M E M O / N O T E D E S E R V I C E Information previously distributed / Information distribué auparavant TO: Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee DESTINATAIRE : Comité sur l’Agriculture et les Questions Rurales FROM: Alain Gonthier, Director, Contact : Infrastructure Services, Planning, Tessa Di Iorio, Infrastructure and Economic Asset Management Branch / Planning, Development Department Infrastructure and Economic Development (613) 580-2424 x17658 [email protected] EXPÉDITEUR : Alain Gonthier, Personne ressource : Directeur Tessa Di Iorio, Service de l’infrastructure, Directions Directions général de la planification, de général de la planification, de l’infrastructure et du développement l’infrastructure et du développement économique économique (613) 580-2424 x17658 [email protected] DATE: June 27, 2017 27 juin 2017 FILE NUMBER: ACS2017-PIE-IS-0009 SUBJECT: East Ottawa – Champlain Groundwater Study OBJET : Étude d’eau souterraine d’Ottawa Est et Champlain PURPOSE The City of Ottawa and the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR) have partnered with the South Nation Conservation and Ontario Geological Survey to study groundwater in Eastern Ottawa and Champlain Township. The objective of the study is to develop maps of expected groundwater quality; the maps will serve as a screening tool to help evaluate the development potential of a property where private services (private wells) are required. The study will take place between June and August 2017 in Cumberland Ward (19) and Osgoode Ward (20). Volunteer homeowners were sought to participate in the study in Eastern Ottawa and Champlain Township through an advertisement campaign. In return, the homeowners will receive a free copy of the results from their well water and a summary report. BACKGROUND The City of Ottawa has partnered with the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR), the Ontario Geological Survey and South Nation Conservation Authority to study groundwater in eastern rural Ottawa and Champlain Township. Map 1 (attached) outlines the Study Area boundary. Within the City of Ottawa, the Study Area includes Ward 19 (Cumberland) and the eastern portion of Ward 20 (Osgoode). Naturally-occurring groundwater quality problems in Eastern Ontario are linked to the geological setting. Largely, the marine (salt water) environment that existed in the St. Lawrence lowlands following the most recent glacial retreated over 10,000 years ago. Parts of Eastern Ontario were covered by the Champlain Sea, which deposited up to 40 meters of marine clay. The clay acts to trap salt water for a long period of time; some of the groundwater in the previous UCPR studies were more than 10,000 years old. In addition, the marine clay masks complex bedrock layers of limestone and shale that also may contribute to poor water quality. Some areas of Eastern Ontario have groundwater with the following chemistry: brackish to saline water; elevated sodium, chloride, iodide and fluoride; elevated pH; and elevated methane. The western boundary of the study area is the Gloucester Fault; groundwater exhibits generally better drinking water quality on the west side of the Gloucester Fault. DISCUSSION This study is a continuation of two previous studies within the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR) in City of Clarence-Rockland (pilot study, 2013-2016) and the Township of Alfred and Plantagenet (2015-2017). Ottawa and Champlain are located directly to the west and east of the previous study areas. This study will build on existing knowledge and broaden the understanding of groundwater in Eastern Ontario within the former Champlain Sea Basin, where natural groundwater quality in exceedance of drinking water standards is a persistent issue can limit development on private services. The goal of the study is to develop maps of expected groundwater quality; the maps will serve as a screening tool to help evaluate the development potential of a property where private services (private wells) are required. The screening tool will not replace the need for a hydrgeological study to support development proposals, but is intended to save time and money for the municipality and developers by identifying potential issues before a site investigation is initiated. The maps may also be used to help direct future development and support future zoning decisions. The study comprises a field program followed by an analysis and mapping program. The field program includes sampling raw (untreated) well water from approximately 175 existing private wells across eastern rural Ottawa and approximately 75 wells in Champlain Township throughout June to August 2017. Well sampling will be conducted at a two kilometres scale to maintain an even distribution across the Study Area. Well sampling is intended to provide high-quality groundwater chemistry to map aquifers, determine groundwater age and flow patterns to enhance the development of an aquifer capability screening tool. The volunteer homeowners for private well sampling will be provided with their well water sampling results, over $1,000 value. Volunteers were sought though an advertisement campaign and door-to-door solicitation. The advertisement campaign was initiated in mid-May, and includes the following: • Directed flyer drop: 10,300 flyers directed at residences and farms within the Study Area (attached); • Newspaper advertisments (Orléans Star, Russell Villager, Orléanais, EMC Orleans); • Posters in public buildings within the Study Area (community centres, grocery stores, gas stations, doctor offices, etc.); and • Social media advertisements. The affected Councillors in Wards 19 and 20 were informed of the study and the advertisement campaign prior to the onset of the campaign. The advertisement campaign also serves to increase general awareness of the study and initiate discussion and awareness of local groundwater protection. Well water sampling results will be available in Spring 2018. Groundwater maps and a final report will be completed by in late 2018. Original signed by Alain Gonthier CC: Tessa Di lorio SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION Map of the Study Area: East Ottawa and Champlain Township Flyer: East Ottawa – Champlain Groundwater Study .