep going until you see train tracks and take a right to bring you to a bridge. The sample site is on the left side. Latitude: 46.02691 Longitude: 64.58523
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RESULTS
DO TEMP EC TC SSC SAL. P C O N D SITE MONTH PH N ( MG/L ) ( °C) ( MPN) ( MPN) ( MG/L ) ( PPT) ( MG/L ) ( µ S )
0.004 May 11.34 13.0°C 6.5 79 ≥2420 4 0 0.28 80.2 mg/L
0.306 June 8.72 15.6°C 6.0 70 ≥2420 8 0 0.19 58.2 mg/L
July 8.61 19.8°C 613 ≥2420 12 0 76.2
PWMG 58 Aug 8.25 20.6°C 6.5 435 ≥2420 0 0 22 ppm 0.28 87.1
Meado w Cr. Sept 10.51 12.8°C 6.5 186 ≥2420 0 0 17 ppm 0.42 80.1 At Cal- houn Oct 11.33 3.2°C 6 19 1553 0 0 20 ppm 0.1 42.6
average 9.8 14.2°C 6.3 232 2275 4.0 0 0.25 70.7
DO TEMP EC TC SSC SAL. P C O N D SITE MONTH PH N ( MG/L ) ( °C) ( MPN) ( MPN) ( MG/L ) ( PPT) ( MG/L ) ( µ S )
0.465 May 11.71 12.0°C 6.5 37 1300 2 0 0.14 91.7 mg/L
0.22 June 9.2 16.9°C 111 ≥2420 4 0 0.133 41.1 mg/L
July 10.44 18.8°C 186 ≥2420 18 0 84.6
PWMG Aug 7.76 20.4°C 7.0 20 ≥2420 0 0 20 ppm 0.11 91.2 61
Meado Sept 10.74 13.3°C 6.5 155 ≥2420 2 0 23 pmm 0.34 error w Cr. Near mouth Oct 14.2 3.3°C 6.0 11 ≥2420 0 0 14 ppm 0.14 40.7
average 10.7 14.1°C 6.5 87 2233 4.3 0 0.17 69.9
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DISCUSSION
E. coli levels during the warmer summer months were high at the Calhoun sampling site but not near the mouth of the stream where it empties into the Memramcook River. This may be in part due to the location of our sampling site; the Calhoun sampling site has deeper and slower moving water. Nitrates and phosphates were higher than in other rural streams and may reflect the presence of farms and residences in the area that may be applying chemical fertilizers in the spring and fall. Since this is only the first year that we have had a full season of monitoring for these two parameters, normal levels of these two nutrients in Meadow Creek are impossible to determine. We will continue to monitor this stream in 2010.
Memramcook River
The Memramcook River covers a drainage area of approximately 400 km². Including several small tributaries, the Memramcook River watershed covers a territory where human presence has very little impact on the general state of the river. In fact, aside from the Memramcook and Dorchester communities, the upper part of the Memramcook River watershed is still a largely wooded region. Near the Memramcook River causeway, there is a small water plan, which is the Memramcook Lake, with an area of approximately 0.24 km².
SAMPLING MEMRAMCOOK RIVER
PWMG 35 - Memramcook River at Calhoun Take the Calhoun exit (480) and turn left. Follow the road until house # 171 on the right (1.9 kms). Turn onto the little overgrown dirt road. This site requires a walk of about 30 minutes. The road will end just before the river; follow the ATV trail to the river. (Note: in 2008 the road became impassable to ATV’s and there was no trail to the river.) Latitude: 39.60400 Longitude 68.44800
PWMG 74 - Memramcook River at Railroad tracks Turn right on Renaissance Ext. St then turn left onto a dirt road at the end of the extension. Walk all the way down the path until you get to the train tracks, turn right at the tracks and walk until you get to the train bridge. Sample is taken from the left side near the bridge. ( Note: these tracks are monitored and if you are caught on them you will get a fine. It is illegal to walk on railway tracks, just walk beside them.) Latitude: 46.04598 Longitude:64.56589
PWMG 59 - Memramcook River at Aboujagane Rd. Follow the same directions for PWMG 72, but keep going down the road. It will turn into a dirt road, continue on it until you get to the bridge. The sample site is on the left about 50m downstream from the bridge. Latitude: 46.07126 Longitude: 64.44732
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PWMG 72 - Memramcook River South Branch at Aboujagane Rd. Get off the HWY at the Memramcook East Exit #488, turn left and turn left again on Memramcook East Rd. Drive down this road until you reach Aboujagane Rd. on the right. Turn right on Aboujagane Rd (just before the church). This site is on the left side of the road at the first stream (Still on paved Rd). Latitude: 46.01767 Longitude: 64.50102
RESULTS
DO TEMP EC TC SSC SAL. P C O N D SITE MONTH PH N ( MG/L ) ( °C) ( MPN) ( MPN) ( MG/L ) ( PPT) ( MG/L ) ( µ S )
0.164 May 10.57 16.5°C 6.0 19 1733 6 0 0.59 56.3 mg/L
0.967 June 11.11 16.4°C 5.5 14 0 0 0.26 39.4 ≥2420 mg/L
July 9.16 0 0 44.2 20.7°C 185 ≥2420 PWMG 35 Memra Aug 7.65 22.8°C 7.0 84 ≥2420 0 0 19 ppm 0.18 58.0 mcook River at Calhou Sept 11.27 12.9°C 6.5 866 ≥2420 0 0 34 ppm 0.1 53.0 n
Oct 12.77 3.8°C 5.0 19 ≥2420 6 0 15 ppm 0.15 26.8
average 10.4 15.5°C 6.0 198 2305 2.0 0 0.26 46.3
DO TEMP EC TC SSC SAL. P C O N D SITE MONTH PH N ( MG/L ) ( °C) ( MPN) ( MPN) ( MG/L ) ( PPT) ( MG/L ) ( µ S )
0.014 May 12.17 13.9°C 6.5 51 ≥2420 10 0 0.22 28.0 mg/L
1.989 June 7.95 17.3°C 5.5 45 ≥2420 12 0 0.06 23.9 mg/L
July 8.58 20.5°C 71 ≥2420 4 0 29.7 PWMG 59 Aug 8.04 21.8°C 6.0 365 ≥2420 0 0 51 ppm 0.31 36.2 Mem- ram- cook R. Sept 10.93 13.4°C 5.0 276 ≥2420 4 0 30 ppm 0.14 28.1 at Abou- jagane Rd. Oct 13.26 4.3°C 5.5 11 1733 0 0 10 ppm 0.14 24.8
average 10.2 15.2°C 5.7 137 2305 5.0 0 0.17 28.5
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DO TEMP EC TC SSC SAL. P C O N D SITE MONTH PH N ( MG/L ) ( °C) ( MPN) ( MPN) ( MG/L ) ( PPT) ( MG/L ) ( µ S )
0.665 May 11.55 12.3°C 7.0 31 ≥2420 20 0 0.18 101.1 mg/L
June 9.1 18.1°C 105 ≥2420 22 0 42.9
July 9.95 19.9°C 205 ≥2420 12 0 51.5 PWMG 74 Aug 10.06 7.0 0 0 16 ppm 0.08 90.6 21.2°C 770 ≥2420 Memra mcook Sept 10.15 13.1°C 6.5 649 ≥2420 6 0 15 ppm 0.13 61.1 R. at railroad Oct 12.73 4.0°C 5.5 21 ≥2420 0 0 12 ppm 0.11 38.0
average 10.6 14.8°C 6.5 297 ≥2420 10.0 0 0.13 64.2
DO TEMP EC TC SSC SAL. P C O N D SITE MONTH PH N ( MG/L ) ( °C) ( MPN) ( MPN) ( MG/L ) ( PPT) ( MG/L ) ( µ S )
May 9.83 14.0°C 6.5 91 1553 14 0 0.155 0.17 35.9
June 6.92 16.9°C 5.5 72 ≥2420 8 0 1.24 0.15 27.8
July 7.49 32 0 40.0 PWMG 18.9°C 362 ≥2420 72
Aug 6.73 20.5°C 6.5 45 ≥2420 0 0 11 ppm 0.09 53.8 Mem- ram- cook Sept 10.94 5.5 2 0 12 ppm 0.08 37.7 River. 13.8°C 236 ≥2420 South Branch Oct 12.54 3.8°C 5.5 10 1300 0 0 11 ppm 0.2 24.9
average 9.1 14.6°C 5.9 136 2089 9.3 0 0.14 36.7
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DISCUSSION
The Memramcook River, although mostly forested can be high in nitrates, phosphates and E. coli. This river covers a large region and finding sampling sites can be a challenge at times. The buffer zone of this river is for the most part intact except where it flows through a quarry owned by Moncton crushed stone where the buffer zone is non-existant. The river flows through the quarry on a suspended column of stone. Lift limits probably should have been placed on the quarry operation to prevent the operation from mining any lower than the river bed. There is a new quarry operation opening near the Calhoun site and it will be much larger than the two quarries already operating in the region. Residents seen to think that the quarries are responsible for the sediments that are sometimes in the river, however the PWA has observed that sediments are usually only a problem when the tide is in or when the Memramcook causeway gates are closed. The Memramcook causeway is the greatest environmental threat to this river system because it does not allow unobstructed fish passage at all times. The Memramcook River was at one time home to the nearly extinct Inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic Salmon. The Village of Memramcook controls the opening and the closing of the gates on the causeway and they were left open most of the time during the last sampling season, as a result there was a measurable decrease in sediment deposition and an improvement in the visual appearance of the water quality in this stream.
Smith Creek
Smith Creek is located in the upper region of the Memramcook River Watershed, West of Route 2. The Smith Creek watershed covers an area of approximately 20 km².
The lower section of Smith Creek (between Old Shediac Road and Sifroid Road), has a rocky substrate but also has a large amount of sediment and organic matter.
The central section, starting at Ruffin St., has a width of approximately 20 to 25 feet, its flow is good and several deep trenches are present. The area surrounding the water course is mainly wooded and the ma- jority of the trees are leafy. Upstream of Smith Creek, we find Lake Folly, an eutrophic lake, covering an area of 0.19 km².
SAMPLING SMITH CREEK
PWMG 75 - Smith Creek From exit 482, turn left on to Rennaissance Street. Fron Rennaissence street turn right onto the Pont Rouge Rd. Pont Rouge Rd will turn into La Vallee Rte at an intersection with the Royal Rd, go through the intersection and stay on la Vallee Rte until you get to the Old Shediac Rd. From Old Shediac Rd. take a left on Sifroid and drive approx. 1km. This road is going to turn into gravel. Take the water sample on the left side of the stream. Latitude: 46.02685 Longitude: 64.58513 Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance Water Quality Report 2009
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RESULTS
DO TEMP EC TC SSC SAL. P C O N D SITE MONTH PH N ( MG/L ) ( °C) ( MPN) ( MPN) ( MG/L ) ( PPT) ( MG/L ) ( µ S )
0.071m May 13.35 13.0°C 6.0 4 435 14 0 ppt 0.06 64.6 g/L
1.648m June 8.61 17.5°C 6.0 65 ≥2420 2 0 ppt 0.11 48.5 g/L
July 8.47 0 0 ppt 59.4 21.2°C 225 ≥2420
Aug 8.42 21.7°C 6.5 387 ≥2420 0 0 ppt 11 ppm 0.06 69.3 PWMG 75 Smith Sept 11.49 12.9°C 6.5 238 ≥2420 6 0 ppt 14 ppm 0.18 63.6 Creek
Oct 13.77 4.8°C 6.0 21 1300 0 0 ppt 12 ppm 0.11 37.7
average 10.7 15.2°C 6.2 157 1902 3.7 0 ppt 0.10 57.2
DISCUSSION
The nitrate levels in the month of June were very high in this stream while phosphate levels remained comparably steady. E. coli levels were slightly over recreational limits in July, August and September. There are no obvious problems with this stream. We will continue to monitor water quality in this Creek. Freshwater mussels can be found in this stream.
Stony Creek
Stony Creek is situated in the upper part of the Memramcook River Watershed, East of Route 2. The Stony Creek watershed has an area of approximately 25 km².
Near its mouth, the physical habitat of Stony Creek is characterized by a mud and silt substrate. Banks are eroding in places and high levels of sedimentation are sometimes noted in this stream. The physical substrate and riparian zones of Stony Creek improve outside of the tidal zone. Here the substrate is mostly gravel, and the surrounding riparian area is well forested. Despite the presence of some algae, the water looks clean and clear, and has a good flow rate.
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SAMPLING STONY CREEK
PWMG 73 - Stony Creek at embouchure Go back on HWY towards Sackville. Take Exit 482; turn right onto the Memramcook Est Rd and then right onto Renaissance Ext. St. Take the dirt road on the right (between the 2 guard rails), all the way down a very steep hill. The samples should be taken after the riffle, about 20-30m downstream from the culvert. Latitude : 46.04342 Longitude : 64.56031
RESULTS
DO TEMP EC TC SSC SAL. P C O N D SITE MONTH PH N ( MG/L ) ( °C) ( MPN) ( MPN) ( MG/L ) ( PPT) ( MG/L ) ( µ S )
May 13.7 9.7°C 7.0 79 816 14 0 0.151 0.38 71.1
June 9.46 15.7°C 6.0 86 1553 2 0 1.559 0.19 44.4
July 8.45 17.5°C 119 ≥2420 0 0 60.1
PWMG 73 Aug 10.13 18.8°C 7.0 48 ≥2420 0 0 15 ppm 0.06 75.9
Sept 9.35 13.2°C 6.5 179 ≥2420 6 0 20 ppm 0.11 63.7 Stony Creek Oct 14.06 3.1°C 6.5 8 ≥2420 0 0 24 ppm 0.2 40.7
average 10.9 13.0°C 6.6 87 2008 3.7 0 59.3
DISCUSSION E. coli levels in Stony Creek were slightly above recreational limits in July, August and September. Nitrate and phosphate levels were high at times. Since this is the first year that the PWA has collected nitrate and phosphate data on this stream, it s difficult to determine if levels are normally high in this stream, we will continue to monitor Stony Creek in 2010.
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SOURCES CITED
Allan, JD. 1995. Stream Ecology. New York: Chapman and Hall.
Armantrout, NB. compiler. 1998. Glossary of aquatic habitat inventory terminology. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.
Bain, MB and NJ Stevenson, editors. 1999. Aquatic Habitat Assessment: Common Methods. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.
Behar, S. 1996. Testing the Waters: Chemical and Physical Vital Signs of a River. Dubuque, Kendall-Hunt Publishing. 211pp.
Calderon, R. and E. Modd. 1991. Health Effects of swimmers and Nonpoint Sources of Contaminated Water. International Journal of Environmental Health 1:21-31pp.
Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment. 1999. Canadian environmental quality guidelines. Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, Winnipeg. http://www.ccme.ca/index.html
Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), 1999. Priority substance list assessment report: Road salt.
Demangeot, J. 1996. Les milieux naturels du globe. 6 edition. Armand Collin. Paris. 337pp.
IDEXX, 2007. Quanti-Tray® / 2000. Maine, USA.
Environment Canada. 2009. Weather Data. http://www.climate.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/climateData/hourlydata_e.html
Grand River Conservation Authority. 2006. 2006 Watershed Report. http://www.grandriver.ca/ chueler, TR. 2000. Impact of Suspended and Deposited Sediment. Watershed Protection Techniques, Technical Note #86, 2(3): 443-4pp.
Statistics Canada. 2007. Population of the Moncton CMA. http://www12.statcan.ca/english/census06/data/profiles/community
EPA. 2006. National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. EPA 4304T, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, Washington, D.C. http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/criteria/nrwqc-2006.pdf
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APPENDIX A: RAW WATER QUALITY DATA (2009)
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Site Date Temp DO Con- Salinity pH Nitrates Phosphates MPN total E.coli SSC (dd/mm/yy) (ºC) (mg/L) ductiv- (ppt) (mg/L) (mg/L) coliform (MPN) (mg/L) ity (uS) JC 02 26/05/09 11.50 10.34 270.2 0.1 7.0 0.859 0.4 961 115 8 JC 02 22/06/09 15.00 7.02 259.2 0.1 7.0 0.346 0.07 ≥ 2420 816 2 JC 02 27/07/09 20.00 8.03 240.0 0.1 7.5 0.315 0.16 ≥ 2420 236 12
JC 02 18/08/09 22.10 7.02 324.8 0.2 7.0 13 ppm 0.11 ≥ 2420 219 0 JC 02 28/09/09 11.90 10.07 208.5 0.1 7.0 120ppm 0.18 ≥ 2420 345 26 JC 02 27/10/09 4.40 12.95 91.6 0.0 7.0 14 ppm 0.38 ≥ 2420 47 12
JC 07 26/05/09 10.70 12.34 273.1 0.1 7.0 0 0 ≥ 2420 118 8 JC 07 22/06/09 14.80 9.41 302.2 0.1 7.0 0.118 0.12 1733 77 0 JC 07 27/07/09 18.73 9.44 221.0 0.1 7.0 0.97 0.4 ≥ 2420 225 64 JC 07 18/08/09 22.70 8.55 316.4 0.1 7.0 13 ppm 0.31 1553 548 0 JC 07 28/09/09 13.20 10.31 253.0 0.1 6.5 17 ppm 0.05 ≥ 2420 ≥ 2420 120 JC 07 27/10/09 4.40 13.60 87.2 0.0 7.0 14 ppm 0.15 ≥ 2420 26 0
JC 10 26/05/09 10.20 10.84 364.6 0.2 7.5 0.266 0.51 ≥ 2420 96 0 JC 10 22/06/09 14.80 7.98 402.0 0.2 7.5 0.096 0.21 ≥ 2420 488 8 JC 10 27/07/09 18.87 8.41 290.0 0.2 7.0 0.133 0.32 ≥ 2420 517 20 JC 10 18/08/09 25.10 9.79 413.3 0.2 8.0 18 ppm 0.19 ≥ 2420 461 0 JC 10 28/09/09 13.50 9.93 273.4 0.1 7.5 17ppm 0.1 ≥ 2420 ≥ 2420 60 JC 10 27/10/09 5.00 13.08 173.8 0.1 7.0 15 ppm 0.15 ≥ 2420 186 140
PWMG 11 26/05/09 12.30 12.07 43.9 0.0 6.5 0.15 0.159 1046 1 0 PWMG 11 22/06/09 15.20 9.33 51.3 0.0 7.0 0.235 0.16 ≥ 2420 77 6 PWMG 11 27/07/09 20.63 9.54 45.0 0.0 7.0 0.35 0.16 2320 49 0 PWMG 11 20/08/09 24.00 10.26 56.7 0.0 7.5 17 ppm 0.09 ≥ 2420 161 0 PWMG 11 28/09/09 13.50 10.58 55.6 0.0 7.0 8.8ppm 0.28 ≥ 2420 154 0 PWMG 11 27/10/09 5.20 12.23 32.1 0.0 6.5 9.2 ppm 0.1 ≥ 2420 39 0
PWMG 16 26/05/09 13.10 12.81 141.9 0.1 6.7 0.04 0.12 1414 20 0 PWMG 16 22/06/09 15.70 9.48 184.7 0.1 7.0 0.248 0.32 ≥ 2420 225 10 PWMG 16 27/07/09 21.25 9.30 116.0 0.1 7.6 0.058 0.08 ≥ 2420 179 8 PWMG 16 20/08/09 25.10 11.12 14.6 0.0 8.0 16ppm 0.01 1986 18 0 PWMG 16 28/09/09 13.60 11.02 244.5 0.1 7.0 14 ppm 0.12 ≥ 2420 649 0 PWMG 16 27/10/09 5.70 11.88 5.1 0.0 6.0 11 ppm 0.19 ≥ 2420 124 4
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PWMG 17 26/05/09 11.40 10.65 53.3 0.0 7.0 0.097 0.21 ≥ 2420 63 8 PWMG 17 22/06/09 15.60 9.49 58.1 0.0 7.0 0.048 0.16 ≥ 2420 613 12 PWMG 17 27/07/09 21.52 9.28 51.0 0.0 7.6 0.013 0.06 ≥ 2420 308 0 PWMG 17 20/08/09 25.90 10.22 67.3 0.0 7.5 9.3 ppm 0.09 ≥ 2420 17 0 PWMG 17 28/09/09 13.80 9.29 67.7 0.0 6.5 9.5 ppm 1.2 ≥ 2420 115 0 PWMG 17 27/10/09 5.00 12.86 34.3 0.0 6.5 9.2 ppm 0.21 ≥ 2420 49 0
PWMG 20 29/05/09 13.80 11.68 82.0 0.0 6.5 0 0.18 1300 5 18 PWMG 20 25/06/09 16.20 9.91 29.3 0.0 5.5 0.133 0.22 ≥ 2420 270 8 PWMG 20 PWMG 20 18/08/09 27.50 6.25 84.5 0.0 7.0 14 ppm 0.18 ≥ 2420 30 0 PWMG 20 28/09/09 14.90 10.08 167.0 0.1 19 ppm 0.06 ≥ 2420 435 14 PWMG 20 29/10/09 4.00 13.37 29.9 0.0 6.5 29 ppm 0.15 ≥ 2420 1120 0
PWMG 24 28/05/09 12.20 13.63 944.0 0.5 8.0 1.582 0.16 ≥ 2420 ≥ 2420 4
Above detection PWMG 24 23/06/09 13.60 6.63 397.6 0.2 7.0 limits 0.27 ≥ 2420 1120 12 PWMG 24 27/07/09 18.50 9.68 749.0 0.4 8.0 0.687 0.22 ≥ 2420 ≥ 2420 0 PWMG 24 18/08/09 23.20 11.67 832.0 0.4 8.0 19 ppm 0.18 ≥ 2420 ≥ 2420 0 PWMG 24 24/09/09 17.00 7.13 198.6 0.1 7.5 12 ppm 0.2 ≥ 2420 ≥ 2420 0 PWMG 24 26/10/09 9.20 7.92 391.4 0.2 7.5 19 ppm 0.22 ≥ 2420 214 10
PWMG 27 28/05/09 11.10 12.29 367.6 0.2 7.0 2.57 0.16 ≥ 2420 12 0 PWMG 27 23/06/09 13.10 10.29 286.6 0.1 7.0 1.112 0.1 ≥ 2420 49 40 PWMG 27 27/07/09 17.40 10.27 350.4 0.2 7.5 0.886 0.06 ≥ 2420 145 0 PWMG 27 18/08/09 17.70 10.28 479.6 0.2 8.0 20 ppm 0 548 50 0 PWMG 27 24/09/09 14.00 10.10 458.9 0.2 8.0 18 ppm 0.17 ≥ 2420 461 14 PWMG 27 26/10/09 6.60 11.09 136.8 0.1 6.5 15 ppm 0.15 ≥ 2420 248 0
PWMG 28 28/05/09 11.70 10.82 141.5 0.1 7.0 0.213 0.22 ≥ 2420 99 12 PWMG 28 23/06/09 14.70 9.53 142.4 0.1 7.0 0.527 0.05 ≥ 2420 19 16 PWMG 28 27/07/09 21.00 9.11 146.6 0.1 7.5 1.435 0.14 ≥ 2420 345 0 PWMG 28 18/08/09 15.00 11.21 208.4 0.1 7.5 9 ppm 0.2 687 41 0 PWMG 28 24/09/09 13.50 8.80 161.0 0.1 7.5 21 ppm 0.07 ≥ 2420 186 0 PWMG 28 28/10/09 7.80 11.54 61.8 0.0 11 ppm 0.07 ≥ 2420 23 0
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PWMG 29 28/05/09 13.00 11.13 277.9 0.1 7.0 0.146 0.14 ≥ 2420 29 0 PWMG 29 23/06/09 14.40 10.37 242.9 0.1 0 0 ≥ 2420 687 2 PWMG 29 27/07/09 21.40 8.73 290.9 0.1 7.5 0.19 0.16 ≥ 2420 770 4 PWMG 29 18/08/09 23.70 9.15 271.6 0.1 7.5 15 ppm 0.11 ≥ 2420 60 0 PWMG 29 24/09/09 16.10 8.56 290.6 0.0 10 ppm ≥ 2420 1733 2 PWMG 29 29/10/09 7.80 10.66 73.1 0.0 6.5 13 ppm 0.15 ≥ 2420 276 0
PWMG 30 28/05/09 13.10 12.75 249.2 0.1 7.0 0.12 0.14 ≥ 2420 28 0 PWMG 30 23/06/09 14.90 10.02 450.4 0.2 6.5 0.12 0.29 ≥ 2420 276 178 PWMG 30 27/07/09 20.00 9.36 276.4 0.1 7.5 1.621 0.28 ≥ 2420 50 10 PWMG 30 18/08/09 21.00 8.62 297.6 0.1 7.0 18 ppm 0.2 ≥ 2420 74 0 PWMG 30 24/09/09 15.40 9.34 197.6 0.1 7.0 9 ppm 0.08 ≥ 2420 276 10 PWMG 30 26/10/09 7.60 7.85 67.4 0.0 6.5 50 ppm 0.15 ≥ 2420 214 12
PWMG 31 28/05/09 10.70 11.08 383.9 0.2 7.5 0.625 0.73 ≥ 2420 649 10 PWMG 31 23/06/09 13.80 10.07 114.6 0.1 6.5 0.797 2.6 ≥ 2420 816 8 PWMG 31 27/07/09 18.40 8.91 171.3 0.1 7.0 0.388 0.36 ≥ 2420 187 14 PWMG 31 18/08/09 21.10 7.81 184.2 0.2 7.0 20 ppm 0.33 ≥ 2420 ≥ 2420 0 PWMG 31 24/09/09 15.40 9.51 289.6 0.2 6.5 19 ppm 0.17 ≥ 2420 ≥ 2420 0 PWMG 31 26/10/09 6.90 12.38 74.8 0.0 6.0 19 ppm 0.13 ≥ 2420 82 0
PWMG 35 29/05/09 16.50 10.57 56.3 0.0 6.0 0.164 0.59 ≥ 2420 19 6 PWMG 35 25/06/09 16.40 11.11 39.4 0.0 5.5 0.967 0.26 ≥ 2420 14 0 PWMG 35 28/07/09 20.70 9.16 44.2 0.0 ≥ 2420 185 0 PWMG 35 18/08/09 22.80 7.65 58.0 0.0 7.0 19 ppm 0.18 ≥ 2420 84 0 PWMG 35 29/09/09 12.90 11.27 53.0 0.0 6.5 34 ppm 0.1 ≥ 2420 866 0 PWMG 35 29/10/09 3.80 12.77 26.8 0.0 5.0 15 ppm 0.15 ≥ 2420 19 6
PWMG 5 26/05/09 14.10 11.66 428.2 0.2 7.5 0.048 0 1733 16 4 PWMG 5 22/06/09 16.20 9.45 454.3 0.2 7.0 0.213 0.17 ≥ 2420 179 0 PWMG 5 27/07/09 21.58 9.81 259.0 0.1 7.7 0.877 0.18 ≥ 2420 173 0 PWMG 5 20/08/09 25.30 8.78 650.0 0.3 8.0 32 ppm 0.19 ≥ 2420 99 0 PWMG 5 28/09/09 13.40 10.01 544.0 0.3 7.5 18 ppm 0.23 ≥ 2420 866 0 PWMG 5 27/10/09 5.10 12.72 65.0 0.0 6.5 17 ppm 0.02 ≥ 2420 111 0
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PWMG 52 29/05/09 11.70 12.32 88.8 0.0 7.0 0.199 1.55 365 23 0 PWMG 52 25/06/09 17.00 9.33 72.3 0.0 6.5 0.54 0.21 1986 80 18 PWMG 52 28/07/09 18.80 9.23 92.5 0.0 ≥ 2420 122 0 PWMG 52 19/08/09 19.20 8.51 107.2 0.1 7.0 10 ppm 0.12 ≥ 2420 236 0 PWMG 52 29/09/09 12.90 9.87 75.9 0.0 7.0 16 ppm 0.15 ≥ 2420 345 0 PWMG 52 29/10/09 4.60 13.47 58.2 0.0 6.5 8.9 ppm 0.38 ≥ 2420 24 0
PWMG 58 29/05/09 13.00 11.34 80.2 0.0 6.5 0.004 0.28 ≥ 2420 79 4 PWMG 58 25/06/09 15.60 8.72 58.2 0.0 6.0 0.306 0.19 ≥ 2420 70 8 PWMG 58 28/07/09 19.80 8.61 76.2 0.0 ≥ 2420 613 12 PWMG 58 18/08/09 20.60 8.25 87.1 0.0 6.5 22 ppm 0.28 ≥ 2420 435 0 PWMG 58 29/09/09 12.80 10.51 80.1 0.0 6.5 17 ppm 0.42 ≥ 2420 186 0 PWMG 58 29/10/09 3.20 11.33 42.6 0.0 6.0 20 ppm 0.1 ≥ 2420 6 0
PWMG 59 29/05/09 13.90 12.17 28.0 0.0 6.5 0.014 0.22 ≥ 2420 51 10 PWMG 59 25/06/09 17.30 7.95 23.9 0.0 5.5 1.989 0.06 ≥ 2420 45 12 PWMG 59 28/07/09 20.50 8.58 29.7 0.0 ≥ 2420 71 4 PWMG 59 18/08/09 21.80 8.04 36.2 0.0 6.0 51ppm 0.31 ≥ 2420 365 0 PWMG 59 29/09/09 13.40 10.93 28.1 0.0 5.0 30 ppm 0.14 ≥ 2420 276 4 PWMG 59 29/10/09 4.30 13.26 24.8 0.0 5.5 10 ppm 0.14 1733 11 0
PWMG 61 29/05/09 12.00 11.71 91.7 0.0 6.5 0.465 0.14 1300 37 2 PWMG 61 25/06/09 16.90 9.20 41.1 0.0 0.22 0.133 ≥ 2420 111 4 PWMG 61 28/07/09 18.80 10.44 84.6 0.0 ≥ 2420 186 18 PWMG 61 19/08/09 20.40 7.76 91.2 0.0 7.0 20 ppm 0.11 ≥ 2420 20 0 PWMG 61 29/09/09 13.30 10.74 0.0 6.5 23 ppm 0.34 ≥ 2420 155 2 PWMG 61 29/10/09 3.30 14.20 40.7 0.0 6.0 14 ppm 0.14 ≥ 2420 11 0
PWMG 72 29/05/09 14.00 9.83 35.9 0.0 6.5 0.155 0.17 1553 91 14 PWMG 72 25/06/09 16.88 6.92 27.8 0.0 5.5 1.24 0.15 ≥ 2420 72 8 PWMG 72 28/07/09 18.90 7.49 40.0 0.0 ≥ 2420 362 32 PWMG 72 19/08/09 20.50 6.73 53.8 0.0 6.5 11 ppm 0.09 ≥ 2420 45 0 PWMG 72 29/09/09 13.80 10.94 37.7 0.0 5.5 12 ppm 0.08 ≥ 2420 236 2 PWMG 72 29/10/09 3.80 12.54 24.9 0.0 5.5 11 ppm 0.2 1300 10 0
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PWMG 73 29/05/09 9.70 13.70 71.1 0.0 7.0 0.151 0.38 816 79 0 PWMG 73 25/06/09 15.70 9.46 44.4 0.0 6.0 1.559 0.19 1553 86 4 PWMG 73 28/07/09 17.50 8.45 60.1 0.0 ≥ 2420 119 36 PWMG 73 19/08/09 18.80 10.13 75.9 0.0 7.0 15 ppm 0.06 ≥ 2420 48 0 PWMG 73 29/09/09 13.20 9.35 63.7 0.0 6.5 20 ppm 0.11 ≥ 2420 179 0 PWMG 73 29/10/09 3.10 14.06 40.7 0.0 6.5 24 ppm 0.2 ≥ 2420 8 0
PWMG 74 29/05/09 12.30 11.55 101.1 0.0 7.0 0.665 0.18 ≥ 2420 31 20 PWMG 74 25/06/09 18.10 9.10 42.9 0.0 ≥ 2420 105 22 PWMG 74 28/07/09 19.90 9.95 51.5 0.0 ≥ 2420 205 12 PWMG 74 19/08/09 21.20 10.06 90.6 0.0 7.0 16ppm 0.08 ≥ 2420 770 0 PWMG 74 29/09/09 13.10 10.15 61.1 0.0 6.5 15 ppm 0.13 ≥ 2420 649 6 PWMG 74 29/10/09 4.00 12.73 38.0 0.0 5.5 12 ppm 0.11 ≥ 2420 21 0
PWMG 75 29/05/09 13.00 13.35 64.6 0.0 6.0 0.071 0.06 435 4 14 PWMG 75 25/06/09 17.50 8.61 48.5 0.0 6.0 1.648 0.11 ≥ 2420 65 2 PWMG 75 28/07/09 21.20 8.47 59.4 0.0 ≥ 2420 225 0 PWMG 75 18/08/09 21.70 8.42 69.3 0.0 6.5 11 ppm 0.06 ≥ 2420 387 0 PWMG 75 29/09/09 12.90 11.49 63.6 0.0 6.5 14 ppm 0.18 ≥ 2420 238 6 PWMG 75 29/10/09 4.80 13.77 37.7 0.0 6.0 12 ppm 0.11 1300 21 0
PWMG 80 28/05/09 9.40 11.60 440.2 0.2 7.0 0.266 0.59 ≥ 2420 ≥ 2420 36 PWMG 80 23/06/09 12.40 9.20 619.0 0.3 7.0 0.917 0.14 ≥ 2420 921 36 PWMG 80 27/07/09 13.70 14.46 204.4 0.3 7.5 0.286 0.68 ≥ 2420 ≥ 2420 0 PWMG 80 18/08/09 14.80 10.84 775.0 0.4 8.0 23 ppm 0.51 ≥ 2420 ≥ 2420 0 PWMG 80 24/09/09 15.40 11.10 463.3 0.2 7.0 11 ppm 0.71 ≥ 2420 ≥ 2420 240 PWMG 80 26/10/09 9.90 9.15 391.2 0.2 7.0 17 ppm 0.42 ≥ 2420 ≥ 2420 92
PWMG 81 26/05/09 9.50 11.18 227.8 0.1 7.0 0.089 0.03 ≥ 2420 26 14 PWMG 81 22/06/09 15.40 7.39 260.8 0.1 6.5 0.344 0.36 ≥ 2420 1733 2 PWMG 81 27/07/09 20.08 8.20 157.0 0.1 7.0 0.137 0.06 ≥ 2420 178 0 PWMG 81 18/08/09 23.40 6.52 234.5 0.1 7.5 17 ppm 0.02 ≥ 2420 166 0 PWMG 81 28/09/09 13.10 8.93 305.5 0.1 7.0 20 ppm 0 ≥ 2420 1203 260 PWMG 81 27/10/09 5.30 12.82 50.8 0.0 6.0 15 ppm 0.22 ≥ 2420 38 0
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IR 28/05/09 17.20 9.79 41.7 0.0 6.5 0.115 0.14 387 75 12 IR 23/06/09 17.10 8.53 47.6 0.0 6.5 0.63 1553 22 14 IR 27/07/09 22.20 8.94 53.3 0.0 7.0 2.71 0.04 ≥ 2420 35 0 IR 18/08/09 25.70 9.28 57.9 0.0 7.5 13 ppm 0.06 ≥ 2420 8 0 IR 24/09/09 17.50 5.26 55.6 0.0 6.5 71 ppm 0.04 ≥ 2420 4 14 IR 26/10/09 7.00 9.27 30.9 0.0 6.5 13 ppm 0.05 ≥ 2420 214 0
Turtle 26/05/09 8.20 13.01 48.6 0.0 6.5 0.058 0 1046 10 0 Creek Turtle 22/06/09 13.40 9.84 55.8 0.0 6.5 0.235 0.13 ≥ 2420 38 0 Creek Turtle 27/07/09 17.56 9.56 41.0 0.0 7.5 0.217 0.12 ≥ 2420 ≥ 2420 0 Creek Turtle 20/08/09 21.50 10.56 30.6 0.0 7.0 8.9 ppm 0.21 1986 13 0 Creek Turtle 28/09/09 12.90 9.45 48.4 0.0 7.0 8.8 ppm 0.14 ≥ 2420 ≥ 2420 28 Creek Turtle 27/10/09 5.90 12.55 30.7 0.0 6.5 10 ppm 0.18 1300 19 0 Creek
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APPENDIX B: SUMMARY OF PWA ACTIVITIES 2009
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Summary of PWA 2009 Activities
This year the Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance (PWA) was involved in numerous projects and activities, including:
1. Monthly water quality monitoring: From May to October, we collected and analyzed water sam- ples from the Petitcodiac and Memramcook Watersheds. Water samples were analyzed for tem- perature, pH, E. coli, total coliforms, suspended sediments, salinity, nitrates, phosphates and spe- cific conductivity. We sampled some sites for macro-invertebrates.
2. Reporting issues of non-compliance: We reported problems within the watershed (silt fences, il- legal dumping, sediment control problems, clear cutting in riparian zones and road construction on river banks without permits). This year was particularly bad for non-complying silt fences along Rabbit Brook, Jonathan Creek and Humphreys Brook.
3. Jonathan Creek Culvert project: During the months of June to October, we worked on and com- pleted the Jonathan Creek Culvert inventory project. This project required the assessment of the culverts of Jonathan Creek. The information collected included general stream crossing information (e.g. location, stream name, etc.), fish passage problems, and the physical condition of each culvert. The final report evaluates the state of fish passage and habitat fragmentation caused by the culverts located along this creek. Our results and recommendations were given to the Jonathan Creek Committee who funded this project.
4. River Clean up: In June, volunteers from the Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance and the Petitcodiac Riverkeepers worked together to clean up a local stream. Two streams were targeted: Rabbit Brook and Michaels Creek. Rabbit Brook is considered to be one of the most threatened urban streams in the Petitcodiac River watershed. This comes as a result of construction activity, garbage pollution, as well as storm water and sewage cross connections.
5. Educational Project: In collaboration with the City of Moncton, we offered field training and watershed education to different groups of children at the Irishtown Nature Park. We created three educational curriculums for the school districts 1 and 2. These curriculums were targeted for stu- dents in middle school and high school. PWA employees have visited six schools within our water- shed to promote awareness watershed issues.
6. Pollett River Habitat Assessment and Restoration: We conducted a habitat assessment of the Pol- lett River. PWA employees collected data on the Pollett River sub-watershed with the goal of even-
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tually restoring the endangered Inner Bay of Fundy Salmon population in the most pristine river of our watershed.
7. Electrofishing: The PWA is one of the founding partners of the Petitcodiac Fish Recovery Coalition. We will work along with nine other conservation groups and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to restore the Inner Bay of Fundy (IBoF) Atlantic Salmon population in the Petitcodiac River and its tributaries. At one time, the Petitcodiac River was home to 20% of the entire IBoF Atlantic Salmon population. coalition on the Inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic Salmon recovery in the Petit- codiac watershed. Part of our work last fall on this project was an electrofishing survey of rivers below the Petitcodiac River causeway.
8. Earth Day Celebration: In April, we participated in an Earth Day celebration at the Moncton Far- mers Market. The event was a great success with a few hundred people participating.
9. AGM: In June, we held our Annual General Meeting.
10. Elgin Community Days: In July, the PWA participated in an Elgin Community Days event. We provided the local residents with information on our projects within the Petitcodiac River water- shed, with special emphasis on the work we have done on the Pollett River, which runs through this small community.
11. Science Seminars: PWA employees have attended numerous workshops and seminars. We at- tended the following workshops: • A workshop on Forestry and watershed Management hosted by the Restigouche River Watershed Management Council. • The Atlantic Canada Organic Regional Network conference and tradeshow. • The Species at Risk Stewardship Workshop hosted by the Bluenose Coastal Action Group. • A Media Workshop hosted by the New Brunswick Department of the Environment for watershed groups. • The Water Management Workshop sponsored by the New Brunswick Department for in- vited stakeholder groups. • Two of our employees received CABIN certification in 2009. We hope to begin macro- invertebrate sampling in 2010.
12. Meetings: PWA employees have been attending monthly Irishtown Nature Park meetings, Elgin Eco-center meetings, Fundy Biosphere Reserve meetings, the Riverkeepers Riverwatch meetings, as well as those of the of the Riverview Environmental Strategies Coalition. Members of the PWA are also on the steering committee of the New Brunswick Environmental Network (NBEN, Envirothon NB, and the Organic Crop Improvement Association.
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13. Moncton Eco-center: The PWA is working with the NBEN to open an ecological resource centre for our watershed citizens in the City of Moncton.
14. Reports: Employees of the PWA have written reports on numerous issues within our watershed. • A report on Invasive Species in our watershed. (now available on-line) • Culvert Assessment on Jonathan Creek. (now available on-line) • Irishtown Nature Park Water Quality Labs for high school and Middle School students in Districts 1 and 2. (now available on-line) • Beneficial Management Practices for Forestry in the Petitcodiac River Watershed. (to be completed in June 2010) • Assessing Agriculture in the Petitcodiac River Watershed. (to be completed in June 2010) • The Pollett River Habitat Assessment. (to be completed in June 2010) • Three newsletters and two special publications. (available on-line)
15. Blue-Green Algae: We worked with the City of Moncton, the Irishtown Nature Park and the City of Moncton to study the blue-green algae problem that has been plaguing the 250 acre lake inside the Irishtown Nature Park.
16. Le Haut-du-Ruisseau Park: In 2008 we were successful in obtaining funding for the Village of Memramcook to build a nature park near Breau Creek. In October we participated in the official opening of the Le Haut-du-Ruisseau Park in Memramcook.
17. Outstanding Waters Classification: We talked with landowners, land developers and stakeholders in the Pollett River area about sustainable development in this pristine environment. We are work- ing with the Elgin Eco-center to have this river nominated as an Outstanding Natural Watercourse.
18. Sustainable Forestry: The PWA is working on a sustainable forestry project with representatives from J. D. Irving, the Department of Natural resources and GIS students from the New Brunswick Community College.
Once again we would like to thank the Environmental Trust Fund and our other sponsors for their sup- port in 2009.
TD Bank Moncton Fish and Game Mountain Equipment Co-op Environmental Damages Fund EcoAction
Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance Water Quality Report 2009
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