Water Quality Objectives Attainment Monitoring in Sechelt Inlet in 2002
This report presents the results of monitoring undertaken in 2002 to check the attainment of Sechelt Inlet water quality objectives that were set in 1993. Objectives have not been monitored since 1994. The CCME Water Quality Index was also determined for Sechelt Inlet using 2002 results. 
Bacteriological indicators, including fecal coliforms, enterococci, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), were monitored over a two-week period at five selected locations in southern Sechelt Inlet and Porpoise Bay. Water quality measures included dissolved oxygen, suspended solids, ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, and trace metals (copper, lead, and zinc). Sediment was sampled at four locations and analyzed for trace metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Mussel tissue was also analyzed for copper, lead and zinc at one location.
Objectives for fecal coliforms were met on all dates in 2002 in Sechelt Inlet and Porpoise Bay. Objectives for enterococci and P. aeruginosa were met at all locations, except 'beside the Government wharf' which yielded results that were two and six times higher, respectively, than the stated objectives. There has not been a significant change in fecal coliform and enterococci levels in Sechelt Inlet since 1994, although conditions may be slightly deteriorating in Porpoise Bay, particularly near the Government wharf.
 Objectives for both ammonia-N and dissolved oxygen were met for Porpoise Bay and Sechelt Inlet on all dates sampled in 2002. These conditions were similar to 1993 and 1994 conditions. Objectives for suspended solids were also met in Porpoise Bay, which signals a significant improvement compared to 1993 and 1994. Trace metal concentrations in Sechelt Inlet and Porpoise Bay were low in 2002, with objectives being met for copper, lead, and zinc. This was a significant improvement compared to 1993 and 1994. Concentrations of lead in sampled mussel tissue were also well below the stated objective. Preliminary sediment analysis indicated that provincial criteria for key polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were met at the only location sampled in adequately protected and suitable for primary contact recreation and aquatic life.
 There appears to be a significant improvement in suspended solid and trace metal concentrations compared to previous years sampled, while ammonia and dissolved oxygen results have remained relatively constant. It is recognized, however, that the number of measurements taken are somewhat limited. Recommendations include further monitoring of bacteriological indicators, particularly near the Government wharf area and in tissues, as results indicate a possible deterioration in sanitary conditions compared to 1993 and 1994. Bacterial levels should also continue to be monitored at Porpoise Bay Provincial Park
beach to ensure protection of human health.
The one-page summary is available here (PDF/45 KB/1 page).
The complete report is available here (PDF/570 KB/31 pages).
UPDATED: JANUARY 2005
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