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Quality Objective Reports Index
Bonaparte
River (Thompson area)
The
water quality of the Bonaparte River and some of its tributaries
in the Thompson-Bonaparte area was assessed by examining water
quality data and effluent quality data collected to about December
1983. The watershed is important habitat for rainbow trout
and has good potential for salmon spawning and rearing. In
addition to the usual developments, cattle create major problems
for water quality. Water quality objectives therefore were
developed in reaches where designated water uses may be threatened,
either now or in the foreseeable future. A detailed technical
appendix was prepared and forms the basis for the conclusions
presented here and in the Thompson-Bonaparte Sub-Regional Environmental
Management Plan.
The Bonaparte River originates at Bonaparte Lake, about 100 km
north from Kamloops, from where it flows south-westerly towards
the Village of Clinton. At its confluence with Clinton Creek,
just east from Clinton, it flows south-easterly, passing
though the Town of Cache Creek. It meets the Thompson River
just north from the Town of Ashcroft.
Two tributaries which are also discussed in this document are
Clinton Creek, which drains from the west side and Loon Creek,
which drains from Loon Lake on the east side.
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Boundary
Bay (Lower Fraser Valley)
This
report assesses the water quality of Boundary Bay and its major
tributaries: the Little Campbell River, the Serpentine River
and the Nicomekl River. Provisional water quality objectives
are set to protect aquatic life and recreation in Boundary
Bay, and aquatic life, wildlife, irrigation and livestock watering
in the tributaries.
Boundary Bay sustains a crab and herring fishery and the tributaries
provide important habitat for steelhead and cutthroat trout
and coho and chum salmon.
Most of the water contamination comes from diffuse agricultural
sources. It has raised levels of nutrients, biochemical oxygen
demand and fecal coliforms in the major tributary streams.
As a result, oxygen deficiencies have occurred in the streams
causing problems for fish, and the water must be completely
treated before domestic use. The effect in Boundary Bay is
that fecal coliform levels are too high for shellfish harvesting,
although the levels are suitable for swimming.
Provisional water quality objectives have been set for nutrients,
dissolved oxygen and fecal coliforms. Attainment of these
objectives will protect aquatic life and will be one factor
enabling shellfish harvesting to return to Boundary Bay.
A strategy to identify and to control agricultural sources
of contamination will need to be developed to achieve these
objectives consistently.
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Bulkley
River (Smithers / Houston area)
Water
quality objectives are prepared for specific surface waters
of the province, as part of the Ministry of Environment's (now
called Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection) mandate
to manage water quality. They are prepared for waterbodies
and
water
quality
characteristics
which may
be
affected by
man's activities, now or in the foreseeable future. A water
quality assessment and water quality objectives were prepared
for the Bulkley River basin because the area would be affected
by the Kemano-Completion Project. A similar report for the
Nechako River basin, which would also be affected by the project,
is being prepared. Both river systems are important salmon
migration routes and salmon rearing areas.
This report includes: (i) an assessment of present water quality
using available information (up to April, 1984) on waste
discharges, water quality, streamflow and water uses; (ii)
a prediction of future water quality, considering future
waste discharges and the effects of the Kemano-Completion
Project on flows in the Morice and Bulkley Rivers; (iii)
recommended water uses that should be protected, and recommended
provisional water quality objectives, where applicable, to
protect those uses; (iv) recommended monitoring to check
whether those objectives are being met and to develop future
objectives. A detailed technical appendix was prepared and
forms the basis for the conclusions presented in this report.
The Kemano-Completion Project has been indefinitely postponed
by Alcan, which is not proceeding with its application under
the government review process at this time. However, the
provincial government is completing its review of Alcan's
proposal.
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Bullmoose
Creek (Murray River, Peace River area)
This
assessment presents the major findings and recommendations
of the report on Bullmoose Creek, a tributary of the Murray
River. It is one of seven priority sub-basins in the Peace
River area for which water quality assessments are being conducted.
A detailed technical appendix was prepared and forms the basis
for the conclusions presented in this summary.
This report is the product of data assessments undertaken during
1984 and 1985. In general, the study was designed to examine
the status of existing and future water quality with particular
reference to the waste discharges from the Teck Bullmoose
Coal Ltd. open-pit mine. Included in this report are provisional
water quality objectives to protect designated water uses
and recommendations for monitoring. The goal of this assessment
is to guide water and waste management in the Bullmoose Creek
portion of the Murray River Sub-basin.
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Burrard
Inlet (Lower Fraser Valley area)
This
report assesses the water quality of Burrard Inlet, False Creek
and some selected tributaries. Provisional water quality objectives
are set to protect aquatic life, wildlife and primary-contact
recreation in Burrard Inlet, Lynn Creek and School House Brook;
aquatic life and wildlife in False Creek (and recreation near
its mouth); and aquatic life, wildlife, primary-contact recreation
and drinking water supplies in the Capilano River.
Burrard Inlet sustains runs of salmonids while the tributaries
provide important habitat for these runs.
Most of the water contamination comes from bulk loading facilities,
oil refineries, chemical plants, combined sewer overflows
and stormwater discharges. As a result, there are areas with
lower than desirable levels of dissolved oxygen, bacteriological
contamination which on occasion can require that beaches
be closed for swimming and high concentrations in the water
column and sediments of metals which can be passed along
the food chain. Burrard Inlet is closed to shellfish harvesting
based on sanitary considerations of the tributary area.
Provisional water quality objectives have been set for metals,
nutrients, chlorophenols, PCBs, PAHs, tributyltin, microbiological
indicators and some other variables. Attainment of these
objectives will protect all used including aquatic life and
recreation. A strategy to reduce the sources of contaminants
to Burrard Inlet will need to be developed to achieve these
objective consistently.
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Cahill
Creek (Hedley, Similkameen River area)
Cahill
Creek is a tributary to the Similkameen from the northeast,
just downstream from Hedley. The issue here is the water quality
which could be affected by a proposed gold mine and mill complex
through release of contaminants such as heavy metals, suspended
solids and cyanide. Two tributaries join Cahill Creek in its
upper reaches, Nickel Plate Mine Creek and Sunset Creek. Red
Top Gulch Creek is a small tributary to the Similkameen, which
parallels Cahill Creek to the west.
A water quality assessment of Cahill Creek, these two tributaries,
and Red Top Gulch Creek was undertaken to develop water quality
objectives in areas where designated water uses may be threatened.
The gold mining project, Nickel Plate Gold Mine, is operated
by Mascot Gold Mines Limited and will include a mill complex.
It has been proposed for the upper reaches of Cahill Creek.
If discharges occur, they potentially could enter Red Top
Gulch or Cahill Creek.
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Charlie
Lake (Stoddart Creek, Peace River area)
This
report contains an assessment of water quality in the Charlie
Lake sub-basin located in the Peace River area. The conclusions
presented in the report are supplemented by a detailed technical
appendix. The watershed is considered a priority sub-basin
because of the importance of Charlie Lake as a water resource.
The lake serves as the water supply for the City of Fort St.
John, is the focus of heavy recreational use and has an important
sport fishery.
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Christina
Lake (Kootenay / Boundary)
This
document is one in a series that presents ambient water quality
objectives for British Columbia. It has two parts: this overview
and the technical report, which is available as a separate
document. The overview provides general information about water
quality of Christina Lake. It is intended for both technical
readers and for readers who may not be familiar with the process
of setting water quality objectives. Separate tables listing
water quality objectives and monitoring are included for those
readers requiring data about the waterbody. The report presents
the details of the water quality assessment for Christina Lake
and forms the basis of the recommendations and objectives presented
in the overview.
Nonpoint sources of waste are the only major input of pollutants
to the lake. These are potentially derived from agricultural
activities, past logging operations, past mining activities
and most significantly, poorly maintained and/or located
septic tank or tile field systems.
Water quality objectives are recommended to protect aquatic life,
drinking water supplies, wildlife, irrigation water supplies,
industrial water supplies and recreation.
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Columbia
River (lower - from Birchbank to the US border)
This document
is one in a series that describes ambient water quality objectives
for British Columbia. It has two parts: the following overview
and a technical appendix that was prepared by a consultant
as a separate document and published by Environment Canada
in 1997. The overview provides general information about water
quality in the lower Columbia River between Birchbank and the
international boundary and provides explanations as to differences
in water quality objectives in this document compared to the
technical appendix. The technical appendix presents the details
of the water quality assessment for this area, and forms the
basis of the recommendations and most of the objectives that
are presented in the overview.
The overview is intended for both technical readers and for readers
who may not be familiar with the process of setting water
quality objectives. Tables listing water quality objectives
and monitoring recommendations are included for those readers
requiring data about these water bodies. A separate report
has been published which describes the water quality assessment
and objectives for the lower Columbia River from the Hugh
Keenleyside Dam to Birchbank.
The Columbia River is an important trans-boundary river system
that generates a host of benefits to people in Canada and
the United States. In addition to in-stream water uses (i.e.,
fish and aquatic life), the Columbia River provides an important
source of raw water for municipal water supplies, irrigation,
livestock watering, and industrial water uses. The Columbia
River and its tributaries have also been impounded extensively
to support hydroelectric power production, water storage,
and flood control. Recreation and aesthetics represent important
uses of the aquatic environment that generate both social
and economic benefits to area residents.
Concerns related to water quality conditions in the Columbia
River are primarily related to discharges of industrial and
municipal wastes. Discharges of heavy metals from the Cominco
lead-zinc smelter in Trail and chlorinated substances from
the Celgar Pulp Company pulp mill in Castlegar have represented
the main sources of contaminants. However, discharges of
treated municipal sewage from the City of Trail (primary)
and the City of Castlegar (secondary) and various non-point
sources also contribute to contaminant loading to the lower
Columbia River. Elevated levels of dissolved gases and fluctuating
water levels are also significant concerns in this system,
being generated at dams on the system.
This report describes water quality objectives for the lower
Columbia River from Birchbank to the international boundary.
These water quality objectives specify the characteristics
of water, sediment, and fish muscle tissues necessary to
protect aquatic life, wildlife, livestock watering, irrigation,
recreation and drinking water supplies in this portion of
the river.
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Columbia
River (lower - from Hugh Keenleyside Dam to Birchbank)
This
is the first of two reports assessing water quality and setting
water quality objectives for the lower Columbia River from
the Hugh Keenleyside Dam to the US border. In this report the
28 km reach from the dam to Birchbank is considered.
The status of existing and future water quality is examined with
respect to the existing and future water uses. Provisional
water quality objectives are set to protect designated water
uses. A monitoring program to check the attainment of these
objectives is recommended. The goal of this report is to
guide the water quality management of this reach of the Columbia
River. A detailed technical appendix was prepared and forms
the basis for the conclusions presented in this summary.
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Columbia
River (upper - from Toby Creek to Spillimacheen)
The
assessment of water quality in the Upper Columbia River area
is divided into two reports. A separate report deals with the
headwaters of the Columbia River, including Columbia Lake,
Windermere Lake and the Columbia River between the lakes. This
report deals with the Columbia River further downstream. It
includes the Columbia River between Toby Creek and Edgewater
and three tributaries to the Columbia River including Toby
Creek, Sinclair Creek and the Spillimacheen River.
The purpose of this report is to assess the state of water quality
and develop water quality objectives where designated water
uses are threatened, either now or in the future. A detailed
technical appendix was prepared and forms the basis for the
conclusions presented in this report.
The sub-basins studied include: Toby Creek which enters the Columbia
River from the west just downstream from Windermere Lake;
a 20 km stretch of the Columbia River between Toby Creek
and Edgewater; Sinclair Creek which enters the Columbia River
from the east about 10 km downstream from Toby Creek; and
the Spillimacheen River, entering the Columbia River from
the west about 30 km downstream from Edgewater.
These sub-basins were chosen as priority areas for study because
water uses could be affected by waste discharges. An assessment
of the water quality in each sub-basin is presented and is
followed by a summary of provisional water quality objectives
and proposed monitoring programs.
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Cowichan
and Koksilah Rivers (Southern Vancouver Island)
This
report assesses the water quality of the Cowichan and Koksilah
rivers located on the south-eastern side of Vancouver Island,
and sets water quality objectives to protect their uses for
drinking, irrigation, industrial consumption, water contact
recreation and aquatic life.
The
Cowichan River, which originates at the south end of Cowichan
Lake, is the most important river
on Vancouver Island for recreational
fisheries (steelhead, cutthroat, rainbow, brown trout and
kokanee) and commercial fisheries (coho, chinook and chum).
The river
is also important for water contact recreation such as kayaking,
canoeing, etc. and as a source of water for domestic, irrigation
and industrial uses (BC Forest Products Crofton Pulp Mill).
The Village of Lake Cowichan obtains its water supply from
Cowichan Lake while the City of Duncan obtains its water
from wells adjacent to the Cowichan River downstream from the
Island
Highway.
The Koksilah River is also important for recreational and commercial
fish species as well as recreational activities and domestic,
irrigation and industrial water supplies. However, since the
river does not have a large lake within its watershed to provide
water storage, summer stream flows are approximately 95% lower
than flows in the Cowichan River. Consequently, the value of
the above uses in the Koksilah River are reduced relative to
the Cowichan River.
There are three permitted discharges on the Cowichan River.
The sewage discharge from the Village of Lake Cowichan and the
discharge of ground water used in a Ministry of Environment fish
hatchery have little of no impact on the water quality of the
Cowichan River. The third permitted discharge is sewage from
the Duncan/North Cowichan treatment plant. The effluent is not
adequately diluted in the Cowichan River during the summer low
flow period. High concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus cause
excessive periphyton growth for several kilometers downstream
from the discharge.
Water quality objectives are set in the Cowichan River for a
number of possible contaminants. These originate from a sawmill
located at Youbou, a small abandoned base metal mine adjacent
to Cowichan Lake, future base metal mining in the upper Cowichan
watershed, public wharves near the outlet of the lake and the
sewage discharges to the river.
Water quality objectives are set in the Koksilah River to protect
water uses from two sources of contamination: potential bacterial
contamination from dairy farms near Dougan Lake and contaminants
from the Cowichan Valley Regional District incinerator/landfill
and gravel washing operations near Duncan.
Water quality objectives are set to protect the most sensitive
water uses in both rivers. The objectives and a monitoring program
for the Cowichan and Koksilah rivers are summarized in several
tables.
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Elk
and Beaver Lakes (Saanich, Vancouver Island)
The protection and
management of water quality is of significant concern in Elk
and Beaver lakes because of their important recreation and fisheries
resources. Recent observations by the public suggest that water
quality in Elk and Beaver lakes has deteriorated. Ambient water
quality objectives for Elk and Beaver lakes were developed in
this report to ensure that the future water quality is acceptable
for the existing and future water uses.
The Elk Lake watershed
has a significant amount of residential and agricultural development.
The developed areas include agricultural range and hay production
to the northwest (Oldfield Road) and residential housing
adjacent to the north and east sides of Elk Lake. The Capital
Regional District park occupies 411 hectares around the perimeter
of both Elk and Beaver lakes. Septic tanks are the sewage
disposal method used throughout the Elk Lake watershed.
The combination of watershed development and the internal release
of phosphorus from the bottom sediments has resulted in excessive
growth of cyanophytes (blue-green algae) in Elk and Beaver
lakes and low dissolved oxygen concentrations below the thermocline
in Elk Lake. Cyanophytes can form unpleasant surface scums,
cause taste and odours in the water and the fish, or reduce
water clarity, creating a safety hazard for swimmers and
boaters.
Provisional water quality objectives were set for those water
quality characteristics that exceeded or were near criteria
levels for designated water uses (primary-contact recreation,
aquatic life) and that may be affected by watershed development.
They include temperature, dissolved oxygen, water clarity,
(Secchi disc depth) and phytoplankton biomass (chlorophyll-a)
and community structure.
Lake and watershed management strategies designed to reduce the
phosphorus loading to Elk Lake include lake aeration, decreased
agricultural loadings and maintenance of existing septic
tanks.
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Fraser
River (Moose Lake to Hope)
This document
is one in a series that describes ambient Water Quality Objectives
for British Columbia. It has two parts: the following overview
and a technical appendix which is available as a separate document.
The overview provides general information about water quality
in the main stem of the Fraser River from Moose Lake to Hope
in three main River reaches. These reaches are from Moose Lake
to Tete Jaune Cache, from Tete Jaune Cache to the Nechako River
confluence, and from the Nechako River confluence to Hope.
The technical appendix presents details of a recent water quality
assessment for these reaches and forms the basis for recommendations
and objectives presented in the overview. The overview is intended
for both technical readers and others who may not be familiar
with the process of setting water quality objectives. Separate
tables listing water quality objectives and monitoring recommendations
are included for those readers requiring data about these waterbodies.
A separate report will be published on water quality objectives
for the Fraser River from Hope to Sturgeon and Roberts Banks.
The Fraser River is home to both resident and anadromous species
of fish. There are 26 species of resident fish documented
as being in the Fraser River above Hope, with most species
being in the river as far north as the Chilcotin River. Salmonid
species are present in large numbers and make the Fraser
River a world-class system for these fish species. Runs have
increased during the 1980s for all species of salmon in the
River. This same decade had the largest average runs for
chinook, chum, and sockeye salmon. Consistent achievement
of water quality objectives in the Fraser River is critical
for the continued success and sustainability of the Fraser's
salmon resource.
Most water contamination in the River above Hope is related to
treated wastewater discharges from pulp and paper mills located
at Prince George and Quesnel as well as treated municipal
sewage discharges from Prince George, Williams Lake, Quesnel,
Lytton, and Lillooet. Flows from the Thompson River, a tributary
to the Fraser, carry the treated wastewater from a pulp mill
and a municipal sewage discharge from the City of Kamloops.
This report describes the specific Water Quality Objectives recommended
to protect aquatic life, wildlife, livestock watering, irrigation,
and drinking water supplies in all three reaches of the Fraser
River Basin from Moose Lake to Hope. The objectives have
been prepared for Environment Managers for use in determining
the effectiveness of different pollution prevention controls
which are being used.
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Fraser
River (Hope to Sturgeon and Roberts Banks)
This document is
one in a series that describes ambient Water Quality Objectives
for British Columbia. It has two parts: the following overview
and a technical appendix which is available as a separate document.
The overview provides general information about water quality
on Sturgeon and Roberts Banks, and in the Fraser River in five
main river reaches: from Hope to Chilliwack, Chilliwack to
Kanaka Creek, the Main Stem from Kanaka Creek to the New Westminster
trifurcation, and both the North Arm and the Main Arm, to the
mouth. The technical appendix presents the details of the water
quality assessment for these reaches, and forms the basis of
the recommendations and objectives presented in the overview.
The overview is intended for both technical readers and for
readers who may not be familiar with the process of setting
Water Quality Objectives. Tables listing Water Quality Objectives
and monitoring recommendations are included for those readers
requiring data about these water bodies.
The Fraser River is home to both resident and anadromous species
of fish. There are 20 species of resident fish documented
in the Fraser River below Hope, and five Pacific salmon species
which migrate up the river to spawn. The salmon runs are
among the largest in the world, representing major commercial
catches of all five Pacific species, important native food
fisheries, and a significant sport fishery. Consistent achievement
of Water Quality Objectives is critical for the sustainability
and success of the Fraser's salmon resource.
The main sources of water contamination downstream from Hope
are treated municipal-type discharges, discharges from various
industrial operations, and non-point source discharges. Although
the number of direct discharges to the river is greatest
in the Main Arm, the contamination from such discharges is
more severe in the North Arm due to its smaller river flow.
Water quality objectives have been recommended to protect aquatic
life, wildlife, livestock watering, irrigation water supplies,
and recreation, in all five reaches from Hope to the Sturgeon
and Roberts Banks. As water uses change from one reach to
another, Objectives and recommendations are based on the
most sensitive use in that particular reach.
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Fraser
River (Hope to Kanaka Creek)
This report
examines water quality in the Fraser-Delta area, incorporating
the Fraser River from Hope to Kanaka Creek and all areas to
the south from the river, including such tributaries as the
Salmon River and the Vedder/Chilliwack River. Two additional
reports form part of the assessment: one dealing with water
quality in the Fraser River From Kanaka Creek to Sturgeon and
Roberts Banks, and the other dealing with water quality in
the Serpentine, Nicomekl and Campbell Rivers and Boundary Bay.
The purpose of the assessments is to develop water quality
objective in areas where designated water uses may be threatened.
Tributaries entering the Fraser River from the north are not
examined specifically, but their effect on Fraser River water
quality is considered. Similarly, only waster discharges
along the north shore discharging directly into the river
are discussed. A more detailed examination of watercourses
and waste discharges in the area to the north from the Fraser
River will be undertaken when water quality assessments and
objectives are prepared for the Coquitlam-Pitt and Harrison-Lillooet
areas. A detailed technical appendix was prepared and forms
the basis for the conclusions presented here.
The Fraser River flows westerly for Hope to Kanaka Creek and
subsequently to its confluence with the Strait of Georgia.
The reach from Hope to Chilliwack is about 55 km in length,
as is the reach from Chilliwack to Kanaka Creek.
The area to the south from the river, to the International Boundary
was also examined in detail. This area comprises several
tributaries including Hope Slough (and its tributary Elk
Creek), Chilliwack Creek (and its tributaries Luckakuck and
Atchelitz Creeks), The Salmon River, Chilliwack River, Gifford
Creek, Clayburn Creek, Nathan Creek, a small length of Silverhope
Creek and Wahleach (Jones) Creek. As well, Bertrand and Fishtrap
Creeks which flow in a southerly direction into the United
States were examined. Urban centers in this area include
Abbottsford, Aldergrove, Vedder Crossing, Sardis, Chilliwack
and Hope.
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Fraser
River (Kanaka Creek to the mouth)
This report
examines the water quality in the Fraser-Delta area downstream
from Kanaka Creek to and including, Sturgeon and Roberts Banks
(see attached Figure
1). The review covers water quality data
and effluent quality data from about 1979 to December 1982.
This period of record was selected since data up to the end
of 1978 already had been examined by the Water Quality Work
for Phase I of the Fraser River Estuary Study. The main purpose
of the review is to develop water quality objectives in reaches
where designated water uses are threatened, either now or in
the future. Two additional reports form part of this assessment:
one dealing with the water quality in the Fraser River from
Hope to Kanaka Creek and the other dealing with water quality
in the Serpentine, Nicomekl and Campbell Rivers and Boundary
Bay.
The water
quality of some tributaries entering the Fraser River was considered
in order to estimate their impact on the
river.
A detailed technical appendix was prepared and forms the basis
for the conclusions presented in this report.
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Holland
Creek and Stocking Lake (Ladysmith, Vancouver Island)
This document
assesses the Holland Creek and Stocking Creek watersheds located
on southern Vancouver Island near Ladysmith. It is one in a
series that presents water quality objectives for British Columbia.
It has two parts: an overview and the report. The overview
provides general information about water quality in the Holland
Creek and Stocking Lake watersheds, and water quality objectives
and monitoring tables for those readers requiring this information.
It is intended for both technical readers and for readers who
may not be familiar with the process of setting water quality
objectives. The report presents the details of the water quality
assessment in the Holland Creek and Stocking Lake watersheds,
and forms the basis of the recommendations and objectives presented
in the overview.
In the autumn of 1991, an Integrated Watershed Management Plan
was initiated for the Holland Creek and Stocking Lake watersheds
in response to local concerns about logging and road building
in the watersheds. The planning team is co-chaired by BC
Environment and the Ministry of Forests, and includes representatives
of the various stakeholders in the watershed. In early 1992,
the Water Quality Branch was requested to conduct a water
quality assessment and recommend water quality objectives
for the watersheds. The existing information was assessed,
and additional water quality monitoring began in mid-1992.
This overview summarizes the results of the water quality
assessment of the Holland Creek and Stocking Lake watersheds.
Objectives for key drinking water characteristics (fecal
coliforms, turbidity, pH, colour, and total organic carbon,
plus iron, phosphorus, and chlorophyll-a in Stocking Lake)
in the watersheds are proposed to protect water quality,
and to guide the rehabilitation and any future development
of the watersheds. All available data and current water quality
criteria were used to derive the water quality objectives.
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Hydraulic
Creek (Okanagan area)
This report
assess the water quality of Hydraulic Creek near Kelowna BC.
Due to an infestation of mountain pine beetle, tree harvesting
in the Hydraulic Creek watershed has been occurring at an unprecedented
rate to salvage timber while it is still marketable.
Much of the Hydraulic Creek watercourse is valuable habitat for
wild and hatchery raised trout. Hydraulic Creek also serves
as a source of drinking water for a population of 3500, and
irrigation water for nearly 2000 hectares of agricultural
land. The South East Kelowna Irrigation District (SEKID)
is the purveyor for this water supply.
The Hydraulic Creek basin is primarily an upland watershed with
very little anthropogenic activity other than that associated
with timber harvesting. Therefore, the primary concern in
the area is the broad-scale erosion of soil into the watercourse,
associated with clearcut logging and road-construction activities.
Provisional water quality objectives have been set for the
protection of drinking water, irrigation and aquatic life.
Water quality characteristics for which objectives are set
include turbidity, suspended solids, temperature and microbiological
indicators.
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Keremeos
Creek Watershed (Okanagan)
This document
is one in a series that presents ambient water quality objectives
for British Columbia. It has two parts: this overview, which
is available as a separate document, and the full report. This
overview provides general information about water quality in
the Keremeos Creek watershed. It is intended for both technical
readers and for readers who may not be familiar with the process
of setting water quality objectives. It includes tables listing
water quality objectives and recommended monitoring. The main
report presents the details of the water quality assessment
for these waterbodies and forms the basis of the recommendations
and objectives presented in this overview. Water quality objectives
are recommended to protect aquatic life, wildlife, irrigation
water supplies, livestock watering and drinking water supplies
in Keremeos Creek, South Keremeos Creek, Cedar Creek and Olalla
Creek.
There are a variety of human activities in the watershed which
could degrade water quality. Increases in chloride in upper
portions of the creek were caused by a gravel pit operation.
Activities near Apex Mountain Resort were found to increase
nutrients and sediments in upper portions of Keremeos Creek.
Agricultural activities in the lower section of Keremeos
Creek were found to increase nutrients and fecal coliform
bacteria in the creek. More specific studies would be required
to determine the impact of timber harvest on water quality.
As the data used in this report is limited, additional sampling
would be required to more fully document the nature of these
effects and to determine attainment of the water quality
objectives specified for the protection of the most sensitive
water use.
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Kitimat
River and Arm (Skeena - Nass area)
The lower
10 km of the Kitimat River and the immediate marine areas of
Kitimat Arm, at the upper end of Douglas Channel, were studied
in this assessment (Figure
1 and Figure 2). The river reach
involved is a very small portion of the Kitimat drainage, but
is very heavily used by fish, wildlife and man. A detailed
technical appendix was prepared and forms the basis for the
conclusions presented here.
The only community in the Kitimat River drainage is the District
of Kitimat. The population of 13,500 people is involved primarily
with Alcan Aluminum Smelter, the Eurocan Pulp and Paper Mill
and the sports fishing industry. This reach of the Kitimat River
is one of the most heavily sport-fished rivers in Canada and
a major spawning corridor for salmonids in British Columbia.
Fisheries resources include chinook, coho, rainbow, cutthroat,
steelhead and Dolly Varden.
The Lower Kitimat River was chosen as a priority area for study
because of the potential conflict over water use between
fish and industry, both of major importance in the area.
Provisional water quality objectives are proposed to permit
both activities to co-exist and monitoring is recommended
to ascertain whether the objectives are being met and area
adequate.
Kitimat Harbour is here defined as the area north of an east-west
line between the end of the Eurocan dock and the western
shoreline. The Eurocan dock is the most easterly dock in
Figure 2.
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Lakelse Lake (Skeena - Nass area)
This study assesses
the water quality of Lakelse Lake which drains into the Skeena
River in the vicinity of Terrace, British Columbia. The Lakelse
watershed is one of the more important salmon rearing and migration
areas in the province. It is also a popular recreational area,
and development for recreation and logging is predicted to
increase. There is therefore a need to develop water quality
objectives where designated water uses are threatened either
now or in the future, and to present lake management strategies
which can be adopted to protect the existing water quality.
A detailed
technical appendix was prepared and forms the basis for the
results and conclusions presented in this report.
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Nechako River (Takla - Nechako area)
The water
quality of the Nechako River and some of its tributaries in the
Takla - Nechako area was assessed by examining water quality
data collected to about December 1983. This assessment was
begun because of a proposal by Alcan to proceed with the Kemano
Completion project. Although Alcan's proposal was subsequently
postponed for an indefinite period the water quality assessment
was completed so that water quality objectives would be in
place. A detailed technical appendix was prepared and forms
the basis for the conclusions presented here.
The Nechako River is one of the major tributaries to the Fraser
River which it joins at Prince George. It originates from
a former chain of lakes, now known as the Nechako Reservoir,
which drain an area of about 14,000 km2 west of Prince George.
Before 1950, the Nechako River
was formed by water draining eastwards from two sets of lakes.
One set comprised Skins Lake which flowed into Cheslatta Lake
then into Murray Lake and finally into the Nechako River at
Cheslatta Falls. The second set originated from Knewstubb Lake
as the combined flow from Ootsa, Entiako and Eutsuk Lake drainages,
and after passing through the Grand Canyon of the Nechako was
joined at Cheslatta Falls by water from the first set of lakes.
Since 1950, the larger lakes have been used
as a storage reservoir for hydroelectric power. The power is
generated at Kemano about 240 km west from Cheslatta Falls,
and is transmitted to Alcan's aluminum plant at Kitimat. To
form the reservoir, the Kenney Dam was completed in 1952 at
what became the outlet to Knewstubb Lake. The dam eliminated
previous flows into the Nechako River at this point and backed
water westward via Knewstubb and Natalkuz Lakes into Ootsa
Lake. Excess water not required for power generation is released
from Ootsa Lake into Skins Lake via the Skins Lake Spillway.
The overflow travels via Cheslatta and Murray Lakes to the
Nechako River.
Downstream from Cheslatta Falls the Nechako River flows in a
north-easterly direction to Fort Fraser. Here it is joined
by the Nautley River, a short river draining Francois Lake
and Fraser lake from the west. The Nechako River then flows
east past Vanderhoof and Isle Pierre into the Fraser River
at Prince George. Major tributaries in this reach are the
Stuart River which drain Stuart Lake from the north and the
Chilako River which enters from the south near Prince George.
Kemano completion was a proposed Alcan project designed to increase
hydroelectric power generated at Kemano while increasing
aluminum smelting capacity at other new sites. It involved
increasing the water supply to the Nechako Reservoir by diverting
water from the Nanika River system which presently drains
northward via the Morice River to the Bulkley River, and
by decreasing the discharge to the Nechako River. It was
contemplated that the flow and temperature of water entering
the Nechako River would be controlled by building a dam at
the outlet of Murray Lake and a cold water release structure
at the Kenney Dam. This latter structure would once again
allow water to flow from Knewstubb Lake into the Nechako
River.
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Okanagan
Lake Tributaries (near Kelowna)
This report
assesses the water quality of three tributaries to Okanagan
Lake: Mission, Kelowna (Mill) and Brandt's creeks. Provisional
water quality objectives are set to protect wildlife and irrigation
in all the tributaries. In addition, livestock, aquatic life
and drinking water will be protected in Mission and Kelowna
(Mill) creeks and primary-contact recreation in Mission Creek.
Salmonid species are present in both Mission and Kelowna (Mill)
creeks, and the water quality objectives in this report are
to form part of a fisheries management plan for tributaries
to Okanagan Lake.
Most water contamination comes from urban stormwater or agricultural
runoff entering the water bodies. As a result, some metals
concentrations in Kelowna (Mill) Creek increase to levels
which exceed criteria to protect aquatic life. Also, ammonia
and nitrite concentrations can increase to concentrations
below but approaching criteria to protect aquatic life, and
bacteriological levels increase so that water must receive
at least partial treatment plus disinfection before domestic
use.
Provisional water quality objectives have been set for bacteriological
indicators, specific conductivity, pH, nutrients, metals
and dissolved oxygen. Attainment of these objectives will
protect aquatic life and other designated users of these
waters. Modifications to stormwater systems discharging to
Mission and Kelowna (Mill) creeks may be necessary if these
objectives are to be achieved consistently.
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Okanagan
Lake Tributaries (near Vernon)
This document is
one in a series that presents ambient water quality objectives
for British Columbia. It has two parts: an overview, which
is available as a separate document, and the report. The overview
provides general information about water quality in the three
tributaries to Okanagan Lake: lower Vernon, Deep, and Equesis
creeks. It is intended for both technical readers and for readers
who may not be familiar with the process of setting water quality
objectives. It includes tables listing water quality objectives
and required monitoring. The main report presents the details
of the water quality assessment for these waterbodies, and
forms the basis of the recommendations and objectives presented
in the overview.
Salmonid species are present in lower Vernon, Deep, and Equesis
creeks, and the water quality objectives in this report are
to form part of a fisheries management plan for tributaries
to Okanagan Lake.
Most water contamination comes from the City of Armstrong sewage
discharge into Deep Creek, non-point source discharges to
Deep Creek and lower Vernon Creek, and possible ground water
contamination in some areas from irrigation with treated
sewage. The City of Armstrong began a program of spray irrigation
of treated sewage in the Spring of 1993, so that discharges
to the creek should now only take place during periods of
high precipitation.
Water quality objectives are recommended to protect aquatic life,
wildlife, irrigation water supplies, and drinking water supplies
in Deep Creek and lower Vernon Creek. Water quality objectives
were not set for Equesis Creek since there were no known
anthropogenic inputs which could impact ambient water quality
significantly.
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Okanagan
Lake Tributaries (near Westbank)
This report
assesses the water quality of seven tributaries to Okanagan
Lake on the west shore, near Westbank. Provisional water quality
objectives are set to protect aquatic life and wildlife, irrigation
and livestock watering and drinking water supplies in Peachland,
Trepanier and Westbank Creeks. In the other four tributaries,
objectives are not set but monitoring programs are recommended
so that objectives can be considered in the future.
The most serious water contamination in the area arises from
the Brenda Mines operation which can affect both the Trepanier
and Peachland Creek watersheds. Mining ceased in early 1990,
although the mill continues to process ore stockpiles. The
company is working on post-abandonment plans to maximize
environmental protection. Characteristics of most concern
for the future related to this operation are molybdenum,
sodium, and total dissolved solids.
Provisional water quality objectives set for Westbank Creek will
likely not be achieved on a consistent basis until the discharge
from the Westbank sewage treatment plant is discontinued
to the creek or the treatment facilities are upgraded. Attainment
of the water quality objectives will protect human health
as far as recreation is concerned at nearby beaches on Okanagan
Lake as well as protect aquatic life while allowing other
uses of these waters.
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Oyster River
Watershed (Campbell River area)
This report
assesses the water quality of the Oyster River watershed on
Vancouver Island. This assessment was undertaken following
the recommendations of the Oyster River Water Management Plan
(1988).
The Oyster River flows into the Strait of Georgia, south of Campbell
River. Among its tributaries are Piggott Creek and Adrian
Creek near its headwaters, and Woodhus Creek and Little Oyster
River closer to the mouth.
The Oyster River and its tributaries are a valuable resource
for trout and salmon fisheries. They also serve as a source
of drinking water supply and irrigation water. Although the
recreational uses are confined primarily to the lower reaches
of the mainstem Oyster River below Woodhus Creek, fishing
may take place all the way to the confluence of Piggott Creek.
Among various anthropogenic activities identified in the Oyster
River watershed, forestry is the most dominant activity.
The lower portions of the watershed contain extensive areas
of agricultural land, but much of the agricultural land is
presently tree-covered and not being farmed. Several companies
hold licences for mineral extraction (e.g., coal) and placer
mining adjacent to or within the watershed. The mining related
activities are currently limited to the exploration level,
but may become active in the near future. Water quality problems
due to mining have been reported for upper Piggott Creek,
which receives acid mine drainage from an old, inactive copper
mine on Mt. Washington (predominantly in the Tsolum River
watershed). A waste management permit (PE-5123) has been
issued which allows discharge of domestic sewage to Piggott
Creek.
Provincial water quality objectives were set to protect existing
water uses of the Oyster River and its tributaries. Water
quality characteristics for which objectives were set include
particulate matter, fecal coliforms, nitrogen (e.g., ammonia,
nitrate and nitrite), and a variety of metals.
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Peace
River (Peace River mainstem)
This report
assesses the water quality of the Peace River between the Bennett
Dam and the
BC-Alberta border. Water quality objectives are
set to protect its use for drinking water, aquatic life, recreation,
wildlife, livestock and irrigation.
River water is used, after partial treatment, to supply the Village
of Taylor and the District of Hudson's Hope. The river is
also important for sports fish, recreation and some irrigation.
The main discharges to the river are secondary-treated effluent
from the City of Fort St. John and treated effluent plus
cooling water from the Petro-Canada oil and gas plant at
Taylor. The municipal effluent contributes to downstream
fecal coliform levels and there is a possibility that certain
hydrocarbons from the refinery complex could have some effect
on aquatic life. A pulp mill is being built at Taylor for
completion in late 1988. Its possible impact on the river
has yet to be assessed.
The water quality of the Peace River is, generally, in a natural
state. Provisional water quality objectives set for fecal
coliforms, dissolved oxygen and turbidity to protect recreation
are being met, although fecal coliforms sometimes exceed
drinking eater objectives in the river. More data are needed
to ascertain whether objectives set for trace metals and
certain organic and inorganic contaminants are being met.
A comprehensive monitoring program is therefore proposed.
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Pender
Harbour (Sunshine Coast)
This report
assesses the marine water quality of Pender Harbour, including
Bargain Bay, on the Sechelt Peninsula. Water quality objectives
are set to protect aquatic life, wildlife, primary-contact
recreation and shellfish harvesting for human consumption.
All objectives are provisional pending collection of additional
data. A monitoring program is recommended to check whether
water quality objectives are being achieved, to finalize provisional
objectives that have been proposed and to increase our understanding
of environmental understanding of environmental quality in
Pender Harbour.
The main water quality concerns in Pender Harbour relate to leachate
from septic tile fields and agricultural runoff, as well
as sewage effluent and other contaminants originating from
boats. These sources have caused elevated fecal coliform
levels that have resulted in shellfish harvesting closures
but primary-contact recreation is not currently at risk.
The extent to which the waters and sediments are impacted
by other contaminants such as heavy metals is largely unknown
until additional monitoring can be conducted. Nutrient enrichment
is not considered to be a significant threat in Pender Harbour.
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Pine
River (Peace River area)
This assessment
deals with the Pine River mainstem, one of seven priority sub-basins
in the Peace River area for which water quality assessments
are being prepared. The largest tributary of the Pine River
is the Murray River and its water quality is examined in a
separate report. A detailed technical appendix was prepared
and forms the basis for the conclusions presented here.
This report is the product of data evaluations undertaken during
1983. In general, the study was designed to examine the status
of existing and future water quality with respect to existing
and future water uses and waste discharges. Included in this
report are provisional water quality objectives to protect
designated water uses and a recommended monitoring program.
The goal of this assessment is to guide water and waste management
in the Pine River mainstem.
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Pitt
and Coquitlam Rivers Watershed (North Shore, Lower Fraser River)
This report
assesses the water quality of four tributaries to the Fraser
River in the lower Mainland area: Kanaka Creek and the Brunette,
Coquitlam, and Pitt rivers. Provisional water quality objectives
are set to protect aquatic life and wildlife in all the tributaries.
In addition, livestock, irrigation, and recreation will be
protected in all tributaries except the Brunette River, and
drinking water in Kanaka Creek and the Pitt River.
Considerable efforts are being made to re-establish a salmon
fishery in the Brunette River system. Several salmonid species
are present in Kanaka Creek, the Coquitlam River, and the
Pitt River systems.
Most water contamination comes directly from the precipitation
which falls on the tributary watersheds or from stormwater
runoff entering the water bodies. As a result, pH depression
occurs, metal concentrations increase to levels which exceed
criteria to protect aquatic life, suspended solids concentrations
are raised, and bacteriological levels increase so that recreation
is not always possible or the water must be completely treated
before domestic use.
Provisional water quality objectives have been set for bacteriological
indicators, suspended solids, nutrients, metals, pH, dissolved
oxygen, and chlorophenols. Attainment of these objectives
will protect aquatic life and will allow other uses of these
waters. Modifications to the stormwater collection systems
discharging to the Brunette River will be necessary if these
objectives are to be achieved consistently.
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Pouce
Coupe River (Peace River area)
This
assessment deals with the Pouce Coupe River and its major
tributary, Dawson Creek. It is one of seven assessments being
carried out for the Peace River area. A detailed technical
appendix to this report was prepared and forms the basis for
the conclusions presented here.
This report is the product of data assessments undertaken during
1983. In general, the study was designed to examine the status
of existing and future water uses and waste discharges. Included
in this report are provisional water quality objectives to
protect designated water uses and a recommended monitoring
program. The goal of this assessment is to guide water and
waste management in the Pouce Coupe River sub-basin.
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Quatse
Lake Watershed (Northern Vancouver Island)
This document
is one in a series that presents ambient water quality objectives
for British Columbia. It has two parts: an overview-which is
available as a separate document-and the report. The overview
provides general information about water quality in Quatse
Lake. It is intended for both technical readers and for readers
who may not be familiar with the process of setting water quality
objectives. It includes tables listing water quality objectives
and required monitoring. The main report presents the details
of the water quality assessment for the lake and forms the
basis of the recommendations and objectives presented in the
overview.
Quatse Lake has low fisheries productivity, resulting in limited
appeal for this type of recreational activity. The lake and
its outlet stream (Quatse River) are used as drinking water
supplies for the Mount Waddington Regional District. The
water is currently treated with large amounts of chlorine
to disinfect the water and reduce the concentration of colour
present.
Most water
contamination seems to come from past forestry activities, with
about 25% of the watershed having been logged. However, it
is difficult to completely isolate impacts which may have
arisen due to logging activities.
Water quality objectives are recommended to protect aquatic life,
wildlife and drinking water supplies with disinfection only.
The objectives have been prepared for Environmental Managers
for use in determining compliance with the Forest Practices
Code of BC.
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Salmon
River Watershed (Shuswap Lake)
This document
is one in a series that describes the ambient water quality
objectives that have been developed for various waterbodies
in British Columbia. The report has two parts, including a
technical appendix which is available separately. The overview
is intended both for technical readers and for readers who
may not be familiar with the process for establishing water
quality objectives. The overview provides general information
about water quality conditions in the Salmon River watershed.
This document also provides a summary of the recommended water
quality objectives and monitoring program for the watershed.
The technical appendix presents more detailed information on
water uses, aquatic ecosystem structure, contaminant sources
and ambient environmental conditions in the Salmon River watershed.
In addition, the water quality objectives and the detailed
monitoring recommendations for the river system are presented
in the technical appendix.
The Salmon River is an important tributary of Shuswap Lake, which
drains into the South Thompson River. In addition to supporting
anadromous salmonids, resident fish species and other aquatic
organisms, the Salmon River and its tributaries provide important
sources of raw water for domestic water supplies, irrigation,
and livestock watering. Recreation and aesthetics also represent
important uses of the aquatic environment, both of which
generate social and economic benefits to area residents.
Concerns related to environmental quality conditions in the Salmon
River are primarily associated with non-point source contaminant
discharges. Such contaminants arise from a variety of land
use activities, including forest management, agriculture
and urban development. Contaminants of concern in the watershed
include suspended solids, turbidity, ammonia, phosphorus,
nitrogen, metals and fecal coliforms. In addition, water
withdrawals from the river and nearby infiltration galleries
have resulted in decreased streamflows and associated effects
on water temperatures and other habitat features in the river.
This report describes the water quality objectives that have
been recommended for the Salmon River watershed. These objectives
specify the water quality conditions that are necessary to
protect aquatic life, wildlife, livestock watering, irrigation,
drinking water supplies and aesthetic and recreational water
uses in this river system. The objectives also represent
targets which can be used to determine whether remediation
efforts have been successful.
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San
Jose River Basin (Williams Lake)
This document
is one in a series that presents ambient water quality objectives
for British Columbia. It has two parts: an overview-which is
also available as a separate document-and the report. The overview
provides general information about water quality in the San
Jose River basin, and a water quality objectives and monitoring
table for this readers requiring data. It is intended for both
technical readers and for readers who may not be familiar with
the process of setting water quality objectives. The report
presents the details of the water quality assessment in the
San Jose River basin, and forms the basis of the recommendations
and objectives presented in the overview.
In 1987 the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks (now called
Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection) assessed water
quality and set water quality objectives in Williams Lake.
The report suggested that the San Jose River basin was the
major source of phosphorus loading to Williams Lake. As a
result, the Northern Sub-Regional Office requested that the
Water Quality Branch in Victoria carry out a detailed water
quality assessment in the basin to set water quality objectives
in the San Jose River and its tributaries.
This report summarizes the results of the water quality assessment
of the San Jose River and its tributaries. Objectives for
phosphorus in the San Jose River basin are proposed to protect
water quality in Williams Lake from land use activities in
the basin. All available data and current water quality criteria
were used to derive water quality objectives.
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Sechelt
Inlet (Sunshine Coast)
This report
assesses the marine water quality of Sechelt Inlet. Natural
restrictions on water movements may lead to episodes of water
quality deterioration. Human effects on ambient water quality
have been relatively minor to date from existing point-sources
(for example, permitted effluents) and from most diffuse sources.
There is no evidence of significant long-term trends toward
declining water quality, such as excessive accumulation of
nutrients, which can be linked to human activities. This assessment
identifies the primary water quality concern as localized bacteriological
contamination from failed residential septic systems, sewage
wastes from vessels and other diffuse sources. Ammonia, dissolved
oxygen, particulates and trace metals also were identified
as potential water quality concerns. Sediment and biological
accumulation of metals or other contaminants is largely unknown,
and requires further study.
Current water quality is adequate for designated water uses in
most of Sechelt Inlet. Water quality objectives are recommended
to protect the most sensitive designated marine water uses,
which include aquatic life and waterfowl, mariculture, shellfish
harvesting for human consumption, and primary-contact recreation.
A monitoring program is proposed to determine whether the
recommended objectives are being met, and whether additional
objectives should be considered in the future. These water
quality objectives and monitoring recommendations are intended
primarily for Porpoise Bay, which is most at risk from potential
water quality impacts and water-use conflicts.
Natural characteristics of Sechelt Inlet give it a moderately
high pollution potential. There will be continued pressures
for residential, commercial and recreational growth, leading
to increased conflicts with water uses and resources. Waste
loadings from new or expanded activities could exceed the
assimilative capacity of Sechelt Inlet unless prevented or
properly managed. Recommendations of the 1987 Sechelt
Official Community Plan and the 1990 Sechelt Inlets
Coastal Strategy regarding appropriate land and water uses to protect and
manage water quality should be support.
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Smithers
Lakes (Skeena / Nass area)
This study
concerns four lakes: Kathlyn, Seymour, Tyhee and Round Lakes
which drain into the Bulkley River in the vicinity of Smithers,
British Columbia. A detailed technical appendix was prepared
and forms the basis for the conclusions presented in this report.
The study was requested in late 1981 by the Planning Department
of the Regional District of Bulkley Nechako. With the support
of the Skeena Region of the Ministry of Environment (now
called Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection), the sampling
required was completed in 1982. This report summarizes and
interprets the data collected to November 1982.
The original goals of the study were to assess the trophic state
of the lakes, and identify the major sources of phosphorus
(the nutrient limiting algal growth). It would then be possible
to propose water management strategies designed to suggest
watershed development guidelines for either septic tank/tile
field or sewer systems.
Since the study was initiated the Water Management Branch has
developed methods of setting water quality objectives based
on water use. Pertinent water quality objectives are therefore
included in this report and are designed to protect the most
sensitive water uses.
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Thompson
River (Little Shuswap Lake to the Fraser River)
This report
was written to summarize the water quality of the mainstem
Thompson River and to propose water quality objectives which
would protect existing and future water uses. The geographic
limits of the study include the South Thompson River and its
tributaries between Little Shuswap Lake and the confluence
with the North Thompson at Kamloops, the North Thompson downstream
from McClure and the lower Thompson River to its confluence
with the Fraser River including Kamloops Lake. The study area
does not include three watersheds tributary to the lower Thompson
which are the subject of past or future water quality studies
(the Bonaparte, Deadman and Nicola Rivers). Designated water
uses throughout the drainage basin include protection of aquatic
life, irrigation, livestock watering and wildlife water supply,
recreation and industrial water supply.
In general, the water quality of the mainstem Thompson is relatively
good although there have been, in some cases, significant
impacts from municipal or industrial discharges as well as
from non-point inputs. Water uses have been identified and
water quality
objectives set for characteristics such as microbial indicators,
colour, chlorinated organics and resin acids in various reaches
of the Thompson to provide a basis for future water quality protection
and management.
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Tsolum
River Basin (Southern Vancouver Island)
This document
is one in a series that presents water quality objectives for
British Columbia. It has two parts: an overview and the report.
The overview provides general information about water quality
in the Tsolum River basin, and water quality objectives and
monitoring tables for those readers requiring this information.
It is intended for both technical readers and for readers who
may not be familiar with the process of setting water quality
objectives. The report presents the details of the water quality
assessment in the Tsolum River basin, and forms the basis of
the recommendations and objectives presented in the overview.
In 1984, BC Environment (now Water, Land and Air Protection)
became aware of water quality problems created by acid drainage
from an
abandoned
mine
on Mount
Washington. Several studies were done to assess the impact
of the mine on water quality during 1983-89, and the Ministry
of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources (now called Energy
and Mines) began reclamation of the mine in 1988.
This overview summarizes the results of the water quality assessment
of the Tsolum River and its tributaries. Objectives for copper
in the Tsolum River basin are proposed to protect water quality,
and to guide the reclamation work at the Mt. Washington mine.
All available data and current water quality criteria were
used to derive the water quality objectives.
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Upper
Finlay Sub-basin (Finlay - Omineca area)
This report presents
the major findings and recommendations of an assessment of
available water quality information for the upper Finlay sub-basin,
defined as the drainage upstream from the community of Ware.
A detailed technical appendix was prepared and forms the basis
of this report. This report is one of three being written to
help prepare a strategic plan for the Finlay - Omineca area.
The major water quality issue in the upper Finlay sub-basin
is the contamination from a gold and silver mine.
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Williams
Lake (Cariboo area)
This report
assesses the water quality of Williams Lake and sets provisional
water quality objectives to protect its use for drinking water,
recreation and aquatic life.
The main inflow into Williams Lake is the San Jose River which
drains the area to the south including Lac la Hache. Williams
Lake then drains into the Fraser River about 120 km south
of Quesnel. The lake water is used for domestic, irrigation
and industrial purposes. The City of Williams Lake used the
lake as a source of drinking water but now obtains most of
its water from wells adjacent to the lake. Coarse fish dominate
the fishery with kokanee and rainbow playing a minor role.
The lake is in a eutrophic state, due mainly to phosphorus originating
from traditional farming practices in the San Jose River
watershed. The existing poor water quality limits drinking
water use, recreation and fisheries production.
Recently,
overwintering of cattle away from the San Jose River has reduced
phosphorus loading to the lake. A major source of phosphorus
at this time is internal recycling from lake sediments. This
problem could be corrected by measures such as lake aeration,
iron addition to the lake or liming. Further progress in managing
livestock is also necessary in the long-term to keep phosphorus
levels down. The provisional water quality objectives for phosphorus,
chlorophyll-a and dissolved oxygen provide an achievable goal
for future lake water quality, provided some form of lake and
river restoration is successfully completed. How such restoration
might be implemented is beyond the scope of this report.
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Windermere
and Columbia Lakes (Upper Columbia River)
The assessment of
the water quality of the Columbia and Windermere Lakes sub-basin
consisting of Windermere and Columbia Lakes, the Columbia River
between the two lakes, the Columbia River between Windermere
Lake and Toby Creek, and Windermere and Fairmont Creeks, is
considered in this report. Water quality of Toby Creek and
of the Columbia River to Spillimacheen is the subject of a
separate report. The purpose of these reports is to develop
water quality objectives where designated water uses are threatened
either now or in the future. A detailed technical appendix
was prepared and forms the basis for the conclusions presented
here.
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Yakoun
River (Queen Charlotte Islands)
This document
is one in a series that presents ambient water quality objectives
for British Columbia. It has two parts: an overview-which is
available as a separate document-and a technical appendix.
The overview provides general information about water quality
in the Yakoun River and several tributary streams that would
be affected by the Cinola Gold Project. The technical appendix
presents the details of the water quality assessment for these
waterbodies and forms the basis of the recommendations and
objectives presented in the overview. The overview is intended
for both technical readers and for readers who may not be familiar
with the process of setting water quality objectives. Water
quality objectives tables are included for those readers requiring
data about these waterbodies.
The Cinola Gold Project is an open-pit gold mine development
proposed for Graham Island in the Queen Charlotte Islands
of British Columbia. The Cinola Gold Project was under review
by the BC Mine Development Review Process until all development-related
activity was postponed indefinitely and the review was suspended.
This document sets water quality objectives to protect designated
water uses in areas that will be affected by the mine development,
should it proceed in the future. Designated water uses for
all freshwater areas are aquatic life and wildlife-including
their consumption by humans-plus drinking water and recreation,
specifically in the Yakoun River. Some of the objectives
set for freshwater are subject to confirmation by sensitive
bioassays on salmonids and/or algal bioassays performed at
the site (in-situ).
Designated water uses in the marine areas of Yakoun and Ferguson
Bays are aquatic life and wildlife-including their consumption
by humans-and recreation. Objectives set for Ferguson Bay,
site of a proposed marine docking facility, are primarily
designed to evaluate the impact of possible chemic
