2010 Equalization Reservoir Biomonitoring Report, Clean Harbors Canada Inc., Lambton Facility Landfill

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2 October 22, 2010 Mr. Christopher Small General Manager - Landfill Clean Harbors Canada, Inc Telfler Road, R.R. #1 Corunna, ON N0N 1G0 Dear Mr. Small; RE: 2010 Equalization Reservoir Biomonitoring Report, Clean Harbors Canada Inc., Lambton Facility Landfill The 2010 Equalization Reservoir Biomonitoring Study was conducted by AES International Environmental Consultants Inc. on April 26, 2010 and August 31, 2010 as a requirement of Provisional Certificate of Approval No. A The scope of work required for Biomonitoring of the Equalization Reservoir includes an inventory of benthic invertebrate and fish populations and general surface water quality within the Equalization Reservoir. This study is completed as part of the routine compliance monitoring program conducted at the Clean Harbors Lambton Facility. The results of this study provide an indication of the general surface water quality released from the site. This letter report discusses the results of the 2010 Study. 1. Introduction The surface water management system at the Lambton Facility is comprised of a network of drainage ditches and two retention reservoirs located in the east and west portions of the site (see Figure 1). Surface water runoff from undeveloped portions of the site, perimeter berms, capped and closed landfill cells is directed through this network of drainage ditches and reservoirs to the on-site Surface Water Treatment Facility. Treated effluent from the Surface Water Treatment Facility is discharged to, and retained in the Equalization Reservoir before being discharged via a gated channel to the municipal drainage swale located along Telfer Sideroad. Impacted and potentially impacted runoff from the operational areas and active landfill sub-cells is directed to impacted water retention reservoirs. Two of which, located on the finished cap of Cell 17, are designed to retain leachate. Impacted water is used as process water for facility operations. Retained leachate is pumped to the process area where it is incinerated. 806 Gordon Street, Suite 201 Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 1Y7 T: F:

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4 2010 Equalization Reservoir Biomonitoring Report Clean Harbors Canada Inc., Lambton Facility October 22, The initial baseline Equalization Reservoir Biomonitoring Study was completed in The initial study involved two sampling events and monitoring at a number of stations within the Equalization Reservoir. The 1998 study established that the benthic community was low in numbers and diversity due to the poor habitat quality of the Basin (Gartner Lee, 1998). Based on the initial findings of the study and a meeting between staff of Clean Harbors, Gartner Lee and the Ministry of the Environment, a less intensive monitoring program was developed and implemented. Within this report, the data collected from the 2010 Study is compared to historical data from 1998 through to The following tasks were completed as part of the 2010 Equalization Reservoir Biomonitoring Study; Completed on April 26, 2010; 1) Collection of random sediment samples of sufficient volume to obtain a representative population of benthic invertebrates; 2) Identification and enumeration of benthic invertebrates to the family level; 3) Completion of a dissolved oxygen and temperature profile at the midpoint of the Reservoir; 4) Completion of Secchi depth profiling to indicate turbidity within the Reservoir; 5) Measurement of surface ph, electrical conductivity and temperature; 6) Description of general sediment characteristics (texture, composition and odour) and, 7) Completion of a fish inventory utilizing traditional angling methods. Completed on August 31, 2010; Items 3, 4, 5, and 7 listed above were completed as part of the August 2010 monitoring plan. 2. Methods Water quality data, fish inventory data and benthic invertebrate population data were collected on April 26, 2010 by qualified AES staff. Weather conditions were overcast with an air temperature of approximately 10.0 C. During the week preceding the April 2010 study, the mean temperature was 7.6 C with 22.5 mm of precipitation. On August 31, 2010, water quality data and fish inventory data were collected by qualified AES staff. The conditions were clear with an air temperature of approximately 30 C. During the week preceding the August 2010 event the mean temperature was 21.7 C with 0 mm of precipitation recorded in the Sarnia, Ontario area. A total depth to bottom was measured using a weighted tape at the midpoint of the Equalization Reservoir (referred to as the Reservoir henceforth). Surface ph, electrical conductivity and temperature were measured at the midpoint of the Reservoir using a YSI 556 MPS multi-parameter water quality meter. A dissolved oxygen and temperature profile of the water column at the midpoint of the Reservoir was obtained also using the YSI 556 MPS multi-parameter water quality meter. Dissolved oxygen and temperature were measured at 0.5 m depth increments from the surface of the Reservoir to the water

5 2010 Equalization Reservoir Biomonitoring Report Clean Harbors Canada Inc., Lambton Facility October 22, sediment interface. A Secchi depth reading was measured from the shaded side of the boat for an indication of turbidity within the Reservoir. During the April 2010 study, six randomly located sediment grab samples were collected using a Wildco 6 Petite Ponar sediment sampler. Sediment grab samples were not collected within 1 m of the concrete lined sidewalls of the Reservoir, as cobbles and broken pieces of concrete from upper portions of the sidewalls impeded the operation of the Ponar sampler. The grab samples were homogenized and the resulting composite sample was divided into smaller sub-samples. Sediment characteristics (colour, texture composition and odour) were noted. Each sub-sample was screened against a 500 µm mesh sieve using pressurized potable water to remove the fine grained sediment. Large particles such as gravel, leaves and other organic material were discarded. The benthic organisms captured in the sieve were removed with fine tipped tweezers and identified and logged in the field to the taxonomic level of family. Each sub-sample was processed using the above method until the entire composite sample was logged. A fish inventory was completed in April 2010 and August 2010 to identify and enumerate the fish community within the Reservoir. Traditional angling methods were employed, using a 2.0 m spinning rod and reel and jig heads baited with bread and dew worms. The entire area of the Reservoir was covered using this method for a time span of approximately minutes. 3. Results The following sections provide the results of the 2010 Biomonitoring Study, along with a comparison to historical data dating back to Field notes are provided in Attachment A. 3.1 Physical Characteristics The Reservoir is a rectangular, man-made structure, 36 m long by 24 m wide. The general morphometry in 2010 was similar to that in previous years. The total depth at the midpoint of the Reservoir was 4.5 m in April 2010 and 4.8 m in August As mentioned above, the concrete lined sidewalls have cracked and sloughed, and debris has accumulated at the bottom of the Reservoir, near the sidewalls. The bottom substrate of the Reservoir consists of fine dark grey to black silt with some brown clay and trace fine to coarse sand and gravel. Native brown clay is present below the surficial sediment layer. The sediments have a moderate hydrogen sulphide odour, consistent with historical observations.

6 2010 Equalization Reservoir Biomonitoring Report Clean Harbors Canada Inc., Lambton Facility October 22, General Water Chemistry General water chemistry (ph, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen and temperature) were measured at the midpoint of the Reservoir, approximately 0.25 m below the surface. The measurements recorded in 2010 are presented in Table 1, along with historical measurements. The ph at the surface of the Reservoir was 7.78 in April 2010 and 7.89 in August 2010, within the acceptable range of for surface waters in Ontario (PWQO, MOE, 1999). The electrical conductivity was 944 µs/cm in April 2010 and 838 µs/cm in August 2010, which is similar to historic conditions and within the range normally found in treated waters. As in previous years, the electrical conductivity values presented in Table 1 for 1998 were converted from ms to µs due to a unit recording error. The Secchi depth was 0.95 m in April 2010 and 1.04 m in August Table 1. General Water Chemistry; Equalization Reservoir 1998 Through 2010 Parameter May Oct Apr Apr Apr Apr Aug Jun Sep Apr Aug Apr Aug Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Water Temperature ( C) Air Temperature ( C) ph (Unitless) Conductivity (µs/cm) Total Depth (m) Parameter Apr Aug May Aug Apr Aug Apr Aug Apr Aug Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Water Temperature ( C) Air Temperature ( C) ph (Unitless) Conductivity (µs/cm) Total Depth (m)

7 2010 Equalization Reservoir Biomonitoring Report Clean Harbors Canada Inc., Lambton Facility October 22, Dissolved oxygen and temperature were profiled at the midpoint of the Reservoir. Dissolved oxygen and temperature values were measured at 0.5 m increments to a depth of 4.0 m. Figure 2 presents the dissolved oxygen profile measured on April 26, Dissolved oxygen concentrations measured in April 2010 were all above 4-5 mg/l, the level deemed critical for aquatic biota (PWQO, MOE, 1999). Figure 2: Dissolved Oxygen/Temperature Profile, April 26, 2010 Depth Below Surface (m) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l), Temperature ( C) Dissolved Oxygen Temperature Figure 3 presents the dissolved oxygen profile measured on August 31, The dissolved oxygen profile within the reservoir on Augusut 31, 2010 indicates a clinograde oxygen profile, which is typical of warm summer temperatures (Kalff, 2002). Disolved oxygen concentrations from surface to approximately 4.0 m below surface were above the level deemed critical for aquatic biota (PWQO, MOE, 1999). The dissolved oxygen concentration at 4.5 m below surface was 2.15 mg/l, below the level deemed critical for aquatic biota. Anoxic conditions (>2.0 mg/l) were not observed within the water column profile measured in August A measurement at the water-sediment interface was not collected to avoid fouling the dissolved oxygen sensor. It is possible for un-ionized ammonia, un-ionized hydrogen sulphide and phosphorus to be released from the sediments, should anoxic conditions be present.

8 2010 Equalization Reservoir Biomonitoring Report Clean Harbors Canada Inc., Lambton Facility October 22, Figure 3: Dissolved Oxygen/Temperature Profile, August 31, 2010 Depth Below Surface (m) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l), Temperature ( C) Dissolved Oxygen Temperature 3.3 Benthic Invertebrate Community Benthic invertebrates were picked, sorted and identified to family level from the composite sediment sample collected on April 26, Table 2 presents a summary of the benthic community observed within the Reservoir on April 26, 2010 and compares this data to the historical data dating back to Historically, two to six families of benthic invertebrates have been identified within the Reservoir dating back to 1998, indicating benthic diversity is generally low within the Reservoir. This low family richness does not allow for significant diversity metrics to be calculated. On average, the benthic community has been represented primarily by Chironomids and Oligochaetes. Gastropods have also been observed, however only shells have been recovered, indicating that they may not actually survive in the basin, but have been introduced by alternate vectors. With the exception of Gastropods, all organisms historically observed within the Reservoir are adapted to soft sediment niches due to their burrowing life strategies (Mackie, 2004). Chironomids have accounted for the majority of organisms observed from the 1998 study through to the 2010 study. Chironomids are generally tolerant of low dissolved oxygen, organic rich environments, common to disturbed eutrophic environments (Mackie, 2004).

9 2010 Equalization Reservoir Biomonitoring Report Clean Harbors Canada Inc., Lambton Facility October 22, Table 2. Benthic Invertebrates, Grouped by Family; Equalization Basin, 1998 through 2010 Family October May April April April June April April April May April April April Oligochaeta Hirudinea Naididae Coleoptera Tubificidae Chironomidae Gastropoda * 5* 3* 4* 3* 2* 5* 10* 0 13* 8* Chaoboridae Ephemeroptera Ceratopogonidae Organism Abundance Species Richness Total Area Sampled (m 2 ) n/a Average Density per (m 2 ) n/a Notes: * Recovered only Gastropoda shells. - Gastropods are included in the density calculations - Due to an inadequate seal of the Eckman dredge jaws during the April 2005 sampling event, the sediment to water volume ratio observed in these samples was lower resulting in an insufficient volume of sediment sample. Four families were observed in April 2010, Chironomidae (160), Oligochaeta (16), Gastropoda (8) and Ephemeroptera (1). Similar to observations made during previous studies, only Gastropod shells were recovered. The total area sampled in April 2010 was 0.14 m 2, consistent with previous sampling efforts. The organism abundance in April 2010 was significantly greater than that of April 2009 (185 compared to 108). Specifically, there was an increase in Chironomids encountered in The overall trend in Chironomid numbers since 2008 indicates an increasing Chrionomid population within the Reservoir. Significant variance in organism density throughout the monitoring period can potentially be attributed to the natural variability in the random sampling, identification and enumeration methodology employed. The historical diversity and density of benthic organisms within the Reservoir is presented in Figure 4.

10 2010 Equalization Reservoir Biomonitoring Report Clean Harbors Canada Inc., Lambton Facility October 22, Figure 4: Benthic Invertebrate Family Diversity and Density; Equalization Basin, 1998 to 2010 Number of Families Observed Average Density of Organisms (m 2 ) Number of Families Observed Average Density of Organisms * Organism density not calculated for 2005 because equipment malfunction affected organism count. 3.4 Fish Community Historical sightings of fish in the Reservoir have included such species as goldfish, sunfish, carp, pike, catfish and rock bass confirmed by Clean Harbors staff. During the April 2010 study, AES staff observed one fish in the Reservoir; however the species could not be determined. The April 2010 fish survey employed traditional angling methods, as per previous years. The entire area of the Reservoir was covered by casting jigheads baited with bread and dew worms for a period of approximately 80 minutes. One fish was caught, a Northern Pike (Esox Lucius). The total length of the Pike was 0.66 m and weighed approximately 1.0 kg. The Pike appeared to be free of any lesions or parasites. A photograph is provided in Attachment B. Following processing, the pike was released back into the reservoir. A second fish was caught during the survey; however it was released from the hook before it could be brought to shore. The species of the fish could not be determined. The August 2010 fish survey also employed traditional angling methods. Similar to the April 2010 survey, the entire area of the Reservoir was covered by casting jigheads baited with dew worms or synthetic bait for a period of approximately 90 minutes. Although AES staff observed several fish in the reservoir during the August 2010 survey, one sunfish (Centrarchidae) was caught. The total length of the sunfish was 12

11 2010 Equalization Reservoir Biomonitoring Report Clean Harbors Canada Inc., Lambton Facility October 22, cm. An accurate weight could not be determined because it was less than the minimum resolution of the scale. The sunfish appeared to be free of any lesions or parasites. A photograph is provided in Attachment B. Following processing, the sunfish was released back into the reservoir. Several other sunfish were hooked during the survey, but were released before they could be processed on shore. The Reservoir is isolated from other off-site surface waters, preventing migration into and out of the Reservoir. It is presumed the fish community within the Reservoir was introduced by alternate vectors. 4. Conclusions and Recommendations Consistent with data from previous years, the 2010 Equalization Reservoir Biomonitoring data suggests the Reservoir contains a benthic community low in density and diversity. This low benthic biomass will theoretically limit the fish population surviving in the Reservoir. The density of organisms observed was significantly greater compared to data collected in April 2009, due mainly to an increased number of Chironomids observed. The diversity was similar to the historical average. Anoxic conditions were not observed in 2010; however the dissolved oxygen measurement at 4.5 m in August 2010 was 2.15 mg/l, which is below the level deemed critical for aquatic biota (PWQO, MOE, 1999). Under anoxic conditions it is possible for un-ionized ammonia, un-ionized hydrogen sulphide and phosphorus to be released from the sediments, potentially impacting discharge from the basin. The MOE has previously recommended that the Reservoir depth be limited to less than 3.0 m and for the sediment to be removed from the Reservoir regularly. The potential for release of hydrogen sulphide, ammonia and phosphorus from the sediment would be eliminated, however at least 3.0 m of water must be present in the Reservoir at all times for firefighting purposes. A third suggestion by the MOE involved hydrogen sulphide, ammonia, phosphorus and temperature be monitored as part of the daily effluent monitoring parameters when the potential for anoxic conditions exist (June - September). As of June 2007 Clean Harbors has added hydrogen sulphide, ammonia, phosphorus and temperature to the list of daily effluent monitoring parameters. If, during the period when the potential for anoxic conditions are likely, un-ionized ammonia is greater than 0.1 mg/l and hydrogen sulphide is greater than mg/l, discharge to the drainage swale along Telfer Sideroad is halted. Clean Harbors reported that no discharging occurred during September 2009 or the Summer of 2010 (June 1 st through August 31 st, 2010).

12 2010 Equalization Reservoir Biomonitoring Report Clean Harbors Canada Inc., Lambton Facility October 22, We trust this letter satisfies your requirements at this time. Please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned should you have any questions. Yours very truly, AES International Environmental Consultants, Inc. Timothy Boc, B.E.S Senior Environmental Technician Peter-James A. Mauro, P.Eng., EMPD Senior Environmental Engineer, Project Manager & Associate Attach. TFB:tfb

13 2010 Equalization Reservoir Biomonitoring Report Clean Harbors Canada Inc., Lambton Facility October 22, References Gartner Lee Limited, 2008: 2008 Final Equalization Basin Biomonitoring Report, Clean Harbors Canada Inc. Lambton Facility. GLL September Kalff, J., 2002: Limnology: Inland Water Ecosystems. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall Inc., 2002 Mackie, G., 2004: Applied Ecosystem Concepts. Iowa: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, 2001,2004 Ministry of the Environment and Energy Water Management: Policies, Guidelines, Provincial Water Quality Objectives of the Ministry of the Environment and Energy. Queens Printer for Ontario.

14 Attachment A Field Notes April 2010 Biomonitoring Study August 2010 Biomonitoring Study

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21 Attachment B Photographs April 2010 Biomonitoring Study August 2010 Biomonitoring Study

22 PHOTOGRAPH 1: NORTHERN PIKE CAUGHT APRIL 26, 2009; TOTAL LENGTH WAS 0.66 m AND WEIGHT WAS APPROXIMATELY 1.0 kg. FOLLOWING PROCESSING THE FISH WAS RELEASED BACK INTO THE RESERVOIR. PHOTOGRAPH 2: SUNFISH CAUGHT AUGUST 31, 2009; TOTAL LENGTH WAS 0.12 m AND WEIGHT WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED (LESS THAN THE SCALE MINIMUM). FOLLOWING PROCESSING THE FISH WAS RELEASED BACK INTO THE RESERVOIR.