ST. LAWRENCE BEACHES STUDY 1990 SUMMARY REPORT

Transcription

1 RAISIN REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY ST. LAWRENCE BEACHES STUDY 1990 SUMMARY REPORT Prepared by: Richard E. Pilon, P.Eng. Water Resources Coordinator and Rose-Marie Chretien Water Quality Technician MARCH 1991

2

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS, Page 1. INTRODUCTION 1 2. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 2 3. STUDY AREA 2 4. WORK ACTIVITIES 4.1 Water Sampling Geese and Gulls Background Information Public Information RESULTS Water Quality Results Comparisons with Previous Years Geese and Gulls Tributaries Sewage Treatment Facilities CONCLUSIONS RECOMMENDATIONS BIBLIOGRAPHY 60

4

5 LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES Page Figure 1 Study Area and Park Locations 3 Figure Sampling Stations Map 1 5 Figure Sampling Stations - Map 2 6 Figure Sampling Stations - Map 3 7 Figure Sampling Stations - Map 4 8 Figures 6 to 27 Fecal Coliform & E. coli Levels at Beach Stations (1990) Figures 28 to 45 Rainfall vs Fecal Coliforms & Max. Air Temperature vs Fecal Coliforms for Crysler, Lakeview & Charlottenburgh Parks ( ) Figures 46 and 47 Fecal Coliform Levels in Goose and Gull Feces (1990) 43 Figure 48 Fecal Coliform:E.coli Ratio for Goose and Gull Feces (1990) 44 Figure 49 Fecal Coliform:Fecal Streptococci Ratio for Goose and Gull Feces (1990) 44 Figures 50 to 73 Fecal Coliform, E. coli & Phosphorus Levels at Tributary Stations (1990) 47-54

6 Table 1 Average Fecal Coliform Levels at Beach and Upstream Stations (1990) 17 Table 2 Beach Closures: Number of Days Placarded ( ) 30 Table 3 Fecal Coliform Seasonal Geometric Means ( ) 30 Table 4 Park Attendance Comparisons ( ) 31 Table 5 Bird Dropping Counts (1990) 38 Table 6 Bird Dropping Density (1990) 39 Table 7 Resident Canada Goose Banding, Lake St. Lawrence ( ) 40 Table 8 Mean Fecal Coliform and Mean Phosphorus Levels at Tributary Stations (1990) 45 Table 9 Fecal Coliform Levels at Lancaster Park, Finney Creek, and Raisin River (1990) 46 Table 10 Fecal Coliform Levels at Glengarry Park, Finney Creek, and Raisin River (1990) 46 Table 11 Relevant Sewage and Industrial Waste Treatment Facilities within Study Area 56 APPENDICES A 1990 Water Quality Data - Bacterial Analysis B 1990 Water Quality Data - Chemical Analysis C 1990 Geese and Gull Data - Fecal Analysis

7

8 1. INTRODUCTION The Raisin Region Conservation Authority's watershed is situated in the eastern most part of the Province of Ontario and is bounded on the south by the St. Lawrence River, including Lake St. Lawrence and Lake St. Francis. The tourism industry and the recreational opportunities available to the local residents have flourished in this section of the St. Lawrence River as evidenced by the large number of public and private beaches, marinas, campgrounds, restaurants, cottages and permanent homes. Obviously, there is an impact on the use of these facilities from the deteriorated water quality in the St. Lawrence River. Since the early 1980's, the Raisin Region Conservation Authority, together with its member municipalities, has been very concerned with the constant beach warnings and closures due to high bacterial counts at various beaches along the St. Lawrence River. These closures were experienced between early June and late August, thus having a significant impact on the number of visitors to the various parks. Many explanations for the beach closures have been put forward with little or no factual evidence presented. Reasons range from excessive Canada Goose droppings in the Crysler Park area, to agricultural runoff, to improperly functioning septic systems. A detailed water quality study to identify and rank possible sources of contamination was needed to establish remedial measures to improve beach water quality. The Raisin Region Conservation Authority received funding in 1990 from the Ministry of the Environment under the Provincial Rural teaches Program to address the problem of - surface water quality in the vicinity of shoreline beaches. A local steering committee directs the study and is comprised of representatives from the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Eastern Ontario Health Unit, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, the St. Lawrence River Remedial Action Plan Committee, the St. Lawrence Parks Commission and the Raisin Region Conservation Authority. 1

9 2. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES The goal of the St. Lawrence Beaches study is to address the problem of surface water quality in the vicinity of shoreline beaches by identifying sources of contamination and developing and promoting remedial measures to maintain the recreational uses of beaches within the study area. The objective. of the first year of the Beaches Study was to establish a data base from which conclusions regarding water quality may be developed. To accomplish this, water was sampled to assist in the Identification of specific sources of contamination and their relative impacts on beaches. Furthermore, a thorough of existing information on beach closures, previous water sampling, land use activities and other related information was undertaken. 3. STUDY AREA There is approximately 70 kilometres of, shoreline along the St. Lawrence River within the jurisdiction of the Raisin Region Conservation Authority. Based upon previous history of beach closures and water sampling by the Eastern Ontario Health Unit, the following areas were studied: 1. St. Lawrence Parks Commission beaches located between Long Sault and Upper Canada Village. This area is 20 kilometres in length and is situated between 10 and 30 kilometres west of the City of Cornwall. The following beaches are located within this study area: Crysler, Nairne Island, Farran, Woodlands, Mille Roches and Lakeview Heights. 2. Charlottenburgh Park, Lancaster Park, and Glengarry Park beaches in the vicinity of the Village of Lancaster. This area is 10 kilometres in length and is between 15 and 25 kilometres east of the City of Cornwall. 3. Alexandria Park beach, located on the Garry River system. Figure 1 shows the study area and park locations. 2

10 3

11 4. WORK ACTIVITIES 4.1 Water Sampling An extensive surface water sampling network was set up to look at potential sources of contamination from agriculture, waterfowl, point sources such as sewage treatment facilities and diffuse sources. such as high density residential areas along the waterfront in order to categorize sources and determine their relative importance to beach contamination. To look at contamination from agricultural sources, the following tributaries of the St. Lawrence River were sampled: - Aultsville Creek - Hoople Creek - Murray Drain - Fraser Creek - Donald McLennan Drain - Raisin River - Finney Creek To address the problem of possible contamination by waterfowl, water samples were collected from locations with high and low goose and gull populations. Samples were also collected near known sewage treatment facilities and near high density residential areas. In order to compare water quality during wet and dry periods, rainfall events were monitored and recorded so that sampling dates could be identified as representing wet or dry weather. This study focused on local beaches and relied on the 1990 St. Lawrence Remedial Action Plan's (RAP) bacteriological survey and other background information for the overall bacterial and chemical quality of the river. Figures 2 to 5 show the water sampling, stations selected for the study. 4

12 5

13 6

14 7

15 8

16 Water samples for bacterial analysis were collected weekly from mid-june to mid-september. Altogether, 64 river stations and 13 tributary stations were sampled, for a total of 77 stations. In addition, there were two preliminary sampling runs (mid-may and beginning of June). and one final sampling run (beginning of October). Water samples for chemical analysis were collected every third week at each Station. By early August, a number of chemical sampling stations were removed due to similarity of results. All water samples were sent by courier to the Ministry of the Environment laboratory in Kingston for analysis. Altogether, 1270 samples were analysed for bacteria and 435 samples were analysed for chemistry. The samples were tested for the following parameters: Bacterial fecal coliform Escherichia coli (E.coli) Chemical total and soluble phosphorus total nitrogen nitrate & nitrite ammonia ph conductivity turbidity Bacterial Indicators A serious health hazard originates from water that is contaminated by human or animal fecal wastes. Very large numbers of disease- causing organisms (pathogens) can be present in the feces of sick humans or animals. These pathogens, which include bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, are easily spread in water. The most common method of testing water for this type of contamination is the detection of pollution "indicator bacteria". Indicator bacteria are non-pathogenic bacteria normally found in high numbers in the feces of healthy and diseased humans and animals. Indicator bacteria may also be present in soil, sediments and vegetation. The presence of indicator bacteria in water usually indicates that soil or fecal contamination has occurred and that pathogenic organisms may be present. 9

17 Fecal coliforms are natural inhabitants of the intestines of humans and animals. The presence of fecal coliforms usually indicates contamination from feces but these organisms may also be found in high numbers in wastes from food. processing and pulp mill effluent. Because of their diversity of origin, fecal coliforms alone are not reliable for identifying sources of contamination. Escherichia coli is the major fecal coliform found in the intestines of humans and animals. E.coli does not survive for prolonged periods of time outside the human/animal host and hence is a much more reliable and specific indicator of fecal pollution compared to fecal coliforms. The MOE coliform guideline for safe recreational water quality is 100 fecal coliforms per 100 ml. A criterion for E.coli is being developed and is not currently available. Currently, the fecal coliform test is the most common procedure used to determine the presence of fecal pollution. This method of analysis detects not only fecal contamination, however, but also yields positive results for bacteria that have not originated from feces. Because of this ambiguity, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of the Environment are moving towards a specific test for E.coli. A test for E.coli provides a definitive and reliable analysis for sanitary pollution. E.coli is the predominant fecal coliform found in the intestines of humans and animals. When fecal wastes are discharged into the environment, E.coli dies off as it cannot compete with natural water and soil bacteria such as Klebsiella, Citrobacter and Enterobacter. These latter bacteria can produce a positive fecal coliform test and can grow to very high cell densities if carbohydrate rich wastes are present. The poor survival ability of E.coli in lake and river environments and the comparative longevity of other organisms capable of producing a positive "fecal coliform" test allows us to make some general statements as to the type of pollution present. Recently voided human or animal feces has a Fecal Coliform:E.coli (FC:EC) ratio of 1.0. An FC:EC ratio that exceeds 1.0 by several orders of magnitude would indicate the presence of carbohydrate wastes. 10

18 Chemical Parameters To achieve a better understanding of the pollutants entering a water body, chemical parameters were assessed. Each parameter in excessive amounts, has, its own effect on the environment. MOE guidelines vary accordingly for each parameter. A brief description for each parameter, their effects and MOE guidelines will be given. The MOE guidelines noted are for recreational use unless stated otherwise. Total Phosphorus Total phosphorous is a measure of phosphorus in both dissolved and particulate forms. It is a primary nutrient for plant and animal life but if found in excessive amounts, phosphorous will cause an overabundance of vegetation and algae. This process called eutrophication depletes the oxygen supply, thus destroying the aquatic habitat. For recreational purposes, the aesthetic value of beaches and watercourses is reduced due to algae and plant overgrowth. Sources of phosphorus include treated and untreated sewage, certain industrial wastes, chemical fertilizers, soil erosion, manure, milkhouse washwater and household cleansers such as laundry detergents. The MOE guideline for total phosphorus is 0.03 mg/l. Dissolved Phosphorus Dissolved phosphorus is a measure of the soluble portion of total phosphorus. It is essential for all plant growth, however, artificial inputs of phosphorus in excessive amounts via wastewater and land runoff will cause eutrophication. There are no specified MOE guideline for this form of phosphorus. Nitrogen Nitrogen is a nutrient which also contributes to eutrophication and can be toxic to human, animal and aquatic life. Water was analysed for four forms of nitrogen; total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), nitrite, nitrate and ammonia. 11

19 Nitrogen - Total Kjeldahl TKN is a measure of the total nitrogenous matter present, excluding nitrate and nitrite. Eutrophication may occur when this nutrient is found in excessive amounts. Sources of TKN include manure, sewage, industrial waste treatment effluent and normal biological activities. Inorganic fertilizers are not included among these sources. There are no specific guidelines for total Kjeldahl nitrogen. Nitrogen -Nitrite Nitrite is present in natural waters as an intermediate form of nitrogen which occurs one stage before nitrate. Its presence is short lived with the concentration seldom exceeding 1.0 mg/l. Higher concentrations are indicative of an industrial effluent. Sources of nitrite are specific animal digestive micro-organisms. Nitrogen - Nitrate Nitrate is the oxidized form of nitrogen in the nitrogen cycle. It is generally found at trace levels in all surface waters. Potential sources of nitrates in water arise from the use of fertilizers, nitrogen, fixation of micro-organisms and plants, decomposition of sewage wastes, leaching from soils and rocks and acidic precipitation. High levels of nitrate in recreational waters will contribute to the eutrophication process. Nitrogen - Ammonia Ammonia nitrogen is commonly encountered in domestic wastewater and industrial effluent. It is rather short lived in surface waters and may not reveal the complete extent of pollution. Other sources of ammonia include fertilizers, cleaning compounds, livestock wastes and precipitation 12

20 ph ph is the degree of acids or bases in water and is a measure of the hydrogen ion concentration in a solution. A scale between 1 to 14 is used. Readings of 1 to 7 indicate an acidic condition and numbers between 8 to 14 indicate an alkaline situation. Because both alkaline and acidic waters may cause eye irritation, the ph of the water used for recreational purposes should be within the range of 6.5 to 8.5. Conductivity Conductivity is a measure of the ability of a water to conduct an electric current. The conductivity depends on the concentrations of the various ions in solutions, the mobility of each ion and the temperature at which the measurement is taken at. A standard temperature of 25 degrees Celsius is used when giving the results. Turbidity Turbidity is a measure of the optical properties of a sample which cause light to be scattered rather than transmitted in straight lines through the sample. Turbidity is a result of suspended clay, silt, finely divided organic and inorganic matter, plankton and other microscopic organisms. The turbidity of the water can have a great effect on the types and quantities of algae that grow in it by altering the amount of light available for photosynthesis. Water clarity is one of the main criteria used by the public to judge water quality for recreational use. 13

21 4.2 Geese and Gulls In order to assess the potential for bacteria contamination by waterfowl, a separate study was conducted at Crysler, Farran, Woodlands and Lakeview Heights Parks. Fecal droppings were counted weekly from sand surfaces and nearby grass areas for correlation with rainfall data and bacterial sampling results. Other relevant information was also noted such as bird counts and grass cutting and sand raking schedules. Feces from both geese and gulls were collected monthly from grass and sand surfaces, packed in ice-cooled containers and sent to the Kingston laboratory. The samples were analysed for fecal coliforms, fecal streptococci and E.coli. A questionnaire dealing with the comparison of the presence of birds and bird droppings in 1989 versus 1990 was sent to the park wardens. 4.3 Background Information Background information was collected to help determine possible causes of pollution. Water quality data from the Eastern Ontario Health Unit were obtained for the. previous years for all beaches within the' study area. The data were analysed in terms of trends and extent of exceedance and duration above the 100 per 100 ml fecal coliform geometric mean density. Ministry of the Environment studies were reviewed to document historical information on the general quality of the St. Lawrence River. Sewage treatment facilities within the study area were identified. The Cornwall Water Treatment Plant Meteorological Station as well as Atmospheric Environment Service meteorological stations provided rainfall records of the past 5 years. The data were used to determine the rainfall distributions at beach areas for correlation with Health Unit water quality data. Waterfowl population densities were obtained from the Ministry of Natural Resources. Information on park use and park maintenance, along with site plans were obtained from the St. Lawrence Parks Commission. 14

22 4.4 Public Information As part of the Cornwall Home and Trade Show and the Cornwall Boat and Sportsman Show, a display was used to inform the public about the St. Lawrence Beaches Study. The public was informed of the study area, the parameters tested, and the possible sources contributing to beach contamination. Photographs along with captions were used to represent various aspects of the program. Press releases were sent to local newspapers and municipalities to announce the initiation of the Beaches Study, to report study progress and preliminary findings. 15

23 5. RESULTS Water Duality Results The bacterial water quality in 1990 was in sharp contrast with previous years. No beaches were closed by the Medical Officer of Health and few water samples exceeded the Provincial Water Quality Objective of 100 organisms/100 ml for fecal coliform. A listing of the results from bacterial analysis can be found in appendix A. Figures 6 to 27 show the fecal coliform and E.coli levels for all beaches during the 1990 season. All, parks were operational in 1990 with the exception of Nairne Island and Charlottenburgh Park which were closed by the St. Lawrence Parks Commission in an effort to reduce expenditures. Previous Environment Ontario surveys and the 1990 RAP bacteriological survey show that background levels of fecal coliforms in the St. Lawrence River typically have bacterial densities of less than 10 organisms/100 ml. These results were also confirmed by the St. Lawrence Beaches Study. Concerning tributaries; Aultsville Creek, Hoople Creek, Murray Drain and Finney Creek often had fecal coliform counts above the Provincial Objective. Of all the tributaries monitored in 1990, only Finney Creek and the Raisin River had any effect on beach contamination. Although Hoople Creek did not affect any beaches, it has serious bacterial and chemical water quality problems. The nearshore - area between Summerstown and Pilon's Point consistently exceeded the Provincial Objective from August 21 to September 19. The most likely source of contamination in this area would be from malfunctioning private septic systems along the shoreline, however, Charlottenburgh Park was not affected by these upstream bacteria levels. Within the interior of the Long Sault Parkway Islands, high fecal coliform counts were encountered on a few occasions at several stations simultaneously including the beach at Woodlands Campground. Comparing these results with upstream data indicates that the major source of bacterial contamination affecting this area could be the sewage treatment plant at Ingleside or urban stormwater runoff. 16

24 For the remaining areas, elevated fecal coliform counts in the vicinity of beaches relative to stations immediately upstream suggest very local sources of bacterial contamination. The possible sources can include stormwater runoff, goose and gull feces, local septic systems and bathing activities. Table 1 compares average fecal coliform levels at beach sampling stations with upstream stations. Table 1. Average. Fecal Coliform Levels at Beach and Upstream Stations Park Average Fecal Coliform Average Fecal Coliform at Beach Upstream of Beach Crysler 34 9 Farran 17 9 Woodlands (Day Use) Mille Roches At Alexandria Park, occasional high bacterial counts were observed in the vicinity of the beach as well as at the entrance to Alexandria Lake. Samples taken upstream on the Garry River at the Kenyon Dam did not show high bacterial counts. It would seem likely, therefore, that the sources of contamination affecting the beach area comes from local private septic systems and/or from other local sources. All beach samples tested for bacteria resulted in FC:EC ratios of approximately 1.0, indicating the presence of human or animal fecal contamination. The possible sources of bacterial contamination for the.beaches of this study can be summarized as follows: Beach Crysler Nairne Island Farran Park Woodlands - Day Use Woodlands - Camping Mille Roches Park Lakeview Heights Park Charlottenburgh Park Lancaster Park Glengarry Park Alexandria Park source Local Local Local Local upstream STP and/or Local Local Upstream STP and/or Local Upstream Private Septic Systems and/or Local Tributary Agricultural Activities and Local Tributary Agricultural Activities and Local Private Septic Systems and/or Local 17

25 Chemical analysis of the St. Lawrence River stations and the tributary stations generally reflected the bacterial conditions observed. For most stations, an increase in bacteria levels also corresponded with an increase in nutrients and turbidity. A listing of the results of the chemical analysis can be found in appendix B. It must be emphasized that 1990 was not a typical year as far as beach contamination is concerned and that factors influencing bacteria levels in previous years might not have been detected during this study. 18

26 19

27 20

28 21

29 22

30 23

31 24

32 25

33 26

34 27

35 28

36 29

37 5.2 Comparisons with Previous Years The 1990 season saw no beach closures within the study area. This is in sharp contrast with previous years (see Table 2). As well, the fecal coliform seasonal geometric means were lower for the 1990 season compared to previous years (see Table 3). Table 2. Beach Closures: Number of Days Placarded (May-Aug) Beach Crysler Park Nairne Island Farran Park Woodlands - Day use Woodlands - Camping Mille Roches Park Lakeview Heights Park Charlottenburgh Park Lancaster Park Glengarry Park Alexandria Park Table 3. Fecal Coliform Seasonal Geometric Means (May-Aug)* Beach Crysler Park n/a n/a Nairne Island Farran Park Woodlands- Day use Woodlands - Camping Mille Roches Park Lakeview Heights Park Charlottenburgh Park Lancaster Park Glengarry Park Alexandria Park * Data from the Eastern Ontario Health Unit 30

38 Rainfall, water level, air and water temperature and sunshine data gathered from the past five years were used to see if any correlation could be found with fecal coliform counts. In figures 28 to 45, rainfall and maximum air temperature are plotted against fecal coliforms for Crysler, Lakeview and Charlottenburgh beaches for the 1988, 1989 and 1990 seasons. The fecal coliform counts are plotted as the log(10) of the number for a single sample for the Conservation Authority (RRCA) data and as the geometric mean from 3 samples for the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) data. As seen from these figures, there is no direct correlation between rainfall or temperature with bacteria levels. Daily sampling might be required to adequately assess the relationship between bacteria levels and hydrometric and meteorological data. Records for Crysler, Farran, Woodlands and Mille Roches Parks obtained from the St. Lawrence Parks Commission show that the attendance in 1990 was 61,867, a decrease of 17 percent over Table 4 gives the park attendance figures as well as the fecal coliform seasonal geometric mean for the period of 1986 to The low attendance figures for 1990 coincides with the lowest seasonal geometric mean for fecal coliforms. The 1988 season had the highest attendance as well as the highest seasonal geometric mean for fecal coliforms. These observations, in part, provide the basis for further investigation of the relationship between park and beach use and bacteria levels at the beach. Table 4. Park Attendance Comparisons ( ) Park Crysler 18,192 21,025 22,487 19,771 18,278 Farran 10,000 12,950 22,786 23,933 21,849 Woodlands 15,076 18,719 21,025 17,597 20,609 Mille Roches 18,599 21,538 20,115 23,611 23,907 Total 61,867 74,232 86,413 84,912 84,643 Fecal Coliform Seasonal G.M n/a 31

39 32

40 33

41 34

42 35

43 36

44 37

45 5.3 Geese and Gulls The results of the weekly survey of bird droppings are found in tables 5 and 6. It can be seen from Table 5 that gull droppings were more prominent at the beginning of the season and that by the end of the summer, the number of goose droppings prevailed. The lack of goose droppings at the beginning of July can be explained by the fact that geese are flightless during this period and tend to change their distribution and not be found on beaches. In general, Crysler beach was observed to have the highest goose dropping density. This is certainly influenced by the fact that Crysler Park is located within, the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary. Of the four beaches studied, Lakeview Heights had the lowest number of goose and gull droppings. Lakeview Heights Park was not operating during 1989 and 1990, thus, the lack of people using the Park would, therefore, explain a reduction in the number of gulls looking for food and garbage. The low number of geese present at Lakeview can possibly be explained by the reduction in the frequency of grass cutting. Table 5. Bird Dropping Counts CRYSLER FARRAN WOODLANDS LAKEVIEW Gull Goose Gull Goose Gull Goose Gull Goose Jul Jul Jul Jul Aug Aug Aug Aug Sep Sep Sep

46 Table 6. Bird Dropping Density (Droppings/m 2 ) CRYSLER FARRAN WOODLANDS LAKEVIEW Gull Goose Gull Goose Gull Goose Gull Goose Jul Jul Jul Jul Aug Aug Aug Aug Sep Sep Sep NOTE: Crysler: Beach raked July 19 Grass cut July 19 Study Area = 30,000 m 2 Farran: Beach raked July 19 Study Area = 35,000 m 2 Woodlands: Beach raked July 17 New sand placed Aug 9 Grass cut Aug 9 Study Area = 22,000 m 2 Lakeview: Grass cut July 11 & 25, Aug 7 & 21 Study Area = 12,000 m (The above park maintenance activities were observed in 1990 but does not make up a complete list of dates for sand raking or grass cutting) 39

47 Canada geese are banded each year on Lake St. Lawrence by the Ministry of Natural Resources and at Wilson Hill (Wilson Island) by New York State authorities. The number of geese banded by MNR and New York are added to give a minimum number of resident Canada geese on Lake St. Lawrence. The average minimum for Lake St. Lawrence from 1974 to 1987 was 1,674 birds (see Table 7). In 1988, the minimum resident goose population was 2,469, an increase of 47 percent, while in 1989 the population was 2,790, an increase of 67 percent over the average. In 1990, the minimum resident goose population was 2,497, an increase of 49 percent over the average and a decrease of 11 percent over Table 7. Resident Canada Goose Banding, Lake St. Lawrence * Year Total Banded (Minimum Population) * Data from the Ministry of Natural Resources A questionnaire on the presence of birds on beaches was sent to park wardens for 3 beaches (Crysler, Woodlands and Mille Roches). The results suggest that geese and gulls were present in greater numbers in 1990 versus These observations were not based on actual counts, however, but were simply an impression of what was observed. 40

48 Geese and gull feces were also tested to determine the levels of pollution indicator bacteria and to evaluate the potential impact of this source of pollution on beach water quality. The levels of fecal coliforms found in geese and gull fecal samples that were collected over the period of May 1990 to August 1990 from Farran Park Beach are shown in figures 46 and 47. The data are presented in a linear format in Figure 46 and as the log(10) of the data in Figure 47. The numbers of bacterial indicators found at Farran are similar in magnitude to levels observed at Lakeview, Woodlands, and Crysler (Appendix C). A strikingly different trend is observed for the levels of fecal coliforms found in goose and gull feces. The fecal coliform densities in goose feces were three orders of magnitude lower than those present in gull samples on May 9. By July 23 the fecal coliform levels in the goose sample had exceeded those in the gull sample by one order of magnitude. The Canada geese fecal samples analysed on May 9 were a dark, grass green colour, indicating a diet primarily of grass. This observation suggests that the reason fecal coliforms were low in geese at this time was because of a diet unfavourable for the growth of fecal coliform bacteria. The gull results at this time, however, had levels of fecal coliforms typical of levels found in human and animal fecal wastes. The Fecal Coliform: E. coli (FC : EC) ratios in Figure 48 indicate that goose and gull feces have been deposited recently and have a ratio expected for human and animal wastes. Another important pollution indicator is the Fecal Coliform:Fecal Streptococci (FC:FS) ratio. This ratio can often be used to distinguish human from animal wastes. Pollution from a ponding septic tile field, for example, would have an FC:FS ratio of 4 or greater, indicating the presence of human wastes. An FC:FS ratio of less than 4 is usually characteristic of animal sewage. These ratios are not always accurate, however, as domestic animals have been found to have FC:FS ratios similar to human feces. Figure 49 shows that the FC:FS ratios for geese samples are typical of animal wastes, being less than 4. The gull samples from Farran and Crysler have ratios similar to that found for human wastes. A possible explanation for these results is that the gull's food source has been contaminated. 41

49 The moisture content of geese feces was 80-87% on June 18, 1990 and 18% for a single sample on July 23. In contrast, the gull samples had a moisture content of 19-25% on June 18 and 44% for a single sample on July 23. These moisture levels do not account for the wide differences in levels of bacterial indicators found for the two species of birds. No apparent relationship was found between rainfall, bacteria levels in the water and bird dropping density. The impact of goose and gull feces on beach water quality is inconclusive due to the low levels of bacteria present in the water at all 4 beaches selected for the study. However, the results did quantify levels and variations in fecal coliforms and E.coli and provided the basis for further assessment of potential impacts. 42

50 43

51 44

52 5.4 Tributaries The 1990 mean fecal coliform levels and mean phosphorus levels for major tributaries draining to the St. Lawrence River are presented in Table 8. Table 8. Mean Fecal Coliform and Mean Phosphorus Levels at Tributary Stations (1990) Tributary Fecal Coliform Phosphorus (organisms/100 ml) (mg/l) Aultsville Creek at Hwy Hoople Creek at Hwy Hoople Creek Downstream of Kraft Murray Drain at County Rd Fraser Creek at Hwy D. McLennan Drain at Hwy Raisin River at Hwy Finney Creek at Hwy Aultsville Creek, Hoople Creek, Murray Drain and Finney Creek frequently exceeded the Provincial Water Quality Objective for fecal coliforms. Agricultural activities are the most likely cause of the elevated bacteria levels found in these tributaries. Cattle have access to streams and inadequate manure storage have been observed. Sampling on Hoople Creek upstream and downstream of Kraft Limited, in Ingleside, showed that Kraft effluent discharges into Hoople Creek had no significant influence on bacterial levels downstream in However, phosphorus levels were much higher downstream of Kraft than upstream. Of all the tributaries monitored in 1990, only Finney Creek and the Raisin River had any influence on beach, contamination. Tables 9 and 10 show the highest fecal coliform levels observed at the Lancaster and Glengarry Parks along with the corresponding fecal coliform levels at the Finney Creek and the Raisin River tributaries. Although high bacteria levels were infrequent during the 1990 season, there is a relationship between the high fecal coliform levels observed at the beach stations and the fecal coliform levels at the tributary stations. For Lancaster Park, the highest fecal coliform level observed during 17 weeks of sampling was on Jun 21, also the period when the Finney Creek station had the highest level of fecal coliform. The highest fecal coliform levels observed at the Raisin River station also occurred during the same period (3 days previous). Similar relationships were observed for Glengarry Park. 45

53 Table 9. Fecal Coliform Levels at Lancaster Park, Finney Creek, and Raisin River Sampling Date Lancaster Finney Creek Raisin River Park at Hwy 2 at Hwy Jun * 24-Jun * 7400 * 210 ** 03-Jul-90 <10 40 <10 * highest value in 17 weekly samples ** second highest value in 17 weekly samples Table 10. Fecal Coliform Levels at Glengarry Park, Finney Creek, and Raisin River Sampling Date Glengarry Park Finney, Creek at Hwy 2 Raisin River at Hwy Jul ** 4000 ** 160*** 16-Aug * 510 *** <10 * highest value in 17 weekly samples ** second highest value in 17 weekly samples *** third highest value in 17 weekly samples Chemical analysis of tributaries found that total phosphorus levels in all the tributaries were above the provincial guideline of 0.03 mg/l. Levels as Finney Creek mg/l (50 times greater than the provincial guideline) were obtained on Hoople Creek downstream of Kraft Limited. On average, phosphorus levels downstream of Kraft were 15 times greater than phosphorus levels upstream of Kraft. Elevated phosphorus levels were also observed on Finney Creek, averaging 0.24 mg/l, 8 times greater than the provincial guideline. Figures 50 to 73 show the fecal coliform, E.coli and phosphorus levels observed on the tributaries. 46

54 47

55 48

56 49

57 50

58 51

59 52

60 53

61 54

62 5.5 Sewage Treatment Facilities Information on sewage treatment facilities within the study area was obtained from the Ministry of the Environment and is summarized in Table 11. Both the Ingleside and Long Sault treatment facilities are currently undergoing a review of their operations and capacity. High fecal coliform and E.coli levels were observed within the interior of the Long Sault Parkway Islands in Comparing these results with upstream data seem to indicate a problem with the Ingleside Sewage Treatment Plant or local stormwater runoff. All parks of the St. Lawrence Parks Commission have private sewage disposal facilities. The St. Lawrence Parks Commission is undertaking a study in 1991 to determine the reliability of all of their park septic systems. 55

63 Table 11. Relevant Sewage and Industrial Waste Treatment Facilities within Study Area WANE ACTIVITY PROCESS TYPE DISCHARGE TYPE TREATMENT TYPE MORRISBURG S.T.P. Primary Continuous Through Primary (Osnabruck Twp.) Shore Discharge (Clarifier & Lagoon) DESIGN AVERAGE FLOW DAILY FLOW 2.91 UPPER CANADA VILLAGE (Osnabruck Twp.) Sewage Treatment N/A Lagoon INGLESIDE (Osnabruck Twp.) S.T.P. Primary Continuous Primary (clarifier) KRAFT LTD. (Osnabruck Twp.) Food Manufact. Milk into Cheese Continuous via Hoople Creek secondary n/a 2.50 SNETSINGER ISLAND (L.S.Parkway) sewage Treatment N/A Lagoon LONG SAULT (Cornwall Twp.) CORNWALL (Cornwall) S.T.P. Secondary Continuous Conventional Activated Sludge S.T.P. Primary Continuous clarifier with phos. Removal GLEN WALTER (Charlot. Twp.) S.T.P. Secondary- Continuous Extended Aeration LANCASTER Sewage Treatment Spring & Fall Lagoon 0.15 Note: All flow values are in 1000 m 3 /s and are taken from 1989-reports from the Ministry of the Environment. 56

64 6. CONCLUSIONS The 1990 objective was to establish a data base from which conclusions regarding water quality may be developed. The conclusions are as follows: 1. Background levels of fecal coliforms in the St. Lawrence River typically have bacterial densities of less than 10 organisms/100 ml. This agrees with the results. of the 1990 Remedial Action Plan (RAP) mainstream bacteriological survey and previous Ministry of the Environment surveys. 2. Most beaches seem to be influenced by local sources of pollution rather than upstream sources. These possible sources can include stormwater runoff, goose and gull feces, local septic systems and bathing activity. 3. Lancaster and Glengarry Parks are the only two parks which are influenced by tributaries. The tributaries affecting these beaches are the Raisin River and Finney Creek. 4. High fecal coliform and E.coli levels observed in the vicinity of the Woodlands Campground beach indicates that the major source of bacterial contamination affecting this area could be the sewage treatment plant at Ingleside. 5. Alexandria Park beach had a few high bacteria counts near the beach itself and at the entrance of Alexandria Lake. Sources of contamination are thought to be from local private septic systems or from other local sources. 6. A problem area lies nearshore between Summerstown and Pilon's Point. Malfunctioning private septic systems along the shoreline are most likely the main source of contamination in this area. 7. Goose and gull feces have levels of fecal coliforms and E.coli comparable to those found in human and animal sewage. The levels apparently are influenced by the time of year, feeding habits and population dynamics. 8. The evaluation of the impact of goose and gull feces on beach water quality is inconclusive because of the low levels of bacteria present in the water at the 4 beaches selected for the study. 57

65 7. RECOMMENDATIONS 1. To further define problem areas which were found during this year's study, a water sampling program should be continued in The focus would be on the identification of sources within the contaminated zones identified in Since no contamination was found at the beaches of Lakeview Heights Park and Charlottenburgh Park in 1990, and since these two beaches experienced beach closings in 1988 and 1989, stations upstream of these parks should be maintained in order to define the location and extent of the sources. 2. For the beaches that have been identified as being affected by local sources, a detailed investigation of beach and park activities should be undertaken. This would include daily observations of air and water temperature, rainfall, geese and gulls, bathing activity and park maintenance. The result would be the identification and relative significance of bacterial pollution for each local source of contamination. 3. To adequately assess the correlation of bacteria with other parameters, daily sampling should be undertaken at a selected beach. 4. The results of the St. Lawrence Parks Commission study of their park, septic systems should be reviewed in detail to determine the potential impacts, if any, on beach contamination. 5. Sediment samples should be taken at selected beaches and water. samples should be. taken from local storm runoff and tested for bacteria. In addition, water samples could be taken before and after beach use in order to correlate fecal coliform counts with the number of bathers. 6. An effort should be made to compare bacterial levels in the feces of captured birds with droppings collected from the beach area. This would provide an estimation of the die-off rates of indicator micro-organisms, the potential of these wastes for degrading water quality and choices for remedial action. 7. The work done on bird dropping counts and bird dropping densities should be continued for comparison with previous data and for correlation with bacteria levels at beach stations. 58

66 8. In order to examine the effects of the Ingleside Sewage Treatment Plant on water quality at the Woodlands Campground, a grid should be set up to sample between the sewage treatment plant outfall and the beach. Major stormsewer outfalls in the area should also be located and sampled in order to determine their impacts relative to other sources. 9. For Alexandria Park, stormwater sewer outfalls should be located and local residential septic systems assessed for their impacts on the water quality of Alexandria Lake. 10. The Raisin River and Finney Creek which drain mainly agricultural lands, have been identified as probable sources of contamination to the Lancaster Park and Glengarry Park beaches. These tributaries should continue to be monitored in In addition, information should be collected on farming operations and practices within the Raisin River and Finney Creek watersheds and should include livestock access to streams, manure and land management practices, and milkhouse washwater disposal systems. To obtain this information, farm visits and a questionnaire may be used, as well as discussions with the local office of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food. 11. A Clean Up Rural Beaches (CURB) model if applied, would prioritize agricultural sources. Where possible, remedial measures should be initiated during 1991 through extension services or other avenues such as the Land Stewardship II Program. 12. A public information program should continue in 1991 to inform the community of the purpose and progress of the study. Press releases can be sent to local newspapers and municipalities to announce the second phase of the Beaches Study, and to report study progress. 13. Landowner contacts would enable promotion of water pollution awareness to landowners as well as remedial measures and available technical advice for alternative waste management solutions. 14. At the end of a second year of study under the Rural Beaches Program, remedial options should be established for all beaches based on Year 1 and Year 2 findings. These options would be assessed and recommendations made on the implementation of remedial measures needed to improve beach water quality. 59

67 8. BIBLIOGRAPHY Environment Ontario, March Water Quality Data for Ontario Lakes and Streams 1983, Vol. xix Southeastern Region. Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, April Water Quality Bibliography. Ontario Ministry of the Environment, July A Guide to the Collection and Submission of Samples for Laboratory Analysis. Ontario Ministry of the Environment, June Outlines of Analytical Methods - A Guide to the Occurrence, Significance, Sampling and Analysis of Chemical and Microbiological Parameters in Water, Sediment, Soil, Vegetation and Air. Ontario Ministry of the Environment, February St. Lawrence River Environmental Investigations Background: Assessment of Water, Sediment and Biota in the Cornwall, Ontario and Massena, New York Section of the St. Lawrence River Raisin Region Conservation Authority and Environment Ontario Laboratories, Fecal Coliforms, E.coli, and Fecal Streptococci Levels in Feces from Canada Geese, Herring and Ring-Billed Gulls. 60

68 APPENDIX A 1990 WATER QUALITY DATA (Bacterial Analysis) 61

69 12-Mar-91 ST. LAWRENCE BEACHES STUDY WATER QUALITY RESULTS (Bacterial Analysis) Station Fecal Date Sampled No. Coliform E. coli Water Temp. Remarks 1 14-May-90 LT10 LT10 10 POINT EAST OF CRYSLER PARK MARINA 1 31-May-90 LT10 LT Jun-90 LT10 LT Jun LT Jun Jul-90 LT10 LT Jul-90 LT10 LT Jul-90 LT10 LT Jul-90 LT10 LT Jul Aug-90 LT10 LT Aug Aug-90 LT Aug-90 LT10 LT Sep Sep Sep Oct May-90 LT10 LT10 10 BAY WEST OF CRYSLER PARK 2 31-May-90 LT10 LT Jun-90 LT10 LT Jun-90 LT10 LT Jun-90 LT10 LT Jul-90 LT10 LT Jul-90 LT10 LT Jul-90 LT Jul-90 LT10 LT Jul LT Aug LT Aug-90 LT10 LT Aug-90 LT10 LT Aug-90 LT10 LT Sep-90 LT10 LT Sep LT Sep LT Oct-90 LT May-90 LT10 LT10 10 CRYSLER PARK BEACH - NEARSHORE 3 31-May-90 LT10 LT Jun-90 LT10 LT Jun Jun-90 LT10 LT Jul-90 LT Jul Jul Jul Jul Aug Aug Aug-90 LT Aug Sep Sep Sep LT Oct-90 LT May-90 LT10 LT10 9 CRYSLER PARK BEACH - OFFSHORE May-90 LT10 LT Jun-90 LT10 LT Jun LT Jun-90 LT Jul LT Jul-90 LT Jul-90 LT APP- A 1

70 12-Mar-91 ST. LAWRENCE BEACHES STUDY WATER QUALITY RESIDUE (Bacterial Analysis) Station Date Fecal Water E. coli. No. Sampled Coliform Temp. Remarks Jul Jul-90 LT Aug-90 LT10 LT Aug-90 LT10 LT Aug-90 LT10 LT Aug LT Sep LT Sep Sep LT Oct-90 LT May-90 LT10 LT10 10 EAST OF CRYSLER PARK MONUMENT 5 31-May LT Jun-90 LT10 LT Jun LT Jun-90 LT10 LT Jul-90 LT10 LT Jul-90 LT10 LT Jul-90 LT10 LT Jul-90 LT10 LT Jul-90 LT10 LT Aug-90 LT10 LT Aug-90 LT10 LT Aug-90 LT10 LT Aug Sep Sep-90 LT10 LT Sep Oct-90 LT10 LT May-90 LT10 LT10 10 WEST POINT OF AULT ISLAND 6 31-May-90 LT10 LT Jun-90 LT10 LT Jun-90 LT10 LT Jun-90 LT10 LT Jul-90 LT Jul-90 LT Jul-90 LT10 LT Jul-90 LT10 LT Jul LT Aug-90 LT Aug LT Aug-90 LT10 LT Aug-90 LT Sep-90 LT Sep LT Sep Oct-90 LT May-90 LT10 LT10 14 WEST SIDE OF UPPER CANADA VILLAGE DAM 7 12-Jun-90 LT10 LT Jun Jun cm flow over dam 7 4-Jul cm flow aver dam 7 10-Jul Cm flow over dam Jul no flow over dam 7 23-Jul cm flow over dam 7 31-Jul cm flow over dam 7 9-Aug cm flow over dam 7 14-Aug cm flow over dam 7 21-Aug no flow over dam 7 29-Aug no flow over dam 7 4-Sep no flow over dam 7 11-Sep LT10 15 no flow over dam 7 20-Sep no flow over dam 7 1-Oct no flow over dam APP- A 2

71 12-Mar-91 ST. LAWRENCE BEACHES STUDY WATER QUALITY RESULTS- (Bacterial Analysis) Station Date Fecal No. Sampled Coliform E. coli Water Temp. Remarks 8 14-May-90 LT10 LT10 10 SOUTH EAST END OF AULT ISLAND 8 31-May-90 LT10 LT Jun-90 LT10 LT Jun LT Jun-90 LT10 LT Jul-90 LT10 LT Jul-90 LT10 LT Jul Jul LT Jul-90 LT Aug-90 LT10 LT Aug-90 LT10 LT Aug-90 LT10 LT Aug-90 LT10 LT Sep-90 LT Sep-90 LT10 LT Sep Oct May-90 LT10 LT10 11 SOUTH SIDE OP CONTROL GATE EAST OF AULT ISLAND 9 31-May-90 LT10 LT Jun LT Jun-90 LT Jun Jul Jul Jul-90 LT Jul-90 LT10 LT Jul LT Aug Aug Aug Aug Sep Sep Sep Oct May-90 LT10 LT10 10 NAIRN'S ISLAND BEACH - NEARSHORE May-96 LT10 LT Jun-90 LT10 LT Jun-90 LT Jun LT Jul Jul-90 LT10 LT Jul-90 LT Jul LT Jul-90 LT Aug-90 LT10 LT Aug-90 LT10 LT Aug-90 LT10 LT Aug Sep Sep-90 LT Sep Oct May-90 LT10 LT10 10 NAIRNE ISLAND BEACH - OFFSHORE May-90 LT10 LT Jun-90 LT10 LT Jun-90 LT Jun-90 LT Jul-90 LT10 LT Jul-90 LT10 LT Jul-90 LT10 LT10 23 APP- A 3