2009 Equalization Reservoir Biomonitoring Report, Clean Harbors Canada Inc., Lambton Facility

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2 November 9, 2009 Mr. Timothy Bechard Facility Manager, Lambton Clean Harbors Canada, Inc Telfler Road, R.R. #1 Corunna, ON N0N 1G0 Dear Mr. Bechard; RE: 2009 Equalization Reservoir Biomonitoring Report, Clean Harbors Canada Inc., Lambton Facility The 2009 Equalization Reservoir Biomonitoring Study was conducted by AES International Environmental Consultants Inc. on April 23, 2009 and August 25, 2009 as a requirement of Provisional Certificate of Approval No. A The scope of work required for Biomonitoring of the Equalization Reservoir includes an inventory of benthic invertebrate and fish populations and general surface water quality within the Reservoir. This study is completed as part of the routine compliance monitoring program conducted at the Clean Harbors Lambton Facility. The results of this study provide an indication of the general surface water quality released from the site. This letter report discusses the results of the 2009 Study. 1. Introduction The surface water management system at the Lambton Facility is comprised of a network of drainage ditches and two retention reservoirs located in the east and west portions of the site (see Figure 1). Surface water runoff from undeveloped portions of the site, perimeter berms, capped and closed landfill cells is directed through this network of drainage ditches and reservoirs to the on-site Surface Water Treatment Facility. Treated effluent from the Surface Water Treatment Facility is discharged to, and retained in the Equalization Reservoir before being discharged via a gated channel to the municipal drainage swale located along Telfer Sideroad. Impacted and potentially impacted runoff from the operational areas and active landfill sub-cells is directed to impacted water retention reservoirs. Two of which, located on the finished cap of Cell 17, are designed to retain leachate. Impacted water is used as process water for facility operations. Retained leachate is pumped to the process area where it is incinerated. AES International Environmental Consultants, Inc Woodlawn Road E. Guelph, Ontario N1E 1B7 (416)

3 2009 Equalization Reservoir Biomonitoring Report Clean Harbors Canada Inc. November 9, The initial baseline Equalization Reservoir Biomonitoring Study was completed in The initial study involved two sampling events and monitoring at a number of stations within the Reservoir. The 1998 study established that the benthic community was low in numbers and diversity due to the poor habitat quality of the Basin (Gartner Lee, 1998). Based on the initial findings of the study and a meeting between staff of Clean Harbors, Gartner Lee and the Ministry of the Environment, a less intensive monitoring program was developed and implemented. Within this report, the data collected from the 2009 Study is compared to historical data from 1998 through to The following tasks were completed as part of the 2009 Equalization Reservoir Biomonitoring Study; Completed on April 23, 2009; 1) Collection of random sediment samples of sufficient volume to obtain a representative population of benthic invertebrates; 2) Identification and enumeration of benthic invertebrates to the family level; 3) Completion of a dissolved oxygen and temperature profile at the midpoint of the Reservoir; 4) Completion of Secchi depth profiling to indicate turbidity within the Reservoir; 5) Measurement of surface ph, electrical conductivity and temperature; 6) Description of general sediment characteristics (texture, composition and odour); 7) Completion of a fish inventory utilizing traditional angling methods. Completed on August 25, 2009; Items 3, 4, 5 and 7 above were completed as part of the August 2009 monitoring plan. 2. Methods Water quality data, fish inventory data and benthic invertebrate population data were collected on April 23, 2009 by qualified AES staff. The conditions were clear with an air temperature of approximately 10.0 C. During the week preceding the April study the mean temperature was 8.3 C with 16.5 mm of precipitation. On August 25, 2009, water quality data and fish inventory data were collected by qualified AES staff. The conditions were clear with an air temperature of approximately 27 C. During the week preceding the August study the mean temperature was 20.2 C with 22.5 mm of precipitation. A total depth to bottom was measured using a weighted tape at the midpoint of the Equalization Reservoir (referred to as the Reservoir henceforth). Surface ph, electrical conductivity and temperature were measured at the midpoint of the Reservoir using a YSI 556 MPS multi-parameter water quality meter. A dissolved oxygen and temperature profile of the water column at the midpoint of the Reservoir was obtained also using the YSI 556 MPS multi-parameter water quality meter. Dissolved oxygen and temperature were measured at 0.5 m depth increments from the surface of the Reservoir to the water sediment interface. A Secchi depth reading was measured from the shaded side of the boat for an indication of turbidity within the Reservoir.

4 PETROLIA LINE TELFER ROAD LEGEND RESERVOIR OR POND CLEAN HARBORS CANADA INC., LAMBTON FACILITY LANDFILL A SIZE 216 x 279 mm DRAINAGE DITCH NOTES: 1. BASEMAP PROVIDED BY INSPEC-SOL INC. (2009). SCALE 2009 EQUALIZATION RESERVOIR BIOMONITORING REPORT SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PROJECT NUMBER J00008-T7 DRAWING NUMBER 1 ISSUE/REVISION FILE: J00008_T7_F1.dwg DATE PLOTTED: 18-Sep-09 DRAWN BY: TFB

5 2009 Equalization Reservoir Biomonitoring Report Clean Harbors Canada Inc. November 9, For the April 2009 study, six randomly located sediment grab samples were collected using a Wildco 6 Petite Ponar sediment sampler. Sediment grab samples were not collected within 1 m of the concrete lined sidewalls of the Reservoir, as cobbles and broken pieces of concrete from upper portions of the sidewalls impeded the operation of the Ponar sampler. The grab samples were homogenized and the resulting composite sample was divided into smaller sub-samples. Sediment characteristics (colour, texture composition and odour) were noted. Each sub-sample was screened against a 500 µm mesh sieve using pressurized potable water to remove the fine grained sediment. Large particles such as gravel, leaves and other organic material were discarded. The benthic organisms captured in the sieve were removed with fine tipped tweezers and identified and logged in the field to the taxonomic level of family. Each sub-sample was processed using the above method until the entire composite sample was logged. A fish inventory was completed to identify and enumerate the fish community within the Reservoir. Traditional angling methods were employed, using a 2.0 m spinning rod and reel and jig heads baited with bread and synthetic bait. The entire area of the Reservoir was covered using this method for a time span of approximately 80 minutes. 3. Results The following sections provide the results of the 2009 Biomonitoring Study, along with a comparison to historical data dating back to Field notes are provided in Attachment A. 3.1 Physical Characteristics The Reservoir is a rectangular, man-made structure, 36 m long by 24 m wide. The general morphometry in 2009 was similar to that in previous years. The total depth at the midpoint of the Reservoir was 5.2 m in April 2009 and 4.88 m in August As mentioned above, the concrete lined sidewalls have cracked and sloughed, and debris has accumulated at the bottom of the Reservoir, near the sidewalls. A significant portion of the north sidewall concrete liner has sloughed since the August 2008 monitoring event. The bottom substrate of the Reservoir consists of fine dark grey to black silt with some brown clay and trace fine to coarse sand and gravel. Native brown clay is present below the surficial sediment layer. The sediments have a moderate hydrogen sulphide odour, consistent with historical observations. 3.2 General Water Chemistry General water chemistry (ph, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen and temperature) were measured at the midpoint of the Reservoir, approximately 0.25 m below the surface. The measurements recorded in 2009 are presented in Table 1, along with historical measurements.

6 2009 Equalization Reservoir Biomonitoring Report Clean Harbors Canada Inc. November 9, The ph at the surface of the Reservoir was 7.43 and 8.21 in April and August 2009 respectively, within the acceptable range for surface waters in Ontario (PWQO, MOE, 1999). The electrical conductivity was 778 µs and 540 µs in April and August 2009 respectively, which is similar to historic conditions and within the range normally found in treated waters. As in previous years, the electrical conductivity values presented in Table 1 for 1998 were converted from ms to µs due to a unit recording error. The Secchi depth in April 2009 was 0.37 m compared to 0.83 m in August 2009, indicating the Reservoir was slightly less turbid In August Dissolved oxygen and temperature was profiled at the midpoint of the Reservoir. Dissolved oxygen and temperature values were measured at 0.5 m increments to a depth of 5.0 m. Figure 2 presents the dissolved oxygen profile measured on April 23, Dissolved oxygen concentrations measured in April 2009 were all above 4-5 mg/l, the level deemed critical for aquatic biota (PWQO, MOE, 1999). Figure 2: Dissolved Oxygen/Temperature Profile, April 23, 2009 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l), Temperature ( C) Depth Below Surface (m) Dissolved Oxygen Temperature Figure 3 presents the dissolved oxygen profile measured on August 25, The dissolved oxygen measurements taken on August 25, 2009 show a clinograde oxygen profile, typical of warm summer temperatures (Kalff, 2002). Dissolved oxygen concentrations from surface to 3.5 m below the Reservoir surface were above the level deemed critical for aquatic biota (PWQO, MOE, 1999).The dissolved oxygen measurements taken at 4.0 m and 4.5 m below the Reservoir surface were 3.74 mg/l and 0.46 mg/l respectively, below the level deemed critical for aquatic biota (PWQO, MOE, 1999). Anoxic conditions (<2.0 mg/l) were observed above the water sediment interface at a depth of 4.5 m below the Reservoir surface. Under anoxic conditions, it is possible for un-ionized ammonia, un-ionized hydrogen sulphide and phosphorus to be released from the sediments.

7 2009 Equalization Reservoir Biomonitoring Report Clean Harbors Canada Inc. November 9, Table 1. General Water Chemistry, Equalization Reservoir 1998 Through Parameter May Oct Apr Apr Apr Apr Aug Jun Sep Apr Aug Apr Aug Apr Aug May Aug Apr Aug Apr Aug Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Water Temperature ( C) Air Temperature ( C) ph (Unitless) Conductivity (µs/cm) Total Depth (m)

8 2009 Equalization Reservoir Biomonitoring Report Clean Harbors Canada Inc. November 9, Figure 3: Dissolved Oxygen/Temperature Profile, August 25, 2009 Depth Below Surface (m) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l), Temperature ( C) Dissolved Oxygen Temperature 3.3 Benthic Invertebrate Community Benthic invertebrates were picked, sorted and identified to family level from the composite sediment sample collected on April 23, Table 2 presents a summary of the benthic community observed within the Reservoir on April 23, 2009 and compares this data to the historical data dating back to Historically, two to six families of benthic invertebrates have been identified within the Reservoir dating back to 1998, indicating benthic diversity is generally low within the Reservoir. This low family richness does not allow for significant diversity metrics to be calculated. On average, the benthic community has been represented primarily by Chironomids and Oligochaetes. Gastropods have also been observed, however only shells have been recovered, indicating that they may not actually survive in the basin, but have been introduced by alternate vectors. With the exception of Gastropods, all organisms historically observed within the Reservoir are adapted to soft sediment niches due to their burrowing life strategies (Mackie, 2004). Chironomids have accounted for the majority of organisms observed from the 1998 study through to the 2009 study. Chironomids are generally tolerant of low dissolved oxygen, organic rich environments, common to disturbed eutrophic environments (Mackie, 2004).

9 2009 Equalization Reservoir Biomonitoring Report Clean Harbors Canada Inc. November 9, Table 2. Benthic Invertebrates, Grouped by Family, Equalization Basin, 1998 through 2007 Family October May April April April June April April April May April April Oligochaeta Hirudinea Naididae Coleoptera Tubificidae Chironomidae Gastropoda * 5* 3* 4* 3* 2* 5* 10* 0 13* Chaoboridae Ephemeroptera Ceratopogonidae Organism Abundance Species Richness Total Area Sampled (m 2 ) n/a Average Density per (m 2 ) n/a Notes: * Recovered only Gastropoda shells. - Gastropods are included in the density calculations - Due to an inadequate seal of the Eckman dredge jaws during the April 2005 sampling event, the sediment to water volume ratio observed in these samples was lower resulting in an insufficient volume of sediment sample.

10 2009 Equalization Reservoir Biomonitoring Report Clean Harbors Canada Inc. November 9, Three families were observed in April 2009, Chironomids (77), Oligochaetes (18) and Gastropods (13). Similar to observations made during previous studies, only Gastropod shells were recovered. The total area sampled in April 2009 was 0.14 m 2, consistent with previous sampling efforts. The organism abundance in April 2009 was similar to that of April 2008 (770 and 800 respectively). Significant variance in organism density throughout the monitoring period can potentially be attributed to the natural variability in the random sampling, identification and enumeration methodology employed. The historical diversity and density of benthic organisms within the Reservoir is presented in Figure 4. Figure 4: Benthic Invertebrate Family Diversity and Density, 1998 to 2009 Number of Families Observed Average Density of Organisms (m 2 ) Number of Families Observed Average Density of Organisms * Organism density not calculated for 2005 because equipment malfunction affected organism count. 3.4 Fish Community Historical sightings of fish in the Reservoir have included such species as goldfish, sunfish, carp, pike, catfish and rock bass confirmed by Clean Harbors staff. During the April 2009 study, AES staff observed one fish in the Reservoir; however the species was not able to be determined. A fish survey was conducted during the April 2009 study which employed traditional angling methods. The entire area of the Reservoir was covered by casting jigheads baited with bread and synthetic bait for a period of approximately 80 minutes. No fish were caught during the fish survey. A second fish survey was conducted during the August 2009 study which also employed traditional angling methods. Similar to the April 2009 effort, the entire area of the Reservoir was covered by casting jigheads baited with live bait (dew worms) for a period of approximately 90 minutes.

11 2009 Equalization Reservoir Biomonitoring Report Clean Harbors Canada Inc. November 9, Two fish were caught during the August 2009 fish survey; one sunfish and one carp. The sunfish had a total length of 9.5 cm and weighed approximately 60 g. Black Spot, a common disease caused by parasites was observed on the sunfish. The carp had a total length of 54 cm and weighed approximately 2.5 kg. The carp appeared to be free of any lesions or parasites. After processing, the fish were released back into the Reservoir. Photographs are provided in Attachment A. The Reservoir is isolated from other off-site surface waters, preventing migration into and out of the Reservoir. It is presumed the fish community within the Reservoir was introduced by alternate vectors. 4. Conclusions and Recommendations Consistent with data from previous years, the 2009 Equalization Reservoir Biomonitoring data suggests the Reservoir contains a benthic community low in density and diversity. This low benthic biomass will theoretically limit the fish population surviving in the Reservoir. The density of organisms observed was similar to data collected in April 2008 and the diversity is similar to the historical average. An additional fish survey was completed in August This additional effort was undertaken because no fish had been caught during the April event for several monitoring periods. Inactivity of the fish during the April event may be attributed to the cooler water temperature in the Reservoir during spring conditions. It is recommended that the fish survey be conducted during both the April and August monitoring events in the future. Anoxic conditions were not present at the time of the April 2009 study; however anoxic conditions had developed at a depth of 4.5 m below the Reservoir surface at the time of the August 2009 study. As noted above, it is possible for un-ionized ammonia, un-ionized hydrogen sulphide and phosphorus to be released from the sediments under anoxic conditions, potentially impacting discharge from the basin. The MOE has previously recommended that the Reservoir depth be limited to less than 3.0 m and for the sediment to be removed from the Reservoir regularly. The potential for release of hydrogen sulphide, ammonia and phosphorus from the sediment would be eliminated, however at least 3.0 m of water must be present in the Reservoir at all times for firefighting purposes. A third suggestion by the MOE involved hydrogen sulphide, ammonia, phosphorus and temperature be monitored as part of the daily effluent monitoring parameters when the potential for anoxic conditions exist (summer/early autumn). As of June 2007 Clean Harbors has added hydrogen sulphide, ammonia, phosphorus and temperature to the list of daily effluent monitoring parameters. If, during the period when the potential for anoxic conditions are likely, un-ionized ammonia is greater than 0.1 mg/l and hydrogen sulphide is greater than mg/l, discharge to the drainage swale along Telfer Sideroad is halted.

12 2009 Equalization Reservoir Biomonitoring Report Clean Harbors Canada Inc. November 9, We trust this letter satisfies your requirements at this time. Please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned should you have any questions. Yours very truly, AES International Environmental Consultants, Inc. Timothy Boc, B.E.S Environmental Technician Peter-James A. Mauro, P.Eng., EMPD Senior Environmental Engineer, Project Manager & Associate Attach. TFB:tfb

13 2009 Equalization Reservoir Biomonitoring Report Clean Harbors Canada Inc. November 9, References Gartner Lee Limited, 2008: 2008 Final Equalization Basin Biomonitoring Report, Clean Harbors Canada Inc. Lambton Facility. GLL September Kalff, J., 2002: Limnology: Inland Water Ecosystems. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall Inc., 2002 Mackie, G., 2004: Applied Ecosystem Concepts. Iowa: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, 2001,2004 Ministry of the Environment and Energy Water Management: Policies, Guidelines, Provincial Water Quality Objectives of the Ministry of the Environment and Energy. Queens Printer for Ontario.

14 Attachment A Field Data AES International Environmental Consultants, Inc Woodlawn Road E. Guelph, Ontario N1E 1B7 (416)

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21 PHOTOGRAPH 1: SUNFISH CAUGHT AUGUST 25, 2009; TOTAL LENGTH WAS 9.5 cm AND WEIGHT WAS APPROXIMATELY 60 g. BLACK SPOT DISEASE WAS OBSERVED. FOLLOWING PROCESSING THE FISH WAS RELEASED BACK INTO THE RESERVOIR. PHOTOGRAPH 2: CARP CAUGHT AUGUST 25, 2009; TOTAL LENGTH WAS 54 cm AND WEIGHT WAS APPROXIMATELY 2.5 kg. NO LESIONS OR PARASITES WERE OBSERVED. FOLLOWING PROCESSING THE FISH WAS RELEASED BACK INTO THE RESERVOIR.