4.3.1.4 Big Creek - Impact Assessment Agency · Volume 2: Baseline Studies Section 4: Hydrology Frontier Project Page 4-22 September 2011 4.3.1.4 Big Creek Big Creek discharges into

Volume 2: Baseline Studies Section 4: Hydrology Frontier Project

Page 4-22 September 2011

4.3.1.4 Big Creek Big Creek discharges into the Athabasca River about 10 km upstream of Redclay Creek. It has a total drainage area of about 326 km2 at its mouth, which includes an upland area of about 147 km2 (or 45% of the total drainage area) and a lowland area of about 179 km2 (or 55% of the total drainage area). The watershed elevation ranges from about 754 m amsl to about 229 m amsl with an average watershed slope of about 1.8%. The upland area has an average watershed slope of 2.8% and the lowland area has a typical slope of 0.3%. At hydrometric station UTS01, Big Creek has a drainage area of about 65 km2. The recorded data for station UTS01 from August 4 to October 14, 2010, were missing because of a malfunction of the hydrometric station. Based on data recorded from August 2007 to August 2010, the maximum daily flow measured at station UTS01 was 3.66 m³/s (recorded on June 27, 2009). The minimum daily flow measured at station UTS01 was 0.041 m³/s (recorded on October 23, 2007) (see Figure 4-6).

The watersheds of First Creek, Unnamed Creek 2 and Unnamed Creek 5 are tributary to the Big Creek watershed. Unnamed Creek 2 is the main tributary that discharges into Big Creek about 6 km upstream of the mouth of Big Creek at the Athabasca River. Unnamed Creek 2 has a drainage area of about 105 km2 at the mouth (at station UTS03), which includes an upland area of about 69 km² (or 65% of the total drainage area) and a lowland area of about 36 km² (or 35% of the total drainage area). The Unnamed Lake 1 and Unnamed Lake 2 are also part of Unnamed Creek 2 watershed.

The daily flows for the Unnamed Creek 2 at station UTS03 (located near the mouth) varied from 1.55 m³/s (recorded on July 1, 2009) to 0.002 m3/s (recorded on April 21, 2009) based on data from September 2007 to October 2010. The recorded data for station UTS03 from August 31 to October 16, 2008, and from April 15 to June 5, 2010 were missing because of a malfunction of the water level pressure probe. Discharge data recorded at the hydrometric station UTS03 in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 are shown in Figure 4-6.

Daily flows at the hydrometric stations were generated from the continuous water level measurements at the stations using the rating curves developed from the combined manual discharge and water level measurements completed in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 (see Appendix 4A).

Volume 2: Baseline Studies Frontier Project Section 4: Hydrology

September 2011 Page 4-23

Figure 4-6 Measured Flow Data for Big Creek at Stations UTS01 and UTS03



Eymundson Creek The watershed of Eymundson Creek includes both upland and lowland areas. The Birch Mountains are in the upper watershed where ground slopes are 4% to 8%. Ground slopes of less than 0.5% are typical of the poorly drained lowland areas. Slopes of 1% to 3% are typical of the better-drained upland areas at elevations above 340 m amsl.

Eymundson Creek discharges into the Athabasca River about 7 km downstream of the mouth of Pierre River. Eymundson Creek watershed has a drainage area of about 334 km2 at its mouth, which includes a lowland area of 134 km2 (or 40% of the total drainage area) and an upland area of 200 km2 (or 60% of the total drainage area). Asphalt Creek and Unnamed Creek 1 drain into Eymundson Creek.

The drainage area of Eymundson Creek at hydrometric station UTSL14 located at the downstream part of the creek is about 215 km2. The daily recorded flows for Eymundson Creek at station UTSL14 varied from 6.25 m3/s (recorded on June 29, 2009) to 0.095 m3/s (recorded on April 15, 2010) based on data from July 2008 to April 2010. Recorded data for station UTSL14 were missing from April 27 to August 4, 2010, and from August 16 to October 14, 2010, due to a malfunction of the datalogger and water level pressure probe. Discharge data recorded at station UTSL14 in 2008, 2009 and 2010 are summarized in Figure 4-7.

Daily flows at hydrometric station UTSL14 were generated from continuous water level measurements at the station using the rating curve developed from the combined manual discharge and water level measurements completed in 2008, 2009 and 2010 (see Appendix 4A).

Asphalt Creek is a major tributary that discharges into Eymundson Creek (and accounts for about 46% of the total drainage area of Eymundson Creek). Asphalt Creek is located about 5 km upstream of the mouth of Eymundson Creek. The Asphalt Creek watershed has a drainage area of 155 km2 at the mouth, which includes an upland area of 109 km2 (70% of the total drainage area) and a lowland area of 46 km2 (30% of the total drainage area).

Unnamed Creek 1 is another tributary that discharges into Eymundson Creek about 1.5 km upstream of its mouth. Unnamed Creek 1 has a drainage area of 85 km2 at the mouth, and includes an upland area of 41 km2 (48% of the total drainage area) and a lowland area of 44 km2 (52% of the total drainage area).

Maximum and Minimum Daily Mean Recorded Flows per Unit Area The maximum and minimum daily mean recorded flows per unit area for the LSA watercourses are summarized in Table 4-6 for each hydrometric station. The maximum daily mean flows per unit area for the watercourses varied from 0.008 m3/s/km2 for Unnamed Creek 17 at station UTS06 to 0.069 m3/s/km2 for Redclay Creek at station UTS05. The minimum daily mean flows per unit area for the watercourses varied from nil for Unnamed Creek 17 at station UTS06 and Unnamed Creek 2 at station UTS03 to 0.0064 m3/s/km2 for Big Creek at station UTS01.



Figure 4-7 Measured Flow Data for Eymundson Creek at Station UTSL14



It can be concluded that the maximum and minimum daily mean flows per unit area are higher for watercourses that have contributing drainage areas mainly from upland areas (see Table 4-6). These upland areas are situated at higher elevations that receive higher precipitation than the lowland areas (see Section 2.3, Table 2-4).

Table 4-6 Maximum and Minimum Daily Mean Recorded Flows per Unit Area

Watercourse

Drainage Area (km2)

Maximum Daily Mean Flow per Unit Area (m3/s/km2)

Date

Minimum Daily Mean

Flow per Unit Area

(m3/s/km2) Date

Unnamed Creek 17 at station UTS06 53.2 0.008 29-Jun-09 0.0 – Redclay Creek at station UTS04 173.2 0.020 09-May-08 0.0003 26-Apr-08 Redclay Creek at station UTS05 67.9 0.069 27-Jun-09 0.0003 26-Apr-08 Big Creek at station UTS01 64.6 0.057 27-Jun-09 0.0006 23-Oct-07 Unnamed Creek 2 at station UTS03 104.7 0.015 01-Jul-09 0.0 21-Apr-09 Eymundson Creek at station UTSL14 215.0 0.029 29-Jun-09 0.0004 15-Apr-10 NOTE: – = No data collected

4.3.1.5 Water Yields The simulated daily flows at various locations in the LSA were analyzed to obtain mean annual water yields. The annual water yield depends primarily on the drainage area, precipitation and the ratio of upland area to lowland area. Mean annual water yields were derived for Unnamed Creek 18, Unnamed Creek 19, Redclay Creek, Big Creek, and Eymundson Creek at different locations along the watercourses (see Table 4-7) using the HSPF model. The mean annual water yields for these watercourses are estimated to vary from 21 mm to 103 mm. Compared with other watercourses in the region, the mean annual water yields are low because of rain-shadow effects east of the Birch Mountains. In the HSPF model simulation, precipitation data from climate stations at Birch Mountain Lookout and Fort McMurray were used to estimate precipitation on each subwatershed as discussed in Volume 2, Section 2.3.1. The simulated mean annual water yield for Big Creek (i.e., 49 mm) is the same as the observed mean annual water yield at Environment Canada station 07DA001 (i.e., 49 mm).



Table 4-7 Simulated Mean Annual Water Yields for Watercourses in the LSA

Watercourse

Drainage Area [km2]

Mean Annual Water

Yield1 Baseflow Upland

Area

Lowland Area

Total Area

(m3/s) (mm/annum) (m3/s) (mm/annum)

Unnamed Creek 18 at the mouth 123.2 177.3 300.5 0.403 42 0.079 8

Unnamed Creek 17 at station UTS06 50.8 2.4 53.2 0.110 65 – –

Unnamed Creek 17 at the mouth 53.1 53.6 106.7 0.147 44 – –


Unnamed Creek 19 at the mouth – 45.4 45.4 0.031 21 0.013 9

Redclay Creek at station UTS04 72.5 100.7 173.2 0.343 63 – –

Redclay Creek at station UTS05 46.0 21.9 67.9 0.250 116 – –

Redclay Creek at the mouth 72.5 124.6 197.1 0.359 57 0.067 11


Big Creek at station UTS01 39.1 25.5 64.6 0.212 103 – –

Unnamed Creek 2 at station UTS03 68.4 36.3 104.7 0.152 46 – –

First Creek at the mouth 8.60 31.9 40.5 0.033 26 – –

Big Creek at the mouth 146.6 179.6 326.2 0.506 49 0.099 10

Eymundson Creek before the mine 50.5 11.0 61.5 0.108 55 – –

Eymundson Creek at the mouth 200.1 134.2 334.3 0.751 71 0.139 14

Asphalt Creek at the mouth 108.8 45.8 154.6 0.427 87 – –


NOTES: 1 Based on simulated discharges from 1954 to 2009 – = No data collected

Table 4-8 summarizes statistics for the simulated monthly flows of several watercourses in the LSA, including:

• Unnamed Creek 18 at the mouth

• Unnamed Creek 17 at station UTS06




• Redclay Creek at station UTS05

• Redclay Creek at the mouth

• Unnamed Creek 2 at station UTS03

• Big Creek at the mouth

• Eymundson Creek before the mine

• Eymundson Creek at the mouth

• Asphalt Creek at the mouth




The simulated maximum monthly flows typically occur in July, and the simulated minimum mean monthly flows are zero, mostly in winter months.

Table 4-8 Simulated Monthly Watershed Flows (a) Simulated Monthly Flows of Unnamed Creek 18 Watershed

Month

Simulated Monthly Flows (m3/s)

Unnamed Creek 18 at the Mouth

Unnamed Creek 17 at Station UT06



Max Mean Min Max Mean Min Max Mean Min Max Mean Min January 0.040 0.008 0.000 0.017 0.003 0.000 0.018 0.003 0.000 0.003 0.000 0.000

February 0.377 0.014 0.000 0.029 0.003 0.000 0.118 0.005 0.000 0.080 0.002 0.000

March 0.784 0.074 0.000 0.180 0.015 0.000 0.267 0.027 0.000 0.105 0.010 0.000

April 3.25 0.912 0.075 0.495 0.191 0.006 1.14 0.335 0.021 0.567 0.113 0.000

May 4.72 1.24 0.011 1.33 0.351 0.001 1.64 0.446 0.002 0.527 0.074 0.000

June 3.36 0.563 0.001 0.878 0.171 0.000 1.24 0.205 0.000 0.288 0.030 0.000

July 5.84 0.699 0.008 1.46 0.212 0.002 2.16 0.262 0.002 0.550 0.044 0.000

August 2.00 0.397 0.002 0.619 0.131 0.001 0.763 0.149 0.001 0.140 0.017 0.000

September 4.96 0.470 0.001 1.18 0.136 0.000 1.79 0.172 0.000 0.464 0.031 0.000

October 1.37 0.336 0.003 0.341 0.071 0.000 0.504 0.117 0.000 0.202 0.037 0.000

November 0.578 0.087 0.000 0.150 0.021 0.000 0.230 0.032 0.000 0.068 0.009 0.000

December 0.096 0.017 0.000 0.039 0.006 0.000 0.044 0.007 0.000 0.007 0.001 0.000

NOTE: Based on simulated discharges from 1954 to 2009

(b) Simulated Monthly Flows of Unnamed Creek 19 Watershed

Month


Unnamed Creek 19 at the Mouth Max Mean Min

January 0.000 0.000 0.000

February 0.118 0.003 0.000

March 0.135 0.016 0.000

April 0.613 0.124 0.000

May 0.568 0.063 0.000

June 0.236 0.021 0.000

July 0.490 0.031 0.000

August 0.118 0.011 0.000

September 0.470 0.034 0.000

October 0.294 0.054 0.000

November 0.098 0.011 0.000

December 0.002 0.000 0.000




Table 4-8 Simulated Monthly Watershed Flows (cont’d) (c) Simulated Monthly Flows of Redclay Creek and Big Creek Watersheds

Month


Redclay Creek Big Creek Redclay Creek at

Station UTS05 Redclay Creek at the

Mouth Unnamed Creek 2 at

Station UTS03 Big Creek at the Mouth Max Mean Min Max Mean Min Max Mean Min Max Mean Min

January 0.007 0.002 0.000 0.015 0.004 0.000 0.030 0.006 0.000 0.052 0.011 0.000

February 0.004 0.001 0.000 0.262 0.008 0.000 0.086 0.006 0.000 0.381 0.016 0.000

March 0.192 0.006 0.000 0.364 0.044 0.000 0.232 0.024 0.000 0.649 0.074 0.000

April 0.791 0.208 0.000 1.77 0.567 0.111 1.16 0.330 0.015 3.36 0.979 0.111

May 2.99 1.05 0.039 3.91 1.309 0.045 1.65 0.453 0.002 5.61 1.69 0.031

June 2.22 0.502 0.005 2.67 0.617 0.006 1.31 0.221 0.000 4.02 0.789 0.004

July 2.56 0.437 0.008 4.36 0.598 0.010 2.28 0.289 0.002 6.89 0.873 0.010

August 1.13 0.280 0.002 1.59 0.352 0.002 0.830 0.162 0.001 2.44 0.490 0.003

September 2.52 0.302 0.002 4.03 0.418 0.002 1.762 0.174 0.000 5.92 0.578 0.002

October 0.743 0.157 0.000 1.14 0.295 0.002 0.531 0.109 0.000 1.73 0.411 0.003

November 0.117 0.026 0.000 0.264 0.062 0.000 0.252 0.036 0.000 0.589 0.104 0.000

December 0.023 0.005 0.000 0.036 0.010 0.000 0.064 0.011 0.000 0.116 0.023 0.000


(d) Simulated Monthly Flows of Eymundson Creek Watershed

Month


Eymundson Creek before the Mine

Eymundson Creek at the Mouth

Asphalt Creek at the Mouth


Max Mean Min Max Mean Min Max Mean Min Max Mean Min January 0.017 0.003 0.000 0.049 0.012 0.000 0.039 0.005 0.000 0.012 0.003 0.000

February 0.030 0.003 0.000 0.243 0.015 0.000 0.158 0.006 0.000 0.059 0.004 0.000

March 0.168 0.015 0.000 1.11 0.079 0.000 0.649 0.037 0.000 0.225 0.017 0.000

April 0.727 0.224 0.007 3.09 1.11 0.066 1.56 0.536 0.010 0.764 0.262 0.016

May 1.19 0.324 0.002 9.03 2.78 0.054 5.50 1.65 0.029 2.27 0.756 0.022

June 0.915 0.160 0.000 5.66 1.30 0.008 3.30 0.755 0.004 1.62 0.363 0.004

July 1.54 0.207 0.002 9.15 1.32 0.019 4.90 0.754 0.012 2.32 0.329 0.005

August 0.616 0.123 0.001 3.67 0.794 0.004 2.09 0.473 0.002 0.883 0.189 0.001

September 1.24 0.130 0.000 8.35 0.892 0.003 4.62 0.522 0.002 2.13 0.216 0.001

October 0.339 0.072 0.000 2.38 0.522 0.005 1.31 0.281 0.001 0.635 0.133 0.001

November 0.156 0.023 0.000 0.570 0.116 0.000 0.239 0.056 0.000 0.124 0.028 0.000

December 0.040 0.007 0.000 0.119 0.026 0.000 0.050 0.012 0.000 0.027 0.007 0.000




4.3.1.6 Flood Flows The results of frequency analyses of simulated flood peak discharges are provided for Unnamed Creek 18, Unnamed Creek 19, Redclay Creek, Big Creek and Eymundson Creek watersheds (see Table 4-9). Most of the flood peak discharges in these watersheds occurred because of snowmelt runoff, which generally produces higher peak flows than rainfall events in these watersheds.

Table 4-9 Flood Peak Discharges for Watersheds in the LSA

Watercourse

Drainage Area (km2)

Flood Peak Discharges for Various Return Periods1

(m3/s) 2-Year 10-Year 100-Year

Unnamed Creek 18 at the mouth 300.5 4.56 11.6 24.6 Unnamed Creek 17 at station UTS06 53.2 1.15 3.02 7.27 Unnamed Creek 17 at the mouth 106.7 1.50 3.91 9.05 Unnamed Creek 16 at the mouth 40.7 0.372 0.929 1.91 Unnamed Creek 19 at the mouth 45.4 0.474 0.958 1.66 Redclay Creek at station UTS05 67.9 3.25 8.27 18.3 Redclay Creek at the mouth 197.1 4.15 10.1 20.4 Unnamed Creek 2 at station UTS03 104.7 1.47 4.44 11.1 Big Creek at the mouth 326.2 5.46 13.6 28.6 Eymundson Creek before the mine 61.5 1.30 3.44 7.80 Eymundson Creek at the mouth 334.3 9.47 23.6 47.9 Asphalt Creek at the mouth 154.6 5.66 14.8 32.8 Unnamed Creek 1 at the mouth 84.7 2.28 5.67 11.8 NOTE: 1 Peak flows were derived from simulated discharges (1954 to 2009)

4.3.1.7 Low Flows The flow simulation series obtained from HSPF modelling estimates zero values for 2- and 10-year daily low flows and the 7-day average low flow (with a 10-year return period [7Q10]) in Unnamed Creek 18, Unnamed Creek 19, Redclay Creek, Big Creek and Eymundson Creek watersheds. These watercourses are expected to be dry or frozen to the streambed during extreme low-flow conditions.

4.3.1.8 Sediment Transport Long-term TSS data were not available in the LSA. Water quality samples from watercourses in the LSA were collected from 2007 to 2010 as part of Frontier Project field program and from 2005 to 2007 by Shell as part of the PRM project field program (see Figures 4-3a and 4-3b). The TSS data were analyzed and the results are shown in Table 4-10.



Table 4-10 Total Suspended Solids Concentrations in the LSA

Locations Period of Record

Winter (November to March)

Spring (April to May)

Summer (June to August)

Fall (September to October)

Median Min Max Count Median Min Max Count Median Min Max Count Median Min Max Count Redclay Creek1 2005–2007 4 <3 16 8 14 5 26 4 0.5 <3 34 4 4 ≤1 138 4

Big Creek1 2005–2007 25 <3 910 16 22 <3 101 10 17 <3 256 9 <3 ≤1 309 12

Eymundson Creek1 2005–2007 179 170 188 2 523 38 732 5 91 11 408 5 38 10 244 6

Pierre River1 2005–2006 14 5 24 2 6 <3 24 4 8 <3 10 3 <3 <3 6 3

Unnamed Creek 18 at FSTR012

2007, 2008 and 2010

– – – – 1387.5 975 1800 2 160 140 180 2 370 23 2040 3

Unnamed Creek 17 at FSTR032

2007 and 2008

– – – – 3 3 3 1 – – – – 17 17 17 1

Redclay Creek at FSTR052

2007, 2008 and 2010

– – – – 5700 3370 7100 3 680 550 810 2 2100 246 4720 3

Redclay Creek at FSTR062

2007, 2008 and 2010

– – – – 5465 2430 8500 2 474 348 600 2 1000 184 6460 3

Redclay Creek at FSTAN12

2010 – – – – 0.5 0.5 0.5 1 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 1

Big Creek at FBIG2 2008 and 2010

– – – – 1500 1500 1500 2 11 6 368 3 34 21 47 2

Big Creek at FSTAN22

2010 – – – – 6 6 6 1 6 6 6 1 2 2 2 1

Eymundson Creek at EY1/EY22

2008–2010 73 73 73 1 9 9 9 1 8 1 37 7 16 1 78 9

Eymundson Creek at EY32

2008–2010 56 3 101 3 14 3 17 3 71.5 1 450 4 25 3 29 3

Asphalt Creek at AS12

2008 and 2010

– – – – – – – – 199 58 340 2 13 7 17 3

Asphalt Creek at AS22

2009 and 2010

– – – – 161 161 161 1 380 100 660 2 10 7 13 2

NOTES: 1 Based on data collected by the PRM project field program 2 Based on data collected by the Frontier Project field program – = Data not available



TSS concentrations in watercourses in the LSA varied greatly by season, with the highest TSS during snowmelt and summer flood events. Sediment concentrations for open-water season in watercourses flowing from Birch Mountain (i.e., Redclay Creek at FSTR05 and FSTR06, and Unnamed Creek 17 at FSTR03), are particularly high (see Table 4-10) due to erosion of channel valleys in the steep section of the reaches that extend upstream to the Birch Mountains. A map showing the location of water quality sampling sites is provided in the surface water quality baseline study (see Volume 2, Section 5, Figure 5-3).

The mean annual watershed sediment yield was determined from data for large gauged watersheds located near the LSA on the west side of the Athabasca River (i.e., Beaver River, Joslyn Creek, Ells River and MacKay River) (see Table 4-18). The mean annual watershed sediment yield range for the LSA watersheds is 0.0074 mm to 0.0617 mm.

4.3.1.9 Geomorphic Conditions In the LSA, the upper tributaries of most watercourses are deeply incised. Deep incisions also exist in the lower reaches with channel valley depths of up to about 40 m. Watercourses in upland areas have slopes greater than 0.5%, and therefore convey flows at a higher velocity. Lowland watercourses generally have slopes less than 0.5%. With the exception of the deeply incised reaches near the Athabasca River, the lowland watercourses are slow-flowing, meandering watercourses flowing through poorly drained areas characterized by a high groundwater table (e.g., the Redclay Creek disappears in the middle section with diffuse flows through poorly drained swampy area). As a result of erosion from the deep headwater incisions, the surficial geology of the area in and around the Project is predominantly a fluvial fan (very fine sand to clayey silt).

The geomorphology of the watercourses in the Redclay Creek watershed was surveyed in October 2008 as part of the fall 2008 hydrology field program. The geomorphology of the Big Creek and Eymundson Creek were surveyed in September 2005 as part of a comprehensive geomorphic assessment of alluvial channels in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region (Golder 2008). Watercourse locations surveyed in 2005 for geomorphic conditions are listed in Table 4-3. Available geomorphic data are presented in summary sheets (see Appendix 4A), which include site photographs, measured streamflow data and surveyed stream cross-section profiles.

4.3.2 Other LSA Waterbodies and Watercourses

4.3.2.1 Pierre River

Physical Setting and Hydrological Conditions Pierre River, which is located south of the Frontier Project boundary, is in the LSA. The PRM project is planned to be developed near the mouth of Pierre River and Eymundson Creek. Integration of the water management plans for the Frontier Project and the PRM project is required during the operation and closure stages of the two developments. Therefore, the Pierre River watershed is included as part of the LSA.



The Pierre River watershed has a drainage area of 134 km2 at the river mouth, which includes an upland area of 119 km2 (89% of the total drainage area) and a lowland area of 15 km2 (11% of the total drainage area). The confluence of the Pierre River with the Athabasca River is located south of the Frontier Project.

The mean annual water yield of Pierre River is estimated to be 74 mm and corresponds to a mean annual discharge of 0.317 m3/s. Simulated monthly flows at the mouth of the Pierre River are summarized in Table 4-11. The maximum simulated monthly flow is 3.92 m3/s (in July), and the minimum simulated monthly flows are zero from November to March.

Simulated flood peak discharges are 3.75 m3/s for the 2-year return period, 9.11 m3/s for the 10-year return period, and 18.1 m3/s for the 100-year return period.

Table 4-11 Simulated Monthly Flows for Pierre River Watershed

Month


Maximum Mean Minimum January 0.037 0.008 0.000

February 0.097 0.008 0.000

March 0.441 0.036 0.000 April 1.27 0.491 0.012

May 3.13 1.04 0.018

June 2.44 0.546 0.003

July 3.92 0.610 0.010

August 1.66 0.370 0.002

September 3.28 0.386 0.001

October 0.966 0.220 0.002

November 0.303 0.061 0.000

December 0.085 0.017 0.000 NOTE: Based on simulated discharges from 1954 to 2009

4.3.2.2 Ronald Lake

Physical Setting and Hydrological Conditions Several small waterbodies exist in the watersheds in the LSA. Ronald Lake is the biggest waterbody in the LSA and is located at the mouth of Unnamed Creek 18. The lake is fed by flows from Unnamed Creek 18 and local runoff from the surrounding area. The total drainage area at the Ronald Lake’s outlet is about 332 km2, including:

• 300 km2 of Unnamed Creek 18 drainage area

• 27 km2 of surrounding local runoff area

• 5.0 km2 of lake surface area at a mean elevation of about 259 m amsl, which includes the areas of surrounding small waterbodies



A hydrometric station (station UTS08) was installed on the Ronald Lake outflow channel in June 2010 to record the channel water levels. The data were used to characterise lake water level fluctuations and outflows.

Based on recorded data from June 5 to October 15, 2010, the maximum daily flow in the Ronald Lake outflow channel at station UTS08 is 0.331 m3/s (recorded on September 11, 2010). There was no flow (i.e., zero flow) for the channel outflow at station UTS08 for five days in July and two days in August 2010 (see Figure 4-8).

Daily flows at the hydrometric station were estimated from the continuous water level measurements at the station using the rating curve developed from the manual discharge and water level measurements completed in 2010 (see Appendix 4A).

Water Levels Monitoring data collected from June 5 to October 15, 2010, at station UTS08 show that the water level of the Ronald Lake outflow channel fluctuated by about 0.23 m (see Appendix 4A).

Based on the simulated lake water elevation data from 1954 to 2009, the maximum simulated daily lake water elevation for Ronald Lake was 259.98 m amsl and the minimum water elevation was 258.89 m amsl, a fluctuation of 1.09 m. The mean water elevation in Ronald Lake was 259.10 m amsl. The mean monthly simulated lake water elevations ranged from 259.05 m amsl in February to 259.20 m amsl in May (see Table 4-12).

Table 4-12 Simulated Monthly Water Elevations for Ronald Lake

Month

Simulated Monthly Water Elevation (m amsl)

Maximum Mean Minimum January 259.12 259.06 258.80

February 259.09 259.05 258.80

March 259.20 259.06 258.81 April 259.24 259.13 258.83

May 259.34 259.20 258.97

June 259.25 259.14 258.89

July 259.35 259.12 258.90

August 259.24 259.09 258.84

September 259.32 259.09 258.80

October 259.24 259.10 258.78

November 259.21 259.09 258.78

December 259.14 259.07 258.79 NOTE: Based on simulated water elevation from 1954 to 2009



Figure 4-8 Measured Flow Data for Ronald Lake at Station UST08



Inflows and Outflows Daily lake inflows for the period of 1954 to 2009 were simulated using the HSPF model. Based on the results of the simulation, the mean annual watershed inflow to Ronald Lake was 0.421 m3/s. The monthly lake inflows varied from 0.008 m3/s in January to 1.28 m3/s in May (see Table 4-13). Lake outflows are affected by the attenuation effect of the waterbody. The derived Ronald Lake outflow channel elevation-discharge rating curve (see Appendix 4A) was used for simulating outflows from Ronald Lake. The simulated mean annual lake outflow from the Ronald Lake was 0.379 m3/s. The monthly lake outflows varied from 0.050 m3/s in February to 1.26 m3/s in May (see Table 4-13).

Statistics for simulated Ronald Lake inflows and outflows for both flood and low-flow conditions are summarized in Table 4-14.

Table 4-13 Simulated Monthly Inflows and Outflows for Ronald Lake

Month

Simulated Monthly Inflows (m3/s)

Simulated Monthly Outflows (m3/s)

Maximum Mean Minimum Maximum Mean Minimum January 0.040 0.008 0.000 0.137 0.060 0.000

February 0.445 0.016 0.000 0.099 0.050 0.000

March 0.853 0.083 0.000 0.682 0.071 0.000 April 3.60 0.984 0.081 3.05 0.631 0.000

May 5.06 1.28 0.011 5.26 1.26 0.001

June 3.49 0.574 0.001 3.18 0.524 0.000

July 6.11 0.717 0.008 6.03 0.629 0.000

August 2.07 0.403 0.002 1.70 0.327 0.000

September 5.23 0.490 0.001 4.96 0.413 0.000

October 1.54 0.369 0.003 1.62 0.323 0.000

November 0.623 0.094 0.000 0.813 0.165 0.000

December 0.097 0.017 0.000 0.218 0.081 0.000 NOTE: Based on simulated discharges from 1954 to 2009

Table 4-14 Statistics of Simulated Inflows and Outflows for Ronald Lake

Flows

Simulated Flood Peak Discharge for Various Return Periods

(m3/s) Simulated 7Q10 (L/s) 2-Year 10-Year 100-Year

Ronald Lake inflows 4.72 11.9 25.2 0.0 Ronald Lake outflows 3.18 9.22 20.8 0.0 NOTE: Based on simulated discharges from 1954 to 2009



4.3.2.3 Unnamed Lake 2 Unnamed Lake 2 is a small waterbody that has a surface area of about 0.42 km2. It is in the lowland area of Unnamed Creek 2. Monitoring data collected from September 2007 to October 2010 at station UTS02 shows that the water level of Unnamed Lake 2 fluctuated by about 0.26 m.

Recorded data for station UTS02 were missing from May 12 to July 26, 2008, from August 12 to September 24, 2008, and from May 19 to June 4, 2010 due to a malfunction of the hydrometric station. Moreover, recorded data from June 24 to October 17, 2009 are not reliable since the data are variable compared to expected normal fluctuations in lake water level (see Figure 4A-7).

Water level data collected at station UTS02 are provided in Appendix 4A.

4.3.3 Regional Streamflow and Water Yields

A regional hydrologic analysis was completed for nine watersheds in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region. Although the Frontier Project is not expected to directly affect these watersheds, analysis of water yields and other flow statistics for these watersheds can be used to understand hydrologic variability in the region. In addition, the Athabasca River, which would be the raw water supply for the Frontier Project, receives discharges from these watercourses.

4.3.3.1 Water Yields The flow data recorded at hydrometric stations located on watercourses for large watersheds were analyzed to obtain their respective annual watershed water yields (see Table 4-15). Weak correlation (coefficient of determination or R-squared value of 0.34) exists between mean annual water yield and watershed area for these watersheds, as shown in Figure 4-9. Those watersheds on the leeward side of Birch Mountain have lower rainfall during summer season because of the rain-shadow effect. As a result, Big Creek and Joslyn Creek have lower mean annual water yields. Other watershed features that might affect water yield include waterbodies, wetlands, vegetation, soil, slope and elevation. The mean annual watershed water yields vary from 49 mm for Big Creek to 138 mm for Firebag River.



Table 4-15 Mean Annual Water Yields for Large Gauged Watersheds

Watershed and Hydrometric Station Gauge Number

Drainage Area (km2)

Mean Annual Water Yield Period of Record

(m3/s) (mm) Beaver River (07DA018) 165 0.510 98 1975–20091 Joslyn Creek (07DA016) 257 0.624 77 1975–19931 Big Creek (07DA011) 2 274 0.424 49 1975–19931 Jackpine Creek (07DA009) 358 1.15 101 1975–1993

1995–2009 Steepbank River (07DA006) 1,320 5.10 122 1972–20091 Muskeg River at the Environment Canada station (07DA008) 3

1,432 4.02 89 1974–20091

Ells River (07DA017) 2,450 7.01 90 1975–19861

2001–20094 MacKay River (07DB001) 5,570 14.0 79 1972–20091 Firebag River (07DC001) 5,990 26.2 138 1971–20091 NOTES: 1 Recorded by Environment Canada 2 Referred to as Unnamed Creek near Fort McKay (07DA011) by Environment Canada 3 Based on Environment Canada data collected for the Muskeg River near Fort McKay (station 07DA008, 1974 to

2009) and RAMP (station S7, 2000 to 2009). The Environment Canada record includes winter and open water flows from 1974 to 1988, and open water flows from 1989 to 2009. The RAMP data includes only the winter flow from 2000 to 2009. These data include some of the release flows from Aurora North Mine and Albian Sands Muskeg River Mine.

4 Recorded by RAMP

4.3.3.2 Flood Flows Frequency analyses of annual maximum daily discharges of the gauged watersheds are summarized in Table 4-16.

The 100-year flood discharge per unit area ranges from 0.043 m3/s/km² for Firebag River to 0.258 m³/s/km² for Beaver River. The lowest 2-year flood discharge per unit area of 0.013 m3/s/km² occurs in Big Creek, whereas the highest 2-year flow discharge per unit area of 0.041 m3/s/km² occurs in Joslyn Creek.



Figure 4-9 Mean Annual Water Yields for Large Gauged Watersheds



Table 4-16 Flood Peak Discharges for Large Gauged Watersheds

Gauged River Watershed

Period of Record

Drainage Area (km²)

Flood Peak Discharges for Various Return Periods

(m3/s)

Flood Peak Flow per Unit Area

(m3/s/km²) 2-Year 10-Year 100-Year 2-Year 10-Year 100-Year

Beaver River 1975–2009 165 6.30 17.7 42.5 0.038 0.107 0.258 Joslyn Creek 1975–1993 257 10.5 22.6 43.3 0.041 0.088 0.169 Big Creek1 1975–1993 274 3.53 9.60 27.5 0.013 0.035 0.100 Jackpine Creek 1975–1993,

1995–2007 358 7.86 15.4 19.8 0.022 0.043 0.055

Steepbank River 1972–2009 1,320 32.0 62.7 94.2 0.024 0.048 0.071 Muskeg River 1974–2009 1,432 23.3 46.2 76.0 0.016 0.032 0.053 Ells River 1975–1986,

2001–2009 2,450 41.8 126 351 0.017 0.051 0.143

Mackay River 1972–2009 5,570 96.1 230 441 0.017 0.041 0.079 Firebag River 1971–2009 5,990 106 176 258 0.018 0.029 0.043 NOTE: 1 Referred to by Environment Canada as Unnamed Creek near Fort McKay (07DA011)

4.3.3.3 Low Flows Daily and 7Q low flows and ice-cover mean flows for large gauged watersheds in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region were found to be very similar (see Table 4-17). The 100-year daily and 7Q low flows are zero except for Big Creek, Muskeg River, and Firebag River.

Table 4-17 Low Flows for Large Gauged Watersheds

Gauged River Watershed

Period of Record

Daily Low Flow (L/s)

7Q Low Flow (L/s) Ice-Cover

Mean Flow (L/s) 2-Year 10-Year 100-Year 2-Year 10-Year 100-Year

Beaver River 1975–2009 14 0 0 14 0 0 77 Joslyn Creek 1975–1993 3 0 0 3 0 0 109 Big Creek1 1975–1993 34 25 19 34 26 22 100 Jackpine Creek 1975–1993,

1995–2009 4 0 0 4 0 0 105

Steepbank River 1972–2009 315 146 0 314 149 0 667 Muskeg River 1974–2009 248 109 16 262 115 13 612 Ells River 1975–1986,

2001–2009 787 214 0 797 218 0 1,595

Mackay River 1972–2009 321 113 0 330 117 0 1,340 Firebag River 1971–2009 7,694 6,044 4,982 7,753 6,225 5,096 10,695 NOTE: 1 Referred to by Environment Canada as Unnamed Creek near Fort McKay (07DA011)



4.3.3.4 Sediment Transport The mean annual sediment yields for Environment Canada’s large gauged watersheds vary from 0.0005 mm/a in the Muskeg River to 0.0617 mm/a in Joslyn Creek (see Table 4-18). The large gauged watersheds range in drainage area from 165 km² for the Beaver River to 133,000 km² for the Athabasca River (see Section 4.3.4). Sediment yield and drainage area are not correlated (coefficient of determination or R-squared value of 0.07).

Table 4-18 Mean Annual Sediment Yields for Large Gauged Watersheds Watershed and Hydrometric

Station Gauge Number

Drainage Area (km2)

Period of Record

Number of Samples

Mean Annual Sediment Yield

(mm/a) Beaver River (07DA018) 165 1976–1980 43 0.0074 Joslyn Creek (07DA016) 257 1976–1983 56 0.0617 Jackpine Creek (07DA009) 358 1976–1983 57 0.0015 Steepbank River (07DA006) 1,320 1975–1983 59 0.0154 Muskeg River (07DA008) 1,432 1976–1983 57 0.0005 Ells River (07DA017) 2,450 1976–1983 56 0.0204 MacKay River (07DB001) 5,570 1975–1983 50 0.0134 Firebag River (07DC001) 5,990 1976–1983 46 0.0036

4.3.4 Athabasca River

A regional hydrologic analysis was completed for the Athabasca River. The Athabasca River would be the source of raw water supply for the Frontier Project, and it receives discharge from the watercourses identified in the Project.

4.3.4.1 Physical Setting and Hydrological Conditions The Athabasca River is the largest river flowing through the Athabasca Oil Sands Region and is the most reliable source of water for oil sands mine development. The head watershed of the Athabasca River is in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta near Mount Columbia (elevation 3,747 m amsl). The river generally flows northeast through the province of Alberta, and passes by, or through Jasper, Hinton, Whitecourt, Athabasca, and Fort McMurray before emptying into Lake Athabasca (elevation 208 m amsl), which outflows through the Mackenzie River system to the Arctic Ocean.

The watershed of the Athabasca River covers about 160,000 km2, of which 89% is in Alberta and 11% is in Saskatchewan. The Athabasca River system comprises 94 rivers and at least 150 named creeks and 153 lakes (Science Outreach – Athabasca 2004, Internet site).

In the lower Athabasca River between Fort McMurray and Lake Athabasca, some of the major tributaries include the Beaver, MacKay, Ells, Muskeg, Steepbank, Firebag and Richardson rivers, and Poplar and Joslyn creeks. About 17% of the Athabasca River’s total drainage area exists in the reach between Fort McMurray and the Environment Canada station at Embarras Airport.



Three hydrometric stations are located on the lower Athabasca River (see Figures 4-3a and 4-3b):

• Environment Canada Athabasca River below Fort McMurray

• RAMP station S24

• Environment Canada Athabasca River at Embarras Airport

The river flows below Fort McMurray have been monitored by Environment Canada since 1957 and at Embarras Airport from 1971 to 1984, as shown in Table 4-19 and Figure 4-10. The RAMP station S24 has been operating since 2001.

Table 4-19 Lower Athabasca River Reach Streamflow Monitoring Stations

Station and ID

Station Location1 Drainage Area (km2)

Period of Operation

Easting

(m) Northing

(m) Athabasca River below Fort McMurray (07DA001) 475558 6293030 133,000 Since 1957 Athabasca River downstream from oil sands developments (S24)

466313 6372760 146,500 Since 2001

Athabasca River at Embarras Airport (07DD001) 477079 6451600 155,000 1971–1984 NOTE: 1 Station location shown in UTM coordinates (datum NAD83)

The mean annual discharges of the Athabasca River at the Fort McMurray and Embarras Airport stations have been calculated from 1971 to 1984 and from 1957 to 2009 (see Table 4-20). Mean annual discharges at the Fort McMurray and Embarras Airport stations can be compared for the concurrent period between 1971 and 1984.

The mean annual discharge at the Fort McMurray station was higher for the period of 1971 to 1984 (699 m3/s) compared with the longer period of 1957 to 2009 (620 m3/s).

Table 4-20 Athabasca River Hydrometric Stations Mean Annual Discharge Period of Operation

Station

Mean Annual Discharge

(m3/s) 1971–1984 Fort McMurray station1 699

Embarras Airport station1 751 Embarras Airport station2 755

1957–20093 Fort McMurray station1 620 Embarras Airport station2 668

NOTES: 1 Based on reported data 2 Based on reported and derived data 3 2009 data are preliminary These data are based on observed or recorded values and any changes due to upstream water withdrawal are discussed in Volume 5, Section 3.5.3.



Athabasca River monthly flows below Fort McMurray are based on recorded flows for the period 1957 to 2009

Athabasca River monthly flows at Embarras Airport are based on recorded and derived flows for the period 1957 to 2009

Figure 4-10 Athabasca River Monthly Flows



The mean annual discharge at the Embarras Airport station was 751 m3/s based on mean monthly flows reported by Environment Canada. However, some flow data were missing, particularly data for the winter months. The mean annual discharge estimate increases to 755 m3/s when the missing monthly flows were estimated using the ratios of mean monthly flows at the Fort McMurray and Embarras Airport stations for the concurrent period.

The mean annual discharge estimate at Embarras Airport station decreased from 755 m3/s (1971 to 1984) to 668 m3/s for the longer period of record (1957 to 2009). This estimate is based on the ratios of mean monthly flows at the Fort McMurray and Embarras Airport stations.

Estimated mean annual discharges and drainage areas at selected locations are provided for the lower reach of the Athabasca River (see Table 4-21). These flows are based on reported flows and drainage areas of Athabasca River at selected locations and discharge estimates.

Table 4-21 Athabasca River Monthly Flows

Month

Monthly Discharge (m3/s)

Environment Canada Hydrometric Station near Fort McMurray1

Environment Canada Hydrometric Station at Embarras Airport2

Maximum Mean Minimum Maximum Mean Minimum January 261 174 101 269 178 103 February 266 160 99 274 165 102 March 271 167 97 291 179 104 April 1,029 510 128 1,059 526 131 May 2,084 1,024 432 2,325 1,146 482 June 2,214 1,293 671 2,337 1,368 709 July 2,737 1,366 685 2,789 1,459 709 August 1,744 956 547 1,893 1,038 594 September 1,508 728 382 1,756 786 410 October 1,039 544 273 1,212 594 296 November 635 319 155 712 360 173 December 353 199 107 375 212 114 NOTES: 1 Based on recorded flows for the period from 1957 to 2009 at the Environment Canada hydrometric stations. Data

for 2009 are preliminary. 2 Based on recorded and derived flow series from 1957 to 2009

Frequency analyses of the annual water yield series were done to determine the mean annual water yield, and the 10-year and 100-year wet and dry annual water yields (see Table 4-22).

The distribution of average monthly flows over the year for the Environment Canada hydrometric stations below Fort McMurray and at the Embarras Airport (see Table 4-22 and Figure 4-10) indicate that the mean monthly river flow was typically highest in July (1,366 m3/s near Fort McMurray) and lowest in February (160 m3/s near Fort McMurray).



Table 4-22 Annual Water Yield Statistics for the Lower Athabasca River

Parameter Fort McMurray

Station1 Below Muskeg

River2 RAMP Station

S242 Embarras Airport

Station3 Drainage area 133,000 km2 136,800 km2 146,500 km2 155,000 km2 Mean annual discharge (water yield)

620 m3/s (147 mm)

628 m3/s (145 mm)

649 m3/s (140 mm)

668 m3/s (136 mm)

Maximum annual discharge (water yield)

1,012 m3/s (240 mm in 1997)

1,025 m3/s (236 mm)

1,058 m3/s (228 mm)

1,087 m3/s (221 mm in 1997)

Minimum annual discharge (water yield)

360 m3/s (85 mm in 2002)

367 m3/s (85 mm)

385 m3/s (83 mm)

401 m3/s (82 mm in 2002)

Frequency distribution 3 Parameter Lognormal and Log Pearson Type III4

N/A N/A 3 Parameter Lognormal and Log Pearson Type III4

100-year wet annual discharge (water yield)

1,017 m3/s (241 mm)

1,031 m3/s (238 mm)

1,065 m3/s (229 mm)

1,095 m3/s (223 mm)

10-year wet annual discharge (water yield)

811 m3/s (192 mm)

822 m3/s (190mm)

849 m3/s (183 mm)

872 m3/s (178 mm)

100-year dry annual Discharge (water yield)

358 m3/s (85 mm)

363 m3/s (84 mm)

377 m3/s (81 mm)

389 m3/s (79 mm)

10-year dry annual discharge (water yield)

454 m3/s (108 mm)

460 m3/s (106 mm)

476 m3/s (103 mm)

490 m3/s (100 mm)

NOTES: 1 Based on recorded flows for the period from 1957 to 2009. Data for 2009 are preliminary 2 Estimated based on drainage areas and discharge estimates at Fort McMurray and Embarras Airport stations 3 Based on recorded and derived flow series for the period from 1957 to 2009 4 The 3-Parameter Lognormal frequency distribution was used to determine the dry annual water yield and the Log

Pearson Type III frequency distribution was used to determine the wet annual water yield. N/A = Not applicable

4.3.4.2 Flood Flows A frequency analysis of annual maximum daily discharge series was used to determine the 2-year, 10-year and 100-year flood peak discharges at selected locations on the lower Athabasca River (see Table 4-23). The 100-year flood peak discharge at the station below Fort McMurray in the lower Athabasca River was estimated to be 5,500 m³/s.



Table 4-23 Daily Flood Peak Discharges for the Lower Athabasca River


Station1

Below Muskeg River2

RAMP Station

S242 Embarras Airport

Station3 Drainage area (km2) 133,000 136,800 146,500 155,000 Frequency distribution Log Pearson III N/A N/A Log Pearson III Maximum daily flood peak discharge (m3/s) 4,700 (in 1971) 4,710 4,730 4,751 (in 1986) 100-year daily flood peak discharge (m3/s) 5,500 5,490 5,470 5,450 10-year daily flood peak discharge (m3/s) 3,700 3,720 3,760 3,790 2-year daily flood peak discharge (m3/s) 2,350 2,370 2,430 2,480 NOTES: 1 Based on recorded flows for the period from 1957 to 2009. Data for 2009 are preliminary 2 Estimated based on drainage areas and flood estimates at Fort McMurray and Embarras Airport stations 3 Based on recorded and derived flow series from 1957 to 2009 N/A = Not applicable

4.3.4.3 Low Flows The low-flow period for the Athabasca River is the winter months, typically between November and March. Therefore, the hydrologic year (September to August), rather than a calendar year (January to December), was used for the frequency analysis of the low flows to ensure that annual low-flow events were analyzed independent of one another.

An annual minimum daily discharge series and a 7-day low flow series were developed. A frequency analysis was carried out to determine the 2-year, 10-year and 100-year low flow discharges at each station (see Table 4-24). The frequency curve for the 7-day low flows in the Athabasca River at Fort McMurray and at Embarras Airport station indicate that the lowest daily flow recorded below Fort McMurray was 75 m³/s in 2001 (see Figure 4-11). The 7Q10 low flow was estimated to be 101 m3/s near Fort McMurray and 106 m3/s at the Embarras Airport station.



Table 4-24 Low-Flow Statistics for the Lower Athabasca River


Station1

Below Muskeg River2

RAMP Station S242

Embarras Airport Station3

Drainage area (km2) 133,000 136,800 146,500 155,000 Daily Low Flow Frequency distribution Gumbel III N/A N/A Gumbel III 2-year daily low flow (m3/s) 137 138 140 142 10-year daily low flow (m3/s) 98 98 100 102 100-year daily low flow (m3/s) 74 75 76 78 Highest annual daily low flow on record (m3/s) 213 (in 1997) 215 221 227 (in 1997) Lowest annual daily low flow on record (m3/s) 75 (in 2001) 76 78 80 (in 2001) 7Q (mean flow over a duration of 7 days) Low Flow Frequency distribution Gumbel III N/A N/A Gumbel III Highest annual 7Q low flow on record (m3/s) 221 (in 1997) 223 228 233 (in 1997) 7Q10 (m3/s) (7Q low flow with a 10-year return period)

101 102 104 106

Lowest annual 7Q low flow on record (m3/s) 81 (in 2001) 82 85 87 (in 2001) NOTES: 1 Based on recorded flows for the period from 1957 to 2009. Data for 2009 are preliminary 2 Estimated based on drainage areas and low-flow estimates at Fort McMurray and Embarras Airport station 3 Based on recorded and derived flow series from 1957 to 2009 N/A = Not applicable

4.3.4.4 Flow Trends Flow data for the Athabasca River at Fort McMurray were analyzed to determine the presence of statistically significant trends in relevant streamflow statistics.

The results suggest a statistically significant trend of decreasing flows at the 5% level for annual mean flow, seasonal mean flows, annual daily maximum flow and 7-day low flow. Detailed results of the streamflow trend analysis are provided in Appendix 4D.

The analysis shows a decreasing trend from 1957 to 2009. However, the reported statistics of flow were still based on data from this period.

4.3.4.5 Sediment Transport The Athabasca River below Fort McMurray, with a drainage area of 133,000 km², has an estimated mean annual sediment yield of 0.0316 mm. This estimate is based on the analysis of 1,387 bed load measurements by Environment Canada between 1967 and 1972.

TSS concentrations for the Athabasca River are generally higher during the summer than the rest of the year (see Table 4-25).



Figure 4-11 Frequency Curves for 7-Day Low Flows – Athabasca River



Table 4-25 Total Suspended Solids Concentrations in the Lower Athabasca River

Location1

Period of

Record

TSS (mg/L)

Winter (November to March)

Spring (April to May)

Summer (June to August)

Fall (September to October)

Median Min Max Count3 Median Min Max Count3 Median Min Max Count3 Median Min Max Count3 Athabasca River between Fort McMurray and Muskeg River

1967–2009

4 <0.4 62 626 151 5 1450 239 206 0.8 4820 447 29 < 3 366 356

Athabasca River between Muskeg River and Firebag River

1972– 2009

4 <0.4 146 81 82 18 394 28 128 10 1702 71 19 < 1 317 67

Athabasca River between Firebag River and Embarras River2

1976– 2008

4 <0.4 206 90 57 < 1 419 32 122 2 1096 78 28 < 1 197 60

NOTES: 1 Based on data collected by Alberta Environment, Environment Canada and RAMP 2 The 2009 data are not available for Athabasca River between Firebag River and Embarras River 3 Count represents number of samples



4.3.4.6 Geomorphic Conditions The lower Athabasca River below Fort McMurray can be characterized as being entrenched in limestone, straight, with occasional islands, some mid-channel bars and laterally stable (Kellerhals et al. 1972). The reach is expected to become more stable over time based on the low gradient and the lack of evidence of abrupt avulsion events. The river transports predominantly fine-to-medium sand, with lesser amounts of gravel, coarse sand and fines. The flow velocity in the river has exceeded 2 m/s during floods. Flood events are typically of short duration and have limited geomorphic effect (Catto 1995).

4.3.4.7 Athabasca River Water Use

Existing and Approved Water Allocations A summary of current Alberta Water Act licence allocations for surface water withdrawals from the Athabasca River and its tributary watercourses and the return flows is presented in Table 4-26. The total approved annual water allocations to non-oil sands users is about 355 million m³. The total annual net water allocation for non-oil sands users, which is defined as the total allocations minus return flows, is about 189 million m³. This accounts for less than 1% of the annual river water yield of about 19.7 billion m³ estimated for the Athabasca River at Fort McMurray.

The total net water allocation for operating and approved oil sands developments and projects under review is about 402 million m³. This represents 68% of the total net water allocation of 591 million m³ in the Athabasca River watershed. The net annual water allocation to operating and approved oil sands developments represents about 2.0% of the annual water yield estimated for the Athabasca River at Fort McMurray.

Table 4-26 Water Allocations for the Athabasca River and Tributaries

Purpose

Existing Licences and Licence Applications for Water Allocations1 (dam3)

Peak Instantaneous

Licence Allocations

(m3/s) Interim

Licences WRLIC

Licences2 WRLIC

Licences3 Total

Withdrawals Return Flows

Net Water Allocations

Agricultural 24 686 56 766 0 766 N/A

Commercial4 4,783 145,784 3,772 154,339 123,562 30,777 N/A

Dewatering 280 35,367 0 35,647 1,293 34,354 N/A

Habitat enhancement

14 1,413 0 1,427 0 1,427 N/A

Industrial 4,517 36,547 53,507 94,571 2,772 91,799 N/A

Irrigation 37 2,773 858 3,668 1,381 2,287 N/A

Municipal 7,997 32,227 2,416 42,640 34,851 7,789 N/A

Water management

0 21,590 1 21,591 2,221 19,370 N/A

Other use 2 125 29 156 2 154 N/A

Subtotal 17,654 276,512 60,639 354,805 166,082 188,723 N/A



Table 4-26 Water Allocations for the Athabasca River and Tributaries (cont’d)

Purpose

Existing Licences and Licence Applications for Water Allocations1 (dam3)

Peak Instantaneous

Licence Allocations

(m3/s) Interim

Licences WRLIC

Licences2 WRLIC

Licences3 Total

Withdrawals Return Flows

Net Water Allocations

Oil Sands: Commercial Operating Syncrude5 0 60,441 0 60,441 0 60,441 4.17

Suncor6 0 62,825 0 62,825 38,655 24,170 3.79

Albian Sands7 0 0 55,100 55,100 0 55,100 3.33

Canadian Natural Horizon8

0 0 79,320 79,320 0 79,320 3.1

Shell Jackpine –Phase 19,10

0 0 63,500 63,500 0 63,500 0.8410

Subtotal 0 123,266 197,920 321,186 38,655 282,531 15.23

Approved or Project Under Review

Petro-Canada Fort Hills Project11

0 0 39,270 39,270 0 39,270 1.67

Imperial Oil Kearl12

0 0 80,000 80,000 0 80,000 4.6

Shell JME13 0 0 18,000 18,000 0 18,000 0.5514

Shell PRM15 0 0 55,000 55,000 0 55,000 4.17

TOTAL Joslyn North Mine16

0 0 22,000 22,000 0 22,000 1.4

Subtotal 0 0 214,270 214,270 0 214,270 12.39

Totals (dam3) 17,654 399,778 472,829 890,261 204,737 685,524 27.62 NOTES: 1 1 dam3 = 1,000 m3 2 Water Resources Licences issued before 1999 under the Alberta Water Act 3 Water Resources Licences issued from 1999 under the Alberta Water Act 4 Except oil sands mines 5 Syncrude Licence letter attached to Cumulative Environmental Management Association (CEMA) Report (Golder 2005) 6 Suncor Licence letter from Alberta Environment (AENV 2000, Internet site) 7 Albian Licence letter attached to CEMA Report (Golder 2005). Daily water withdrawal is restricted to 1.8% of Athabasca River

flow at Fort McMurray. 8 Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. Licence letter attached to CEMA Report (Golder 2005) 9 Shell Licence letter attached to CEMA Report (Golder 2005) 10 Jackpine Mine – Phase 1 and Albian Intake is the same. The combined peak instantaneous of 4.17 m3/s is approved as part of

Jackpine Mine – Phase 1 application. 11 Fort Hills Licence letter attached to CEMA Report (Golder 2005) 12 Based on EIA application documents approved by Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) 13 Based on EIA application documents submitted to Alberta Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) by Shell for an

additional water withdrawal requirement for Jackpine Mine Expansion during Stage 2 operations (2016 to 2052) only 14 Shell applied (as part of Jackpine Mine Expansion) to increase the combined peak instantaneous for Jackpine Mine-Phase 1,

Muskeg River Mine and Expansion, and Jackpine Mine expansion from 4.17 m3/s to 4.72 m3/s 15 Based on EIA application documents submitted to Alberta ERCB. For Stage 2 (2029 to 2039), the mean annual water

requirement will be 45 million m3. 16 Based on application submitted to ERCB (TOTAL 2010) Note that some numbers are rounded for presentation purposes. Therefore, it might appear that the totals do not equal the sum of the individual values.



Athabasca River Water Management Framework Under the Alberta Environment/Fisheries and Oceans Canada Phase 1 Water Management Framework (AENV and DFO 2007), withdrawals from the Athabasca River by oil sands developments are restricted by management actions under specific riverflow conditions (green, yellow and red) for each week of the year. These flow conditions are referred to as instream flow needs (IFN). Phase 1 is in effect until December 31, 2010. Phase 2 was originally proposed to take effect January 1, 2010, but has not yet been implemented.

The oil sands water withdrawals occur in Segment 4 (see Figure 4-12) and will cause flow changes in the downstream reaches:

• Segment 5 begins slightly downstream from Fort McMurray and ends upstream from the confluence with the Steepbank River.

• Segment 4 begins upstream from the confluence with the Steepbank River and ends upstream from the confluence with the Firebag River.

• Segment 3 begins upstream from the confluence with the Firebag River and ends upstream from the divergence with the Embarras River.

• Segment 2 begins upstream from the divergence with the Embarras River and ends at Embarras Portage.

• Segment 1 begins at Embarras Portage and ends at Lake Athabasca.

The LSA lies next to Segment 4. The RSA includes Segments 2, 3, 4 and 5.

4.4 Summary

This baseline study characterizes existing hydrologic conditions in both the local and regional study areas of the Frontier Project.

Hydrologic information was collected as part of the field program to acquire site-specific hydrologic data for the Frontier Project. Key streamflow statistics for watercourses in the LSA are summarized in Table 4-27, and key streamflow statistics for the RSA are summarized in Table 4-28.



Table 4-27 Key Streamflow Statistics for Watercourses in the LSA

Watercourse

Drainage Area (km²)

Mean Annual

Discharge (m3/s)

Mean Annual Water Yield

(mm)

10-Year Flood Peak

Discharge (m3/s)

7Q10 Low Flow (L/s)

Unnamed Creek 18 at the mouth 300.5 0.403 42 11.6 0 Unnamed Creek 17 at station UTS06 53.2 0.110 65 3.02 0 Unnamed Creek 17 at the mouth 106.7 0.147 44 3.91 0 Unnamed Creek 16 at the mouth 40.7 0.031 24 0.929 0 Unnamed Creek 19 at the mouth 45.4 0.031 21 0.958 0 Redclay Creek at station UTS05 67.9 0.250 116 8.27 0 Redclay Creek the mouth 197 0.359 57 10.1 0 Unnamed Creek 2 at station UTS03 104.7 0.152 46 4.44 0 Big Creek at the mouth 326.2 0.506 49 13.6 0 Eymundson Creek before the mine 61.5 0.108 55 3.44 0 Eymundson Creek at the mouth 334.3 0.751 71 23.6 0

Table 4-28 Key Streamflow Statistics for Major Watercourses in the RSA

Watercourse (Station Number)

Mean Annual

Discharge (m3/s)

10-Year Flood Peak

Discharge (m3/s)

7Q10 Low Flow (m3/s)

Mean Annual

Sediment Yield (mm)

Athabasca River below Fort McMurray (07DA001) 620 3,700 101 0.0316 Athabasca River below Eymundson Creek (S24) 649 3,760 104 NA Athabasca River at Embarras Airport (07DD001) 668 3,790 106 NA NOTE: NA = Data not available

The mean annual discharge below Fort McMurray (07DA001) is 620 m³/s, corresponding to a water yield of 147 mm. The mean monthly flow ranges from 160 m3/s in February to 1,366 m3/s in July.

4.5 References

4.5.1 Literature Cited

AENV (Alberta Environment). 2009. Final Terms of Reference Environmental Impact Assessment for the Proposed UTS Energy Corporation/Teck Cominco Limited Frontier Oil Sands Mine Project. by Alberta Environment. Edmonton, Alberta.

AENV and DFO (Alberta Environment and Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada). 2007. Water Management Framework: Instream Flow Needs and Water Management System for the Lower Athabasca River. Edmonton, Alberta.

AGRA (AGRA Earth and Environmental Limited). 1996. Water Balance of Suncor’s Mine Closure Drainage System. Prepared for Suncor Inc., Oil Sands Group. Fort McMurray, Alberta.



AXYS (AXYS Environmental Consulting Ltd.). 2005. Aquatic Environmental Setting Report for the Albian Sands Energy Inc. Muskeg River Mine Expansion Project. Calgary, Alberta. Submitted April 2005.

BOVAR (BOVAR Environmental). 1996. Environmental Impact Assessment for the Syncrude Aurora Mine. Prepared for Syncrude Canada Ltd. June 1996. Calgary, Alberta.

Catto, N. R. 1995. Fluvial Geomorphology and Sedimentology of the Athabasca River Reaches, Fort McMurray – Tar Island, and the Long-term Geomorphic Stability of the Tar Island Dyke, Alberta. Prepared for AGRA Earth and Environmental Limited. Fort McMurray, Alberta.

Environment Canada. 1993. CFA (Consolidated Frequency Analysis) Model. Developed by the Surveys and Information Systems Branch, Environment Canada. Ottawa, Ontario.

Golder (Golder Associates Ltd.). 1997. Environmental Baseline Study – Surface Water Hydrology. Prepared for Shell Canada Limited. Calgary, Alberta.

Golder. 2001. Fort Hills Oil Sands Project. Volume 2: Environmental Baseline Study – Surface Water Hydrology. Prepared for TrueNorth Inc. Calgary, Alberta.

Golder. 2002a. Surface Water Hydrology Environmental Setting for Horizon Project. Prepared for Canadian Natural Resources Limited. Calgary, Alberta.

Golder. 2002b. Surface Water Hydrology Environmental Setting for Jackpine Mine – Phase I. Prepared for Shell Canada Limited. Calgary, Alberta.

Golder. 2003. Regional Surface Water Hydrology Study for Recalibration of HSPF Model. Submitted to Canadian Natural Resources Limited, Shell Canada Limited, Suncor Energy Inc. and Syncrude Canada Ltd. Calgary, Alberta.

Golder. 2004. Vegetated Waterway Design Guidelines for Syncrude Mine Closure Drainage. Prepared for Syncrude Canada Ltd. Fort McMurray, Alberta.

Golder. 2005. A Compilation of Information and Data on Water Supply and Demand in the Lower Athabasca River Reach. Submitted to the Cumulative Environmental Management Association, Surface Water Working Group.

Golder. 2008. Geomorphic Characterization and Design of Alluvial Channels in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region. Prepared for the Canadian Oil Sands Network for Research and Development and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Calgary, Alberta.

Imperial Oil (Imperial Oil Resources Ventures Limited). 2005. Kearl Oil Sands Project – Mine Development. Volumes 1 to 9. Submitted to Alberta Energy and Utilities Board and Alberta Environment. Prepared by Imperial Oil Resources Ventures Limited in association with Golder Associates Ltd., AXYS Environmental Consulting Ltd., Komex International Inc. and Nichols Applied Management. Calgary, Alberta. Submitted July 2005.

Kellerhals, R., C. R. Neil and D. I. Bray. 1972. Hydraulic and Geomorphic Characteristics of Rivers in Alberta. Research Council of Alberta. River Engineering and Surface Hydrology Report 72-1. Edmonton, Alberta.

Kite, G.W. 1999. Frequency and Risk Analyses in Hydrology. Water Resources Publications. Littleton, CO.



RAMP (Regional Aquatics Monitoring Program). 2010. Regional Aquatics Monitoring Program 2009 Technical Report. Prepared for the RAMP Steering Committee. Submitted by the RAMP 2009 Implementation Team, consisting of Hatfield Consultants Ltd., Kilgour and Associates Ltd. and Western Resource Solutions. April 2010.

Shell (Shell Canada Limited). 2007. Surface Water Hydrology Environmental Setting for Jackpine Mine Expansion and Pierre River Mine Project. Prepared for Shell Canada Limited. Calgary, Alberta.

Suncor (Suncor Energy Inc.). 2005. Application for the Approval of the Suncor Voyageur Project. Volumes 1, 2 and Supplemental Information. Submitted to Alberta Energy and Utilities Board and Alberta Environment. December 2005.

Suncor. 2007. Surface Water Hydrology Environmental Setting for the Suncor Voyageur South Project. Prepared for Suncor Energy Inc. July 2007. Calgary, Alberta.

TOTAL (TOTAL E&P Joslyn Ltd.). 2010. Additional Information Update for Joslyn North Mine Project. February 2010. Calgary, Alberta.

4.5.2 Internet Sites

AENV (Alberta Environment). 2000. Water Licences Authorization/Approval Viewer. Available at: http://envext02.env.gov.ab.ca/pls/xedp_apv/avwp_avwh1000_02.startup?Z_CHK=0. Accessed October 2010.

Science Outreach–Athabasca. 2004. Facts About Athabasca River Basin. Available at: http://scienceoutreach.ab.ca/resource_resources_facts_geography_geology.htm. Accessed: October 2010.

http://envext02.env.gov.ab.ca/pls/xedp_apv/‌‌avwp_avwh1000_02.‌startup?Z_CHK=0

http://scienceoutreach.ab.ca/resource_resources_facts_geography_geology.htm

Volume 2: Baseline Studies Frontier Project Section 5: Surface Water Quality


5 Surface Water Quality

5.1 Introduction

The purpose of this baseline study is to describe surface water and sediment quality in the region defined by the aquatics local study area (LSA) and aquatics regional study area (RSA) for the Frontier Oil Sands Mine Project (Frontier Project). The study describes the physical setting of principal watercourses and waterbodies in the LSA and RSA, and their existing conditions based on key indicators of water and sediment quality. Information collected from field, laboratory and historical data were used to support the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the Frontier Project.

Data sources included:

• historical records of surface water and sediment quality data from regional monitoring programs, government agencies and nearby oil sands developments

• field sampling from monitoring locations in the LSA from spring 2006 to fall 2010

5.1.1 Background Surface water and sediment quality in the LSA and RSA were characterized using several key parameters considered to be important indicators of water or sediment quality. These parameters are referred to throughout the baseline study, and their meaning and relationships are explained briefly below:

• Dissolved oxygen – Adequate levels of dissolved oxygen (DO) are required to support aquatic life. Oxygen levels are reduced by decomposing organic material, plant respiration and elevated temperatures (which decreases oxygen solubility). High oxygen levels are required to maintain healthy fish eggs and larvae.

• pH – Neutral waters have a pH of 7.0. Waters with a pH less than 7.0 are considered acidic, and those with a pH greater than 7.0 are alkaline. The pH of surface waters in Alberta generally ranges from 7 to 10 (Mitchell and Prepas 1990), although in fens and bogs pH values can be lower than pH 4.5 (WRS 2004).

• Hardness – Hardness is caused by the presence of calcium and magnesium usually combined with carbonates or sulphates. Water with 0 to 60 mg/L calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is classified as soft, 61 to 120 mg/L CaCO3 as moderately hard; 121 to 180 mg/L CaCO3 as hard; and more than 180 mg/L CaCO3 as very hard (USGS 2011, Internet site).

• Conductivity – Conductivity is a measure of the ability of the water to conduct an electrical current. This ability is determined by the concentration of charged ionic species. Conductivity, therefore, provides an indirect measure of ionic concentrations.

Volume 2: Baseline Studies Section 5: Surface Water Quality Frontier Project


• Total alkalinity – Total alkalinity is a measure of the ability of water to neutralize acids to the equivalence point of carbonate or bicarbonate (pH 4.5). In the natural environment, carbonate alkalinity tends to make up most of the total alkalinity due to the presence of carbonates and bicarbonates from dissolution of calcareous rocks.

• Total dissolved solids (TDS) – TDS is a measure of the combined content of all inorganic and organic substances contained in a water sample that are present in a molecular, ionized or colloidal form. TDS is usually defined operationally as a measure of all solids in a water sample small enough to pass through a filter of two micrometres. In most freshwater systems, TDS is attributable to the presence of major ions in solution and is closely related to both conductivity and hardness.

• Total suspended solids (TSS) – TSS is a measure of all solid particles suspended in the water column including both organic material (plant material, phytoplankton) and inorganic material (silts, clays). High levels of TSS can adversely affect aquatic life including fish and benthos (Sigler et al. 1984; Newcombe and MacDonald 1991). TSS below 25 mg/L is usually not considered harmful, although many organisms can tolerate higher levels for short periods of time. In applying water quality guidelines, the effects of TSS are generally measured as a difference above background levels.

• Nutrients – Phosphorus – Phosphorus is an essential plant nutrient which, in excess, can cause increased growth of aquatic plants and algae. Excessive algal growth can decrease oxygen levels at night and under ice (when respiration exceeds photosynthesis) and cause algae to develop on rock substrates (periphyton). Phosphorus is measured as two forms: Total phosphorus (Total P) includes both particulate and dissolved forms, while total dissolved phosphorus (TDP) includes only the dissolved fractions. TDP, being more reactive and easily absorbed by aquatic plants, is a better measure of the phosphorus available for plant and algal growth. Based on Wetzel (2001), surface waters are generally classified as:

• oligotrophic or non-productive (Total P between 3.0 µg/L and 17.7 µg/L: mean 8.0 µg/L)

• mesotrophic (Total P between 10.9 µg/L and 95.6 µg/L; mean 26.7 µg/L)

• eutrophic (Total P between 16 µg/L and 386 µg/L: mean 84.4 µg/L)

• hypereutrophic or highly productive (Total P > 750 µg/L)

• Nutrients – Nitrogen – Like phosphorus, nitrogen is an essential nutrient for aquatic plants. Excessive amounts of nitrogen can also cause increased growth of algae and decreased oxygen concentrations during periods of algal decomposition. High levels of ammonia and nitrite may be toxic to aquatic life. Ammonia is a measure of reduced inorganic nitrogen, while Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) includes all reduced forms of nitrogen including both inorganic (ammonia) and organic species. Nitrate and nitrite are usually measured together. Total nitrogen (TN) accounts for all forms of nitrogen including oxidized forms (nitrate + nitrite) and reduced forms (TKN). Although nitrogen concentrations are normally low in waters in the oil sands region (RAMP 2007, Internet site), nitrite, ammonia and TKN can be elevated downstream of wastewater discharges.



• Total and dissolved metals – Total and dissolved metals are typically found at very low concentrations in surface waters in the oil sands region. The biological significance of an elevated metal concentration is determined by comparing it to a water quality guideline.

• Organic compounds – Organic compounds include petroleum hydrocarbons, phenols, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and naphthenic acids. These compounds may originate from natural sources such as eroding oil sands deposits (e.g., PAHs), or they may be released from industrial sources. The lighter petroleum hydrocarbons may indicate the presence of oil or fuel. Naphthenic acids originate from bitumen processing, although they also exist naturally at low levels in surface and groundwater that interacts with oil sands. PAHs erode continually from bitumen and are found at background levels in regional sediments.

• Toxicity – Toxicity refers to the harmful effects that may occur to organisms exposed to chemicals present in the water or sediments. Toxicity is evaluated in standardized laboratory tests that expose test organisms to a range of dilutions of the water sample to determine its effects. Effects are determined as acute (over short periods of time, e.g., 1 to 4 days) or chronic (over longer periods of time, e.g., 7 days or more).

• Field parameters – Field parameters include those that are routinely measured in the field using calibrated meters (e.g., pH, DO, temperature and conductivity). Measurements are taken in the field because these characteristics are subject to change if the water samples are stored and sent to a laboratory for analysis.

• Conventional parameters – Conventional parameters include those that are routinely and historically measured to indicate water quality. These include: pH, temperature, DO, hardness, conductivity, TDS, alkalinity, TSS, major cations (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium), major anions (bicarbonate, sulphate, chloride), nutrients (phosphorus, nitrates, TKN, ammonia) and chlorophyll a.

5.1.2 Objectives The objectives of the surface water quality baseline study follow Section 3.5.1 of the terms of reference (TOR) for the Frontier Project (AENV 2009a). Specifically, the objectives of the surface water quality baseline study are to:

• describe and discuss existing water and sediment conditions in watercourses and waterbodies that may be potentially affected by the Project

• discuss seasonal and spatial variation of surface water and sediment quality in watercourses and waterbodies, including under-ice conditions and relationships to flow and other factors

• compare existing surface water and sediment quality information with relevant guidelines for the protection of aquatic life, human health and wildlife health

• include appropriate water quality parameters such as temperature, pH, conductivity, cations and anions, metals, DO, suspended sediment, TDS, nutrients and other oil sands water constituents (e.g., naphthenic acids) in discussions and comparisons



• provide information to support the predictive modelling that will be used to assess potential environmental effects related to the Project

• meet the requirements outlined in the TOR issued for the Frontier Project by Alberta Environment (AENV 2009a)

5.1.3 Study Areas Surface water quality and sediment quality conditions are described on both a local and regional scale. The LSA is the area representing the spatial extent of surface waters directly or indirectly affected by the Frontier Project and the Shell Canada Ltd. (Shell) Pierre River Mine (PRM) project (see Figure 5-1). The RSA is the area representing the spatial extent of surface water resources directly or indirectly affected by the Frontier Project and other regional developments as discussed in the EIA (see Volume 5, Section 4.3.1).

The same LSA and RSA boundaries are used for the hydrology, fish and fish habitat components of the baseline study. They are collectively called the Aquatics LSA and RSA, respectively (see Figures 5-1 and 5-2).

The number and locations of waterbodies potentially affected by acidifying air emissions will be defined in the surface water quality assessment (see Volume 5, Section 4.9.3).

Figure 5-1: Aquatics LSA

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T101

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Big Creek

Big Creek

Big Creek

Fort Creek

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Calumet River

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Asphalt Creek

Redclay Creek

Redclay Creek

Unnamed Lake 2

Unnamed Lake 1

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Unnamed Creek 1

Eymundson Creek

Unnamed Creek 2

Unnamed Creek 17

Unnamed Creek 18

UnnamedCreek 18

UnnamedWaterbody 31

UnnamedWaterbody 8

UnnamedWaterbody 30

UnnamedWaterbody 16

Unnamed Waterbody 26


UnnamedWaterbody 7

UnnamedWaterbody 29

UnnamedWaterbody 20

UnnamedWaterbody 19

Unnamed Creek 18

Unnamed Creek 16

UnnamedWaterbody 12

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reek




UnnamedWaterbody 10

UnnamedWaterbody 15

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EaglenestLake

Clear Lake

Joslyn

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Firebag River

UnnamedWaterbody 9

Unnamed Creek 6

Unnamed Creek 19

Unnamed Waterbody 6

Unnamed Waterbody 5

Acknowledgements: Base data: AltaLIS, Hydrology ground truthed by Golder (2009).

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KILOMETRESUTM Zone 12 NAD 831:300,000

Aquatics Local Study AreaProject AreaTownshipDefined WatercourseUndefined WatercourseWaterbody

File ID: 123510543-0514Date: 20110909 (Original page size: 8.5X11)Author: CES Checked: DC

Frontier Project – Volume 2: Baseline, Section 5: Surface Water Quality September 2011

Figure 5-2: Aquatics RSA

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Acknowledgements: Base data: AltaLIS, Water Quality Monitoring Station: Alberta Environment and CEMA.

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File ID: 123510543-0515Date: 20110811 (Original page size: 8.5X11)Author: CES Checked: DCUTM Zone 12 NAD 831:1,000,000




5.1.3.1 Local Study Area The Frontier Project may directly or indirectly affect the following watercourses and waterbodies (see Figure 5-1):

• Unnamed Creek 18 (which includes Unnamed Creek 17 and Unnamed Creek 16) that flows into Ronald Lake

• Unnamed Creek 19 that discharges into the Athabasca River

• Redclay Creek (which includes Unnamed Creek 8) that discharges into the Athabasca River

• Big Creek (which includes Unnamed Creek 2, Unnamed Creek 7, Unnamed Creek 5, Unnamed Creek 6 and First Creek) that discharge into the Athabasca River

• Eymundson Creek (that includes Asphalt Creek and several unnamed creeks such as Unnamed Creek 66, 3, 1, 9 and 11). Eymundson Creek flows into the Athabasca River.

• Unnamed Creek 10 that discharges into the Athabasca River

• Pierre River that flows into the Athabasca River along with Unnamed Creek 4 that is a tributary

• Waterbodies in the LSA including:

• Ronald Lake to the north

• Several unnamed waterbodies about 10 km south of Ronald Lake (including Unnamed Waterbodies 19 and 20)

• Unnamed Waterbody 29 located in the northeast part of the study area that was not sampled

• Unnamed Waterbody 12 and 13 that drain to Redclay Creek and were not sampled

• Unnamed Waterbody 16 located in the western part of the LSA and draining into Big Creek that was not sampled

• Unnamed Lake 1

• Unnamed Lake 2

• a series of smaller waterbodies draining through Unnamed Creek 2, Big Creek and First Creek including Unnamed Waterbodies 21, 22, 23, 24 and 26 as well as Unnamed Waterbody15 that were sampled as part of the surface water quality baseline. Additional waterbodies present but not sampled included Unnamed Waterbodies 25. 27 and 28

• Several small waterbodies in the watersheds of Asphalt and Eymundson Creeks including Unnamed Waterbodies 8, 10 and 7 that were sampled as well as Unnamed Waterbodies 3, 4, 30, 9, 31 and 5 that were not sampled.

• Lillian Lake that drains to the Pierre River



These watercourses and waterbodies are described briefly below. Additional detail provided in the hydrology baseline (see Section 4) and fish and fish habitat baseline (see Section 6).

Watercourses in the LSA

Unnamed Creek 18

Unnamed Creek 18 originates mainly in the Birch Mountains and flows northeast into a lowland area and then north to Ronald Lake. The two main tributaries of Unnamed Creek 18 are Unnamed Creek 17 and Unnamed Creek 16 which both join Unnamed Creek 18 at the downstream reach. Unnamed Creek 18 has a drainage area of about 300 km2 at the inlet to the Ronald Lake. The watershed has an upland area of about 123 km2 (41% of the total drainage area) and a lowland area of 177 km2 (59% of the total drainage area).

Unnamed Creek 17 has a drainage area of about 107 km2 at the mouth. Based on recorded data from April 2008 to October 2010, the maximum daily average flow measured for Unnamed Creek 17 is 0.451 m3/s (occurred on June 29, 2009). Unnamed Creek 17 generally has very low flows (i.e., almost zero flows) from July to October.

Unnamed Creek 16 discharges into Unnamed Creek 18 after joining Unnamed Creek 17. It has a drainage area of about 41 km2 at the mouth, which includes an upland area of 5 km2 (12% of the total drainage area) and a lowland area of 36 km2 (88% of the total drainage area).

Unnamed Creek 19

Unnamed Creek 19 is a small watercourse located in the northeastern part of the LSA. The watershed of Unnamed Creek 19 is situated in a lowland area that lies east of Unnamed Creek 16 and north of Redclay Creek. The Unnamed Creek 19 watershed has a drainage area of about 45 km2 at its confluence with the Athabasca River. The measured streamflow for Unnamed Creek 19 on June 5, 2010, was 0.223 m3/s.

Redclay Creek

The upper watershed of Redclay Creek is located on the eastern slope of the Birch Mountains. The Redclay Creek watershed has a drainage area of about 197 km2 at the river mouth, which includes an upland area of about 72 km2 (37% of the total drainage area) and a lowland area of 125 km2 (63% of the total drainage area). The watershed elevation ranges from about 225 m amsl to about 833 m amsl with an average slope of about 1.8%. The upland area has an average slope of about 3.83% and the lowland area has a typical slope of about 0.4%. Based on recorded data from September 2007 to October 2010, the maximum and daily flow on Redclay Creek was 3.50 m3/s (on May 9, 2008) and the minimum daily flow was 0.053 m3/s (on April 26, 2008). Redclay Creek descends from the Birch Mountain uplands as a distinct watercourse. As the watercourse encounters the lowland areas, it becomes a diffuse series of beaver ponds and wetlands with no defined channel. The creek regains its distinct nature near the Athabasca River and discharges into the Athabasca River about 10 km downstream of Big Creek. Unnamed Creek 8 is a tributary to Redclay Creek near the Athabasca River.



Big Creek, First Creek and Unnamed Creek Tributaries

Big Creek is located on the eastern slope of the Birch Mountains and discharges to the Athabasca River. It has a total drainage area of about 326 km2 at its mouth which includes an upland area of about 147 km2 (or 45% of the total drainage area) and a lowland area of about 179 km2 (55% of the total drainage area). The watershed elevation ranges from about 229 m amsl to about 754 m amsl with an average slope of about 1.83%. Based on data recorded from August 2007 to August 2010, the maximum daily flowrate was 3.66 m3/s (on June 27, 2009) and the minimum daily flowrate was 0.041 m3/s (on October 23, 2007).

First Creek, Unnamed Creek 5, Unnamed Creek 7, Unnamed Creek 2 and Unnamed Creek 6 are tributaries of Big Creek. Unnamed Creek 2 is the main tributary discharging into Big Creek about 6 km upstream of the mouth of Big Creek on the Athabasca River. Unnamed Creek 2 has a drainage area of about 105 km2 which includes an upland area of about 69 km2 (65% of the total drainage area) and a lowland area of about 36 km2 (35% of the total drainage area). The daily flows for the Unnamed Creek 2 varied from 0.002 m3/s (on April 21, 2009) to 1.55 m3/s (on July 1, 2009) based on data collected from September 2007 to October 2010.

Unnamed Creek 5 has a drainage area of about 32.6 km2 and includes an upland area of about 1.6 km2 (5% of the total drainage area) and a lowland area of about 31.0 km2 (95% of the total drainage area). Simulated mean annual flows are estimated to be 0.024 m3/s.

Eymundson Creek, Asphalt Creek and Unnamed Creek Tributaries

Eymundson Creek flows from upland regions in the Birch Mountains to lowlands near the Athabasca River. Eymundson Creek discharges into the Athabasca River about 7 km downstream of the mouth of Pierre River. Eymundson Creek watershed has a drainage area of about 334 km2 at its mouth, which includes a lowland area of 134 km2 and an upland area of 200 km2. Asphalt Creek, Unnamed Creek 1 and Unnamed Creek 11 drain into Eymundson Creek. The daily recorded flows for Eymundson Creek ranged from a minimum of 0.095 m3/s (on April 15, 2010) to a maximum of 6.25 m3/s (on June 29, 2009) based on data from July 2008 to April 2010.

Asphalt Creek is a major tributary that discharges into Eymundson Creek about 5 km upstream of the mouth of Eymundson Creek. The Asphalt Creek watershed has a drainage area of 155 km2 at the mouth, which includes an upland area of 109 km2 (70% of the total drainage area) and a lowland area of 46 km2 (30% of the total drainage area). Asphalt Creek is considered a tributary of Eymundson Creek even though it is the larger watercourse at their confluence. Tributaries of Asphalt Creek include Unnamed Creek 3, Unnamed Creek 9 and Unnamed Creek 66.

Unnamed Creek 1 is another tributary that discharges into Eymundson Creek about 1.5 km upstream of the mouth of Eymundson Creek. It has a drainage area of 85 km2 at the mouth, which includes an upland area of 41 km2 (48% of the total drainage area) and a lowland area of 44 km2 (52% of the total drainage area).



Pierre River

The Pierre River is located in the southern-most portion of the LSA (see Figure 5-2). The Pierre River watershed has a drainage area of 134 km2 at the river mouth, which includes an upland area of 119 km2 (89% of the total drainage area) and a lowland area of 15 km2 (11% of the total drainage area). The mean annual discharge of the Pierre River is estimated at 0.317 m3/s. Data collected for the PRM EIA (Shell 2007) estimated the minimum monthly flow to be near zero (November to March) and the maximum monthly flow to be 3.92 m3/s (July). Unnamed Creek 4 is a tributary of the Pierre River.

Waterbodies in the LSA In the northern part of the LSA are several waterbodies, including Ronald Lake and a series of lakes along Unnamed Creeks 16, 17 and 18 that drain into Ronald Lake (see Figure 5-1). Ronald Lake is the largest waterbody in the LSA with an area of 500 ha. Unnamed Waterbody 19 along Unnamed Creek 16 has an area of about 90 ha while Unnamed Waterbody 20 along Unnamed Creek 18 has an area of about 30 ha. Unnamed Waterbodies 29, 12 and 13 are located in the northeastern part of the LSA and are about 16 ha, 37 ha and 4 ha in size respectively (see Figure 5-1). Unnamed Waterbody 16 is located in the northwest part of the LSA and is about 56 ha (see Figure 5-1).

A series of about 10 small waterbodies are found in the watershed of Unnamed Creek 2 (see Figure 5-1). The largest of these waterbodies are Unnamed Lake 1 (area = 74 ha) and Unnamed Lake 2 (area = 41 ha) as well as several very small waterbodies including Unnamed Waterbodies 21, 22, 23, 24 and 26 that were sampled as part of the surface water quality baseline and Unnamed Waterbodies 25. 27 and 28, which were not sampled.

Unnamed Waterbody 15 is part of the First Creek drainage system and is 26 ha in size (see Figure 5-1). This waterbody was sampled for surface water quality.

Several small waterbodies are present in the Asphalt and Eymundson Creek watersheds including Unnamed Waterbodies 3, 4, 30, 8, 9, 10, 7, 31 and 5. Of these, Unnamed Waterbodies 8, 7 and 10 were studied. Unnamed Waterbody 7 is a small lake with a nominal surface area of 1.4 ha and a maximum depth of 1.5 m. Unnamed Waterbody 8 has an area of 18 ha and a maximum depth of 1.5 m. Unnamed Waterbody 9 is a small sinkhole lake with a surface area of 0.9 ha and a maximum depth of 14 m within 5 m of the shore. Unnamed Waterbody 10 is a small, narrow (5 m to 10 m wide), shallow (max depth 1 m) waterbody.

Most of the lakes in the LSA are quite shallow and less than 3 m in depth at the deepest point. The deepest lakes are Ronald Lake and Unnamed Lake 2, both with a maximum measured depth of 5.6 m. Most of these waterbodies experience extreme oxygen deficits during the winter months under ice.



5.1.3.2 Regional Study Area The RSA for most surface water issues (i.e., runoff, seepage, discharge) is the same as the Aquatics RSA, which includes the Aquatics LSA and a reach of the Athabasca River from Fort McMurray to Embarras Portage (see Figure 5-2). For justification of this RSA, see the surface water quality assessment (Volume 5, Section 4.3.1).

Athabasca River The Athabasca River arises as a hard water, alkaline watercourse at the base of the Columbia Icefield in Jasper National Park (AENV 2009b). From its headwaters in the mountains, the river flows in a northeast direction on a 1,375 km journey to the Athabasca Delta and Lake Athabasca. Tributaries to the Athabasca River include the McLeod, Pembina, Lesser Slave and Clearwater rivers. Numerous communities including Jasper, Hinton, Whitecourt, Athabasca, Fort McMurray and Fort McKay are situated on the river’s bank and contribute to a population of more than 155,000 people in the watershed (AENV 2009b).

The Athabasca River basin supports a variety of industries including coal mining in the upper reaches, forestry throughout the basin, conventional oil and gas in several regions and intensive oil sands development north of Fort McMurray. There are five pulp mills in the Athabasca River basin (Noton and Saffron 1995). The mean annual discharge below Fort McMurray is 626 m³/s, corresponding to a water yield of 148 mm. The Athabasca River is not regulated by man-made structures and is subject to highly seasonal flowrates. The mean monthly flow varies from 160 m3/s in February to 1,377 m3/s in July.

5.2 Methods

Baseline information on surface water and sediment quality in the LSA and RSA was derived from current and historical monitoring data as well as field data collected between spring 2006 and fall 2010.

5.2.1 Historical Data Historical data on surface water and sediment quality was reviewed and compiled for watercourses and waterbodies located in the LSA and RSA. Data sources included:

• the Regional Aquatic Monitoring Program (RAMP)

• Alberta Environment’s Water Data System (WDS)

• EIAs from nearby oil sands developments including the PRM project

RAMP is a multi-stakeholder program supported by local communities, governing bodies and industry. The program started in 1997 to monitor conditions in the aquatic environment in the oil sands region. RAMP’s water quality database includes conventional parameters, major ions, nutrients, metals, general organics, PAHs and toxicity (RAMP 2007, 2008, Internet sites).



Alberta Environment (AENV) and Environment Canada have been monitoring water quality in the oil sands region since 1964. The data are stored in the WDS (AENV 2011). The list of conventional parameters and major ions included in the WDS is similar to that used by RAMP, although the WDS generally includes fewer metals. The Alberta Environment database does not contain information on sediments or water toxicity.

5.2.1.1 Local Study Area No historical data were available for the watercourses and waterbodies in the main development area of the LSA. The only data available for this region were those collected from field studies for the Frontier Project (from 2007 to 2010). In the south development area of the LSA, historical water quality data were available for the Pierre River from the Alberta Environment database and from baseline monitoring conducted for the PRM project (Shell 2007).

5.2.1.2 Regional Study Area

Athabasca River Historically, about 50 monitoring stations have been sampled along the lower Athabasca River. These stations were used primarily by Alberta Environment, but also during special study programs such as the Alberta Oil Sands Environmental Research Program (AOSERP). Most of these stations were sampled for short periods of time (i.e., less than 5 years), and most were visited during the 1980s and earlier. Much of the data from these early years cannot easily be incorporated into a collective database because of changing methodologies and detection limits, especially in the case of metals.

Data from four stations on the Athabasca River (see Table 5-1 and Figure 5-2) were considered most useful in determining seasonal trends and potential changes in surface water quality related to industrial and municipal developments.

Table 5-1 Historical Data on the Athabasca River Used in this Study Monitoring

Station Location Source Data Available Duration ATR-OF Athabasca River at Old Fort AENV Conventional parameters, metals,

organic compounds, toxicity – monthly samples

1987–current

ATR-FR-CC Athabasca River Downstream of Firebag River – Central Channel

RAMP Conventional parameters, metals, organic compounds, sediment quality – fall only

2002–2009

ATR-DDW Athabasca River Downstream of Development – West Bank

RAMP Conventional parameters, metals, organic compounds, toxicity, sediment quality – four seasons

2005–2009

ATR-DDE Athabasca River Downstream of Development – East Bank

RAMP Conventional parameters, metals, organic compounds, toxicity, sediment quality – four seasons

2005–2009

ATR-UFM Athabasca River Upstream of Fort McMurray

AENV Conventional parameters, metals, organic compounds, toxicity – monthly samples

1985–current



The Athabasca River station at Old Fort (ATR-OF) represents the most complete downstream record of surface water quality and integrates the effects of all developments (including municipalities) upstream of Lake Athabasca (see Figure 5-2). This station was established in 1978 by Environment Canada and is located 200 km downstream of Fort McMurray. In 1987, Alberta Environment took over monitoring at this station as part of the provincial Long-Term River Network (LTRN). A recent study by Alberta Environment on water quality trends in the Athabasca River noted discrete changes in several parameters occurring before and after transfer of the monitoring site from Environment Canada to Alberta Environment (AENV 2009b). Four variables, including specific conductance, sodium, chloride and sulphate showed increases while an additional four variables, including non-filterable residue, dissolved organic carbon, nitrite and nitrate nitrogen and total nitrogen showed decreases. These changes were thought to represent artefacts and be the result of changes in analytical methodologies (AENV 2009b). As a result of these findings, only the data from 1988 to 2007 were used in this baseline to establish summary statistics and seasonal trends in water quality parameters.

The RAMP stations ATR-DDW and ATR-DDE represent water quality conditions in the Athabasca River downstream of most of the current oil sands industries but upstream of the Project (see Figure 5-2).

The station downstream of the Firebag River (ATR-FR-CC) represents the water quality conditions of the Athabasca River in the central channel of the river immediately downstream of the Project (see Figure 5-2).

The station Upstream of Fort McMurray (ATR-UFM) reflects surface water quality conditions upstream of the oil sands industries and the municipality of Fort McMurray (see Figure 5-2).

5.2.2 Field Program Field sampling at 28 sites in watercourses and waterbodies in the LSA was conducted between spring 2006 and fall 2010 (see Tables 5-2, 5-3 and Figure 5-3).

Seven watercourses were sampled as part of the field program including:

• Unnamed Creek 18

• Unnamed Creek 17

• Redclay Creek

• Big Creek

• First Creek

• Eymundson Creek

• Asphalt Creek



Table 5-2 Field Sampling Details – MDA

Station Name Easting Northing

Watercourse or Waterbody

Sampling Date and Matrix Sept. 17-19 2007

Feb. 28 2008

May 20-21 2008

July 21-24 2008

Sept. 15-17 2008

March 1-3 2009

May 25-27 2010

Aug 24-25 2010

Oct. 5-5 2010

FSTR01 453718 6407387 Unnamed Creek 18 Upstream

W, S – W, T W, S W – W W W

FSTAN 5 460809 6414976 Unnamed Creek 18 Downstream

– – – – – – W W W

FSTR03 459460 6407253 Unnamed Creek 17 W, S – W, T Dry Dry – W – – FSTR05 454729 6399842 Redclay Creek Upstream W, S – W, T W, S W – W W W FSTR06 457963 6401784 Redclay Creek Upstream W, S – W, T W, S W – W W W FSTAN 1 474996 6397052 Redclay Creek

Downstream – – – – – – W, S, T W W

FBIG 463341 6387022 Big Creek Upstream – – W, S, T W, S W – W, S, T W W FSTAN 2 470444 6389793 Big Creek Downstream – – – – – – W, S, T W W FSTAN 4 460754 6424985 Ronald Lake – – – – – – W W W FSTAN 6 461105 6418827 Unnamed Waterbody 20 – – – – – – W W – FSTAN 3 464668 6416823 Unnamed Waterbody 19 – – – – – – W W – FLK01 461397 6391147 Unnamed Waterbody 21 W W W W W W W W W FLK06 460551 6390660 Unnamed Waterbody 26 W W W W W W W W W FOakley 462881 6390541 Unnamed Lake 1 W W – – W, T W W W W FSandy 463690 6390625 Unnamed Lake 2 – – – W W, T W W W W FLK04 460631 6389595 Unnamed Waterbody 24 W W W W W W W W W FLK03 461174 6389754 Unnamed Waterbody 23 W – W W W Dry W W – FLK02 461505 6389434 Unnamed Waterbody 22 – – – – – W W W – NOTES: MDA = Main development area W = water, S = sediment, T = toxicity, Dry = no water in watercourse or waterbody at this season – = No data collected



Table 5-3 Field Sampling Details – SDA

Station Name Easting Northing

Watercourse or Waterbody

Sampling Date and Matrix June 3-6

2006 Sept. 10-13 2006

Sept. 17-18 2008

Oct. 18-20 2008

March 2 2009

April 22-23 2009

June 3-6 2010

Aug. 3-5 2010

Oct. 12-13 2010

FC1 460774 6383467 First Creek – – – – – – W W W, S EY1 460970 6379218 Eymundson Creek – – – – – – W W W, S EY2 462425 6377910 Eymundson Creek W – W, S W W W W W W, S EY3 462363 6377266 Eymundson Creek W W – W, S W W W W W, S AS1 457421 6378023 Asphalt Creek – – W – – – W W W, S AS2 459845 6377212 Asphalt Creek W W – W – W W W W, S UL-new 464880 6382680 Unnamed Waterbody 15 – – – – – – W W W, S UL1 467390 6379167 Unnamed Waterbody 8 – W – – – – W W W, S UL7 460362 6376073 Unnamed Waterbody 7 W W – – – – W W W, S UL8 465868 6377711 Unnamed Waterbody 10 W W – – – – W W W, S AB07DA1330 460775 6369369 Pierre River1 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA AB07DA1340 462509 6367683 Pierre River1 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

WQ7 461540 6368555 Pierre River1 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

WQ8 459393 6370677 Pierre River1 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

NOTES: SDA = South development area W = water, S = sediment, T = toxicity 1 Twenty-three water samples and one sediment sample collected from Pierre River from 1976 to 2006 as reported in Shell (2007) – = No data collected NA = Not available

Figure 5-3: Field Sampling Locations

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T99

T101

T100

R10 R11

T98

R9R12T103

R13 W4

T102

T97

Big Creek

Big Creek

Big Creek

Fort Creek

RonaldLake

Calumet River

LillianLake

CalumetLake

Asphalt Creek

Redclay Creek

Redclay Creek

Unnamed Lake 2

Unnamed Lake 1

Unnam

ed Cree

k 8

Unnamed Creek 66Unnamed Creek 3

Unnamed Creek 1

Eymundson Creek

Unnamed Creek 2

Unnamed Creek 17

Unnamed Creek 18

UnnamedCreek 18

UnnamedWaterbody 31

UnnamedWaterbody 8

UnnamedWaterbody 16

Unnamed Waterbody 28Unnamed Waterbody 27



UnnamedWaterbody 7

UnnamedWaterbody 29

UnnamedWaterbody 20

UnnamedWaterbody 19

Unnamed Tributaryto Unnamed Creek 17

Unnamed Creek 18

Unnamed Creek 16

UnnamedWaterbody 12

Redclay CreekAthabasca River

Pierre River

First C

reek




UnnamedWaterbody 10

UnnamedWaterbody 15

McClellandLake

EaglenestLake

Clear Lake

Joslyn

Creek

Tar River

Firebag River

Unnamed Creek 5

Unnamed Creek 6

Unnamed Creek 9

Unnamed Creek 7

Unnamed Creek 10Unnamed Waterbody 6

Unnamed Waterbody 3Unnamed Waterbody 4



Unnamed Creek 11

Unnamed Creek 15

UnnamedWaterbody 9


Unnamed Creek 4

Tributary to Unnamed Creek 1

Unnamed Tributaryto Athabasca River

UL8UL7

UL1

FC1

AS2AS1

EY3

EY2

EY1

FBIG

FLK06

FLK04

FLK02

FLK01

UL-new

FSandy

FSTR06

FSTR05

FSTR03FSTR01

FStan 3

FStan 6

FStan4

FSTAN 2

FSTAN 1

FStan 5

FLK03

FOakley

WQ8

WQ7AB07DA1340

AB07DA1330

Acknowledgements: Base data: AltaLIS, Hydrology ground truthed by Golder (2009).

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KILOMETRESUTM Zone 12 NAD 831:300,000

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!(Surface Water QualitySampling SiteAquatics Local Study AreaProject AreaTownshipDefined WatercourseUndefined WatercourseWaterbody

File ID: 123510543-0516Date: 20110824


(Original page size: 8.5X11)Author: CES Checked: DC



Fourteen waterbodies were sampled as part of the field program including:

• Ronald Lake

• Unnamed Waterbody 20







• Unnamed Lake 1

• Unnamed Lake 2





Field sampling details, including the dates, locations and types of samples collected, for watercourses and waterbodies in the main development area and south development area, are shown in Tables 5-2 and 5-3, respectively. Sample collection and field monitoring covered all four seasons.

Field measurements of DO, conductivity, temperature and pH were made at each site using a YSI 556 multimeter. Previous trips to the region indicated that watercourses were not flowing during the winter months although groundwater seeps occasionally flooded over channel ice. All sampling stations were accessed by helicopter.

Surface water quality sampling for the field studies followed the sampling protocols outlined in Alberta Environment (2006). When possible (e.g., in summer), waterbody samples were taken with a Van Dorn bottle within the euphotic zone of the lake. Samples from each station were composited in a rinsed carbuoy. The individual sampling bottles were filled on site, preserved as necessary and transported that evening to ALS or Maxxam Laboratories for further analysis. Sediments from shallow streambeds were sampled using an appropriately cleaned plastic ladle (for metals and other parameters) or metal ladle (for trace organics) following standard protocols outlined by Alberta Environment (2006). Samples were collected from the top 5 cm of sediment along at least 50 m of the stream (upstream to downstream). Samples were composited in plastic bags (metals and other parameters) or wide-mouth glass jars with Teflon-lined lids (trace organics). Water and sediment samples collected for toxicity testing were composited in plastic buckets provided by the laboratory.

Water and sediment samples were analyzed for all parameters listed in Table 5-4. Raw data for surface water and sediment quality samples is provided in Appendix 5A.



Table 5-4 Water and Sediment Quality Parameters Analyzed for Field Samples

Water Conventional parameters

Conductivity, pH, TDS, major cations (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium), major anions (chloride, sulphate, carbonate/bicarbonate, TSS, alkalinity, hardness, biological oxygen demand, chlorophyll a, fluoride, cyanide, sulphide

Nutrients Nitrate, nitrite, TKN, total dissolved nitrogen, total nitrogen, ammonia, Total P, TDP, DOC, phenols

Total and dissolved metals

Aluminum (Al), antimony (Sb), arsenic (As), barium (Ba), beryllium (Be), boron (B), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), lithium (Li), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se), silicon (Si), silver (Ag), strontium (Sr), thallium (Tl), titanium(Ti), uranium (U), vanadium (V), zinc (Zn), low-level mercury, methyl mercury and low-level silver

Organic compounds

Total volatile and extractible hydrocarbons (F1+BTEX, F2, F3, F4), naphthenic acids, PAHs, alkylated PAHs

Toxicity 72-h algal growth inhibition test Ceriodaphnia 6-day survival and reproduction test Fathead minnow 7-d survival and growth test Daphnia 48h acute test

Sediments Physical parameters

Particle size, moisture, total organic carbon (TOC), total inorganic carbon, total carbon

Total metals Aluminum (Al), antimony (Sb), arsenic (As), barium (Ba), beryllium (Be), boron (B), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), lithium (Li), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se), silicon (Si), silver (Ag), strontium (Sr), thallium (Tl), titanium(Ti), uranium (U), vanadium (V) and zinc (Zn)

Organic compounds

Total recoverable hydrocarbons, Petroleum hydrocarbons (BTEX, F1-F4 fractions) TOC, total inorganic carbon, total carbon Alkylated PAHs

Toxicity 10-day chironomid survival and growth 14 day Hyalella azteca survival and growth Microtox bacterial luminescence test

Quality control samples, including field duplicates and field blanks were taken during each field trip. Laboratory results from QC samples are provided in Appendix 5B

Both ALS and Maxxam are CAEAL-certified laboratories used routinely by the RAMP water quality program and both laboratories are certified by the Canadian Association for Environmental Analytical Laboratories (CAEAL). Toxicity tests were conducted by HydroQual Laboratories in Calgary. Laboratory reports for chemical and toxicity testing are included in Appendix 5C.

During the 2010 field season, samples were sent to Alberta Innovates (formerly the Alberta Research Council) for low-level analysis (i.e., low detection limits) of mercury, methyl mercury and silver. Low-level analysis of cadmium was provided by Maxxam. Water and sediment samples were sent to AXYS Analytical Services for low-level PAH and alkyl PAH analysis. The low-level PAH analyses are important in setting a baseline for both target and alkylated PAHs that serve as fingerprints for the presence of bitumen.



5.2.3 Data Analyses Summary statistics were calculated for surface water and sediment quality data including maximum, minimum, mean and median values. Following the standard convention used by Alberta Environment (e.g., AENV 2009b), non-detectable values were assumed to be one-half of the detection limit in all statistical calculations. Seasonality of the water quality parameters was examined by summarizing data for the following periods:

• Winter: December, January, February, March

• Spring: April, May, June

• Summer: July, August

• Fall: September, October, November

These seasonal definitions are consistent with those used by RAMP (2009, Internet site). Data from the Athabasca River stations (ATR-OF, ATR-UFM, ATR-DDW, ATR-DDE and ATR-FR) were similarly tabulated.

Samples collected in the LSA and RSA were compared to acute and chronic guidelines for water quality, including:

• Alberta Environment’s Surface Water Quality Guidelines (AENV 1999)

• Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment’s (CCME) Canadian Water Quality Guidelines for Protection of Aquatic Life (PAL) (CCME 2011, Internet site)

• U.S. EPA’s National Recommended Water Quality Criteria (U.S. EPA 2009, Internet site)

• Health Canada’s (2010) Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality

• CCME’s Canadian Water Quality Guidelines for Protection of Agricultural Water Uses (CCME 2011, Internet site)

• CCME’s Guidelines for Canadian Recreational Water Quality (CCME 2011, Internet site)

For a summary of CCME, Alberta Environment, Health Canada and U.S. EPA water quality guidelines used in this baseline study, see Table 5-5 (inorganic substances) and Table 5-6 (organic substances).

The CCME Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Life are considered chronic guidelines. For cadmium, the higher chronic U.S. EPA limit was applied rather than the CCME guideline because the CCME guideline is often less than the detection limit attained by most analytical laboratories (U.S. EPA 2009, Internet site). The chronic U.S. EPA guidelines were applied for lead and nickel because they were more conservative than the CCME or Alberta chronic guidelines. For mercury, the more conservative Alberta chronic guideline was used instead of the CCME guideline. In the cases of chloride and sulphide, a CCME or Alberta guideline was not available and the U.S. EPA chronic guideline was applied. Where required, the guidelines were modified for the appropriate water hardness.



Table 5-5 Applicable Water Quality Guidelines – Inorganic Compounds

Parameter

AENV Water Quality

Guidelines for the Protection of Freshwater Aquatic Life

(Acute)

AENV Water Quality


(Chronic)

CCME Water Quality Guidelines for the

Protection of Aquatic Life

Health Canada Guidelines for

Canadian Drinking Water

Quality

CCME Guidelines for Protection of

Agricultural Water Uses

CCME Guidelines for Recreational

Water Quality Conventional Parameters TDS (mg/L) NA NA NA NA 500–3,500 NA TSS (mg/L) NA <10 mg/L over

background value Clear flow: Maximum increase of 25 mg/L for <24h, or 5 mg/L for 1-30 days.

High flow: Maximum increase of 25 mg/L when background level is between 25––250 mg/L, 10% increase when background is >250 mg/L

NA NA NA

Temperature (°C) NA Change of 3°C Temperature changes should not alter thermal stratification, exceed maximum weekly average temperature, or exceed short–term exposures to maximum temperature

NA NA NA

pH (pH units) 5.0 (1 day) 6.5–8.5 6.5–9.0 NA NA 5.0–9.0 Dissolved oxygen (mg/L)

NA 5–6.5 5.5–9.5 NA NA NA

Sodium (mg/L) NA NA NA NA NA NA Calcium (mg/L) NA NA NA NA 1,000 NA Chloride (mg/L) NA NA 230 mg/L1 NA 100–700 NA Sulphate (mg/L) NA NA NA NA 1,000 (livestock) NA Fluoride (mg/L) NA NA NA NA 1.00–2.00 NA



Table 5-5 Applicable Water Quality Guidelines – Inorganic Compounds (cont’d)

Parameter

AENV Water Quality


(Acute)

AENV Water Quality


(Chronic)





Quality




Water Quality Conventional Parameters (cont’d) Sulphide (mg/L) NA NA 0.0021 NA NA NA Cyanide (mg/L) NA NA 0.005 NA NA NA Nutrients Total ammonia-N (mg/L)

NA NA 2.432 NA NA NA

Nitrates-N (mg/L) NA NA 2.94 45 100 (livestock only)

NA

Nitrite (mg/L) NA NA 0.06 NA 10 (livestock only) NA Total P (mg/L) NA 0.05 NA NA NA NA TDP (mg/L) NA NA 0.06 NA NA NA Phenolic material (mg/L)

NA 0.005 0.004 NA 0.002 (livestock) NA

Bacteria E. coli (No./100mL) NA NA NA 0 per 100 mL NA 200 per 100 mL Fecal coliforms (No./100mL)

NA NA NA 0 per 100 mL 100 per 100 mL NA

Total Metals Aluminum (mg/L) NA NA 0.1 0.13 5 NA Antimony (mg/L) NA NA NA 0.006 NA NA Arsenic (mg/L) NA NA 0.005 0.025 0.1 / 0.0254 NA Barium (mg/L) NA NA NA 1 NA NA Beryllium (mg/L) NA NA NA NA 0.1 / 0.1 NA Boron (mg/L) NA NA NA 5 0.5–6.0 NA




Parameter

AENV Water Quality


(Acute)

AENV Water Quality


(Chronic)





Quality




Water Quality Total Metals (cont’d) Cadmium (mg/L) NA NA 0.00138–0.007011,6 0.005 0.0051 / 0.0804 NA Chromium (mg/L) NA NA 0.0089 0.05 0.0049 / 0.0504 NA Hex. Chromium (mg/L)

NA NA 0.001 NA NA NA

Cobalt (mg/L) NA NA NA 1.03 0.050 /1.004 NA Copper (mg/L) 0.024 0.007 0.002–0.0045 NA 0.200–1.00 /

0.5-5.004 NA

Iron (mg/L) NA NA 0.3 <0.33 5.00 NA Lead (mg/L) NA NA 0.00125–0.01731.6 0.01 0.200 / 0.1004 NA Lithium (mg/L) NA NA NA NA 2.50 NA Manganese (mg/L) NA NA NA <0.053 0.20 (irrigation

only) NA

Mercury (Total) (mg/L)

0.000013 0.000005 0.000026 0.001 0.003 (livestock only)

NA

Molybdenum (mg/L) NA NA 0.073 NA 0.010–0.050 NA Nickel (mg/L) NA NA 0.028–0.1611.6 NA 0.200 / 1.004 NA Selenium (mg/L) NA NA 0.001 NA 100 (livestock

only) NA

Silver (mg/L) NA NA 0.0001 NA NA NA Thallium (mg/L) NA NA 0.0008 NA NA NA Uranium (mg/L) NA NA NA 0.02 0.010 / 0.2004 NA




Parameter

AENV Water Quality


(Acute)

AENV Water Quality


(Chronic)





Quality




Water Quality Total Metals (cont’d) Vanadium (mg/L) NA NA NA NA 0.100 / 0.1004 NA Zinc (mg/L) NA NA 0.03 <53 1.0–5.0 / 50.04 NA NOTES: All values in mg/L unless indicated otherwise NA = No guideline available 1 U.S. EPA criterion continuous concentration 2 Total ammonia guideline is the U.S. EPA chronic criterion, which is both pH and temperature dependent. Value listed here is based on pH 8 and 10°C. 3 Aesthetic objective 4 Slash indicates difference between irrigation guideline (first number) and livestock guideline (second number) 5 Dependent on range of hardness in the watercourses/waterbodies (CCME 2011, Internet site) 6 Based on range of hardness in the watercourses/waterbodies (U.S. EPA 2009, Internet site) SOURCES: AENV (1999); CCME (2011, Internet site), U.S. EPA (2009, Internet site); Health Canada (2010)



Table 5-6 Applicable Water Quality Guidelines – Organic Compounds

Substance Unit



Health Canada Guidelines for Canadian Drinking

Water Quality Naphthalene ng/L 1,100 NA Acenaphthylene ng/L 5,800 NA Acenaphthene ng/L 5,800 NA Fluorene ng/L 3,000 NA Phenanthrene ng/L 400 NA Anthracene ng/L 12 NA Fluoranthene ng/L 40 NA Pyrene ng/L 25 NA Benz[a]anthracene ng/L 18 NA Chrysene ng/L NA NA Benzo[b]fluoranthene ng/L NA NA Benzo[a]pyrene ng/L 15 10 C2-Benzo[a]anthracenes/Chrysenes ng/L NA NA Benzene µg/L 370 5 Ethylbenzene µg/L 90 2.4 Toluene µg/L 2 24 NOTE: NA = No guideline available SOURCE: CCME (2011, Internet site); Health Canada (2010)

Sediment data were compared to the CCME Canadian Sediment Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Life which includes both the Interim Sediment Quality Guidelines (ISQG) and the probable effect level (PEL) for protection of aquatic life (CCME 2011, Internet site). The ISQG represents the threshold concentration below which adverse biological effects are expected to only rarely occur. The PEL represents the concentration above which adverse effects are expected to be frequently observed. Sediment quality guidelines were unavailable for hydrocarbon fractions F1 to F4 and BTEX compounds (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene). Although, BTEX compounds are not expected in these samples, for guidance, the BTEX compounds were compared to the CCME soil quality guidelines (CCME 2011, Internet site). Guideline exceedances are indicated by yellow shading and bolded values in each summary table. Sediment quality guidelines used in this baseline study are summarized in Table 5-7.



Table 5-7 Applicable Sediment Quality Guidelines

Substance CCME Freshwater Interim

Sediment Quality Guidelines Probable Effects Levels (PEL) Metals (mg/kg) Arsenic 5.9 17 Cadmium 0.6 3.5 Chromium 37.3 90 Copper 35.7 197 Lead 35 91.3 Mercury 0.17 0.486 Zinc 123 315 Hydrocarbons (mg/kg) Benzene 0.00681 NA Toluene 0.081 NA Ethylbenzene 0.0181 NA Xylenes 2.41 NA PAHs (mg/kg) Acenaphthene 0.00671 0.0889 Acenaphthylene 0.00587 0.128 Anthracene 0.0469 0.245 Benzo[a]anthracene 0.0317 0.385 Benzo[a]pyrene 0.0319 0.782 Chrysene 0.0571 0.862 Dibenz[a,h]anthracene 0.00622 0.135 Fluoranthene 0.111 2.355 Fluorene 0.0212 0.144 Naphthalene 0.0346 0.391 C1 substituted naphthalenes 0.0202 0.201 Phenanthrene 0.0419 0.515 Pyrene 0.053 0.875 NOTES: 1 Based on CCME soil quality guidelines, fine soils, agricultural land usages (CCME 2011, Internet site) NA = No guideline available

The water quality parameters in the LSA and the RSA were not compared to the trigger values indicated in the Draft Lower Athabasca Integrated Regional Plan (LARP) (Government of Alberta 2011) for the following reasons:

• These mean and peak trigger values apply only to the Athabasca River (specifically to the Alberta Environment monitoring station at Old Fort). They do not apply to other waterbodies or watercourses such as those present in the LSA.

• The trigger values are primarily a management tool for Alberta Environment, acting as an early-warning system to detect changes in key water quality parameters from historical levels. They are not meant to be an indication of potential chronic or acute effects on aquatic life.



The water quality guidelines applied in the baseline study (see Table 5-5) are identical to the water quality limits listed in LARP with the exception of the guideline for cadmium. As indicated above, the U.S. EPA aquatic life criterion was used for cadmium because the CCME guideline for this metal was often less than the detection limit attainable in the laboratory. Like the trigger values, LARP water quality limits technically apply only to measurements at the Alberta Environment monitoring station at Old Fort.

5.2.4 Quality Assurance and Quality Control

5.2.4.1 Historical Data Quality control in the summaries of the historical databases included the following procedures:

• At least 10% of all data transfers were checked manually against the original database.

• All formulae were checked for errors.

• Logical checks were taken for various parameters (e.g., TKN > ammonia).

5.2.4.2 Field Program Data Standard field quality control procedures were used in the field program, including the following:

• Water quality meters were calibrated prior to sample collection according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.

• All surface water samples were collected by experienced personnel following Alberta Environment protocols.

• Detailed field notes were taken to record field data and any relevant observations (e.g., sampling station, weather conditions).

• Chain- of-custody forms were routinely filled out when submitting water samples to the laboratory.

The QC program for the baseline study included analyzing travel blanks, field blanks and duplicate samples. Quality control samples accounted for about 10% of the total sampling effort. The results of the QC program are provided in Section 5.3.5.

5.3 Results

Data from field studies and historical sources are presented in the following section for watercourses and waterbodies located in the LSA. The data are organized as follows:

• See Section 5.3.1 for data on surface water and sediment quality in watercourses in the LSA.

• See Section 5.3.2 for historical data on surface water and sediment quality in the Pierre River.



• See Section 5.3.3 for data on surface water and sediment quality in waterbodies in the LSA.

• See Section 5.3.4 for data on surface water and sediment quality in the RSA, specifically in the Athabasca River.

Within each section, results are organized according to key parameters and groups of parameters for water and sediment quality.

5.3.1 Surface Water and Sediment Quality in LSA Watercourses Surface water and sediment quality data are summarized in Tables 5-8 through 5-19. In each of these tables, guideline exceedances are indicated by yellow shading and bolded values. Raw data for all samples collected during the field program are provided in Appendix 5A.

5.3.1.1 Conventional Parameters Results of the field sampling program for conventional parameters and naphthenic acids are presented in Table 5-8. The results have been calculated by watershed and season when sufficient data existed. Overall, watercourses in the LSA can be described as well oxygenated, weakly alkaline, hard water and usually well buffered.

pH and Total Alkalinity The median pH (laboratory measurement) ranged from 7.44 (Big Creek in spring) to 8.21 in Unnamed Creek 17 and Unnamed Creek 18 draining to Ronald Lake during the summer. The pH in most of the watercourses was slightly lower in the spring than in the summer and fall. The lowest laboratory pH (6.52) was observed in Unnamed Creek 18 during May 2010.

The lowest total alkalinity (9 mg/L) was observed in Unnamed Creek 18 during May 2008, while the highest value was observed in Eymundson Creek during March 2009 (348 mg/L). In each watershed, the total alkalinity was generally lowest during the spring when the watercourses received snowmelt waters. For example, the median total alkalinity in Eymundson Creek was 60 mg/L in spring, 220 mg/L in the summer and 345.5 mg/L during the winter.

Depressions in pH and alkalinity during the spring have been observed in other watercourses in the oil sands. A study conducted on the Steepbank, Muskeg and Firebag Rivers in 2003 concluded that the alkalinity depressions in these rivers in spring were largely the result of base cation dilution by meltwaters and, to a minor extent, the flushing of organic acids from surrounding fens (WRS 2003).



Table 5-8 Conventional Parameters and Naphthenic Acids in LSA Watercourses

Parameter Unit

Streams Draining to Ronald Lake (Unnamed Creeks 17 and 18) Spring (2008–2010) Summer (2008–2010) Fall (2007–2010)

Min Max Median Min Max Median Min Max Median TDS mg/L 244 443 255 272 341 328 274 410 311 Conductivity (Lab) µS/cm at 25°C 370 642 407.5 440 576 490 431 555 508 Hardness mg/L 182 297 188.5 224 268 249 210 263 244 Total Alkalinity mg/L 9 100 71.5 110 171 170 82 189 140 TSS mg/L 1 1,800 489 14 180 140 3 2,040 23 Water Temperature °C 2.83 13.02 7.925 12.48 17.37 14.925 5.85 6.31 6.08 pH (Field) pH units 6.4 6.75 6.575 7.82 7.86 7.84 7.06 7.06 7.06 pH (Lab) pH units 6.52 8.12 7.83 7.8 8.4 8.21 7.54 8.3 7.96 Dissolved Oxygen (Field)2 mg/L 12.1 14.8 13.45 9.31 11.46 10.385 13.5 13.5 13.5 Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) mg/L <3 <4 <3.5 <2 4 <2 <2 <4 <2 Colour Colour units 11 36 26.5 23 45 33 18 46 26 Chlorophyll a µg/L <0.5 2.2 1.225 <0.5 9 2 <0.5 20 1.1315 Calcium mg/L 48 72.6 55.05 62 75.8 65 58.8 72.5 60.3 Magnesium mg/L 12.3 28.1 14 17 21 19.1 15.1 26 19.9 Sodium mg/L 11 16.7 12.45 13 17 14 12 22.2 13 Potassium mg/L 1.6 7.1 4.3 1.4 3.4 1.4 1.5 6.8 1.5 Bicarbonate mg/L 2.5 120 87 130 200 199 100 228 170 Carbonate mg/L <0.5 11 1.625 <0.5 <3 <0.5 <0.5 3 <3 Chloride mg/L 0.9 2 1.2 0.5 1 0.5 0.2 2 0.5 Sulphate (SO4) mg/L 99 312 127.5 77 160 124 86.5 198 92 Fluoride (F) mg/L – – – 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.3 0.3 0.3 Cyanide, Total mg/L – – – <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 Sulphide3 mg/L 0.001 0.032 0.00625 0.001 0.07 0.03 0.001 0.031 0.0025 TKN mg/L 0.49 2.44 1.5 0.47 1.4 0.8 0.32 2.42 0.88 Ammonium – N3 mg/L <0.05 0.16 0.0925 <0.05 0.06 0.038 <0.012 0.05 <0.05 Nitrite – N mg/L <0.01 0.006 <0.01 <0.01 0.014 <0.01 <0.002 <0.01 <0.005 Nitrate and Nitrite – N mg/L <0.003 0.06 <0.003 <0.003 0.122 <0.003 <0.003 0.06 0.003 Total Dissolved Nitrogen µg/L – – – – – – 0.34 0.34 0.34 Total P2 mg/L 0.015 2.15 0.317 0.018 0.196 0.19 0.014 1.7 0.2 TDP mg/L 0.013 0.015 0.014 0.015 0.016 0.0155 0.01 0.017 0.0135 Phenols1 mg/L 0.002 0.003 0.002 0.002 0.006 0.003 0.001 0.006 0.004 DOC mg/L 8.2 17 10.35 8 22 8.9 7 17 7.2 Naphthenic Acids mg/L <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 NOTES:

Bolded and shaded values represent exceedances of chronic CCME Water Quality Guidelines1 (CCME 2011, Internet site), Alberta Environment chronic Surface Water Quality Guidelines2 (AENV 1999), U.S. EPA chronic criteria3 (U.S. EPA 2009, Internet site), Health Canada Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality4 (Health Canada 2010) or CCME Guidelines for Protection of Agricultural Uses5 (CCME 2011, Internet site). See Tables 5-5 to 5-7 for applicable water and sediment quality guidelines. – = No data collected



Table 5-8 Conventional Parameters and Naphthenic Acids in LSA Watercourses (cont’d)

Parameter Unit

Redclay Creek Spring (2008–2010) Summer (2008–2010) Fall (2007–2010)

Min Max Median Min Max Median Min Max Median TDS mg/L 251 280 259 275 467 307 289 450 369 Conductivity (Lab) µS/cm 370 450 405 430 751 500 433 650 530 Hardness mg/L 160 214 169 182 306 255 179 268 219 Total Alkalinity mg/L 14 140 29 85 200 87 32 180 43 TSS mg/L 0.5 8,500 3,370 2 810 550 2 6,460 1,000 Water Temperature °C 6.27 9.51 7.89 12.51 15.27 15.15 5.76 6.45 6.08 pH (Field) pH units 5.25 7.12 6.185 7.64 7.92 7.66 6.65 7.17 6.71 pH (Lab) pH units 7.17 8.08 7.45 7.97 8.21 8.1 7.31 8.1 7.69 Dissolved Oxygen (Field)2 mg/L 13.13 14.2 13.665 10.48 11.15 10.81 13.13 14.5 13.23 BOD mg/L <3 3 <4 <2 <2 <2 <2 2 <2 Colour TCU 18 47 20 15 280 46 24 55 33 Chlorophyll a µg/L <0.5 3.5 0.9 <0.5 4 <0.5 <0.5 3 <0.5 Calcium mg/L 39 58 42.4 47 81.2 70 45 70.1 58 Magnesium mg/L 14.8 17 15.4 16 25.1 20 16.2 25 20 Sodium mg/L 15 22 20.6 14 38 24 16 33 23 Potassium mg/L 2.5 3.7 2.8 1.6 2.9 2.1 1.7 3.3 2.2 Bicarbonate mg/L 17 170 35 104 250 110 39 230 53 Carbonate mg/L <0.5 <6 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <6 2.5 Chloride mg/L 1.6 3 3 2 8 6 0.8 10 3 Sulphate (SO4) mg/L 98 170 159 77 264 140 84 270 196 Fluoride (F) mg/L – – – 0.55 0.65 0.6 0.38 0.46 0.42 Cyanide, Total mg/L – – – <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 Sulphide3 mg/L <0.002 0.026 0.009 <0.002 0.005 <0.002 <0.002 0.02 0.003 TKN mg/L 0.65 9.82 1.9 0.47 1.1 0.77 0.41 8.15 0.69 Ammonium – N3 mg/L <0.5 0.33 0.32 <0.5 0.06 0.028 0.02 0.13 0.07 Nitrate – N mg/L <0.01 0.2 0.05 <0.01 0.175 <0.01 0.028 0.15 0.07 Nitrite – N mg/L <0.005 0.011 <0.01 <0.002 0.012 <0.01 <0.002 0.006 <0.01 Nitrate and Nitrite – N mg/L <0.003 0.11 0.04 <0.003 0.175 <0.003 0.016 0.14 0.033 Total Dissolved Nitrogen µg/L – – – – – – 0.38 0.41 0.395 Total P2 mg/L 0.035 3.35 1.1 0.017 0.69 0.404 0.247 3.5 0.71 TDP mg/L 0.011 0.041 0.018 0.009 0.036 0.028 0.011 0.018 0.014 Phenols1 mg/L 0.003 0.005 0.0035 0.003 0.012 0.004 0.003 0.005 0.005 DOC mg/L 8.8 12.7 11 8.9 15 11 10 11.3 10.6 Naphthenic Acids mg/L <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 NOTES:





Parameter Unit

Big Creek Spring (2008–2010) Summer (2008–2010) Fall (2007–2010)

Min Max Median Min Max Median Min Max Median TDS mg/L 124 230 145 241 270 242 206 270 250 Conductivity (Lab) µS/cm at 25°C 207 380 240 410 420 417 349 380 360 Hardness mg/L 81 153 97.2 157 216 177 150 157 157 Total Alkalinity mg/L 18 63 27 41 210 87 66 137 110 TSS mg/L 6 1,500 1,500 6 368 11 2 47 21 Water Temperature °C 9.5 10.24 9.87 14.9 17.9 16.4 6.98 7.71 7.345 pH (Field) pH units 6.08 6.87 6.475 7.94 8.02 7.98 6.93 6.97 6.95 pH (Lab) pH units 7.27 7.86 7.44 7.9 8.24 8 7.47 7.85 7.7 Dissolved Oxygen (Field)2 mg/L 14.03 14.2 14.115 8.58 10.8 9.69 9.65 12.76 11.205 BOD mg/L <3 2 <3 <2 <2 <2 <2 <4 <2 Colour Colour units 15 50 40 24 57 30 41 67 48 Chlorophyll a µg/L 1 2.8 1.9 0.25 7 1.2 0.9 9.16 1.3 Calcium mg/L 20.3 41 25 39.4 62 44 37 43 38.2 Magnesium mg/L 7.3 12 8.6 14.2 16 15 12 15 14 Sodium mg/L 10.4 17 12 10 23 21 13 21 16 Potassium mg/L 1.5 3.1 1.5 1.5 2.2 2.1 2.2 2.7 2.7 Bicarbonate mg/L 22 77 33 50 260 110 81 167 140 Carbonate mg/L <0.5 3 <0.5 <0.5 <5 <0.5 <0.5 2.5 <0.5 Chloride mg/L 0.7 2 2 1 2 1 0.5 1 1 Sulphate (SO4) mg/L 72.8 120 79 24 139 130 45.6 110 67 Fluoride (F) mg/L – – – 0.48 0.48 0.48 0.5 0.5 0.5 Cyanide, Total mg/L – – – <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 Sulphide3 mg/L <0.002 0.018 0.009 <0.002 0.014 0.007 <0.002 0.022 0.01 TKN mg/L 0.44 2.8 0.89 0.59 0.9 0.68 0.4 0.9 0.63 Ammonium – N3 mg/L <0.05 0.06 0.0425 <0.04 0.06 <0.05 <0.036 0.13 <0.05 Nitrite – N mg/L <0.005 <0.01 <0.01 <0.002 <0.01 <0.01 <0.002 <0.01 <0.01 Nitrate and Nitrite – N mg/L <0.003 0.05 0.039 <0.003 0.067 <0.003 <0.003 0.008 0.003 Total Dissolved Nitrogen µg/L – – – – – – 0.65 0.65 0.65 Total P2 mg/L 0.039 1.26 0.31 0.029 0.333 0.06 0.029 0.162 0.038 TDP mg/L 0.012 0.032 0.022 0.019 0.021 0.02 0.016 0.022 0.019 Phenols1 mg/L 0.008 0.008 0.008 0.003 0.004 0.004 0.003 0.007 0.006 DOC mg/L 8.9 17.3 14 12 13 12 16 16 16 Naphthenic Acids mg/L <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 NOTES:





Parameter

Unit

First Creek 03-Jun-10 03-Aug-10 13-Oct-10

TDS mg/L 400 470 690 Specific Conductance (Field) µS/cm 846 865 850 Specific Conductance (Lab) µS/cm 610 820 940 Hardness mg/L 168 272 315 Total Alkalinity mg/L 32 140 8.3 TSS mg/L 4 2,300 1 Water Temperature °C 13.19 11.99 5.92 pH (Field) pH units 8.01 10.41 6.7 pH (Lab) pH units 6.76 7.51 6.6 Dissolved Oxygen2 mg/L 2.03 1.16 6.74 BOD mg/L <2 57 <2 Colour T.C.U. – – – Colour Pt Co units 27 74 35 Chlorophyll a µg/L 2.8 49 1.5 Calcium mg/L 37.8 72.5 72 Magnesium mg/L 17.5 26.1 33.4 Sodium mg/L 62.7 81.4 78.9 Potassium mg/L 6.14 17.9 8.63 Bicarbonate mg/L 39 170 10 Carbonate mg/L <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 Chloride mg/L 7 7 11 Sulphate (SO4) mg/L 240 200 400 Fluoride (F) mg/L – – – Cyanide, Total mg/L – – – Sulphide3 mg/L 0.017 0.16 0.017 TKN mg/L 1.1 – – Ammonium – N3 mg/L <0.05 0.2 0.1 Nitrite – N mg/L <0.003 <0.003 0.003 Nitrate mg/L 0.01 <0.003 0.19 Nitrate + Nitrite – N mg/L 0.003 <0.003 0.046 Total Dissolved Nitrogen µg/L – – – Total P2 mg/L 0.024 5.3 0.006 TDP mg/L 0.009 0.026 <0.001 Phenols1 mg/L 0.004 0.005 – DOC mg/L 19 40 20 Naphthenic Acids mg/L <1 <1 <1 TOC mg/L 19 62 21 Total Recoverable Hydrocarbons mg/L <2 <2 <2 NOTES:





Parameter Unit

Eymundson Creek (March 2009–Oct. 2010) Winter Spring Summer Fall

Min Max Median Min Max Median Min Max Median Min Max Median TDS (Measured) mg/L 433 436 434.5 146 290 212 230 320 280 213 400 270 TDS (Calculated) mg/L – – – 178 250 214 – – – 256 256 256 Specific Conductance (Field) µS/cm 329 391 360 99 494 353 318 936 466 328 846 488 Specific Conductance (Lab) µS/cm 682 690 686 161 490 350 300 450 410 345 610 400 Hardness mg/L 302 309 305.5 47.9 226 140 127 245 175 136 217 168.5 Total Alkalinity mg/L 343 348 345.5 38.8 150 60 61 230 220 64 258 153.5 TSS mg/L 56 73 64.5 6 64 9 8 450 37 6 57 29 Temperature °C 0.02 0.58 0.3 0.72 18.29 13 13.54 15.48 15.35 1.8 13.19 5.3 pH (Field) Units 6.44 6.74 6.59 6.54 7.84 7.64 10.34 10.86 10.74 6.2 8.01 7.34 pH (Lab) pH units 7.6 7.6 7.6 7.13 8 7.49 7.57 7.99 7.64 7.55 8 7.85 Dissolved Oxygen2 mg/L 0.72 1.83 1.275 4.88 11.76 8.35 0.55 9.25 3.25 3.44 13.63 4.68 BOD mg/L 12 16 14 <2 5 2 <3 3 1.5 <2 5 2.5 Colour T.C.U. 21 22 21.5 185 185 185 - - - 28 80 32 Colour Pt Co units - - - 20 66 59 30 180 51 26 59 59 Chlorophyll a µg/L <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 6.2 0.8 2.4 15 7.5 <1.0 55 12 Calcium mg/L 87.7 89.7 88.7 12.2 58.6 35.4 34.4 56 41.9 31 59.5 43.1 Magnesium mg/L 20.1 20.6 20.35 4.23 17.5 11.4 11 16.6 15.4 12 17.5 14.15 Sodium mg/L 25 25 25 7.9 26.1 18.5 14.7 29.3 19.3 15 62.7 18.5 Potassium mg/L 4.6 4.9 4.75 1.9 7.12 5.49 2 5.3 3.7 1.5 7.3 5.57 Bicarbonate mg/L 419 424 421.5 47.4 190 73 74 290 270 78 314 187 Carbonate mg/L <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 Chloride mg/L 3 4 3.5 2 4 3 2 5 2 3 7 3 Sulphate (SO4) mg/L 38.5 39.7 39.1 24.8 122 85 <1.0 87 14 9.4 240 47 Sulphide3 mg/L 0.002 0.005 0.0035 <0.003 0.036 0.017 <0.002 0.052 0.017 <0.002 0.053 0.021 TKN mg/L 2 2.2 2.1 0.71 2.07 1.2 - - - 0.5 1.1 0.8 Ammonium – N3 mg/L 0.87 0.89 0.88 <0.05 0.077 <0.050 <0.05 0.18 0.06 <0.05 0.15 <0.05 Nitrite – N mg/L <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.003 <0.05 <0.05 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.05 <0.05 Nitrate – N mg/L <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 0.02 0.111 0.05 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 0.05 0.05 Nitrate + Nitrite – N mg/L <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 0.004 0.111 0.05 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.1 <0.1 Total P2 mg/L 0.398 0.4 0.399 0.066 0.58 0.21 0.094 0.62 0.41 0.053 0.251 0.125 TDP mg/L 0.009 0.074 0.0415 0.014 0.171 0.041 0.012 0.16 0.029 0.006 0.227 0.026 Phenols1 mg/L 0.173 0.286 0.2295 0.004 0.0222 0.007 0.003 0.006 0.005 0.004 0.012 0.0065 DOC mg/L 23 25 24 14 23.4 21.9 14 36 18 15 24 17 Naphthenic acids mg/L 3 3 3 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 TOC mg/L 24 27 25.5 14 23.4 22 16 38 20 16 26 18 Total Recoverable Hydrocarbons

mg/L – – – <1.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0

NOTES:




Table 5-8 Conventional and Parameters and Naphthenic Acids in LSA Watercourses (cont’d)

Parameter Unit

Asphalt Creek (Sept. 2006–Oct. 2010) Spring Summer Fall

Min Max Median Min Max Median Min Max Median TDS mg/L 214 220 220 240 272 241.5 TDS (Calculated) mg/L 236 236 236 180 240 210 258 258 258 Conductivity µS/cm 140 350 349 242 324 283 336 520 348.5 Specific Conductance µS/cm 241 375 355 240 310 275 340 450 356 Hardness mg/L 84 144 141.5 101 145 123 134 172 138 Total Alkalinity mg/L 41.3 59 54.5 54 57 55.5 62 98 88 TSS mg/L 58 161 100 340 660 500 7 17 10 Water Temperature °C 0.18 16.14 15.57 14.92 16.19 15.555 1.78 5.79 3.945 pH (Field) pH units 7.07 8.33 8.31 11.19 11.4 11.295 7.35 8.32 7.985 pH (Lab) pH units 7.69 8 7.7 7.64 7.79 7.715 7.85 8.1 8 Dissolved Oxygen2 mg/L 7.71 16.88 7.75 9.23 11.06 10.145 12.12 13.55 12.605 BOD mg/L <2 2.4 <2 <2 <3 <2.5 <2 4 <2 Colour T.C.U. 0 126 0 0 0 0 0 82 0 Colour Pt Co units 0 66 31.5 53 65 59 0 70 0 Chlorophyll a µg/L 0.5 1.7 0.7 0.7 3 1.85 <0.5 <1.0 <0.75 Calcium mg/L 21.5 37.6 36.2 27.2 34.2 30.7 34 44.2 35.1 Magnesium mg/L 7.37 12.2 12.1 8.66 11.2 9.93 11.1 14.9 12 Sodium mg/L 10 21 19.25 11.2 17.7 14.45 18 24.1 18 Potassium mg/L 1.87 2.13 1.94 1.17 2.2 1.685 1.4 2.3 1.58 Bicarbonate mg/L 50.4 72 66.5 66 70 68 75 119 108 Carbonate mg/L <0.5 <5.0 <2.75 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <5.0 <5.0 Chloride mg/L 1.99 3 2.5 2 2 2 3 4 4 Sulphate (SO4) mg/L 64.1 125 110 62 98 80 71.5 110 96 Sulphide3 mg/L <0.002 0.037 0.0158 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 0.019 0.0135 TKN mg/L 0.6 1.56 0.895 – – – 0.4 0.6 0.5 Ammonium – N3 mg/L <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 0.05 0.08 0.065 <0.05 0.12 <0.05 Nitrite – N mg/L <0.003 <0.05 <0.0265 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.05 <0.05 Nitrate mg/L 0.02 0.05 0.0275 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.1 <0.1 Nitrate + Nitrite – N mg/L 0.004 0.05 0.0208 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.1 <0.1 Total P2 0.12 0.206 0.14 0.26 0.61 0.435 0.05 0.13 0.08 TDP mg/L 0.027 0.0357 0.03 0.015 0.034 0.0245 0.013 0.097 0.0295 Phenols1 mg/L 0.004 0.0142 0.006 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.004 0.008 0.005 DOC mg/L 15 24.1 15 15 17 16 15 17 16 Naphthenic acids mg/L <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <2 <1.5 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 TOC mg/L 16 24.9 16 19 19 19 16 855 17 Total Recoverable Hydrocarbons

mg/L <1 <2 <2 <2 <2 <2 <1 <2 <2

NOTES:




Table 5-9 Proportion of Major Ions in LSA Watercourses and Athabasca River

Parameter

Unnamed Creek 18 (FSTR01) Unnamed Creek 17

(FSTR03) Redclay Creek Upstream (FSTR05) Sep-07 May-08 Jul-08 Sep-08 Sep-07 May-08 Sep-07 May-08 Jul-08 Sep-08

Total cations (µeq/L) 4,853 4,361 6,127 6,031 6,211 6,833 4,486 4,352 7,445 6,345 Total anions (µeq/L) 5,117 4,408 5,940 5,635 6,300 6,926 4,652 3,920 7,211 6,207 Proportion (%) of Cationic Charge Attributable to Each Ion Calcium 62.0 61.9 61.7 60.0 47.2 53.0 50.0 48.6 51.1 49.6 Magnesium 25.6 23.2 25.6 27.1 34.4 33.8 29.7 29.1 26.0 27.1 Sodium 11.6 13.9 12.1 12.3 15.5 10.6 19.0 20.6 22.2 22.6 Potassium 0.8 1.1 0.6 0.6 2.8 2.5 1.3 1.7 0.7 0.7 Proportion (%) of Anionic Charge Attributable to Each Ion Bicarbonate 62.1 33.1 54.9 66.3 32.8 0.6 15.5 7.1 25.0 36.4 Carbonate 2.0 2.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 5.3 2.1 2.6 1.2 1.3 Chloride 0.1 0.9 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.4 0.5 1.1 3.1 4.5 Sulphate 35.8 63.7 43.4 31.9 65.4 93.7 81.9 89.2 70.7 57.7 NOTE: Percentage totals may not add up to 100% due to rounding.



Table 5-9 Proportion of Major Ions in LSA Watercourses and Athabasca River (cont’d)

Parameter

Big Creek (FBIG) Asphalt Creek Eymundson

Creek First Creek Athabasca

River

May-08 Jul-08 Sep-08

Median Summer

(2006–2010)

Median Summer

(2006–2010) 3-Aug-10 Fall Median

Values Total cations (µeq/L) 2,104 4,085 4,121 3,672 4,028 9,760 3,320 Total anions (µeq/L) 1,995 3,824 3,798 3,452 3,940 7,154 3,343 Proportion (%) of Cationic Charge Attributable to each Ion Calcium 48.1 48.1 46.2 49.2 49.4 37.0 50.6 Magnesium 28.6 28.6 29.9 26.9 26.2 22.0 23.8 Sodium 21.5 22.4 22.2 22.6 21.5 36.3 24.7 Potassium 1.8 0.9 1.7 1.3 2.9 4.7 0.8 Proportion (%) of Anionic Charge Attributable to each Ion Bicarbonate 18.1 21.4 72.1 31.8 52.2 39.0 68.2 Carbonate 5.0 2.2 2.2 0.2 0.2 0.1 2.5 Chloride 1.0 1.0 0.7 0.7 1.6 2.1 2.8 Sulphate (SO4) 75.9 75.6 25.0 66.3 45.4 58.2 15.9 NOTE: Percentage totals may not add up to 100% due to rounding.



Table 5-10 Total Metals in LSA Watercourses

Parameter

Unit

Streams Draining to Ronald Lake (Unnamed Creeks 17,18) Spring (2008–2010) Summer (2008–2010) Fall (2007–2010)

Min Max Median Min Max Median Min Max Median Aluminum1 mg/L 0.011 25.8 0.051 0.03 3.28 0.3 0.01 39.8 0.456 Antimony mg/L <0.0002 0.0007 <0.0002 <0.0002 0.0008 0.0006 <0.0002 0.001 <0.0004 Arsenic1 mg/L 0.00020 0.015 0.0006 0.0004 0.0043 0.0024 0.0003 0.04 0.0015 Barium4 mg/L 0.02 0.507 0.074 0.02 0.107 0.08 0.016 0.907 0.048 Beryllium mg/L <0.0001 0.002 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.0001 0.0025 <0.001 Bismuth mg/L <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 – – – <0.0005 <0.001 <0.00075 Boron mg/L 0.06 0.186 0.15 0.06 0.11 0.09 0.08 0.17 0.09 Cadmium mg/L 0.000008 0.0019 0.0001 0.000014 0.0006 0.00052 0.000013 0.00452 0.0001 Calcium mg/L 46 72 59.3 63 77.8 65 62 69.3 66 Chromium1 mg/L <0.0005 0.0504 <0.001 <0.001 0.004 <0.001 <0.001 0.0853 0.0025 Cobalt mg/L <0.0003 0.013 0.001 <0.0003 0.007 0.0016 <0.0003 0.0278 0.0048 Copper1 mg/L <0.001 0.037 0.0005 0.0003 0.008 0.0035 0.0003 0.08 0.003 Iron1 mg/L <0.06 31.1 0.2 0.15 6.19 2.1 0.03 64.2 1.53 Lead3 mg/L <0.0001 0.019 <0.0002 <0.0002 0.0037 0.0012 <0.0002 0.034 0.0005 Lithium mg/L 0.04 0.114 0.071 0.02 0.06 0.03 0.03 0.159 0.06 Magnesium mg/L 15 27.5 17 17 22 19.8 18 22 18.2 Manganese4 mg/L 0.05 0.376 0.294 0.088 0.37 0.161 0.068 0.629 0.23 Molybdenum mg/L 0.0003 0.02 0.0005 0.0001 0.01 0.006 0.0001 0.026 0.005 Nickel3 mg/L 0.0012 0.0646 0.0223 0.0012 0.026 0.012 0.0011 0.117 0.0166 Potassium mg/L 6.9 9.9 7.2 1.4 3.6 3.1 1.7 4.3 4.1 Selenium1 mg/L <0.0002 0.0022 <0.0002 0.0001 0.0019 0.0007 <0.0002 0.012 0.0013 Silicon mg/L 1.3 30.3 2 3.4 4.1 3.75 1.64 51 11.4 Silver1 mg/L <0.00001 0.00029 <0.0001 <0.0001 0.0002 <0.0001 <0.0001 0.0006 0.0001 Sodium mg/L 10 16.5 14 13 17 15 12 16 14 Strontium mg/L 0.16 0.393 0.344 0.18 0.29 0.235 0.21 0.398 0.29 Sulphur mg/L 39 105 48.9 26 54 40 30 62.5 50.25 Thallium1 mg/L <0.00005 0.0012 <0.0002 <0.0002 0.0004 0.0002 <0.00005 0.0026 <0.0002 Tin mg/L <0.001 0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.025 <0.001 <0.001 0.025 <0.001 Titanium mg/L <0.001 0.36 0.0066 <0.001 0.037 0.005 <0.001 0.323 0.013 Uranium mg/L <0.0001 0.0061 <0.0005 <0.0001 0.004 0.0026 <0.0001 0.0083 0.0019 Vanadium5 mg/L 0.0001 0.186 0.001 <0.001 0.027 0.003 <0.001 0.31 0.0024 Zinc1 mg/L 0.005 0.17 0.05 0.0015 0.07 0.013 0.0015 0.358 0.016 Total Mercury (Low level)2

ng/L <0.6 1 0.65 1.1 14.3 7.7 <0.6 19.8 10.05

Methyl Mercury ng/L <0.03 0.06 0.0375 <0.03 0.29 0.1525 <0.03 0.04 0.0275 Total Silver (Low level)1 µg/L 0.0029 0.268 0.13545 0.0029 0.0562 0.02955 0.0034 0.102 0.0527 NOTES:




Table 5-10 Total Metals in LSA Watercourses (cont’d)

Parameter

Units

Redclay Creek Spring (2008–2010) Summer (2008–2010) Fall (2007–2010)

Min Max Median Min Max Median Min Max Median Aluminum1 mg/L 0.007 148 136 0.006 7.59 1.7 0.084 115 18 Antimony mg/L <0.0002 <0.004 <0.004 <0.0002 0.0005 0.0004 0.0001 0.0007 0.0004 Arsenic1 mg/L 0.0005 0.095 0.093 <0.0002 0.0059 0.0047 0.0003 0.0965 0.0086 Barium4 mg/L 0.02 2.61 2.41 0.03 0.155 0.128 0.02 2.28 0.27 Beryllium mg/L <0.001 0.009 0.008 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.0087 <0.001 Bismuth mg/L <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.001 0.001 0.00075 Boron mg/L 0.1 0.44 0.4 0.11 0.22 0.12 0.12 0.408 0.17 Cadmium mg/L 0.000007 0.001 0.0006 <0.000005 0.0005 0.00036 0.000014 0.00365 0.00062 Calcium mg/L 56 79.9 77.1 50 81.8 70 62 77 63.6 Chromium1 mg/L <0.001 0.245 0.225 <0.001 0.012 0.003 <0.001 0.204 0.024 Cobalt mg/L <0.0003 0.1 0.097 <0.0003 0.014 0.0071 <0.0003 0.0903 0.013 Copper1 mg/L 0.0002 0.26 0.23 0.0002 0.019 0.011 0.0006 0.21 0.023 Iron1 mg/L 1.5 222 201 1.1 14.4 7.9 1.3 188 25 Lead3 mg/L <0.0002 0.14 0.13 <0.0002 0.009 0.0057 0.0003 0.087 0.012 Lithium mg/L 0.05 0.33 0.3 0.04 0.08 0.05 0.05 0.341 0.09 Magnesium mg/L 16 55.4 51.4 17 26 20 19 35 21.2 Manganese4 mg/L 0.2 3.64 3.28 0.2 1.08 0.479 0.17 3.1 0.93 Molybdenum mg/L <0.0002 <0.02 <0.02 <0.0002 0.005 <0.005 <0.0002 0.02 0.0037 Nickel3 mg/L 0.0005 0.332 0.31 0.0005 0.051 0.027 0.0016 0.3 0.056 Potassium mg/L 3.6 32.2 31.3 2 5.2 3 2.9 10 3.5 Selenium1 mg/L <0.0002 0.01 0.002 <0.0002 0.0014 0.0004 <0.0002 0.012 0.001 Silicon mg/L 3.5 175 53.4 5 5.8 5.3 4.6 103 54 Silver1 mg/L <0.0001 0.0013 0.00064 <0.0001 0.0002 0.00005 <0.0001 0.0005 0.0002 Sodium mg/L 15 23.1 21.5 15 38 24 17 34 29 Strontium mg/L 0.2 1.1 1 0.26 0.29 0.28 0.25 1 0.54 Sulphur mg/L 29 88.8 82.8 28 48 42 28 93 72.6 Thallium1 mg/L <0.0002 0.0032 0.0031 <0.0002 0.0003 <0.0002 <0.0002 0.00202 0.0003 Tin mg/L <0.001 <0.02 <0.02 <0.001 0.025 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.002 Titanium mg/L <0.001 0.63 0.318 <0.001 0.059 0.027 0.002 0.468 0.097 Uranium mg/L <0.0001 0.02 0.02 <0.0001 0.003 0.0025 <0.0001 0.012 0.0024 Vanadium5 mg/L 0.001 0.569 0.547 <0.001 0.035 0.01 0.001 0.486 0.071 Zinc1 mg/L <0.003 1.1 0.97 <0.03 0.093 0.053 0.003 0.996 0.12 Total Mercury (Low level)2 ng/L <0.6 <0.6 <0.6 0.7 15.5 11.1 <0.6 10.8 2 Methyl Mercury ng/L <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 Total Silver (Low level)1 µg/L 0.0031 0.188 0.168 0.0016 0.0729 0.0597 0.0176 0.109 0.0807 NOTES:





Parameter

Unit

Big Creek and Tributaries Spring (2008–2010) Summer (2008–2010) Fall (2007–2010)

Min Max Median Min Max Median Min Max Median Aluminum1 mg/L 0.11 48.7 2.5 0.018 4.86 0.1 0.02 1.3 0.160 Antimony mg/L <0.0002 0.0004 <0.0004 <0.0002 0.0003 <0.0004 <0.0002 0.0003 <0.0004 Arsenic1 mg/L 0.0007 0.0281 0.0067 0.0007 0.005 0.0012 0.0005 0.0022 0.001 Barium4 mg/L 0.04 0.768 0.16 0.02 0.107 0.06 0.023 0.05 0.040 Beryllium mg/L <0.001 0.0029 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 Bismuth mg/L <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 – – – – – – Boron mg/L 0.06 0.19 0.09 0.07 0.13 0.12 0.08 0.1 0.080 Cadmium mg/L 0.000012 0.00099 0.00058 <0.000005 – 0.000043 0.000005 – 0.000075 Calcium mg/L 30 40 30 41 62 44 34.9 45 38.0 Chromium1 mg/L <0.001 0.0871 0.003 <0.001 0.005 <0.001 <0.001 0.0025 0.002 Cobalt mg/L <0.0003 0.0292 0.007 <0.0003 0.008 0.0006 <0.0003 0.0033 0.002 Copper1 mg/L 0.0008 0.076 0.02 0.0004 0.011 0.0027 0.0005 0.0034 0.001 Iron1 mg/L 0.68 69.8 10 0.76 9.46 1.1 0.56 4.24 4.20 Lead3 mg/L <0.0002 0.0427 0.0039 <0.0002 0.0059 0.0004 <0.0002 0.0014 0.0002 Lithium mg/L 0.03 0.097 0.04 0.03 0.05 0.04 0.04 0.06 0.040 Magnesium mg/L 10 18 13 15.2 16 16 13 14 13.0 Manganese4 mg/L 0.11 1.38 0.28 0.057 0.19 0.095 0.12 0.962 0.660 Molybdenum mg/L 0.0003 0.006 0.0021 0.0006 0.0028 0.0025 0.0003 0.0025 0.002 Nickel3 mg/L 0.0022 0.109 0.032 0.0024 0.036 0.0093 0.0026 0.015 0.006 Potassium mg/L 2 16 3.2 2.1 3.2 2.3 2.6 2.9 2.700 Selenium1 mg/L <0.0002 0.0041 0.0005 <0.0002 0.001 0.0003 <0.0002 0.0006 0.000 Silicon mg/L 3.6 42.3 5.7 4.1 5.5 4.8 5.1 6 5.550 Sodium mg/L 12 17 12 10 23 19 14 20 16.000 Strontium mg/L 0.15 0.345 0.16 0.18 0.18 0.18 0.16 0.16 0.160 Sulphur mg/L 29 38 34.2 7.7 44 25.85 21 35 28.000 Thallium1 mg/L <0.0002 0.0012 <0.0002 <0.0002 0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0001 <0.0002 <0.0002 Tin mg/L <0.001 <0.002 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.001 Titanium mg/L 0.003 0.223 0.01 <0.001 0.036 0.002 <0.001 0.011 0.005 Uranium mg/L <0.0001 0.0054 0.0022 0.0003 0.0013 0.001 0.0001 0.0008 0.0002 Vanadium5 mg/L 0.002 0.216 0.012 <0.001 0.02 <0.001 <0.001 0.005 <0.001 Zinc1 mg/L 0.004 0.325 0.076 <0.0003 0.062 0.004 <0.003 0.034 0.002 Total Mercury (Low Level)2 ng/L 0.6 48 24.3 1 3.4 2.2 <0.6 6.4 3.350 Methyl Mercury ng/L <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 Total Silver (low level)1 µg/L 0.0028 0.0879 0.04535 0.0014 0.0112 0.0063 0.0104 0.02 0.015 NOTES:





Parameter

Unit

First Creek 3-Jun-10 3-Aug-10 13-Oct-10

Aluminum1 mg/L 0.0118 1.86 0.0491

Antimony mg/L 0.00011 <0.001 0.00014

Arsenic1 mg/L 0.00051 0.069 0.00031

Barium4 mg/L 0.0377 0.796 0.0603

Beryllium mg/L 0.00001 0.0009 0.00004

Bismuth mg/L <0.000005 <0.002 <0.000005

Boron mg/L 0.22 0.4 0.26

Cadmium mg/L 0.000027 0.00112 0.000261

Chromium1 mg/L 0.0002 0.007 0.0002

Cobalt mg/L 0.00429 0.262 0.0054

Copper1 mg/L 0.00051 0.0088 0.00063

Iron1 mg/L 1.1 522 0.446 Lead3 mg/L 0.000027 0.0017 0.000006

Lithium mg/L 0.0634 – 0.0947

Manganese4 mg/L 0.432 41.3 0.531 Mercury2 mg/L <0.0000006 <0.0000006 0.000004

Methyl Mercury ng/L <0.00000003 0.00000005 –

Molybdenum mg/L 0.00015 0.005 0.00009

Nickel3 mg/L 0.0109 0.169 0.0326

Selenium1 mg/L 0.0001 0.003 0.00009

Silicon mg/L 1.2 9.5 5.3

Silver1 mg/L 0.0000013 0.0000347 <0.000005

Sulphur mg/L 91 75 176

Thallium1 mg/L 0.000003 <0.0001 0.000005

Thorium mg/L – – –

Tin mg/L 0.00001 <0.01 <0.00001

Titanium mg/L <0.0005 0.02 <0.0005

Uranium mg/L 0.000012 0.0015 0.000013

Vanadium5 mg/L <0.0002 0.03 <0.0002

Zinc1 mg/L 0.0123 0.33 0.0928 Zirconium mg/L – 0.01 0.0003

NOTES: Bolded and shaded values represent exceedances of chronic CCME Water Quality Guidelines1 (CCME 2011, Internet site), Alberta

Environment chronic Surface Water Quality Guidelines2 (AENV 1999), U.S. EPA chronic criteria3 (U.S. EPA 2009, Internet site), Health Canada Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality4 (Health Canada 2010) or CCME Guidelines for Protection of Agricultural Uses5 (CCME 2011, Internet site). See Tables 5-5 to 5-7 for applicable water and sediment quality guidelines. – = No data collected




Parameter

Unit

Eymundson Creek Winter Spring Summer Fall

Min Max Median Min Max Median Min Max Median Min Max Median Aluminum1 mg/L 0.147 0.337 0.242 0.0572 7.9 0.302 0.033 5.87 0.053 0.03 1.86 0.3775 Antimony mg/L 0.0000932 0.0000936 0.0000934 0.00012 0.0008 0.0002 0.00025 0.00025 0.00025 0.00006 0.0012 0.0002 Arsenic1 mg/L 0.00579 0.00631 0.00605 0.00129 0.0075 0.0021 0.0028 0.0095 0.0068 0.001 0.00509 0.0025 Barium4 mg/L 0.0794 0.0839 0.08165 0.0295 0.134 0.0339 0.045 0.137 0.05 0.0233 0.0528 0.0424 Beryllium mg/L 0.0000177 0.0000331 0.0000254 <0.00001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.0001 0.0004 <0.0001 0.000005 0.0005 0.0005 Bismuth mg/L 0.0000074 0.0000111 0.00000925 <0.000005 0.00005 0.000017 <0.001 <0.001 0.001 <0.000005 <0.0001 <0.0001 Boron mg/L 0.123 0.125 0.124 0.069 0.15 0.11 0.09 0.15 0.14 0.08 0.22 0.11 Cadmium mg/L 0.0000253 0.00005 0.00003765 0.000013 <0.0002 <0.0002 0.000005 0.00032 0.000005 0.000009 0.0001 0.0001 Chromium1 mg/L 0.000976 0.00122 0.001098 0.0003 0.01 0.0004 <0.001 0.009 <0.001 0.0001 0.0025 0.0009 Cobalt mg/L 0.00188 0.00231 0.002095 <0.002 0.007 0.0014 0.0008 0.0067 0.0032 0.000514 0.00429 0.00156 Copper1 mg/L 0.000925 0.00392 0.0024225 0.00083 0.008 0.0022 0.0007 0.0142 0.0014 0.00039 0.004 0.0019 Iron1 mg/L 14.7 14.7 14.7 1.47 16.7 4.37 1.76 20.7 12.1 1.19 12.3 4.165 Lead3 mg/L 0.000559 0.000856 0.0007075 0.000071 0.004 0.00045 <0.0002 0.0073 <0.0002 <0.0002 0.0014 0.00060 Lithium mg/L 0.0501 0.0502 0.05015 0.0172 0.05 0.04 – – – 0.029 0.0634 0.0406 Manganese4 mg/L 1.52 1.55 1.535 0.102 1.49 0.181 0.475 2.19 0.945 0.122 1.54 0.431 Mercury2 mg/L 0.0000029 0.000004 0.00000345 <0.0000006 <0.0002 <0.00010 <0.0000006 0.0000018 <0.0000006 0.000004 <0.0002 <0.0001 Methyl Mercury

ng/L <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 <0.1

Molybdenum mg/L 0.0004 0.0005 0.00045 0.00047 0.0025 0.00086 <0.001 0.002 0.001 0.0005 0.0025 0.00071 Nickel3 mg/L 0.000937 0.00172 0.0013285 0.00768 0.015 0.0114 0.005 0.029 0.006 0.00356 0.013 0.00775 Selenium1 mg/L 0.000392 0.000442 0.000417 0.00026 0.0009 0.00044 0.0002 0.0007 0.0006 0.00018 0.0012 0.0009 Silicon mg/L – – – 2.4 3.9 2.9 1.3 16 5.5 0.7 3.1 3.1 Silver1 mg/L 0.00002 0.000023 0.0000215 0.0000018 <0.0004 <0.0004 0.0000222 0.0000935 0.0000442 <0.000005 0.000974 0.0002 Sulphur mg/L – – – 33 39 37 10 29 10 5 91 32 Thallium1 mg/L 0.0000078 0.0000112 0.0000095 0.000003 0.00005 0.00005 0.000025 0.00022 0.000025 0.000002 <0.0001 <0.0001 Tin mg/L <0.00003 <0.00003 <0.00003 <0.00001 <0.05 <0.0004 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.00001 <0.05 <0.0004 Titanium mg/L 0.00557 0.00687 0.00622 0.0017 0.119 0.0063 0.0025 0.261 0.0025 0.0012 0.055 0.007 Uranium mg/L 0.000261 0.00034 0.0003005 0.000107 0.0013 0.000701 0.0002 0.0013 0.0007 0.0004 0.0017 0.0005985 Vanadium5 mg/L 0.000973 0.00134 0.0011565 0.0005 0.025 0.00168 <0.005 0.021 0.0025 <0.0002 0.007 0.00175 Zinc1 mg/L 0.00422 0.00729 0.005755 0.0051 0.027 0.0205 <0.005 0.058 0.008 <0.004 0.0123 0.0085 NOTES:





Parameter

Unit

Asphalt Creek Spring Summer Fall

Min Max Median Min Max Median Min Max Median Aluminum1 mg/L 0.397 8.18 1.1825 0.657 7.5 4.0785 0.169 1.54 0.33 Antimony mg/L <0.0004 0.0007 0.00024 0.00019 0.00025 0.00022 0.00013 0.0011 0.0002 Arsenic1 mg/L 0.00191 0.0028 0.002185 0.00338 0.009 0.00619 0.0013 0.0024 0.00136 Barium4 mg/L 0.0279 0.094 0.04175 0.0415 0.178 0.110 0.0201 0.04 0.0216 Beryllium mg/L 0.00009 0.0005 0.000295 0.00018 0.0005 0.00034 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 Bismuth mg/L 0.000013 0.00014 0.000015 0.000015 0.0005 0.0002575 <0.00001 <0.0001 <0.00006 Boron mg/L 0.06 0.13 0.09 0.06 0.11 0.085 0.08 0.17 0.1 Cadmium mg/L 0.000071 0.00022 0.000104 0.000178 0.00039 0.000284 0.000054 <0.0002 0.000081 Chromium1 mg/L 0.0007 0.012 0.00234 0.0012 0.013 0.0071 0.0003 <0.005 <0.0008 Cobalt mg/L <0.002 0.00635 0.00153 0.00341 0.0093 0.006355 0.000751 <0.002 0.0008 Copper1 mg/L 0.0042 0.0076 0.0057 0.00748 0.0235 0.01549 0.00199 0.004 0.002 Iron1 mg/L 2.01 6.31 4.1 3.56 19 11.28 2.17 3.45 2.72 Lead3 mg/L 0.00108 0.0036 0.00241 0.00192 0.0126 0.00726 0.000376 0.0011 0.0005 Lithium mg/L 0.0235 0.05 0.0355 0.0252 0.0252 0.0252 0.029 0.06 0.0381 Manganese4 mg/L 0.0872 0.486 0.102 0.183 0.451 0.317 0.058 0.163 0.103 Mercury2 mg/L 0.0000046 0.0001 0.00002875 <0.0000006 <0.0000006 <0.0000006 0.000002 <0.0001 0.00006 Methyl Mercury ng/L <0.030 <0.030 <0.030 <0.030 <0.030 <0.030 – – – Molybdenum mg/L 0.00088 <0.005 0.00129 0.00092 0.002 0.00146 0.00097 0.0015 0.0011 Nickel3 mg/L 0.012 0.0218 0.013 0.015 0.034 0.0245 0.0089 0.013 0.0106 Selenium1 mg/L 0.0002 0.0005 0.000375 0.00027 0.0009 0.000585 0.00019 0.001 0.0005 Silicon mg/L 3.1 3.7 3.4 3.2 16 9.6 4.8 4.9 4.85 Silver1 mg/L 0.0000303 <0.0004 0.000118 0.0000654 0.00011 0.0000857 0.0000025 0.00216 0.00010 Sulphur mg/L 38 40 39 22 33 27.5 37 38 37.5 Thallium1 mg/L 0.000029 0.0001 0.00004 0.000048 0.00031 0.000179 0.000016 0.00005 0.00005 Tin mg/L 0.00001 <0.05 0.00011 0.00001 0.0025 0.001255 <0.00001 <0.05 <0.0004 Titanium mg/L 0.0038 0.259 0.0162 0.0046 0.129 0.0668 0.0014 0.039 0.006 Uranium mg/L 0.00062 0.0011 0.0007065 0.000682 0.0017 0.001191 0.000503 0.0016 0.0007 Vanadium5 mg/L 0.0017 0.025 0.0042 0.0029 0.027 0.01495 0.0006 0.006 0.0014 Zinc1 mg/L 0.0159 0.0414 0.0217 0.0303 0.09 0.06015 0.008 0.013 0.0098 NOTES:

Bolded and shaded values represent exceedances of chronic CCME Water Quality Guidelines1 (CCME 2011, Internet site), Alberta Environment chronic Surface Water Quality Guidelines2 (AENV 1999), U.S. EPA chronic criteria3 (U.S. EPA 2009, Internet site), Health Canada Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality4 (Health Canada 2010) or CCME Guidelines for Protection of Agricultural Uses5 (CCME 2011, Internet site). See Tables 5-5 to 5-7 for applicable water and sediment quality guidelines. – = No data collected.



Table 5-11 Hydrocarbons in LSA Watercourses

Substance

Unit

Eymundson Creek EY 1 EY 2 EY 2 EY 3 EY 3 EY 3

03-Aug-10 02-Mar-09 22-Apr-09 19-Oct-08 02-Mar-09 22-Apr-09 Benzene µg/L <0.4 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5

Ethylbenzene µg/L <0.4 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5

Toluene µg/L 0.7 1.45 0.7 <0.5 1.02 0.6

Xylenes µg/L <0.8 <0.5 <0.5 0.61 <0.5 <0.5

F1 (C6-C10) mg/L <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1

F1 (C6-C10) – BTEX mg/L <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1

F2 (C10-C16) mg/L <0.1 <0.05 – <0.05 <0.05 –

F3 (C16-C34) mg/L <0.1 <0.05 – <0.05 0.2 –

F4 (C34-C50) mg/L <0.1 <0.05 – <0.05 0.07 –

o-Xylene mg/L <0.0004 – – – – –

NOTES: No detectable hydrocarbons were detected in the north part of the LSA – = No data collected



Table 5-12 PAHs and Alkyl PAHs in LSA Watercourses

Substance (ng/L)

Unnamed Creek 18 (FSTR01)


Redclay Creek U/S (FRST05)

27-May- 10

25-Aug-10

5-Oct- 10

27-May- 10

27-May-10

27-May-10

25-Aug-10

5-Oct- 10

Naphthalene 10.2 12.8 11.2 6.491 13.1 10.6 11.1 8.4 Acenaphthylene 0.3411 0.4001 0.2681 <0.2 0.4941 0.3911 <0.488 0.2951 Acenaphthene 9.41 2.55 2.15 <0.634 24.2 19.7 4.15 8.44 C2 Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes 68.3 7.64 18.3 <0.426 186 150 22.5 64.2 Fluorene 2.1 1.361 1.18 <0.202 3.49 2.75 1.02 1.49 Phenanthrene 8.4 3.94 3.79 <0.872 12.8 9.48 3.31 4.96 Anthracene <1.19 0.23 0.316 <0.929 <2.9 9.62 0.263 <0.374 C1 Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes 42 6.26 11.9 <0.353 101 84.3 13 39.5 Fluoranthene 10.7 1.53 3.25 <0.27 38.2 30.8 4.84 18.9 Pyrene 23.2 3.2 6.6 0.1911 80.5 3 66.2 3 8.48 34.5 3 Benz[a]anthracene 3.931 0.2361 1.03 <0.126 10.8 10.6 1.571 4.57 Chrysene 24.5 2.89 7.11 <0.151 68.6 57 8.26 26.6 Benzo[b]fluoranthene 24.4 3.22 6.8 <0.014 77.9 68 9.94 32.4 Benzo[j,k]fluoranthenes 3.55 <0.267 1.71 <0.173 7.24 10.7 0.5131 5.86 Benzo[a]pyrene 6.24 0.636 2.09 <0.24 25.8 2,3 24.3 2,3 3.28 1 13.6 2 Dibenz[a,h]anthracene 3.361 0.4781 1.061 <0.324 14.31 11.1 1.52 5.071 Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene 9.67 1.191 2.44 <0.221 24.9 23.4 3.37 8.94 Benzo[ghi]perylene 22.9 2.72 5.77 <0.24 63.3 58.9 8.49 22.9 C1-Naphthalenes 18.2 11.9 9.97 3.38 21.3 16.6 11 10.1 Biphenyl 2.19 2.351 2.15 1.43 2.441 1.751 2.491 1.82 C1-Biphenyls 4.4 <0.23 6.84 13.5 3.4 4.06 2.05 8.74 C2-Biphenyls 70.3 <0.192 60.8 182 73.8 108 0.415 83.6 C2-Naphthalenes 72.1 17.7 19.8 60.5 105 88.4 23.3 34.3 C3-Naphthalenes 109 17.9 25.9 <0.708 223 185 32.5 67 C4-Naphthalenes 94.5 23.6 21.3 <0.813 190 169 36.8 60.6 C1-Acenaphthenes 2.36 6.7 0.307 <0.362 4.38 4.18 2.66 1.23 C1-Fluorenes 29.9 67.6 9.85 8.14 50.1 45.7 17.3 21.7 C2-Fluorenes 69.1 31.7 13.5 3.15 185 159 34.3 46 C3-Fluorenes 147 55.6 16.6 1.19 332 292 46.9 66.7 Dibenzothiophene 2.491 0.7821 0.9491 3.111 3.651 2.501 1.041 1.571 C1-Dibenzothiophenes 3.78 <1.06 2.6 <0.199 5.93 <1.47 <2.79 2.14 C2-Dibenzothiophenes 38.7 8.89 8.74 <0.216 84.3 60.1 13.8 23.6 C3-Dibenzothiophenes 29.8 12.3 11.8 <0.297 64.3 88.2 13.9 42 C4-Dibenzothiophenes 16.8 7.77 5.31 0.436 40.8 37.4 6.89 10.4 C3-Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes 46.4 43 17.7 <0.134 120 104 71.4 53.7 Retene 147 10.5 38.1 0.364 335 268 30.8 156 C4-Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes 59.9 29.1 75.5 0.408 182 178 79 274 C1-Fluoranthenes/Pyrenes 157 15.1 57.8 3.28 576 491 63.6 317 C2-Fluoranthenes/Pyrenes 166 18.8 52.4 1.33 503 458 59.3 215 C3-Fluoranthenes/Pyrenes 50.7 6.66 31.8 0.227 127 96.8 30.3 101 C1-Benzo[a]anthracenes/Chrysenes 66.6 6.29 19.7 <0.168 251 197 22 97.4 C2-Benzo[a]anthracenes/Chrysenes 108 <29.7 21.4 <0.312 256 216 <29.3 94.2 C1-Benzofluoranthenes/Benzopyrenes 122 <2.02 33.6 <0.482 423 359 <4.91 167 C2-Benzofluoranthenes/Benzopyrenes 39.1 4.22 7.44 <0.457 100 94.9 11.9 35.2 NOTES:

Bolded and shaded values represent exceedances of chronic CCME guidelines (CCME 2011, Internet site) 1 Peak detected but did not meet the quantification requirements 2 Exceeds Health Canada’s Drinking Water Guidelines (Health Canada 2010) 3 Exceeds chronic CCME guidelines (CCME 2011, Internet site) For guidelines, see Tables 5-5 to 5-7.



Table 5-12 PAHs and Alkyl PAHs in LSA Watercourses (cont’d) Substance

(ng/L) Redclay Creek U/S (FSTR06) Big Creek U/S (FBig)

27-May-10 25-Aug-10 5-Oct-10 26-May-10 25-Aug-10 25-Aug-10 5-Oct-10 Naphthalene 15 18 10.6 26 7.96 30.3 6.34 Acenaphthylene 0.5571 0.4115 0.2821 <0.365 <0.831 0.8691 0.3461 Acenaphthene 30.2 4.71 4.32 4.65 1.271 2.1 <0.193 C2 Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes 231 25.8 30.7 30.4 2.7 6.74 3.35 Fluorene 4.111 1.65 1.31 1.861 0.55 2.89 0.3651 Phenanthrene 16.3 5.37 3.63 6.38 1.76 6.78 1.89 Anthracene <2.01 <0.452 <0.269 <0.33 0.1621 0.541 0.1461 C1 Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes 120 8.25 19.1 11.9 1.52 2.9 2.88 Fluoranthene 51.73 6.13 9.32 6.98 0.53 0.668 0.617 Pyrene 98.23 10.9 17.3 10.9 0.7311 0.774 0.94 Benz[a]anthracene 17.2 2.381 2.52 2.88 <0.0941 <0.135 0.1511 Chrysene 91.4 10.2 13 19.6 0.617 0.728 1.1 Benzo[b]fluoranthene 112 11.7 15.5 17.7 0.4721 0.5221 1.15 Benzo[j,k]fluoranthenes 24.5 0.7311 3.08 4.48 0.0561 <0.189 0.1811 Benzo[a]pyrene 48.52,3 3.961 6.37 4.021 <0.0997 <0.307 0.3301 Dibenz[a,h]anthracene 18.4 2.031 2.241 2.961 <0.156 <0.229 0.1671 Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene 41.5 4.07 4.58 5.52 0.228 1 0.1381 0.3891 Benzo[ghi]perylene 93.7 10.1 11.8 13.8 0.356 1 0.3251 0.7211 C1-Naphthalenes 24.4 17.6 8.98 67.8 6.78 22.2 5.25 Biphenyl 2.681 2.991 1.93 2.69 1.561 4.62 1.45 C1-Biphenyls 4.94 <0.208 7.53 <0.371 <0.455 <0.262 8.82 C2-Biphenyls 109 <0.67 75.1 35.2 <0.45 <0.366 84.9 C2-Naphthalenes 129 33.6 20.3 52.5 9.88 19.4 8.08 C3-Naphthalenes 291 65.7 34.3 55.1 14.3 28.9 10.2 C4-Naphthalenes 303 74.1 30.8 30.8 11.9 30.2 7.24 C1-Acenaphthenes 9.59 7.26 0.496 0.686 4.83 10 <0.128 C1-Fluorenes 97.2 37.5 13 25.5 86.7 17.6 5.37 C2-Fluorenes 261 76.5 22.3 47 21.1 17.8 3.41 C3-Fluorenes 478 133 29.8 68.3 39.6 33.3 4.12 Dibenzothiophene 5.331 0.9341 1.011 1.34 1 1.141 1.201 0.4051 C1-Dibenzothiophenes 7.68 <4.75 0.962 3.29 0.978 <1.35 0.48 C2-Dibenzothiophenes 108 32.7 11.7 20.2 3.16 2.92 1.87 C3-Dibenzothiophenes 84.3 15.9 12.4 21.7 3.12 3.02 1.84 C4-Dibenzothiophenes 41.5 6.29 6.79 9.22 3.36 3.39 2 C3-Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes 134 45.9 26 25.6 77 39.4 3.33 Retene 384 36.4 74.2 34.1 1.301 1.481 2.33 C4-Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes 380 81 139 70.9 6.89 8.23 8.15 C1-Fluoranthenes/Pyrenes 748 81.5 150 93.8 2.52 2.73 6.34 C2-Fluoranthenes/Pyrenes 690 69.6 103 103 4 4.12 7.36 C3-Fluoranthenes/Pyrenes 195 38 50.1 33.9 1.68 4.35 4.78 C1-Benzo[a]anthracenes/Chrysenes 317 27.3 46.1 34.8 1.05 1.12 2.76 C2-Benzo[a]anthracenes/Chrysenes 305 27.7 44.4 42 1.1 0.844 4.69 C1-Benzofluoranthenes/Benzopyrenes 564 <5.71 80.3 81.2 <0.2945 <0.24 3.94 C2-Benzofluoranthenes/Benzopyrenes 154 11 14.3 16.7 1.98 1.81 1.24 NOTES:

Bolded and shaded values represent exceedances of chronic CCME guidelines (CCME 2011, Internet site) 1 Peak detected but did not meet the quantification requirements 2 Exceeds Health Canada’s Drinking Water Guidelines (Health Canada 2010) 3 Exceeds chronic CCME guidelines (CCME 2011, Internet site) For guidelines, see Tables 5-5 to 5-7.




(ng/L) Redclay Creek D/S (FSTAN 1) Big Creek D/S (FSTAN 2)

26-May-10 25-Aug-10 5-Oct-10 26-May-10 25-Aug-10 5-Oct-10 Naphthalene 21.9 12.5 10.3 20.4 8.88 7.12 Acenaphthylene <0.237 <0.788 0.328 1 <0.179 <0.376 0.324 1 Acenaphthene 0.883 1 1.60 1 0.478 1 0.687 1 1.25 1 <0.147 C2 Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes 0.286 2.54 1.18 0.164 2.3 1.13 Fluorene 0.446 1 1.01 0.593 <0.418 0.654 0.379 1 Phenanthrene 1.95 2.87 2.35 1.33 1.98 1.23 Anthracene <0.324 <0.452 0.294 1 <0.212 0.248 0.157 1 C1 Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes <0.414 1.26 0.894 <0.22 1.21 1.05 Fluoranthene 0.126 1 0.631 1 0.469 0.181 1 0.431 1 0.261 Pyrene 0.200 1 0.466 1 0.452 0.226 1 0.516 0.3 Benz[a]anthracene <0.0808 <0.102 0.225 1 <0.907 0.095 1 <0.0608 Chrysene <0.111 0.433 0.398 1 0.235 1 0.273 1 0.222 Benzo[b]fluoranthene <0.105 <0.175 0.496 <0.109 <0.262 <0.0803 Benzo[j,k]fluoranthenes <0.141 <0.202 0.239 1 <0.146 <0.124 <0.0938 Benzo[a]pyrene <0.185 <0.338 0.393 1 <0.335 <0.203 <0.147 Dibenz[a,h]anthracene <0.117 <0.187 0.061 <0.213 <0.119 <0.112 Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene <0.124 <0.19 0.403 1 <0.193 <0.115 <0.126 Benzo[ghi]perylene <0.123 <0.177 0.402 1 <0.192 <0.109 <0.121 C1-Naphthalenes 54 10.1 7.81 54 7.03 5.8 Biphenyl 2.14 2.13 1 1.55 1.9 1.48 1 1.38 C1-Biphenyls <0.239 <0.148 5 <0.197 <0.232 9.07 C2-Biphenyls 35.5 <0.449 48.7 39.5 <0.24 93.3 C2-Naphthalenes 25.3 12.2 8.28 26.3 7.81 7 C3-Naphthalenes 11.1 11.6 8.23 11.3 11.7 6.08 C4-Naphthalenes 4.13 12.7 3.54 7.3 17.3 3.92 C1-Acenaphthenes <0.281 7.28 <0.18 <0.302 2.99 <0.137 C1-Fluorenes 4.68 40 5.11 4.25 13.1 5.37 C2-Fluorenes 1.62 35.7 3.12 1.44 12.2 2.04 C3-Fluorenes 3.62 46.1 4.48 2.4 17.8 2.45 Dibenzothiophene 0.261 1 0.802 1 0.445 1 <0.139 0.703 1 0.475 1 C1-Dibenzothiophenes <0.315 <0.632 0.169 <0.233 <0.619 <0.142 C2-Dibenzothiophenes <0.479 7.72 1.81 1.21 3.4 1.2 C3-Dibenzothiophenes <0.359 2.53 1.98 2.05 1 1.43 0.955 C4-Dibenzothiophenes 0.693 4.52 0.992 0.577 2.78 0.964 C3-Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes <0.137 36.6 2.92 <0.284 41.1 1.15 Retene <0.614 0.867 1 0.49 <0.564 0.821 1 0.474 C4-Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes <0.614 7.85 3.82 <0.564 6.42 2.51 C1-Fluoranthenes/Pyrenes <0.383 2.12 2.01 <0.364 2.07 1.45 C2-Fluoranthenes/Pyrenes 0.409 4.03 2.77 2 2.15 2.05 C3-Fluoranthenes/Pyrenes 0.297 1.44 1.45 1.31 1.11 1.23 C1-Benzo[a]anthracenes/Chrysenes <0.0933 <0.436 0.638 0.387 0.478 0.585 C2-Benzo[a]anthracenes/Chrysenes <0.228 0.412 0.573 0.364 0.537 0.497 C1-Benzofluoranthenes/Benzopyrenes <0.292 <0.463 0.626 <0.707 <0.332 <0.218 C2-Benzofluoranthenes/Benzopyrenes <0.171 2 <0.295 <0.292 1.59 <0.193 NOTES:

Bolded and shaded values represent exceedances of chronic CCME guidelines (CCME 2011, Internet site) 1 Peak detected but did not meet the quantification requirements 2 Exceeds Health Canada’s Drinking Water Guidelines (Health Canada 2010) 3 Exceeds chronic CCME guidelines (CCME 2011, Internet site) For guidelines, see Tables 5-5 to 5-7 D/S = Downstream




(ng/L) Unnamed Creek 18 D/S (FSTAN 5)

26-May-10 25-Aug-10 6-Oct-10 Naphthalene <42.2 <20.2 <14.72 Acenaphthylene <0.208 <0.337 <0.207 Acenaphthene 0.617 1 1.34 1 <0.294 C2 Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes 0.168 1.71 1.2 Fluorene <0.125 0.687 0.274 Phenanthrene 1.14 2.06 1.38 Anthracene <0.151 0.374 0.174 1 C1 Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes <0.214 1.38 1.02 Fluoranthene 0.143 0.578 0.281 Pyrene <0.0795 0.308 1 0.255 Benzo[a]anthracene <0.0281 0.096 1 0.098 1 Chrysene <0.0402 0.3 0.17 Benzo[b]fluoranthene <0.0958 0.133 1 <0.0758 Benzo[j,k]fluoranthenes <0.127 0.124 1 <0.0905 Benzo[a]pyrene <0.166 <0.163 <0.139 Dibenz[a,h]anthracene <0.167 <0.177 <0.127 Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene <0.158 0.666 1 <0.139 Benzo[ghi]perylene <0.159 0.972 1 <0.138 C1-Naphthalenes 59.5 7.39 6.28 Biphenyl 1.89 1.79 1.58 C1-Biphenyls <0.254 <0.364 4.85 C2-Biphenyls 21.7 <0.238 49.9 C2-Naphthalenes 25.7 9.15 7.98 C3-Naphthalenes 13.8 9.38 9.51 C4-Naphthalenes 7 27.9 5.65 C1-Acenaphthenes <0.367 2.29 <0.235 C1-Fluorenes 3.62 9.43 3.83 C2-Fluorenes 2.03 4.66 2.03 C3-Fluorenes 1.49 9.79 3.23 Dibenzothiophene 0.243 1 0.311 1 0.414 1 C1-Dibenzothiophenes <0.181 <0.417 0.116 C2-Dibenzothiophenes <0.3 9.7 0.547 C3-Dibenzothiophenes <0.238 2.32 0.791 C4-Dibenzothiophenes 0.748 2.7 0.763 C3-Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes <0.0941 7.34 0.987 Retene <0.235 0.792 1 0.442 C4-Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes <0.235 3.35 1.75 C1-Fluoranthenes/Pyrenes <0.158 1.02 1.07 C2-Fluoranthenes/Pyrenes <0.158 1.05 1.08 C3-Fluoranthenes/Pyrenes 0.303 1.24 0.842 C1-Benzo[a]anthracenes/Chrysenes <0.0802 0.68 0.334 C2-Benzo[a]anthracenes/Chrysenes <0.118 <28.6 0.55 C1-Benzofluoranthenes/Benzopyrenes <0.189 <0.292 <0.186 C2-Benzofluoranthenes/Benzopyrenes <0.0961 0.764 <0.196 NOTES:

Bolded and shaded values represent exceedances of chronic CCME guidelines (CCME 2011, Internet site) 1 Peak detected but did not meet the quantification requirements 2 Exceeds Health Canada’s Drinking Water Guidelines (Health Canada 2010) 3 Exceeds chronic CCME guidelines (CCME 2011, Internet site) For guidelines, see Tables 5-5 to 5-7 D/S = Downstream



Table 5-12 PAHs and Alkyl PAHs in LSA Watercourses (cont’d)

Substance (ng/L)

Eymundson Creek First Creek Asphalt Creek EY1 EY1-D EY1 EY2 EY3 FC1 AS1 AS2

13-Oct-10 13-Oct-10 13-Oct-10 13-Oct-10 13-Oct-10 13-Oct-10 13-Oct-10 13-Oct-10 Naphthalene 8.121 6.961 3.64 23.5 5.29 5.64 4.9 4.97 Acenaphthylene 0.5851 0.4301 0.2331 0.4971 <0.44 <0.292 0.2551 0.2631 Acenaphthene <0.649 <0.462 <0.29 <0.594 0.8421 <0.63 0.9781 0.7131 C2 Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes 1.94 1.53 0.384 2.1 2.31 1.13 1.85 2.12 Fluorene <0.8421 <0.62411 0.28 1.28 0.336 0.249 0.389 0.259 Phenanthrene 1.8 1.39 1.13 2.3 1.28 1.33 1.21 1.31 Anthracene 0.07851 0.18751 0.21251 <0.277 <0.181 <0.155 <0.129 0.1861 C1 Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes 1.24 1.42 0.272 2.52 1.44 <0.236 1.51 1.53 Fluoranthene 0.585 0.685 0.39 0.604 0.583 0.419 0.454 0.562 Pyrene 0.539 0.652 0.287 <1.122 0.771 0.333 0.977 0.584 Benz[a]anthracene 0.1851 0.1751 0.094 0.1891 0.166 0.096 0.1661 0.121 Chrysene 0.41 0.435 0.16 0.555 0.646 0.1131 0.491 0.701 Benzo[b]fluoranthene 0.2351 0.185 0.129 0.298 0.731 0.05251 0.4931 0.616 Benzo[j,k]fluoranthenes <0.134 <0.171 <0.0975 <0.143 <0.12 <0.128 <0.183 <0.132 Benzo[a]pyrene <0.211 <0.303 <0.143 <0.222 <0.183 <0.194 <0.281 <0.207 Dibenz[a,h]anthracene <0.234 <0.214 <0.134 <0.201 <0.185 <0.198 <0.132 <0.18 Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene <0.21 <0.196 <0.209 0.2211 0.2931 <0.17 0.3031 0.2981 Benzo[ghi]perylene <0.198 <0.188 <0.194 0.2091 0.6171 <0.153 0.493 0.5251 C1-Naphthalenes 5.52 4.66 3.33 7.16 4.61 4.83 4.2 4.14 Biphenyl 2.02 1.72 0.878 43.2 1.23 1.09 0.8921 0.921 C1-Biphenyls 2.83 1.7 <0.277 22.4 3.5 5.58 4.51 4.46 C2-Biphenyls <0.677 <0.625 <0.361 411 38.2 63.9 51.8 52.5 C2-Naphthalenes 9.69 8.42 4.64 34.5 15.9 15.8 13.7 12.3 C3-Naphthalenes 6.41 4.14 3.17 17.8 6.67 3.41 3 3.26 C4-Naphthalenes 29.1 30.8 7.03 6.41 7.93 14.1 9.22 7.55 C1-Acenaphthenes <0.513 9.52 <0.407 <1.07 <0.402 <0.391 0.378 <0.278 C1-Fluorenes 16.5 27 7.76 26.6 4.08 7.42 5.38 5.28 C2-Fluorenes 3.65 3.54 3.66 8.53 3.54 2.81 2.8 2.68 C3-Fluorenes 11.3 19.9 22 8.65 6.3 5.83 5.4 4.82 Dibenzothiophene 0.5111 0.4121 0.3141 0.5051 0.4021 <0.185 0.348 0.2931 C1-Dibenzothiophenes 0.866 0.834 <0.285 1.36 <0.149 <0.172 <0.153 0.384 C2-Dibenzothiophenes 9.82 10.2 7.19 3.52 3.77 9.03 2.81 2.39 C3-Dibenzothiophenes 2.51 2.8 0.551 10.7 2.12 2.05 3.28 2.22 C4-Dibenzothiophenes 2.22 3.28 1.53 3.91 1.81 0.497 1.26 0.62 C3-Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes 3.83 3.44 1.58 4.16 2.8 1.84 2.28 2.73 Retene 1.84 2.23 <0.322 4.62 1.99 <0.633 <1.18 1.32 C4-Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes 9.97 9.88 1.7 12.9 6.41 5.16 6.75 4.32 C1-Fluoranthenes/Pyrenes 2.06 2.61 0.568 3.74 4.93 1.71 3.47 3.64 C2-Fluoranthenes/Pyrenes 3.62 4.67 1.35 5.36 5.9 2.13 4.34 3.97 C3-Fluoranthenes/Pyrenes 3.35 2.19 1.4 1.44 1.85 1.05 1.93 0.933 C1-Benzo[a]anthracenes/ Chrysenes

1.1 0.963 0.272 1.4 1.84 0.337 1.36 1.55

C2-Benzo[a]anthracenes/ Chrysenes

1.14 1.03 1.14 1.73 2.14 0.803 2.29 1.73

C1-Benzofluoranthenes/ Benzopyrenes

0.722 1.22 0.74 0.428 1.66 0.636 2.42 1.11


0.974 0.923 0.376 0.984 1.12 0.909 0.83 1.08

NOTES:

Bolded and shaded values represent exceedances of chronic CCME guidelines (CCME 2011, Internet site) 1 Peak detected but did not meet the quantification requirements 2 Exceeds Health Canada’s Drinking Water Guidelines (Health Canada 2010) 3 Exceeds chronic CCME guidelines (CCME 2011, Internet site) For guidelines, see Tables 5-5 to 5-7



Table 5-12 PAHs and Alkyl PAHs in LSA Watercourses (cont’d)

Substance (µg/L)

Eymundson Creek EY 2 EY 3

22-Apr-09 19-Oct-08 Naphthalene 0.011 <0.01 Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene 0.013 0.01 Benzo(a)Anthracene 0.018 <0.01 Chrysene 0.02 <0.01 Benzo(a)pyrene 0.0193 <0.01 Benzo(b)fluoranthene 0.021 0.01 Benzo(k)fluoranthene 0.02 0.01 Benzo(g,h,i)perylene 0.018 0.02 Fluoranthene 0.01 0.01 Indeno(c,d-123)pyrene 0.016 0.01 Phenanthrene <0.01 0.01 1-Methyl-7-isopropyl-phenanthrene (Retene) <0.01 0.01 Pyrene 0.011 0.01 Quinoline <0.01 0.02 Acridine 0.012 0.02 NOTES:

Bolded and shaded values represent exceedances of chronic CCME guidelines (CCME 2011, Internet site) 1 Peak detected but did not meet the quantification requirements 2 Exceeds Health Canada’s Drinking Water Guidelines (Health Canada 2010) 3 Exceeds chronic CCME guidelines (CCME 2011, Internet site) For guidelines, see Tables 5-5 to 5-7



Table 5-13 Sediment Quality in LSA Watercourses – MDA

Parameter Unit

Unnamed Creek18 Unnamed Creek 17 Redclay Creek Big Creek

FSTR01 FSTR01 FSTR03 FSTR05 FSTR05 FSTR06 FSTR06 FSTAN1 FBIG FBIG FBIG FSTAN2

17-Sep- 07

21-Jul- 08

17-Sep- 07

17-Sep- 07

21-Jul- 08

17-Sep- 07

21-Jul- 08

26-May- 10

20-May- 08

21-Jul- 08

26-May- 10

26-May- 10

Particle Size

% sand % – 71 – – 55 – 31 94 – 37 20 94

% silt % – 22 – – 31 – 54 4 – 45 52 3

% clay % – 7 – – 14 – 15 <2 – 18 28 3

75 micron sieve % 6.7 – 8.7 2.6 – 0.3 – – 10.1 – – –

Carbon Content

Total Inorganic Carbon % 0.27 0.2 0.64 0.12 0.2 0.19 0.1 0.13 0.09 <0.1 0.24 0.2

TOC % 2.61 1.6 5.45 1.02 0.7 1.31 0.9 0.63 1.3 1.6 1.5 0.18

Total Carbon by Combustion

% – 1.7 – – 0.9 – 1 0.76 – 1.6 1.7 0.38

Moisture % 38.3 26 72.4 33.1 28 38.8 25 20 7.52 44 34 21

Organic Compounds

Benzene mg/kg <0.004 – <0.004 <0.004 – <0.004 – 0.0025 <0.004 – 0.0025 <0.005

Toluene mg/kg <0.005 – 0.042 0.013 – 0.013 – <0.02 <0.005 – 0.01 <0.02

Ethylbenzene mg/kg <0.01 – <0.01 <0.01 – <0.01 – <0.01 <0.01 – 0.005 <0.01

Total Xylenes (m,p,o) mg/kg <0.01 – <0.01 <0.01 – <0.01 – <0.04 <0.01 – 0.02 <0.04

F1 (C6-C10) mg/kg <12 – <12 <12 – <12 – <12 <4 – 6 <12

F2 (C10-C16) mg/kg <10 – <10 <10 – <10 – <10 <10 – 5 <10

F3 (C16-C34) mg/kg <96 – 105 15 – 15 – <10 <30 – 16 <10

F4 (C34-C50) mg/kg <20 – <20 <20 – <20 – <10 <20 – 5 <10

C34-C50+ mg/kg <20 – 20 <20 – <20 – – 26 – – –

NOTES: For guidelines, see Tables 5-5 to 5-7 – = No data collected



Table 5-14 Sediment Quality in LSA Watercourses – SDA

Parameter Unit

Eymundson Creek Asphalt Creek

EY1 EY1-

Duplicate EY2a EY2 EY3 AS2 AS2 FC1

13-Oct-10 13-Oct-10 17-Sep-08 17-Sep-08 13-Oct-10 20-Oct-08 13-Oct-10 13-Oct-10 13-Oct-10 13-Oct-10

Particle Size

% sand % 29 33 32 59 59 76 95 95 91 38

% silt % 32 29 44 22 20 11 5 5 4 40

% clay % 39 38 24 19 21 14 <2 <2 5 22

Moisture % 44 42 32 25 40 33 17 21 26 52

Carbon Content

Total Inorganic Carbon % 2.8 2.8 <0.1 <0.1 1.8 0.3 0.16 0.15 0.55 6.2

TOC % <0.02 <0.02 1.7 1.4 0.09 0.8 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 1.1

Total Carbon % 2.8 2.7 1.7 1.4 1.9 1.2 0.14 0.16 0.39 7.2

Hydrocarbons

Benzene mg/kg <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005

Toluene mg/kg <0.02 <0.02 <0.01 <0.01 <0.02 <0.01 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.04

Ethylbenzene mg/kg <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.02

Xylenes mg/kg <0.04 <0.04 <0.02 <0.02 <0.04 <0.02 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.08

F1 (C6-C10) mg/kg <12 <12 <5 <5 <12 <5 <12 <12 <12 <24

F1-BTEX mg/kg <12 <12 <5 <5 <12 <5 <12 <12 <12 <24

F2 (C10-C16) mg/kg <10 <10 <20 <20 <10 <20 <10 <10 <10 <20

F3 (C16-C34) mg/kg 33 35 93 66 32 20 <10 <10 <10 90

F4 (C34-C50) mg/kg <10 <10 73 83 <10 <20 <10 <10 <10 <20

Total Recoverable Hydrocarbons mg/kg 480 78 700 300 110 600 <50 <50 <50 110

Total Hydrocarbons (C6-C50) mg/kg – – 170 150 – 20 – – – –

NOTES: For guidelines, see Tables 5-5 to 5-7 – = No data collected



Table 5-15 Total Metals in Watercourse Sediments – MDA

Metal Unit

Unnamed Creek 18

Unnamed Creek 17 Redclay Creek Big Creek

FSTR01 FSTR03 FSTR05 FSTR06 FSTAN1 FBIG FSTAN2 FBIG 17-Sep-07 17-Sep-07 17-Sep-07 17-Sep-07 26-May-10 20-May-08 26-May-10 26-May-10

Boron mg/kg 1.6 6.4 1.2 2 – 1.1 – – Mercury mg/kg 0.09 0.22 0.09 0.09 <0.05 0.07 <0.05 0.05 Antimony mg/kg <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <1 <0.2 <1 <1 Arsenic mg/kg 22.7 12.9 17.9 17 <1 12.5 3 10 Barium mg/kg 1,390 2,380 528 337 55 386 44 280 Beryllium mg/kg 0.7 1.4 0.7 0.9 <0.4 0.8 <0.4 0.5 Cadmium mg/kg 2.73 0.98 0.45 0.51 <0.1 0.48 <0.1 0.7 Chromium mg/kg 25.6 36 19.1 22.3 1 20.1 2 13 Cobalt mg/kg 13 24.1 10.2 12.2 <1 10.6 3 8 Copper mg/kg 37 33 23 28 <5 23 <5 20 Lead mg/kg 13.7 33.4 13 14.4 <1 12 2 10 Molybdenum mg/kg 12 2 3 3 <0.4 3 <0.4 2.5 Nickel mg/kg 54.3 61.8 31 37.9 1 32.7 5 27 Selenium mg/kg 8 1.2 1.9 1.8 <0.5 1.7 <0.5 1.3 Silver mg/kg 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 <1 0.2 <1 <1 Thallium mg/kg 1.32 0.46 0.34 0.35 <0.3 0.36 <0.3 <0.3 Tin mg/kg <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 1 <1 <1 Uranium mg/kg – – – – <1 2.4 <1 2 Vanadium mg/kg 130 92.5 57.1 58.5 2 44.6 4 25 Zinc mg/kg 140 205 101 120 <10 104 17 87 NOTES:

Bolded and shaded values represent exceedances of the CCME sediment quality guidelines (CCME 2011, Internet site) For guidelines, see Tables 5-5 to 5-7 – = No data collected



Table 5-16 Total Metals in Watercourse Sediments – SDA

Metal Unit

(dry weight)

Eymundson Creek Asphalt Creek EY1 EY2a EY2 EY3 AS1 AS2 FC1

13- Oct-10 17-Sep-08 17-Sep-08 13-Oct-10 20-Oct-08 13-Oct-10 13-Oct-10 13-Oct-10 13-Oct-10 Aluminum mg/kg 8,700 6,900 6,200 – 2,700 – – – – Antimony mg/kg <1 0.05 0.05 <1 0.05 <1 <1 <1 <1 Arsenic mg/kg 9 4.4 4.9 4 – 9 15 12 8 Barium mg/kg 190 124 92 96 60 98 82 97 160 Beryllium mg/kg 0.8 <1 <1 0.4 <1 <0.4 0.5 0.4 0.8 Boron mg/kg 4 8 9 4 6 <2 3 3 8 Cadmium mg/kg 0.3 <0.5 <1 0.5 <0.5 0.2 0.4 0.3 1.2 Calcium mg/kg 2,900 1,900 1,500 1,800 1,100 940 1,300 1,700 4,000 Chromium mg/kg 16 12.4 10.9 10 5.1 3 5 4 13 Chromium -6 mg/kg 1.0 – – <0.15 – <0.15 <0.15 <0.15 <0.75 Cobalt mg/kg 11 8 7 7 5 6 11 9 40 Copper mg/kg 18 15 12 10 7 <5 7 6 18 Iron mg/kg 24,000 13,200 11,200 11,000 6,900 13,000 28,000 17,000 35,000 Lead mg/kg 11 8 7 7 <5 3 4 5 10 Lithium mg/kg – <20 <20 – <20 – – – – Magnesium mg/kg 2,300 1,800 1,400 1,500 900 370 650 810 2,400 Manganese mg/kg 290 150 130 130 100 230 830 370 580 Mercury mg/kg <0.05 – – <0.05 – <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 Molybdenum mg/kg 1.4 <1 <1 0.8 <1 1.2 2.3 1.8 1.7 Nickel mg/kg 27 19 15 17 10 8 17 14 59 Phosphorus mg/kg – 680 500 – 330 – – – – Potassium mg/kg 1,500 1,500 1,400 820 700 250 380 440 1,300 Selenium mg/kg 1.2 0.7 0.6 <0.5 0.2 <0.5 0.7 0.6 1.1 Silver mg/kg <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 Sodium mg/kg 130 200 200 <50 100 <50 <50 <50 230 Strontium mg/kg 55 30 27 25 18 17 26 24 64 Thallium mg/kg <0.3 <1 <1 <0.3 <1 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 Tin mg/kg – <5 <5 – <5 – – – – Titanium mg/kg 30 29 29 16 27 15 15 12 11 Uranium mg/kg 2 <40 <40 <1 <40 <1 1 1 1 Vanadium mg/kg 30 24 24 17 10 9 17 12 27 Zinc mg/kg 97 70 50 67 50 29 60 44 180 NOTES:




Table 5-17 Target and Substituted PAHs in Watercourse Sediments – MDA

Substance Unit



Redclay Creek U/S (FSTR05)

Redclay Creek U/S (FSTR06)

Big Creek FBIG

17-Sep-07 21-Jul-08 17-Sep-07 17-Sep-07 21-Jul-08 17-Sep-07 21-Jul-08 20-May-08 21-Jul-08

Pyrene mg/kg <0.05 0.01 <0.05 <0.05 0.01 <0.05 <0.01 <0.05 <0.01

Chrysene mg/kg <0.05 0.01 <0.05 <0.05 0.01 <0.05 <0.01 <0.05 0.01

Benzo(b)fluoranthene mg/kg <0.05 0.02 <0.05 <0.05 0.02 0.05 0.01 <0.05 0.02

Benzo(j)fluoranthene mg/kg <0.05 – <0.05 <0.05 – <0.05 – <0.05 –

Benzo(g,h,i)perylene mg/kg <0.05 0.01 <0.05 <0.05 <0.01 <0.05 <0.01 <0.05 <0.01

IARC_Coarse mg/kg <0.001 – <0.001 <0.001 – 0.036 – <0.001 –

IARC_Fine mg/kg <0.001 – <0.001 <0.001 – 0.068 – <0.001 –

C2 sub'd naphthalene mg/kg – 0.05 – – <0.04 – <0.04 – <0.04

C2 sub'd phenanthrene/anth. mg/kg – 0.04 – – <0.04 – <0.04 – <0.04



C4 sub'd phenanthrene/anth. mg/kg – 0.07 – – 0.06 – 0.05 – 0.05

Methyl naphthalene mg/kg – 0.01 – – <0.01 – <0.01 – <0.01

Retene mg/kg – 0.07 – – 0.06 – 0.05 – 0.03

CB(a)P mg/kg <0.0002 – <0.0002 <0.0002 – 0.005 – – –

Total PAHs mg/kg – 0.42 – – 0.16 – 0.11 – 0.11

NOTES:

Bolded and shaded values represent exceedances of the CCME sediment quality guidelines (CCME 2011, Internet site) For guidelines, see Tables 5-5 to 5-7 Only PAHs having detectable concentrations in at least one sample are reported. U/S = Upstream – = No data collected



Table 5-18 Target and Substituted PAHs in Watercourse Sediments – MDA

Substance Unit

Redclay Creek D/S Big Creek Big Creek

FSTAN 1 FSTAN 2 FBIG 26-May-10 26-May-10 26-May-10

Naphthalene ng/g 3.53 1.17 3.04 Acenaphthene ng/g <0.288 <0.168 2.41 C2 Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes ng/g 2.44 3.57 18.8 Fluorene ng/g <0.171 <0.218 0.707 1 Phenanthrene ng/g 0.861 1.09 3.07 Anthracene ng/g <0.437 <0.261 <0.403 C1 Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes ng/g 1.54 0.719 15.3 Fluoranthene ng/g <0.434 0.351 1 4.91 Pyrene ng/g 1.66 1.07 8.17 Benz[a]anthracene ng/g 0.958 1 0.294 1 1.85 1 Chrysene ng/g 6.36 3.55 12.3 Benzo[b]fluoranthene ng/g 2.2 <2.801 13.9 Benzo[j,k]fluoranthenes ng/g <0.668 <1.03 2.67 1 Benzo[a]pyrene ng/g 1.22 1 <1.6 3.84 Dibenz[a,h]anthracene ng/g <0.942 <0.886 2.40 1 Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene ng/g 2.21 1 1.56 4.95 Benzo[ghi]perylene ng/g 4.94 3.50 1 12.4 C1-Naphthalenes ng/g 1.25 1.04 4.56 Biphenyl ng/g 0.467 0.339 0.547 C1-Biphenyls ng/g 3.45 0.275 0.295 C2-Biphenyls ng/g 37.1 0.946 2.12 C2-Naphthalenes ng/g 1.7 4.24 18.6 C3-Naphthalenes ng/g 3.59 4.26 27 C4-Naphthalenes ng/g 3.65 2.61 18.2 C1-Acenaphthenes ng/g <0.349 <0.181 0.439 1 C1-Fluorenes ng/g 2.63 1.74 7.84 C2-Fluorenes ng/g 4.18 5 17.2 C3-Fluorenes ng/g 17.1 9.42 25.2 Dibenzothiophene ng/g 0.259 1 0.31 1.04 1 C1-Dibenzothiophenes ng/g <0.76 1.64 2.78 C2-Dibenzothiophenes ng/g 7.56 7.78 11.5 C3-Dibenzothiophenes ng/g 21.7 17.3 13.8 C4-Dibenzothiophenes ng/g 80.5 25.1 6.24 C3-Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes ng/g 10.5 5.78 18.5 Retene ng/g <5.12 3.62 1 24.8 C4-Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes ng/g 80.6 30.1 58.8



Table 5-18 Target and Substituted PAHs in Watercourse Sediments – MDA (cont'd)

Substance Unit

Redclay Creek D/S Big Creek Big Creek

FSTAN 1 FSTAN 2 FBIG 26-May-10 26-May-10 26-May-10

C1-Fluoranthenes/Pyrenes ng/g 25.6 12.6 72.6 C2-Fluoranthenes/Pyrenes ng/g 81.4 37.5 82.7 C3-Fluoranthenes/Pyrenes ng/g 65.5 32.6 19.4 C1-Benzo[a]anthracenes/Chrysenes ng/g 24.5 12.3 29.2 C2-Benzo[a]anthracenes/Chrysenes ng/g 47.5 21.7 30 C1-Benzofluoranthenes/Benzopyrenes ng/g 19.4 12.6 49 C2-Benzofluoranthenes/Benzopyrenes ng/g 8.66 5.73 11.6 Total PAHs mg/kg 5.22 8.03 9.76 NOTES:

Bolded and shaded values represent exceedances of the CCME sediment quality guidelines (CCME 2011, Internet site) For guidelines, see Tables 5-5 to 5-7 Only PAHs having detectable concentrations in at least one sample are reported. 1 Peak detected but did not meet the quantification requirements. D/S = Downstream – = No data collected



Table 5-19 Low-Level Target and Substituted PAHs in Watercourse Sediments – SDA

Substance Units

(dry weight)

Eymundson Creek

EY2a EY2 EY3 17-Sep-08 17-Sep-08 20-Oct-08

Naphthalene ng/g 1.38 1.08 1.26 C1 subst'd naphthalenes ng/g 1.42 0.978 1.17 C2 subst'd naphthalenes ng/g 9.5 4.7 3.48 C3 subst'd naphthalenes ng/g 6.37 3.8 4.19 C4 subst'd naphthalenes ng/g 4.56 1.96 <0.763 Acenaphthene ng/g 0.238 <0.307 <0.352 C1 subst'd acenaphthene ng/g – – – C1 subst'd benzo(a)anthracene / chrysene ng/g 4.64 3.12 4.46 C2 subst'd benzo(a)anthracene / chrysene ng/g 3.44 2.3 6.41 Benzo(a)pyrene ng/g 3.15 1.5 1.56 C1 subst'd benzo (b&k) fluoranthene / benzo(a)pyrene ng/g 8.56 6.35 8.96 C2 subst'd benzo (b&k) fluoranthene / benzo(a)pyrene ng/g 6.79 6.61 6.17 Benzofluoranthenes ng/g – – – Benzo(g,h,i)perylene ng/g <1.03 1.48 2.13 Biphenyl ng/g 1.08 0.868 0.375 C1 subst'd biphenyl ng/g – – – C2 subst'd biphenyl ng/g – – – Chrysene ng/g 2.81 2.4 2.07 Dibenzothiophene ng/g 0.331 0.326 – C1 subst'd dibenzothiophene ng/g 0.538 1.4 <0.233 C2 subst'd dibenzothiophene ng/g 4.93 3.81 2.1 C3 subst'd dibenzothiophene ng/g 5.55 2.7 2.81 C4 subst'd dibenzothiophene ng/g 6.51 3.16 1.13 Fluoranthene ng/g 0.992 0.76 0.485 C1 subst'd fluoranthene / pyrene ng/g 4.96 2.8 3.66 C2 subst'd fluoranthene / pyrene ng/g 7.1 4.81 42.5 C3 subst'd fluoranthene / pyrene ng/g 1.87 2.51 3.66 Fluorene ng/g 0.386 0.17 0.391 C1 subst'd fluorene ng/g 8.55 4.05 1.58 C2 subst'd fluorene ng/g 10.8 4.08 2.57 C3 subst'd fluorene ng/g 6.97 3.85 <0.89 Indeno(c,d-123)pyrene ng/g <1.02 <0.891 0.88 Phenanthrene ng/g 1.05 1.17 0.687 C1 subst'd phenanthrene / anthracene ng/g 3.73 3.27 1.94 C2 subst'd phenanthrene / anthracene ng/g 3.51 2.82 1.83 C3 subst'd phenanthrene / anthracene ng/g 3.3 2.8 1.35 C4 subst'd phenanthrene / anthracene ng/g 88.5 21.8 22.2 1-Methyl-7-isopropyl-phenanthrene (Retene) ng/g – – – Pyrene ng/g 1.31 1.12 0.81 Benzo[b/j/k]fluoranthene ng/g 2.59 2.34 1.5 Retene ng/g 81.6 12.8 14.6 Methyl Acenaphthene ng/g 1 0.662 0.654 Methyl-Biphenyl ng/g 0.66 0.314 <0.28 Dimethyl-Biphenyl ng/g 7.54 1.52 0.877 Total PAHS mg/kg 0.3 0.12 0.15 NOTES:




Table 5-19 Low-Level Target and Substituted PAHs – SDA (cont’d)

Substance

Units (dry

weight)

Eymundson Creek First

Creek Asphalt Creek EY1 EY1D EY2 EY3 FC1 AS1 AS2

13-Oct-10 13-Oct-10 13-Oct-10 13-Oct-10 13-Oct-10 13-Oct-10 13-Oct-10 Naphthalene ng/g 5.04 2.96 2.17 1.51 3.81 2.93 2.26 Acenaphthylene ng/g <0.111 <0.109 <0.113 <0.0983 <0.128 <0.11 <0.128 Acenaphthene ng/g 0.5 0.485 0.162 0.207 0.762 0.326 0.392 C2 Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes ng/g 3.91 4.18 2.76 1.14 5.42 1.8 3 Fluorene ng/g 0.596 0.524 0.409 0.072 1.9 0.102 0.145 Phenanthrene ng/g 1.27 1.14 0.838 0.377 1.38a 0.551 0.917 Anthracene ng/g 0.136 0.132 0.113 <0.094 0.284 <0.183 <0.0778 C1 Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes ng/g 3.31 2.73 2.75 1.2 3.33 1.69 2.83 Fluoranthene ng/g 1.12 0.91 0.747 0.479 2.13 0.722 1.27 Pyrene ng/g 1.45 1.11 1.06 0.858 2.15 1.21 2.09 Benz[a]anthracene ng/g 0.378 0.357 0.326 0.1201 0.668 0.215 0.255 Chrysene ng/g 0.1821 <0.0673 0.2781 <0.0709 <0.184 <0.0933 <0.129 Benzo[b]fluoranthene ng/g 3.26 2.22 1.67 0.937 4.46 1.37 2.11 Benzo[j,k]fluoranthenes ng/g 0.591 0.635 0.251 0.231 0.3231 0.486 0.349 Benzo[a]pyrene ng/g 0.3291 0.348 0.3721 0.2781 0.542 0.1391 0.454 Dibenz[a,h]anthracene ng/g 0.4731 0.2591 <0.322 <0.102 0.9231 <0.239 0.310a Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene ng/g 0.8901 0.7071 0.73 0.8251 1.091 0.6121 0.863 Benzo[ghi]perylene ng/g 1.39 1.18 1.32 0.9381 1.501 1.22 1.87 C1-Naphthalenes ng/g 2.84 2.18 1.63 1.06 3.46 1.68 1.65 Biphenyl ng/g 0.875 0.642 0.415 0.376 0.986 0.339 0.355 C1-Biphenyls ng/g 0.707 1.23 0.958 0.517 0.385 0.715 0.765 C2-Biphenyls ng/g 6.52 7.45 8.22 5.35 1.29 6.8 6.62 C2-Naphthalenes ng/g 7.11 5.3 4.44 3.02 16.3 4.46 5.41 C3-Naphthalenes ng/g 6.32 5.34 3.69 2.05 9.33 4.04 6.27 C4-Naphthalenes ng/g 5.37 3.06 3.31 0.953 6.7 2.7 6.78 C1-Acenaphthenes ng/g 1.59 1.42 0.98 0.369 2.03 0.509 0.785 C1-Fluorenes ng/g 1.42 1.55 1.33 0.529 3.86 1.04 1.18 C2-Fluorenes ng/g 2.37 1.95 1.61 0.935 6.33 1.4 2.33 C3-Fluorenes ng/g 3.27 2.41 1.7 1.48 7.85 2.31 3.76 Dibenzothiophene ng/g 0.522 0.429 0.231 0.1631 5.54 0.2111 0.3171 C1-Dibenzothiophenes ng/g 0.637 0.715 0.694 0.203 0.769 0.482 0.836 C2-Dibenzothiophenes ng/g 1.35 1.14 1.8 0.875 3.68 1.66 1.91 C3-Dibenzothiophenes ng/g 2.4 1.77 2.41 1.17 4.36 1.42 3.11 C4-Dibenzothiophenes ng/g 1.04 0.937 1.36 0.893 1.54 1.16 1.2 C3-Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes ng/g 3.73 3.09 5.41 1.63 5.84 2.47 4.23 Retene ng/g 33.6 16.9 963 2.58 16.4 2.36 5.32 C4-Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes ng/g 42 24.2 982 8.38 28.1 9.15 14.7 C1-Fluoranthenes/Pyrenes ng/g 7.99 6.64 28.4 4.41 23.9 6.74 10.9 C2-Fluoranthenes/Pyrenes ng/g 9.77 7.27 8.9 6.04 17 7.81 13.1 Cs3-Fluoranthenes/Pyrenes ng/g 2.73 1.72 2.54 2.06 5.7 0.825 9.19 C1-Benzo[a]anthracenes/ Chrysenes

ng/g 5.35 4.16 4.2 2.15 10.7 2.43 4.43

C2-Benzo[a]anthracenes/ Chrysenes

ng/g 2.4 2.25 3.96 1.78 6.4 2.04 4.08


ng/g 4.01 3.08 4.57 3.1 10.5 4.86 5.83


ng/g 1.61 1.13 1.27 0.786 2.24 0.78 2

Total PAHs mg/kg 0.182 0.128 2.05 0.062 0.230 0.084 0.136 NOTES:

Bolded and shaded values represent exceedances of the CCME sediment quality guidelines (CCME 2011, Internet site). For guidelines, see Tables 5-5 to 5-7 1 Peak detected but did not meet the quantification requirements – = No data collected



Conductivity The laboratory conductivities in watercourses in the LSA were high relative to those observed in the Athabasca River (see Section 5.3.3.1). The higher conductivities likely result from seepage of high-conductivity groundwater to these watercourses, especially during low runoff periods (i.e., when the groundwater contribution to the flow is greatest). Median conductivity values ranged from 240 µS/cm in Big Creek during the spring to 686 µS/cm in Eymundson Creek in the winter. The highest individual value of laboratory conductivity was 940 µS/cm in First Creek (in October 2010). First Creek had the highest conductivities of all the watercourses.

High conductivities are typical of watercourses in the oil sands region. RAMP reported a median fall conductivity of 611 µS/cm at the mouth of the Calumet River between 1997 and 2008 (RAMP 2010, Internet site). The Calumet River watershed is found south of the Pierre River watershed. As with alkalinity, laboratory conductivities were lowest in the spring during the snowmelt and highest during the fall and winter.

Total Dissolved Solids Concentrations of TDS ranged from 124 mg/L in Big Creek (in May 2008) to 690 mg/L in First Creek (in October 2010). This large range in TDS is typical of watercourses in the oil sands region and reflects varying sources of water (i.e., groundwater versus runoff), among different watercourses and between seasons within a single watercourse. Consistent with conductivity and alkalinity, TDS concentrations were lowest during the spring when the contribution of dilute snowmelt waters was greatest. For example, in Eymundson Creek, the median spring TDS was 212 mg/L compared to 280 mg/L in summer and 434.5 mg/L in winter. For comparison a median fall TDS concentration of 400 mg/L was reported by RAMP for the Calumet River between 1997 and 2008 (RAMP 2010, Internet site).

Hardness Hardness ranged from 81 mg/L in Big Creek in May 2008 to 315 mg/L in First Creek in October 2010. Based on summer median values and according to the United States Geological Survey’s hardness classification system (USGS 2011, Internet site), the LSA watercourses were classified as “very hard” during most seasons while Big Creek and Asphalt Creek were classified as “hard.” As with TDS and alkalinity, the lowest hardness values were observed in the spring during the snowmelt and the highest during the fall and winter. The high levels of hardness in these watercourses are the result of dissolution and weathering of carbonate and pyritic rocks. The magnesium and calcium carbonates and sulphate salts responsible for hardness are likely introduced in groundwater discharges to each watercourse.

Total Suspended Solids The suspended particulate loads in these watercourses were quite variable and often very high with TSS ranging from 0.5 mg/L to 8,500 mg/L. The highest recorded TSS concentration (8,500 mg/L) was observed in Redclay Creek during the spring. TSS concentrations above 1,000 mg/L were also observed in those watercourses draining to



Ronald Lake, Big Creek and First Creek. TSS was highest during the spring when flows and the rates of streambed erosion were greatest. In Redclay Creek, the median TSS in spring was 3,370 mg/L compared to 550 mg/L in summer and 1,000 mg/L in the fall. Variability in TSS was high even within a season. During the summer, the TSS in Redclay Creek ranged from 2 mg/L to 810 mg/L. The concentration of TSS is therefore less dependent on season and more dependent on the occurrence of flow and runoff events that result in erosion and resuspension of silts and clays.

The TSS concentrations in these watercourses are considerably greater than those in the streams monitored by RAMP (e.g., Calumet River; RAMP 2010, Internet site) and are the result of the headwaters being fast-flowing, erosional watercourses descending from the Birch Mountains.

Major Cations and Anions The ionic character of watercourses in the LSA differs considerably between individual watercourses and seasons. The proportion of the cationic and anionic charge in selected streams attributable to each major ion is shown in Table 5-9. The ionic breakdown for the Athabasca River during the fall season is also presented for comparison.

It is evident from Table 5-9 that many of the small watercourses have high proportions of anionic charge attributable to sulphate rather than bicarbonate with the dominant salt being calcium and magnesium sulphates rather than bicarbonates and carbonates. The dominance of calcium and magnesium sulphates was especially evident in Redclay Creek, Big Creek and Unnamed Creek 17 where the proportion of the anionic charge carried by sulphate was as high as 93.7% (spring, Unnamed Creek 17). In comparison, the Athabasca River during the fall had only 15.9% of its anionic charge attributable to sulphate.

A distinct seasonality was evident in the proportion of sulphate in these watercourses. The highest proportion of the anionic charge attributable to sulphate was observed during the spring. For example, Unnamed Creek 17 had 93.7% of the anionic charge attributable to sulphate in May 2008 while only 65.4% during the fall (September 2007). These results suggest that there exists a complex interaction between runoff and groundwater seepage in determining the ionic chemistry of these watercourses. The importance of groundwater in determining ion chemistry in these watercourses was also indicated in their high conductivities, alkalinities and TDS, especially at low-flow periods.

Nutrients As typical of regional waters, nutrient concentrations were highly variable. Nitrates and ammonia concentrations were generally low. Nitrates + Nitrites ranged from non-detectable to 0.175 mg/L in Redclay Creek during July 2008. Low nitrate concentrations are typical of these watercourses and generally of surface waters in the oil sands. RAMP reports non-detectable levels of nitrate + nitrite in the Calumet River over 11 years of sampling (1997–2008).



Ammonia concentrations ranged from non-detectable to 0.89 mg/L observed in Eymundson Creek during March 2009. Eymundson Creek shows a distinct seasonality in ammonia with relatively high values during the winter (median=0.88 mg/L) and low values (mostly non-detectable) during the other seasons. Higher winter concentrations of ammonia are typical of many river (and lake) systems when oxygen levels are reduced and the bacterial breakdown of organic materials is incomplete. Median oxygen levels in Eymundson Creek during the winter were only 1.275 mg/L.

Reduced forms of nitrogen, expressed as TKN, were relatively high but similar to other regional watercourses. Median TKN concentrations ranged from 0.5 mg/L in Asphalt Creek during the fall to 2.1 mg/L in Eymundson Creek in the winter. The high TKN concentrations observed in Eymundson Creek during the winter are consistent with the high ammonia concentrations and low levels of oxygen observed in this watercourse at this time. For comparison, median fall TKN concentrations in the upper Calumet River between 1997 and 2008 reported by RAMP were 1.8 mg/L (RAMP 2010, Internet site).

Typical of watercourses in the oil sands region, total phosphorus concentrations were relatively high and variable, ranging from 0.006 mg/L in First Creek in October 2010 to 5.3 mg/L in the same creek in August 2010. Total phosphorus concentrations were frequently measured in the eutrophic range and sometimes in the hypereutrophic range for this nutrient (>0.750 mg/L; Wetzel 2001). Despite the high phosphorus concentrations, these watercourses do not display large blooms of planktonic or epilithic algae and other factors must limit primary production. These factors may include limited light penetration (the result of high levels of TSS), scouring during high-flow events, low nitrogen levels and low bioavailablity of phosphorus. For comparison, RAMP reported a high median fall concentration of total phosphorus (0.251 mg/L) in the upper Calumet Creek (RAMP 2010, Internet site).

TDP was considerably less than total phosphorus. For example, in Redclay Creek, the median spring TDP concentration was 0.018 mg/L compared to 1.1 mg/L for total phosphorus. Much of the total phosphorus fraction, therefore, is particulate-bound and probably biologically unavailable.

Total Phenols Total phenols ranged from 0.001 mg/L in the watercourses draining to Ronald Lake to 0.286 mg/L in Eymundson Creek in winter. The median concentration over all the watercourses and seasons was 0.005 mg/L. High phenol concentrations in Eymundson Creek in winter (median=0.2295 mg/L) occurred under low oxygen conditions.

Naphthenic acids were mostly non-detectable in samples from LSA watercourses. Naphthenic acids are a complex grouping of cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl carboxylic acids. Although they can occur naturally at low concentration in water that has been in contact with oil sands, they are primarily considered an indicator of water in contact with oil sands or the presence of bitumen process-affected waters. The low levels of these compounds indicates that these watercourses have not been exposed to process-affected waters, which is reasonable considering the absence of development in LSA.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclopentane

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclohexane



Summary The watercourses in the LSA are characterized as hard, high in conductivity, TDS and alkalinity, highly variable in TSS, low in nitrates but high in total phosphorus. Exceedances of CCME and Alberta chronic guidelines for protection of aquatic life are indicated in yellow shading and bolded values in Table 5-8. Exceedances were routinely observed for total phosphorus, phenols, sulphides and seasonally for dissolved oxygen in Eymundson Creek. These exceedances are considered to be normal occurrences for watercourses in this region of Alberta. Exceedances in all these parameters (except oxygen) were reported by RAMP on the Calumet River (RAMP 2010, Internet site).

5.3.1.2 Total and Dissolved Metals Concentrations of total metals in watercourses located in the LSA are presented in Table 5-10. Data on dissolved metals are provided in Appendix 5A.

As Table 5-10 shows, total metal concentrations in some LSA watercourses are relatively high for waters in the oil sands region, especially in Redclay Creek. Exceedances of chronic water quality guidelines were observed for aluminum, arsenic, chromium, lead, iron, copper, chromium, nickel, selenium, silver, zinc and mercury. Manganese concentrations routinely exceeded the Health Canada drinking water guidelines and CCME agricultural water use guidelines.

These elevated metal concentrations are unlikely the result of airborne particulates from oil sands developments as suggested by Kelly et al. (2010, Internet site) because of the remoteness of the Project area from major emission sources. The study by Kelly et al. (2010, Internet site) suggests that metal deposition drops to background levels about 50 km from the major source industries. The Project LSA is well beyond this distance, and the elevated values are thought to represent natural background levels of these metals. Possible sources of metals in these sediments include erosion of polymetallic black shales in the Birch Mountain region.

Many of the higher metal concentrations in the LSA watercourses are associated with high particulate loads in the samples. Strong positive correlations are observed between TSS and total metals in these watercourses. For example, plots of total aluminum and total arsenic versus TSS for all the watercourse stations and seasons in the MDA produced correlation coefficients of 0.73 and 0.80, respectively. This means that most of the variability in these metal concentrations can be explained by the particulate load. Similar relationships between total metals and TSS in the Athabasca River were observed by Alberta Environment (AENV 2009b). In the study by Alberta Environment, total arsenic at the Old Fort station was positively correlated with TSS with a correlation coefficient of 0.675 (P<0.001). In contrast, the dissolved metals in the LSA watercourses were poorly correlated with TSS. In addition, the dissolved fractions of individual metals were often several orders of magnitude less than the total concentrations of the same metal (see Appendix 5A). For example, the average total aluminum concentration in MDA watercourse samples was 20.2 mg/L compared to an average of 0.13 mg/L for dissolved aluminum. These results suggest that a large proportion of the total metals measured in the LSA watercourses is bound to suspended particles (primarily silts and clays), which are released during the analytical process. The high metal concentrations



observed in these watercourses (see Table 5-10) are likely attributable to the high suspended loads in these watercourses.

Some of the highest metals concentrations, in particular aluminum and iron, were measured in Redclay Creek during the spring when TSS values as high as 8,500 mg/L were recorded (see Tables 5-8 and 5-10). Particulate-bound metals are less available to aquatic organisms than dissolved metals.

Low-level analyses were conducted for mercury, silver and methyl mercury at the nanogram level. These analyses have become routine in baseline studies because the detection limits for these parameters in the normal analytical process are sometimes greater than the chronic guidelines. Seven individual exceedances of the Alberta Environment chronic guideline were observed for low-level mercury and 10 for silver. No exceedances for methyl mercury were observed. As with the other metals, these elevated concentrations of silver and mercury are considered part of the natural background levels of these metals rather than the result of aerial emissions from oil sands developments to the south.

5.3.1.3 Organic Compounds Naphthenic acids were mostly non-detectable in samples from LSA watercourses (see Table 5-8). Naphthenic acids are a complex grouping of cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl carboxylic acids. Although they can occur naturally at low concentrations in waters that have been in contact with oil sands, they are primarily considered as indicators of water exposed to bitumen process-affected waters. The low levels of these compounds suggest that, as expected, these watercourses have not been exposed to process-affected waters. Similar concentrations of naphthenic acids were observed by RAMP in the upper Calumet River (RAMP 2010, Internet site).

No detectable hydrocarbons were observed in watercourses in the northern part of the LSA (see Table 5-11). In watercourses located in the southern part of the LSA, detectable levels of toluene, xylenes and the higher CCME fractions (F3, F4) were observed in Eymundson Creek. Toluene is often indicative of fuel contamination, although there is no evidence to suggest this has occurred in the LSA. No guideline exceedances were observed for detectable hydrocarbons in any samples collected from watercourses in the LSA.

Low-level PAHs and alkyl-PAHs were analyzed extensively in LSA watercourses to characterize the background levels of these parameters near the Frontier Project (see Table 5-12). These parameters serve as fingerprints for bitumen and bitumen processing. Background levels are essential for the EIA and for detecting potential effects of the Project on LSA watercourses in future monitoring programs.

Many PAHs species are detectable in these waters at picogram levels. The highest concentrations of these PAHs appeared in the upstream Redclay Creek stations on May 27, 2010, and October 5, 2010. Guideline exceedances were observed at this site for pyrene, benzo(a)pyrene and fluoranthene. High levels of the substituted or alkylated PAHs were also observed in the same samples. As these samples also had extremely high suspended particle loads (7,100 mg/L on May 27, 2010; see Appendix 5A), it is likely

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclopentane

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclohexane



that the PAHs are largely associated with the suspended sediments in these in these samples. PAHs are nonpolar, hydrophobic compounds with high octonol-water partition coefficients (Kow) that sorb strongly to particulates (CCME 1999).

The sources of PAHs in the LSA watercourses are likely natural since there has been no mining or other oil sands activity in the watershed other than exploration. These background PAH levels are unlikely to be the result of airborne emissions from oil sands industries as suggested in the study by Kelly et al. (2009, Internet site) that examined PAHs in snow samples in the oil sands region. The Kelly et al. study found that PAH levels in snow dropped to very low levels 50 km from the main sources. The LSA is well beyond this 50 km radius. The PAHs in these waters are most likely the result of eroding oil sands deposits entering the water courses. Natural erosion of the McMurray Formation brings bitumen-laden sand particles to the streams where they are often buried in depositional areas. The soils component also reports the presence of oil sands clasts, presumably eroded from bedrock during historic flood events and left in the surficial soils.

The discovery of a large number of low level PAHs in these waters is largely the result of the low detection limits used in these analyses. The PAHs observed in these samples were probably always present but undetected because of the high detection limits in other monitoring programs.

5.3.1.4 Sediment Quality The results of sediment quality sampling in watercourses throughout the LSA are summarized in Tables 5-13 to 5-19. Sediments in these watercourses are typical of sediments in other watercourses in the oil sands region and can generally be described as silty-sands with low organic content. The relative proportion of sand in the sediment samples ranged from 20% in Big Creek to 95% in Eymundson Creek and Asphalt Creek. Total organic carbon ranged from 0.01% in samples from Eymundson Creek and Asphalt Creek to 5.45% in Unnamed Creek 17 (see Tables 5-13 and 5-14). For comparison, RAMP reports that in the Calumet River (south of the LSA) the median sand fraction was 67% while the median TOC was 3.8% (RAMP 2010, Internet site).

Metals Metal concentrations in the watercourse sediments were high relative to the CCME interim sediment quality guidelines, especially in Unnamed Creek 17 and Unnamed Creek 18 (see Tables 5-15 and 5-16). Guideline exceedances were observed for the following metals:

• Arsenic in almost all watercourses sampled

• Cadmium in Unnamed Creek 17 and Unnamed Creek 18

• Copper in Unnamed Creek 18

• Mercury in Unnamed Creek 17

• Zinc in Unnamed Creek 17 and Unnamed Creek 18



As these watercourses have not yet been affected by development, the metal concentrations observed in Tables 5-15 and 5-16 are considered to represent natural background levels for these variables. As with the waters, the Project site is too remote to have been adversely affected by metals deposition from aerial sources from oil sands developments (see Kelly et al. 2010, Internet site). Possible sources of metals in these sediments include erosion of polymetallic black shales in the Birch Mountain region.

Hydrocarbons and Organic Compounds In most cases, BTEX species and CCME hydrocarbon fractions (F1-F4) were non-detectable in sediment samples from each watercourse (see Tables 5-13 and 5-14). Traces of toluene were detected in Unnamed Creek 17 and Redclay Creek, and low quantities of the hydrocarbon fraction F3 (C16-C34) were detected in most of the sediment samples collected. There were no guidelines available for BTEX parameters or CCME hydrocarbon fractions.

Analyses of PAHs and alkylated PAHs are summarized for the watercourse sediments in Tables 5-17 to 5-19. The results indicate that the concentrations of substituted (alkylated) PAHs were about an order of magnitude higher than the unsubstituted PAHs and represented a large proportion of the total PAHs. The alkylated PAHs are more resistant to biologically mediated degradation than the unsubstituted PAHs (Lundstedt et al. 2003).

No guideline exceedances of PAHs were observed for any of the watercourse sediment samples Total PAHs are indicated for each sample in Tables 5-17 to 5-19 where the substituted PAHs have been analyzed. The highest concentrations of PAHs were found in Big Creek (9.76 mg/kg) and the lowest in Eymundson Creek (0.062 mg/kg). The average total PAH concentration in the LSA sediments was 1.60 mg/kg (median=0.16 mg/kg). For comparison, RAMP reported median total PAH concentrations on the Calumet River of 2.28 mg/kg upstream and 16.7 mg/kg downstream (mouth) (RAMP 2010, Internet site). The values in the LSA watercourse sediments are considerably lower those observed in the Calumet River.

5.3.2 Pierre River Pierre River was not sampled as part of the field program for this baseline study. Historical data reported here were obtained from the PRM EIA (Shell 2007). Surface water quality data collected between 1976 and 2006 for Pierre River include data from two sampling locations on the Pierre River (sites WQ7 and WQ8) collected for the PRM EIA as well as data collected by Alberta Environment from sites AB07DA1330 and AB07DA1320 (see Table 5-3 and Figure 5-3). The Alberta Environment data were taken from its water quality database.

Conventional Parameters The historical data shows waters in the Pierre River watershed to be alkaline with field measured pH values ranging from 7.5 to 8.1 (see Table 5-20). Samples collected at sites within the Pierre River watershed were generally well oxygenated. Lower dissolved oxygen (DO) levels were observed in winter and summer months with one measured DO concentration observed at the 5 mg/L acute aquatic life guideline.



Table 5-20 Historical Surface Water Quality in the Pierre River Parameters

Units

Winter (1976–2006) Spring (1976–2006) Summer (1976–2006) Fall (1976–2005)

Minimum Maximum Median n Minimum Maximum Median n Minimum Maximum Median n Minimum Maximum Median n pH (Field) pH units 7.6 8.2 7.8 3 7.5 8 7.8 5 7.5 8.1 7.9 4 7.5 8.1 7.9 4

Dissolved Oxygen (Field)

mg/L 7.9 9.4 8.6 2 5 (C) 15.5 13.3 5 6.9 14.7 7.8 5 8 13.6 10.6 3

Colour TCU 100 100 100 1 15 120 50 3 70 70 70 2 125 200 163 2

Conductivity µS/cm 365 1240 455 4 190 439 325 7 340 442 390 7 335 442 350 5

TOC mg/L 9 33 24.5 4 7 34 15 7 16 36 19 7 20 37 25 5

Dissolved Organic Carbon

mg/L 6.5 24 22 4 7 33 14.5 6 13 36 22 6 19 37 25 5

Hardness mg/L 140 233 165 3 84.2 170 124 7 139 170 161 7 126 174 139 5

TDS mg/L 226 720 266 4 144 290 200 7 204 560 260 7 215 320 225 5

TSS mg/L 4 24 13.1 4 <3 253 9.2 7 2.8 142 8 7 <3 8.4 3.6 5

Sulphide3 mg/L <0.05 0.034 <0.042 2 <0.003 0.004 0.003 3 <0.05 0.041 0.022 3 <0.05 0.023 0.016 3

Nitrate + Nitrite mg/L 0.04 0.11 0.045 4 <0.003 0.01 <0.01 7 <0.01 0.012 0.007 7 <0.01 0.08 <0.08 5

Ammonia mg/L 0.82 0.82 0.82 1 <0.05 0.06 <0.05 3 <0.05 0.06 0.005 2 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 2

Nitrogen, Kjeldahl mg/L 0.3 1.7 0.65 3 0.065 1 0.71 6 0.93 1.86 1.1 6 0.76 1.31 1.2 5

Phosphorus, total2 mg/L 0.047 0.18 0.123 4 0.018 0.19 0.056 7 0.062 0.104 0.092 7 0.048 0.23 0.089 5

Naphthenic acids mg/L 3 3 3 1 <1 <1 <1 3 <1 <1 <1 2 <1 2 0.5 2

Total Phenolics1 mg/L <0.001 0.104 0.0175 4 <0.001 0.026 0.0065 6 <0.001 0.016 0.004 7 <0.001 0.014 0.009 5

Total Recoverable Hydrocarbons

mg/L <0.1 0.5 <0.5 3 <0.1 0.5 <1 6 <1 0.6 0.25 6 <0.5 1 0.1 5

Aluminum, total1 µg/L 650 650 650 1 <20 350 170 3 270 270 270 2 110 140 125 2

Arsenic, total µg/L 6.7 6.7 6.7 1 <0.4 1.1 1 3 1.6 6 (C) 1.6 3 1 1.3 1.2 3

Barium, total µg/L 76.3 76.3 76.3 1 33.7 93.9 44 3 37.8 38.6 38.2 2 24.6 38 31.3 2

Beryllium, total µg/L <1 <1 <1 1 <1 <1 <1 3 <1 <1 <1 2 <1 <1 <1 2

Cadmium, total µg/L <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 1 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 3 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 2

Chromium, total µg/L 4 4 4 1 1 5.7 1.6 3 1.2 2.3 1.8 2 <0.8 1.5 0.35 2

Cobalt, total µg/L 8.5 8.5 8.5 1 <0.2 3.1 0.6 3 0.8 1.1 0.95 2 0.8 1.3 1.1 2

Copper, total1 µg/L 6 6 6 1 <1 3 1 3 1 2 1.5 2 <1 2 0.5 2

Iron, total1 µg/L 10200 10200 10200 1 1170 4340 1240 3 1450 1570 1510 2 1900 2540 2220 2

Lead, total µg/L 0.4 0.4 0.4 1 <0.1 0.6 0.2 3 0.2 0.3 0.25 2 <0.1 0.3 0.1 2

Manganese, total4 µg/L 4930 4930 4930 1 57 2050 74 3 105 298 202 2 69 160 115 2

Mercury, total2 µg/L <0.0006 <0.1 <0.1 3 <0.0006 <0.1 <0.0503 6 <0.1 0.002 <0.1 6 <0.0006 0.2 <0.1 5

Methyl Mercury µg/L <0.00003 <0.00003 <0.00003 1 <0.00003 <0.00003 <0.00003 3 <0.00003 <0.00003 <0.00003 2 – – – 0

Nickel, total µg/L 10 10 10 1 <0.2 10 7.4 3 7.2 10.8 9 2 15.4 16.3 15.9 2

NOTES:


SOURCE: Shell 2007



TSS trends were consistent with other LSA watersheds, with concentrations typically highest in spring and summer. This is likely the result of increased runoff and elevated creek flows. The median concentrations (ranging from 3.6 mg/L to 13.1 mg/L) are some of the lowest median TSS levels measured in watercourses in the LSA.

Conductivity, TDS, major ions, alkalinity and hardness were highest in winter, a condition that may reflect a high contribution from groundwater inflow. The major ions were dominated by calcium and sodium, bicarbonate and sulphate.

High levels of TOC, DOC and colour have been measured in the Pierre River, with the highest concentrations in winter and fall. Levels of TOC, DOC and colour measured in Pierre River are characteristic of brown-water systems similar to other creeks and rivers in the oil sands region (RAMP 2010, Internet site).

Ammonia and nitrate-nitrite concentrations were highest in winter, and TKN concentrations were highest in the fall. Total phosphorus levels are naturally high, and generally higher than Alberta’s chronic guideline value (0.05 mg/L). The highest total phosphorus concentrations were measured in the fall, which is in contrast to trends observed in other LSA watercourses. Sulphide concentrations have been detected at concentrations above the U.S. EPA chronic aquatic life guideline (0.002 mg/L).

Total Metals Total aluminum, arsenic, chromium, copper, iron, selenium and zinc have been measured at concentrations higher than both the acute and chronic aquatic life guideline values at all sites. Total aluminum, iron, manganese and thallium have been measured above the Health Canada drinking water guidelines.

Possible sources of metals in these sediments include erosion of polymetallic black shales in the Birch Mountain region.

Hydrocarbons and Organic Compounds Total recoverable hydrocarbons and naphthenic acids have been detected in Pierre River (see Table 5-20), and total phenolics have been detected at concentrations higher than the CCME chronic guidelines. A single PAH (naphthalene) has been detected in Pierre River, but at a concentration lower than the CCME guideline.

Sediment Quality One sediment sample was collected from the mouth of the Pierre River (Station WQ7) in September 2005. This sample was composed primarily of sand with negligible silt and clay material and minimal organic and inorganic carbon. Total metal concentrations were below ISQG or PEL guidelines. PAHs were detected with benzo(a)anthracene and chrysene concentrations higher than ISQG values. The detailed data tables are found in Shell (2007).



5.3.3 Surface Water and Sediment Quality in LSA Waterbodies Surface water quality and sediment quality for waterbodies in the LSA are summarized in Tables 5-21 through 5-29. In each of these tables, guideline exceedances are indicated by yellow shading and bolded values. Raw data for all samples collected during the field program are provided in Appendix 5A.

5.3.3.1 Conventional Parameters In general, the 14 waterbodies in the LSA studied during 2007–2010 field program are weakly alkaline, well buffered and highly coloured or humic (see Tables 5-21 and 5-22). The chemical parameters in the 14 waterbodies cover a broad range of values that reflect the sources of water in each waterbody and its morphology. As these waterbodies are almost all less than 3 m in depth, and often less than 2 m, a large proportion of the water column freezes during the winter. In the absence of light, organic plant material breaks down. Both processes result in elevated levels of conductivity, TDS, alkalinity major ions, nutrients (ammonia, TKN, total phosphorus), sulphides and phenols during the winter, as well as anoxic conditions. A similar phenomenon has been observed in waterbodies studied seasonally in the oil sands region under the Acid Sensitive Lake Program (RAMP 2009, Internet site).

pH and Total Alkalinity The pH (laboratory measurement) in the LSA waterbodies ranged from 7.19 (Unnamed Waterbody 15; October 2010) to 9.4 (Unnamed Waterbody 26; July 2008). The overall median pH was 8.12. Total alkalinity in the waterbodies ranged from 24 mg/L in Unnamed Waterbody 15 (August 2010) to 516 mg/L in Unnamed Waterbody 22 (March 2009) with an overall median value of 160 mg/L. The highest alkalinity in Unnamed Waterbody 22 occurred during the winter under ice conditions when a large portion of the water mass was frozen.

Conductivity Conductivity (laboratory measurement) in the LSA waterbodies covered a large range in values from 190 µS/cm (Unnamed Waterbody 15) to 954 µS/cm (Unnamed Waterbody 22). The median conductivity was 381 µS/cm. This unusually high conductivity level in Unnamed Waterbody 22 was observed during the winter under ice (March 2009). In the open-water period, the conductivity in this waterbody was reported as 450 µS/cm (May 2010) and 500 µS/cm (August 2010). For comparison, RAMP reports a conductivity range of 11 µS/cm to 481 µS/cm (median: 125 µS/cm) for 450 lakes in the oil sands region sampled during the open-water period (RAMP 2010, Internet site). The LSA lakes appear to have a higher conductivity than the majority of the regional lakes. This likely reflects the fact that the LSA lakes are found largely in mineral soils while the regional lake database reported by RAMP contains a large number of low-conductivity lakes in the upland regions in organic soils.



Table 5-21 Conventional Parameters and Naphthenic Acids in LSA Waterbodies – MDA

Parameter Unit Ronald Lake Unnamed Waterbody 20 Unnamed Waterbody 19

25-May-10 24-Aug-10 6-Oct-10 25-May-10 24-Aug-10 25-May-10 24-Aug-10 TDS mg/L 262 222 250 125 125 172 120 Conductivity (Lab) µS/cm 430 380 380 210 230 300 210 Hardness mg/L 216 167 159 110 108 143 95.2 Total Alkalinity mg/L 150 140 130 91 110 130 93 TSS mg/L 1 11 12 2 16 1 24 Water Temperature (Field) °C 19 17.46 9.76 11.46 17.26 11.85 17.03 pH (Field) pH units 7.69 8.33 7.38 7.60 8.29 7.73 8.86 pH (Lab) pH units 8.19 8.49 8.03 8.02 8.24 8.17 9.25 Dissolved Oxygen2 mg/L 12.31 12.05 10.59 12.63 14.15 12.59 16.99 BOD mg/L – 3 2 – – – – Colour TCU 11 11 10 36 47 16 20 Chlorophyll a µg/L – 28.2 – – – – – Calcium mg/L 57 41 40 30 30 39 19 Magnesium mg/L 18 16 14 8.4 8.3 11 12 Sodium mg/L 20 19 18 6 5.6 8.9 9.7 Potassium mg/L 3.7 3.4 2.9 4.8 4.0 2.4 3.0 Bicarbonate mg/L 190 160 160 110 130 160 82 Carbonate mg/L <0.5 5.7 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 16 Chloride mg/L 15 17 15 1 1 1 2 Sulphate mg/L 55 44 46 20 11 31 18 Sulphide3 mg/L – 0.005 0.001 – 0.019 – 0.006 TKN mg/L 0.13 0.97 0.70 1.3 2.7 0.87 2.8 Ammonium – N3 mg/L <0.05 <0.05 0.08 <0.5 0.18 <0.5 <0.5 Nitrate – N mg/L <0.01 <0.01 <0.003 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 Nitrite – N mg/L <0.01 <0.01 <0.003 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 Nitrate and Nitrite – N mg/L <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 Total P2 mg/L 0.012 0.21 0.073 0.042 0.15 0.021 0.16 TDP mg/L 0.009 0.13 0.018 0.019 0.050 0.008 0.013 Phenol1 mg/L – 0.003 <0.002 – – – – Dissolved Organic C mg/L 11.3 12 – 20 24 14.3 19 Naphthenic Acids mg/L – <1 <1 – – – – NOTES:




Table 5-21 Conventional Parameters and Naphthenic Acids in LSA Waterbodies – MDA (cont’d)

Parameter Unit

Unnamed Waterbody 21 Winter Spring (2008–2010) Summer (2007–2010) Fall (2007–2010)

Min Max Median Min Max Median Min Max Median Min Max Median TDS mg/L 316 318 317 239 261 250 231 279 255 245 340 248 Conductivity (Lab) µS/cm 530 566 548 391 460 425.5 401 480 440.5 339 480 440 Hardness mg/L 224 234 229 184 203 193.5 176 216 196 178 202 190 Total Alkalinity mg/L 244 259 251.5 188 200 194 175 210 192.5 184 230 191 TSS mg/L <3 <3 <3 <1 2 1.25 2 3 2.5 <2 3 1.5 Water Temperature °C 1.13 1.13 1.13 12.58 12.58 12.58 18.12 18.12 18.12 9.75 9.75 9.75 pH (Field) pH units 8.11 8.11 8.11 7.73 7.73 7.73 8.01 8.01 8.01 6.9 6.9 6.9 pH (Lab) pH units 7.9 8.02 7.96 8.23 8.36 8.295 8.25 8.9 8.575 8.03 8.46 8.3 Dissolved Oxygen 2 mg/L 1.15 1.15 1.15 12.66 12.66 12.66 6.46 6.46 6.46 9.08 9.08 9.08 BOD mg/L <2 2 <3 <3 2 1.75 <2 <2 <2 <2 2 <4 Colour TCU 19 29.2 24.1 16 25 20.5 28 29 28.5 20 28 24 Chlorophyll a µg/L 3 3 3 6.9 6.9 6.9 4.3 7 5.65 0.8 4 2.4 Calcium mg/L 35.3 36.8 36.05 29.4 33 31.2 20.4 31 25.7 23 31 24.8 Magnesium mg/L 32.1 35.4 33.75 26.8 30 28.4 30.3 34 32.15 29.2 31.1 30 Sodium mg/L 22 22.7 22.35 16.9 18 17.45 19 20 19.5 18 19.5 19 Potassium mg/L 18.8 19.7 19.25 14.6 16 15.3 15 18 16.5 15.5 16.8 16 Bicarbonate mg/L 298 316 307 229 250 239.5 183 260 221.5 208 280 231 Carbonate mg/L <5 <6 <5.5 <0.5 <6 <3.25 <0.5 15 7.625 <0.5 8 <5 Chloride mg/L 3 4.7 3.85 2 4.2 3.1 2 2 2 1.1 3 2 Sulphate mg/L 49.5 51.8 50.65 34.7 42 38.35 38.7 46 42.35 41.9 46 45.2 Fluoride (F) mg/L 0.28 0.28 0.28 – – – 0.22 0.22 0.22 0.26 0.26 0.26 Cyanide, Total mg/L <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 – – – <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 Sulphide3 mg/L 0.013 0.053 0.033 0.009 0.024 0.0165 0.003 0.021 0.012 <0.005 0.024 0.004 TKN mg/L 2.54 3.3 2.92 1.52 2.1 1.81 1.7 2.2 1.95 2.1 2.7 2.15 Ammonium – N3 mg/L 0.321 0.405 0.363 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 0.042 0.13 0.086 0.055 0.47 0.063 Nitrate – N mg/L 0.03 0.05 0.04 <0.01 0.04 0.0225 <0.006 <0.01 <0.008 <0.006 0.03 0.024 Nitrite – N mg/L <0.005 <0.05 <0.0275 <0.01 0.02 0.0125 <0.002 <0.01 <0.006 <0.002 <0.005 <0.003 Nitrate and Nitrite – N mg/L <0.06 <0.1 <0.08 <0.003 0.06 0.03075 <0.003 <0.006 <0.0045 <0.006 0.03 0.024 Total P2 mg/L 0.029 0.038 0.0335 0.017 0.022 0.0195 0.016 0.018 0.017 0.008 0.022 0.017 TDP mg/L – – – 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.009 0.009 0.009 0.01 0.01 0.01 Phenol1 mg/L 0.004 0.011 0.0075 0.004 0.006 0.005 0.005 0.012 0.0085 0.003 0.007 0.006 Dissolved Organic C mg/L 34.7 38 36.35 28.6 32.1 30.35 30 38 34 30 30.7 30.35 Naphthenic Acids mg/L <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 NOTES:





Parameter Unit Unnamed Waterbody 23 Unnamed Waterbody 22

17-Sep-08 25-May-10 24-Aug-10 4-Mar-09 25-May-10 24-Aug-10 TDS mg/L 237 271 293 532 289 294 Conductivity (Lab) µS/cm 417 450 490 954 450 500 Hardness mg/L 178 198 207 379 203 206 Total Alkalinity mg/L 194 170 200 516 170 200 TSS mg/L 14 2 1 16 2 <1 Water Temperature ◦C – 12.3 17.87 0.21 12.15 18.32

pH (Field) pH units – 7.41 7.94 7.08 7.29 8.07 pH (Lab) pH units 8.2 8.07 8.17 7.7 8.04 8.20 Dissolved Oxygen (Field)2 mg/L – 11.38 7.57 1.15 11.74 8.80 BOD mg/L 11 <3 <2 22 <3 <2 Colour Colour units 54 40 53 130 40 53 Chlorophyll a µg/L 78 3 6.2 3 2.4 5.7 Calcium mg/L 40.7 50 44 89.8 51 44 Magnesium mg/L 18.5 18 23 37.7 18 23 Sodium mg/L 25 23 31 51 24 31 Potassium mg/L 4.1 6.5 6.2 9.3 6.8 6.3 Bicarbonate mg/L 237 210 240 629 210 250 Carbonate mg/L <5 <0.5 <0.5 <5 <0.5 <0.5 Chloride mg/L 2 3 2 6 3 2 Sulphate mg/L 30.2 67 66 28.5 82 66 Fluoride mg/L 0.43 – – 0.53 – – Cyanide, Total mg/L <0.002 – – <0.002 – – Sulphide3 mg/L 0.007 0.036 0.038 0.303 0.038 0.041 TKN mg/L 3.36 1.3 1.9 11 1.1 1.9 Ammonium – N3 mg/L 0.032 <0.05 0.13 6.26 <0.05 0.12 Nitrate – N mg/L <0.006 <0.01 <0.01 <0.1 <0.01 <0.01 Nitrite – N mg/L 0.002 <0.01 <0.01 <0.05 <0.01 <0.01 Nitrate and Nitrite – N mg/L <0.006 <0.003 <0.003 <0.1 <0.003 <0.003 Total Dissolved Nitrogen µg/L 3.02 – – – – – Total P2 mg/L 0.177 0.026 0.059 0.825 0.026 0.063 TDP mg/L – 0.023 0.045 – 0.025 0.038 Phenol1 mg/L 0.011 0.006 0.007 0.185 0.010 0.006 Dissolved Organic Carbon mg/L 29 24.0 35 69 23.3 33 Naphthenic Acids mg/L <1 <1 <1 2 <1 <1 NOTES:





Parameter Unit


Min Max Median Min Max Median Min Max Median Min Max Median TDS mg/L 348 368 358 202 290 246 248 282 265 263 330 281 Conductivity (Lab) µS/cm 616 617 616.5 331 510 420.5 432 470 451 381 470 465 Hardness mg/L 247 260 253.5 143 224 183.5 190 199 194.5 188 202 199 Total Alkalinity mg/L 304 327 315.5 147 260 203.5 202 280 241 207 232 220 TSS mg/L 7 8 7.5 <1 2 1.25 3 11 7 1 3 1.5 Water Temperature °C 3.22 3.22 3.22 12.68 12.68 12.68 18.71 18.71 18.71 8.94 8.94 8.94 pH (Field) pH units 8.21 8.21 9.21 7.12 7.12 7.12 8.05 8.05 8.05 6.76 6.76 6.76 pH (Lab) pH units 7.65 7.8 7.725 7.85 8 7.925 8.12 8.2 8.16 7.84 8.1 7.94 Dissolved Oxygen 2 mg/L 0.95 0.95 0.95 6.6 6.6 6.6 8.67 8.67 8.67 3.4 3.4 3.4 BOD mg/L 4 6 5 <3 <4 <3.5 <2 6 3.5 <2 2 2 Colour TCU 52 67.2 59.6 35 46 40.5 43 48 45.5 49 55 50 Chlorophyll a µg/L 1 1 1 4.8 4.8 4.8 11 42.2 26.6 0.25 9 4.625 Calcium mg/L 60.7 63.6 62.15 35 55 45 42 43.9 42.95 43 49.1 46.8 Magnesium mg/L 23.2 24.5 23.85 13.5 21 17.25 19.5 23 21.25 19.3 20 20 Sodium mg/L 35 36.2 35.6 20.5 30 25.25 27 33 30 27 29.3 29 Potassium mg/L 6.4 6.8 6.6 5 5.7 5.35 4.3 5.6 4.95 4.6 5.5 4.9 Bicarbonate mg/L 371 398 384.5 179 310 244.5 246 340 293 252 283 260 Carbonate mg/L <5 <6 <5.5 <0.5 <6 <3.25 <0.5 <5 <2.75 <0.5 <6 <5 Chloride mg/L 5 5.6 5.3 3 5.3 4.15 2 3 2.5 1.6 3 3 Sulphate mg/L 20.4 49 34.7 21 34.5 27.75 10 30.2 20.1 21.9 53.1 37 Fluoride mg/L 0.46 0.46 0.46 – – – 0.37 0.37 0.37 0.43 0.43 0.43 Cyanide, Total mg/L <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 – – – <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 Sulphide3 mg/L 0.351 0.58 0.4655 0.014 0.032 0.023 0.005 0.022 0.0135 0.007 0.021 0.009 TKN mg/L 1.94 2.8 2.37 0.73 1.5 1.115 1.2 2 1.6 1.08 1.6 1.44 Ammonium – N3 mg/L 0.73 1.28 1.005 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.023 0.025 0.024 0.116 0.44 0.184 Nitrate – N mg/L 0.02 0.05 0.035 <0.01 0.04 0.0225 <0.006 <0.01 <0.008 <0.006 0.05 0.004 Nitrite – N mg/L <0.005 <0.05 <0.0275 <0.01 <0.03 <0.02 <0.002 <0.01 <0.006 <0.003 <0.005 <0.004 Nitrate and Nitrite – N mg/L <0.04 <0.1 <0.07 <0.003 0.06 0.03075 <0.003 <0.006 <0.0045 <0.006 <0.1 <0.008 Total P2 mg/L 0.173 0.278 0.2255 0.036 0.11 0.073 0.078 0.15 0.114 0.056 0.099 0.08 TDP mg/L – – – 0.092 0.092 0.092 0.051 0.051 0.051 0.083 0.083 0.083 Phenol1 mg/L 0.02 0.057 0.0385 0.007 0.009 0.008 0.008 0.011 0.0095 0.006 0.009 0.006 Dissolved Organic C mg/L 27.2 31 29.1 17.8 27.3 22.55 22 32 27 22 22.8 22.4 Naphthenic Acids mg/L <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 NOTES:





Parameter Unit


Min Max Median Min Max Median Min Max Median Min Max Median TDS mg/L 229 234 231.5 160 178 169 118 153 135.5 141 220 146 Conductivity (Lab) µS/cm 407 433 420 272 320 296 200 280 240 209 300 261 Hardness mg/L 208 210 209 143 173 158 116 146 131 124 149 142 Total Alkalinity mg/L 227 235 231 153 170 161.5 110 150 130 140 160 141 TSS mg/L 6 7 6.5 1 1 1 1.0 3.0 2 1 3 2 Water Temperature °C – – – 12.59 12.59 12.59 18.8 18.8 18.8 9.3 9.3 9.3 pH (Field) pH units – – – 7.26 7.26 7.26 8.3 8.3 8.3 6.62 6.62 6.62 pH (Lab) pH units 7.7 7.76 7.73 8.11 8.15 8.13 8.3 9.4 8.8 7.95 8.55 8.5 Dissolved Oxygen (Field)2 mg/L – – – 11.68 11.68 11.68 9.5 9.5 9.5 9.13 9.13 9.13 BOD mg/L 8 12 10 <4 <6 <5 <2 <2 <2 <2 3 <4 Colour TCU 40 49.3 44.65 20 25 22.5 31.0 33.0 32.0 29 32 30 Chlorophyll a µg/L 18 18 18 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 1.1 7.0 4.1 1.1 6 3.55 Calcium mg/L 48.3 49.2 48.75 34 43 38.5 19.7 29.0 24.4 25.1 34 28.7 Magnesium mg/L 20.6 21.7 21.15 14 16 15 16.3 18.0 17.2 14.8 17.1 16 Sodium mg/L 7 7.2 7.1 4.5 4.9 4.7 5.0 5.3 5.2 4 5.2 4.9 Potassium mg/L 10.2 11 10.6 7.8 8.3 8.05 6.0 9.2 7.6 6.8 8.3 8.1 Bicarbonate mg/L 277 286 281.5 186 210 198 88 180 134 153 200 161 Carbonate mg/L 2.5 3 2.75 0.25 3 1.625 0.25 23 11.6 0.25 8 6 Chloride mg/L <0.4 2 1.1 2 2.7 2.35 1.0 2.0 1.5 0.7 2 1 Sulphate mg/L 4 4.7 4.35 0.5 3 1.75 0.5 2.9 1.7 0.5 3.6 3 Fluoride mg/L 0.23 0.23 0.23 – – – 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.21 0.21 0.21 Cyanide, Total mg/L <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 – – – <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 Sulphide3 mg/L 0.01 0.039 0.0245 <0.005 0.012 0.00725 <0.002 0.010 0.006 <0.002 0.016 <0.005 TKN mg/L 2.38 3.3 2.84 1.1 1.4 1.25 1.6 1.7 1.650 1.6 1.84 1.61 Ammonium – N3 mg/L 0.375 0.64 0.5075 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 0.034 0.030 0.034 0.1 0.088 Nitrate – N mg/L 0.01 0.05 <0.06 <0.01 0.05 0.0275 <0.006 <0.01 <0.008 <0.006 0.05 0.007 Nitrite – N mg/L <0.005 <0.05 <0.0275 <0.01 0.016 0.0105 <0.002 <0.01 <0.006 <0.002 0.007 <0.003 Nitrate and Nitrite – N mg/L <0.02 <0.1 <0.06 <0.003 0.06 0.03075 <0.003 <0.006 <0.0046 <0.006 0.06 0.007 Total P2 mg/L 0.043 0.059 0.051 0.014 0.025 0.0195 0.015 0.024 0.020 0.019 0.028 0.021 TDP mg/L – – – 0.012 0.012 0.012 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.013 0.013 0.013 Phenol1 mg/L 0.014 0.022 0.018 0.005 0.006 0.0055 0.006 0.010 0.008 0.003 0.008 0.008 Dissolved Organic Carbon mg/L 33.7 42 37.85 23.4 24 23.7 24 30 27 25 26.4 25.7 Naphthenic Acids mg/L <1 1 0.75 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 NOTES:





Parameter Unit

Unnamed Lake 1 Winter

Spring (2009) Summer (2010) Fall (2007–2010)

Min Max Median Min Max Median TDS mg/L 309 323 316 233 256 243 320 253 Conductivity (Lab) µS/cm 513 522 517.5 370 420 340 430 399 Hardness mg/L 198 206 202 155 169 167 172 168 Total Alkalinity mg/L 155 172 163.5 86 98 92 122 109 TSS mg/L <3 4 2.75 3 28 6 22 17 Water Temperature °C 3.26 3.26 3.26 10.86 17.81 9.35 9.35 9.35 pH (Field) pH units 8.23 8.23 8.23 7.7 8.64 6.84 6.84 6.84 pH (Lab) pH units 7.8 7.83 7.815 7.97 8.63 7.68 8.1 8.05 Dissolved Oxygen2 mg/L 0.70 0.70 0.70 13.78 11.83 10.2 10.2 10.2 BOD mg/L <2 <4 <3 3 6 <4 5 5 Colour Colour units 18 25.2 21.6 17 18 15 32 18 Chlorophyll a µg/L 2 2 2 9.8 29.6 11 48.1 29.55 Calcium mg/L 50.3 53.1 51.7 39 41 42 42.6 42.2 Magnesium mg/L 17.6 17.7 17.65 14 16 14.7 16.1 16 Sodium mg/L 27 28.4 27.7 19 22 22 23.4 23 Potassium mg/L 5.5 5.6 5.55 4 4.8 4.1 4.5 4.5 Bicarbonate mg/L 188 209 198.5 100 110 110 149 133 Carbonate mg/L <5 <6 <5.5 <0.5 5.8 <0.5 <6 <5 Chloride mg/L 2 2.6 2.3 2 2 0.8 2 2 Sulphate (SO4) mg/L 103 123 113 100 110 81.2 130 101 Fluoride (F) mg/L 0.42 0.42 0.42 – – 0.35 0.35 0.35 Cyanide, Total mg/L <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 – – <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 Sulphide3 mg/L 0.003 0.008 0.0055 0.016 0.012 0.0025 0.013 0.003 TKN mg/L 1.54 2.6 2.07 1.1 2.7 0.98 1.87 1.16 Ammonium – N3 mg/L 0.79 1.01 0.9 <0.05 0.08 0.025 0.126 0.08 Nitrate – N mg/L <0.04 <0.1 <0.07 <0.01 <0.01 <0.003 <0.01 <0.006 Nitrite – N mg/L <0.016 <0.05 <0.033 <0.01 <0.01 <0.002 <0.005 <0.003 Nitrate and Nitrite – N mg/L <0.06 <0.1 <0.08 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.02 <0.006 Total P2 mg/L 0.087 0.125 0.106 0.034 0.14 0.044 0.134 0.075 TDP mg/L – – – 0.012 0.009 0.01 0.01 0.01 Phenol1 mg/L 0.003 0.009 0.006 0.003 0.004 0.002 0.01 0.006 Dissolved Organic C mg/L 20.1 23 21.55 16.7 23 16.9 18 17.45 Naphthenic Acids mg/L <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 NOTES:





Parameter Unit Unnamed Lake 2

24-Jul-08 17-Sep-08 25-May-10 TDS mg/L 373 363 377 Conductivity (Lab) µS/cm 635 666 640 Hardness mg/L 335 301 330 Total Alkalinity mg/L 315 328 310 TSS mg/L 101 7 8 Water Temperature °C 24.56 11.92 11.49 pH (Field) pH units 7.98 8.27 7.95 pH (Lab) pH units 8.7 8.5 8.64 Dissolved Oxygen2 mg/L 8.5 10.14 15.33 BOD mg/L 3 4 5 Colour TCU 31 22 20 Chlorophyll a µg/L 46 21 16.2 Calcium mg/L 29.3 27.9 33 Magnesium mg/L 63.7 56.2 60 Sodium mg/L 25 21 24 Potassium mg/L 12.1 11.8 14 Bicarbonate mg/L 336 375 340 Carbonate mg/L 24 12 18 Chloride mg/L 2 4 4 Sulphate mg/L 51.7 44.6 54 Fluoride mg/L 0.37 0.43 – Cyanide, Total mg/L <0.002 <0.002 – Sulphide3 mg/L 0.025 0.003 0.014 TKN mg/L 3.6 3.17 2.5 Ammonium – N3 mg/L 0.184 0.369 <0.05 Nitrate – N mg/L <0.006 <0.006 <0.01 Nitrite – N mg/L <0.002 <0.002 <0.01 Nitrate and Nitrite – N mg/L <0.006 <0.006 <0.003 Total P2 mg/L 0.145 0.066 0.029 TDP mg/L – – 0.009 Phenol1 mg/L 0.01 0.006 0.005 Dissolved Organic C mg/L 45 37 39.7 Naphthenic Acids mg/L <1 <1 1.3 NOTES:




Table 5-22 Conventional Parameters and Naphthenic Acids in LSA Waterbodies – SDA


3-Jun-06 13-Sep-06 6-Jun-10 5-Aug-10 12-Oct-10 4-Jun-06 13-Sep-06 6-Jun-10 5-Aug-10 12-Oct-10 TDS mg/L – – 220 260 250 – – 220 250 340 TDS (Calculated) mg/L 142 147 – – – 232 334 – – – Conductivity (Field) µS/cm – – 298 302 290 – – 315 351 – Conductivity (Lab) µS/cm 241 259 300 290 300 381 528 320 340 450 Hardness mg/L 130 149 173 160 155 180 279 157 161 212 Total Alkalinity mg/L 129 132 150 150 150 151 195 110 130 150 TSS mg/L – – 7 19 5 – – <1 2 2 Water Temperature °C – – 19.05 20.05 7.77 – – 19.03 19.58 – pH (Field) pH Units – – 8.37 8.11 8.19 – – 8.13 7.46 – pH (Lab) pH units 9 8.8 8.14 8.42 8.47 8.1 8.2 8.12 7.99 7.93 Dissolved Oxygen mg/L – – 8.25 10.29 10.38 – – 7.85 4.44 – BOD mg/L 3 4 3 3 3 <2 2 <2 <2 <2 Colour TCU – – 17 16 16 – – 52 56 68 Chlorophyll a µg/L – – – – – – – – – – Calcium mg/L 21.7 24.4 35 29.2 31.6 43.1 66.2 36.2 33.4 54.1 Magnesium mg/L 18.3 21.3 20.9 20.1 20.8 17.6 27.6 16.3 17.7 23.2 Sodium mg/L 5 6 5.2 5.02 5.11 15 21 13.5 15.9 19.6 Potassium mg/L 2.1 2.7 2.26 2.72 2.63 1.8 2.5 1.4 1.72 2.57 Bicarbonate mg/L 132 144 180 180 170 184 237 130 150 180 Carbonate mg/L 12 8 <0.5 2.8 3.3 <5 <5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 Chloride mg/L 2 2 <1 2 2 2 3 <1 2 2 Sulphate (SO4) mg/L 15.1 11.3 9 11 11 61.6 96.7 59 53 86 Sulphide3 mg/L – – 0.013 0.022 0.008 – – 0.032 0.058 0.035 TKN mg/L 2.7 3 1.7 – – 1.1 2.1 1.3 – – Ammonium – N mg/L <0.05 <0.05 0.05 0.07 <0.05 <0.05 <0.36 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 Nitrate – N mg/L <0.1 <0.1 0.02 <0.003 <0.003 <0.1 <0.1 0.02 <0.003 0.03 Nitrite – N mg/L <0.05 <0.05 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.05 <0.05 <0.003 <0.003 0.01 Nitrate and Nitrite – N mg/L <0.1 <0.1 0.005 <0.003 <0.003 <0.1 <0.1 0.004 <0.003 0.01 Total P2 mg/L 0.030 0.050 0.009 0.027 0.005 0.03 0.05 0.02 0.025 <0.001 TDP mg/L – – 0.005 0.004 <0.001 – – 0.012 0.022 <0.001 Total Phenolics1 mg/L 0.029 0.040 – – – 0.014 0.025 – – – Dissolved Organic Carbon mg/L – – 34 41 38 – – 21 33 35 TOC mg/L – – 31 45 42 – – 22 34 36 Naphthenic acids mg/L <1 <1 – – – <1 <1 – – – Total Recoverable Hydrocarbons

mg/L <1 <1 – – – <1 <1 – – –

NOTES: Bolded and shaded values represent exceedances of chronic CCME Water Quality Guidelines1 (CCME 2011, Internet site), Alberta Environment chronic Surface Water Quality Guidelines2 (AENV

1999), U.S. EPA chronic criteria3 (U.S. EPA 2009, Internet site), Health Canada Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality4 (Health Canada 2010) or CCME Guidelines for Protection of Agricultural Uses5 (CCME 2011, Internet site). See Tables 5-5 to 5-7 for applicable water and sediment quality guidelines. – = No data collected



Table 5-22 Conventional Parameters and Naphthenic Acids in LSA Waterbodies – SDA (cont’d)


03-Jun-2006 12-Sep-2006 06-Jun-2010 05-Aug-2010 12-Oct-2010 06-Jun-2010 05-Aug-2010 12-Oct-2010 TDS mg/L – – 190 200 210 200 280 200 TDS (Calculated) mg/L 154 168 – – – – – – Conductivity (Field) µS/cm – – 312 321 334 190 225 222 Conductivity (Lab) µS/cm 286 307 310 300 340 190 210 220 Hardness mg/L 149 170 178 164 172 58.5 57.2 57 Total Alkalinity mg/L 149 158 160 160 190 26 33 24 TSS mg/L – – <1 1 <1 2 9 4 Water Temperature °C – – 16.8 19.8 9.02 18.47 19.27 7.24 pH (Field) pH units – – 7.99 7.19 7.81 6.94 6.59 7.21 pH (Lab) pH units 8.3 8.3 8.13 8.15 8.09 7.21 7.41 7.19 Dissolved Oxygen mg/L – – 8.52 6.92 6.3 12.8 7.54 8.95 BOD mg/L <2 <2 2 <2 <2 <2 3 2 Colour T.C.U. – – – – – – – – Colour Pt Co units – – 11 10 11 360 180 120 Chlorophyll a µg/L – – – – – – – – Calcium mg/L 42 47.1 45.9 46.8 48 12.1 13.6 13.9 Magnesium mg/L 10.8 12.7 12.8 13.3 14.2 5.66 6.43 6.26 Sodium mg/L 5 5 5 5.23 5.41 18.9 21.8 22 Potassium mg/L 1.4 1.8 1.79 1.86 2.13 5.19 5.85 5.96 Bicarbonate mg/L 182 193 190 200 240 31 40 30 Carbonate mg/L <5 <5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 Chloride mg/L 2 2 1 2 2 4 5 4 Sulphate (SO4) mg/L 3.8 4.6 <1 <1 1 59 58 66 Sulphide3 mg/L – – 0.009 0.003 0.004 0.04 0.028 0.027 TKN mg/L 0.6 0.5 0.71 – – 2.2 Ammonium – N mg/L <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 0.21 0.09 <0.05 0.13 Nitrate – N mg/L <0.1 <0.1 0.02 <0.003 0.07 0.11 <0.003 <0.003 Nitrite – N mg/L <0.05 <0.05 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 Nitrate and Nitrite – N mg/L <0.1 <0.1 0.005 <0.003 0.015 0.024 <0.003 <0.003 Total P2 mg/L <0.02 <0.02 0.005 0.005 0.003 0.13 0.19 0.026 TDP mg/L – – <0.001 0.004 0.001 0.13 0.12 0.001 Total Phenolics1 mg/L 0.007 0.005 – – – – – – TOC mg/L – – 9.8 11 11 39 46 40 Dissolved Organic C mg/L – – 9.6 11 11 32 44 38 Naphthenic acids mg/L <1 <1 – – – – – – Total Recoverable Hydrocarbons mg/L <1 <1 – – – – – – NOTES:




Table 5-23 Proportion of Major Ions in the LSA Waterbodies

Parameter

Ronald Lake

Unnamed Lake

1

Unnamed Lake

2

Unnamed Waterbody

20

Unnamed Waterbody

19

Unnamed Waterbody

21 Unnamed Waterbody

26

Unnamed Waterbody

8

Unnamed Waterbody

7

Unnamed Waterbody

10

Unnamed Waterbody

15

10-Aug-10 Median

(2008, 2009) 24-Aug-10 24-Jul-08 24-Aug-10 24-Aug-10 Median

(2008, 2009) Median

2007–2010 Median

(2008, 2009) Median

(2007–2010) 5-Aug-10 5-Aug-10 5-Aug-2010 5-Aug-2010

Total Cation (µeq/L) 4,274 5,377 4,441 8,098 2,525 2,433 6,039 5,197 4,751 3,052 3,398 3,857 3,703 2,305

Total Anion (µeq/L) 4,208 5,762 4,342 7,440 2,397 2,309 6,287 4,823 4,828 2,661 3,329 3,627 3,354 2,012

Proportion (%) of Cationic Charge Attributable to Each Ion

Calcium 47.8 48.0 46.1 18.0 59.3 38.9 29.8 24.7 51.2 39.9 42.9 43.2 63.0 29.4

Magnesium 30.8 27.0 29.6 64.7 27.0 40.6 46.0 50.9 36.6 46.4 48.7 37.8 29.5 23.0

Sodium 19.3 22.4 21.5 13.4 9.6 17.3 16.1 16.3 6.5 7.4 6.4 17.9 6.1 41.1

Potassium 2.0 2.6 2.8 3.8 4.1 3.2 8.2 8.1 5.7 6.4 2.0 1.1 1.3 6.5

Proportion (%) of Anionic Charge Attributable to Each Ion

Bicarbonate 62.3 56.5 41.5 74.0 88.9 58.2 80.1 75.3 95.6 82.6 88.6 67.8 97.8 32.6

Carbonate 4.5 1.6 4.5 10.8 0.3 23.1 1.5 5.3 1.9 14.5 2.8 0.2 0.2 0.4

Chloride 11.4 1.1 1.3 0.8 1.2 2.4 1.7 1.2 0.6 1.6 1.7 1.6 1.7 7.0

Sulphate 21.8 40.8 52.7 14.5 9.6 16.2 16.8 18.3 1.9 1.3 6.9 30.4 0.3 60.0



Table 5-24 Total Metals in LSA Waterbodies – MDA

Metal Unit Ronald Lake Unnamed Waterbody 20 Unnamed Waterbody 19

25-May-10 24-Aug-10 6-Oct-10 25-May-10 24-Aug-10 25-May-10 24-Aug-10 Aluminum mg/L 0.007 0.011 0.013 0.012 0.017 0.005 0.016 Antimony mg/L <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 Arsenic mg/L 0.0006 0.0004 0.0003 0.0009 0.0011 0.0007 0.0007 Barium mg/L 0.08 0.07 0.07 0.03 0.04 0.03 0.03 Beryllium mg/L <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 Boron mg/L 0.09 0.09 0.10 0.05 0.06 0.06 0.07 Cadmium mg/L <0.000005 <0.000005 0.000067 <0.000005 0.00001 <0.000005 0.000008 Calcium mg/L 56 40 42 30 29 39 19 Chromium mg/L <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 Cobalt mg/L <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 Copper mg/L 0.0002 0.0006 <0.0002 <0.0002 0.0004 <0.0002 0.0003 Iron1 mg/L 0.17 0.16 0.32 0.2 1.2 0.17 0.44 Lead mg/L <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 Lithium mg/L 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.02 0.02 0.03 0.03 Magnesium mg/L 17 15 15 8.5 8.2 11 12 Manganese4 mg/L 0.22 0.12 0.12 0.043 0.12 0.046 0.23 Molybdenum mg/L <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 0.0004 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 Nickel mg/L <0.0005 0.0006 <0.0005 0.0005 0.0007 <0.0005 0.0006 Potassium mg/L 3.6 3.3 3.1 4.9 3.9 2.4 3.0 Selenium mg/L <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 Silicon mg/L 2 5.5 2.8 0.3 2.0 0.8 1.9 Silver1 mg/L <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 Sodium mg/L 20 18 19 6.2 5.6 9.3 9.6 Strontium mg/L 0.25 0.20 0.21 0.12 0.11 0.14 0.10 Sulphur mg/L 19 14 15 6.4 3.7 9 5.2 Thallium mg/L <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 Tin mg/L <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 Titanium mg/L <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 Uranium mg/L <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 Vanadium mg/L 0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.001 <0.001 0.001 <0.001 Zinc mg/L <0.003 0.004 0.004 <0.003 0.003 <0.003 <0.003 Total Mercury low level ng/L <0.6 <0.6 <0.6 <0.6 <0.6 <0.6 <0.6 Methyl Mercury ng/L <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 0.04 0.015 <0.03 0.04 Total Silver low level µg/L 0.002 0.0044 0.0060 0.0041 0.005 0.0023 0.0016 NOTES:




Table 5-24 Total Metals in LSA Waterbodies – MDA (cont’d)

Metal Unit


Min Max Median Min Max Median Min Max Median Min Max Median Aluminum mg/L <0.01 0.007 0.006 0.007 0.028 0.0175 0.01 0.011 0.0105 <0.01 0.011 0.009 Antimony mg/L <0.0002 <0.0004 <0.0003 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0004 <0.0003 <0.0002 <0.0004 <0.0002 Arsenic mg/L 0.0007 0.0008 0.00075 0.0005 0.0009 0.0007 0.0006 0.0007 0.00065 0.0005 0.0006 0.0005 Barium mg/L 0.047 0.052 0.0495 0.03 0.037 0.0335 0.025 0.04 0.0325 0.028 0.05 0.029 Beryllium mg/L <0.0001 <0.001 <0.0006 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.00055 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 Bismuth mg/L <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 - - - <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 Boron mg/L 0.106 0.12 0.113 0.087 0.09 0.0885 0.1 0.11 0.105 0.092 0.11 0.1 Cadmium mg/L <0.00001 <0.0002 <0.0001 0.000008 0.00003 0.000019 <0.000005 <0.0002 <0.0001 0.000032 0.00005 Calcium mg/L 32.5 38.5 35.5 28.3 33 30.65 19.9 30 24.95 21.9 33 22.2 Chromium mg/L 0.001 0.0025 0.00175 <0.001 0.0006 0.00055 <0.001 0.001 0.00075 <0.001 0.0025 0.001 Cobalt mg/L <0.0001 <0.0002 <0.00015 <0.0001 <0.0003 <0.0002 <0.0003 <0.005 <0.00265 <0.0001 <0.002 <0.0003 Copper mg/L <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.0003 0.0005 0.0004 0.0004 0.0005 0.00045 <0.0002 <0.001 <0.001 Iron1 mg/L 0.04 0.05 0.045 <0.06 0.05 0.04 0.015 0.03 0.0225 0.009 0.05 0.03 Lead mg/L <0.001 0.0006 0.00055 <0.0001 0.0001 0.000075 <0.0001 0.0001 0.000075 0.00005 0.0001 0.00005 Lithium mg/L 0.04 0.054 0.047 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.041 0.04 Magnesium mg/L 33.3 35.7 34.5 25.9 30 27.95 27.8 33 30.4 26.6 33 27.8 Manganese4 mg/L 0.378 0.432 0.405 0.023 0.03 0.0265 0.016 0.051 0.0335 0.015 0.037 0.019 Mercury2 mg/L <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 Molybdenum mg/L <0.001 <0.005 <0.003 <0.0002 <0.001 <0.0006 <0.0002 0.0025 <0.0026 <0.0002 <0.005 <0.001 Nickel mg/L 0.0005 0.001 0.00075 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.002 <0.0012 0.00025 0.001 <0.0005 Potassium mg/L 16.5 19.8 18.15 13.8 16 14.9 15.6 18 16.8 14.6 18 15.6 Selenium mg/L <0.0002 <0.0004 <0.0003 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0004 <0.0003 <0.0002 <0.0004 <0.0002 Silicon mg/L 0.33 0.33 0.33 0.1 0.27 0.185 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.23 0.5 0.365 Silver1 mg/L 0.00002 0.0002 0.00011 <0.00001 <0.0001 <0.00006 <0.0001 <0.0004 <0.0002 <0.0001 <0.0004 <0.0001 Sodium mg/L 20 23.6 21.8 0.16 16.1 8.13 18 19 18.5 17 20 18.3 Strontium mg/L 0.195 0.195 0.195 0.147 0.16 0.1535 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.133 0.19 0.1615 Sulphur mg/L 16.8 16.8 16.8 12.5 14 13.25 15 15 15 14.6 16 15.3 Thallium mg/L <0.00005 <0.0001 <0.000075 <0.00005 <0.0002 <0.00012 <0.0001 <0.0002 <0.00015 <0.00005 <0.0002 <0.0001 Tin mg/L <0.001 <0.05 <0.0255 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0255 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 Titanium mg/L <0.001 0.0009 0.0007 <0.001 0.001 0.00075 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.0015 <0.001 Uranium mg/L 0.0001 0.00025 0.0002 0.0001 0.00025 0.0002 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 0.00005 0.00025 0.0001 Vanadium mg/L 0.0004 0.0005 0.00045 0.0005 0.001 0.00075 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.0004 0.0005 0.0005 Zinc mg/L 0.005 0.007 0.006 0.003 0.003 0.003 <0.003 0.005 0.003 <0.003 0.003 0.002 Total Mercury low level ng/L – – – <0.6 <0.6 <0.6 <0.6 <0.6 <0.6 <0.6 <0.6 <0.6 Methyl Mercury ng/L – – – 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.06 0.06 0.06 Total Silver low level µg/L – – – 0.0008 0.0008 0.0008 0.0021 0.0021 0.0021 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 NOTES:





Metal Unit Unnamed Waterbody 22 Unnamed Waterbody 23

3-Mar-09 25-May-10 24-Aug-10 19-Sep-07 21-May-08 22-Jul-08 17-Sep-08 25-May-10 Aluminum mg/L 0.09 0.010 0.018 0.011 0.06 0.01 0.04 0.009 Antimony mg/L <0.00048 0.0003 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0004 <0.0004 <0.0002 Arsenic mg/L 0.0031 0.0010 0.0011 0.0013 0.0009 0.0015 0.0013 0.0011 Barium mg/L 0.153 0.04 0.04 0.043 0.028 0.046 0.039 0.04 Beryllium mg/L <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 Bismuth mg/L – – – <0.0005 <0.0005 – – – Boron mg/L 0.12 0.09 0.12 0.023 0.081 0.07 0.06 0.09 Cadmium mg/L <0.0002 0.000016 <0.000005 0.00001 0.00003 <0.0002 <0.0002 0.000013 Calcium mg/L 92.4 50 44 39.7 34.6 31.8 37.8 49 Chromium mg/L 0.0025 0.0005 0.0005 0.001 <0.0005 <0.002 <0.005 <0.001 Cobalt mg/L 0.001 0.00015 0.00015 0.0002 0.0002 <0.005 <0.002 <0.0003 Copper mg/L 0.002 0.0005 0.0002 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.0002 Iron1 mg/L 0.951 0.10 0.06 0.2 0.4 0.196 0.283 0.09 Lead mg/L 0.0006 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0001 0.0002 <0.0001 0.0001 <0.0002 Lithium mg/L 0.08 0.04 0.05 0.06 0.034 0.04 0.05 0.03 Magnesium mg/L 40 18 23 18 12.8 15.5 16.2 18 Manganese4 mg/L 2.27 0.013 0.079 0.033 0.108 0.109 0.137 0.012 Mercury2 mg/L 0.0001 – – <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 Molybdenum mg/L <0.005 0.0002 <0.0002 <0.001 <0.001 <0.005 <0.005 0.0002 Nickel mg/L 0.004 0.0013 0.0009 0.0014 0.0014 <0.002 0.002 0.0012 Potassium mg/L 8.5 6.7 6.1 3.8 4 3.4 4.2 6.5 Selenium mg/L <0.0004 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0004 <0.0004 <0.0002 Silicon mg/L – 1.2 0.3 0.62 2.1 – – 1.2 Silver1 mg/L <0.0004 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.00001 <0.0004 <0.0004 <0.0001 Sodium mg/L 48 0.23 30 32.9 18.4 23 25 0.23 Strontium mg/L – 0.23 0.27 0.239 0.173 – – 0.23 Sulphur mg/L – 22 21 8.6 12.2 – – 21 Thallium mg/L <0.0001 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.00005 <0.00005 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0002 Tin mg/L <0.05 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.05 <0.001 Titanium mg/L 0.005 <0.001 <0.001 0.001 0.0014 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 Uranium mg/L 0.0005 0.0003 0.0001 <0.0005 <0.0005 0.0002 0.0007 0.0003 Vanadium mg/L <0.001 0.001 <0.001 0.0004 0.0006 <0.001 <0.001 0.001 Zinc mg/L 0.006 0.003 0.007 0.002 0.004 <0.004 <0.004 <0.003 Total Mercury low level ng/L – <0.6 <0.6 – – – – <0.6 Methyl Mercury ng/L – 0.10 0.41 – – – – 0.12 Total Silver low level µg/L – 0.0026 0.0007 – – – – 0.0026 NOTES:





Metal Unit


Min Max Median Min Max Median Min Max Median Min Max Median Aluminum mg/L 0.096 0.1 0.098 0.015 0.015 0.015 0.01 0.013 0.0115 0.01 0.032 0.016 Antimony mg/L <0.0002 <0.0004 <0.0004 <0.0002 0.0002 0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0004 <0.0004 <0.0002 <0.0004 <0.0002 Arsenic mg/L 0.0013 0.0015 0.0014 0.0006 0.0013 0.00095 0.0009 0.0014 0.00115 0.0009 0.001 0.0009 Barium mg/L 0.098 0.099 0.0985 0.042 0.06 0.051 0.05 0.06 0.055 0.056 0.06 0.059 Beryllium mg/L <0.0001 <0.001 0.00028 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.0006 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 Bismuth mg/L <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 – – – <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 Boron mg/L 0.1 0.108 0.104 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.1 0.09 0.086 0.1 0.09 Cadmium mg/L <0.00001 <0.0002 <0.0001 0.000014 0.00003 0.00002 0.000007 0.0001 0.00005 <0.00001 0.0001 0.00002 Calcium mg/L 60.4 60.5 60.45 34.7 54 44.35 41 41.4 41.2 43.1 48 44 Chromium mg/L <0.0022 0.0025 0.0018 <0.0005 <0.001 <0.0008 <0.001 <0.002 <0.0016 <0.001 0.0025 0.0011 Cobalt mg/L <0.0002 0.0003 0.0002 0.0001 0.00015 0.00013 <0.0003 <0.005 <0.0026 <0.0001 0.001 <0.0003 Copper mg/L <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.0002 0.0005 0.0004 0.0002 0.0005 <0.001 Iron1 mg/L 0.6 1.22 0.91 0.39 0.4 0.395 0.109 0.38 0.2445 0.1 0.62 0.339 Lead mg/L 0.0002 0.0008 0.0005 <0.0001 <0.0002 <0.00016 <0.0001 <0.0002 <0.00016 <0.0001 <0.0002 <0.0001 Lithium mg/L 0.06 0.078 0.069 0.039 0.04 0.0395 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.06 0.05 Magnesium mg/L 22.5 23.4 22.95 13.2 21 17.1 17.1 23 20.05 17.8 21 18.8 Manganese4 mg/L 1.51 1.74 1.625 0.146 0.23 0.188 0.11 0.39 0.25 0.088 0.27 0.208 Mercury2 mg/L <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 Molybdenum mg/L <0.001 <0.005 <0.003 <0.0002 <0.001 <0.0006 <0.0002 <0.005 <0.0026 <0.0002 <0.005 <0.001 Nickel mg/L 0.0015 0.002 0.00175 0.0009 0.0011 0.001 <0.002 0.0011 0.0011 <0.002 0.0013 0.0012 Potassium mg/L 5.9 6.7 6.3 5 5.7 5.35 4 5.6 4.8 4.6 5.8 4.7 Selenium mg/L <0.0002 <0.0004 <0.0003 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0004 <0.0003 <0.0002 <0.0004 <0.0002 Silicon mg/L 3.5 3.5 3.5 2.09 4 3.045 2.7 2.7 2.7 1.12 4.7 2.91 Silver1 mg/L <0.00004 <0.0004 <0.00022 0.00002 <0.0001 0.00004 <0.0001 <0.0004 <0.0002 <0.0001 0.0002 <0.0001 Sodium mg/L 33 38.7 35.85 0.28 20.1 10.19 25 33 29 26 31 27.8 Strontium mg/L 0.394 0.394 0.394 0.179 0.28 0.2295 0.26 0.26 0.26 0.27 0.281 0.2755 Sulphur mg/L 13.7 13.7 13.7 6 13 9.5 4.2 4.2 4.2 11 17.2 14.1 Thallium mg/L <0.00005 <0.0001 <0.00008 <0.00005 <0.0002 <0.00012 <0.0001 <0.0002 0.000075 <0.00005 <0.0002 <0.0001 Tin mg/L <0.001 <0.05 <0.0255 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0255 <0.001 <0.05 <0.001 Titanium mg/L 0.0044 0.005 0.0047 <0.001 0.0007 0.0006 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.0026 <0.001 Uranium mg/L 0.00025 0.0003 0.000275 0.00025 0.0003 0.000275 0.00005 0.0003 0.000175 0.0002 0.00025 0.0002 Vanadium mg/L 0.0005 0.0009 0.0007 0.0003 0.001 0.00065 0.0005 0.0005 0.0005 0.0003 0.0005 0.0005 Zinc mg/L 0.002 0.004 0.003 0.0015 0.003 0.00225 0.004 0.004 0.004 0.002 0.01 0.002 Total Mercury low ng/L – – – 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 Methyl Mercury ng/L – – – 0.11 0.11 0.11 0.16 0.16 0.16 0.04 0.04 0.04 Total Silver low µg/L – – – 0.0014 0.0014 0.0014 0.0043 0.0043 0.0043 0.0014 0.0014 0.0014 NOTES:





Metal Unit


Min Max Median Min Max Median Min Max Median Min Max Median Aluminum mg/L <0.01 0.022 0.0135 0.006 0.007 0.0065 0.010 0.010 0.010 0.005 0.01 0.01 Antimony mg/L <0.0002 <0.0004 <0.0003 <0.0002 0.0002 0.00015 <0.0002 <0.0004 <0.0003 <0.0002 <0.0004 <0.0002 Arsenic mg/L <0.0004 0.0005 0.00035 <0.0004 0.0006 0.0004 <0.0004 0.0004 0.0003 0.0002 0.0003 0.0003 Barium mg/L 0.049 0.05 0.0495 0.03 0.032 0.031 0.02100 0.040 0.031 0.025 0.04 0.026 Beryllium mg/L <0.0001 <0.001 <0.00055 <0.0001 <0.001 0.000275 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 Bismuth mg/L <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 – – – 0.00025 0.00025 0.00025 Boron mg/L 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.058 0.06 0.059 0.0700 0.080 0.075 0.069 0.08 0.08 Cadmium mg/L <0.00002 <0.0002 <0.00011 0.000014 0.00002 0.000017 <0.000006 <0.0002 <0.00012 <0.00001 0.0001 0.00002 Calcium mg/L 44 46.5 45.25 34.1 43 38.55 18.20 29.0 23.6 24.2 35 25.7 Chromium mg/L <0.0005 <0.005 <0.0028 <0.0006 <0.001 <0.0008 <0.001 <0.002 <0.0016 <0.001 0.0025 0.001 Cobalt mg/L 0.0001 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0001 <0.0003 <0.0002 <0.0003 <0.006 <0.002 <0.0001 <0.002 <0.0003 Copper mg/L <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.0004 <0.001 <0.0007 <0.0002 <0.002 0.000 <0.0002 <0.001 <0.001 Iron1 mg/L 0.6 0.648 0.624 <0.06 <0.1 <0.08 0.05000 0.080 0.065 0.03 <0.1 <0.06 Lead mg/L 0.0002 0.0028 0.0015 0.00005 0.0001 0.000075 <0.0001 <0.0002 0.00008 <0.0001 <0.0002 <0.0001 Lithium mg/L 0.02 0.02 0.02 <0.02 0.014 0.012 <0.02 0.01 0.01 <0.02 0.014 0.01 Magnesium mg/L 18.5 20 19.25 13.8 16 14.9 14.3 18.0 16.2 14.2 17 14.4 Manganese4 mg/L 0.376 0.406 0.391 0.007 0.022 0.0145 0.012 0.023 0.018 0.012 0.018 0.016 Mercury2 mg/L <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 Molybdenum mg/L <0.001 <0.005 <0.003 <0.0002 <0.001 <0.0006 <0.0002 <0.006 <0.002 <0.0002 <0.005 <0.001 Nickel mg/L <0.0005 <0.002 <0.00125 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.002 <0.002 <0.0005 <0.002 <0.0005 Potassium mg/L 8.4 11.2 9.8 7.9 8.4 8.15 5.4 9.20 7.300 6.4 8.8 7.4 Selenium mg/L <0.0002 <0.0004 <0.0003 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0004 <0 <0.0002 <0.0004 <0.0002 Silicon mg/L 1.19 1.19 1.19 0.3 0.55 0.425 0.4 0.40 0.400 0.1 0.14 0.12 Silver1 mg/L <0.00004 0.0002 <0.00022 <0.00001 <0.0001 <0.000055 <0.0001 <0.0004 <0.0002 <0.0001 <0.0004 <0.0001 Sodium mg/L 6 7.7 6.85 0.14 4.5 2.32 5.0 5.3 5.150 4.8 5.3 5 Strontium mg/L 0.204 0.204 0.204 0.13 0.14 0.135 0.160 0.160 0.160 0.121 0.17 0.1455 Sulphur mg/L 1.2 1.2 1.2 0.9 1.1 1 1.10 1.10 1.100 1 1.1 1.05 Thallium mg/L <0.00005 <0.0001 <0.000075 <0.00005 <0.0002 <0.000125 0.0001 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.00005 <0.0002 <0.0001 Tin mg/L <0.001 <0.05 <0.0255 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.026 <0.001 <0.05 <0.001 Titanium mg/L <0.001 0.0005 <0.001 <0.0005 <0.001 0.000375 <0.001 <0.001 <0.002 <0.001 0.0008 <0.001 Uranium mg/L <0.0001 <0.0005 <0.0003 <0.0001 <0.0005 <0.0003 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0 <0.0001 <0.0005 <0.0001 Vanadium mg/L 0.0004 <0.001 <0.0009 0.0002 <0.002 <0.0012 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.0003 <0.001 <0.001 Zinc mg/L <0.004 0.005 0.0035 <0.003 0.003 0.0023 0.008 0.012 0.010 0.002 0.005 0.004 Total Mercury low level

ng/L – – – <0.6 <0.6 <0.6 <0.6 <0.6 <0.6 <0.6 <0.6 <0.6

Methyl Mercury ng/L – – – <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 0.110 0.110 0.110 <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 Total Silver low level µg/L – – – 0.0018 0.0018 0.0018 0.002 0.002 0.002 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 NOTE:





Metal Unit

Unnamed Lake 1 Winter Spring (2009) Summer (2010) Fall (2007–2010)

Min Max Median Min Max Median Aluminum mg/L <0.01 0.032 0.019 0.013 0.016 0.009 0.021 0.01 Antimony mg/L <0.0002 <0.0004 <0.0004 0.0002 <0.0002 0.0001 0.0002 0.0001 Arsenic mg/L 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.0007 0.0007 0.0006 0.0007 0.0006 Barium mg/L 0.051 0.054 0.053 0.02 0.03 0.023 0.034 0.03 Beryllium mg/L <0.0002 <0.001 <0.0006 <0.001 <0.001 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 Bismuth mg/L <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 – – 0.00025 0.00025 0.00025 Boron mg/L 0.137 0.140 0.139 0.10 0.12 0.123 0.13 0.13 Cadmium mg/L <0.00001 <0.0002 0.00005 0.000049 <0.000005 <0.00001 <0.0002 <0.00003 Calcium mg/L 48.3 50.5 49.4 39 40 40.7 43 41.2 Chromium mg/L <0.0005 <0.005 0.0014 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.005 0.0009 Cobalt mg/L <0.0002 0.0003 0.0002 <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0001 <0.002 <0.0003 Copper mg/L <0.001 0.0010 0.0008 0.0002 0.0003 0.0002 0.001 <0.001 Iron1 mg/L 0.042 0.200 0.121 <0.06 <0.06 <0.1 0.1 0.073 Lead mg/L 0.0002 0.0015 0.0009 <0.0002 <0.0002 0.00005 <0.0002 <0.0001 Lithium mg/L 0.060 0.074 0.067 0.05 0.06 0.06 0.062 0.06 Magnesium mg/L 15.9 17.0 16.5 14 16 14.1 16 14.6 Manganese4 mg/L 2.52 2.80 2.66 0.16 1.3 0.192 1.15 0.42 Mercury2 mg/L <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 – – <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 Molybdenum mg/L <0.001 <0.005 <0.003 0.0003 0.0002 0.0002 <0.005 <0.001 Nickel mg/L 0.0050 0.0057 0.0054 0.0040 0.0036 0.0044 0.005 0.0047 Potassium mg/L 4.800 5.800 5.300 4.0 4.8 4.2 4.6 4.4 Selenium mg/L <0.0002 <0.0004 <0.0004 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 0.0005 <0.0002 Silicon mg/L 5.220 5.220 5.220 0.1 4.3 3.93 5 4.465 Silver1 mg/L <0.0004 <0.0004 <0.00022 <0.0001 <0.0001 0.00005 0.0002 0.00005 Sodium mg/L 23.000 30.500 26.750 0.18 22 22 23 22.1 Strontium mg/L 0.261 0.261 0.261 0.18 0.21 0.209 0.22 0.2145 Sulphur mg/L 40.200 40.200 40.200 32 36 32.4 40 36.2 Thallium mg/L <0.00006 <0.0001 <0.00008 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.00005 <0.0002 <0.0001 Tin mg/L <0.001 <0.05 <0.0256 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.001 Titanium mg/L 0.002 0.0026 0.0023 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.0021 0.001 Uranium mg/L 0.00010 <0.0005 <0.00048 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 0.00025 0.0001 Vanadium mg/L 0.0003 <0.001 <0.0008 0.001 <0.001 0.0003 <0.001 <0.001 Zinc mg/L 0.002 0.012 0.007 0.004 0.0015 0.0015 0.002 0.002 Total Mercury low level ng/L – – – <0.6 <0.6 <0.6 <0.6 <0.6 Methyl Mercury ng/L – – – <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 Total Silver low level µg/L – – – 0.0021 <0.0005 0.001 0.001 0.001 NOTE:





Metal Unit Unnamed Lake 2

25-May-10 24-Aug-10 6-Oct-10 Aluminum mg/L 0.009 0.012 0.008 Antimony mg/L <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 Arsenic mg/L 0.0007 0.0004 0.0004 Barium mg/L 0.05 0.02 0.03 Beryllium mg/L <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 Boron mg/L 0.17 0.19 0.19 Cadmium mg/L 0.000053 <0.000005 0.000035 Calcium mg/L 33 26 26 Chromium mg/L <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 Cobalt mg/L <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 Copper mg/L <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 Iron1 mg/L <0.06 <0.06 <0.06 Lead mg/L <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 Lithium mg/L 0.06 0.07 0.06 Magnesium mg/L 60 65 62 Manganese4 mg/L 0.017 0.032 0.015 Molybdenum mg/L <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 Nickel mg/L <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 Potassium mg/L 14 14 13 Selenium mg/L <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 Silicon mg/L 0.2 5.2 5.1 Silver1 mg/L <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 Sodium mg/L 0.18 25 26 Strontium mg/L 0.18 0.18 0.18 Sulphur mg/L 17 19 17 Thallium mg/L <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 Tin mg/L <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 Titanium mg/L <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 Uranium mg/L 0.0001 0.0001 0.0002 Vanadium mg/L 0.002 <0.001 <0.001 Zinc mg/L <0.003 <0.003 0.004 Total Mercury low level ng/L <0.6 <0.6 <0.6 Methyl Mercury ng/L 0.04 0.18 0.05 Total Silver low level µg/L 0.0007 0.0020 <0.0005 NOTES:




Table 5-25 Total Metals in LSA Waterbodies – SDA

Metal Unit Unnamed Waterbody 8

3-Jun-2006 13-Sep-2006 6-Jun-2010 5-Aug-2010 12-Oct-2010 4-Jun-2006 13-Sep-2006 6-Jun-2010 5-Aug-2010 12-Oct-2010 Aluminum mg/L 0.02 0.02 0.0071 0.0173 0.0071 0.05 0.03 0.0128 0.0029 0.0133 Antimony mg/L 0.0006 0.0011 0.00002 0.00003 0.00003 0.0005 0.0009 0.00005 0.00006 0.00004 Arsenic mg/L <0.0004 <0.0004 0.00023 0.00023 0.0002 0.0007 0.0009 0.00064 0.00091 0.00063 Barium mg/L 0.054 0.073 0.0793 0.0939 0.0684 0.031 0.062 0.0286 0.0322 0.0301 Beryllium mg/L <0.001 <0.001 <0.00001 <0.00001 <0.00001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.00001 <0.00001 <0.00001 Bismuth mg/L – – <0.000005 <0.000005 <0.000005 – – <0.000005 <0.000005 <0.000005 Boron mg/L <0.05 0.07 0.04 0.04 0.05 0.06 0.08 0.06 0.07 0.07 Cadmium mg/L <0.0002 <0.0002 0.000009 0.00001 0.000006 <0.0002 <0.0002 0.000006 <0.000005 0.000018 Chromium mg/L <0.005 <0.005 0.0001 0.0003 <0.0001 <0.005 <0.005 0.0002 <0.0001 0.0001 Cobalt mg/L <0.002 <0.002 0.000066 0.000057 0.000049 <0.002 <0.002 0.000117 0.000137 0.0001 Copper mg/L <0.001 0.0005 0.00049 0.00023 0.00008 <0.001 <0.001 0.00066 <0.00005 0.00009 Iron1 mg/L 0.023 0.031 0.029 0.048 0.017 0.121 0.121 0.048 0.027 0.063 Lead mg/L <0.0001 0.0001 0.000074 0.000096 0.000031 0.0001 <0.0001 0.000084 <0.000005 0.000029 Lithium mg/L 0.01 0.01 0.0097 0.0114 0.0107 0.02 0.04 0.0206 0.0302 0.03 Manganese4 mg/L 0.014 0.02 0.0231 0.0343 0.0118 0.128 0.554 0.0573 0.0177 0.0699 Mercury mg/L <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0000006 0.0000008 <0.000002 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0000006 <0.0000006 <0.000002 Methyl Mercury ng/L – – <0.00000003 0.00000017 – – – 0.00000006 0.00000036 – Molybdenum mg/L <0.005 <0.005 0.00009 0.00005 <0.00005 <0.005 <0.005 0.00029 0.00029 0.00016 Nickel mg/L <0.002 <0.002 0.00015 0.00015 0.00021 <0.002 0.003 0.0006 0.00045 0.00062 Selenium mg/L <0.0004 0.0005 0.00005 0.00004 0.00005 <0.0004 0.0005 0.00005 0.00007 0.00006 Silicon mg/L – – 0.5 1.7 1.6 – – 0.2 0.5 0.8 Silver mg/L <0.0004 <0.0004 <0.000005 0.0000017 <0.000005 <0.0004 <0.0004 <0.000005 0.0000015 <0.000005 Sulphur mg/L - - <10 <10 <10 - - 19 22 31 Thallium mg/L <0.0001 <0.0001 0.000001 0.000001 0.000001 <0.0001 <0.0001 0.000001 0.000001 0.000001 Thorium mg/L – – – – – – – – – – Tin mg/L <0.05 <0.05 0.00001 0.000005 0.000005 <0.05 <0.05 0.00001 <0.0001 <0.0001 Titanium mg/L <0.001 0.002 <0.0005 0.0007 <0.0005 0.002 0.002 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 Uranium mg/L <0.0001 <0.0001 0.000056 0.000041 0.000068 0.0001 <0.0001 0.000105 0.000047 0.000131 Vanadium mg/L <0.001 <0.001 0.0004 0.0004 0.0003 <0.001 <0.001 0.0003 0.0002 <0.0002 Zinc mg/L <0.004 <0.004 0.0016 0.0018 0.0006 <0.004 0.004 0.004 0.0001 0.0006 NOTES:




Table 5-25 Total Metals in LSA Waterbodies – SDA (cont’d)

Metal Unit Unnamed Waterbody 7

4-Jun-2006 13-Sep-2006 6-Jun-2010 5-Aug-2010 12-Oct-2010 Aluminum mg/L 0.05 0.03 0.0128 0.0029 0.0133 Antimony mg/L 0.0005 0.0009 0.00005 0.00006 0.00004 Arsenic mg/L 0.0007 0.0009 0.00064 0.00091 0.00063 Barium mg/L 0.031 0.062 0.0286 0.0322 0.0301 Beryllium mg/L <0.001 <0.001 <0.00001 <0.00001 <0.00001 Bismuth mg/L – - <0.000005 <0.000005 <0.000005 Boron mg/L 0.06 0.08 0.06 0.07 0.07 Cadmium mg/L <0.0002 <0.0002 0.000006 <0.000005 0.000018 Chromium mg/L <0.005 <0.005 0.0002 <0.0001 0.0001 Cobalt mg/L <0.002 <0.002 0.000117 0.000137 0.0001 Copper mg/L <0.001 <0.001 0.00066 <0.00005 0.00009 Iron1 mg/L 0.121 0.121 0.048 0.027 0.063 Lead mg/L 0.0001 0.00005 0.000084 0.0000025 0.000029 Lithium mg/L 0.02 0.04 0.0206 0.0302 0.03 Manganese4 mg/L 0.128 0.554 0.0573 0.0177 0.0699 Mercury mg/L <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0000006 <0.0000006 <0.000002 Methyl Mercury ng/L – – 0.00000006 0.00000036 – Molybdenum mg/L <0.005 <0.005 0.00029 0.00029 0.00016 Nickel mg/L <0.002 0.003 0.0006 0.00045 0.00062 Selenium mg/L <0.0004 0.0005 0.00005 0.00007 0.00006 Silicon mg/L – – 0.2 0.5 0.8 Silver mg/L <0.0004 <0.0004 <0.000005 0.0000015 <0.000005 Sulphur mg/L – – 19 22 31 Thallium mg/L <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.000002 <0.000002 <0.000002 Thorium mg/L – – – – – Tin mg/L <0.05 <0.05 0.00001 <0.00001 <0.00001 Titanium mg/L 0.002 0.002 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 Uranium mg/L 0.0001 <0.0001 0.000105 0.000047 0.000131 Vanadium mg/L <0.001 <0.001 0.0003 0.0002 <0.0002 Zinc mg/L <0.004 0.004 0.004 0.0001 0.0006 NOTES:




Table 5-25 Total Metals in LSA Waterbodies – SDA (cont’d)

Metal Unit Unnamed Waterbody 10 Unnamed Waterbody 15

3-Jun-2006 12-Sep-2006 6-Jun-2010 5-Aug-2010 12-Oct-2010 6-Jun-2010 5-Aug-2010 12-Oct-2010 Aluminum mg/L 0.01 0.01 0.0024 0.001 0.0016 0.0668 0.0515 0.0421 Antimony mg/L 0.0005 0.001 <0.00002 <0.00002 <0.00002 0.00011 0.00013 0.00012 Arsenic mg/L <0.0004 <0.0004 0.00032 0.00031 0.00032 0.00114 0.0016 0.00082 Barium mg/L 0.071 0.074 0.0778 0.0643 0.0788 0.0164 0.0165 0.0156 Beryllium mg/L <0.001 <0.001 <0.00001 <0.00001 <0.00001 0.00002 0.00001 0.00002 Bismuth mg/L – – <0.000005 <0.000005 <0.000005 0.000006 0.000006 0.000006 Boron mg/L <0.05 <0.05 <0.02 0.02 <0.02 0.11 0.14 0.14 Cadmium mg/L <0.0002 <0.0002 0.000409 <0.000005 0.000024 0.000008 <0.000005 0.000009 Chromium mg/L <0.005 <0.005 0.0001 0.0003 <0.0001 0.0004 0.0003 0.0002 Cobalt mg/L <0.01 <0.01 0.000024 0.000019 0.00003 0.000279 0.000208 0.000232 Copper mg/L <0.001 <0.001 0.00032 0.00018 <0.00005 0.00121 0.00084 0.00146 Iron1 mg/L 0.029 0.038 0.024 0.034 0.029 2.83 2.68 1.52 Lead mg/L <0.0001 <0.0001 0.000023 0.000152 0.000009 0.000521 0.00042 0.000369 Lithium mg/L <0.01 <0.01 0.0048 0.0054 0.0054 0.0271 0.0347 0.0327 Manganese4 mg/L 0.003 0.003 0.0028 0.00253 0.012 0.0451 0.0127 0.028 Mercury mg/L <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0000006 <0.0000006 0.000003 <0.0000006 <0.0000006 0.000004 Methyl Mercury ng/L – – 0.06 0.16 – <0.03 0.07 – Molybdenum mg/L <0.005 <0.005 <0.00005 <0.00005 <0.00005 0.00035 0.00057 0.00036 Nickel mg/L <0.002 <0.002 0.00017 0.00009 0.00018 0.00653 0.0071 0.00583 Selenium mg/L <0.0004 <0.0004 <0.00004 <0.00004 <0.00004 0.00016 0.00025 0.00013 Silicon mg/L – – 2.3 1.7 2.7 6 0.4 0.2 Silver mg/L <0.0004 <0.0004 <0.000005 <0.000005 <0.000005 <0.000005 0.000908 <0.000005 Sulphur mg/L – – <10 <10 <10 18 23 23 Thallium mg/L <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.000002 <0.000002 <0.000002 0.000004 0.000003 0.000003 Thorium mg/L – – – – – – – – Tin mg/L <0.05 <0.05 <0.00001 <0.00001 <0.00001 0.00002 0.00001 <0.00001 Titanium mg/L <0.001 0.001 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 0.0025 0.0024 0.0014 Uranium mg/L <0.0001 <0.0001 0.000032 0.000014 0.000027 0.000054 0.000029 0.000037 Vanadium mg/L <0.001 <0.001 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 0.001 0.0009 0.0006 Zinc mg/L <0.004 0.009 0.0012 0.0011 0.0005 0.0065 0.0028 0.004 NOTES:




Table 5-26 Detectable Hydrocarbons in LSA Waterbodies

Substance

Unit


Unnamed Waterbody 22 Unnamed Waterbody 24 Unnamed Waterbody 26

Unnamed Lake 2

3-Mar-09 4-Mar-09 28-Feb-08 3-Mar-09 28-Feb-08 3-Mar-09 4-Mar-09 FLK01 FLK02 FLK04 FLK04 FLK06 FLK06 Sandy

Benzene mg/L <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.001 <0.0005 <0.001 <0.0005 <0.0005 Toluene mg/L <0.0005 0.00228 <0.001 0.0009 <0.001 0.00065 <0.0005 Ethylbenzene mg/L <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.001 <0.0005 <0.001 <0.0005 <0.0005 Total Xylenes (m,p,o) mg/L 0.00068 <0.0005 <0.001 <0.0005 <0.001 <0.0005 <0.0005 F1 C6-C10 mg/L <0.1 <0.1 <0.2 <0.1 <0.2 <0.1 <0.1 F1 -BTEX mg/L <0.1 <0.1 <0.2 <0.1 <0.2 <0.1 <0.1 F2 C10-C16 mg/L <0.05 <0.05 <0.1 <0.05 <0.1 <0.05 <0.05 F3 C16-C34 mg/L <0.05 <0.05 <0.1 <0.05 0.1 0.08 0.06 F3+ C34+ mg/L <0.05 <0.05 0.1 <0.05 <0.1 <0.05 <0.05 Naphthenic Acids mg/L <0.1 2 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1



Table 5-27 PAHs in LSA Waterbodies

Substance (ng/L)

Ronald Lake Unnamed Waterbody 21 24-Aug-10 6-Oct-10 25-May-10 24-Aug-10 6-Oct-10

FLK01 FLK01 FLK01 Naphthalene <23.8 <14.22 5.241 7.66 7.54 Acenaphthylene 0.326 <0.624 <0.193 <0.618 0.3441 Acenaphthene 1.811 0.091 0.6811 1.601 0.5961 C2 Phenanthrenes/ Anthracenes 1.66 1.34 0.954 1.48 1.03 Fluorene 0.77 0.509 <0.273 0.6261 0.749 Phenanthrene 1.55 1.95 0.901 1.5 1.54 Anthracene 0.2261 0.1821 <0.15 <0.189 0.1561 C1 Phenanthrenes/ Anthracenes 0.668 1.61 <0.132 1.51 0.99 Fluoranthene 0.201 0.346 0.149 0.21 0.547 Pyrene 0.418 0.309 0.16 0.2431 0.476 Benz[a]anthracene <0.0851 0.0751 0.0771 <0.0836 0.195 Chrysene <0.23 0.202 <0.0524 0.171 0.278 Benzo[b]fluoranthene <0.138 <0.0832 <0.0745 <0.117 0.0961 Benzo[j,k]fluoranthenes <0.16 <0.0998 <0.0981 <0.134 0.1241 Benzo[a]pyrene <0.235 <0.148 <0.115 <0.2 0.0845 Dibenz[a,h]anthracene <0.164 0.1181 <0.0979 <0.144 <0.152 Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene <0.144 0.1641 <0.0779 <0.102 0.2061 Benzo[ghi]perylene <0.135 0.1411 <0.0807 <0.0957 0.1971 C1-Naphthalenes 7.49 5.45 1.03 6.23 6.05 Biphenyl 1.7 1.47 0.812 1.17 1.77 C1-Biphenyls 0.334 5.34 <0.224 <0.189 6.84 C2-Biphenyls <0.281 51.7 <0.118 <0.185 63.2 C2-Naphthalenes 9.05 7.28 5.9 9.3 8.2 C3-Naphthalenes 5.63 8.07 6.04 5.55 7.04 C4-Naphthalenes 27.7 4.87 11.7 16.3 6.1 C1-Acenaphthenes 1.97 <0.15 1.13 1.37 <0.153 C1-Fluorenes 13.6 4.95 4.86 6.8 5.78 C2-Fluorenes 3.77 2.01 2.51 5.17 3.33 C3-Fluorenes 6.44 2.95 5.22 7.06 2.64 Dibenzothiophene 0.4301 0.7301 <0.0837 0.3271 0.3371 C1-Dibenzothiophenes <0.36 0.381 <0.328 0.224 0.184 C2-Dibenzothiophenes 2.73 1.2 0.726 1.99 0.802 C3-Dibenzothiophenes 2.35 1.17 1.57 2.76 0.931 C4-Dibenzothiophenes 1.9 0.928 2.48 3.72 0.922 C3-Phenanthrenes/ Anthracenes 40.1 1.26 1.11 1.6 1.74 Retene 0.5221 0.315 <0.18 <0.426 0.448 C4-Phenanthrenes/ Anthracenes 2.9 1.48 2.85 2.84 2.22 C1-Fluoranthenes/ Pyrenes 0.408 1.03 0.607 1.28 1.53 C2-Fluoranthenes/ Pyrenes 1.1 1.32 0.575 1.75 1.59 C3-Fluoranthenes/ Pyrenes 1.35 0.925 0.627 1.22 1.07 C1-Benzo[a]anthracenes/ Chrysenes 0.286 0.362 0.097 0.189 0.399 C2-Benzo[a]anthracenes/ Chrysenes 0.489 1.07 0.573 0.664 1.49 C1-Benzofluoranthenes/ Benzopyrenes

<0.185 <0.149 0.319 <0.308 <0.19


1.64

0.252 0.399 0.443 <0.199

NOTES:

Bolded and shaded values represent exceedances of the CCME sediment quality guidelines (CCME 2011, Internet site). See Tables 5-5 to 5-7 for applicable water and sediment quality guidelines. 1 Peak detected but did not meet the quantification requirements



Table 5-27 PAHs in LSA Waterbodies (cont’d)

Substance (ng/L)

Unnamed Waterbody 22 Unnamed Waterbody 23 Unnamed Waterbody 24 25-May-10 24-Aug-10 25-May-10 24-Aug-10 25-May-10 24-Aug-10 6-Oct-10

FLK02 FLK02 FLK03 FLK03 FLK04 FLK04 FLK04 Naphthalene 5.48 9.63 6.24 8.73 5.99 10.6 6.76 Acenaphthylene <0.4 <0.368 <0.277 <0.256 <0.412 <0.374 <0.204 Acenaphthene <0.636 1.191 <0.362 1.18 1 <0.453 2.01 1 <0.272 C2 Phenanthrenes/ Anthracenes 0.694 1.55 0.517 1.53 0.576 1.01 0.879 Fluorene <0.311 0.9101 <0.134 0.760 1 <0.233 0.969 0.294 1 Phenanthrene 0.92 1.74 0.803 1.68 0.86 1.48 1.08 Anthracene <0.197 <0.211 <0.131 <0.191 <0.207 <0.24 <0.171 C1 Phenanthrenes/ Anthracenes <0.16 1.47 <0.21 1.46 <0.141 1.17 1.1 Fluoranthene 0.207 0.2311 0.147 1 0.252 1 0.288 <0.276 0.221 Pyrene 0.213 0.3791 0.124 0.22 0.217 0.139 1 0.183 1 Benz[a]anthracene <0.0738 <0.102 <0.305 0.072 1 <0.0485 <0.0683 0.061 1 Chrysene <0.102 0.142 0.05 0.139 1 0.08 0.539 1 0.087 1 Benzo[b]fluoranthene <0.0732 0.5611 <0.0584 0.541 1 <0.0768 0.506 1 <0.112 Benzo[j,k]fluoranthenes <0.0951 <0.111 <0.0758 <0.154 <0.102 <0.133 <0.131 Benzo[a]pyrene <0.111 <0.17 <0.0903 <0.227 <0.119 <0.204 <0.19 Dibenz[a,h]anthracene <0.195 <0.15 <0.0728 <0.147 <0.054 <0.232 <0.146 Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene <0.133 <0.0614 <0.0886 <0.308 <0.11 <0.168 <0.139 Benzo[ghi]perylene <0.134 <0.0599 <0.0893 <0.301 <0.119 <0.161 <0.136 C1-Naphthalenes 1.66 8.76 1.03 7.45 2.76 7.4 5.07 Biphenyl 1.27 2.131 0.782 1.66 0.88 1.63 1.06 C1-Biphenyls <0.465 <0.151 <0.274 <0.331 <0.277 0.383 4.02 C2-Biphenyls <0.439 <0.331 <0.316 <0.186 <0.305 <0.293 41.1 C2-Naphthalenes 7.01 12.1 7.04 10.5 6.09 9.77 7.25 C3-Naphthalenes 6.07 5.83 4.53 4.96 4.86 5.78 5.4 C4-Naphthalenes 15 26.2 14.1 23.9 11.7 28.9 3.69 C1-Acenaphthenes 1.13 1.65 1.42 1.51 0.984 1.72 <0.219 C1-Fluorenes 3.68 22.5 3.11 5.83 1.6 7.26 3.68 C2-Fluorenes 3.23 5.15 2.18 4.55 2.64 2.48 1.85 C3-Fluorenes 6.34 6.73 4.69 6.71 8.9 4.81 1.88 Dibenzothiophene 0.1121 0.3691 <0.0881 0.291 1 0.122 1 0.294 1 0.316 1 C1-Dibenzothiophenes <0.403 <0.24 <0.302 0.301 <0.268 <0.154 <0.209 C2-Dibenzothiophenes 5.36 1.63 4.79 0.876 2.71 <0.205 0.725 C3-Dibenzothiophenes 1.24 0.843 0.954 0.878 1.77 0.897 0.712 C4-Dibenzothiophenes 2.57 1.66 2.04 1.91 2.37 1.75 0.784 C3-Phenanthrenes/ Anthracenes 0.665 37 0.551 2.55 0.824 2.26 0.796 Retene <0.165 0.4251 0.223 0.442 <0.181 0.237 1 0.405 C4-Phenanthrenes/ Anthracenes 3 3.31 1.91 4.15 1.66 0.567 1.98 C1-Fluoranthenes/ Pyrenes 0.296 1.37 0.144 1.32 0.244 0.92 0.696 C2-Fluoranthenes/ Pyrenes 0.578 1.52 0.51 1.72 0.432 1.41 1.04 C3-Fluoranthenes/ Pyrenes 0.361 1.35 0.803 2.36 0.844 2.21 0.43 C1-Benzo[a]anthracenes/ Chrysenes 0.079 0.252 0.142 0.336 0.147 0.413 0.239 C2-Benzo[a]anthracenes/ Chrysenes 0.349 0.618 0.317 0.448 0.968 1.96 0.42 C1-Benzofluoranthenes/ Benzopyrenes

0.434 0.0995 0.341 <0.257 0.469 <0.281 <0.226


0.149 0.942 0.315 0.752 0.569 0.539 <0.258

NOTES:




Table 5-27 PAHs in LSA Waterbodies (cont’d)

Substance (ng/L)

Unnamed Waterbody 26 Unnamed Lake 1 25-May-10 24-Aug-10 6-Oct-10 25-May-10 24-Aug-10 6-Oct-10

FLK06 FLK06 FLK06 FOakley FOakley FOakley Naphthalene 5.26 1 11.5 6.02 93.3 11.7 7.58 Acenaphthylene <0.235 <0.356 0.230 1 <0.363 0.384 1 0.269 1 Acenaphthene 0.568 1 1.02 a 0.356 1 2.11 1 1.30 1 0.235 1 C2 Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes 0.884 0.875 0.785 1.11 3.41 1.38 Fluorene <0.398 0.794 0.355 3.55 1.45 0.649 1 Phenanthrene 1.25 1.3 1.11 2.09 4.25 1.43 Anthracene <0.179 <0.225 <0.121 <0.318 0.329 0.158 1 C1 Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes <0.204 0.732 0.721 0.85 1.29 0.748 Fluoranthene 0.195 0.162 1 0.226 0.376 3.31 0.314 Pyrene 0.193 0.190 1 0.227 0.222 3.27 0.296 1 Benz[a]anthracene <0.0346 <0.0753 0.067 1 <0.097 1.16 1 0.064 1 Chrysene 0.185 0.088 1 0.076 1 <0.131 1.23 0.181 1 Benzo[b]fluoranthene <0.106 0.580 1 <0.087 <0.0935 1.21 <0.0961 Benzo[j,k]fluoranthenes <0.142 <0.0779 <0.104 <0.133 <0.236 <0.114 Benzo[a]pyrene <0.166 <0.119 <0.158 <0.214 0.585 1 <0.149 Dibenz[a,h]anthracene <0.0891 <0.228 <0.104 <0.216 <0.29 <0.131 Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene <0.127 <0.136 0.130 1 <0.2 0.662 1 <0.162 Benzo[ghi]perylene <0.126 <0.132 <0.121 <0.219 0.691 <0.153 C1-Naphthalenes 1.23 7.52 4.37 334 10.1 5.45 Biphenyl 1.51 1.27 1.26 7.81 3.02 1.71 C1-Biphenyls <0.234 <0.304 6.75 <0.337 <0.199 6.93 C2-Biphenyls <0.246 <0.308 68.9 1.29 <0.323 70.5 C2-Naphthalenes 5.11 8.67 5.95 147 17.1 11.5 C3-Naphthalenes 5.17 5.01 4.54 71 7.36 9.21 C4-Naphthalenes 10.4 21.9 3.88 18.9 17.8 4.28 C1-Acenaphthenes 1.19 1.37 <0.158 <0.85 2.36 <0.177 C1-Fluorenes 3.29 13.9 4.59 19.3 58.1 5.73 C2-Fluorenes 1.71 3.1 1.78 8.64 6.97 2.28 C3-Fluorenes 4.05 6.1 1.91 5.06 13.3 3.88 Dibenzothiophene <0.112 0.161 1 0.390 1 0.3685 0.392 1 0.505 1 C1-Dibenzothiophenes <0.286 <0.302 <0.1 <0.612 <0.232 0.202 C2-Dibenzothiophenes 0.935 2.51 0.676 2.37 14 1.19 C3-Dibenzothiophenes 0.68 2.41 0.696 1.9 4.66 1.19 C4-Dibenzothiophenes 2.59 2.65 0.57 1.48 1.06 0.878 C3-Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes 1.06 15.2 0.868 1.96 192 1.55 Retene 0.897 0.624 1 1.38 0.478 0.996 1 0.645 C4-Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes 3.71 3.1 3.13 1.12 6.38 3.55 C1-Fluoranthenes/Pyrenes 0.688 0.361 0.572 <0.25 3.58 1.02 C2-Fluoranthenes/Pyrenes 1.3 1.17 0.65 <0.221 3.81 1.13 C3-Fluoranthenes/Pyrenes 0.599 1.26 0.429 1.3 3.06 0.806 C1-Benzo[a]anthracenes/Chrysenes 0.168 0.184 0.124 <0.135 0.501 0.231 C2-Benzo[a]anthracenes/Chrysenes 0.5 0.231 0.355 0.622 4.06 4.24 C1-Benzofluoranthenes/Benzopyrenes 1.02 <0.204 <0.201 0.867 <0.366 <0.266 C2-Benzofluoranthenes/Benzopyrenes 0.772 0.764 <0.201 0.829 9.17 <0.257 NOTES:




Table 5-27 PAHs in LSA Waterbodies (cont’d) Substance

(ng/L) Unnamed Lake 2

25-May-10 24-Aug-10 6-Oct-10 Naphthalene 5.36 9.82 8.14 Acenaphthylene 0.477 1 <0.54 <0.178 Acenaphthene 0.744 1 1.35 1 0.475 1 C2 Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes 2.26 1.31 1.31 Fluorene <0.122 0.533 0.424 Phenanthrene 3.28 1.74 1.44 Anthracene 0.357 <0.456 <0.191 C1 Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes 0.478 1.82 1.57 Fluoranthene 4.04 0.32 0.323 Pyrene 3.41 0.429 0.315 Benz[a]anthracene 2.12 1 <0.0665 0.067 1 Chrysene 1.91 0.183 0.147 Benzo[b]fluoranthene 1.66 <0.125 0.115 1 Benzo[j,k]fluoranthenes 0.97 0.648 <0.118 Benzo[a]pyrene 1.53 1 <0.202 <0.157 Dibenz[a,h]anthracene 0.158 1 <0.251 <0.118 Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene 1.12 1 <0.138 0.164 1 Benzo[ghi]perylene 1.02 <0.133 0.159 1 C1-Naphthalenes 3.04 7.54 5.33 Biphenyl 0.905 1.30 1 1.37 C1-Biphenyls <0.247 0.185 3.82 C2-Biphenyls <0.268 <0.393 37.8 C2-Naphthalenes 4.32 10.6 8.21 C3-Naphthalenes 4.97 4.99 8.98 C4-Naphthalenes 18.5 11.9 6.31 C1-Acenaphthenes 2.21 1.72 <0.196 C1-Fluorenes 5.49 8.9 3.89 C2-Fluorenes 3.63 7.48 3.01 C3-Fluorenes 12.9 13 3.07 Dibenzothiophene 0.156 1 0.347 1 0.371 1 C1-Dibenzothiophenes <0.319 <0.267 0.181 C2-Dibenzothiophenes 1.99 3.18 0.998 C3-Dibenzothiophenes 2.83 2.34 1.1 C4-Dibenzothiophenes 2.5 4.46 1.14 C3-Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes 1.05 6.03 1.44 Retene 1.3 1.1 0.852 C4-Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes 3.48 1.27 2.88 C1-Fluoranthenes/Pyrenes 3.98 1.54 1.16 C2-Fluoranthenes/Pyrenes 3.29 1.7 1.15 C3-Fluoranthenes/Pyrenes 1.26 1.92 0.632 C1-Benzo[a]anthracenes/Chrysenes 0.694 0.473 0.359 C2-Benzo[a]anthracenes/Chrysenes 0.337 2.17 2.44 C1-Benzofluoranthenes/Benzopyrenes 1.83 <0.215 <0.207 C2-Benzofluoranthenes/Benzopyrenes 0.896 0.783 <0.182 NOTES:




Table 5-28 Sediment Quality in LSA Waterbodies

Parameter Unit

Unnamed Waterbody 8

Unnamed Waterbody 7



12-Oct-10 12-Oct-10 12-Oct-10 12-Oct-10 Particle Size Particle size – % sand % 77 75 82 68 Particle size – % silt % 16 25 17 26 Particle size – % clay % 7 <2 <2 6 Moisture content % 91 90 89 78 Carbon Content Total Inorganic Carbon % 16 30 15 20 TOC % 7.6 0.46 4.2 <0.02 Total Carbon % 23 31 20 20 Organic Compounds Benzene mg/kg <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.02 Toluene mg/kg <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.08 Ethylbenzene mg/kg <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 Xylenes mg/kg <0.4 <0.4 <0.4 <0.16 F1 (C6-C10) mg/kg <120 150 <120 <48 F1-BTEX mg/kg <120 150 <120 <48 F2 (C10-C16) mg/kg <100 <80 <80 <40 F3 (C16-C34) mg/kg <100 410 1800 210 F4 (C34-C50) mg/kg <100 96 1200 <40 Total Recoverable Hydrocarbons mg/kg <500 <500 1300 <300 Total Metals Antimony (Sb) mg/kg <1 <4 <1 <1 Arsenic (As) mg/kg <1 <4 4 6 Barium (Ba) mg/kg 360 130 150 110 Beryllium (Be) mg/kg <0.4 <2 <0.4 <0.4 Boron (B) mg/kg 12 34 5 12 Cadmium (Cd) mg/kg 0.2 0.4 0.3 0.7 Calcium (Ca) mg/kg 230000 23000 43000 8900 Chromium (Cr) mg/kg 2 7 8 12 Chromium – Hexavalent mg/kg <0.15 <0.3 1.5 2.2 Cobalt (Co) mg/kg <1 6 6 11 Copper (Cu) mg/kg <5 <20 30 16 Iron (Fe) mg/kg 1100 8900 13000 21000 Lead (Pb) mg/kg 3 6 6 9 Magnesium (Mg) mg/kg 4800 4400 3100 1900 Manganese (Mn) mg/kg 240 830 170 160 Mercury (Hg) mg/kg <0.05 <0.2 <0.05 <0.05 Molybdenum (Mo) mg/kg 0.6 <2 1.1 1.2 Nickel (Ni) mg/kg 7 14 12 55 Potassium (K) mg/kg 110 910 610 1300 Selenium (Se) mg/kg <0.5 <2 <0.5 1.2 Silver (Ag) mg/kg <1 <4 <1 <1 Sodium (Na) mg/kg 96 100 <50 180 Strontium (Sr) mg/kg 250 100 46 70 Thallium (Tl) mg/kg 0.15 0.5 0.15 0.15 Titanium (Ti) mg/kg 8 140 6 13 Uranium (U) mg/kg <1 <4 <1 <1 Vanadium (V) mg/kg 2 17 22 19 Zinc (Zn) mg/kg 16 120 39 85 NOTES:

Bolded and shaded values represent exceedances of chronic CCME Freshwater Interim Sediment Quality Guidelines1 (CCME 2011, Internet site).



Table 5-29 PAHs in Sediments from LSA Waterbodies

Substance Unit Unnamed Lake 1

Unnamed Waterbody 7



12-Oct-10 12-Oct-10 12-Oct-10 12-Oct-10 Naphthalene ng/g 8.67 10.3 13.1 NA Acenaphthylene ng/g 0.379 <0.37 0.793 <0.671 Acenaphthene ng/g <0.79 <0.702 1.46 3.47 C2 Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes ng/g 11.7 35.1 54.8 11.2 Fluorene ng/g 11.1 5.88 10.9 10.9 Phenanthrene ng/g 7.9 8.98 17.9 6.69 Anthracene ng/g 2.87 1.62 2.36 5.111 C1 Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes ng/g 12.3 20.1 72.8 17.2 Fluoranthene ng/g 3.53 3.68 8.66 8.28 Pyrene ng/g 2.64 3.31 19.7 8.22 Benz[a]anthracene ng/g 0.6801 1.91 3.001 2.09 Chrysene ng/g 1.84 6.46 36.5 10.4 Benzo[b]fluoranthene ng/g 1.18 2.17 13.9 7.29 Benzo[j,k]fluoranthenes ng/g 0.5761 0.9851 7.97 2.55 Benzo[a]pyrene ng/g 7.14 9.67 1 5.461 <1.07 Dibenz[a,h]anthracene ng/g <0.723 <0.881 4.111 2.171 Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene ng/g 2.171 14.71 15.91 4.241 Benzo[ghi]perylene ng/g 1.371 2.66 38.9 6.23 C1-Naphthalenes ng/g 8.24 12.5 14.1 10.2 Biphenyl ng/g 4.22 4.45 5.35 5.61 C1-Biphenyls ng/g 3.14 3.01 1.46 2.86 C2-Biphenyls ng/g 30 30.2 11.6 14 C2-Naphthalenes ng/g 147 457 672 124 C3-Naphthalenes ng/g 15.3 39.5 32.3 34.3 C4-Naphthalenes ng/g 20.9 13.6 18.1 21.5 C1-Acenaphthenes ng/g <0.624 <0.572 <0.449 31.2 C1-Fluorenes ng/g 21.5 38.1 20.1 15.7 C2-Fluorenes ng/g 16.2 28 42.3 20.9 C3-Fluorenes ng/g 19.5 40.7 58.7 20.3 Dibenzothiophene ng/g 0.962 2.041 2.961 5.45 C1-Dibenzothiophenes ng/g 8.65 3.27 12.8 4.44 C2-Dibenzothiophenes ng/g 3.98 19.9 74.8 8.25 C3-Dibenzothiophenes ng/g 4.71 18.5 182 12.6 C4-Dibenzothiophenes ng/g 7.8 12.2 193 6.85 C3-Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes ng/g 21.1 45.2 94.5 14.7 Retene ng/g 60.2 2,000 1,410 17.2 C4-Phenanthrenes/Anthracenes ng/g 107 2,050 2,130 54.9 C1-Fluoranthenes/Pyrenes ng/g 13.5 78.9 194 31.9 C2-Fluoranthenes/Pyrenes ng/g 11.7 17.9 373 44.3 C3-Fluoranthenes/Pyrenes ng/g 14.5 9.98 485 4.96 C1-Benzo[a]anthracenes/Chrysenes ng/g 10 13.9 107 22.4 C2-Benzo[a]anthracenes/Chrysenes ng/g 27.6 8.06 174 22 C1-Benzofluoranthenes/Benzopyrenes ng/g <1.1 6.06 116 20.7 C2-Benzofluoranthenes/Benzopyrenes ng/g 8.65 10.3 130 6.26 NOTES:

Bolded and shaded values represent exceedances of the CCME sediment quality guidelines (CCME 2011, Internet site). See Tables 5-5 to 5-7 for applicable water and sediment quality guidelines. 1 Peak detected but did not meet the quantification requirements NA = Not available



Total Dissolved Solids, Hardness and Total Suspended Solids In the LSA waterbodies, TDS ranged from 118 mg/L (Unnamed Waterbody 26; July 2008) to 532 mg/L (Unnamed Waterbody 22; March 2009). The latter value occurred under ice conditions. The overall median TDS was 248 mg/L. Hardness ranged from 57 mg/L (Unnamed Waterbody 15; October 2010) to 379 mg/L (Unnamed Waterbody 22; March 2009). The median hardness was 177 mg/L. According to the USGS hardness classification (USGS 2011, Internet site), the LSA waterbodies are considered to be “hard” water.

Relative to the watercourses, the concentrations of TSS in the waterbodies lakes were very low, especially in winter. Across all the lakes and seasons, the TSS ranged from non-detectable to 101 mg/L (median: 2.5 mg/L). As expected, TSS was highest during the summer months when winds resuspend the sediments.

Major Cations and Anions The LSA waterbodies differ considerably in their ionic characteristics (see Table 5-23). In general, the cations are dominated by magnesium and calcium, which account for over 75% of the cationic charge. An exception is Unnamed Waterbody 15, in which 47.6% of the cationic charge was attributable to sodium and potassium.

In contrast to the watercourses where sulphates are the principal anions, the principal anions in the waterbodies are bicarbonates and carbonates. High proportions of chloride and sulphate, however, were observed in Unnamed Lake 1 (54% in August 2010) and Unnamed Waterbody 15 (67% in August 2010). Unnamed Waterbody 15 is unusual in having its ionic chemistry dominated by sodium sulphates rather than calcium or magnesium bicarbonates. Unnamed Waterbody 15 was also the least buffered of all the waterbodies. The observed differences in ionic chemistry among the LSA waterbodies likely reflect different sources of water to each waterbody (surface runoff vs. surficial groundwater).

The RAMP acid-sensitive lakes (ASL) studies have found a similar range in ionic chemistry in their 50 study lakes (RAMP 2010, Internet site). The majority of the lakes are dominated by calcium and magnesium bicarbonates or carbonates. A small number of lakes (about 8 of the 50 ASL lakes) have high proportions (>40%) of the cationic charge attributable to potassium and sodium and the anionic charge attributable to sulphate and chloride. These are usually small, low-conductivity, poorly buffered and highly coloured lakes located in the upland regions of the oil sands including the Birch Mountains.

Similarities in the proportions of the ions in both winter and summer in the LSA waterbodies (e.g., Unnamed Waterbody 21) suggest that the large differences in concentration in parameters such as TDS, conductivity and alkalinity between winter and summer are largely the result of the freezing-out of major ions during the winter and their concentration in the remaining unfrozen water.



Dissolved Organic Carbon Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) ranged from 9.6 mg/L (Unnamed Waterbody 10; June 2010) to 69.0 mg/L (Unnamed Waterbody 22; March 2009). The overall median DOC concentration was 27.2 mg/L). The high levels of DOC in these waterbodies indicate that they are humic in nature despite their generally high buffering capacity (alkalinity) and pH (WRS 2004; RAMP 2008, Internet site; Kortelainen 1993). The unusually high concentration of DOC in Unnamed Waterbody 22 was observed in March under ice and is likely attributable to a freezing-out effect where the organic compounds are concentrated in a small volume of water. This effect has been observed in lakes during the seasonal component of the RAMP Acid Sensitive Lakes program (RAMP 2008, Internet site).

Dissolved Oxygen Oxygen concentrations in the LSA waterbodies were generally high during the open water period (~7 mg/L to 10 mg/L) but very low under ice in the winter. During the winter (March 2009 and February 2008) the waters of most of the waterbodies, with the exception of Unnamed Lake 2, were essentially anoxic and hydrogen sulphide was often detectable both by odour and chemical analysis. For example, the median winter oxygen concentration in Unnamed Waterbody 21 was 1.15 mg/L. The highest sulphide concentration (0.58 mg/L) was observed in Unnamed Waterbody 24 under ice in February 2008. This concentration was an order of magnitude greater than the overall median sulphide concentration of 0.013 mg/L.

Nutrients As is typical of regional waters, concentrations of nitrates (nitrate+nitrite) were quite low, ranging from non-detectable to 0.06 mg/L (Unnamed Waterbodies 21, 26 and 24). The overall median concentration was non-detectable. Ammonia levels were relatively low and frequently non-detectable during the open-water periods (~0.05 mg/L) but one to two orders of magnitude greater under anoxic conditions during the winter. The highest concentration of ammonia (6.26 mg/L) was observed in Unnamed Waterbody 22 under ice in March, 2009. The median concentration of ammonia was 0.067 mg/L. TKN, representing reduced forms of nitrogen (including ammonia), was relatively high, ranging from 0. 0.130 mg/L to 11 mg/L (median: 1.77 mg/L).

Total phosphorus ranged from non-detectable to 0.825 mg/L (overall median: 0.037 mg/L). The highest values occurred in Unnamed Waterbody 22 during the winter under ice. Most of the total phosphorus measured was dissolved phosphorus as the levels of both total phosphorus and dissolved phosphorus in each sample were similar.

Phenols Phenols concentrations were relatively high, ranging from 0.001 mg/L to 0.185 mg/L (overall median: 0.017 mg/L). As with ammonia and phosphorus, the highest concentrations were observed in the winter under ice cover.



Exceedances of the chronic water quality guidelines for the conventional parameters were observed for DO, total phosphorus, sulphide, ammonia and phenols (see Tables 5-21 and 5-22).

5.3.3.2 Total and Dissolved Metals Most trace metal concentrations are extremely low in waterbodies in the LSA (relative to the watercourses) with many metals being non-detectable (see Tables 5-24 and 5-25). Exceptions to this are elevated levels of iron and manganese that were observed in many of the waterbodies, especially under anoxic conditions in winter. The release of these two metals in the winter from lake sediments is a well-known limnological phenomenon (Mortimer 1941, 1942; Wetzel 2001).

The lower concentrations of metals in the waterbodies are likely related to the lower concentrations of suspended particles compared to the watercourses. As discussed in Section 5.3.1.2, a significant fraction of the total metal concentrations are bound to suspended silts and clays. Exceedances of water quality guidelines were observed for iron, aluminum, manganese, silver (four occurrences) and mercury (one occurrence). Exceedances for manganese relate to guidelines for agricultural use and aesthetic objectives for drinking water. Much lower manganese levels were observed in the dissolved metals fraction (see Appendix 5A), suggesting that most of the total manganese was in particulate form.

5.3.3.3 Hydrocarbons and Organic Compounds Naphthenic acids and hydrocarbons (including BTEX, CCME fractions F1 to F4, and total recoverable hydrocarbons) were almost all non-detectable in LSA waterbodies (see Tables 5-21, 5-22 and 5-26). Naphthenic acids were detected only in samples from Unnamed Waterbody 22 and Unnamed Waterbody 26 (both under winter conditions).

Low-level PAH analysis (see Table 5-27) indicates that detectable levels of target and alkylated PAHs occur in all the waterbodies. As with the stream waters, these data provide background estimates of PAHs against which the effects of mine seepage and other potential effects can be measured. The highest concentrations were observed for naphthalene. Unlike the stream waters, alkylated PAHs were generally present at lower concentrations than the target PAHs. There were no guideline exceedances for the PAHs.

5.3.3.4 Sediment Quality Sediment in waterbodies in the LSA consisted largely of sand (68% to 82%) with a minor component of silt (see Table 5-28). Consistent with the sandy nature of these sediments, the organic content was fairly low, ranging from non-detectable to 7.6% in Unnamed Waterbody 8. Cadmium and arsenic levels in sediments from Unnamed Waterbody 15 exceeded the interim sediment quality guidelines. Low-level PAH analysis indicated detectable levels of a large variety of these compounds. Elevated levels of alkylated phenanthrenes, pyrenes and benzo(a)anthracenes were observed, particularly in Unnamed Waterbody 7 and Unnamed Waterbody 10. There were no guideline exceedances of these compounds.



5.3.3.5 Toxicity Toxicity testing was performed on water and sediment samples from watercourses and waterbodies in the LSA. The results (see Table 5-30) indicate that the waters show no acute toxicity with the possible exception of Redclay Creek Upstream 2 (for which a reduction in fathead minnow survival was noted). This acute toxicity to fathead minnow may be related to the very high levels of TSS in these waters. High levels of TSS are well known to adversely affect aquatic life including fish and benthos (Sigler et al. 1984; Newcombe and MacDonald 1991). Acute toxicity was not observed for this sample in the Ceriodaphnia or Daphnia tests.

Chronic toxicity was observed in the Ceriodaphnia fecundity tests for Redclay Creek Upstream, Big Creek, Unnamed Creek 18 Upstream and Unnamed Lake 2. Chronic toxicity was not observed for these waters in other chronic tests (i.e., algal growth and fathead minnow growth tests). The sediments from these three watercourses were non-toxic in the Hyalella survival and growth test and chironomid survival and growth test. Inhibition of bacterial luminescence was observed for Redclay Creek and Unnamed Creek 18.

5.3.4 Surface Water and Sediment Quality in the RSA

5.3.4.1 Athabasca River Surface water quality in the Athabasca River has been monitored by both Alberta Environment and RAMP (RAMP 2010, Internet site). Historical water quality data from two Alberta Environment monitoring stations are summarized below. These stations are located

• upstream of Fort McMurray (ATR-UFM), which reflects surface water quality conditions upstream of the oil sands industries and the municipality of Fort McMurray

• at the Old Fort (ATR-OF) station, which integrates effects of all developments (including municipalities) upstream of Lake Athabasca

As well, data from two additional stations are presented in Appendix 5D:

• Downstream of development (ATR-DD), which represents surface water quality in the Athabasca River downstream of most of the current oil sands industries. Stations are located on both the east (ATR-DDE) and west (ATR-DDW) sides of the river.

• Downstream of the Firebag River (ATR-FR-CC), which represents surface water quality in the Athabasca River downstream of the Project.

The locations of these stations are shown in Figure 5-2.



Table 5-30 Water and Sediment Toxicity Data WATER TOXICITY

Site Name

Date

Algae-Chronic Growth

Ceriodaphnia-Chronic

(fecundity) Ceriodaphnia-

Acute (survival) Fathead Minnow-Chronic (growth)

Fathead Minnow – Acute (survival)

Daphnia – Acute (mortality)

Daphnia-Acute (immobility)

IC25 %

IC50 %

IC25 %

IC50 %

LC25 %

LC50 %

IC25 %

IC50 %

LC25 %

LC50 %

LC50 %

LC25 %

EC50 %

EC25 %

Unnamed Creek 18 U/S 20-May-08 >91 >91 8 16 >100 >100 >100 >100 56 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 Unnamed Creek 18 D/S 26-May-10 >91 >91 57 >100 >100 >100 39 >100 66 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 Unnamed Creek 17 20-May-08 >91 >91 26 56 >100 >100 >100 >100 24 59 >100 >100 >100 >100 Redclay Creek U/S 1 21-May-08 >91 >91 31 50 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 Redclay Creek U/S 2 21-May-08 >91 >91 17 42 >100 >100 >100 >100 <6.3 48 >100 >100 >100 >100 Redclay Creek D/S 26-May-10 >91 >91 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 Big Creek U/S 21-May-08 >91 >91 <1.6 5 >100 >100 >100 >100 18 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 Big Creek D/S 26-May-10 >91 >91 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 Unnamed Lake 1 17-Sep-08 >91 >91 88 >100 55 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 Unnamed Lake 2 17-Sep-08 >91 >91 22 39 >100 >100 – – – – >100 >100 >100 >100 NOTES: U/S = upstream, D/S = downstream – = No data collected

SEDIMENT TOXICITY

Site Name

Date

Chironomid Bacterial

Luminescence

Survival Control Survival Test Growth Control

(Dry wt. (mg)/organism) Growth Test

(Dry wt.(mg)/organism) Solid Phase

Mean sd % Mean sd % Mean sd % mean sd % CV IC50 mg/L

IC25 mg/L

Unnamed Creek 18 U/S 20-May-08 9 1.7 19 8 1.3 16 2.5 0.15 6 2.1 0.34 16 19 10 Redclay Creek U/S 1 21-May-08 9 1.7 19 7 2.6 40 2.5 0.15 6 2.3 0.27 12 12 3 Redclay Creek U/S 2 21-May-08 9 1.7 19 8 1.6 20 2.5 0.15 6 2.1 0.24 11 13 4 Redclay Creek D/S 26-May-10 10 0.5 6 9 0.8 9 2.8 0.32 12 2.1 0.35 17 94 51 Big Creek U/S 06-Oct-10 8 0.5 7 7 1 14 2.1 0.59 28 2.4 0.43 18 – – Big Creek D/S 26-May-10 10 0 0 9 1.6 19 2.8 0.5 18 3.1 0.71 23 >197 106 NOTES: U/S = upstream, D/S = downstream sd = standard deviation CV = coefficient of variation – = No data collected



Table 5-30 Water and Sediment Toxicity Data (cont’d)

Site Name

Date

Hyalella

Survival Control Survival Test Growth Control

(Dry weight (mg)/organism) Growth Test

(Dry weight (mg)/organism) Mean sd % CV Mean sd % CV Mean sd % CV mean sd % CV

Unnamed Creek 18 U/S 20-May-08 10 0.5 6 8 1.6 20 0.2 0.02 11 0.1 0.06 38 Redclay Creek U/S 1 21-May-08 10 0.5 6 9 0.5 6 0.2 0.02 11 0.2 0.04 18 Redclay Creek U/S 2 21-May-08 10 0.5 6 9 0.9 10 0.2 0.02 11 0.2 0.03 18 Redclay Creek D/S 26-May-10 10 0.4 5 10 0.5 6 0.2 0.01 5 0.3 0.02 7 Big Creek U/S 06-Oct-10 84 0.5 7 80 0.7 9 0.2 0.03 14 0.2 0.04 18 Big Creek D/S 26-May-10 9 1.3 14 9 0.7 8 0.3 0.06 22 0.4 0.07 17 NOTES: U/S = upstream, D/S = downstream sd = standard deviation CV = coefficient of variation



5.3.4.2 Conventional Parameters Seasonal data for the Athabasca River from 1987 to the present are summarized in Tables 5-31 to-5-35.

Based on samples from the Old Fort station (ATR-OF), the waters in the Athabasca River can be described as well oxygenated, slightly alkaline (median fall pH = 7.69) and moderately-hard to hard (median winter hardness = 137.2 mg/L). The suspended solids load is highly variable. High concentrations of TSS can occur during all four seasons following heavy precipitation events. Maximum TSS ranged from 263 mg/L in summer to 505 mg/L in the spring. The lowest TSS concentrations typically occur in winter under basal flow conditions (median winter TSS = 14.25 mg/L). The waters are well buffered with a median fall alkalinity of 105 mg/L.

The ion chemistry of the waters in the Athabasca River is dominated by calcium and magnesium bicarbonates (see Table 5-9). Ammonia and nitrates are generally low, often below detectable levels, although high values are occasionally observed, especially in winter and spring. Total phosphorus concentrations at Old Fort (ATR-OF) are highly variable and can attain levels as high as 0.370 mg/L (fall maximum), well within the eutrophic range of this parameter (Wetzel 2001). Much of the phosphorus is actually found in the particulate phase. Dissolved organic carbon at Old Fort (ATR-OF) was low for surface waters in the oil sands region with a median concentration of about 8 mg/L in most seasons.

Upstream-Downstream Trends A comparison of the data from the two Athabasca River monitoring stations (ATR-UFM and ATR-OF) shows a downstream decrease in major ions, conductivity, TDS, hardness and alkalinity during spring, winter and fall. For example, in the fall, median conductivity deceased from 324 µS/cm at ATR-UFM to 292 µS/cm at Old Fort. Similarly, the median TDS in the fall decreased from 182 mg/L at ATR-UFM to 166 mg/L at ATR-OF. The changes may reflect the input of runoff and more dilute tributaries to the Athabasca River between the two stations.

In contrast, levels of most nutrients increased downstream. Median fall concentrations of total phosphorus upstream of Fort McMurray were 0.0178 mg/L compared to 0.0529 mg/L at Old Fort. Median concentrations of total nitrogen increased from 0.3715 mg/L upstream of Fort McMurray to 0.553 mg/L at Old Fort. Much of the increase in these nutrients may be related to greater suspended particulate loads downstream.



Table 5-31 Conventional Parameters Upstream of Fort McMurray (ATR-UFM)

Parameter Unit Spring Summer Fall Winter

Max Min Mean Median Max Min Mean Median Max Min Mean Median Max Min Mean Median TDS mg/L 291 110 160.3 144 170 114 136.5 138 250 125 180 182 414 189 266.7 259.5 Conductivity uS/cm 477 183 269.7 243 290 200 236.4 237.5 446 226 318 324 670 267 450.3 445.5 Hardness mg/L 200 80 116.5 110 130 91 109.8 110 180 106 139 140 300 140 194.2 190 T. Alkalinity mg/L 186 77.6 110.4 103 112 80.1 99.8 99.4 176 96.3 129.3 129 269 127 179.2 174 BOD mg/L 1.35 <1.2 0.975 0.975 – – – – – – – – 3 <0.1 0.617 0.4 COD mg/L 19 18 18.5 18.5 – – – – – – – – 34 9 19.2 19 TSS mg/L – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Turbidity NTU 856 2.7 102.5 68.5 471 3 108 58 188 2.6 17.6 5.8 161 0.4 8.3 2.3 Temperature °C 18.79 -0.29 9.66 11.65 25.4 15.28 19.5 18.8 18.83 -0.21 6.52 5.84 0.46 -0.4 -0.017 -0.01 pH (Field) pH

units 8.3 7.46 8.01 8.07 8.37 7.07 8.03 8.09 8.8 7.88 8.23 8.23 8.53 7.43 8.00 8

Diss. oxygen mg/L 15.03 7.97 11.1 10.41 9.59 8.29 8.93 8.91 14.58 9.65 12.3 12.1 15.07 10.4 12.4 12.31 Colour TRU 80 5 35.1 30 100 5 40.3 40 80 5 27.2 20 40 5 19.0 20 Chlorophyll mg/m3 16.7 1.1 6.47 5.15 10.6 1.2 4.87 4.5 7.46 0.4 2.76 2.2 9.8 0.2 0.694 0.3 Calcium mg/L 53.9 23 32.3 31.2 34.2 26 30.5 30 50.5 28.7 38.1 37.1 81 38.1 53.8 52.2 Magnesium mg/L 15.3 5.6 8.6 8.1 11 6 8.17 8 14.2 7.5 10.7 11 22.9 10 14.6 14.2 Sodium mg/L 33 5.7 12.7 10.2 19 4.5 8.08 7.5 20 6.5 13.3 12.9 39.6 13.7 21.6 20.9 Potassium mg/L 4.5 0.3 1.77 1.6 1.8 0.61 1.05 1 1.7 0.85 1.24 1.2 4.9 1.2 2.09 2 Bicarbonate mg/L 227 94.6 135.2 127.5 137 97.7 121.4 121 208 118 157.6 157 329 154.8 217.9 212.0 Chloride mg/L 8.8 1.1 3.51 3.1 11 0.5 2.53 1.75 7.2 1.4 3.94 4 14 2.7 6.22 6 Sulphate mg/L 66.2 12 27.7 22.9 41 13.6 22.2 20.1 53.1 15.7 33.5 34.2 93.5 33.3 54.5 53.4 Fluoride5 mg/L 1.2 0.06 0.144 0.1 0.16 0.07 0.103 0.1 0.18 0.08 0.118 0.12 0.22 0.09 0.138 0.13 Cyanide mg/L 0.002 <0.002 0.0012 <0.002 0.004 <0.001 0.0015 <0.002 0.003 <0.001 0.00125 <0.002 0.001 <0.001 0.0008 <0.002 TKN mg/L 1.79 0.22 0.642 0.57 1.2 0.15 0.559 0.47 1.9 0.13 0.417 0.37 0.95 0.18 0.389 0.36 Ammonia mg/L 0.11 <0.01 0.030 0.02 0.07 <0.01 0.0206 0.01 0.1 0.01 0.0453 0.04 0.12 <0.01 0.043 0.04 Nitrite mg/L 0.182 <0.003 0.052 0.053 0.074 <0.003 0.0149 <0.003 0.008 <0.001 0.000841 <0.001 0.315 0.009 0.188 0.189 Nitrate+Nitrite mg/L 0.221 <0.003 0.044 0.011 0.08 <0.003 0.0157 0.003 0.843 <0.003 0.0342 <0.003 0.327 0.009 0.180 0.184 Total Nitrogen2 mg/L 1.794 0.2415 0.686 0.641 1.221 0.1515 0.574 0.476 1.9015 0.1315 0.452 0.3715 1.128 0.249 0.570 0.5355 Total P2 mg/L 0.38 0.0189 0.117 0.0925 0.585 0.011 0.127 0.075 0.108 0.005 0.0248 0.0178 0.157 0.003 0.0314 0.0230 TDP mg/L 0.267 0.004 0.0242 0.016 0.199 0.003 0.0193 0.00985 0.025 0.003 0.00765 0.006 0.113 0.004 0.0196 0.01475 Reactive Si mg/L 6.7 0.88 4.04 4 6.39 1.32 4.40 4.575 6.18 0.82 3.19 3.6 12 3.6 6.27 6.17 Phenols1 mg/L 0.006 <0.001 0.0019 0.0005 0.004 <0.001 0.0012 <0.001 0.002 <0.001 0.0008 <0.001 0.007 <0.001 0.0028 0.003 DOC mg/L 18.1 3.9 9.85 9.55 18.5 2.5 9.00 8.9 17.9 2.7 8.07 7.55 11.9 4.9 7.49 7.5 Total Org. C mg/L 19.6 7.4 11.8 11.3 21.1 3.2 9.31 8.2 11.1 5.4 8.09 8 10.1 5.7 7.60 7.5 Fecal Coliforms5 no./dL 220 <4 26.8 <10 220 <10 47.1 20 40 5 10.7 10 100 <1 6.99 <10 Total Coliforms no./dL 250 250 250 250 240 240 240 240 84 56 70 70 147 0.5 48. 45 E. coli 4 no./dL 190 <10 25.7 <10 140 <10 36.9 10 40 <10 8.18 <10 10 <10 5.50 <10 NOTES:

Bolded and shaded values represent exceedances of chronic CCME Water Quality Guidelines1 (CCME 2011, Internet site), Alberta Environment chronic Surface Water Quality Guidelines2 (AENV 1999), U.S. EPA chronic criteria3 (U.S. EPA 2009, Internet site), Health Canada Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality4 (Health Canada 2010) or CCME Guidelines for Protection of Agricultural Uses5 (CCME 2011, Internet site). See Tables 5-5 to 5-7 for applicable water and sediment quality guidelines. – = No data collected SOURCE: AENV 2011, 1988–2009 data



Table 5-32 Conventional Parameters at Old Fort Station (ATR-OF)

Parameter Unit Spring Summer Fall Winter

Max Min Mean Median Max Min Mean Median Max Min Mean Median Max Min Mean Median TDS mg/L 318 108 201.0 180 318 88 193.7 188 326 70 189.4 166 320 105 204.4 196 Conductivity (Lab) uS/cm 536 206 329.1 301.5 540 184 331.1 335 561 163 319.9 291.6 566 199 350.8 345.5 Hardness mg/L 190 77.4 125.5 120.88 180 72 125.6 130 180 66.6 120.8 115.56 200 76.153 131.0 137.2 Total Alkalinity mg/L 168 77.0 117.8 112 164 76.2 116.7 116 181 65.1 112.6 105 185 76.3 121.1 123 BOD mg/L 1.4 0 0.639 0.6 3.2 0.3 1.014286 0.5 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 2.2 0.3 0.94 0.7 COD mg/L 27 10.0 16.7 16.7 25 10 16.8 16 19 10 14.5 14.5 30 2.5 15.9 17 TSS mg/L 505 0.2 64.7 28 263 0.2 46.5 19 480 0.2 97.4 37 440 0.2 66.3 14.25 Turbidity NTU 271 3.2 43.0 15.4 178 3.1 31.6 15.6 266 3 49.4 15 252 3.8 43.0 12 Temperature (Field) °C 20.44 -0.3 8.26 10.86 23.5 -0.23 10.0 10.0 22 -0.24 7.88 7.11 22.6 -0.25 6.03 0 pH (Field) pH units 8.21 7.15 7.83 7.84 8.35 7.21 7.84 7.92 9.32 6.41 7.70 7.69 8.26 7.02 7.76 7.765 Dissolved oxygen mg/L 13.6 7.38 10.1 10.2 14.3 7.7 10.5 10.4 14.3 7.4 10.2 10.1 14.1 7.18 9.99 10.06 Colour TRU 80 10 32.2 24 60 2.5 29.8 30 120 10 38.2 30 100 5 32.9 30 Chlorophyll mg/m3 14.1 0.2 4.628 5.1 16.1 0.2 4.510 4 8.1 0.0002 0.304 0.0047 12.7 0.0003 3.673 2.5 Calcium mg/L 51.6 21.1 34.6 33.7 50.7 20.1 34.5 35.1 49.8 19.1 33.5 31.9 54.8 21.9 36.4 37.1 Magnesium mg/L 15.7 6.0 9.55 9 13.8 5.2 9.44 9.75 14.4 4.59 9.17 8.7 15.4 5.2 9.84 10.3 Sodium mg/L 48.1 7.0 21.2 20.2 46 7.2 20.5 19.4 49.8 6 19.9 16.5 47.1 4.6 22.6 21.7 Potassium mg/L 8.2 0.4 1.44 1.2 1.94 0.67 1.34 1.335 4 0.5 1.36 1.28 4 0.7 1.42 1.35 Bicarbonate mg/L 204.8 93.9 148 152 199.9 93 144.2 142.5 221 79.3 139.0 129.5 226 93.01 147.8 150 Chloride mg/L 50 3.2 19.2 17.8 45.6 5.3 18.6 18.05 56.8 4.3 18.3 13.2 64.2 1.2 21.8 18.4 Sulphate mg/L 46.2 13.6 26.5 25.5 44 9.8 26.5 25.9 47.1 8.5 25.0 23.6 47.5 12.2 27.1 28.1 Fluoride5 mg/L 0.13 0.08 0.114 0.12 0.13 0.07 0.107692 0.11 0.13 0.09 0.107 0.11 0.13 0.08 0.112 0.11 Cyanide mg/L <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 Total Kjeldahl N mg/L 1.05 0.025 0.496 0.44 1.21 0.23 0.532 0.47 1.28 0.01 0.521 0.42 1.88 0.025 0.506 0.48 Ammonia mg/L 0.12 <0.01 0.0423 0.03 0.19 <0.01 0.0458 0.03 0.16 <0.01 0.0424 0.03 0.2 <0.01 0.0465 0.03 Nitrite mg/L 0.039 <0.003 0.0049 <0.003 0.042 <0.003 0.00662 <0.003 0.3 0.001 0.0474 0.003 0.264 <0.003 0.0225 <0.003 Nitrate+Nitrite mg/L 0.49 0.0015 0.0865 0.052 0.352 0.0015 0.0872 0.0455 0.294 0.0015 0.0796 0.034 0.346 0.001 0.0962 0.053 Total Nitrogen2 mg/L 1.11 0.034 0.575 0.5285 1.2115 0.25 0.612 0.602 1.295 0.09 0.595 0.553 1.93 0.051 0.596 0.59575 Total P2 mg/L 0.364 0.014 0.0690 0.037 0.178 0.021 0.0608 0.0385 0.37 0.015 0.0909 0.0529 0.35 0.018 0.0762 0.049 TDP mg/L 0.096 0.003 0.0147 0.011 0.072 0.0015 0.0162 0.011 0.07 <0.003 0.0160 0.013 0.06 <0.003 0.0154 0.013 Reactive Silica mg/L 19.2 2.65 6.65 5.715 10.6 3.46 6.27 5.53 11.2 3.2 6.64 5.88 10.8 2.96 6.94 6.425 Phenols1 mg/L 0.006 0.0005 0.00096 0.0005 0.002 0.0005 0.0008 0.0005 0.006 0.0005 0.0012 0.0005 0.008 0.0005 0.0013 0.0005 DOC mg/L 15.5 2.90 8.87 8.4 14.8 3.9 8.38 8 19.7 4.9 9.85 8.6 18.5 3 9.02 8.1 Total Organic C mg/L 15.8 4.5 9.36 8.8 15.5 4 8.55 7.8 20 5.5 10.4 8.7 19.7 3.5 9.35 8.05 Fecal coliforms5 no./dL 32 2 9.08 8 20 2 5.41 <10 140 0.5 9.42 <10 40 2 8.40 <10 Total coliforms no./dL 360 4 80.1 45.5 80 4 32.1 18 141 2 42.4 40 400 <10 53.8 30 E. coli 4 no./dL 30 <10 9.9 10 10 <10 5.42 <10 30 <10 7.65 <10 30 <10 8.96 <10 NOTES:




Table 5-33 Total Metals Upstream of Fort McMurray (ATR-UFM)

Metal Unit Spring Summer

Max Min Mean Median Count Max Min Mean Median Count Aluminum1 mg/L 10.4 0.0800 2.64 1.3 21 22.6 0.405 3.667 1.92 19 Antimony mg/L 0.000188 0.0000712 0.000114 0.000107 12 0.00026 0.00008 0.000129 0.00013 11 Arsenic mg/L 0.00311 0.0005 0.00135 0.00123 17 0.00388 0.0003 0.0014 0.00109 16 Barium mg/L 0.248 0.055 0.0931 0.0788 20 0.312 0.05 0.109 0.088 18 Beryllium mg/L 0.001 <0.00004 0.00028 0.00013 18 0.003 <0.00004 0.00047 0.00029 16 Bismuth mg/L 0.000076 0.0000064 0.000028 0.000022 11 0.000084 0.000010 0.000031 0.000018 10 Boron mg/L 0.0507 0.0228 0.0352 0.0345 13 0.0746 0.0043 0.0277 0.0247 12 Cadmium3 mg/L 0.0015 0.000031 0.000237 0.0001 20 0.001 0.000025 0.000225 0.0001 18 Chromium1 mg/L 0.0126 0.000725 0.00463 0.004 20 0.032 0.001 0.00730 0.0033 18 Cobalt mg/L 0.005 <0.0003 0.00164 0.00113 20 0.0121 <0.0003 0.00236 0.00143 18 Copper1 mg/L 0.0105 0.0005 0.00427 0.004 23 0.0278 0.0008 0.0058 0.003 21 Iron1 mg/L 10.7 0.447 3.36 2.60 20 15.80 0.69 4.45 3.04 18 Lead3 mg/L 0.01 0.000373 0.00239 0.00141 21 0.011 <0.0003 0.0025 0.0011 18 Lithium mg/L 0.0138 <0.005 0.00914 0.0092 13 0.0212 <0.004 0.0094 0.0065 12 Manganese4 mg/L 0.265 0.016 0.0925 0.077 23 0.598 0.017 0.126 0.063 19 Mercury2 µg/L 0.05 0.00096 0.018 0.023 23 0.05 <0.0006 0.0163 0.0214 20 Molybdenum mg/L 0.004 0.00028 0.00108 0.00079 20 0.007 0.00021 0.00139 0.00065 18 Nickel mg/L 0.0163 0.00158 0.00615 0.0052 20 0.0324 <0.0005 0.0071 0.0046 18 Selenium1 mg/L 0.0008 <0.0002 0.00027 0.000245 19 0.00176 <0.0001 0.00038 0.0002 18 Silver1 mg/L 0.0005 <0.000005 0.000066 0.00003 13 0.0005 <0.00001 0.000077 0.000035 12 Strontium mg/L 0.307 0.13 0.204 0.19 13 0.27 0.182 0.214 0.208 12 Thallium µg/L 0.211 0.0095 0.0850 0.0779 12 0.223 0.0269 0.0901 0.068 11 Thorium µg/L 2.28 0.0953 0.690 0.451 11 2.66 0.091 0.941 0.470 10 Tin µg/L 0.5 0.035 0.118 0.09 11 0.5 0.0395 0.115 0.0575 10 Titanium µg/L 124 11.1 67.7 65.2 10 194 9 72.3 56.7 10 Uranium µg/L 1.23 0.475 0.641 0.581 12 1.33 0.4 0.669 0.52 11 Vanadium mg/L 0.022 <0.002 0.0078 0.0069 20 0.0501 <0.002 0.0100 0.0060 18 Zinc1 mg/L 0.0439 0.00343 0.0150 0.0143 24 0.0839 0.003 0.0183 0.0138 21

NOTES:


SOURCE: AENV 2011, 1988–2009 data



Table 5-33 Total Metals Upstream of Fort McMurray (cont’d)

Metal Unit Fall Winter

Max Min Mean Median Count Max Min Mean Median Count Aluminum1 mg/L 1.29 <0.005 0.314 0.162 19 0.145 <0.005 0.0366 0.0278 36 Antimony mg/L 0.0002 0.00005 0.000076 0.000062 13 0.0001 0.00005 0.000068 0.000063 17 Arsenic mg/L 0.0019 0.000287 0.00067 0.000565 16 0.00072 0.0002 0.000492 0.0005 31 Barium mg/L 0.08 0.05 0.0638 0.0627 17 0.122 0.07 0.08985 0.0872 32 Beryllium mg/L 0.0005 <0.00002 0.00014 0.000048 15 0.004 <0.000003 0.000297 <0.00004 20 Bismuth mg/L 0.00001 <0.000001 0.000004 <0.000005 11 0.000007 <0.000001 0.0000028 0.0000025 15 Boron mg/L 0.040 0.01 0.0276 0.0274 13 0.053 0.01 0.0344 0.0326 18 Cadmium3 mg/L 0.0005 <0.00002 0.00014 0.000035 17 0.005 <0.00002 0.00072 0.00032 32 Chromium1 mg/L 0.007 0.00015 0.00128 0.0005 19 0.006 0.0001 0.00154 0.001 36 Cobalt mg/L 0.0014 0.00012 0.00038 0.00020 17 0.004 <0.00002 0.00047 0.00019 31 Copper1 mg/L 0.004 0.0005 0.0012 0.00091 21 0.023 <0.00008 0.00203 0.00097 40 Iron1 mg/L 3.29 0.168 0.720 0.331 17 0.25 0.076 0.161 0.155 30 Lead3 mg/L 0.0019 0.000078 0.00051 0.000192 18 0.0209 <0.000001 0.00220 0.001 35 Lithium mg/L 0.017 0.004 0.00794 0.0073 13 0.02 <0.004 0.00912 0.00918 18 Manganese4 mg/L 0.116 0.0102 0.0266 0.0160 20 0.12 0.002 0.00834 0.00454 36 Mercury2 µg/L <0.05 <0.0006 0.0116 <0.005 21 0.2 <0.000036 0.0301 <0.05 40 Molybdenum mg/L 0.018 <0.001 0.00234 0.00078 17 0.007 <0.001 0.00145 0.00111 32 Nickel mg/L 0.0163 0.000455 0.0030 0.00099 17 0.0279 <0.00006 0.00286 0.001 32 Selenium1 mg/L 0.0007 <0.0001 0.00023 0.00019 17 0.0007 <0.0001 0.00018 0.00012 32 Silver1 mg/L 0.0005 <0.0000005 0.000045 0.000003 13 0.0005 <0.0000005 0.000084 0.0000035 19 Strontium mg/L 0.355 0.22 0.284 0.285 13 0.533 0.32 0.433 0.449 18 Thallium µg/L 0.12 0.0037 0.0318 0.0103 12 0.1 <0.003 0.0201 0.00775 16 Thorium µg/L 0.088 0.006 0.028 0.021 11 0.0176 <0.003 0.00839 0.0089 15 Tin µg/L 2 <0.030 0.202 0.05 12 1 <0.030 0.114 0.05 16 Titanium µg/L 27.1 1 6.08 3.4 11 3.7 0.1 1.78 1.7 15 Uranium µg/L 0.7 0.369 0.492 0.472 12 0.9 0.523 0.706 0.669 16 Vanadium mg/L 0.004 0.00041 0.00130 0.00085 17 0.022 0.00004 0.00192 0.00054 32 Zinc1 mg/L 0.034 0.000819 0.00822 0.00339 19 0.024 0.0005 0.00740 0.00452 38 NOTES:




Table 5-34 Total Metals at Old Fort Station (ATR-OF)

Metal Unit Spring Summer

Max Min Mean Median Count Max Min Mean Median Count Aluminum1 mg/L 7.76 0.020 1.11 0.32 38 8.22 0.033 1.75 1.24 31 Antimony mg/L 0.0003 0.000058 0.00012 0.0001 11 0.000359 0.00005 0.00015 0.00012 12 Arsenic1 mg/L 0.018 0.0004 0.0025 0.0010 16 0.005 0.0004 0.0018 0.00143 16 Barium mg/L 0.167 0.0431 0.0726 0.066 23 0.174 0.05 0.0857 0.0697 20 Beryllium mg/L 0.0010 0.0000052 0.0002 <0.0002 14 0.0012 0.000068 0.00029 0.00015 14 Bismuth mg/L 0.06 <0.000001 0.0185 0.015 24 0.1 0.0000089 0.0160 0.005 21 Boron mg/L 0.04 0.0178 0.0288 0.0297 10 0.0382 <0.01 0.0229 0.0229 12 Cadmium3 mg/L 0.002 0.0000205 0.00039 0.0002 23 0.00261 <0.0002 0.00057 0.00023 20 Chromium1 mg/L 0.016 0.000322 0.00620 0.005 23 0.014 <0.001 0.00482 0.0041 20 Cobalt mg/L 0.0057 0.000115 0.00150 0.0013 23 0.004 <0.0003 0.00164 0.0011 20 Copper1 mg/L 0.0122 0.0005 0.00403 0.0032 30 0.01 <0.0002 0.0049 0.0052 24 Iron1 mg/L 11.8 0.28 2.93 2.573 24 10.6 0.39 4.07 2.74 21 Lead3 mg/L 0.01 <0.0003 0.0026 0.00112 28 0.0263 <0.0003 0.00317 0.00149 23 Lithium mg/L 0.054 0.0039 0.0121 0.0086 11 0.0118 0.005 0.00763 0.0070 12 Manganese4 mg/L 0.272 0.012 0.0808 0.0715 24 0.295 0.025 0.115 0.1018 20 Mercury2 µg/L 0.05 <0.0006 0.0232 0.025 30 0.11 0.0028 0.0235 0.025 26 Molybdenum mg/L 0.0015 0.000339 0.000738 0.000678 16 0.0018 0.0004 0.00072 0.00062 16 Nickel mg/L 0.0189 0.000429 0.00484 0.0046 22 0.0203 <0.0005 0.00545 0.00546 19 Selenium1 mg/L 0.000473 <0.0002 0.000184 0.000185 16 0.00054 <0.0001 0.000218 0.0002 16 Silver1 mg/L 0.0004 <0.0000005 0.000064 0.000034 10 0.000072 0.000012 0.000041 0.000041 11 Strontium mg/L 0.29 0.11 0.165 0.159 11 0.236 0.158 0.1891 0.182 12 Thallium µg/L 0.136 0.0054 0.078 0.1 11 0.257 0.0203 0.103 0.1 12 Thorium µg/L 1.77 0.048 0.585 0.243 7 1.45 0.233 0.731 0.602 8 Tin µg/L 0.631 <0.1 0.289 0.12 11 0.5 0.0447 0.2193 0.112 12 Titanium µg/L 130 3.39 44.0 31 11 150 6 56.9 43.5 12 Uranium µg/L 1 <0.4 0.485 0.464 13 3 <0.4 0.639 0.5 15 Vanadium mg/L 0.018 <0.001 0.00548 0.004 23 0.018 <0.001 0.0066 0.0046 20 Zinc1 mg/L 0.0427 0.004 0.0147 0.0111 28 0.054 0.004 0.0182 0.0162 21 NOTES:




Table 5-34 Total Metals at Old Fort Station (ATR-OF) (cont’d)

Metal Unit Fall Winter

Max Min Mean Median Count Max Min Mean Median Count Aluminum1 mg/L 1.47 0.01 0.337 0.175 38 0.324 0.0025 0.059 0.04 54 Antimony mg/L 0.0002 0.000054 8.9E-05 0.00007 11 0.000725 0.00005 0.00020 0.0001 13 Arsenic1 mg/L 0.00105 0.0004 0.0007 0.00070 15 0.00253 <0.0002 0.00057 0.000528 19 Barium mg/L 0.36 0.036 0.079 0.0584 23 0.152 0.0482 0.0720 0.0690 24 Beryllium mg/L 0.0004 0.000017 0.00011 0.000095 14 0.0005 <0.000003 0.0001 0.00002 17 Bismuth mg/L 0.137 6.8E-06 0.0205 0.02 26 0.08 <0.000001 0.0254 0.025 37 Boron mg/L 0.08 0.02 0.0307 0.0252 11 0.848 0.0275 0.1042 0.0384 13 Cadmium3 mg/L 0.0006 <0.00002 0.00029 0.0002 24 0.002 0.0000094 0.000425 0.0005 31 Chromium1 mg/L 0.0153 <0.001 0.0024 0.00111 22 0.007 0.00013 0.00192 0.002 35 Cobalt mg/L 0.002 <0.0003 0.00061 0.0005 24 0.0017 0.000022 0.000415 0.0005 31 Copper1 mg/L 0.0073 <0.0002 0.00213 0.00174 31 0.007 <0.0002 0.00196 0.00157 34 Iron1 mg/L 3.69 0.22 1.11 0.89 23 0.9 0.005 0.509 0.51 29 Lead3 mg/L 0.0053 <0.0003 0.00125 0.001 30 0.071 0.000091 0.0036 0.001 35 Lithium mg/L 0.009 <0.004 0.0064 0.0065 11 0.0343 0.004 0.0105 0.00882 13 Manganese4 mg/L 0.102 0.0115 0.0415 0.0383 23 0.07 0.001 0.0350 0.03415 30 Mercury2 µg/L 0.22 <0.0006 0.035 0.025 29 0.11 <0.0006 0.0241 0.025 43 Molybdenum mg/L 0.0054 0.00050 0.0011 0.00069 14 0.00461 0.0005 0.00133 0.00099 18 Nickel mg/L 0.008 <0.0005 0.0018 0.00116 23 0.0115 0.0000064 0.0026 0.00097 24 Selenium1 mg/L 0.0009 <0.0002 0.00024 0.0002 15 0.000581 <0.0001 0.00025 0.0002 20 Silver1 mg/L 0.0007 0.0000017 0.0000964 0.0000089 10 0.00005 <0.0000005 0.000021 0.000008 13 Strontium mg/L 0.276 0.163 0.210 0.217 11 0.538 0.243 0.331 0.302 13 Thallium µg/L 0.27 0.0149 0.0815 0.0363 11 0.2 <0.0003 0.0470 0.0136 13 Thorium µg/L 0.234 0.051 0.119 0.101 7 0.0553 0.0095 0.0275 0.021 9 Tin µg/L 1 <0.03 0.251 <0.1 11 2 <0.03 0.414 0.0302 13 Titanium µg/L 23.6 1 12.6 10.6 11 13.9 1 5.11 4 13 Uranium µg/L 0.5 <0.4 0.324 0.364 14 0.6 <0.4 0.369 0.389 15 Vanadium mg/L 0.006 <0.001 0.0015 0.001 24 0.003 0.000315 0.0015 0.001 31 Zinc1 mg/L 0.0287 0.0005 0.0073 0.005 29 0.0252 0.0005 0.0074 0.005 36 NOTES:




Table 5-35 Historical Record of Compliance at Old Fort Station (ATR-OF)

Parameter

CCME and AENV Guideline

(mg/L) Number of Samples

Percent Compliance

(%) Total Phosphorus 0.05 1 272 54.8 Total Nitrogen 1.0 1 268 88.8 Total coliforms 1,000 2 113 99.1 Fecal coliforms 100 2 195 98.5 Aluminum 0.1 3 80 37.5 Cadmium Calculated 3 20 30.0 Iron 0.3 3 79 3.8 Lead Calculated 3 59 84.7 Silver 0.0001 3 21 95.2 Zinc 0.03 3 69 92.8 NOTES: Guidelines include: 1 Alberta Surface Water Quality Guidelines (CCME 2011, Internet site) 2 CCME Guidelines for Protection of Agricultural Water Uses (CCME 2011, Internet site) 3 CCME Guidelines for Protection of Aquatic Life (CCME 2011, Internet site)

Seasonal Trends Data from the Old Fort station (ATR-OF) were plotted as a function of time to illustrate seasonal trends, and a distinct seasonality in many parameters is evident (see Figure 5-4). The highest concentrations of major ions (calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, sulphate, chloride and bicarbonate) and the related parameters (TDS, conductivity and alkalinity), are observed during the fall and winter. The high concentrations of these parameters in the fall and winter correspond to baseflow conditions when groundwater inputs (having high ionic contents) predominate. Lower concentrations are observed during the freshet that takes place in spring and early summer.

Distinct peaks in TSS are evident during the late spring and early summer corresponding to high flowrates during the freshet (see Figure 5-4). Total phosphorus cycles seasonally with distinct peaks in the spring and summer (May to August). The summer peaks in total phosphorus largely coincide with peaks in TSS occurring at the same time. This suggests that most of the phosphorus in the total phosphorus fraction is associated with suspended particles that peak in concentration during high-flow events.

Nitrates cycle seasonally with peaks occurring in late February, March and April. Low values occur during the late spring and summer months, presumably when algal growth is greatest and nitrates are utilized as a nutrient. Peaks in ammonia occur largely in the winter months (January to February) when photosynthesis is at minimum due to lowlight levels and organic material being is broken down by bacterial processes. Peaks in TKN generally occur during the spring and summer months but can also occur during the fall and winter.



Figure 5-4 Seasonal Trends in Water Quality at Old Fort LTRN Station

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Figure 5-4 Seasonal Trends in Water Quality at Old Fort LTRN Station (cont’d)

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Figure 5-4 Seasonal Trends in Water Quality at Old Fort LTRN Station (cont’d)

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Fecal coliform and E. coli counts are typically low with detectable counts at Old Fort observed only during the spring (10 d/L for both parameters).

Exceedances of Water Quality Guidelines – Conventional Parameters Exceedances of the CCME, or Alberta or Health Canada guidelines were observed for total phosphorus, phenolics, total nitrogen, fecal coliforms and E. coli bacteria. These are indicated as yellow shaded cells in Tables 5-31 and 5-32. Exceedances of these parameters are frequently encountered in the Athabasca River waters (AENV 2009b). Historical rates of compliance with the guidelines at Old Fort for are shown in Table 5-35. The percent compliance for total phosphorus and total nitrogen between 1960 to 2008 were 54.8% and 88.8%, respectively.

Metals

Metals (total fraction) at ATR-UFM and ATR-OF are summarized in Tables 5-33 and 5-34 for the period 1988 to the present. Dissolved trace metal concentrations for these stations are provided in Appendix 5D. Relative to the watercourses in the LSA, trace metal concentrations are generally very low with many values less than detection limits. Dissolved concentrations were lower than total concentrations for almost all the variables, but in particular, aluminum, iron, manganese and arsenic. These metals are often associated with suspended particulates (silts/clays) in the water (AENV 2009b).

Seasonal Trends Metal concentrations from the ATR-UFM and Old Fort sampling stations show similar seasonal patterns (see Figure 5-4). The following trends are noted:

• Aluminum – Distinct peaks are noted in late spring and summer corresponding to periods of high flow and high levels of suspended particles in the water. Low values occur during the fall and winter.

• Arsenic – As with aluminum, peaks occur in late spring and summer with low values in fall and winter.

• Chromium – Peaks occur in May with the lowest values in fall and winter.

• Cadmium –Most of the higher values of cadmium occur during the summer months (note that only data since 1993 were considered meaningful).

• Iron – Like aluminum, distinct peaks are noted in late spring and summer, which correspond to periods of high flow and high levels of suspended particles. Low values occur during the fall and winter.

• Lead, copper, zinc – Peaks occur during all seasons with no apparent seasonality.

• Molybdenum – Peaks occur mostly in winter and fall.



Exceedances of Water Quality Guidelines – Metals Exceedances of chronic water quality guidelines were observed upstream of Fort McMurray and at Old Fort for aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, chromium copper, iron, lead, manganese, mercury and selenium, silver and zinc (see Tables 5-33 and 5-34). In most cases, the exceedances are isolated and infrequent occurrences. Exceptions include iron and aluminum, which are frequently elevated in concentration when high loads of suspended particles are observed (AENV 2009b). The median and mean values of these parameters exceeded the guideline in spring, summer and fall. In the case of mercury, the detection limits in the earlier data were higher than the guideline and therefore are recorded as exceedances. Low-level analyses of mercury were not available in the Alberta Environment data.

The percent compliance with the CCME guidelines for metals at Old Fort was reported in a 2009 study conducted by Alberta Environment (AENV 2009b). Metals with exceedances of the CCME guidelines reported in this study include total aluminum, cadmium, total iron, total lead, silver and total zinc (see Table 5-35). The percentage compliance with the CCME guidelines ranged from 3.8% for iron to 95.2% for silver.

5.3.4.3 Long-term Temporal Trends Long-term temporal changes in surface water quality were also studied by Alberta Environment at Old Fort (AENV 2009b). In the period following the change in monitoring agencies (post-1987), eight variables demonstrated statistically significant monotonic trends after flow adjustment. These included:

• Turbidity (increase)

• TSS (increase)

• pH (increase)

• conductivity (decrease)

• chloride (decrease)

• total phosphorus (increase)

• total aluminum (increase)

• total arsenic (increase)

The increases in aluminum and arsenic were related to the increase in TSS as these metals are typically associated with sediment particles. The causes of these temporal trends, whether natural, anthropogenic or the result of climate change were not discussed in the 2009 report.



5.3.5 Quality Assurance and Quality Control The QC program for the baseline study included analyzing travel blanks, field blanks and duplicate samples. Quality control samples accounted for about 10% of the total sampling effort.

Contamination was indicated in the travel or field blanks when more than 10% of the analytes were greater than the method detection limit (MDL) or when one was greater than five times the MDL.

High variability in the duplicate samples was indicated when the relative percent difference in an analyte between the two samples was greater than 20% when both concentrations were greater than or equal to five-times the MDL (see Appendix 5B). Variability between samples was rated as:

• low (<10% of the analytes notably different) • moderate (10% to 30% of the analytes notably different) • high (>30% of the analytes notably different)

The results of the QC samples are summarized below:

• Travel blanks had a number of parameters greater than the MDLs, but all were below five-times the MDL. These parameters consisted of less than 10% of the total parameters and had similar concentrations to the corresponding field blanks. These results suggest that the field samples were free from contamination from the sample bottles during preparation, storage and shipping.

• Field blanks had less than 10% of the parameters greater than the MDL. Only two parameters (low-level dissolved mercury and aluminum) exceeded five-times the method detection limit.

• Based on the relative percent difference (RPD) between analytes in the replicate sample, variability between samples was rated as low (indicating a high degree of precision).

Based on the QC results and the above criteria, the field results were deemed to be of high quality (i.e., free from contamination and demonstrating a high degree of precision).

Results for individual QC samples are found in Appendix 5B. The laboratory followed their own QC procedures that include blanks, spikes and replicates. These results are found in the individual laboratory reports in Appendix 5C.

5.4 Summary

5.4.1 LSA Watercourses and Waterbodies A total of 28 sites were studied in 7 watercourses and 14 waterbodies between June 2006 and October 2010 as part of the field program for this baseline study. No historical data were available for most watercourses and waterbodies in the LSA. Samples were tested for conventional parameters, metals, organics and toxicity.



In general, the watercourses were well oxygenated, weakly alkaline and hard water. The dominant ions were calcium and magnesium sulphates. Nutrient levels were variable; nitrates and ammonia concentrations were low but reduced forms of nitrogen (other than ammonia) were high. Total phosphorus concentrations were high but this was determined to be the result of large concentrations of silts and clays in the samples. Naphthenic acids and hydrocarbons were mostly non-detectable. Elevated total metal concentrations were observed for aluminum, iron, cadmium, nickel, lead, manganese and zinc. Some of these elevated metal concentrations were related to the high particulate load in the samples. Dissolved levels of these metals were considerably lower.

Sediments in LSA watercourses were largely silty-sands with low organic content. The sediments had elevated levels of individual metals including arsenic, cadmium and zinc. The elevated background concentrations of metals in sediment and surface water may be a result of erosion of the polymetallic black shale outcrops exposed on the east slope of the Birch Mountains immediately west of the Project area. Hydrocarbon and PAH concentrations in sediment samples were quite low in most samples although elevated levels of PAHs and alkylated PAHs were observed in Redclay Creek.

Waterbodies in the LSA were all shallow and most suffered extreme oxygen deficits during the winter under ice. The waterbodies were generally well buffered and highly coloured (humic). Nitrates were low but reduced forms of nitrogen were quite high. Phosphorus was variable and extremely high values were observed during the winter. Naphthenic acids and hydrocarbons were mostly non-detectable. Trace metal concentrations were typically very low except for iron and manganese during the winter.

Water and sediments from LSA watercourses and waterbodies were found to be non-toxic.

5.4.2 RSA Watercourses The RSA consisted of the LSA and a reach of the Athabasca River from Fort McMurray to Embarras Portage. Surface water quality in the Athabasca River was characterized from historical data collected by Alberta Environment at a station upstream of Fort McMurray and at the LTRN station at Old Fort. Conventional and trace metal parameters were summarized statistically. Seasonal trends were examined for both parameter sets. Long-term temporal trends were noted. Data were also tabulated for two stations between Fort McMurray and Old Fort (ATR-DDD and ATR-FR) from samples collected during by RAMP (see Appendix 5D).

The waters from the Athabasca River were described as well oxygenated, slightly alkaline and moderately-hard to hard. The ion composition was dominated by calcium and magnesium bicarbonates. Ammonia and nitrate concentrations were generally low while total phosphorus was highly variable and occasionally present in very high concentrations. Data from Old Fort indicates a downstream decrease in major ions but an increase in nutrients. A distinct seasonality in water chemistry was evident with high levels of major ions, TDS and alkalinity in the fall and winter when baseflow conditions prevailed. Seasonal cycling was also observed in total phosphorus, nitrates and ammonia. Trace metal concentrations were generally low. A seasonality in some metal species is evident especially for those metals that are associated with suspended particles like

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