WATER QUALITY MONITORING TFL 49 FOREST ECOLOGICAL STEWARDSHIP PROJECT Annual Report

Transcription

1 WATER QUALITY MONITORING For the TFL 49 FOREST ECOLOGICAL STEWARDSHIP PROJECT 2002 Annual Report (FIA Activity # ) Prepared for RIVERSIDE FOREST PRODUCTS LIMITED by DOBSON ENGINEERING LTD. #4, 1960 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC V1Y 5V7 March, 2003

2 Water Quality Monitoring / TFL Annual Report i Table of Contents 1.0 INTRODUCTION PROJECT DESCRIPTION SAMPLING LOCATIONS AUTOMATED SAMPLING DISCRETE SAMPLING SAMPLING DATES QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL PRECIPITATION AND STREAM DISCHARGE ANALYSIS RESULTS TURBIDITY SUSPENDED SOLIDS TEMPERATURE CONDUCTIVITY CONCLUSIONS RECOMMENDATIONS File: Project: Date: March 2003 DOBSON ENGINEERING LTD.

3 Water Quality Monitoring / TFL Annual Report ii Tables Table 1 Sampling Site Locations and EMS Identification Numbers Table 2 Automated Sampling Parameters Table 3 Sampling Dates and Parameters Analyzed (Including QA/QC Samples) Table 4 Discrete Turbidity Values Clear Flow Vs Turbid Flow Table 5 Automated Turbidity Values Clear Flow Vs Turbid Flow Table 6 Suspended Solids Values Clear Flow Vs Turbid Flow Table 7 Automated Temperature Data Summary Table 8 Automated Conductivity Data Summary File: Project: Date: March 2003 DOBSON ENGINEERING LTD.

4 Water Quality Monitoring / TFL Annual Report iii APPENDICES APPENDIX A Water Quality Monitoring Sites Location Maps APPENDIX B 2002 Water Quality Data Summary Tables 1-4 APPENDIX C 2002 Laboratory Result Reports APPENDIX D 2002 Site Visit Records APPENDIX E Precipitation and Stream Discharge Data File: Project: Date: March 2003 DOBSON ENGINEERING LTD.

5 Riverside Forest Products Limited TFL 49 Ecological Forest Stewardship Project Water Quality Monitoring Project Annual Report 1.0 INTRODUCTION This report summarizes the work completed in 2002 for the TFL 49 long-term water quality monitoring project. The water quality monitoring project forms part of the effectiveness evaluation of forest development for Riverside Forest Products Ltd. Ecological Forest Stewardship Project (formerly Sustainable Total Resource Management Pilot Project). The project is focused on Tree Farm License (TFL) 49 in the Okanagan and Shuswap basins. Water quality may be one of the indicators used to measure the results of changes to forest management proposed for the TFL. Fish species and other aquatic organisms also rely on these watersheds as a source of habitat and food. Monitoring sites were initially located on four streams in the TFL (Powers Creek, Lambly Creek, Whiteman Creek and Bolean Creek). In 2002, the stations at Powers Creek and Bolean Creek were removed from service. The station at Powers Creek has been discontinued with the site fully dismantled since it was determined that additional data from this stream was no longer required. The facility at Bolean Creek is still in place and the site could be reactivated when funding is available to operate the station. The goal of this project is to determine the baseline water quality for representative streams on the TFL and to use this data as part of the long term monitoring program of the effectiveness of the changes in forest management and as input to the adaptive management program. For the period , Forest Renewal BC provided funding for this project under its strategic objective relating to strengthening sustainable forest management (SSFM). An important purpose of SSFM is to pilot alternative approaches to forestry that balance environmental, social and economic objectives. In 2002, the Forest Investment Account (FIA) funded the project. The approach to the development of the long-term water quality monitoring has been patterned after the framework decided upon for the Stewardship Plan (for details refer to separate report Stewardship Plan Elements). This framework addresses the components of scale, time and location through a hierarchy of criteria and indicators patterned after those agreed to by the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM). This approach utilizes a monitoring approach that measures specific indicators to ensure certain criteria are met. This project follows the standards established by the Resources Information Standards Committee (RISC). File: Project: Date: March 2003 DOBSON ENGINEERING LTD.

6 Water Quality Monitoring / TFL Annual Report 2 The criterion this project is designed to monitor is The quality of soil, water and land resources on TFL 49 are sustained. The criterion to be met for Lambly Creek is that water quality will not exceed established water quality objectives. For watersheds where water quality objectives have not been established, attainment of guidelines for drinking water, aquatic life or aesthetics should not be impaired by proposed forest development. This report is linked to other TFL baseline inventory projects (e.g. fish, riparian management, and wildlife) and will form part of the larger ecological forest management model being developed for the TFL. 2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION In 2001, automated water quality monitoring stations were established on four creeks in the TFL (Powers, Lambly, Whiteman and Bolean Creeks). Based on a recommendation from the 2001 report The Powers Creek station is no longer required for this project the Powers Creek station was discontinued. Due to budget concerns, the station at Bolean Creek was not activated in 2002 and data was only collected at Lambly Creek and Whiteman Creek. At each station, water quality data was collected at 15 minute intervals. This data was routinely downloaded and stored in a database for reference. During routine site visits, the accuracy and precision of the probes was confirmed using known standard solutions, portable field meters and manual grab samples, which were sent to a laboratory for analyses. This data can be compared with baseline data that was established from previous water quality studies. In addition to water quality monitoring, water level and precipitation were collected at the Lambly Creek site to aid in understanding the affects of streamflow and precipitation on water quality. The Water Survey of Canada (WSC) operates a hydrometric station at the Whiteman Creek site. 2.1 Sampling Locations The automated water quality stations at Powers, Lambly and Bolean Creeks were previously established as part of other FRBC projects, and had been in operation prior to The station at Whiteman Creek was established March 24, 2001 at which time the operation of the other three stations was taken over by Dobson Engineering Ltd. (on behalf of Riverside Forest Products Ltd). The Powers Creek and Bolean Creek sites were not in operation during The sites were chosen to provide water samples that are representative of the areas affected by forest development. Access concerns were also addressed during site selection (Refer to Table 1 and Appendix A - location maps) for sampling site locations. File: Project: Date: March 2003 DOBSON ENGINEERING LTD.

7 Water Quality Monitoring / TFL Annual Report 3 Table 1 - Sampling Site Locations and *EMS Identification Numbers Site Location Co-ordinates Lambly Creek Whiteman Creek Lambly Creek at the Lakeview Irrigation District intake. Whiteman Creek at the Water Survey of Canada Hydrometric Station 08NM o 57' 27''N 119 o 33' 20''W 50 o 12' 49''N 119 o 32' 19''W *EMS I.D. Number E E *Environmental Monitoring System a provincial database for discrete sampling data. 2.2 Automated Sampling A variety of equipment has been employed to collect and log data every 15 minutes at the four sites. The equipment used and parameters measured at each site are in presented in Table 2. Data was not collected at Powers and Bolean Creeks in Table 2 - Automated Sampling Parameters Parameters Measured Site Turbidity Temperature Conductivity ph Dissolved Oxygen Precipitation Water Level *Lambly - - **Whiteman - - *Equipment included an Analite turbidity sensor, a YSI conductivity sensor, a YSI temperature sensor and a Forest Technology Systems tipping bucket rain gauge, all connected to a FTS Model FWS-12-NH data logger. Water level was measured with a Stevens pressure transducer. **Equipment included a Hydrolab Corporation Datasonde 4 multiprobe connected to a Campbell Scientific Inc. Model CR510 data logger. Water level was measured with a Design Analysis Associates Inc. Water Log Series pressure transducer and nitrogen bubble system. 2.3 Discrete Sampling Water sampling was conducted according to Resources Information Standards Committee (RISC) standards as described in the Ambient Freshwater and Effluent Sampling Manual (Water Quality Branch, 1994). Water samples were routinely collected and analyzed for turbidity and suspended solids. Turbidity (and suspended solids) can be impacted by forest development as a result of surface erosion from roads and landslides 1 as well as channel erosion resulting from increased peak flows. Samples were collected in clean one-liter plastic bottles, placed with ice in an insulated cooler and delivered to Caro Environmental Services for analysis. 1 MacDonald, L.H., A.W. Smart and R.C. Wissmar Monitoring Guidelines to Evaluate Effects of Forestry Activities on Streams in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. File: Project: Date: March 2003 DOBSON ENGINEERING LTD.

8 Water Quality Monitoring / TFL Annual Report Sampling Dates Typically the greatest variability in water quality occurs during peak flows generated from spring snowmelt. In order to measure the water quality variability during the spring melt, routine samples were collected weekly from April 24, 2002 to June 20, Outside of the spring snowmelt period, routine samples were collected biweekly. Refer to Table 3 for sample dates. Table 3 Sampling Dates and Parameters Analyzed (Including QA/QC Samples) Sampling Dates April 24, 2002* May 1, 2002* May 9, 2002* May 15, 2002* May 22, 2002* May 29, 2002* June 5, 2002* June 13, 2002 June 20, 2002 July 9, 2002 July 24, 2002 August 7, 2002 August 21, 2002 September 5, 2002 September 17, 2002 October 3, 2002 October 15, 2002 October 30, 2002 *Parameter Set Suspended Solids, Turbidity Suspended Solids, Turbidity Suspended Solids, Turbidity Suspended Solids, Turbidity Co-located Triplicates & Trip Blank Suspended Solids, Turbidity Suspended Solids, Turbidity Suspended Solids, Turbidity Suspended Solids, Turbidity Suspended Solids, Turbidity Suspended Solids, Turbidity Suspended Solids, Turbidity Suspended Solids, Turbidity Co-located Triplicates Suspended Solids, Turbidity Suspended Solids, Turbidity Suspended Solids, Turbidity Suspended Solids, Turbidity Suspended Solids, Turbidity Suspended Solids, Turbidity *Samples were not collected on these dates at Lambly Creek, as the site was not reactivated until after June 5, Quality Assurance and Quality Control Discrete water sampling was conducted according to Resources Information Standards Committee (RISC) standards as described in the Ambient Freshwater and Effluent Sampling Manual (Water Quality Branch, 1994). The samples were delivered to the laboratory within 24 hours of collection and were maintained at or below 10 C. The automated data collection was conducted according to the Automated Water Quality Monitoring Field Manual (Water Management Branch, 1999). Portable field instruments were also used at each site visit to confirm proper function of the automated sensors and to ensure data quality objectives were being met (Refer to Appendix B Tables 1-4). Replicate samples were collected on two occasions to determine the precision of the laboratory analysis. The Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks Guidelines for Interpreting Water Quality Data (1998) discuss the use of replicate samples as a check File: Project: Date: March 2003 DOBSON ENGINEERING LTD.

9 Water Quality Monitoring / TFL Annual Report 5 for laboratory precision. When triplicate samples are taken, precision is expressed as percent relative standard deviation. For triplicates, a percent relative standard deviation of 18% or less is considered acceptable precision. With the exception of turbidity, the co-located triplicates collected during this study period met the quality control criterion. The Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks (1998) states that in order to use Relative % Standard Deviation as a precision check, the analytical values must be at least five times the Method Detection Limit (MDL). In the cases where turbidity appears to be imprecise, the lab measurements were not all five times the MDL and therefore the precision for turbidity and suspended solids on these dates cannot be confirmed. In addition to replicate samples, blank samples were submitted to the laboratory. A blank sample is a bottle filled with certified de-ionized water (provided by the laboratory). This bottle is brought to each site and is exposed to the same conditions as the actual sample (except it is not immersed in the creeks). Blank samples are used to detect contamination of the bottles, sampling gear, preservatives, filtering gear, atmosphere at the sampling location, handling by the collector either at the point of sampling or during travel, and contamination at the lab. The Guidelines for Interpreting Water Quality Data (1998) indicate that contamination has occurred when 5% or more of the blanks show any levels above the method detection limit. If the blanks are within the guidelines, the samples are considered uncontaminated and the data is considered clean. Field blank analysis indicated no sample contamination. (Refer to Appendix B Tables 1-4 for replicate and trip blank results). All water samples were sent to a registered laboratory (Caro Environmental Services) under the Environmental Data Quality Assurance (EDQA) program to ensure data accuracy. 2.6 Precipitation and Stream Discharge Intense rainfall, and rain on snow events in the spring, can result in rapid increases in surface run-off and stream flow. The increased surface run-off and increased stream flow can cause increased turbidity and increased suspended sediment concentrations. Environment Canada data indicates that in 2002, the Southern BC Mountains Region experienced the 2 nd wettest spring on record since 1948 (Appendix E Precipitation and Stream Discharge Data). Water Survey of Canada data for Whiteman Creek indicates the maximum daily discharge for 2002 occurred on May 22, 2002 and was 9.67 m3/s, which equates to a 4 year return period peak flow event. It is likely that Lambly Creek experienced similar peak flow return periods at or near the same date. Dobson Engineering Ltd. staff maintained general notes on weather conditions during the spring of Observations indicate steady rain in the Okanagan, (snow above approx m) from the morning of May 20, 2002 to the afternoon of May 23, The study streams experienced elevated stream flows resulting from the sustained rainfall and snowmelt. File: Project: Date: March 2003 DOBSON ENGINEERING LTD.

10 Water Quality Monitoring / TFL Annual Report 6 In contrast to the very wet spring period, the summer and fall of 2002 were the 4 th and 7 th driest periods on record since ANALYSIS RESULTS Samples were routinely analyzed for turbidity and suspended solids. Where applicable, these results are compared to baseline data collected in previous water quality studies. The data is also compared to Canadian and/or British Columbia drinking water guidelines that are in place. The TFL 49 Water Quality 2000/2001 Annual Report discusses the rationale used to establish baseline data. Limited baseline data from is available for Powers Creek, Lambly Creek and Whiteman Creek and additional data for Powers and Lambly Creeks is available from Automated water quality data was collected at Bolean Creek from 1997 to 2000 as part of the Salmon River Watershed Study. In cases where existing data ( ) is limited, the current data collected will become the baseline data. The data collected from at Powers, Lambly and Bolean Creeks will also form part of the baseline data set. Results of the laboratory analyses have been entered in the Environmental Monitoring System (EMS) database the provincial database for water quality data. The following sections provide a summary of the analyses for 2002 (both discrete samples and automated data). Tables 1 to 4 in Appendix B provide the detailed discrete data results, and Appendix C contains the Laboratory Result Reports. Due to low flow conditions, the automated sensors at Whiteman Creek were out of the water on several occasions between July 7, 2002 and August 7, Suspect data has been removed from the analysis set. Summer low flows at the Lambly Creek site also resulted in occasional lost data that has been excluded from the analysis set. 3.1 Turbidity Turbidity is a measurement that describes the cloudiness of water. Suspended particles in water cause incoming light to scatter and give water a cloudy appearance. The suspended particles can include clay, silt, fine sand, organic material (leaf litter, algae, and other micro-organisms. In the context of domestic water, turbidity is important as suspended particles can impair the effectiveness of various disinfection processes and is aesthetically displeasing. In many BC interior streams, spring freshet and rain events bring with them sediment laden water, which cause peaks in turbidity levels. Health Canada s guideline for drinking water that does not receive treatment to remove turbidity is a maximum of 1 NTU (nephelometric turbidity units). The acceptable turbidity level for raw water that is to be chlorinated is 5 NTU if it can be demonstrated that disinfection is not compromised by the use of the less stringent value. In snowmelt dominated watersheds, turbidity tends to be higher during the spring freshet period mainly as a result of increased stream flows. For the TFL the spring freshet, resulting from snowmelt in the upper elevations, typically occurs from April to File: Project: Date: March 2003 DOBSON ENGINEERING LTD.

11 Water Quality Monitoring / TFL Annual Report 7 June. Based on this information the turbidity data has been divided into two separate periods: clear flow period and turbid flow period. The turbid flow period coincides with spring freshet between April 1 to June 30 with the clear flow period occurring during the remainder of the year. In 2002 discrete turbidity samples were collected 18 times at Whiteman Creek and 11 times at Lambly Creek. Data was not collected in 2002 at Powers Creek or at Bolean Creek. The turbidity data is arranged by flow period in Tables 4 and 5. Year Table 4 Discrete Turbidity Values Clear Flow Vs Turbid Flow # Of Samples Clear Flow Period (July 1 March 31) Range (NTU) Mean (NTU) # Of Samples Turbid Flow Period (April 1 June 30) Range (NTU) Mean (NTU) Lambly Creek Whiteman Creek The discrete turbidity values for Whiteman Creek exceeded the 5 NTU guideline on four occasions during May. The highest value recorded (125 NTU) coincides with the maximum daily discharge referred to in section 2.6. Increased turbidity was likely the result of a combination of high flows from steady rain and snowmelt, and sediment delivered to the channel from a landslide that entered the creek in the upper watershed. The cause of the landslide has not been determined. It is difficult to compare this data to the baseline turbidity data as the baseline data used a different method and different units (JTU instead of NTU). The discrete turbidity values for Lambly Creek did not exceed the 5 NTU guideline however, 2002 data was not collected at this site prior to June 13. It is likely that the turbidity in Lambly Creek was higher during May, when flows were higher. File: Project: Date: March 2003 DOBSON ENGINEERING LTD.

12 Water Quality Monitoring / TFL Annual Report 8 Table 5 Automated Turbidity Values Clear Flow Vs Turbid Flow Year % 5 NTU Clear Flow Period (July 1 March 31) % > 5 NTU Range NTU Mean NTU % 5 NTU Turbid Flow Period (April 1 June 30) % > 5 NTU Range NTU Mean NTU Lambly Creek ( records) Lambly Creek (8 635 records) % 1% <0.1 96% 4% ( records) (3 289 records) %.03% % 2% Whiteman Creek (9 122 records) Whiteman Creek (8 315 records) 2001 *95% *5% * *1.2 *65% *35% * *5.5 (8 821 records) (6 472 records) %.4% % 21% *Data sets are not reliable, sensor interference occurred on many occasions (ambient light, obstructions in creek). A stable configuration was established after August 21, 2001 all readings prior to this date are suspect. High automated turbidity values occurred at both sites on several occasions in both the clear flow and turbid flow periods. However, most of the readings during the clear flow period are below the 5 NTU guideline, which indicates good water clarity. Many of the short duration turbidity spikes (values >50 NTU) are likely the result of sensor interference caused by relatively large pieces of debris in the water (leaf litter, aquatic insects etc.). Very high turbidity readings occurred in Whiteman Creek from May 22, 2002 to May 29, The high readings are likely the result of increased stream flows combined with sediment input from a recent landslide that entered a headwater stream in the watershed. The cause of this landslide has not been determined. Turbidity at Lambly Creek did not exceed the established objectives. Automated turbidity measurements at Lambly and Whiteman Creeks were reliable. All values used in the analysis set met the data quality objectives (most automated values were within +/- 2 NTU of the lab confirmation and field measurements). 3.2 Suspended Solids Suspended solids are reported as milligrams/litre (mg/l) and refer to the concentration of suspended solid material in the water. Suspended solids contribute directly to turbidity and can interfere with disinfection processes in drinking water. There is no guideline for suspended solids in raw untreated drinking water, however elevated suspended solids can have detrimental impacts on aquatic life. Suspended solids were sampled 11 times at Lambly Creek and 18 times at Whiteman Creek. This data has also been separated into two flow periods. The suspended solids data is arranged by flow period in Table 6. File: Project: Date: March 2003 DOBSON ENGINEERING LTD.

13 Water Quality Monitoring / TFL Annual Report 9 Year Table 6 Suspended Solids Values Clear Flow Vs Turbid Flow # of Samples Clear Flow Period (July 1 March 31) Range (NTU) % BDL* # of Samples Turbid Flow Period (April 1 June 30) Range (NTU) % BDL* Lambly Creek All < % 7 < % < % % Whiteman Creek All < % 7 < % All < % 9 < % *% BDL = number of results Below Detection Limit (<1 mg/l), expressed as a percent of the data set. The maximum suspended solids values occurred in mid May, and coincided with the maximum turbidity values. Suspended solids data collected for Whiteman Creek will form part of the baseline data set, from which objectives may be developed. 3.3 Temperature Temperature is important to the quality of drinking water supplies for both health and aesthetic reasons. As water temperature increases, so does the potential for biological growth. Increased biological growth can increase chlorine demand and reduce the effects of the chlorination process. In addition, decaying organics in the water can cause taste and odour problems for the consumer. The maximum temperature guideline for drinking water quality is 15 C. Field temperature readings were collected at each site visit to confirm the automated sensor accuracy. The Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection data quality objectives state that confirmed water temperatures should be within 1 C of the automated sensor reading. The data quality objectives for temperature were met at both active sites, therefore the automated data is considered accurate. The automated temperature is summarized in Table 7. Table 7 Automated Temperature Data Summary Year Range ( C) Mean ( C) # Dates >15 C* Lambly Creek - Baseline Range (0.0 C 24.3 C) Whiteman Creek - Baseline Range (1.1 C 24.5 C) *The aesthetic guideline for drinking water quality is 15 C. Any day where at least one 15 minute period was greater than 15 C is included. File: Project: Date: March 2003 DOBSON ENGINEERING LTD.

14 Water Quality Monitoring / TFL Annual Report 10 Stream temperature exceeded the drinking water guideline on several occasions at both sites during July and August, however this is not unusual during summer months. All the values were within the baseline temperature ranges. The objective established for temperature for Lambly Creek addresses only sites immediately above and below anthropogenic activity. Since the 2002 project did not include monitoring in this fashion, this objective is not applicable to the above data set. Objectives for temperature in Whiteman Creek are not in place. 3.4 Conductivity Conductivity refers to the ability of a substance to conduct an electric current. The conductivity of a water sample provides an indication of the amount of dissolved ions in the water and as the ion or dissolved solid concentration increases, so does the conductivity. Conductivity is measured in microsiemens per centimeter ( S/cm) and can range from 50 S/cm to 1500 S/cm in natural waters. Increased stream flows, resulting from precipitation or snowmelt events, tend to dilute dissolved ions, resulting in decreased conductivity values. Conversely, when increased amounts of dissolved solids are delivered to the stream, specific conductivity levels increase. As such, significant changes in specific conductivity can be used as an indicator of impacts on water quality from both land use activities and natural occurrences. There is no established drinking water quality guideline for conductivity in British Columbia, however the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks Guidelines for Interpreting Water Quality Data suggest that conductivity can be mathematically converted to total dissolved solids (TDS). There is a criterion of 500 mg/l of TDS, which approximately equates to a conductivity of 700 S/cm. Field conductivity readings were collected at each site visit to confirm the automated sensor accuracy. The Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection data quality objectives state that confirmed conductivity values should be within 3% of the automated sensor reading. For the most part, the data quality objectives for conductivity were met at both sites, therefore the automated data is considered accurate. The conductivity summary values are in Table 8. Table 8 Automated Conductivity Data Summary Year Range ( S/cm) Mean ( S/cm) Lambly Creek ( Readings) ( Readings) Whiteman Creek ( Readings) ( Readings) File: Project: Date: March 2003 DOBSON ENGINEERING LTD.

15 Water Quality Monitoring / TFL Annual Report 11 The conductivity values for both sites are within the expected natural range, and did not exceed 700 S/cm. Where baseline data is available for conductivity, objectives have not been established. 4.0 CONCLUSIONS The Powers Creek station was discontinued in Due to project funding concerns in early 2002, the Bolean Creek station was not re-activated, and data was only collected at the Lambly Creek and Whiteman Creek stations. The Lambly Creek station will be useful as a long-term water quality monitoring site. There is data originating in 1969, data collected by the former Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks ( ) as well as the seasonal data collected to date. Since Riverside Forest Products Limited will continue development in the watershed, this station would be valuable as an index station. Two years of data have been collected at Whiteman Creek. It is recommended that at least five years of data be collected at this site to adequately characterize the natural variability in water quality in Whiteman Creek. Intense rainfall, and rain-on-snow events in the spring resulted in rapid increases in surface run-off and stream flow. This increased run-off and stream flow caused increased turbidity and increased suspended solids concentrations. Steady rainfall occurred in the Okanagan, (snow above approx m) from the morning of May 20, 2002 to the afternoon of May 23, The annual peak flow in Whiteman Creek occurred on May 22, 2002 and was 9.67 m 3 /s, which equates to a 4 year return period event. Although there is no active hydrometric station for Lambly Creek, it is assumed that a similar annual peak flow return period occurred on or around May 22, The maximum turbidity in Whiteman Creek occurred on May 22, 2002 at 1:00 PM and was 272 NTU. The site was visited on this date, at 11:45 AM, and the automated sensor recorded 140 NTU, the portable field meter recorded 136 NTU and the laboratory recorded 125 NTU. Lambly Creek data for this date is not available, as the station was not re-established until after May 27, 2002, however the maximum turbidity recorded for Lambly Creek was 40.4 NTU on May 31, During the 2002 turbid flow period, 21% of the automated Whiteman Creek turbidity data exceeded 5 NTU (data was collected at this station from April 24, 2002 to October 30, 2002). Only 2% of the Lambly Creek turbidity values exceeded 5 NTU (data was collected at this station from May 27, 2002 to October 30, 2002). The lower incidence of values exceeding 5 NTU in Lambly Creek is likely due in part to less data collected during the 2002 turbid flow period. File: Project: Date: March 2003 DOBSON ENGINEERING LTD.

16 Water Quality Monitoring / TFL Annual Report 12 The maximum suspended solids in Whiteman Creek was recorded on May 22, 2002 and was 254 mg/l. The maximum suspended solids in Lambly Creek was recorded on June 20, 2002 and was 2 mg/l. In general, turbidity and suspended solids concentrations peak during the onset of the spring freshet, and as turbidity increases, so does suspended solids. Suspended solids values do not correlate strongly with low level turbidity values (less than 10 NTU). A stronger correlation exists between the two parameters when turbidity values are higher than 10 NTU. Temperature values in 2002 indicate no deviation from the baseline temperature data (Lambly Creek baseline range is 0.0 C 24.3 C, Whiteman Creek baseline range is 1.1 C 24.5 C). Lambly Creek water temperature exceeded 15 C on 26 days in 2002 and the maximum temperature recorded was 18.2 C on July 24, Whiteman Creek water temperature exceeded 15 C on 9 days and the maximum temperature recorded was 16.9 C on July 15, Although the maximum daily temperatures in July and August exceeded the 15 C guideline on several occasions at both sites, this is not unusual during the summer months. Conductivity ranged from 51 S/cm to 274 S/cm in Lambly Creek and 64 S/cm to 362 S/cm in Whiteman Creek. There is no pre-forest development ( ) data available for conductivity, however, the conductivity values for both sites are within the expected natural range (50 S/cm to 1500 S/cm) and did not exceed the guideline of 700 S/cm. Where applicable, the water quality data collected in 2002 remains within the range of the baseline conditions. Baseline (pre-forest development) data for turbidity, suspended solids, and conductivity for Lambly and Whiteman Creeks is limited (data only available from ). The water level and precipitation data that was collected is useful to aid in understanding temporal changes in water quality (i.e. rainstorms and elevated stream flows can affect turbidity and water chemistry). Site specific effectiveness monitoring was not conducted in Efforts to find suitable locations in the Whiteman Creek watershed were unsuccessful. File: Project: Date: March 2003 DOBSON ENGINEERING LTD.

17 Water Quality Monitoring / TFL Annual Report RECOMMENDATIONS Water quality monitoring at the two sites should continue through 2003 (provided funding is available) since Riverside Forest Products Limited has proposed forest development in the watersheds, and additional data collection is required to better characterize the temporal water quality variability in the study streams. In 2003, stream flow data should be collected at the Lambly Creek station as an addition to the recommended automated water quality data and water levels. Manual sampling should be conducted weekly during freshet and monthly during the summer and fall and efforts to sample within 24 hours of late summer/fall rainstorm events should continue. The list of monitoring parameters should be limited to turbidity, suspended solids and water temperature. Suspended solids analysis should only be conducted when turbidity values are greater than 10 NTU. Consideration should be given to establishing a new station on the Upper Salmon River to collect data to characterize water quality in that part of the TFL. Consideration should be given to establishing water quality monitoring stations immediately above and below future forest development at selected sites within the TFL. Discharge, turbidity, suspended solids and water temperature data should be recorded at these sites. File: Project: Date: March 2003 DOBSON ENGINEERING LTD.

18 APPENDIX A Water Quality Monitoring Sites - Location Maps

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23 APPENDIX B 2002 Water Quality Data Summary Tables 1-4

24 Appendix B - Table 1 Discrete Samples and Replicate Results for Lambly Creek (E223216) Date Time Temp Turb S.S. Cond. ph Turb. S.S. 2002/06/ Turbid Flow /06/ /07/ N /07/ <1 188 Max Rep1 2002/08/ <1 188 Min Rep2 2002/08/ <1 188 Mean Rep3 2002/08/ <1 188 Mean < Clear Flow /08/ < <1 2002/09/ < <1 2002/09/ < <1 2002/10/ < <1 2002/10/ < <1 2002/10/ <1 Maximum <1 Minimum < Mean/Median < N 9 9 Std Deviation Max Min 0.15 <1 Mean 0.40 <1 Replicate Results Rep1 2002/08/ <1 188 Rep2 2002/08/ <1 188 Rep3 2002/08/ <1 188 Mean < Stdev %Stdev

25 Appendix B - Table 2 Discrete Samples and Replicate Results for Whiteman Creek (E244481) Date Time Temp Turb S.S. Cond. ph Turb. S.S. 2002/04/ <1 143 Turbid Flow 3 <1 2002/05/ /05/ Rep1 2002/05/ <1 Rep2 2002/05/ Rep3 2002/05/ Mean /05/ /05/ /06/ N /06/ Max /06/ Min 1.90 <1 2002/07/ Mean /07/ <1 235 Rep1 2002/08/ <1 260 Rep2 2002/08/ <1 260 Rep3 2002/08/ <1 260 Mean < Clear Flow /08/ < <1 2002/09/ < <1 2002/09/ < <1 2002/10/ < <1 2002/10/ < <1 2002/10/ < <1 Maximum <1 Minimum < <1 Mean/Median < N 9 9 Std Deviation N/A Max Min 0.15 <1 Mean 0.26 <1 Replicate Results Field Blank Results Rep1 2002/05/ Date Turb. S.S. Rep2 2002/05/ /05/15 <0.10 <1 Rep3 2002/05/ Mean Stdev %Stdev Rep1 2002/08/ <1 260 Rep2 2002/08/ <1 260 Rep3 2002/08/ <1 260 Mean < Stdev %Stdev

26 Appendix B - Table Lambly Autostation Data Verification Turbidity Conductivity Temperature Lab Auto Field Lab Auto Field Lab Auto Field Date Time 2002/06/ /06/ /07/ /07/ /08/ /08/ /08/ Mean /08/ /09/ * /09/ /10/ /10/ /10/

27 Appendix B - Table Whiteman Autostation Data Verification Turbidity Conductivity Temperature Lab Auto Field Lab Auto Field Lab Auto Field Date Time 2002/04/ /05/ /05/ /05/ /05/ /05/ Mean /05/ /05/ /06/ /06/ /06/ /07/ /07/ * /08/ /08/ /08/ Mean /08/ /09/ /09/ /10/ /10/ /10/

28 APPENDIX C 2002 Laboratory Result Reports

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47 APPENDIX D 2002 Site Visit Records

48 Whiteman Creek (EMS# E244481) May 1, 2002 (07:35 PST) Field Measurements Water Temperature 2.3 C Water Level 1.10m Conductivity 95.7 S/cm Turbidity (10.0) (9.74) (10.07) NTU Data Logger Clock: May 1, :00:54 Chronograph (Watch): May 1, :01:32 Sensor Readings (Arrival) Battery 12.9 V TDS 0.03 Water Temp 2.19 C Dissolved Oxygen 69.2% ph 8.21 Dissolved Oxygen 9.46 mg/l Conductivity (53) 95.4 S/cm Turbidity 24.7 NTU Data Downloaded to file: WhiMay1.dat Sensor Readings (Departure) Battery 12.9 V TDS 0.03 Water Temp 2.35 C Dissolved Oxygen 93.5 % ph 8.17 Dissolved Oxygen mg/l Conductivity (44) 87.9 S/cm Turbidity 15.2 NTU Comments: Probes and screen partly sand filled, interference with sensor readings. Raised probe approximately 6 inches up from bottom of deployment tube to reduce sand buildup. Whiteman Creek (EMS# E244481) May 9, 2002 (08:47 PST) Water Temperature 2.4 C Conductivity 116 S/cm Field Measurements Water Level 0.94 m Turbidity - (2.91) (2.98) (3.01) NTU Data Logger Clock: May 9, :59:09 Chronograph (Watch): May 9, :01:01 Sensor Readings (Arrival) Battery V TDS 0.05 Water Temp 2.65 C Dissolved Oxygen 90.3 % ph 8.17 Dissolved Oxygen 12.2 mg/l Conductivity (74) S/cm Turbidity 0.00 NTU Data Downloaded to file: WhiMay9.dat Sensor Readings (Departure) Battery V TDS 0.05 Water Temp 2.72 C Dissolved Oxygen 90.3 % ph 8.17 Dissolved Oxygen mg/l Conductivity (74) S/cm Turbidity 0.00 NTU Comments: Approximately 50% overcast skies, approx. 12 *C air temperature. Foam circulating over sensors, possible interference with sensors (not detected on this date)

49 Whiteman Creek (EMS# E244481) May 15, 2002 (10:30 PST) Water Temperature 4.0 C Conductivity 93.0 S/cm Field Measurements Water Level 1.10 m Turbidity - (4.35) (4.33) (4.42) NTU Data Logger Clock: May 15, :37:00 Chronograph (Watch): May 15, :37:15 Sensor Readings (Arrival) Battery V TDS 0.03 Water Temp 4.02 C Dissolved Oxygen 89.8 % ph 8.13 Dissolved Oxygen 11.7 mg/l Conductivity (53.0) 95.7 S/cm Turbidity 1.3 NTU Data Downloaded to file: WhiMay15.dat Sensor Readings (Departure) Battery V TDS 0.03 Water Temp 4.14 C Dissolved Oxygen 89.7 % ph 8.13 Dissolved Oxygen mg/l Conductivity (53.0) 95.7 S/cm Turbidity 0.00 NTU Comments: Bubbles over weir and interfering with turbidity readings, variable turb readings due to bubbles. Approximately 15-25% overcast skies, air temp approx. 15*C Whiteman Creek (EMS# E244481) May 22, 2002 (11:45 PST) Water Temperature 3.8 C Conductivity 66.1 S/cm Field Measurements Water Level 1.45 m Turbidity - (138) (134) (136) NTU Data Logger Clock: May 22, :55:08 Chronograph (Watch): May 22, :54:51 Sensor Readings (Arrival) Battery V TDS 0.01 Water Temp 4.0 C Dissolved Oxygen 91 % ph 7.87 Dissolved Oxygen mg/l Conductivity (16) 63.7 S/cm Turbidity 140 NTU Data Downloaded to file: WhiMay22.dat Sensor Readings (Departure) Battery V TDS 0.01 Water Temp 3.99 C Dissolved Oxygen 90.9 % ph 7.87 Dissolved Oxygen mg/l Conductivity (16) 63.7 S/cm Turbidity 157 NTU Comments: Flow very high and water very turbid, large substrate can be heard moving downstream. Road assessed to approx km, no significant sediment sources noted. Rain over last several days, currently light rain and 100% overcast skies.

50 Whiteman Creek (EMS# E244481) May 29, 2002 (11:00 PST) Water Temperature 6.4 C Conductivity 66.5 S/cm Field Measurements Water Level 1.4 m Turbidity - (19.1) (19.2) (19.0) NTU Data Logger Clock: May 29, :02:08 Chronograph (Watch): May 29, :02:51 Sensor Readings (Arrival) Battery V TDS 0.01 Water Temp 6.6 C Dissolved Oxygen 88.1 % ph 7.88 Dissolved Oxygen mg/l Conductivity (19.0) 66.3 S/cm Turbidity 45.9 NTU Data Downloaded to file: WhiMay29.dat Sensor Readings (Departure) Battery V TDS 0.01 Water Temp 6.77 C Dissolved Oxygen 94 % ph 7.86 Dissolved Oxygen 11.42mg/l Conductivity (19.0) 66.3 S/cm Turbidity 18.7 NTU Comments: Sediment trapped in deployment tube, affecting turbidity readings. Also magnetite accumulations on magnetic stirrer on Hydrolab, also interfering with readings. Whiteman Creek (EMS# E244481) June 5, 2002 (08:19 PST) Water Temperature 7.5 C Conductivity 79.5 S/cm Field Measurements Water Level 1.16 m Turbidity - (3.43) (3.65) (3.47) NTU Data Logger Clock: June 5, :33:27 Chronograph (Watch): June 5, :33:02 Sensor Readings (Arrival) Battery V TDS 0.02 Water Temp 7.7 C Dissolved Oxygen 88 % ph 8.04 Dissolved Oxygen mg/l Conductivity (32) 77.6 S/cm Turbidity 0.00 NTU Data Downloaded to file: WhiJun05.dat Sensor Readings (Departure) Battery V TDS 0.02 Water Temp 7.73 C Dissolved Oxygen 87.8 % ph 8.04 Dissolved Oxygen mg/l Conductivity (32) 77.6 S/cm Turbidity 0.00 NTU Comments: Light rain, approx. 100 % overcast skies. Creek flow still high, but water is clear and clean, low turbidity.

51 Whiteman Creek (EMS# E244481) June 13, 2002 (07:45 PST) Water Temperature 9.0 C Conductivity 97 S/cm Field Measurements Water Level 1.00 m Turbidity - (2.10) (1.95) (2.29) NTU Data Logger Clock: June 13, :52:27 Chronograph (Watch): June 13, :52:02 Sensor Readings (Arrival) Battery V TDS 0.03 Water Temp 9.11 C Dissolved Oxygen 86.8 % ph 8.14 Dissolved Oxygen 9.95 mg/l Conductivity (53) 95.7 S/cm Turbidity 0.00 NTU Data Downloaded to file: WhiJun13.dat Sensor Readings (Departure) Battery V TDS 0.03 Water Temp 9.11 C Dissolved Oxygen 86.8 % ph 8.14 Dissolved Oxygen 9.95 mg/l Conductivity (53) 95.7 S/cm Turbidity 0.00 NTU Comments: Caddisfly larvae on turbidity sensor, removed and readings normal. Water is very clear, but tiny reflective (glass like) flecks in water, possibly picked up by sensor and overestimating the actual turbidity. Low flow, turb, and color. Whiteman Creek (EMS# E244481) June 20, 2002 (10:30 PST) Water Temperature 9.7 C Conductivity S/cm Field Measurements Water Level 0.93 m Turbidity - (1.33) (1.42) (1.30) NTU Data Logger Clock: June 20, :34:48 Chronograph (Watch): June 20, :34:29 Sensor Readings (Arrival) Battery V TDS 0.04 Water Temp 9.84 C Dissolved Oxygen 86 % ph 8.29 Dissolved Oxygen 9.69 mg/l Conductivity (71.0) S/cm Turbidity 0.00 NTU Data Downloaded to file: WhiJun20.dat Sensor Readings (Departure) Battery V TDS 0.04 Water Temp 9.98 C Dissolved Oxygen 86.3 % ph 8.29 Dissolved Oxygen 9.69 mg/l Conductivity (71) S/cm Turbidity 0.00 NTU Comments: Clear skies and warm, air temperature approximately 20*C. Low flow, turb and color.

52 Whiteman Creek (EMS# E244481) July 9, 2002 (08:30 PST) Water Temperature 10.9 C Conductivity S/cm Field Measurements Water Level 0.75 m Turbidity - (0.43) (0.35) (0.38) NTU Data Logger Clock: July 9, :41:15 Chronograph (Watch): July 9, :40:56 Sensor Readings (Arrival) Battery V TDS 0.09 Water Temp C Dissolved Oxygen 83.4 % ph 8.55 Dissolved Oxygen 9.14 mg/l Conductivity (139) S/cm Turbidity 0.00 NTU Data Downloaded to file: WhiJul9.dat Sensor Readings (Departure) Battery V TDS 0.09 Water Temp C Dissolved Oxygen 82.8 % ph 8.56 Dissolved Oxygen 9.05 mg/l Conductivity (139) S/cm Turbidity 0.00 NTU Comments: Air temperature approx. 19 *C, 0% overcast skies. Low flow, turb and color. Whiteman Creek (EMS# E244481) July 24, 2002 (08:30 PST) Water Temperature 13.7 C Conductivity 235 S/cm Field Measurements Water Level 0.66 m Turbidity - (0.42) (0.25) (0.16) NTU Data Logger Clock: July 24, :39:13 Chronograph (Watch): July 24, :38:38 Sensor Readings (Arrival) Battery V TDS 0.0 Water Temp 17.8 C Dissolved Oxygen 76.9 % ph 8.64 Dissolved Oxygen 6.7 mg/l Conductivity 0.0 S/cm Turbidity 0.0 NTU Data Downloaded to file: WhiJul24.dat Sensor Readings (Departure) Battery V TDS 0.14 Water Temp C Dissolved Oxygen 79.4 % ph 8.74 Dissolved Oxygen 8.10 mg/l Conductivity (217) S/cm Turbidity 0.80 NTU Comments: Probes were out of water, readings were measuring air. Created slack in wires and lowered sensors into water, stirred up sediment around sensors when replacing, was clearing up on its own. Flow very low, low turbidity and color. Air temp. approx. 24 *C, 0% overcast skies.

53 Whiteman Creek (EMS# E244481) August 7, 2002 (09:15 PST) Water Temperature 9.7 C Conductivity 260 S/cm Field Measurements Water Level 0.65 m Turbidity - (0.06) (0.04) (0.09) NTU Data Logger Clock: August 7, :24:20 Chronograph (Watch): August 7, :23:55 Sensor Readings (Arrival) Battery V TDS 0.16 Water Temp 9.93 C Dissolved Oxygen 82 % ph 8.75 Dissolved Oxygen 9.22 mg/l Conductivity (249) S/cm Turbidity 895 NTU Data Downloaded to file: WhiAug07.dat Sensor Readings (Departure) Battery V TDS 0.16 Water Temp C Dissolved Oxygen 87.5 % ph 8.80 Dissolved Oxygen 9.74 mg/l Conductivity (249) S/cm Turbidity 0.00 NTU Comments: Water very low, turbidity sensor out of water on arrival, and facing up. Re-aligned sensor and cleaned turbidity lenses. Last couple of weeks data no good, sensors dry. Whiteman Creek (EMS# E244481) August 21, 2002 (07:30 PST) Water Temperature 11.0 C Conductivity 297 S/cm Field Measurements Water Level 0.61 m Turbidity - (0.10) (0.31) (0.28) NTU Data Logger Clock: August 21, :50:10 Chronograph (Watch): August 21, :49:48 Sensor Readings (Arrival) Battery V TDS 0.18 Water Temp C Dissolved Oxygen 82.3 % ph 8.80 Dissolved Oxygen 9.0 mg/l Conductivity (284) S/cm Turbidity 0.00 NTU Data Downloaded to file: WhiAug21.dat Sensor Readings (Departure) Battery V TDS 0.18 Water Temp C Dissolved Oxygen 83.2 % ph 8.82 Dissolved Oxygen 9.10 mg/l Conductivity (283) S/cm Turbidity 0.00 NTU Comments: Flow still low, sensors appear to be functioning properly.

54 Whiteman Creek (EMS# E244481) September 5, 2002 (09:00 PST) Water Temperature 9.2 C Conductivity 325 S/cm Field Measurements Water Level 0.58 m Turbidity - (0.09) (0.09) (0.09) NTU Data Logger Clock: Sept. 5, :13:24 Chronograph (Watch): Sept. 5, :12:45 Sensor Readings (Arrival) Battery V TDS 0.20 Water Temp 9.08 C Dissolved Oxygen 81.3 % ph 8.85 Dissolved Oxygen 9.32 mg/l Conductivity (311) 319 S/cm Turbidity 0.00 NTU Data Downloaded to file: WhiSep05.dat Sensor Readings (Departure) Battery V TDS 0.2 Water Temp 9.11 C Dissolved Oxygen 81.8 % ph 8.86 Dissolved Oxygen 9.36 mg/l Conductivity (311) 319 S/cm Turbidity 0.00 NTU Comments: Flow very low, sensors nearly out of water. Flow is still clean and clear. Whiteman Creek (EMS# E244481) September 17, 2002 (10:00 PST) Water Temperature 10.3 C Conductivity 338 S/cm Field Measurements Water Level 0.57 m Turbidity - (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) NTU Data Logger Clock: Sept. 17, :57:42 Chronograph (Watch): Sept. 17, :57:02 Sensor Readings (Arrival) Battery V TDS 0.21 Water Temp C Dissolved Oxygen 81 % ph 8.93 Dissolved Oxygen 8.99 mg/l Conductivity (326) 332 S/cm Turbidity 0.00 NTU Data Downloaded to file: WhiSep17.dat Sensor Readings (Departure) Battery V TDS 0.21 Water Temp C Dissolved Oxygen 81.3 % ph 8.94 Dissolved Oxygen 9.0 mg/l Conductivity (326) 332 S/cm Turbidity 0.00 NTU Comments: Routine site visit, no apparent problems with sensors.