preliminary bacteria sampling and canine detection report

PRELIMINARY BACTERIA

SAMPLING AND CANINE

DETECTION REPORT

ARLINGTON MILL RESERVOIR

MILLVILLE POND

CAPTAIN’S POND

HEDGEHOG POND

SALEM, NH

DECEMBER 2014

OGUNQUIT, MAINE

SALEM, NH

DECEMBER 2014

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Preliminary Bacteria Sampling and Canine Detection Report

Arlington Mill Reservoir

Millville Pond

Captain’s Pond

Hedgehog Pond

December 2014

Prepared for:

Town of Salem

Engineering Department

33 Geremonty Drive

Salem, NH 03079

Prepared by:

FB Environmental Associates

170 West Road, Suite 6

Portsmouth, NH 03801

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Project Overview

Multiple waterbodies in Salem, NH have

been identified by the New Hampshire

Department of Environmental Services

(NHDES) as impaired due to persistent

bacterial contamination from unidentified

sources that are largely attributed to

nonpoint source pollution from the

watershed (NHDES 2012 List of Impaired

Waters). These high bacteria counts have

led to occasional beach closures in Arlington

Mill Reservoir, Captain’s Pond, Hedgehog

Pond, and Millville Pond in the past few

years. In an effort to address these

impairments, minimize beach closures, and

identify the sources of bacteria, the Town of

Salem contracted FB Environmental

Associates (FBE) and Environmental Canine

Services (ECS) to conduct a preliminary

bacteria investigation including canine

detection and water quality sampling.

Canine detection is an EPA-approved

method to detect the presence or absence of

human wastewater in a water sample.

The primary goals of this study were to:

Obtain an overview of the water

quality of each of the four ponds to address the impairments and as part of Salem’s MS4 permit

requirements for stormwater quality;

Determine if the surface water in different areas of the pond contained sources of bacteria derived from

humans;

Conduct an extensive shoreline survey of each pond to determine the location of actual sources of

human wastewater that may be contaminating the water; and

Educate the public on water quality in the four ponds.

2014 REPORT SUMMARY

Salem, NH Bacteria Sampling and Canine Detection

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Field Assessment

On October 28 and November 20 and 21, 2014, FBE and ECS investigated the waters in Arlington Mill

Reservoir, Captain’s Pond, Hedgehog Pond, and Millville Pond. At each pond, samples were collected for

bacteria analysis and for assessment by canine detection from locations throughout the surface water of the

ponds. Where possible and as time permitted, the shorelines of the ponds were investigated as well as select

storm drain outfalls and catch basins in the watersheds.

It is important to note that the canines are trained to alert only in the presence of human wastewater and

cannot assess the level of contamination in a sample. Further, as shown in a 2011 Water Environment Research

Foundation study and described in more detail in the report below, one of the canines is more sensitive to low

levels of human waste than the other. In cases of a positive alert by the more sensitive dog (Logan) only and if

other indicators of human wastewater (e.g. toilet paper, visible sewage) were not present, it is likely that the

actual amount of human wastewater present at the time of detection was also relatively low.

Major Findings

1. On the days sampled, human wastewater was likely a small component of the bacteria present in

Arlington, Captain’s, Hedgehog, and Millville Ponds.

2. Based on field observation and accompanying bacteria data, waterfowl was a relatively large source of

bacteria at some locations in Hedgehog and Arlington Mill Reservoir on the days sampled.

3. Multiple specific human-derived bacteria sources were found through shoreline and storm drain

system investigations.

Summary of results and potential sources for bacteria source tracking conducted on Arlington Mill Reservoir, Captain’s Pond, Hedgehog Pond, and Millville Pond in October and November 2014.

Waterbody Samples

Taken from Pond

Water Quality

Exceedances*

Samples Positive for

Human-Derived

Bacteria**

Other Investigations Conducted

Potential Sources Identified


24 1 19

Shoreline investigation from Wheeler Dam to Lou-

Al Lane and the dam to Ford Road

Waterfowl, Malfunctioning septic systems

Captain's Pond 10 2 7

Storm drain system investigation on Carriage Lane, Captain's Drive, and

Olde Woode Road; shoreline investigation at all

camp beaches

Outfall at intersection of Carriage Lane and Hooker

Farm Road, waterfowl, malfunctioning septic systems

Hedgehog Pond 9 1 3 Full shoreline investigation Waterfowl, residual sources in

soil on western shoreline

Millville Pond 7 3 7 -- Waterfowl, Malfunctioning

septic systems

*Bacteria concentrations assessed as colonies of E.coli/100mL with a water quality standard of 88 colonies/100mL.

**Several samples are considered to have fairly low levels of human-derived bacteria.

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Next Steps

This project was a significant first step in assessing water quality and identifying sources of bacteria to four

ponds in Salem, NH. This work also meets requirements by NHDES to address impairments and for

compliance with Salem’s MS4 permit. Future efforts should include:

1. Continue to monitor bacteria levels throughout the four ponds.

2. Follow-up on suspected sources identified in this study.

3. Develop an extensive public outreach program on waterfowl.

4. Conduct further bacteria source tracking investigations through additional sampling and canine

investigation both through shoreline surveys and from the water (on a boat).

5. Develop watershed plans for each pond.

Outreach Event

On October 28, 2014, an outreach event was held at the Ingram Senior

Center in Salem, NH. Approximately 20 people attended the event which

was hosted by Bob Puff, the Director of Engineering in Salem. The event

included a discussion of the water quality in Arlington, Captain’s,

Hedgehog, and Millville Ponds and sources of bacteria to waterbodies in

general, and a demonstration by the ECS team.

Outreach event at the Senior Center

Salem, NH Preliminary Bacteria Sampling and Canine Detection

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Table of Contents Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Bacteria in Waterbodies .................................................................................................................................................... 8

Bacteria Source Tracking Methods ................................................................................................................................ 9

Sampling in Salem, NH .......................................................................................................................................................... 11

Arlington Mill Reservoir .................................................................................................................................................. 12

Arlington Mill Reservoir Results .............................................................................................................................. 12

Arlington Mill Reservoir Discussion ....................................................................................................................... 16

Arlington Mill Reservoir Next Steps ....................................................................................................................... 17

Captain’s Pond .................................................................................................................................................................... 18

Captain’s Pond Results and Discussion .................................................................................................................. 18

Captain’s Pond Next Steps ........................................................................................................................................ 20

Hedgehog Pond .................................................................................................................................................................. 21

Hedgehog Pond Results ............................................................................................................................................... 21

Hedgehog Pond Discussion ....................................................................................................................................... 22

Hedgehog Pond Next Steps ....................................................................................................................................... 24

Millville Pond ..................................................................................................................................................................... 24

Millville Pond Results and Discussion ................................................................................................................... 24

Millville Pond Next Steps .......................................................................................................................................... 26

Overall Next Steps ................................................................................................................................................................ 26


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List of Figures

Figure 1: Sampling locations and results for Arlington Mill Reservoir .................................................................. 14

Figure 2: Sampling locations and results for Captain’s Pond. ................................................................................... 19

Figure 3: Sampling locations and results for Hedgehog Pond .................................................................................. 23

Figure 4: Sampling locations and results for Millville Pond .....................................................................................25

List of Tables

Table 1: Water Quality Impairments in Salem, NH ....................................................................................................... 9

Table 2: E.coli (colonies/100mL) results and canine results for all recurrent sampling locations on Arlington Mill Reservoir, Captain’s Pond, Hedgehog Pond, and Millville Pond in October and November 2014. ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 11

Table 3: E.coli (colonies/100mL) and canine detection results for all sampling locations on Arlington Mill Reservoir on November 20 and 21, 2014. ......................................................................................................................... 13

Table 4: E.coli (colonies/100mL) and canine detection results for all sampling locations on Captain’s Pond on October 29, 2014. .............................................................................................................................................................. 18

Table 5: E.coli (colonies/100mL) and canine detection results for all sampling locations on Hedgehog Pond on October 29, 2014. .............................................................................................................................................................. 21

Table 6: E.coli (colonies/100mL) and canine detection results for all sampling locations on Millville Pond on November 21, 2014........................................................................................................................................................... 24


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Introduction

On October 29 and November 20 and 21, 2014, FB Environmental (FBE)

and Environmental Canine Services (ECS) collaborated with the Town of

Salem, NH to conduct targeted bacteria source tracking at four of their

ponds: Arlington Mill Reservoir, Millville Pond, Captain’s Pond, and

Hedgehog Pond. The primary purpose of this testing was to obtain an

overview of the water quality of each of the four ponds and to determine

if the surface water in different areas of the pond contained sources of

bacteria derived from humans.

Multiple waterbodies in Salem, NH have been identified by the NHDES

as impaired due to persistent bacterial contamination from unidentified

sources that are largely attributed to nonpoint source pollution from the

watershed (NHDES 2012 List of Impaired Waters). These high bacteria

counts have led to occasional beach closures in Arlington Mill Reservoir,

Captain’s Pond, Hedgehog Pond, and Millville Pond in the past few years.

Once a waterbody is identified as impaired, NHDES requires municipalities

to work towards addressing these impairments through assessment and implementation projects. The Town of

Salem, NH is further required to address water quality issues through their Municipal Separate Stormwater

System Permit (MS4 Permit). This permit requires the assessment of stormwater quality and its effect on local

waterbodies.

Scott and Karen Reynolds of ECS, along with canines Sable and Logan, pioneered the canine detection method

of identifying pollution sources in the Midwest and California. Canine detection is recognized by EPA Region 1

as an effective, quality-controlled tool able to rapidly detect human-source wastewater in the environment.

FBE coordinated with ECS to conduct three days of field work in Salem, NH.

Bacteria in Waterbodies

High concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria in waterbodies can lead to posted advisories at swimming

beaches and closure of shellfish beds. These bacteria are used to signal human health risks such as

gastrointestinal, respiratory, eye, ear, nose, throat, and skin infections transmissible to humans through

consumption of contaminated fish and shellfish, skin contact, and/or ingestion of water.

E. coli bacteria are present in the intestinal tracts of warm-blooded animals and are used to indicate the

presence of fecal contamination in waterbodies. Each gram of human feces contains approximately 12 billion

bacteria, many associated with human health issues. Wastes from other warm-blooded animals, including pets,

farm animals, and wildlife may also contribute bacteria and associated disease vectors to waterbodies. E. coli

bacteria are used by the State of New Hampshire to assess the designated uses for fresh water bodies. For this

effort, E. coli sampling was conducted in addition to the canine detection efforts as all sampling locations were

from fresh waterbodies. The canines can detect human-source wastewater at low concentrations, so the

conventional bacteria test provides an idea of the severity of pollution. New Hampshire’s Class B water quality

The ECS Team investigates storm drains to Captain’s Pond


9

standard (WQS) for fresh waters for E. coli is 406 colonies/100 mL for instantaneous samples for non-

designated beaches and 88 colonies/100 mL for designated beaches. This classification is used by the NHDES to

assess attainment of bacteria water quality standards in all four ponds as these ponds are used for recreation.

Table 1 list all water quality impairments as designated by the NHDES for ponds in Salem, NH.

Table 1: Water Quality Impairments in Salem, NH (from NHDES 2012 303d List of Impaired Waters) – This project addressed impairments in bold.

Waterbody Aquatic Use Impairment Suspected Source

Arlington Mill Reservoir Primary Contact

Recreation E.coli (bacteria) Source Unknown

Captain's Pond Aquatic Life Chlorophyll-a Source Unknown

Captain's Pond Aquatic Life Dissolved oxygen saturation Source Unknown

Captain's Pond Aquatic Life Phosphorus (Total) Source Unknown

Captain's Pond Aquatic Life pH Atmospheric Deposition -

Acidity

Captain's Pond Aquatic Life pH Naturally Occurring

Organic Acids

Captain's Pond Aquatic Life Dissolved oxygen saturation Source Unknown

Captain's Pond –

Camp Otter Aquatic Life Dissolved oxygen saturation Source Unknown

Captain's Pond –

Camp Y Wood Aquatic Life Dissolved oxygen saturation Source Unknown

Captain's Pond-

Camp Hadar

Primary Contact Recreation

E.coli (bacteria) Source Unknown

Hedgehog Pond Primary Contact

Recreation E.coli (bacteria) Source Unknown

Bacteria Source Tracking Methods

Identifying the sources of bacteria to a waterbody is often difficult, as many sources are diffuse, may change

over time, and can depend on weather conditions. Methods to track sources of bacteria include:

1. Bacteria Sampling: Regular water quality sampling of a waterbody at established sampling locations

can provide general information about the sources of bacteria. For instance, high bacteria levels during

wet weather may indicate that stormwater runoff is a primary source of bacteria, while dry weather

sampling may indicate the presence of an illicit discharge.

2. Bracket Sampling: Bracket sampling is used to locate the sources of bacteria entering a storm drain

system or tributary by sampling upgradient and downgradient of potential sources to “bracket” (or

isolate) pollutant source locations. This type of testing can guide remediation efforts as it may reveal an

isolated bacteria source or that elevated bacteria levels are spread throughout the storm drain system or

watershed.


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3. Mapping and Watershed Investigation: Once areas of high bacterial pollution have been identified,

creating a map of the watershed draining to a storm drain outfall or waterbody can provide additional

information about sources of bacteria in the watershed. Through this method, the location of bacteria

sources such as sewer lines, agricultural operations, and septic systems can be assessed and their

potential contribution to the waterbody can be evaluated.

4. Microbial Source Tracking: Microbial Source Tracking refers to a broad range of genetic tests aimed at

identifying specific sources of bacteria. These methods can often indicate the source species of animal. A

highly specialized laboratory is required, cost per sample is high, and more time is required for this

method. Some methods remain experimental.

5. Canine Detection: Environmental Canine Services (ECS) has trained dogs to identify human sources of

bacteria (human sewage) through scent in a storm drain system or waterbody. This cost-efficient

method provides a rapid screening method for illicit discharge detection.

Each of the above methods has its merits, and they are most effective when used in a coordinated, watershed-

based, iterative approach to detecting sources of bacteria to waterbodies.

FBE Project Manager, Emily DiFranco, collects a water quality sample from

Arlington Mill Reservoir.


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Sampling in Salem, NH

On October 29, 2014, Scott and Karen Reynolds and canines Sable and Logan

from Environmental Canine Services (ECS) and Emily DiFranco from FB

Environmental Associates (FBE) investigated Hedgehog and Captain’s Ponds.

On November 20 and 21, 2014, Karen Reynolds and canines Sable and Logan

and Emily DiFranco returned to investigate Arlington Mill Reservoir and

Millville Pond. The primary purpose of these investigations was to identify

bacteria sources to these waterbodies in an effort to address their water

quality impairments.

Since 1998, NHDES has been collecting water quality samples from all four

ponds to assess its safety for recreation. If the results of the sampling exceed

the water quality standard for bacteria, a swimming advisory will be posted.

As shown in Table 2, results from this study fell within the range of bacteria

concentrations collected by NH DES since 1998. This project included the

sites sampled by NHDES (Table 2) as well as multiple other sites throughout

the ponds, including surface water, incoming tributaries, and outfalls.

Table 2: E.coli (colonies/100mL) results and canine results for all recurrent sampling locations on Arlington Mill Reservoir, Captain’s Pond, Hedgehog Pond, and Millville Pond in October and November 2014.

Waterbody NHDES Sampling Location Name

Sampling Location Name

Fall 2014

NHDES Sampling

Range (1998 – 2014)*

Number of Beach

Advisories (1998-2014)

E.coli

Fall 2014*

Canine Results**

Arlington Mill Reservoir Arlington Pond Beach Site 14: Arlington Pond

Beach 2-400 6 13 No/No

Arlington Mill Reservoir Second Street Beach Site 7: Second Street

Beach 2-250 3 11 No/Yes

Captain's Pond Camp Hadar Beach Camp Hadar Beach 1-510 4 33 No/No

Captain's Pond Camp Otter Beach Camp Otter Beach 2-2000 6 5 No/No

Captain's Pond Camp Y Wood Beach Camp Y Wood Beach 2-170 1 20 No/No

Hedgehog Pond Hedgehog Pond Beach Site 6: Hedgehog Pond

Beach 1-400 5 7 No/No

Millville Pond Millville Pond Beach Site 2: Millville Pond

Beach 4-240 1 115 No/Yes

Bold cells indicate an exceedance of the water quality standard for designated beaches in NH (88 colonies/100mL). Italic cells indicate a positive response by at least one canine.

*Bacteria concentrations assessed as colonies of E.coli/100mL.

**Canine results are for the presence/absence of human sources of bacteria only; Results are from two canines (Sable/Logan).

Karen Reynolds and canine Sable from ECS investigate the shoreline at Arlington

Mill Reservoir


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FBE and ECS conducted an investigation of the shoreline and surface

water of Arlington Mill Reservoir (“Arlington Pond”) on November 20

and 21, 2014. Arlington Pond is a 319-acre reservoir on the Spicket River.

It is a full recreation lake with both boating and swimming. The pond was

created in the 1920's when the Arlington Mills built a new dam to take

advantage of the water in the Spicket River which flows from Big Island

Pond in Derry, NH. In 1980, the rights to Arlington Pond were acquired by

the town of Salem. Today, the lake serves as a recreational body of water

and supplies a portion of the drinking water needs for the Town of

Salem. The outlet of the pond is located at the southern corner of the

pond at Wheeler Dam. The Spicket River continues south and eventually

flows into the Merrimack River in Lawrence, MA.

The project team began at Wheeler Dam at the outlet of the pond.

Samples were collected at locations throughout the pond in buckets for

assessment by the canines and in whirl-pak bags to be transported to

Nelson Laboratory in Kennebunk, Maine for bacteria analysis. The bucket

samples were assessed in the field and provided an overall view of potential sources of bacteria throughout the

pond. The shoreline was investigated in the southeastern corner of the pond (from Lou-Al Lane to Wheeler

Dam) and in the southern section of the pond (from Ford Road to Wheeler Dam).

Arlington Mill Reservoir Results

Results from the investigation are presented in Figure 1 and Table 3. Major findings included:

1. Human wastewater was detected at 19 of the 24 bucket sampling locations throughout Arlington Mill

Reservoir.

2. Highest bacteria concentrations in the pond were found at Site 20: Arlington Shore Drive Bridge. This

site is located just downstream of the bridge crossing and was sampled from the southern bank. This

was the only site that exceeded the water quality standard of 88 colonies/100 mL.

3. The shoreline between Site 2 and Site 3 (Cove Road neighborhood): Positive alert from canine Logan in

front of 43 Cove Road, wall at empty lot near point, and at 24 and 31 Cove Road. Logan was

particularly animated at 31 Cove Road.

Outlet of Arlington Mill Reservoir at Wheeler Dam

Karen and canine Logan investigate the shoreline on Cove Road (left 31, right empty lot)


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Table 3: E.coli (colonies/100mL) and canine detection results for all sampling locations on Arlington Mill Reservoir on November 20 and 21, 2014.

Site on

Map Site Name Type of Sample Site Description Date E. coli*

Canine Results**

1 Arlington Out River Spicket River DS from Dam 11/20/2014 11 --/Yes

2^ Arlington Cove Pond To the left of the dam

(looking US) 11/20/2014 3 --/No

3^ Arlington Brown Pond In front of 31 Cove Road 11/20/2014 8 --/Yes

4^ Arlington Blake Pond To the right of dam

(looking US) 11/20/2014 4 --/Yes

5^ Arlington Private Beach Pond North Salem Private Beach 11/20/2014 6 --/Yes

6^ Arlington Evergreen Pond On town property 11/20/2014 3 No/Yes

7^ Second Street Beach° Pond At beach 11/20/2014 11 No/Yes

8^ Arlington Outfall Outfall Alfred and Sandy Beach 11/20/2014 11 Yes/--

9^ Arlington Betty Pond

11/20/2014 29 No/Yes

10 Arlington Sunset Pond

11/20/2014 5 No/Yes

11 Arlington Tilton Pond

11/20/2014 6 No/Yes

12 Arlington Independence Pond Next to gas station 11/20/2014 16 No/Yes

13 Arlington Taylor Pond Small inlet 11/20/2014 80 No/Yes

14 Arlington Pond Beach° Pond Beach 11/20/2014 13 No/No

15 Arlington Chase River Outlet of river 11/20/2014 14 No/No

16 Arlington Jamil Pond At bridge 11/20/2014 12 No/Yes

17^ Arlington Wreck Pond In cove 11/21/2014 1 Yes/Yes

18 Arlington Artemis Pond In cove 11/21/2014 22 No/Yes

19^ Arlington Ford Pond In cove 11/21/2014 10 No/No

20 Arlington Shore Dr Bridge Pond DS of crossing 11/21/2014 488 No/Yes

21 Arlington Shore Bridge

Cove Stream River Small inlet 11/21/2014 20 Yes/Yes

22 Arlington Ann Ave Pond At small beach 11/21/2014 63 No/No

23 Arlington Gullivers Pond

11/21/2014 30 No/Yes

24 Arlington James Pond

11/21/2014 32 No/Yes

Bold cells indicate an exceedance of the water quality standard for designated beaches in NH (88 colonies/100mL); Italic cells indicate a positive response by at least one canine.

^Indicates shoreline in this area was investigated

*Bacteria concentrations assessed as colonies of E.coli/100mL

**Canine results are for the presence/absence of human sources of bacteria only; Results are from two canines (Sable/Logan)

°Indicates that the sampling location corresponds with a NHDES sampling station.


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Figure 1: Sampling locations and results for Arlington Mill Reservoir (sites in italics indicate human wastewater was detected; shaded color indicates an exceedance of the water quality standard; black dashed line indicates a shoreline investigation was conducted; triangles indicate locations of NHDES sampling stations).

Site 1

Site 4

Site 5

Site 6

Site 7

Site 8

Site 9

Site 10

Site 11

Site 12

Site 13

Site 14

Site 15

Site 16

Site 17 Site 18

Site 19

Site 20 Site 21

Site 22

Site 23

Site 24

Site 2

Site 3


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4. The shoreline at Site 17: Arlington Wreck (Wreck Avenue neighborhood): No alert from canine Sable

along western shoreline (Wreck Avenue). Positive alerts from Sable on eastern shoreline (Cove Road)

in front of 377, 379, 381, 15, and 15 Cove Road. Sable was particularly animated at 377 and 379 Cove

Road.

5. The shoreline at Site 19: Arlington Ford (at Ford Street and Shore Drive): Investigated what appeared

to be a seep from the wall at 319 Shore Drive. Sable did not alert at this location.

6. The shoreline at Site 4: Arlington Blake (right side of pond looking upstream). Positive alert at 3 and 5

Blake Road with particular interest in 5 Blake Road.

7. The shoreline between Site 5 and Site 6: North Salem Town Beach to town property at Evergreen.

Positive alerts at:

a. Outfall at North Salem Town Beach (outfall was dry)

b. 23 Blake Road (visible wet seep at wall). Canine Logan was very animated.

c. 27, 31, 33, 39, and 41 Blake Road

377 Cove Road 379 Cove Road 15 Cove Road

3 and 5 Blake Road 23 Blake Road Wet seep from wall at 23 Blake Road


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8. The shoreline between Site 6 and Site 9 (end of Sandy Beach Road to Lou-Al Lane). Positive alerts at:

a. 21 Sandy Beach Road

b. Outfall pipe at corner of Alfred and Sandy Beach Road (Site 8)

c. Brown house and adjacent white house on Franz Road point

9. As shown in Table 2 the beginning of this report, bacteria concentrations from Arlington Mill

Reservoir Pond in November 2014 were at the lower end of the range measured by NH DES since 1998

at two beaches in the pond (2-400 colonies of E.coli/100mL).

Arlington Mill Reservoir Discussion

Overall, bacteria concentrations throughout Arlington Mill Reservoir were well below the water quality

standard (Table 2). The major findings are discussed below:

1. Human wastewater was detected at 19 sites throughout the pond. At many of these sites, Logan alerted

to the presence of human wastewater while Sable did not. In a 2011 Water Environment Research

Foundation study, it was shown that Logan is more sensitive to low levels of human wastewater than

Sable. In these cases of a positive alert by Logan only and if other indicators of human wastewater (e.g.

toilet paper, visible sewage) were not present, it is likely that the actual amount of human wastewater

present at the time of detection was also relatively low. Follow-up investigations should include

assessment for other sources of bacteria, including pet and wildlife waste. Though, human sources are

not likely the primary pollutant source in these locations, future monitoring should include continued

assessment of the total contribution of human sources to bacteria concentrations as this input may

increase over time, at different times of year, and under different weather conditions.

2. At Site 21, both dogs alerted to the presence of human wastewater. This site is a small inlet stream that

drains a predominately residential area. Though bacteria concentrations at this location were below the

water quality standard, there may be a malfunctioning septic system upstream of this inlet.

3. Multiple properties are suspected of contributing human wastewater to the pond. These properties

may have malfunctioning septic systems and should be investigated.

Outfall pipe (Site 8) Brown and white houses on Franz Road

White house on Franz Road


17

4. Site 20 located downstream of the culvert crossing at Shore Drive on the western side of the pond had

bacteria concentrations that were over five times the water quality standard. At the time of sampling,

dozens of waterfowl were present near this location. As only one dog alerted to the presence of human

wastewater (indicating it is likely a small amount of the total bacteria), it is assumed that most bacteria

at this location are derived from animal sources (waterfowl).

Arlington Mill Reservoir Next Steps

1. Continue sampling at the multiple locations throughout the pond under various weather conditions.

2. Conduct septic system investigations of the properties indicated as contributing human wastewater to

the pond, including the area upstream of Site 21.

3. Conduct shoreline investigations on other sections of the pond, with particular focus on areas that had

positive alerts by at least one dog.

4. Develop an education campaign to reduce feeding waterfowl.

Site 6: Town property at Evergreen and Sandy Beach Roads

Site 14: Beach on Shore Drive


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Captain’s Pond

FBE and ECS conducted an investigation of the shoreline and surface water

of Captain’s Pond on October 29, 2014. Captain’s Pond is a 90 acre,

freshwater pond in Salem, NH and Haverhill, MA. The pond has documented

bacteria impairments and was included in the NH Statewide Bacteria TMDL

in 2010. Three summer camp properties are located on the pond. The eastern

shoreline is undeveloped, while the remaining shoreline is characterized by

single-family homes.

The project team began at the three camp beaches located on Captain’s Pond.

As most of the shoreline was inaccessible, samples were collected from the

pond in buckets for assessment by the canines and in whirl-pak bags to be

transported to Nelson Laboratory in Kennebunk, Maine for bacteria analysis.

In many locations on the north side of the pond, outfall pipes and drainage

ditches were also investigated.

Captain’s Pond Results and Discussion

Results from the investigation are presented in Figure 2 and Table 4.

Table 4: E.coli (colonies/100mL) and canine detection results for all sampling locations on Captain’s Pond on October 29, 2014.

Site Type of Sample

Description Date E. coli* Canine

Results**

Camp Hadar Beach^°

Pond At Beach 10/29/2014 33 No/No

Captain Pond 1^ Pond In pond below house on Hooker Farm Road 10/29/2014 93 No/Yes

Carriage Lft^ Outfall Pipe on Hooker Farm Road 10/29/2014 8 Yes/Yes

Carriage Middle^ Outfall Pipe on Hooker Farm Road 10/29/2014 162 Yes/Yes

Carriage Right^ Outfall Pipe on Hooker Farm Road 10/29/2014 <1 Yes/Yes

Camp Otter Beach^°

Pond At Otter Beach 10/29/2014 5 No/No

OC Culvert River Culvert at Otter Camp 10/29/2014 32 No/Yes

HF crossing River Wetland crossing near Olde Woode Dr and

Hooker Farm Road 10/29/2014 34 No/Yes

Camp Y Wood Beach^°

Pond Beach at Camp Y Wood 10/29/2014 20 No/No

Captain Pond 3 Pond Beach at red house on Captains Dr. 10/29/2014 48 No/Yes


^Indicates additional investigation was conducted at this site



°Indicates that the sampling location corresponds with a NHDES sampling station.

The beach at Camp Hadar on Captain’s Pond


19

Figure 2: Sampling locations and results for Captain’s Pond (sites in italics indicate human wastewater was detected; shaded color indicates an exceedance of the water quality standard; triangles indicate locations of NHDES sampling stations).

Camp Hadar

Beach

Camp Otter

Beach

Captain Pond 1

Carriage, Left,

Right, Middle

Camp Y

Wood Beach

HF Crossing

Captain Pond 3

OC Culvert


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Major findings included:

1. Human wastewater was detected at seven of the ten sampling locations in Captain’s Pond. At most of

these locations, only Logan alerted indicating that the actual amount of human wastewater is relatively

low.

2. Highest bacteria concentrations in the study were found at Carriage Middle, an outfall pipe on Hooker

Farm Road near the intersection with Carriage Lane. Human wastewater was detected at this site. At

this location, three outfall pipes flow through a field directly to the main pond to Captain Pond 1

through a drainage ditch. All vegetation around the drainage ditch has been mowed. An investigation

of the storm drain system on Carriage Lane was conducted and was found to have some amount of

human wastewater in all catch basins (indicated by one of two dogs).

3. Highest bacteria concentrations in the pond were found at Captain Pond 1. This was the only site

located in the pond that exceeded the water quality standard of 88 colonies/100 mL. Any contribution

of bacteria at this location is likely from the outfall pipe discussed above.

4. Bacteria concentrations at the three beaches at the three camps on the pond were below the water

quality standard and the canines did not alert to the presence of human wastewater at these sites.

5. An investigation of the storm drain system on Olde Woode Road was conducted. The dogs did not

alert to the presence of human wastewater at any catch basin.

6. An investigation of the storm drain system on Captain’s Drive on the southern side of the pond was

conducted. The dogs alerted to the presence of human wastewater in a small drainage ditch near the

outfall to the pond. The adjacent home (red house) appears to be an older building

7. As shown in Table 2 at the beginning of this report, bacteria concentrations from Captain’s Pond on

October 29, 2014 were at the lower end of the range measured by NH DES since 1998 at the three

camps on Captain’s Pond (1 -2,000 colonies of E.coli/100mL).

Captain’s Pond Next Steps

1. Continue sampling at the camp beaches on Captain’s Pond under various weather conditions.

2. Investigate the sources of bacteria to the outfall pipes on Hooker Farm Road and Carriage Lane.

Outfall pipes and drainage ditch on Hooker Farm Road near Carriage Lane. Middle pipe had high bacteria concentrations and was positive for human wastewater.


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3. Investigate any possible sources of bacteria to the drainage ditch on Captain’s Drive.

Hedgehog Pond

FBE and ECS conducted an investigation of the shoreline and

surface water of Hedgehog Pond on October 29, 2014. Hedgehog

Pond is a small freshwater pond in Salem, NH. The pond is used as

the town’s public beach. The inlet to the pond is located near

sampling location HH7, but is not visible from the pond as it is

directed under Lowell Road/NH State Road 38. The outlet is

located at the southern tip of the pond.

The project team began at the public bathhouse at Hedgehog Pond

and walked the entire shoreline of the pond. As the inlet to the

pond was not accessible on Lowell Road, samples were collected

from the culvert crossing on Stiles Road. Samples were collected from

the pond in buckets for assessment by the canines and in whirl-pak bags to be transported to Nelson

Laboratory in Kennebunk, Maine for bacteria analysis.

Hedgehog Pond Results

Results from the investigation are presented in Figure 3 and Table 5.

Table 5: E.coli (colonies/100mL) and canine detection results for all sampling locations on Hedgehog Pond on October 29, 2014.

Site Description Date E. coli* Canine

Results**

Site 1 In pond 10/29/2014 47 No/No


Site 3 In pond 10/29/2014 20 Yes/Yes

Site 4 In pond 10/29/2014 8 No/Yes

Site 5 In pond 10/29/2014 17 No/Yes

Site 6° In pond – Hedgehog Pond Beach 10/29/2014 7 No/No



Site 9 Inlet - Stream crossing on Stiles Road 10/29/2014 88 No/No




° Indicates that the sampling location corresponds with a NHDES sampling station

Karen and canine Logan investigate Hedgehog Pond


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1. Human wastewater was detected at three of the nine sampling

locations in Hedgehog Pond, all located in the southern end of the

pond. Both canines also alerted on multiple locations on the

southwestern shoreline of the pond.

2. Highest bacteria concentrations in the pond were found at Site 7 and

were over five times the water quality standard. This was the only

site that exceeded the water quality standard of 88 colonies/100 mL.

3. The inlet stream to Hedgehog Pond met the water quality standard

threshold of 88 colonies/100mL at the crossing on Stiles Road (Site

9). Human wastewater was not detected at that site.

4. As shown in Table 2 at the beginning of this report, bacteria concentrations from Hedgehog Pond on

October 29, 2014 were similar in magnitude to those found since 1998 by NH DES at sampling location

Site 6 (1 -400 colonies of E.coli/100mL).

Hedgehog Pond Discussion

Overall, bacteria concentrations throughout Hedgehog Pond were below the water quality standard and did

contain human wastewater (Table 5). The major findings are discussed below:

1. Site 7 located near the inlet to the pond had bacteria concentrations that were over five times the water

quality standard. At the time of sampling, dozens of ducks were present near this location. As no human

wastewater was detected at this site or from the inlet stream (Site 9), it is assumed that bacteria at this

location are derived from animal sources (waterfowl).

5. Human wastewater was detected in the pond at Site 3, Site 4, and Site 5. At Site 4 and Site 5, Logan

alerted to the presence of human wastewater while Sable did not. In a 2011 Water Environment

Research Foundation study, it was shown that Logan is more sensitive to low levels of human

wastewater than Sable. In these cases of a positive alert by Logan only and if other indicators of human

wastewater (e.g. toilet paper, visible sewage) were not present, it is likely that the actual amount of

human wastewater present at the time of detection was also relatively low. Follow-up investigations

should include assessment for other sources of bacteria, including pet and wildlife waste. Though,

human sources are not likely the primary pollutant source in these locations, future monitoring should

include continued assessment of the total contribution of human sources to bacteria concentrations as

this input may increase over time, at different times of year, and under different weather conditions.

2. At Site 3, both dogs alerted to the presence of human wastewater. Both dogs also alerted along the

shoreline in multiple locations along the western and southern edges of the pond. No obvious sources

were discovered at these locations, though historical use of this area (old outfalls, wastewater systems)

should be investigated as residual sources of human wastewater may exist in the soils in this area.

However, the overall contribution to the pond appears to be relatively low indicating this is not a

concentrated source.

Existing sign at Hedgehog Pond


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Figure 3: Sampling locations and results for Hedgehog Pond (sites in italics indicate human wastewater was detected; shaded color indicates an exceedance of the water quality standard; triangles indicate locations of NHDES sampling stations).

Site 1

Site 2

Site 3

Site 4

Site 5

Site 6

Site 7 Site 8

Site 9


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Hedgehog Pond Next Steps

1. Continue sampling at the public beach on Hedgehog Pond under various weather conditions.

2. Enhance the education campaign to reduce feeding of waterfowl. This could include signage or pamphlets outlining bacteria contributions from waterfowl.

3. Investigate residual sources of bacteria in soils near the southwestern shoreline of the pond.

Millville Pond

FBE and ECS conducted an investigation of Millville Pond

on November 21, 2014. Millville Pond is a freshwater pond

in Salem, NH with areas of dense residential development

and little shoreline buffer. The outlet of the pond is located

at a dam at Site 3.

The project team began at the inlet of Millville Pond on

Millville Street. As much of the shoreline was inaccessible,

even in draw-down conditions, samples were collected

from the pond in buckets for assessment by the canines

and in whirl-pak bags to be transported to Nelson

Laboratory in Kennebunk, Maine for bacteria analysis.

Millville Pond Results and Discussion

Results from the investigation are presented in Table 6 and Figure 4.

Table 6: E.coli (colonies/100mL) and canine detection results for all sampling locations on Millville Pond on November 21, 2014.

Site Description Date E. coli* Canine Results**

1 Mill- Inlet 11/21/2014 186 No/Yes

2° Millville Pond Beach 11/21/2014 115 No/Yes

3 Mill-Dam 11/21/2014 44 No/Yes

4 Mill- Grove 11/21/2014 59 No/Yes

5 Mill - Crescent 11/21/2014 9 No/Yes

6 Mill-Jana 11/21/2014 145 No/Yes

7 Mill-Woodmeadow 11/21/2014 57 No/Yes




° Indicates that the sampling location corresponds with a NHDES sampling station

Millville Pond at Woodmeadow Beach


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Figure 4: Sampling locations and results for Millville Pond (sites in italics indicate human wastewater was detected; shaded color indicates an exceedance of the water quality standard; triangles indicate locations of NHDES sampling stations).

Site 1

Site 2

Site 3

Site 4

Site 6

Site 7

Site 5


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1. Human wastewater was detected at all of the seven sampling locations in Millville Pond. However,

only canine Logan alerted to the presence of human wastewater indicating that the actual amount in

the pond is minimal.

2. Highest bacteria concentrations in the pond were found at the inlet (Site 1), public beach (Site 2), and

a small cove off of Jana Road (Site 6). These sites exceeded the water quality standard of 88

colonies/100 mL.

3. As shown in Table 2 at the beginning of this report, bacteria concentrations from Millville Pond on

November 21, 2014 were within the range previously assessed by NH DES since 1998 at sampling

location 2 (2-240 colonies of E.coli/100mL).

Millville Pond Next Steps

1. Continue sampling at the public beach on Millville Pond under various weather conditions.

2. Investigate the potential sources of bacteria upstream of the inlet, near the beach on Millville Circle, and near Jana Road.

3. Conduct a more detailed investigation of the shoreline from a boat in the summer.

Overall Next Steps

This project was a significant first step in assessing water quality and identifying sources of bacteria to four

ponds in Salem, NH. This work also meets requirements by NHDES to address impairments and for

compliance with Salem’s MS4 permit. Future efforts should include:

1. Continue to monitor bacteria levels throughout the four ponds under different weather conditions and

at different times of year.

2. Follow-up on suspected sources identified in this study.

3. Develop an extensive public education and outreach program on waterfowl.

4. Conduct further bacteria source tracking investigations through additional sampling and canine

investigation both through shoreline surveys and from the water (on a boat).

5. Develop watershed plans for each pond.

preliminary bacteria sampling and canine detection report

Documents