operations and water quality report calgary and … · 2017. 3. 28. · the peter f. drucker award...

RiverWatchOPERATIONS AND WATER QUALITY REPORT

CALGARY AND SOUTHERN ALBERTA

2007

IFC

RiverWatchMissionStatement

RiverWatch provides — in conjunction with schools, school boards, other edu-cational institutions, business, government and local communities — innovative projects, programs, tours and activities to motivate and assist youth and the gen-eral public in their scientific and environmental education.Memorandum of Association: September 1995

Core Business

RiverWatch uses raft float trips to provide experiential and curriculum-based science field studies that help students understand aquatic ecosystems and environmental monitoring.

Goals

RiverWatch delivers experiential science education as an effective vehicle to:

provide safe and affordable field study experience for Alberta students

improve and maintain student results on provincial achievement tests

allow Alberta students to compete successfully in international assessment

direct young people along career pathways in environmental science

demonstrate the techniques and results of environmental monitoring

increase awareness and understanding of river ecology and environmental issues

showcase stewardship and engineering projects that reduce environmental impact

convey the importance of water to Alberta’s economy and quality of life

protect, conserve and maintain water quality and quantity

encourage personal and community environmental stewardship

promote youth engagement in environmental stewardship action

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LAYOUT AND DESIGN: DAVID SOLTESS, [email protected]

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OPERATIONS ANDWATER QUALITY REPORT

CALGARY AND SOUTHERN ALBERTA2007

ContentsMission Statement Opposite

Special Thanks 2

What is RiverWatch? 3

Awards 3

Alberta Outreach Map 4

RiverWatch Science 5

RiverWatch Programs 7

Testimonials 8

Letters of Support 9

Program Effectiveness 10

2007 RiverWatch Highlights 11

RiverWatch in Calgary 12

Calgary Growth 12

Participating Schools 13

Reclamation and Wastewater 14

Calgary Route Map 15

Data Collection 16

Bow River Water Quality Summary 17

A Not-For-Profit Education Company 28

Sponsors IBC

SpecialThanks

Senior Guide 1997-2007

Simon Ham

Calgary Raft Guides 2007

Alex Day

Christa Anderson

Dianna Jones

Elise Schill

Janelle Kaprowki

Jennifer Gouveia

Jenny Darling

Jim Zettel

Kathleen McDade

Leanne Snowdon

Leslie Gibb

Rebecca Morris

Ryan Fox

Sarah Mouneimne

Stefan Superina

Scheduling

Bev Donahue

Data Entry

Arran Johnson

Stephanie Allen

Report Review

Al Sosiak, Alberta Environment

Bill Berzins, Bow River Basin Council

Calgary Water Services

Sylvia Trosch

Bonnybrook Wastewater Treatment Plant

George Kewley

Brad Hodge

Robert Kotch

Chief Operators

Calgary Teachers and Students

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SpecialThanks

AnAward-WinningProgram

RiverWatch represents a decade of creating and piloting a world-class and leading-edge science field study program. RiverWatch is home-grown and designed to meet the needs of Alberta students and teachers. The exceptional accomplishments of the RiverWatch Program and staff have been recognized through several prestigious award programs:

Prime Minister’s National Award for Teaching Excellence

Canadian Teachers’ Federation Roy C. Hill Provincial Award

The Peter F. Drucker Award for Canadian Non-Profit Innovation

Alberta Provincial Excellence in Teaching Award

Alberta E-Business Leadership Award for Non-Profit Small Enterprise

Alberta Emerald Awards for Environmental Excellence

Calgary Mayor’s Award for Environmental Achievement

Calgary Board of Education Lighthouse Award

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“Through your dedication and skill, you have opened doors for these young people to exciting studies and careers, and in turn are doing your country a great service. You are an inspiration to fellow educators and all those involved with Canadian youth. Please accept my warmest congratulations and best wishes for continued success.”

The Right Honourable Jean Chretien, Prime Minister of Canada

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WhatisRiverWatch?

RiverWatchisAlberta-Wide

RiverWatch is presently based out of Edmonton and Calgary with the outreach capability for mobile programs to surrounding rural communities. RiverWatch programs have been delivered in eleven towns and cities. Fort McMurray was added to the list of outreach locations just this year. More locations are contemplated as sponsorship and resources become available.

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AlbertaOutreachMap

Ft. McMurray

Edmonton

Calgary

Cold Lake

Lethbridge

Drumheller

Red Deer

MedicineHat

Rocky MountainHouse

Drayton Valley

Hinton

WhatisRiverWatchScience?

What is the best way to study a river? We think it’s by taking a river trip aboard large inflatable rafts fully equipped as floating laboratories!

Alberta RiverWatch assists secondary science classes to explore a 10 km section of their local river during a raft float trip. Along the way, students make shoreline stops to conduct water chemistry and biology sampling. Back at school, the water quality data is used to help answer the question, “How healthy is our river?” and

“What is our environmental footprint?”

RiverWatch is an award-winning not-for-profit education company that provides experiential and cur-riculum-based science field stud-ies to enhance student learning beyond the walls of the classroom. Hands-on river ecology experienc-es improve and maintain student results on provincial achievement tests; convey the importance of water to Alberta’s economy and quality of life; and encourage per-sonal and community environ-mental stewardship.

Alberta RiverWatch is a one-of-a-kind science field study that has involved more than 45,000 students across cen-tral and southern Alberta since 1995. Students explore a ten-kilometer sec-tion of their local river using rafts fully equipped as floating laboratories for col-lecting information

on dissolved oxygen, phosphates, nitrates, pH, turbidity, temperature, bacteria and invertebrates. Participating students finish their field study day with a better

“One thing I have learned is how important it is to take care of our river and what can effect us. I have also learned what I should not put down the drain. I enjoyed the testing sites. You guys should continue this program because it could keep our environment clean and help us learn.”

Billy Vida, Student

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RiverWatchScience

understanding of river water quality and what they can do to protect the health of rivers.

RiverWatch field studies are six-hours long and run during school hours during sixty days spread over April-June and September-October. RiverWatch programs are curriculum-based and are in great demand by teachers province-wide who value the hands-on, learning-enhanced and experiential components of the program. Teacher testimonials indicate there is an increase in student test scores on provincial science tests of those students who have participated in the RiverWatch program.

RiverWatch is the first and only science field study with the potential to offer a standardized program on a provincial basis. It is already an award-winning and one-of-a-kind resource with

proven logistics, website and program content developed over the past decade.

Since 1995, continued sponsorship funding has afforded the RiverWatch program the sustainability and affordability to grow from 300 Calgary students in the first year to currently over 7,000 students annually in communities throughout Alberta.

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Students and their RiverWatch guide conduct a water quality test.

RiverWatchPrograms

The RiverWatch mission is to provide innovative projects, programs, tours and activities to motivate and assist youth and the general public in their scientific and environmental education. Since 1995, we’ve strived to make environmental science enjoyable and relevant.

With the growing concern for environmental sustainability and cumulative environmental impacts, just increased awareness and understanding is not enough. Awareness should and must lead to stewardship action. RiverWatch is now well on the road to educating and inspiring the environmental leaders of tomorrow. RiverWatch is working hard to keep Alberta’s environmental future bright!

The majority of RiverWatch participants during 2007 were students enrolled in Science 9 (50%), Science 8 (25%) and Biology 20 (16%). There are eight world-class RiverWatch programs that take students and the public out into the real world to learn and work with environmental monitoring and stewardship.

Audience Level Program

Junior High Science Science 8 Fresh and Saltwater Ecosystems

Science 9 Environmental Chemistry

Senior High Science Science 20 Changes in Living Systems

Science 30 Chemistry in the Environment

Biology 20 Biosphere and Ecosystems

Public Summer Camp RiverRangers

Public Tours RiverSafaris

Stewardship RiverStewards

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RiverWatchPrograms

RiverWatch is a unique educational re-source that can inspire high school stu-dents to consider university programs and potential environmental science careers. Former RiverWatch students and staff have pursued careers in Urban Plan-ning, Education and Environmental Sci-ence.

Testimonials

“The program was great. The kids enjoyed the trip and I think the guides were very helpful.

The activities provided hands on experiences for the students that they wouldn’t have

gotten in classes and this was hugely beneficial. I will be signing our school up in the

spring again for a trip next fall. I feel that this is one of the best educational programs in

the city and hope to take our kids every year.”

Kyle Stewart, Science 9 Teacher, Dr. Egbert Junior High

“We had a first this year. One of our parents wrote her daughter a note on a piece of toilet

paper and they both flushed it down the toilet about 8:00 a.m. The student was supposed

to try and find it in the Headworks at the Bonnybrook Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Needless to say we had a lot of fun with it but had no luck finding the aforementioned

document.”

Ian Strachan, Grade 8 Science Teacher, Mid Sun School

“The trip went very well. The additions involving the transect were great. I will be planning

the spring trip soon for the next semester of Bio 20.”

Jeff Walden, Biology 20 Teacher, Chestermere High

“The RiverWatch trip was excellent and the activities and presentations were exactly

what I was looking for. The students learned a lot, gained some hands-on experience

and enjoyed themselves. I would certainly do it again and I wouldn’t change anything.

I think the side trip to the waste-management facility is very good. It is a very sensory

experience and it allows the students an opportunity to see solutions to some very

complex problems.”

Hugh Moloney, Science 9 Teacher, Clear Water Academy

“Thanks for everything — the trip was a complete success and our guides (Christa and

Ryan) were knowledgeable and helpful. The tour at Bonnybrook was also informative

and it helped to have the visuals for the students during the guides talk.”

Jillian Milner, Grade 9 Teacher, Springbank High

“Thanks for such an amazing experience.”Marnie Brown, Grade 9 Teacher, Robert Warren Junior High

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RiverWatchTestimonials

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LettersofSupport

JANUARY 25, 2007

Thank you for forwarding a copy of the RiverWatch On-Line Survey Results 2006.

RiverWatch is to be congratulated for this measure of success in providing learning

experiences for Alberta students.

On behalf of Alberta Education I wish to express my regard for the work that you and your

team at RiverWatch do. As you note in your website, there are parts of the Alberta science

programs that are best achieved outside the four walls of the classroom. The development

of environmental knowledge and skills — including the skills of environmental monitoring

— are among these. It is encouraging to note that students who participate in RiverWatch

field activities also show growth in their commitment to the care of their environment,

as evidenced by their responses on several of the questions. The documented growth in

student knowledge, skills and attitudes that is engendered by RiverWatch activities is a

significant step for students in achieving the outcomes of their science programs, and helps

move them forward on the path to becoming responsible citizens.

Raga Panwar Acting Executive Director

Resources Sector

Program Development and Standards

OCTOBER 5, 2007

Thanks you for your e-mail dated September 19, 2007, regarding your Fort McMurray

RiverWatch Project.

I am please to see further development of your innovative, engaging and successful

educational initiatives on Alberta’s rivers.

Alberta Environment encourages and supports environmental stewardship through

environmental entrepreneurship and innovative initiatives. RiverWatch programs, as

exemplified in the Fort McMurray program, are flagships for innovative approaches to

water education and environmental stewardship in our province. There is great benefit

in engaging local partners and youth to work within your philosophy of awareness and

sensitivity to the environment. As we work towards effective stewardship of Alberta’s

environmental systems, these established partnerships will ensure our province’s needs are

addressed in a coordinated way.

Again, thank you for sharing your project report. I look forward to seeing RiverWatch out

on Alberta’s rivers again next season.

Rob Renner Minister

EvaluatingRiverWatchEffectiveness

The effectiveness of RiverWatch programs have been evaluated through a unique on-line student survey at www.riverwatch.ab.ca. The surveys were completed by students before and after their ecology field studies. A comparison of pre-trip survey results against post-trip survey results shows an overall improvement index of approximately 10%.

The greatest student improvement was shown in the more “academic” categories of environmental awareness and issues investigations. Not surprisingly, it was more difficult to measure and/or generate impact in the “behavioral” category of commitment-to-personal-action.

RiverWatchOn-LineSurveyResults

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ProgramEffectiveness

QuestionDoes a six-hour field study — with all the associated preparation and follow-up at school — generate significant impact on student knowledge, skills and attitudes?

ConclusionThis particular evaluative survey showed an overall 10% improvement in student performance attributed to a field study. Any educator or parent would be favorably impressed by a one-day tutorial that could raise student performance by 10%!

The detailed question-by-question analysis showed that the greatest improvement was measured for “I can rate the environmental health of my river”. The results of this specific question documented a 24% improvement in the ability to conduct and evaluate environmental monitoring. This is an indication that RiverWatch “walks the talk” and at a basic level exemplifies a very effective science field study.

IMPROVEMENT INDEXComparing pre-trip and post-trip results.

“Just letting you know that we have recently finished another splendid start to the school year by running all 285 of our Grade 8 students through the RiverWatch program. We were on the river for five times in the last 2 weeks. I have just finished Parent Teacher Interviews and every parent mentioned how valuable the program was. Also, our Principal, Rick Hollinshead came out for a day on the river. He had a super time and thinks the trip is extremely valuable to our grade 8 program. See you again next year (already have the dates booked with Bev).”

Ian Strachan, Grade 8 Science Teacher, Mid Sun School

Highlights2007

RiverWatch is now well established as the most intensive and wide-spread environmental education field study in Alberta. Our sponsored programs reach teachers, students, youth and the public right in their communities — at school, during field studies, on river valley clean-up days, throughout the summer and during conference and workshop tours.

RiverWatch has placed a priority on increasing the environmental literacy of Alberta’s students and public since 1995. Even after all these years, RiverWatch is still growing and reaching new benchmarks.

Here are some of the amazing things we’ve achieved this year...

• Busiest year ever with more students, more river guides and more raft trips

• Record number of secondary science students (6137) across the province

• Decade of programming in Edmonton reaching 18,000 students

• Revitalized mobile programming in Red Deer and Drayton Valley

• First-ever publishing of a comprehensive water quality monitoring report

• First-ever programming delivered in Ft. McMurray

• First-ever public summer programming

• First-ever River Valley Clean-Up Day with Scouts and Junior Forest Wardens

• First-ever programming delivered to First Nations students

• First-ever forest ecology programming for Biology 20 students

• First-ever collaboration with Alberta Education Examinations Branch

• Record number of 93 participating schools across the province

• First-ever Calgary programming with six rafts fully utilized in both seasons

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RiverWatchHighlights

“I would like to thank you for the opportunity to go on the RiverWatch trip. One thing I learned was why it is so important that we take care of our river and what can affect us. It helps me think about what I put down the drain. It’s going to take a lot of years to make people realize what is happening today. One thing I enjoyed was watching Mother Nature down the river. It shows the way of life of the animals. There was a hawk that was fighting with other birds. It was amazing the things that we do and see every day. It’s a good way to learn Mother Nature. Thanks for the opportunity.”

John Zbery, Student

CalgaryProgramGrowth

RiverWatch began operating in 1995 and now delivers programs to more than 4,000 Calgary science students annually. Originally working from the Sam Livings-ton Fish Hatchery, the RiverWatch operations base in Calgary has been located at the Bonnybrook Wastewater Treatment Plant since 1999.

Annual student participation in RiverWatch programs is showing an overall in-crease. The 2007 year totals would have been higher but for the cancellations of eight days and 700 participating students in June due to high flow volumes on the Bow River. The spring seasons are always fully booked and any additional schools have contributed to a growth trend for fall participation.

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RiverWatchOperationsinCalgary

YEAR

STUDENT PARTICIPATION BY YEAR

YEAR

STUDENT PARTICIPATION BY SEASON

*Projected

“This was my second Riverwatch trip and it was excellent. The students had an amazing time. As usual, the water quality testing was a very good hands-on activity. It was nice to see the students take part in the activity and then discuss and interpret their results with their peers. The raft guides were very well educated and entertaining as well! The forest transect is a great activity as it is something that we cover in the Biology 20 curriculum but it is difficult to do in a school yard. Again, this is our favorite field trip and the students love it!”

Christy Dingwall, Biology 20 Teacher, Ernest Manning High School

Alternative High Howard Robertson

Argyll Centre Susan Swatsky

Bishop Grandin High Rosemary Sinclair, Dean Weisensel

Bishop Pinkam Junior High Claude Langlois, Kent Turner

Brooks Junior High Jim Hartley

Calgary French School Cendrine Tolomio

Calgary Waldorf School Virginia Smith

Chestermere High Jeff Walden, Greg Williams

Clarence Sansom Lee Jensen

Clear Water Academy Matt Satorelli

Cochrane High Stevens Rancourt, Candice Bussing

Colonel Irvine Junior High Michelle Recob

Colonel Macleod Junior High John Komori

Dr. Egbert Junior High Kyle Stewart

Dr. Gordon Higgins Kirsten Gordon

Edge School Cyrena McLachlan

Elboya Junior High Jocelyn Savoie

Ernest Manning High Christie Dingwall, Hester Lam

Fairview Junior High Pierre Descoteaux

Foothills Academy Simon Williams

George McDougall High Andrea McLeod

Glenmore Christian Academy Tom Currie

Harold Pannabaker Matt Fell

Hussar School Marcue Reuer

Innisfail Junior/Senior High Trevor Woof

Langevin School Shannon Miller

Lomond Community School Karl Hiebert

Louis Riel Junior High Mark Stranzinger

Manachaban Middle School Fredrick Taylor

Menno Simmons Vern Unrau

Mid Sun School Ian Strachan

Mountain Park School Brian Saunders

Noble School Jenn Anderson

Piikani Nation Secondary School Barnaby Provost

R.T. Alderman Dirk Vrielink

Fifty-one Calgary and area schools took part in RiverWatch programs during 2007. The following is a listing of the participant schools and their coordinating teacher(s).

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ParticipatingCalgaryandAreaSchools2007

Rideau Park School Jeff Ball

Robert Warren Junior High Marnie Brown

Rosedale Elementary/ Junior High David Pugh

Rundle Academy Julie Naugler

Rundle College Beverly Ross

Simon Fraser Junior High Wade Bymoen

Springbank High Jill Milner, Ioan Matthews

St. Joseph School Cathy Sandau

T.B. Riley Junior High Kyle Honish

Tom Baines School Julie Kranjcec

Trochu Valley School Curtis Spencer

Vauxhall High Andrew Fast

West Island College Jennifer Rigby

Westmount Charter Suzanna Cheung, Connie Sullivan

Willow Park School Martin Stanley

Woodman Junior High Wayne Thai

BowRiverBankReclamationProject

RiverWatch assisted with a reclamation project along the Bow River as suggested by two high school students Elly Evans and Stephanie Murray. The project was financed by their successful grant application to the Jack Leslie Environmental Fund.

The planting site was located within the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary on what was formerly an oil refinery property. Transportation by raft during the project was provided by RiverWatch. Keri McMahon with the City of Calgary Natural Areas and Adopt-A-Park representative Sonia Gonsalves provided supervision, tools, work gloves, site surveys, planting stock and watering.

The student’s goal was to promote active participation targeted specifically at youth stewardship. In doing so, it was hoped to encourage the future voting and power-holding population to be conscious of the environment and the importance of keeping it healthy.

Calgary’sBonnybrookWastewaterTreatmentPlant

The City of Calgary has been recognized throughout the years as a leader in the field of wastewater treatment. Calgary was awarded an A grade in the Sierra Legal Defense Fund’s cross-country study of municipal wastewater treatment practices. The state-of-the-art Bonnybrook Wastewater Treatment Plant incorporates one of the largest ultraviolet-light disinfection facilities in the world. Phosphorus and nitrogen are removed from Calgary’s wastewater using naturally-occurring micro- organisms instead of chemicals, eliminating the cost of chemicals and their dis-charge into the Bow River. Removal of coliform bacteria lessens potential health risks for the Bow River’s recreational users; the removal of phosphorus, ammonia ni-trogen, and nitrate nitrogen reduces weed and aquatic plant growth as well as po-

tential toxici-ty to fish and other aquatic life. The Bow River contin-ues to be a thriving trout stream.

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ReclamationandWastewater

Volunteers planted 100 native willow, dog-wood, rose, gooseberry and chokecherry bushes as part of the Bow River bank recla-mation project. Above, the entire 19-member planting crew at the end of the day.

Tours of the Bonnybrook Wastewater Treat-ment Plant are a memorable highlight of the Calgary RiverWatch program, and are always in high demand by teachers. Various participants over the years have expressed that all citizens should take the time for such a tour — in order to become better informed about the wastewater treatment process, and the importance of water protection and stewardship measures.

CalgaryRouteMap

RiverWatch students travel in large inflatable rafts along a ten-kilometer reach of their local river. Water quality measurements are conducted at two sites above and below a wastewater treatment plant. It is well known that part of the solution to pollution is dilution over distance, however, water quality differences are very black-and-white when measured immediately upstream and downstream of a treatment plant.

InglewoodBird Sanctuary

TOURBonnybrookWastewater

Treatment Plant

FINISH Graves Landing

Boat Launch

START Pearce

Estate Park

Beaver Dam Flats

Blackfoot Trail

Ogden Road

Glenmore Trail

Heritage Drive

Ogden Road

GolfCourse

Deer

foot

Trai

l

Dee

rfoot

Trai

l

InglewoodGolf Course

Fish HatcheryWeir

Irrigation Canal

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R5 Reach Identifier

Parks

Golf Courses

R4

R3

R2

R1

Glenmore Trail

Water Quality Monitoring Test SiteUpstream of Wastewater Treatment Plant

Water Quality Monitoring Test SiteDownstream of Wastewater Treatment Plant

RiverWatchDataCollection

Alberta RiverWatch assists science students to explore a 10 km section of their local river during a raft float trip. Along the way, students make shoreline stops to conduct water chemistry and biology sampling. In conjunction with the raft float trips, daily tours are also conducted through the wastewater treatment facilities mid-way along each route.

Back at school, water quality data is used to help answer the question, “How healthy is our river?” and “What is our city’s environmental footprint?” A state-of-the-art website www.riverwatch.ab.ca is able to accept and chart water quality data.

The construction of a data-entry website in 2001 was sponsored by EPCOR, Alberta Ecotrust Foundation and the

Eastern Irrigation District. The unique on-line data collection and presentation was recognized with the 2001 Alberta E-Business Award and RiverWatch was a runner-up for the 2001 Peter F. Drucker Foundation Award for Canadian Innovative Not-For-Profit Businesses.

Each data point on a RiverWatch water quality graph is the average of up to six independent results obtained at a particular site and time. To view a sample of the on-line data charting tool, please go to www.riverwatch.ab.ca and choose:

River Data and Maps

Graph Collected Data

pH

Calgary Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery Run

Spring 2007

Go!

Alyth Left Bank (R3 above a sewage outfall)

Bonnybrook Right Bank (R4 below a sewage outfall)

Chart!

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RiverWatchOperationsinCalgary

DIE

BowRiverWaterQuality

Approximately 4000 RiverWatch stu-dents conducted water quality moni-toring along the Bow River within the City of Calgary during May/June and September/October 2007. Data collec-tion was conducted immediately up-stream of the Bonnybrook Wastewater Treatment Plant and again immediately downstream in the effluent plume.

Students used raft-borne portable water quality monitoring laboratories containing Hach kits, turbidity tubes, thermometers, nets and bacteria culture to measure basic physical, chemical and biological indicators of river health.

Determining water quality in the mixing zone downstream of a wastewater treat-ment plant outfall is a complex undertaking. Sampling conducted within a kilome-

ter of the effluent outfall does not allow the treat-ed effluent to thoroughly mix across the entire river. It is well known that part of the solution to pollution is di-lution, however, water quality dif-ferences are very black-and-white

when measured immediately upstream and downstream of a treatment plant. Riv-erWatch avails itself of the instructional opportunity inherent in sampling from the effluent plume within the mixing zone.

This year’s data analysis at the resolution level of student monitoring and using measurements taken within the mixing zone indicates a river in generally good health. as it flows through Calgary.

River flows were slightly above historical average during May and well above average in early June. RiverWatch water quality monitoring was canceled at flows

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BowRiverWaterQualitySummary

Students paddle to shoreline study sites above and below a wastewater treatment plant.

Students discuss monitoring results with their RiverWatch guide.

“I thought that the Riverwatch field trips we took were phenomenal as usual. The students get a chance to really be on the river and the experience is always something that they remember down the road. I know we at Woodman JHS have always enjoyed the trip and they always cover the material that are necessary in our curriculum. Again, the trip did meet our expectations and thank you.”

Wayne Thai, Grade 9 Science Teacher, Woodman Jr. High

“The Bow River at Calgary is in generally good health.”

of 200 cms or higher during early June. River flows fluctuated slightly above and below average in September/October.

Water temperatures followed seasonal trends. Temperatures increased by 4°C during May, rising from 8°C to 12°C. Temperatures declined by 8°C during September, dropping from 16°C to 8°C. Downstream water temperatures were generally 2-5°C warmer in the wastewater effluent plume.

Dissolved oxygen concentra-tions are the most critical limit-ing factor for aquatic life. Dis-solved oxygen concentrations measured with Hach kits mid-day above the wastewater treat-ment plant outfall were generally healthy averaging 8.6 mg/L in May and 7.6 mg/L in September. Concentrations were reduced by an average of 0.8-1 mg/L down-stream in the wastewater effluent plume. Some dissolved oxygen concentrations in the effluent plume during September were

nearing the Surface Water Quality Guidelines minimum of 5 mg/L. Mortal-ity for sensitive fish species occurs when dissolved oxygen falls well below 4.0 mg/L The daily photosynthetic cycle means that dissolved oxygen may meet guidelines during the daylight but fall below guidelines at night.

Orthophosphate concentrations act as a fertilizer to stim-ulate aquatic plant growth. Orthophosphate concentrations as measured with Hach kits were generally undetectable during May and September and on average did not exceed Surface Water Quality Guidelines maximum 0.05 mg/L for total phosphorus. There is some indication that phosphate con-centrations were elevated in the wastewater effluent plume.

River pH measured with Hach kits was slightly basic in both seasons above and below the Bonnybrook Wastewater

Treatment Plant outfall. The average for May and September at sites above the wastewater outfall was pH=8. Within the wastewater effluent plume, the water was slightly more acidic with the average pH=7.2. These pH values are well within

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Students measuring dissolved O2 concentrations upstream of the wastewater treatment plant.

RiverWatch guide and students compiling water quality data.

“I would like to thank you for the oppor-tunity to go on the RiverWatch trip. One thing I learned was how to test for the ox-ygen in the water and see what was all in the water when we tested for all the other stuff. One thing I enjoyed was rafting with the nice guides and making jokes and having a blast. And one reason for con-tinuing this program is because I learned so much and I think it is really good for kids to do the activity rather than just sit-ting in the class room and reading about it. Thanks for the adventure.”

Chris, Student

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Surface Water Quality Guidelines of pH= 6.5 to 9.

Turbidity measures the clarity of water. Turbidity measured with turbidity tubes was low and averaged approximately 10 NTU. Turbidity was slightly higher in May during spring run-off and slightly higher in the wastewater effluent plume.

Nitrate concentrations act as a fertilizer to stimulate aquatic plant growth. Nitrates measured with paper test strips upstream of the Bonnybrook Wastewater Treatment Plant were generally undetectable during May but averaged 0.15 mg/L during September. Nitrate levels were generally higher in the wastewater

plume averaging 0.3 mg/L during May and 0.45 mg/L during September. Surface Water Quality Guidelines state that concentrations of this nutrient should not stimulate aquatic weed growth. Aquatic weed growth in the Bow River at Calgary was not an obvious concern this year.

Total coliform bacteria mea-sured with Coliscan during September generally met the Surface Water Quality Guide-lines maximum 50/mL. Counts above the Bonnybrook Waste-water Treatment Plant aver-

aged 28/mL but sometimes exceeded guidelines in the wastewater effluent plume with an average 66/mL.

E. coli bacteria measured six times daily with Coliscan during September met guidelines with averages 1/mL above the Bonnybrook Wastewater Treatment Plant and 2/mL in the wastewater effluent plume.

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Secondary science students using a Hach kit to measure the pH of river water.

Students collecting aquatic invertebrates in a kick net sample.

The Alberta Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA) passed in 1993 provides for the development of guidelines and environmental quality objectives for the province of Alberta. Surface water quality guidelines are used in Alberta for the protection of aquatic life, agriculture, recreation and aesthetics. Water quality guidelines can be used in combination with water quality monitoring data to identify areas with existing or potential water quality concerns. If monitoring data do not exceed the guidelines, problems are unlikely. If the guidelines are exceeded, a detailed assessment might be required to determine the extent, cause and potential adverse effects. Guidelines are sometimes exceeded due to natural causes, such as heavy run-off and extreme weather conditions.

“What are the Alberta Surface Water Quality Guidelines?”

“Bacteria concentrations generally met surface water quality guidelines.”

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BOW RIVER AT CALGARY Current Year Historical Quartiles: 1969-2001 (5-day Moving Average) Average

In 2007, RiverWatch fully utilized six rafts for the spring and fall monitoring program in Calgary. RiverWatch operates only when Bow River flows are 200 cms or less. Above, a RiverWatch guide delivers an equipment and safety orientation.

River flow data courtesy Alberta Environment

FlowVolumesintheBowRiver

RiverWatch monitoring is conducted by students in May/June and September/October. Flow volumes in the Bow River were slightly above historical averages during May and well above averages in early June. RiverWatch monitoring was canceled at flows of 200 cubic meters per second (cms) or higher during early June. River flows fluctuated slightly above and below average in September/October.

“To answer about the activities and pre-sentation, both met our expectations; the guides were awesome and should consider a career in education! We really liked the mobile lab and the testing. The interactions with the students were to the point and Grade 9 related.”

Stevens Rancourt, Grade 9 Science Teacher, Cochrane High

“When does mountain run-off tend to reach Calgary?

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MAY RiverWatch Spring Data, 2007

SEPTEMBER RiverWatch Fall Data, 2007

WATER TEMPERATURE BOW RIVERUpstream and downstream of the Calgary Bonnybrook Wastewater Treatment Plant.

WaterTemperaturesintheBowRiver

Water temperatures increased by 4°C during May and rose from 8°C to 12°C. Temperatures declined by 8°C during September and dropped from 16°C to 8°C. Downstream water temperatures were generally 2-5°C warmer in the wastewater effluent plume.

“Do the seasons affect water temperatures in the Bow River?”

“Does treated wastewater affect water temperatures in the Bow River?”

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DISSOLVED OXYGEN BOW RIVERUpstream and downstream of the Calgary Bonnybrook Wastewater Treatment Plant.

DissolvedOxygenintheBowRiver

Dissolved oxygen concentrations are the most critical limiting factor for aquatic life. Dissolved oxygen concentrations tested with Hach kits mid-day above the wastewater treatment plant outfall were generally healthy averaging 8.6 mg/L in May and 7.6 mg/L in September. Concentrations were reduced by an average of 0.8-1 mg/L downstream in the wastewater effluent plume. Some dissolved oxygen concentrations in the effluent plume during September were nearing the Surface Water Quality Guidelines minimum of 5 mg/L, however, mortality for sensitive fish species may occur when dissolved oxygen falls below 4.0 mg/L

Students examining trays of collected aquatic invertebrates.

“Does treated wastewater affect dissolved oxygen concentrations in the Bow River?” Surface Water Quality Minimum Guideline

Surface Water Quality Minimum Guideline

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PHOSPHATE CONCENTRATIONS BOW RIVERUpstream and downstream of the Calgary Bonnybrook Wastewater Treatment Plant.

PhosphateConcentrationsintheBowRiver

Orthophosphate concentrations act as a fertilizer to stimulate aquatic plant growth. Orthophosphate concentrations were generally undetectable with Hach kits during May and September upstream of the mixing zone. However, downstream within the wastewater effluent mixing zone, some phosphate concentrations were elevated above the Surface Water Quality Guidelines maximum 0.05 mg/L for total phosphorus.

“I really felt like it was a wonderful day for the kids and myself. This was the first time I’ve been on the trip and I got about ten days worth of teaching done that day— since then I use it to springboard off nearly every day. We’re coming back next year... and I’m pretty excited about it.

Tom Currie, Science/Drama, Glenmore Christian Academy

Surface Water Quality Maximum Guideline

Surface Water Quality Maximum Guideline

“Does treated wastewater affect phosphate concentrations in the Bow River?”

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pHLevelsintheBowRiver

River pH was measured with Hach kits and was slightly basic in both seasons above and below the Bonnybrook Wastewater Treatment Plant outfall. The average for May and September at sites above the wastewater outfall was pH=8. Within the waste-water effluent plume, the water was slightly more acidic with the average pH=7.2. These pH values are well within Surface Water Quality Guidelines of pH= 6.5 to 9.

pH BOW RIVERUpstream and downstream of the Calgary Bonnybrook Wastewater Treatment Plant.



“I would like to thank you for the oppor-tunity to go on the RiverWatch trip... One thing I enjoyed was testing pH levels in two different areas of the river. It was an interesting experience for me, and for others, I’m sure. I would continue this pro-gram so other kids could learn as much as I did today, and to make a few new friends along the RiverWatch program. I hope my younger sister can share this experience in the years to come. I’m sure that she’ll love it.”

Kyle, Student

“Does treated wastewater affect pH in the Bow River?”

“Should river acidity have a neutral value of pH=7?”

“Do the seasons affect turbidity in the Bow River?”

“Does treated wastewater affect turbidity in the Bow River?”

Turbidity measures the clarity of the water. An increase in suspended matter increases the turbidity of the water and causes water to appear murky or cloudy. Turbidity limits the amount of light able to penetrate through the water, which can effect plant growth by reducing the plant’s ability to produce food via photo-synthesis. In general, the more material that is suspended in water, the greater is the water’s turbidity and the lower its clarity. Suspended material can be par-ticles of clay, silt, sand, algae, plankton, micro-organisms and other substances. A nephelometric turbidity unit (NTU) is a measure of the clarity of water. Turbidity in excess of 5 NTU is just noticeable to the average person.

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TURBIDITY BOW RIVERUpstream and downstream of the Calgary Bonnybrook Wastewater Treatment Plant.



TurbidityLevelsintheBowRiver

Turbidity measures the clarity of water. Turbidity was low and averaged approximately 10 NTU. Turbidity was slightly higher in May and slightly higher in the wastewater effluent plume.

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NITRATE BOW RIVERUpstream and downstream of the Calgary Bonnybrook Wastewater Treatment Plant.

NitrateConcentrationsintheBowRiver

Nitrate concentrations act as a fertilizer to stimulate aquatic plant growth. Using paper test strip indicators, nitrates upstream of the Bonnybrook Wastewater Treatment Plant were generally undetectable during May but averaged 0.15 mg/L during September. Nitrate levels were generally higher in the wastewater plume averaging 0.3 mg/L during May and 0.45 mg/L during September.

Students preparing to titrate a sample of river water.

“Does treated wastewater affect nitrate concentrations in the Bow River?”Surface Water Quality Guidelines state that nitrate concentrations should not stimulate aquatic weed growth. Aquatic weed growth in the Bow River at Calgary was not an obvious concern this year.

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TOTAL COLIFORM BACTERIA AND E. COLI BACTERIA BOW RIVERUpstream and downstream of the Calgary Bonnybrook Wastewater Treatment Plant.

E. Coli Bacteria Bow River September: RiverWatch Fall Data, 2007

Total Coliform Bacteria Bow River September: RiverWatch Fall Data, 2007

BacteriaintheBowRiver

Total coliform bacteria during September generally met Surface Water Quality Guide-lines (50/mL) above the Bonnybrook Wastewater Treatment Plant (average 28/mL) but sometimes exceeded guidelines in the wastewater effluent plume (average 66/mL). E. coli bacteria concentrations were measured six times daily with Coliscan during Sep-tember and met Surface Water Quality standards with averages 1/mL above the Bon-nybrook Wastewater Treatment Plant and 2/mL in the wastewater effluent plume.

“Does treated wastewater affect bacteria concentrations in the Bow River?”

ANot-For-ProfitEducationCompany

Alberta RiverWatch is a one-of-a-kind science field study that has involved more than 45,000 students across central and southern Alberta since 1995. Students explore their local river using rafts fully equipped as floating laboratories for collecting information on dissolved oxygen, phosphates, nitrates, pH, turbidity, temperature, bacteria and invertebrates. Participating students finish their field study day with a better understanding of river water quality and what they can do to protect the health of rivers.

RiverWatch began as a non-profit organization in 1995 and operates with a volunteer board of directors, five full-time staff and fifteen seasonal river guides providing educational services to approximately 7000 students annually on a province-wide basis. It is the people devoted to this important work that make great things possible.

2007 Board of Directors

Howard Heffler: Environmental Engineer

Jim Gendron: Public Consultation Facilitator

Melanie Gray: EPCOR Watershed Specialist

Craig Ikeda: Global TV Director/Producer

Bob Nicholson: Media Consultant

Cal Kullman: Senior High Science Teacher

Advisor

Chris Brown: Corporate Lawyer, Osler, Hoskin and Harcourt

Staff

Cal Kullman: Executive Director

Bev Donahue: Business Manager

Jill Diamond: Fund Development Manager

Stephanie Allen: Operations Manager

Scott McMillan: Operations Manager

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RiverWatchSponsors

RiverWatch is a nonprofit education company with operation centres lo-cated in Calgary and Edmonton. The $600,000 annual operating cost for RiverWatch environmental monitoring across Alberta is derived from govern-ments, corporate sponsorship and stu-dent user fees.

The Bonnybrook Wastewater Treatment Plant and the City of Calgary Water Services generously provide operational support and funding in Calgary. Vital in-kind and funding sponsorship for the 2007 year of RiverWatch operation and equipment was provided by:

IBC

OurSponsors

Corporations 55%

Student Fees 36%

Public Fees 1%

Provincial Government 2%

Federal Government 4%

Municipal Government 2%

LTG Consulting

RiverWatchA Not-for-Profit Education Company Suite 433, 17008 – 90th Avenue Edmonton, Alberta Canada T5T 1L6

Toll Free in Alberta: 1-888-933-6300

Calgary Telephone: (403) 590-5330 or (403) 650-0381

[email protected]

operations and water quality report calgary and … · 2017. 3. 28. · the peter f. drucker award...

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