Reports St. Stephen Remediation Plan

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The Health of the St. Croix Estuary

Next Millenniumin the

Report #1A Restoration / Remediation Plan

St. Stephen Waterfront2005

EART

H

Art MacKay & Kim ReederACAP St. Croix

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Report #2005-1A Restoration / Remediation Plan

St. Stephen Waterfront2005

March 2005

Your Environmental Trust Fund at WorkVotre Fonds en fiducie pour l’environment au travail Atlantic Coastal Action Program

Environment Canada

Arthur MacKay, Kim ReederSt. Croix Estuary Project Inc.

St. Stephen NB, CanadaOccasional Report No. 2005-1

Primary Funding Provided By:

The Health of the St. Croix Estuary in the

Next Millennium

St. Croix Estuary Project Inc.St. Stephen, NB, Canada

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY iii

II. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS v

1. INTRODUCTION 1

2. THE STUDY AREA 3

3. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND 5

4. ST. STEPHEN SEWAGE SYSTEM 11

5. MATERIALS & METHODS 19

6. RESULTS 21

ZONE 1 - THE COVE 23ZONE 2 - COMMERCIAL STRIP 31ZONE 3 - OLD SEWAGE LAGOON AREA 39ZONE 4 - DENNIS STREAM AREA 45 51

7. RECOMMENDATIONS 53

8. BIBLIOGRAPHY 57

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I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In 1999, ACAP St. Croix began a program of study and monitoring designed to lead to proactive restoration and remediation in the St. Croix Watershed. A two-year study, The St. Croix Estuary 1604-2004

- the Environmental Health of the St. Croix Estuary after 400 years, conducted by ACAP St. Croix, identified and flagged “problem” areas and sites along the St. Croix Estuary from St. Stephen-Calais down river to the St.Andrews-Mill Cove area. Based on high E.coli (Eschericia coli) results from bacteriological samples taken during the study, previous sampling, and new field work, the St. Stephen waterfront was identified as a primary target for action. Consequently, funds were sought to do more detailed waterfront studies, to produce this report, and begin liaison with the appropriate authorities with a view to beginning cleanup actions.

During the 2004 field season, all visible outfalls along the St. Stephen Waterfront between Dennis Stream and Buchanan’s Hill (the St. Stephen Waterfront), were located, surveyed, and sampled.

A pre-collection survey was conducted. This included both the study of the Town’s engineering drawings as well as a visual search conducted at the lowest low waters of the month of July, 2004. Water samples were collected and sent within a 24-hour time period to the Water Metrics (Bacteria and Environmental Services) Laboratory in St. John, NB for chemical and bacteriological analysis.

Unacceptably high levels of E. coli and fecal coliform bacteria were confirmed along the St. Stephen waterfront and sources were pinpointed. The bacteriological results in this study included 19 sites tested, with 9 sites exceeding the Canadian Water Quality Guidelines for secondary contact in Recreational Waters. Of the remaining 10 sites, 7 had total coliform levels exceeding the 400/100ml values. There is presently no Canadian standard for total coliform levels.

Because a new highway will soon by-pass the Town, St. Stephen is currently looking for new revenue sources and is considering the potential for the development of eco-tourism related activities in the River. However, the risk to human health, as defined by the Canadian Water

This innocent-looking pipe has E. coli counts in excess of 2 million per 100 ml against a standard count of 100 - 400 per 100 ml.

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Quality Guidelines, is great. The highest densities of E.coli have been recorded along the St. Stephen Waterfront and it is this area that has been identified for tourist-related development. Unfortunately, current pollution levels may preclude any worthwhile development based on the River at this point.

The St. Stephen waterfront was identified as an area in urgent need of remedial action and is the focus of this report. Recommendations include the re-building of a salt marsh, the installation of at least 3 lift stations coinciding with connection of outfall pipes to the wastewater facility as well as consideration of oil/grit separators, trucking removed street snow to the wastewater facility, a street sweeping program and educational programs to be launched in the community.

Recommendations which preclude any further development of the St. Stephen waterfront include mitigation of the 9 sites which exceed the Canadian Water Quality Guidelines for secondary contact in Recreational Waters, plus the mitigation of the outfall directly behind the NB Tel building which has sanitary products exiting from it.

IMPORTANT NOTATION

Site names used in this report are based on the building nearest the

outfall on the shore. This does not mean sewage is coming from that particular building. Names are used only to identify the location of the site.

Mitigation priorities as are follows:

a. The Clark Building which has E. coli counts of over 1.5 million and sewage (toilet paper/sanitary products) being disposed of on the beach, should be a top priority. This outfall needs to be redirected into the sanitary sewer line that runs along Milltown Boulevard, less than 200m away.

b. The Cove 2 site also has E. coli counts exceeding 1.5 million, it needs to be redirected into the sanitary sewer line, instead of onto the beach.

c. Both the Chocolate Park outfall and the NB Tel outfall have sewage (toilet paper and sanitary products) being disposed of on the beach and should also be redirected into the sanitary sewer line.

d. The outfall at the Picnic Kiosk location needs remediation. The E. coli levels are over 99 000/100ml. This site needs to be tied into the existing sanitary sewer line.

e. The Pizza Delight outfall has excessive counts of E. coli, over 40

New Sewage Lagoons at Dennis Stream

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000/100ml. There is no obvious pipe at this location and the only way to mitigate this properly will be to uncover the present fill and investigate the problem. It may be a disconnected pipe or a filtration device may be needed.

Objectives and Results were:

Objective 1. To identify all outfalls (seepages, storm drains, open sewers, etc.) entering the St. Croix Estuary within the Study Area.Completed.

2. To collect samples from each location and to perform bacteriological and chemical analyses. Completed

3. To prioritize sites for action using criteria to be developed. Completed

4. To recommend methods for elimination of problem sites. Completed

5. To provide cost estimates for work proposedUnable to complete without further input from the Town of St.Stephen. Most remedial activities fall within the Town’s responsibility and, we believe, can be accommodated within projected budgets shown in the report.

6. To provide a proposed timeline for the work proposedThe existing timeline published by the Town of St. Stephen is adequate.

7. To provide 30 hard copy and 20 CD copies of a restoration plan for the St. Stephen waterfrontCompleted. Copies will be produced and distributed on demand as well as through the organization’s web site.

8. To recommend sources for potential funding for the work proposed in subsequent years.Existing Town funding is adequate if properly applied. Additional funding for the marsh restoration project could be obtained through the Gulf of Maine Council and others. Prelminary contacts were made. Please see the report for details

9. To carry out second annual monitoring in 10 established sampling zones from St. Stephen to St. Andrews.Completed and reported separately.

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Primary funding for this study was provided by: Atlantic Coastal Ac-tion Program, Environment Canada (ACAP); and the New Bruns-wick Environmental Trust Fund. Student staff funding was provided

by Human Resource Development, New Brunswick’s SEED Program.

We would like to thank the following individuals for their assistance:

Tina Spires, Steven Raye, Mary Gilmore, Bill McAlister, Hugh Akagi, David Seman, Lomax Baker, Duncan McGeachy, Ron McGuire, Paul Do-nahue, Phil Holmes, Alan Gillmor, Gerhard Pohle Howard Urdang, and Ken Reeder.

The following individuals gave valuable advice and assistance:

Environment CanadaColleen McNeill - Atlantic Coastal Action ProgramRoy Parker - Former ACAP St. Croix liaison (Window)Peter Johnson - ACAP St. Croix liaison (Window)

Basic Design Associates:Larry Stewart

Town of St. Stephen:Brenda Knight, Town ManagerGerald McEcheran, Development OfficerLee Johnson, Engineer

Godfrey & Associates:Clayton Rogers

Water Metrics:Ken MacIntosh

II. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Figure 1.2 This beautiful scene habors one of the most polluted outfalls on the St. Stephen Waterfront. The wharf is the last of many that filled the banks of the River at St. Stephen and Calais. (Photo A. MacKay)

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1. INTRODUCTION

Twice each day, the St Croix River Estuary is the stage for a life-giving event influenced by the moon and the sun. Clean seawater arriving from the Bay of Fundy drives a wedge under the flowing

fresh water of the River, gradually moving upstream to tidehead at Salmon Falls in Milltown.

As the tide sweeps forward, channels, branching across the mud flats and cobble beaches, are filled with incoming ocean waters and the rising tide spreads slowly across the intertidal zone. The deepening waters lift the various seaweeds, fill the burrows of estuary fauna, and creep into tiny channels that penetrate the shoreline and once-present salt marshes. Then as the earth turns, the ocean’s push becomes a pull, and the waters of the riverine estuary recede. Debris at the shoreline edge accumulates to produce a rich drift zone, seaweed lies flat providing a safe hiding place for various animals while other creatures sink into their burrows, hide under rocks and debris, or become stranded in isolated pools of water warming in the sun.

Estuaries are unique places where ocean and river mingle to create dynamic, diverse, and highly productive environments. Plants and animals thrive in this exclusive environment driven by sunlight and the daily tides. Humans, too, have historically been drawn to estuaries to harvest food, travel on their waters, and claim the flat lands for their farms and homes.

An estuary is defined as a semi-enclosed body of water, connected to the ocean, where salt water is measurably diluted with fresh water from the land. In reality, an estuary is a whole lot more. It is a zone of transition between the marine-dominated systems of the ocean and the upland river systems, a zone where the mix of the two yields one of the most biologically productive areas on Earth.

This restoration plan aims to engage our citizens in actions that will see restoration of this valuable asset to a fully functioning ecosystem.

For decades, we have turned our backs on our rivers, using them as convenient sewers for the disposal of our industrial and domestic wastes.

The dam at Salmon Falls, Milltown, showing heavy foam.

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In the process we have not only created unhealthy environments for ourselves, we have, paradoxically, eliminated important economic components that nourished our community in the past and could again do so in the future. Indeed some communities along the New England seaboard have reestablished estuarine fish runs that now bring millions of dollars in revenues.

Until the early 1960s, the St. Croix Estuary supported commercial fisheries worth about $20 million in today’s dollars. Today, recreational fisheries would add even more revenue flow. Oddly enough, it is not our treasured Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) that is most sought after by anglers, but the striped bass (Morone saxatilis), an aggressive fighting fish that can reach 50 pounds or more.

The benefits that will emerge as we restore the St. Croix Estuary cannot be overstated. We have abused our marine resources and it has been a real loss to our economy. We can restore this balance. Some of us will enjoy the fruits of these efforts - most certainly our children and grandchildren will benefit.

As dire global warnings about environmental collapse reach our ears, it is incumbent on us to do our small part by caring for our tiny but valuable corner of this planet. If we ignore our obligations to our community and future generations, we do so at our own peril.

Until recent years, weirs were built and fished in the lower St. Croix Estuary up to Oak Bay. Pollution elminated this valuable fishery in the 1960s.

Once abundant in the St. Croix Estuary, the Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) supports a multimillion dollar fishery elsewhere. It could do so here.

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2. THE STUDY AREA

The Study Area is located in the Outer Bay of Fundy in the St. Croix River Estuary between Maine , U.S.A. and New Brunswick, Can-ada. St. Stephen, NB and Calais, ME are located across from each

other at tide head as shown in Figure 2.1

Study areas or zones were established after sampling was concluded based on location. These are, as shown in Figure 2.2:

Zone 1 - The Cove. The area from Dover Hill Park to theInternational Bridge.

Zone 2 - Downtown Strip - The area from The International Bridge to Princess Street.

Zone 3 - Old Sewage Lagoon Area - Princess Street to the Seniors Apartment Building

Zone 4 - Dennis Stream Area - Seniors Apartment building to the Bridge over Dennis Stream.

The St. Croix Estuary is a typical estuary where marine influences become more pronounced as one proceeds downstream. The study area has both freshwater and marine affinities. The River bottom here has been sub-jected to serious industrial pollution and was anaerobic and virtually dead during the sixties.

While the River is not fully recovered, some hardy colonizers now occur in the study area, including Sand Shrimp (Crangon septemspinosus), Green Crabs (Carcinus spp.), Annelid Worms, seaweeds and some molluscs. The once large runs of anadromous fishes is virtually gone. The recovery has a long way to go and the River is still influenced by chronic pollution from industrial releases and domestic sewage leakages into the River.

The Study Area is primarily influenced by domestic sewage leakages from the Town of St. Stephen and industrial pollution from industrial plants located upstream. Sampling along the Calais waterfront did not find high bacterial levels during the 2002-2003 study.

The Study Area

Passamaquoddy BayBay of Fundy

Figure 2.1 The Study Area in the St. Croix Estuary with locator map.

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Study Zone 1THE COVE

Study Zone 2DOWNTOWN STRIP

Study Zone 3OLD SEWAGE LAGOON AREA

Study Zone 3DENNIS STREAM AREA

Figure 2.2 Study Zones - St. Stephen Waterfront, 2004 - 2005.

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When Champlain and Demonts arrived at St. Croix in 1604, the area was much different than it is today. The shorelines were dominated by huge “cathedral” pine that created forests

much like the rain forests of the west coast; towering trees that created a wet, dark understory. The trees we see today were much less common and were found on hill tops, burns, and swampy areas. White-tailed deer were absent or rare and the dominant species included caribou, moose, and wolves. Labrador duck, the great auk, passenger pigeon, sea mink and other extinct species were common.

The St. Croix Estuary thronged with fish, osprey, eagles, and other species that fed on the abundant marine forage to be found here. Champlain stated that, In May and June there is taken there (Salmon Falls) so great an abundance of herring and bass that vessels could be loaded with them.

The water quality of the St. Croix River Estuary started to suffer during the logging days. As industry rushed to the St. Croix to capitalize on the forest wealth, sawmills, chandlers, brokers, and various industries established themselves on wharves along the St. Stephen and Calais waterfronts. At the height of commercial activity, there were more than 40 active wharves along the shores of St Stephen and Calais. ( Figure 3.1)

Dams, and sluiceways were constructed along the River and fish runs began to diminish. A dam at the Union was particularly hard on fish runs since it spanned the entire River. Eventually fish ladders were built in an attempt to restore the important St. Croix fish runs.

In addition, shoreline stability was reduced due to deforestation, Tons of sawdust, wood debris, and chemicals accumulated in the River creating anaerobic processes that greatly reduced the environmental health of the Estuary. To this day, shoreline sediments have created huge intertidal flats and banks. that are virtually uninhabitable “sawdust flats” - a 150 year old legacy.

In the 1960’s the lower River and Estuary became grossly polluted as

the mill at Woodland, operated at that time by Georgia-Pacific, began dumping black liquor and other wastes directly into the St. Croix River. The health of the estuary declined rapidly and the impacts were felt both on the American and Canadian sides of the estuary as well as downstream into Passamaquoddy Bay. Recreational fishing disappeared, commercial fishing began a precipitous decline, paint peeled from houses, and respiratory problems arose.

The conditions of the River at St. Stephen even gave rise to a little ditty - St. Andrews-by-the-sea - St. Stephen-by-the-smell. On both the Canadian and American sides, at least 9 significant clam flats have been closed due to bacterial contamination. On the US side, these closures have been in effect since 1969 and on the Canadian side, since 1988.

Elevated levels of pollution continued until the 1970s when the waste treatment protocols at the mill in Woodland, Maine were upgraded under pressure from government. Nevertheless, spills and controlled releases still

3. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Figure 3.1 The St. Stephen - Calais Waterfront in 1849.

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Figure 3.2 The St. Stephen Waterfront and Estuary in the mid to late 1800s. 1. A view of Calais from the St. Stephen side. 2. Calais and St. Stephen (right) from The Ledge. 3. A typical factory, the old Ganong Candy Factory. 4. Deforestation at Todd’s Point was typical for the whole area.

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occur and highly toxic materials also enter the groundwater and watershed from the air. In addition, the old sewage infrastructure of St. Stephen continues to leak and seep significantly high levels of E. coli and other bacteria into the Estuary.

The St. Croix Estuary was once a vital environment, supporting diverse populations of fish and marine invertebrates recently valued at approximately $20 million in today’s dollars

Our study, The St. Croix Estuary 1604-2004. The Environmental Health of the St. Croix Estuary after 400 year, showed how the health of the St. Croix estuary has declined over 400 years. A model of the original biodiversity of the Estuary was constructed based on historical information. This was compared with studies done in the 1970s and in 2001- 2002. As can be seen in Figures 3.3 and 3.4, both plants and fishes have declined; fishes significantly. Similar results were obtained for other groups of marine animals.

Non-point source (NPS) pollution is now a major stressor of the St Croix River Estuary. The NPS pollution affecting the St Croix River Estuary can be divided into three general categories, atmospheric deposition, land run-off, and marine activities. In this study of the St Stephen waterfront, the concentration is centered on the land run-off category and specifically the present-day storm and sanitary drain system.

The Town of St. Stephen is presently looking at the potential for the development of eco-tourism related activities in the River. Since St. Stephen will soon be by-passed by a new highway, it is recognized that a new approach to tourism is essential if visitors are to be attracted to the Town. However, the risk to human health, as defined by the Canadian Water Quality Guidelines, is great. The highest densities of E.coli have been recorded along the storm drain outfalls and mysterious seepages of the St. Stephen waterfront; the area that has been identified for tourist-related development. Unfortunately, the risk to human health is real and this fact may preclude any worthwhile development based on the River at this point.

Among the various types of organisms found in the St Stephen sewage outfalls are disease-causing organisms or pathogens and fecal coliforms, bacteria found in the intestinal tracts of warm-blooded mammals and a standard used to determine the extent of sewage contamination. Fecal coliform bacteria themselves are not necessarily hazardous to humans. However, they provide an indication of the amount of total fecal matter present and indicate the possible presence of other pathogens, such as hepatitis B, cholera, and typhoid. When high levels of fecal coliform are present, swimming and other recreational uses of water are prohibited (APA Web Site).

Fecal coliforms, particularly E. coli (Figure 3.5), indicate the presence of mammal or bird feces in the water. Certain types of E. coli, particularly those from cattle, can cause death in humans. In fact, there have been many dramatic instances of contamination causing death and contaminated water is of great concern to all municipal officials everywhere

Enterococcus bacteria are a type of fecal streptococcus and are another valuable indicator for determining the amount of fecal contamination of water. According to studies conducted by the EPA, enterococci have a greater correlation with swimming-associated gastrointestinal illness in both marine and fresh waters than other bacterial indicator organisms, and are less likely to “die off” in saltwater. (www.oasisdesign.net/water/quality/coliform.htm).

Additionally, cleanup and restoration of the St. Stephen waterfront is essential to the return of the valuable runs of anadromous fish species. Marshes, ponds, and streams have been destroyed during the long history of development of the waterfronts of St. Stephen and Calais. Habitat destruction, together with pollution from industrial and domestic sources, has resulted in the loss of important forage species such as smelt, sticklebacks, mummichogs. and important marine invertebrates, as well as spawning habitat for species such as striped bass, American eel and other estuarine fishes and invertebrates. With proper environmental design, some of this habitat may be reclaimed during the process of reducing and eliminating pollution sources in the Town of St. Stephen.

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The St. Stephen waterfront has been identified as an area in urgent need of remedial action and it is this area that is the focus of this report.

Figure 3.5 (above) Escherichia coli (E.coli bacteria) Courtesy Univer-sity Oregon Web Site.

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Figure 3.4. Rated distribution and abundance of fishes over time based on the number and abundance of species. Existing data suggests a decline of species diversity and abundance in the St. Croix Estuary. The lighter the color, the lower the biodiversity (See rating scale).

Figure 3.3. Biodiversity ratings for marine plants over time based on the number and abundance of species. The lighter the color, the lower the biodiversity (See rating scale).

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4.3 Combined Sewers

Combined sewers are an older type of collection system that carries both wastewater and stormwater in the same pipe. This combination of both sanitary and storm sewers was less expensive to install and maintain when it was built. Most of the time, combined sewers carry sanitary wastewater and captured stormwater to a treatment plant before it is released into the river or ocean. However, in a least 6 instances in the St. Stephen system, this is not the case and the outfalls release directly into the river without first going to the Treatment Plant. Figure 4.2

4. ST. STEPHEN SEWAGE SYSTEM

Incorporated in 1871, St. Stephen is, by North American standards at least, an “old” town. Its infrastructure grew on the basis of demand using available materials. Waterfront fill projects over the years

covered sewers, marshes, brooks, and storm drains alike. Each and every year, the town struggles to maintain functionality and to gradually improve and upgrade the system. The record has been good in this regard and annual plans show forethought. Nevertheless, the Town has ignored the waterfront, and the Estuary continues to receive raw sewage from seepages and combined septic and sewer systems. This study shows there is little reason for this to continue and elimination of these problems should be possible in a relatively short time.

4.1 Storm Sewers

Storm sewers are an underground collection system to which storm water, snow and ice melt drain. Storm sewers are probably best known to the public for their catchbasins commonly seen at intervals along street curbs. Water that drains into catch basins travels through a network of pipes to storm outfalls seen along the banks of the St Stephen waterfront.

4.2 Sanitary SewersThe sanitary sewer system is where everyone’s toilets flush, dishwashers and washing machines discharge, and sinks and shower tubs drain. Sanitary sewers are so named because they allow for the streets of our towns to remain relatively clean and “sanitary”, since the sewage remains underground. Wastes collected by the sanitary sewer system are to be discharged to the Sewage Treatment Plant. This is so that wastewater can receive treatment to make it relatively clean before releasing it into the St Croix River. The St. Stephen Municipal Plan 2004, section 3.20.3 states:

It shall be a policy of Council to give priority to storm and sanitary sewer separation. Sewer separation may be combined with other infrastructure improvements such as sanitary sewer and water main upgrading.

Figure 4.1 The Old Sewage Lagoon on the banks of the St. Croix Estuary at Budd Avenue.

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identifies the 6 outfalls: 3 were identified on the Town map and the other 3 were confirmed by the observation of feminine sanitary products and toilet paper at outfall locations during the field work of 2004. Also, when it rains heavily, the volume of stormwater runoff can become too large for the combined sewers to handle. This has caused additional polluted runoff to reach the River (the old waste water lagoon in Milltown was particularly bad).Figure 4.2 shows the sanitary sewers and Figure 4.3. shows the sanitary and combined sewers in St Stephen, NB as prepared for the Town by SGE Acres in June of 2003. The full document is available from the World Wide Web at http://www.chocolatetown.ca/documents/StStephenMaps.pdf

It is important to understand the seriousness of the situation which exists at this time. As shown in Tables 4.1 and 4.2, wastewater sewage (sanitary sewage) is not just made up of human excrement and water. It may contain other unidentified pathogens, and it known to contain over 200 chemicals and other toxic pollutants which enter the sewer system from households, businesses and industrial operations. It also includes debris such as gravel, grit, tampons, condoms, rags and hair (Figure 4.4).

At least 6 outfalls are introducing these materials into the St Croix River. However, adequate treatment could remove many of these toxic substances from sewage effluent and capture them in the sludge (solid waste left over after treatment of liquid waste) as long as the effluents were to be redirected to the Treatment Plant.

Although combined sewer systems bring with them the problems of overflows, the alternative of separate sewers for stormwater runoff and domestic sewage can also have significant adverse effects. In St Stephen, where we have this type of separation, stormwater runoff is not usually treated at all but runs straight into the receiving water, even when the domestic system is not overloaded and could treat this discharge. As a result, heavy metals and toxic synthetic chemicals that collect in storm drains are constantly being discharged raw.

4.3 Sewage Lagoons

Until recently the Town of St. Stephen had 2 wastewater treatment facilities: A small open system at Milltown (Figure 4.6) and the main two-cell system on the waterfront at the end of Budd Avenue (Figure 4.1). The recent construction of a larger lagoon on the banks of Dennis Stream (Figure 4.5) will lead to the closure of these facilities. The old main lagoons are being considered for conversion to a constructed marsh for tertiary treatment of some sewage. The new facility has had serious leakage problems that are being addressed. However, the proximity of the complex to Dennis Stream, an important stream for many reasons, is of concern. These considerations are beyond the scope of this work.

Figure 4.4 Particularly disgusting sewage drains directly into the St. Croix Estuary at several locations.

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Figure 4.2 Sanitary Sewers in the Town of St. Stephen. Sanitary Sewer in Blue. Combined Sewer in Red. (AGE Acres, 2004).

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Figure 4.3 Storm Sewers in the Town of St. Stephen. Sanitary Sewer in Blue. Combined Sewer in Red. (SGEAcres, 2004)

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Table 4.1 Potential health and environmental effects of toxins found in sewage treatment plant effluents (www.environmentprobe.org).

Toxins Potential health and environmental effectsHeavy metals Cadmium neurotoxin (attacks nerve cells), teratogen (causes birth defects)Chromium carcinogen (causes cancer)Lead neurotoxin, teratogen, affects female fertility, bioaccumulativeMercury neurotoxin, teratogen, affects female fertility, bioaccumulativeZinc excessive ingestion is uncommon but can cause gastrointestinal distress and diarrheaAgricultural chemicals 2,4-D teratogenLindane carcinogen, teratogen, immunotoxicity (damages immune system)Methoxychlor reduces fertility, bioaccumulativeDDD and DDE neurotoxin, affects fertility, immunotoxicity, carcinogen

Industrial chemicals PCBs neurotoxin, carcinogen, suppresses immune system in animals, causes skin disorders, liver damage, depression and internal bleeding, affects fertilityChloroform carcinogen, affects female reproductive capacityXylene affects male reproductive capacityTetrachlorethylene affects respiratory system, very persistent in the environmentTrichloroethylene poisonous by ingestion or absorption through skin, skin irritantCresol, Phenol poisonous by ingestion or absorption through skinPAHs carcinogens, biotransformable (shift forms once in the organism)LABs persistent in the environment, effects not yet known

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Table 4.2 Diseases associated with pathogenic micro-organisms found in domestic sewage (www.environmentprobe.org).

Type Disease or syndrome causedBACTERIA Aeromonas hydrophila Enteritis (inflammation of the intestine)Campylobacter Enteritis, diarrheaClostridium perfringens Enteritis (indicator)Escherichia coli Enteritis, diarrheaFrancisella tularensis TularemiaLeptospira Jaundice, meningitisListeria monocytogenes ListeriosisMycobacterium Tuberculosis, skinPseudomonas Skin, ear infectionsSalmonella (1700 types) Enteritis, typhoidShigella (4 species) Enteritis, diarrheaStaphylococcus aureus Skin infectionsVibrio cholerae and parahemolyticus Cholera, skin infectionsYersinia enterocolitica & pseudotuberculosis EnteritisHELMINTHS Ascaris lumbricoides AscariasisAncylostoma duodenale Hookworm infectionsTrichuris trichiura TrichiuriasisTaenia TaeniasisToxocara Abdominal painsStrongyloides Abdominal painsPROTOZOANS Entamoeba histolytica and coli Enteritis, chronic diarrhea, dysentery, liver abscessGiardia lamblia Giardiasis, enteritisCryptosporidium parvium Enteritis, diarrheaBallantidium coli Enteritis, diarrheaNaegleria fowleri MeningoencephalitisAcanthamoeba spp. MeningoencephalitisVIRUSES Polioviruses (3 types) Paralysis, meningitisEchoviruses (34 types) Meningitis, diarrheaCoxsackieviruses A and B (30 types) Meningitis, conjunctivitis, chronic fatigue syndrome, myocardia, diabetesHepatitis A and E viruses Epidemic hepatitisEnteroviruses 68-71 Meningitis, conjunctivitisRotaviruses (+4 types) EnteritisReoviruses (3 types) Enteritis, respiratoryAdenoviruses (+40 types) Enteritis, eye and respiratoryNorwalk and like viruses GastroenteritisCaliciviruses and Astroviruses EnteritisCoronaviruses EnteritisParvoviruses (2 types) Enteritis, respiratory in children

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Figure 4.5 New Wastewater Treatment Lagoons at Dennis Stream. Two views.

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Figure 4.4 Decommissioned Wastewater System at Milltown.

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Major pollution sources along the St. Stephen Waterfront from Dennis Stream to Buchanan’s Hill had previously been identified in the study, The St. Croix Estuary 1604 - 2004.

A detailed follow-up examination was conducted during 2004. A pre-collection survey was carried out to identify all outfalls in the study area; this included both the study of the Town’s engineering drawings as well as a visual search conducted at the lowest low waters of the month of July, 2004 and later in March, 2005. Based on this survey, outfalls into the St. Croix River Estuary were located, tested and sampled. Seepages not previously located were identified.

Field days were selected that coincided with monthly low tides. A new, detailed, pre-restoration survey was conducted to obtain additional current data that could be used to develop recommended remediation strategies.

Two teams were deployed to collect photographs, GPS points, weather data, sediments and water samples. The water samples were collected in separate laboratory-issued bottles for each of the tests; bacteria, total oil and gas, PCB and mercury. Water samples were sent within a 24-hour time period to the Water Metrics (Bacteria) and Environmental Services Laboratory in Saint John, NB for chemical and bacteriological analysis.

Test methods used were AWWA 9223 for bacteria, GC-ECD for PCB, AWWA 5520C for total oil and gas (hydrocarbons c6 to c50) and test AWWA 4500-HgB for Mercury. Bacteria tests were preformed on July 25 and chemistry was preformed between July 7th and 17th.

5.1 Sampling and Sample Sites

1. All outfalls (seepages, storm drains, open sewers, etc.) entering the St. Croix Estuary within the study area were identified.

2. Bacteriological analyses were conducted on all sites including 4 previously unidentified sites. Of the nineteen total samples, five had been sampled in 2003 as part of ACAP St. Croix’s annual monitoring program.

3. Samples were collected from each location and bacteriological and

5. MATERIALS & METHODS

chemical analyses was preformed.

4. Prioritization of sites for action, recommendations of methods for elimination of problem sites, cost estimates for work proposed and a proposed timeline for the work is found in the recommendations section of the report. 5. The second annual monitoring in 10 established sampling zones from St. Stephen to St. Andrews was also carried out. See separate report. 5.2 Marsh Restoration

Certain sites along the waterfront were know to have marshes. Consideration was given to marsh restoration as a mechanism for treating seepages in certain areas. Larry Stewart of Basic Design Associates was contracted to work with ACAP St. Croix staff to produce a plan for this future, potential work

Figure 5.1 Field staff collecting samples in 2003.

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Water Metrics220 King Street EastSaint John, N.B.E2L 1H3506-693-6799

Report Number: 17-04-25UDate: July 20, 2004Page: 1 of 1

PLEASE NOTE: UNITS HERE ARE IN UNITS PER ML OR MG/Ll. ACAP ST. CROIX USES THE MG/100ML STANDARD AND THIS IS USED THROUGHOUT THIS REPORT.In the following table, a result of <1 or <0.001 indicates non-detection.mg/l = milligrams per litre = parts per million

Sample ID Designation Site # ColiformsUnits per mL

E. coliUnits per mL

PCBmg/l

TOGmg/l

Mercurymg/l

Stream by Sewage Z3-002 47.8 <1 <1 <1 <0.001Empty Lot Z3-001 8.7 <1 <1 <1 <0.001Ramp East Z2-005 78.2 5 <1 <1 <0.001Clark Z2-002 >200000 16520 <1 11 <0.001Picnic Kiosk Z2-007 8310 990 <1 <1 <0.001Dennis Stream Z4-006 78.2 <1 <1 <1 <0.001Ramp Z2-004 32.4 <1 <1 <1 <0.001Planned Housing Z4-001 3.1 <1 <1 <1 <0.001Open Drain Z3-004 47.8 <1 <1 <1 <0.001Old Fertilizer Z4-005 2380 <1 <1 <1 <0.001NBT Z2-001 20.7 1 <1 <1 <0.001Sewage Z3-003 15 <1 <1 <1 <0.001Chocolate Park Z2-003 5600 530 <1 1.7 <0.001Old Wharf Z4-004 1500 <1 <1 8.3 <0.001Gateway Z1-001 40.6 <1 <1 <1 <0.001Cove 2 Z1-003 >200000 8850 <1 19 <0.001Retire Z4-002 420 3.1 <1 <1 <0.001Cove 1 Z1-002 144.5 13.7 <1 <1 <0.001PD Z2-006 420 420 <1 <1 <0.001

___________________Kenneth MacIntosh, M.Sc.

Table 6.1 Laboratory analysis from Water Metrics, Saint John, NB

20 21

Figure 6.1 Hot Spots - Sample sites with elevated E. coli and TOG levels layered over a map of the storm and combined sewers in St Stephen, NB. (SGE Acres in June, 2003) Red star = Elevated E.coli, Yellow star = elevated TOG

6. RESULTS

Results for the field survey are presented Zone-by-Zone and site-by-site. Most of the notations are self evident. ND = “not detectable”.

Figure 6.1 shows sites with elevated E. coli and Total Oil and Grease (TOG) levels.

Table 6.1 shows the actual analysis data from the testing laboratory, Water Metrics.

Table 6.2 shows comparative results for selected sites during 2003 and 2004, as follows:

Cove 1 - Coliforms and E. coli were greatly reduced , but were still above acceptable levels.

Clark Building - Remained excessively high exceeding the plate count level.

The Picnic Kiosk at Tourist Bureau - Unacceptably high. Significantly higher E. coli levels.

Dennis Stream - Coliforms up significantly

Old Sewage Lagoon Outfall - Very low readings, probably due to chlorine treatments. Coliforms elevated in 2004

22 23

Site2003

Total Coliforms/100ml

2004Total Coliforms/

100mlChange

2003E.coli/100ml

2004E.coli/100ml

Change

Acceptable Based on CWQG

for E. coli in Recreational

Waters

Cove 1 200 000 14 450 Down 80 000 1 370 Down no

Clarke > 2 000 000 >2 000 000 No Change > 2 000 000 1 651 000 No

Change no

Picnic K 200 000 831 000 No

Change 6 500 99 000 Up no

Dennis 810 7 820 Up 110 <100 No Change yes

Sewage 100 1 500 Up 0 <100 No Change yes

Table 6.2 Comparative results for Total Coliforms and E. coli at 5 sites in 2004 and 2005.

22 23

6. ZONE 1 - THE COVE

Z1-001 Gateway Cathedral

Z1-002 Cove 1

Z1-003 Cove 2

24 25

Z1-001 GATEWAY CATHEDRAL LOCATION Z1-001 GATEWAY CATHEDRAL , Scoodic Street

GPS N 45 11 31W 67 17 26

DATE JUNE 24 / 04

CANADIAN STANDARDE. COLI

100 COUNT / 100 ML PRIMARY CONTACT

400 COUNT / 100 ML SECONDARY CONTACT

RESULT / 100MLE.COLI ND

RESULT / 100 MLTOTAL COLIFORM 4 060 COUNT / 100 ML

RESULT TOTAL OIL ANDGREASE MG / L

ND

RESULT PCB MG / L ND

PROBLEMThis site was not found to be a problem based on Canadian Guidelines for E. coli in recreational waters.

RECOMMENDATION New housing starts can be anticipated in this locality. Continue to monitor.

24 25

Z1-002 COVE 1 - DOVER HILLLOCATION Z1-002 COVE 1 - DOVER HILL

GPS N 45 11 31W 67 17 14

DATE JUNE 24/04

CANADIAN STANDARDE COLI



RESULT / 100MLE.COLI 1370 / 100 ML



ND


PROBLEM

This outfall services 1.5 km of primarily residential storm drainage. The E. coli levels are excessive. Oil and grease are present. Inputs are believed to come from houses along Scoodic Street and adjacent areas.

RECOMMENDATION

HIGH PRIORITY – The outfalls Cove 1 and 2 drain into the historic site of a 1 ha marsh. The marsh processes no longer provide water filtration, nutrient cycling, or spawning habitat and the area has minimal value as habitat. Please see the following pages for marsh restoration preliminary planning.

26 27

LOCATION Z1-003 COVE 2 -BUCHANAN ST.

GPS N 45 11 33W 67 17 11

DATE JUNE 24/04




RESULT / 100MLE.COLI 885 000 / 100 ML

RESULT / 100 MLTOTAL COLIFORM 20 000 000 COUNT / 100 ML

RESULT TOTAL OIL ANDGREASE MG / L 19


PROBLEM

This outfall is connected with 0.3km of storm drain. The count of E. coli recorded here is excessive. Oil and grease are present. Inputs are believed to come from Buchanan Street and adjacent areas.

RECOMMENDATION

HIGH PRIORITY – The outfalls Cove 1 and 2 drain into the historic site of a 1ha marsh. The marsh processes no longer provide water filtration, nutrient cycling, or spawning habitat and the area has minimal value as habitat. Please see the following pages for marsh restoration preliminary planning.

Z1-003 COVE 2

26 27

Figure 6.2 Aerial photograph of Cove area.

28 29

Figure 6.3 Conceptual drawing of Marsh Restoration in The Cove.

St Stephennew Brunswick Scale 1:750

Parking (8) CarsTrail Linkage to DowntownCanoe / Kayak Launch LandingDemonstration Fish HatcherySeating AreaBoardwalkTrail 1.5m widthSalt Marsh / Constructed WetlandArmor Stone

Existing GazeboExisting Trail

Parking / Bus Drop offDover Park

100m50m 150m0m

Scale : 1:1500

Legend - Key

Salt Marsh

Existing Forest

New Planting

St Stephennew Brunswick

P perty Lro ine

Ferry PointBridge

St Croix River

Dover Hill Marsh Restoration ProjectConcept Plan Project: 2051

Date: January 20, 2005

lr

P e im na yr

i

o dis ssi n

F rcu o

America

28 29

6.2 Marsh Restoration Plan

Significant pollution from storm drain pipes and embankment seepages were encountered in The Cove during surveys in 2002 - 2003. Town in-frastrucure drawings were not made available at that time, so ACAP St. Croix staff carried out an inspection of the area. On this basis, a sampling program was designed for 2004-2005 and a strategy was devised to seek funding for the restoration of an old marsh that existed here before the lumbering era. Preliminary contacts were made and a positive response was received from a funding source that provides assistance for marsh restoration. ACAP St. Croix was encouraged to submit an application. On this basis a development scenario was established and Larry Stewart, Landscape Architect, Basic Design Associates, Sussex, NB was invited to join us in producing a conceptual design of the project.

The proposed design remains to be developed into a full-fledged proposal, but the basic elements are as follws:

The development should:

1. Result in the restoration of an historic marsh.2. Provide habitat for fish and invertebrate forage species, as well as mam-mals, birds, and plants.3. Provide spawning habitat for important anadromous fishes such as striped bass, smelt, trout, etc.4. Integrate into the park at Dover Hill and provide paths and access that would attract visitors to the area.5. Have an innovative demonstration hatchery component that would provide a beginning to the restoration of striped bass, attract tourists, and serve as an educational tool for marsh restoration, river rehabilitation, sewage management, etc.6. Act as a filter for river-bank seepages and inputs that cannot be con-trolled by infrastructure development and repair.

Figure 6.3 shows a plan that incorporates all of these components. It has been presented to St. Stephen Town Council and others and was, we be-lieve, well received. As a preliminary step to developing a proposal, ACAP

Figure 6.2.1 Marsh at The Cove. 1810? (From Ronald Rees, Images of our Past, Historic St. Coix, St. Stephen, Calais. Nimbus, 2003

St. Croix contacted a senior official in the New Brunswick Department of Environment and Local Government. Unfortunately, we were told that no permits would be issued for this work. No reasons for this were given. Nevertheless, the project has real merit as an international demonstration project. In addition, it would draw St. Stephen to the forefront of “Green” towns and help bring the town into the important sphere of “Environmen-tal Tourism”.

ACAP St. Croix will continue to pursue this development, but will not produce a proposal until the appropriate authorities approve of the devel-opment, at least “in principal”. Once this is accomplished a proposal will be prepared and submitted to appropriate funding agencies with a view to initiating this exciting and worthwhile project.

30 31

ZONE 2 - COMMERCIAL STRIP

Z2-001 NBTel Bldg Z2-002 Clark Bldg Z2-003 Chocolate Park

Z2-004/5 Boat Ramp Z2-006 Pizza Delight

Z2-007 Picnic Kiosk

32 33

Z2-001 NBTEL SHORELOCATION Z2-001 NBTEL SHORE

GPS N 45 11 31W 67 16 34

DATE JUNE 24/04




RESULT / 100MLE.COLI 100 COUNT / 100 ML

RESULT / 100 MLTOTAL COLIFORM 2070 COUNT / 100 ML

RESULT TOTAL OIL ANDGREASE MG / L ND


PROBLEMToilet paper and sanitary products observed, this outfall is linked to 0.3 km of commercial effluent sewer line

RECOMMENDATION

HIGH PRIORITY – This outfall should be hooked into a system with the 5 outfalls within a 570 metre (1700 foot) stretch including Clarke site, Picnic Kiosk site, Chocolate Park Site, Ramp and Ramp East Sites and proceed to a lift station which will divert contaminants to the St Stephen Wastewater Treatment Facility

32 33

Z2-002 CLARK BUILDINGLOCATION Z2-002 CLARK BUILDING

GPS N 45 11 31W 67 16 46

DATE JUNE 24/04




RESULT / 100MLE.COLI 1 652 000 / 100 ML

RESULT / 100 MLTOTAL COLIFORM >2 000 000 COUNT / 100 ML

RESULT TOTAL OIL ANDGREASE MG / L 11


PROBLEM

This outfall services 5.4km of commercial/residential and parking storm drainage. The E. coli levels are excessive. Oil and grease are present

RECOMMENDATION

HIGH PRIORITY – This outfall should be hooked into a system with the 5 other outfalls within a 570 metre (1700 foot) stretch including NB Tel site, Picnic Kiosk site, Chocolate Park Site, Ramp and Ramp East Sites and proceed to a lift station which will divert contaminants to the St Stephen Wastewater Treatment Facility.

34 35

Z2-003 CHOCOLATE PARK LOCATION Z2-003 CHOCOLATE PARK STORM DRAIN

GPS N 45 11 30W 67 16 45

DATE JUNE 24/04




RESULT / 100MLE.COLI 53 000 COUNT / 100 ML


RESULT TOTAL OIL ANDGREASE MG / L 1.7 mg/l


PROBLEM Toilet paper and sanitary products observed. Excessive E.coli count.

RECOMMENDATION

HIGH PRIORITY - This outfall should be hooked into a system with the 5 other outfalls within a 570 metre (1700 foot) stretch including NB Tel site, Clarke site, Picnic Kiosk Site, Ramp and Ramp East Sites and proceed to a lift station which will divert contaminants to the St Stephen Wastewater Treatment Facility

34 35

Z2-004 BOAT RAMP WESTLOCATION Z2-004 BOAT RAMP WEST

GPS N 45 11 32W 67 16 43

DATE JUNE 24/04








PROBLEMThis site was not found to be a problem when comparing it to the Canadian Guidelines for E. coli in recreational waters.

RECOMMENDATION

This outfall should be hooked into a system with the 5 outfalls within a 570 metre (1700 foot) stretch including Clarke site, Picnic Kiosk site, Chocolate Park Site, Ramp and Ramp East Sites and proceed to a lift station which will divert contaminants to the St Stephen Wastewater Treatment Facility

36 37

Z2-005 BOAT RAMP EASTLOCATIONL Z2-005 BOAT RAMP EAST

GPS N 45 11 32W 67 16 42

DATE JUNE 24/04

CANADIAN STANDARDE. COLI



RESULT / 100MLE.COLI 500 COUNT / 100 ML



ND


PROBLEM This seepage has unacceptable E. coli counts.

RECOMMENDATION

HIGH PRIORITY - This outfall should be hooked into a system with the 5 outfalls within a 570 metre (1700 foot) stretch including Clark site, NB Tel site, Chocolate Park Site, Ramp and Picnic Kiosk Sites and proceed to a lift station which will divert contaminants to the St Stephen Wastewater Treatment Facility

36 37

LOCATION Z2-006 PIZZA DELIGHT SITE

GPS N 45 11 32W 67 16 34

DATE JUNE 24/04








PROBLEM Seepage issue – no obvious pipe

RECOMMENDATION

Uncover fill present and investigate issue/hook up disconnected pipe or apply a filtration device, street sweeping or vegetation program may work to offset issue.

Z2-006 PIZZA DELIGHT SITE

38 39

LOCATION Z2-007 PICNIC KIOSK STORM DRAIN

GPS N 45 11 31W 67 16 49

DATE JUNE 24/05







ND


PROBLEM This outfall services 0.3km of commercial storm drainage. The E. coli levels are excessive

RECOMMENDATION

HIGH PRIORITY – This outfall should be hooked into a system with the 5 other outfalls within a 570 metre (1700 foot) stretch including NB Tel site, Clarke site, Chocolate Park Site, Ramp and Ramp East Sites and proceed to a lift station which will divert contaminants to the St Stephen Wastewater Treatment Facility.

Z2-007 PICNIC KIOSK

38 39

Z3-002 Sewage 1 Z3-003 Sewage 2

Z3-004 SeniorsApartment 1

Z3-001 Vacant Lot

ZONE 3 - OLD SEWAGE LAGOON AREA

40 41

Z3-008 VACANT LOTLOCATION Z3-001 VACANT LOT

GPS N 45 11 33W 67 16 49

DATE JUNE 24/04









RECOMMENDATION Continue to monitor

40 41

Z3-002 SEWAGE LAGOON 1LOCATION Z3-002 SEWAGE LAGOON 1

GPS N 45 11 30W 67 16 06

DATE JUNE 24/04







ND



RECOMMENDATION

The old sewage lagoon has consistently produced low bacterial readings. Undoubted this results from the large quantities of chlorine that are used in the municipal water system. Chlorine impacts are beyond the scope of this work. Continue to monitor

42 43

Z3-003 SEWAGE LAGOON 2LOCATION Z3-003 SEWAGE LAGOON 2

GPS N 45 11 31W 67 16 05

DATE JUNE 24/04







ND


PROBLEMThis seepage was not found to be a problem compared to the Canadian Guidelines for E. coli in recreational waters.


42 43

Z3-004 - SENIORS’ APARTMENT 1LOCATION Z3-004 - SENIORS’ APARTMENT 1

GPS N 45 11 30W 67 15 59

DATE JUNE 24/04







ND


PROBLEMThis seepage was not found to be a problem when comparing it to the Canadian Guidelines for E. coli in recreational waters.


44 45

Z4-002 Seniors Apartment 3

Z3-004 Old Wharf

Z4-006 Dennis Stream

Z4-001 Seniors Apartment 2

Z4-003 Deep Pipe Z4-005 Old Fertilizer

ZONE 4 - DENNIS STREAM AREA

46 47

Z4-001 SENIORS APARTMENT 2LOCATION Z4-001 SENIORS APARTMENT 2

GPS N 45 11 31W 67 16 53

DATE JUNE 24/04







ND


PROBLEMThis site was not found to be a problem compared to the Canadian Guidelines for E. coli in recreational waters.


46 47

Z4-002 SENIORS APARTMENT 3LOCATION Z4-002 SENIORS APARTMENT 3

GPS N 45 11 26W 67 15 52

DATE JUNE 24/04




RESULT / 100MLE.COLI 310 / 100 ML



ND


PROBLEM This seepage has nearly unacceptable E. coli counts. There is no obvious pipe to mitigate

RECOMMENDATION

Uncover fill present and investigate issue/hook up disconnected pipe or apply a filtration device, street sweeping or vegetation program may work to offset issue.

48 49

Z4-003 DEEP PIPE OUTFALLLOCATION Z4-003 DEEP PIPE OUTFALL

GPS N 45 11 25W 67 15 49

DATE MARCH 28/05




RESULT / 100MLE.COLI No data - unable to reach outfall

RESULT / 100 MLTOTAL COLIFORM No data - unable to reach outfall


No data - unable to reach outfall

RESULT PCB MG / L No data - unable to reach outfall

PROBLEMStaff was unable to reach this pipe on foot due to the soft sediments. It is a major outfall and requires examination

RECOMMENDATION Monitor at low Neap tides by boat.

48 49

Z4-004 OLD WHARFLOCATION Z4-004 OLD WHARF

GPS N 45 11 25W 67 15 49

DATE JUNE 24/04







8.3


PROBLEM

This seepage was not found to be a problem compared to the Canadian Guidelines for E. coli in recreational waters. Total coliform counts are high. Oil and grease are present


50 51

Z4-004 OLD FERTILIZER PLANTLOCATION Z4-004 OLD FERTILIZER PLANT

GPS N 45 11 24W 67 15 37

DATE JUNE 24/04







ND


PROBLEMThis seepage was not found to be a problem compared to the Canadian Guidelines for E. coli in recreational waters. Total coliform counts are high

RECOMMENDATION No action is recommended at this time. Continue to monitor

50 51

Z4-005 DENNIS STREAMLOCATION Z4-005 DENNIS STREAM

GPS N 45 11 33W 67 15 32







ND


PROBLEMThis site was not found to be a problem when compared to the Canadian Guidelines for E. coli in recreational waters.


52 53

The environmental implications of these data are great, but the negative impacts of current sewage-related pollution that impact the St. Croix Estuary can be easily mitigated by proactive planning and restoration actions; largely, we believe, within existing budgets.

This study allows us to recommend remedial options for each site. Options to eliminate, reduce, or purify the leakages, seepages and contaminants entering the estuary include the use of pollution prevention, detention basins, retention/infiltration devices and/or vegetative controls. Some of the outfall issues may be simply dealt with by the reconnection of broken pipes or re-establishment of proper domestic sewage connections. Other possibilities may include marsh rebuilding, thereby simultaneously implementing waterfront beautification, habitat restoration, biota restoration, and water quality improvement; all components of the St. Stephen “Green Community” initiative.

Protection of humans and the biota through water quality protection and restoration is the primary objective of this project. By annually neutralizing or eliminating some of these sources, it is possible, over the long-term, to dramatically reverse the negative impacts of two hundred years of neglect and, further, to reestablish the important social and economic benefits of a healthy river.

ACAP St Croix is dedicated to this becoming an ongoing proactive project that will result in the restoration of the St. Croix Estuary. For this to happen, specific restoration programs must be chosen and initiated on an annual basis over the long-term determined by needs and funding.

Recommendations outside the specific sites include the re-building of salt marshes, consideration of oil/grit separators in sewer lines, trucking removed street snow to the wastewater facility and a street sweeping program.

Barriers to action include the perceived level of difficulty and expense of identifying the problem spots and repairing the infrastructure. For example, the in-filling of the St Stephen waterfront resulted in outfall pipe locations being lost, making improvements in this area an interesting puzzle. Presently a percentage of these outfalls still seep contaminants and these provide the clues to restoration. Elsewhere, it is clear that combined storm and septic systems have not been shifted over to septic.

There are also issues surrounding the municipal government. For 3 years in a row the Town of St. Stephen has agreed to improving the water quality problems as they relate to estuary pollution, but they have not yet produced a repair schedule or committed any real dollars to the infrastructure that leads to the River. A study carried out by the St. Croix Estuary Project Inc. in the mid-nineties, also identified many of these problems. To this date, it seems apparent that the Town of St. Stephen has not been prepared to address their contribution to the pollution of the St. Croix River. Hopefully, this study will create a positive movement to accomplish the elimination of waterfront pollution.

Table 7.1 shows the projects and probable budget for work on the sewage, storm drain, and water systems over the next 5 years.

7. RECOMMENDATIONS

54 55

INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

YEAR 2004Sanitary, Storm & Road Riverside Dr Milltown Blvd to Civic #1 $400,000.00

YEAR 2005

Sanitary, Storm Water & Road Pleasant Street Milltown Blvd to Riverside Drive $320,000.00

YEAR 2006Sanitary, Storm & Road Cedar Street $110,000.00Sanitary, Storm, Water & Road Pine Street - Cedar to Queen $250,000.00

Total $360,000.00

YEAR 2007

Sanitary, Storm & Road Queensway - Church to Centre Street & Centre St. $250,000.00

YEAR 2008Sanitary, Storm & RoadSanitary, Storm & Road Queensway #47 to Church St $200,000.00

Queensway #47 to Hill St $160,000,00Total $360,000.00

YEAR 2009

Sanitary, Storm & Road Prince William Street Duke to Thompson Ave. $140,000.00

Sanitary, Water & Road Dow St. - All west flow $155,000,00Total $295,000.00

Table 7.1 St. Stephen infrastructure plans for the period 2004 to 2009

54 55

The current plan does not show a commitment to restoring the system along the waterfront. The cost for virtually eliminating pollution along the waterfront would be only a minor portion of these planned expenditures.

We request:

1. that the restoration and repair of sewer and storm drains along the waterfront be included in the long-term workplan of the Town of St. Stephen starting in the fiscal year 2005 - 2006

2. That priority be given to the following sites:

a. The Clark Building which has E. coli counts of over 1.5 million and sewage (toilet paper/sanitary products) being disposed of on the beach, should be a top priority. This outfall needs to be redirected into the sanitary sewer line that runs on Milltown Boulevard, the line is only the length of the building away, less than 200m.

b. The Cove 2 site also has E. coli counts exceeding 1.5 million, it needs to be redirected into the sanitary sewer line, instead of onto the beach.

c. Both the Chocolate Park outfall and the NB Tel outfall have sewage (toilet paper and sanitary products) being disposed of on the beach and should also be redirected into the sanitary sewer line.

d. The outfall at the Picnic Kiosk location needs remediation. The E. coli levels are over 99 000/100ml. This site needs to be tied into the existing sanitary sewer line.

e. The Pizza Delight outfall has excessive counts of E. coli, over 40 000/100ml. There is no obvious pipe at this location the only way to mitigate this properly will be a process which includes uncovering the present fill and investigating the issue. It may be possible that it is a disconnected pipe, which needs replacement or there may be a possibility of applying a filtration device.

3. that funds be allocated specifically for this work, and

4. that the Town St. Stephen should institute an annual monitoring program for the waterfront, conducted by trained Town staff or under contract to the St. Croix Estuary Project Inc.

56 57

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