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Fraser River Action Plan 3rd Research Workshop Investigation into the Distribution of Non-Point Source Nitrate in Two Unconfined Aquifers J. Atwater Civil Engineering University of British Columbia Most of the groundwater in unconfined aquifers in the lower Fraser Valley contains elevated levels of nitrate. These aquifers are important sources of drinking water for many people; however, they also provide the base flow for many of the tributary streams in the valley. Nitrate contamination of unconfined aquifers is not unique to the valley but rather is found in almost every jurisdiction world wide. In a number of these locations there have been reports of in situ denitrification. Included in these reports are local sites. The analysis of the groundwater from three MOEPL wells located in the Abbotsford Aquifer suggest that denitrification was occurring at depth. If in situ denitrification is occurring, then it is reasonable to assume that it could be easily enhanced through the introduction of a carbon substrate. A study was initiated to determine and demonstrate the feasibility of enhancing denitrification in the local unconfined aquifers. The project consisted of two parts; a laboratory study to determine the influence of various carbon substrates as well as the influence of flow rates and a field study. In order to carry out a field demonstration, it was necessary to first determine that denitrification was occurring and at what location within the aquifer. Three wells were installed for this purpose as part of a larger program sponsored by the Geological Survey of Canada. One of these wells was located in the Abbotsford Aquifer adjacent to the three Ministry wells. The other two were in the Brookswood Aquifer downgradient from an Environment Canada demonstration site. It is the monitoring results from these three wells that is the focus of this presentation. The wells were monitored using a string of dialysis membranes which allowed for discrete sampling every 30 cm. The well in the Abbotsford Aquifer intercepted water that had passed under an extensive area of raspberry canes. The Brookswood wells were located downgradient of residential properties serviced with septic tanks (south well) and within a potato field (north well) but a short distance downgradient of treed property. Conclusions The water from the Abbotsford well contained nitrate levels in excess of 40 mg/L as N with a vertical gradient and a pronounced seasonal variation in the zone influenced by the fluctuating water table. Variation was also seen below the recharge zone but becoming less apparent with depth. The data did not support the likelihood of significant in situ denitrification so an alternate mechanism for the nitrate gradients is suggested. The analysis from the Brookswood wells showed a much lower concentration of nitrate in those groundwaters as well as a limited depth of nitrate contaminate penetration. The south well, influenced by the housing, showed little evidence of nitrate. The north well, approximately 300 m from the south well and obliquely downgradient, appeared to be influenced by farming practices with nitrate contamination in the upper couple of metres. Page 163
Fraser River Action Plan 3rd Research Workshop Community Establishment of Goals, Objectives and Indicators of Ecosystem Health F. Mah 1 , G. Butcher 2 , D. Argent 3 , M. Wallis 4 1 Environmental Integrations Environment Canada 2 B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks 3 Salmon River Watershed Roundtable 4 Wallis Environmental Aquatics Ltd. Abstract The Salmon River watershed in British Columbia has experienced serious deterioration due to the effects of logging, urbanization and agriculture. Historically, the Salmon River was one of the largest salmon producers in the Fraser River basin. Today, the river’s sockeye salmon is nearly extinct and other species are in serious decline. Over a number of years, little remedial action was possible due to inconsistencies in policies between government agencies and failure to include all stakeholders in the decision-making processes. In response, local concerned citizens established the Salmon River Watershed Roundtable where respect for all stakeholder interests, cooperative action and coordinated management of all resources in the basin are operating principles for restoration of ecosystem health. In a pilot project with the British Columbia Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, and Environment Canada, the Roundtable is using the ecosystem approach in establishing goals, objectives and indicators of ecosystem health for the watershed. The project will investigate the process involved and the lessons learned. Promotion and maintenance of community participation, volunteer remedial actions and citizens’ monitoring programs for ecosystem objectives will be described. Page 165
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PROCEEDINGS 3rd RESEARCH WORKSHOP F
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Participants ....
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Development of a Citizen’s Monito
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Fraser River Action Plan 3rd Resear
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SESSION 1 PULP MILL EFFLUENT ISSUES
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SESSION 6 ESTUARY ISSUES
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Fraser River Action Plan The Use of
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