SFU Facilities Management Services
SURFACE WATER
QUALITY MONITORING
June 1, 2008 to May 31, 2009
Final Draft Report
June 30, 2009
SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY – FACILITIES SERVICES
Surface Water Quality Monitoring
June 1, 2008 to May 31, 2009
Submitted to:
Frank DeVita
Buildings & Grounds Supervisor
SFU Facilities Services
Burnaby, B.C.
By:
R.U. Kistritz Consultants Ltd.
White Rock, B.C.
June 2009
SFU Surface Water Quality Monitoring Results
June 2008 – May 2009
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report discusses surface water quality information of the SFU enclave area
that was monitored from June 2008 to May 2009. The rationale for the
monitoring program was to provide background data and a better understanding
about the excessively high conductivity values that had been observed in the last
five years in some of SFU’s surface drainage.
A strong correlation was found between specific conductivity and dissolved
chloride originating from road salt. Specific conductivity therefore served as a
good proxy variable for dissolved chloride. For the purpose of this monitoring
program, and as a practical application, the BC Approved Water Quality
Guidelines for chloride were transposed to a mean (sub-lethal) and maximum
(lethal) conductivity criterion of 551µS and 2045µS respectively.
Surface water conductivity was greatest at monitoring sites close to road salt
sources such as SFU’s salt storage facility and parking lots. At these locations,
the average annual conductivity exceeded the maximum criterion for the
protection of freshwater aquatic life. Two major storm water discharge points to
Stoney Creek watershed had an average annual conductivity value that exceeds
the mean criterion for the protection of aquatic life. The control site that
discharges to Silver Creek had an average annual conductivity level that was
below the mean criterion for the protection of aquatic life.
After the application of road salt, monitoring sites (with the exception of the
control site) generally showed a sharp increase in conductivity well above the
lethal level for the protection of aquatic life. After the application of road salt
ceased, conductivity levels remained excessively high during much of the spring
and summer primarily due to the influence of salt contaminated groundwater.
During this period conductivity declined only when surface water was diluted with
rain water during storm events. The lowest declines in conductivity were evident
during the wettest months of October, November, and December.
Some preliminary recommendations are made on how these salt contamination
issues should be addressed further.
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Page 1 of 35
SFU Surface Water Quality Monitoring
June 2008 – May 2009
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary ............................................................................................. 1
Table of Contents................................................................................................. 1
List of Figures, Tables, and Appendices .............................................................. 3
1.0 Introduction ................................................................................................... 4
2.0 Goals and Objectives.................................................................................... 5
3.0 Study Area and Procedures .......................................................................... 6
4.0 Results and Discussion................................................................................. 9
4.1 Sampling Sites ................................................................................... 9
4.2 Local Weather and Salt Usage.........................................................10
4.3 Water Quality Guidelines..................................................................13
4.4 Specific Conductivity ........................................................................15
4.5 Spatial Pattern of Conductivity .........................................................18
4.6 Temporal Variations in Conductivity .................................................20
4.7 Runoff from Snow Storage Sites .....................................................25
4.8 Cyanide ............................................................................................26
4.9 Toxic Metals .....................................................................................27
5.0 Fecal Coliforms ................................................................................29
5.0 Conclusions ................................................................................................30
6.0 Recommendations ......................................................................................31
7.0 Appendices .................................................................................................32
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Page 2 of 35
SFU Surface Water Quality Monitoring
June 2008 – May 2009
LIST OF FIGURES, TABLES, AND APPENDICES
Figure 1. Location of water quality monitoring sites.
Figure 2a. Monthly total rainfall (mm), June 2008 – May 2009.
Figure 2b. Winter air temperature from Dec. 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009.
Figure 3. Major cations and anions in Salt Creek.
Figure 4. Conductivity – chloride regression for SFU sites.
Figure 5. Average annual conductivity values at different monitoring sites.
Figure 6. Conductivity and rainfall at MA1.
Figure 7a Conductivities at SC2 (control)
Figure 7b Conductivities at MH8F
Figure 7c Conductivities at SCr
Figure 7d Conductivities at Lot Be
Figure 7e Conductivities at Lot Bw
Figure 7f Conductivities at Lot C
Figure 8. Non-compliance of metal results.
Table 1.
Summary of fecal coliform results.
Appendix 1. Specific conductivity measurements.
Appendix 2. Analytical laboratory results.
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Page 3 of 35
SFU Surface Water Quality Monitoring
June 2008 – May 2009
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Official Community Plan for SFU states that pre-development water quality is
to be maintained to ensure that downstream aquatic life is not adversely affected.
This principle is also enunciated in the SFU Strategic Infrastructure Plan1. The
principle of maintaining or exceeding water quality objectives is also reflected in
the Burnaby Mountain Watercourse & Stormwater Management Plan2, which was
approved in 2002 by all levels of government as a condition for the development
of the UniverCity community at SFU.
The main rationale for these planning principles is to protect the water quality
integrity of Burnaby Mountain’s headwater drainages that lead to sensitive fish
bearing water in the Stoney Creek, Silver Creek, and West Eagle Creek drainage
areas. The majority of SFU’s stormwater drainage discharges into the Stoney
Creek drainage area. Stoney Creek supports spawning populations of Chum,
Coho, and Steelhead salmon, along with Cutthroat and Rainbow trout. In the
past decade, Stoney Creek has been the subject of considerable environmental
restoration and enhancement efforts by the Stoney Creek Environment
Committee (SCEC).
Over approximately the last five years, water quality monitoring by the SCEC has
revealed periodically high levels of specific conductivity in various tributaries of
Stoney Creek3. Similar results of excessively high conductivity in SFU’s surface
water drainage have also been documented since 2003 in the UniverCity’s
environmental monitoring reports4.
In 2008, SFU’s Facilities Services decided to collaborate with interested parties
monitoring SFU’s water quality, so that the cause of these high conductivity
levels could be determined, and measures developed to mitigate this water
quality impact. Although the focus of the 2008-09 monitoring program was on
conductivity and chloride, total metals and coliform bacteria were included as a
value added benefit.
This report provides initial data results of the SFU Facilties Services water quality
monitoring program for 2008-09.
1
EarthTech. 2004. SFU Strategic Infrastructure Plan. Report prepared for SFU Campus Planning and
Development.
2
CH2M-Hill. 2001. Burnaby Mountain Watercourse & Stormwater Management Plan. Report prepared
for the Burnaby Mountain Community Corp.
3
Pers. Comm. Jennifer Atchison and Vladimir Soukhatchev, SCEC
4
Kistritz Consultants Ltd., 2003-2008, Interim Environmental Monitoring Reports, No. 2 to 12, Reports
prepared for SFU Community Trust.
R.U. Kistritz Consultants Ltd.
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SFU Surface Water Quality Monitoring
June 2008 – May 2009
2.0 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goal of the monitoring program was to obtain water quality baseline
information at selected sites for 2008-09. These monitoring results therefore
represent a point of reference to which future comparisons can be made for the
determination of the effects of best management practices on surface water
quality.
The monitoring work had the following objectives:
• Water quality information will be obtained for major storm water point
source discharges from the University enclave area to the Stoney Creek
drainage area.
• Water quality information will be obtained from stations that are close to
major salt contamination sources.
• Sites will be monitored on a monthly to semi-monthly basis to obtain a
seasonal overview of existing water quality conditions.
• Water quality monitoring results will be used to characterize baseline
conditions of critical parameters such as conductivity, chloride, metals,
cyanide, and coliform bacteria.
• Preliminary recommendations will be made on these critical water quality
issues and concerns to assist and enhance SFU’s salt management
planning.
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SFU Surface Water Quality Monitoring
June 2008 – May 2009
3.0 STUDY AREA AND PROCEDURES
The study area for the water quality monitoring work is the Simon Fraser
University enclave, which is the campus area bounded by University Drive (see
figure below).
A total of seven sites were selected for water quality monitoring (Figure 1). Two
of these (MA1 and MH8F) were major point discharges from the University
enclave area into Stoney Creek watershed. A point discharge (SCr) close to the
salt storage shed was monitored since it is known to have excessively high
conductivity levels. Three additional point discharges associated with parking
lots “B” and “C” were also monitored because large paved areas contribute
significant amounts of pollutants and salt to storm water runoff. A control site
(SC2) was selected for comparative purposes.
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SFU Surface Water Quality Monitoring
June 2008 – May 2009
From June 2008 to May 2009, the sites were monitored monthly during rain
events and weekly during freezing weather when salt was applied to roads and
parking lots. Monitoring included field measurements of temperature, turbidity,
pH, and specific conductivity. Bottled samples were taken for the remaining
water quality parameter, which were submitted to Cantest for laboratory analysis.
Specific conductivity was measured with an Oakton EC Tester with a range of 0
to 2000 µS ±1% full-scale. Conductivities >2000 were measured using a
Pinpoint meter, which had a maximum reading of 20,000 µS ±2%. Any
conductivity values >20,000 were submitted to Cantest for laboratory testing.
Meteorological data including air temperature and rain was obtained from a local
weather station situated at the Cornerstone building, 8960 University High Street.
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SFU Surface Water Quality Monitoring
June 2008 – May 2009
Figure 1. Location of water quality monitoring sites, salt
storage area, and drainage areas (yellow)
discharging into Stony Creek watershed.
Lot C
Lot Be
Lot Bw
Salt
Storage
MH8F
SCr.
MA1
SC2
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SFU Surface Water Quality Monitoring
June 2008 – May 2009
4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Sampling Sites
The two large yellow areas in Figure 1 roughly delineate the University enclave
areas that discharge into Stoney Creek watershed. Most of the east enclave
area discharges into a headwater stream of Stoney Creek named tributary “3A”
where monitoring site MA1 is located. This site was monitored at the open
natural channel as it enters the culvert crossing of University Drive.
Monitoring station MH8F is located at the Gaglardi Way storm interceptor that
receives the discharge from the north and west enclave area. This site was
accessed at a manhole.
Drainage from “B” parking lots east (Be) and west (Bw) were sampled at their
main storm water outfalls. Parking lot “C” was monitored at a manhole.
Monitoring site SCr is the so-called “Salt Creek” that receives runoff from the
Facilities Services works yard and salt storage area. This site was monitored at
an outfall.
Site SC2 is considered to be a control site since it has a small developed area
along with mostly forested land that receives relatively low amounts of road salt.
This site was monitored at the open natural channel as it enters the culvert
crossing of University Drive.
R.U. Kistritz Consultants Ltd.
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SFU Surface Water Quality Monitoring
June 2008 – May 2009
4.2 Local Weather and Salt Usage
The local weather on Burnaby Mountain is a significant factor affecting water
quality parameters such as conductivity, dissolved chloride, and other water
quality parameters. This is due to the application of road salt during freezing
temperatures. During heavy rainfall events, water quality is also affected by the
amount of storm water discharged into natural drainage areas. Another
important weather factor is the interceding period between rain storms, during
which substantial amounts of pollutants accumulate on paved surfaces. This
accumulated pollution load is then flushed into drainages upon the next large rain
event.
Figure 2a and 2b provide a summary of local rainfall and temperature conditions
in the study area during the monitoring period. As shown in Figure 2a, June
through to September 2008 was generally dry with the exception of some
unusual rainstorm activity in the latter part of August. The total amount of rain
increased in October to November 2008.
The first major snow storm of the 2008-09 winter period occurred on December
12, 2008, after which cold weather persisted to the end of March 2009 (Figure
2b). Most significant however, was the total accumulated snowfall in December
2008 (162.2 cm), which was more than double the worst year of the past five
years of SFU snowfall records.
A total of 1042 tons
of bulk salt plus
1400
30,000 litres of liquid
brine were used
1200
during the winter of
2008-09. Salt usage
1000
has varied over the
800
past six years (see
figure); however, it is
600
difficult to attribute
this variation to any
400
specific factor (such
as snowfall). The
200
annual amount of salt
usage depends on
0
2003/04
2004/05
2005/06
2006/07
2007/08
2008/09
the type of snow
Winter
storm (prolonged or
intermittent), frequency of black ice conditions, as well as subjective factors
judged by the application operator (pers.comm F. DeVita).
Metric Tonnes
Total Annual Salt Usage at SFU
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SFU Surface Water Quality Monitoring
June 2008 – May 2009
Figure 2a.
Monthly Total Rainfall (mm)
June 2008 to May 2009
350
300
200
150
100
50
ay
M
Ap
ril
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M
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Fe
b
ru
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O
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be
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Au
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st
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Ju
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0
Ju
Rainfall (mm)
250
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March 20, 2009
March 17, 2009
March 14, 2009
March 11, 2009
March 8, 2009
March 5, 2009
March 2, 2009
February 27, 2009
February 24, 2009
February 21, 2009
February 18, 2009
February 15, 2009
February 12, 2009
February 9, 2009
February 6, 2009
February 3, 2009
January 31, 2009
January 29, 2009
January 26, 2009
January 23, 2009
January 20, 2009
January 17, 2009
January 14, 2009
January 11, 2009
January 8, 2009
January 5, 2009
January 2, 2009
December 30, 2008
December 27, 2008
December 24, 2008
December 21, 2008
December 18, 2008
December 15, 2008
December 12, 2008
December 9, 2008
December 6, 2008
December 3, 2008
December 1, 2008
Degrees Celsius
SFU Surface Water Quality Monitoring
June 2008 – May 2009
Figure 2b.
Winter Air Temperatures from Dec. 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009
20
15
10
5
0
-5
-10
-15
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SFU Surface Water Quality Monitoring
June 2008 – May 2009
4.3 Water Quality Guidelines
Water quality guidelines for the protection of freshwater aquatic life are set by
federal (CCREM5) and provincial (MOE6) government regulatory authorities.
Regulated water quality parameters relevant to this monitoring program include
ions of chloride and cyanide, and the total metals aluminum, arsenic, cadmium,
chromium, copper, iron, lead, mercury, and zinc.
Chloride
Dissolved chloride is a regulated water quality parameter due to its toxicity to
aquatic life, and its presence in surface and ground water when road salt is used
as a deicing agent. The recommended water quality guideline for chloride is as
follows.
‰ 600 mg/L for maximum concentration7, and
‰ 150 mg/L for 30-d average8 concentrations.
The BC Ministry of Environment states that:
The application of road salt for winter accident prevention is an important source of
chloride to the environment, which is increasing over time due to the expansion of road
networks and increased vehicle traffic. Road salt (most often sodium chloride) readily
dissolves and enters aquatic environments in ionic forms. Although chloride can
originate from natural sources, most of the chloride that enters the environment is
associated with the storage and application of road salt. As such, chloride-containing
compounds commonly enter surface water, soil, and ground water during snowmelt.
Chloride ions are conservative, which means that they are not degraded in the
environment and tend to remain in solution, once dissolved. Chloride ions that enter
ground water can ultimately be expected to reach surface water and, therefore, influence
aquatic environments and humans. Among the species tested, freshwater aquatic plants
and freshwater invertebrates tend to be the most sensitive to chloride. Recently, the
Canadian government classified road salt as toxic under the Canadian Environmental
Protection Act (1999).
Although there are no specific water quality guidelines for conductivity, the
significance of this water quality parameter is discussed in section 4.4 of the
report.
5
Canadian Council of Resource and Environment Ministers
B.C. Ministry of Environment, Environmental Protection Division
7
Instantaneous maximums
8
Average of five weekly measurements taken over 30-day period
6
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SFU Surface Water Quality Monitoring
June 2008 – May 2009
Cyanide
Cyanide (usually in the form of sodium hexacyanoferrate) is often added to road
salt as an anti-caking agent. This toxic element can therefore show up in surface
and groundwater in areas where road salt is applied. Cyanide in its weak-acid
dissociable form is lethal to aquatic life at concentrations greater than 10 µg/L,
and sub-lethal at concentrations above 5 µg/L.9 The measure of total cyanide in
surface water is therefore a conservative estimate of the degree of toxicity.
Metals
Environmentally regulated toxic metals typically occur in undetectable to trace
amounts in natural, undeveloped watersheds. There are a few metals such as
aluminum, iron, and arsenic that can occur naturally at concentrations above
water quality guidelines for the protection of aquatic life. However, toxic metals
concentrations that are above water quality guidelines are most often found in
urban watersheds. This is due to the variety of waste products associated with
human activities. Vehicle traffic is a large source of toxic metals in the urban
environment. Toxic metals that accumulate on paved surfaces are flushed into
watercourses during the initial stage of rain storms. Because of their strong
affinity to fine sediments and organic matter, metals also tend to settle and
accumulate in stream sediments.
Toxic metals have lethal and sub-lethal water quality guidelines that will vary with
the amount of water hardness. Metals such as cadmium, lead, nickel, and silver
are less toxic in harder water, whereas copper is less toxic in softer water.
Therefore, specific water quality guidelines for metals depend on water hardness.
Fecal Coliform Bacteria
Although not regulated for the protection of freshwater aquatic life, fecal coliform
bacteria are of interest when they shown up consistently and in high amounts in
surface water, as this may be an indication of sewage contamination.
9
B.C. Ministry of Environment, Environmental Protection Division.
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SFU Surface Water Quality Monitoring
June 2008 – May 2009
4.4 Specific Conductivity
Specific conductivity is a practical water quality parameter used to measure the
water’s ionic activity and content. As the concentration of ionic (dissolved)
constituents increases, so too does the specific conductivity.
Conductivity values typically average below 100 µS for most natural headwater
streams. Average values between 100 to 300 µS are associated with rivers or
higher order streams located near the bottom of a watershed. Normal
conductivity levels from 300 up to one thousand or more will occur in natural
streams such as hot springs where there is a high minerals source. Seawater is
typically in the 30,000 to 40,000 range.
In freshwater, elements whose ionic forms contribute most to conductivity
include: calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), sodium (Na+), potassium (K+),
bicarbonate (HCO3-), sulfate (SO42-), and chloride (Cl-). Sodium and chloride
ions are of particular interest to this study as they are the chemical elements that
make up road salt (NaCl).
Conductivity is very responsive to the concentration of dissolved chloride. High
conductivity levels measured in Salt Creek (SCr) located below the salt storage
area are corroborated by an overwhelming dominance of Na and Cl ions (Figure
3).
The strong relationship between conductivity and chloride is also evident when
concurrent water quality measurements are analyzed in a data regression.
Figure 4 shows the strong relationship of the data acquired during this monitoring
program. Therefore, specific conductivity proved to be a good proxy variable for
predicting the level of dissolved chloride. Similar conclusions have also been
made by other researchers.10
Using the linear equation,
y = 0.3013x – 16.095
where y = dissolved chloride in mg/L, and
x = conductivity in µS,
the dissolved chloride guidelines for the protection of aquatic life can thus be
interpolated to conductivity guidelines, as follows:
‰ 2045 µS maximum limit
‰ 551 µS 3-d average limit
10
Mooney, R.J. et.al. 2008. Verifying the use of specific conductance as a surrogate for chloride in
seawater matrices. Report by In-Situ Inc.
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SFU Surface Water Quality Monitoring
June 2008 – May 2009
Figure 3.
Major Cations in Salt Creek
Conductivity = 2900 µS on June 10, 2008
Ca
14%
Mg
5%
K
3%
Na
78%
Major Anions in Salt Creek
NO3
Conductivity
= 2900 µS on June 10, 2008
1%
SO4
3%
HCO3
8%
Cl
88%
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SFU Surface Water Quality Monitoring
June 2008 – May 2009
Figure 4. Conductivity – Chloride regression for SFU sites monitored from June
2008 to March 2009.
Dissolved Chloride, mg/L
2500
y = 0.3013x - 16.095
R2 = 0.9936
2000
1500
1000
500
0
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
8000
9000
Specific Conductivity, µS
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SFU Surface Water Quality Monitoring
June 2008 – May 2009
4.5 Spatial Pattern of Conductivity
Average annual conductivity levels varied significantly between the various
monitoring sites. Not surprisingly, conductivity levels were greatest at monitoring
sites close to road salt sources such as the salt storage facility (SCr), and
parking lots (Lot C, Lot Be, Lot Bw). Annual average conductivity was lower at
the two major discharge points (MA1, MH8F) of the enclave area, and lowest at
the control site (SC2).
The spatial pattern of conductivity for the monitoring sites can thus be sorted into
three important groups with respect to average annual water quality compliance.
1. Conductivites > lethal limit: Monitoring sites closest to road salt sources
such as the salt storage site (SCr) and parking lot Bw had an annual
average conductivity level that was above the lethal limit of 2045 µS.
Parking lots (Lot C and Be) are also included in this group because the
average conductivity approached lethal level. These four sites are shown
as red bars in Figure 5.
2. Conductivities > sub-lethal limit: Average annual conductivity at the two
locations where the University enclave discharges into Stoney Creek
(MH8F and MA1) was above the sub-lethal limit of 551 µS. These two
sites are shown as cautionary orange bars in Figure 5.
3. Conductivities < sub-lethal limit: Average annual conductivity at the control
site (SC2) was below the sub-lethal limit (shown as a green bar in Figure
5).
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SFU Surface Water Quality Monitoring
June 2008 – May 2009
Figure 5. Average annual conductivity values at different monitoring sites.
Average Annual Conductivity (± Standard Error)
June 2008 to May 2009
3500
3000
Conductivity µS
2500
Lethal Limit
2000
1500
1000
Sub-Lethal Limit
500
0
SC2
MH8F
MA1
Lot Be
Lot C
SCr
Lot Bw
Monitoring Site
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SFU Surface Water Quality Monitoring
June 2008 – May 2009
4.6 Temporal Variations in Conductivity
The temporal variation in conductivity was measured on a weekly to monthly time
scale. On that basis, large seasonal changes in conductivity were evident at all
of the monitoring stations. There was a sharp increase in conductivity shortly
after the first application of road salt in winter, followed by a very slow decline in
conductivity over the remaining seasons of spring, summer and fall. During the
summer, there was no discharge from the parking lots, except during rain events.
Variations in conductivity during the declining phase were due to changing
amounts of groundwater or rainwater present in the surface drainage. The
conductivity in surface drainage was higher during dry periods when groundwater
dominated, and lower during wet periods when rainwater was dominant. On the
basis of our analyses, we found that groundwater conductivity was positively
related to the amount of dissolved chloride (see Figure 4). Therefore,
groundwater has a significant influence on the level of conductivity (chloride)
present in the surface water at SFU.
On the basis of these observations, the three environmental factors that seem to
have a strong influence on temporal variations in water conductivity can be
summarized as follows.
1. Groundwater: High conductivity values were evident during dry periods of
the spring and early summer when relatively large contributions of
groundwater entered the surface water.
2. Rain: During wet periods, and especially in October and November (see
Figure 2a), conductivities were lower due to the substantial dilution of
groundwater with the much softer rain water.
3. Ice: With the onset of freezing conditions starting on December 12, 2008
(see Figure 2b), conductivity levels were especially high due to the
application of road salt. The application of road salt continued periodically
until the first week of April 2009.
Figure 6 shows the sharp increases in conductivity at monitoring station MA1
during the period of road salt application (December to April). During the spring
and summer conductivity periodically declined during rain events. This decline in
conductivity became most pronounced during the rainy season in October,
November, and December. Similar seasonal patterns of conductivity were
observed at all other monitoring stations (Figure 7 a to f).
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SFU Surface Water Quality Monitoring
June 2008 – May 2009
Figure 6. Conductivity at MA1 shown in bottom bars, with rainfall shown in top bars.
0
5000
10
20
4000
40
3000
50
Conductivity at MA1
SFU Rainfall
Application of Road Salt
2000
Rain (mm)
Conductivity (µS)
30
60
70
1000
80
90
0
20
08
Au
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100
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SFU Surface Water Quality Monitoring
June 2008 – May 2009
Figure 7. a & b
Dashed line indicates lethal and sub-lethal level
SC2 (Control)
5000
4500
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
Dashed line indicates lethal and sub-lethal level
MH8F
5000
4500
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
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Conductivity µS
5000
Se
pt
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Au
gu
st
Ju
ly
Ju
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Conductivity µS
SFU Surface Water Quality Monitoring
June 2008 – May 2009
Figure 7. c & d
Dashed line indicates lethal and sub-lethal level
6920
SCr
4500
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
Dashed line indicates lethal and sub-lethal level
5760
Lot Be
4500
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
R.U. Kistritz Consultants Ltd.
Page 23 of 35
M
ay
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5000
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Ju
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Conductivity µS
SFU Surface Water Quality Monitoring
June 2008 – May 2009
Figure 7. e & f
Dashed line indicates lethal and sub-lethal level
35500
Lot Bw
4500
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
Dashed line indicates lethal and sub-lethal level
12780
Lot C
4500
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
R.U. Kistritz Consultants Ltd.
Page 24 of 35
SFU Surface Water Quality Monitoring
June 2008 – May 2009
4.7 Runoff from Snow Storage Sites
Plowed snow was dumped into large piles in parking lots C and B.
Consequently, some concern has been expressed about the quality of the melt
water from these snow piles with respect to salt contamination. Conductivity
measurements of snow melt water were taken at Lot C on April 7, 2009, and Lot
B and the HIghstreet Lot on April 8, 2009. All of the snow melt water had
conductivity values that ranged between 10 µS and 20 µS, indicating extremely
soft water that would be almost devoid of any chloride.
Photo 1. Snow melt water entering catch basin in Lot C.
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Page 25 of 35
SFU Surface Water Quality Monitoring
June 2008 – May 2009
4.8 Cyanide
Total cyanide was not detectable in water sampled at all monitoring sites on
December 29, 2008, January 6, 2009, and February 25, 2009.
On December 29, 2008 total cyanide was tested in bulk and bagged salt, and
brine used for SFU’s deicing operations. The salt samples did not contain any
detectable traces of cyanide. However, brine contained 60 µg/L of cyanide.
Detectable concentrations of cyanide have been noted by the Stoney Creek
Environment Committee during their environmental monitoring of the Stoney
Creek headwaters (pers. Comm. Vladimir Soukhatchev).
The inconsistent and periodic presence of cyanide in surface water suggests that
this chemical element may occur in unpredictable amounts in the bulk and
bagged salt used by SFU.
R.U. Kistritz Consultants Ltd.
Page 26 of 35
SFU Surface Water Quality Monitoring
June 2008 – May 2009
4.9 Toxic Metals
Laboratory results for total metal concentrations in surface water were analyzed
to determine compliance with provincial water quality guidelines for the protection
of freshwater aquatic life11. Data results are provided in Appendix 1, where noncompliance with water quality criteria is indicated in bold and highlighted in
yellow.
Of the 53 water samples tested from five different monitoring stations, 32% to
85% of the test results were non-compliant for copper, aluminum, iron, and
chromium. Non-compliance for lead, zinc, selenium, mercury, cadmium, and
molybdenum ranged from 2% to 13%. Arsenic, nickel, and silver were below
detection or in compliance for all of the tests. Figure 8 shows the degree of noncompliance for various toxic metals monitored.
Figure 8. Non-compliance of metal results with provincial water quality criteria
as a percentage of all samples tested during the monitoring period.
90%
80%
Percent Non-Compliance
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
er
Si
lv
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11
B.C. Ministry of Environment, Environmental Protection Division, Water Quality Criteria
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Page 27 of 35
SFU Surface Water Quality Monitoring
June 2008 – May 2009
It should be noted that the occurrence of high (and non-compliant) metal
concentrations in urban storm water have been well documented throughout
North America. These storm water contaminants largely originate from materials
that accumulate on paved surfaces, and are flushed into storm drains during
rainfall events. Many of these toxic metals are usually attributable to vehicle
exhaust emissions, break dust, fuel and oil drippings, etc. found in high
concentrations along major transportation routes and parking lots.
Cadmium, copper, chromium, lead, mercury, and zinc periodically showed up in
high concentrations that exceed water quality criteria. However, the metals
tested during this monitoring program were well within the range of storm water
values measured at comparable sites such as the University of British
Columbia.12
There may also be natural metal sources. For example, aluminum and iron,
which had a high rate of non-compliance, are among the most abundant
elements in the earth’s crust. High concentrations of these metals are typical for
water that contains a relatively high amount of inorganic particulate suspended
matter, such as storm water. It is assumed that the toxic dissolved form of
aluminum comprised only a small percentage of the total concentration of
aluminum; although this should be confirmed in future monitoring efforts.
12
Raincoast Applied Ecology. 2003. University of British Columbia Stormwater Monitoring Program.
August 2001 to September 2002 Summary. Rept. prep. for UBC Utilities.
Koch, F.A., and K.J. Hall. 1981. Survey of Wastewater Quality in the Sewerage System of the University
of British Columbia. Westwater Research Centre, Tech. Rept. No. 24.
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Page 28 of 35
SFU Surface Water Quality Monitoring
June 2008 – May 2009
5.0 Fecal Coliforms
Fecal coliform values varied considerably between the monitoring stations and
over the period of sampling. Values ranged from non-detectable to 4,300
colonies per 100 mL. The highest median and maximum values were associated
with the largest storm water catchment area (MH8F) and the summer period
(Table 1), which is typical for urban storm water runoff.
Fecal coliforms did not consistently show up in high numbers at any of the
monitored stations, and as such it is inferred that there were no sewage
contamination sources present.
Table 1. Summary of fecal coliform results.
Lot C
03-Jun-08
04-Jul-08
20-Aug-08
02-Oct-08
31-Oct-08
25-Nov-08
15-Dec-08
29-Dec-08
25-Feb-09
19-Mar-09
06-May-09
Median
Maximum
Minimum
370
790
270
830
39
16
320
830
16
Lot Bw
1800
4300
380
330
440
340
110
41
150
340
4300
41
MH8F
1100
1000
4100
1300
2300
550
68
44
650
1000
4100
44
SCr.
45
600
1200
490
60
57
3
<1
60
1200
3
MA1
600
580
500
780
2400
84
34
32
29
500
2400
29
R.U. Kistritz Consultants Ltd.
Page 29 of 35
SFU Surface Water Quality Monitoring
June 2008 – May 2009
5.0 Conclusions
‰ Because of the strong relationship between chloride concentration and
specific conductivity, a linear regression was used to interpolate a lethal and
sub-lethal conductivity water quality guideline of 2045 µS and 551 µS
respectively. Specific conductivity therefore proved to be a practical proxy
variable for chloride.
‰ Storm water discharges from below parking lots B and C, and the salt storage
facility had average annual specific conductivities that were near and above
levels lethal to freshwater aquatic life.
‰ Average annual conductivity was sub-lethal to aquatic life at the two
monitoring locations where storm water enters the ambient environment.
‰ There was a sharp increase in conductivity shortly after the first application of
road salt in winter, followed by a slow decline in conductivity over the
remaining seasons of spring, summer and fall.
‰ High conductivity levels persisted in groundwater for many months after the
winter season when the last application of road salt took place.
‰ Salt contaminated groundwater was monitored not only below the salt storage
facility, but also at the parking lot discharges, suggesting that salt
contaminated soil and groundwater may exist along most major traffic routes,
pedestrian walkways, and parking lots.
‰ Melt water from snow storage areas proved to free of any salt contamination.
‰ Total cyanide was not detected in surface water during this monitoring period.
However, cyanide was found in the brine solution stored next to the salt shed.
‰ Total metals that were non-compliant with water quality criteria for the
protection of aquatic life for > 30% of the samples included copper, aluminum,
iron, and chromium. However, the concentration range of monitored metals
was typical for storm water analyzed in other GVRD locations such as UBC
campus.
‰ Fecal coliforms did not consistently show up in excessively high numbers at
any of the monitored stations.
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Page 30 of 35
SFU Surface Water Quality Monitoring
June 2008 – May 2009
6.0 Recommendations
‰ Specific conductivity should continue to be measured as a proxy variable of
dissolved chloride to determine water quality compliance with government
regulations.
‰ Due to the large and rapid fluctuations of conductivity evident in the surface
water, we recommend that a continuous conductivity probe and data logger
be used for ongoing monitoring at station MA1.
‰ The long range water quality goal for SFUFS should be to strive for average
annual conductivity levels that are below the sub-lethal limit for surface water
discharging to the ambient environment. The control site (SC2) achieved this
average annual level during the 2008 -09 water quality monitoring period.
‰ Efforts should be initiated to reduce the amount of salt that infiltrates into the
ground. A good start would be to identify and fix sites where salt
contaminated runoff from paved areas enters the surrounding ground due to
missing curbs, cracked pavement, leaky pipes, or any other compromised
storm water conveyances.
‰ Improved containment of the existing salt storage and handling facility is
required to minimize the risk of salt contamination to the surrounding
environment.
‰ The degree of existing groundwater contamination at the salt storage facility
needs to be assessed and a remediation or containment strategy developed
to reduce the amount of contaminated groundwater from entering surface
drainages.
‰ Various alternative salt management practices must be identified and tested
in order to reduce the total amount of salt applied to paved surfaces.
‰ Research should be initiated to develop feasible options for mitigating the
shock loading of salt into surface waters. Shock loading is the first flush
event after salt has been applied when the conductivity in surface water
increase rapidly from several hundred to several thousand µS.
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Page 31 of 35
SFU Surface Water Quality Monitoring
June 2008 – May 2009
Appendix 1.
Specific Conductivity Measurements
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Page 32 of 35
SFU Surface Water Quality Monitoring
June 2008 – May 2009
Appendix 2.
Analytical Laboratory Results
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Page 33 of 35