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Nottawasaga Bay Nearshore Water Quality

Monitoring Project

Prepared By: Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority

February 2017

Executive Summary The Nottawasaga River basin represents the largest source of nutrients and suspended sediment entering Nottawasaga Bay, a sub-bay at the south end of

Georgian Bay, part of Lake Huron in Ontario. Its drainage area is dominated by agricultural land use and expanding urban centres. The main branch as well as

many tributaries exceed the Ontario Provincial Water Quality Objective for total phosphorus and maintain elevated concentrations of Escherichia coli (E. coli) due in part to watershed land uses. Where the Nottawasaga River discharges into the

Bay, a large plume of turbid water extends into the Bay during storm/snowmelt events. This sediment and nutrient-laden plume may impact the health of the

nearshore environment.

The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority was retained by Environment and Climate Change Canada to undertake a study in the nearshore zone of Nottawasaga Bay in late summer 2016.

The objectives of this project were:

Collect baseline water quality samples from pre- and post-rain events to measure nutrient and nuisance bacteria concentrations,

Characterize the status and health of the benthic macroinvertebrate

community throughout the nearshore, Document the presence of several invasive species,

Document the presence of Cladophora, Use the findings to support best management practices and inform

management decisions.

The results of the water quality sampling program indicate that small and

moderate-sized rain events generate a locally significant plume at the confluence of the Nottawasaga River and Bay, whose dispersal is driven by wind and wave conditions. The greatest impairments to water quality occur in those areas

proximal to the confluence of the River both upcurrent and downcurrent. Total phosphorus and E. coli were the parameters of greatest concern in the plumes

tracked, with recorded exceedences of the PWQO for total phosphorus. Nitrate and total reactive phosphorus levels did not exceed established water quality objectives in samples obtained during these events.

The influence of locally derived sources of impairment to water quality cannot be

overlooked as elevated concentrations of total phosphorus, E. coli and turbidity isolated from the main Nottawasaga River plume were also recorded during storm event sampling. Local sources include streams draining directly to the Bay, faulty

septic and sewage systems, urban runoff, and wildlife.

The proliferation of coarse, mobile sand substrates made benthic macroinvertebrate sampling inconsequential as a water quality assessment indicator – this shifting substrate does not support significant benthic populations. The same sand

substrate is a likely driver keeping Cladophora and Dreissenid mussel populations in the nearshore area sporadic and very low, if not entirely absent.

Table of Contents

Background ................................................................................................... 1

Methods ........................................................................................................ 4

Location ..................................................................................................... 4

Water Chemistry ......................................................................................... 6

Sample Events ............................................................................................ 7

Benthic Macroinvertebrates .......................................................................... 8

Incidental Observations ............................................................................... 8

Data Analysis .............................................................................................. 8

Water Chemistry ...................................................................................... 8

Benthic Macroinvertebrates ........................................................................ 8

Results and Discussion ................................................................................. 10

Water Chemistry ....................................................................................... 10

September 15 – Baseline Event ................................................................ 10

September 19 – Post-Rain Event (48 hours prior) ....................................... 14

September 21 – Post-Rain Event (96 hours prior) ....................................... 20

October 4 – Post-Rain Event (48 hours prior) ............................................. 25

October 6 – Post-Rain Event (96 Hours Prior)............................................. 31

Benthic Macroinvertebrates ........................................................................ 36

Groynes ................................................................................................... 36

Incidental Observations ............................................................................. 37

Conclusion .................................................................................................. 39

Recommendations ........................................................................................ 41

References .................................................................................................. 43

Appendix A: Chemistry Data .......................................................................... 45

Appendix B: Benthic Macroinvertebrate Data ................................................... 55

Appendix C: Incidental Observations .............................................................. 56

Appendix D: Site Photos ............................................................................... 57

Table of Figures Figure 1: Nottawasaga River Plume, July 2006. Source: AeroCamera Services

Ltd./SSEA ..................................................................................................... 2

Figure 2: Sampling locations in Nottawasaga Bay. .............................................. 4

Figure 3: Generalized plume paths along the eastern shore of Nottawasaga Bay as determine by modeling completed by SNC Lavalin (2006). .................................. 6

Figure 4: Hydrometric graph from the Water Survey of Canada flow gauge Edenvale

(02ED027) between September 13 and October 7, 2016. Blue dots represent sampling events. ............................................................................................ 7

Figure 5: Contour map displaying turbidity at surface sampling stations on September 15 following seven days without rain and minimal wave and wind action.

Interpolation between sites completed using the natural neighbour method. ....... 10

Figure 6: Contour map displaying turbidity at mid-depth sampling stations on September 15 following seven days without rain and minimal wave and wind action.

Interpolation between sites completed using the natural neighbour method. ....... 11

Figure 7: Contour map displaying total phosphorus concentrations at surface

sampling stations on September 15 following seven days without rain and minimal wave and wind action. Interpolation between sites completed using the natural neighbour method. ....................................................................................... 12

Figure 8: Contour map displaying total phosphorus concentrations at mid-depth sampling stations on September 15 following seven days without rain and minimal

wave and wind action. Interpolation between sites completed using the natural neighbour method. ....................................................................................... 13

Figure 9: Contour map displaying turbidity at mid-depth sampling stations on

September 19, 48 hours following a moderate rain event. Interpolation between sites completed using a natural neighbour method. .......................................... 15

Figure 10: Contour map displaying turbidity at surface sampling stations on September 19, 48 hours following a moderate rain event. Interpolation between sites completed using a natural neighbour method. .......................................... 16

Figure 11: Contour map displaying total phosphorus concentrations at surface sampling stations on September 19, 48 hours following a moderate rain event.

Interpolation between sites completed using a natural neighbour method. .......... 17

Figure 12: Contour map displaying total phosphorus concentrations at mid-depth sampling stations on September 19, 48 hours following a moderate rain event.


Figure 13: Contour map displaying Escherichia coli concentrations at surface

sampling stations on September 19, 48 hours following a moderate rain event. Interpolation between sites completed using a natural neighbour method. .......... 19

Figure 14: Contour map displaying turbidity at surface sampling stations on

September 21, 96 hours following a moderate rain event. Interpolation between sites completed using a natural neighbour method. .......................................... 21

Figure 15: Contour map displaying turbidity at mid-depth sampling stations on September 21, 96 hours following a moderate rain event. Interpolation between

sites completed using a natural neighbour method. .......................................... 22

Figure 16: Contour map displaying total phosphorus concentrations at mid-depth

sampling stations on September 21, 96 hours following a moderate rain event. Interpolation between sites completed using a natural neighbour method. .......... 23

Figure 17: Stonewort (Chara) detritus deposited along the Georgian Beach

shoreline. .................................................................................................... 25

Figure 18: Contour map displaying turbidity at surface sampling stations on October

4, 48 hours following a small rain event. Interpolation between sites completed using a natural neighbour method. ................................................................. 26


sampling stations on October 4, 48 hours following a small rain event. Interpolation between sites completed using a natural neighbour method. .......... 27

Figure 20: Contour map displaying total phosphorus concentrations at mid-depth sampling stations on October 4, 48 hours following a small rain event. Interpolation between sites completed using a natural neighbour method. .......... 28

Figure 21: Contour map displaying Escherichia coli concentrations at surface sampling stations on October 4, 48 hours following a small rain event.


Figure 22: Contour map displaying Escherichia coli concentrations at mid-depth




Figure 24: Contour map displaying total phosphorus concentrations at mid-depth sampling stations on October 6, 96 hours following a small rain event. Interpolation between sites completed using a natural neighbour method. .......... 33



Figure 26: Sand dominated substrate (West of River 1). No algae growth and no Dreissenid mussel use. ................................................................................. 37

Figure 27: Cobble-boulder dominated substrate (Allenwood 2). Algae growth on rocks present but not complete. No Dreissenid mussel observation at this site. ... 38

Figure 28: Dreissenid mussel shells deposited along the shore at New Wasaga Beach. Mussel beds were not noted in the nearshore sampling (<2 m depth) suggesting beds are located in abundance in the deeper nearshore or pelagic zones.

................................................................................................................. 38

Figure 29: Hydrometric graph from the Water Survey of Canada flow gauge Edenvale (02ED027) between January 1 and December 1, 2016. The red circled

area represents the active sampling period of this study. .................................. 41

Figure 30: Substrate at West of River 1 .......................................................... 57



Figure 33: Substrate at New Wasaga 1 ........................................................... 58



Figure 36: Substrate at Allenwood 1 ............................................................... 59



Figure 39: Substrate at Woodland 1 ............................................................... 60



Figure 42: Substrate at Edmore 1 .................................................................. 61



Figure 45: Substrate at Georgian 1 ................................................................ 62



Figure 48: Substrate at Bluewater 1 ............................................................... 63



Table of Tables

Table 1: Benthic macroinvertebrate results from Nottawasaga Bay on October 6,

2016. ......................................................................................................... 36

Table 2: Water Chemistry Data for September 15, 2016 ................................... 45



Table 5: Water Chemistry Data for October 4, 2016 ......................................... 51

Table 6: Water Chemistry Data for October 6, 2016 ......................................... 53

Table 7: Benthic macroinvertebrate results from Nottawasaga Bay sampling on

October 6, 2016. .......................................................................................... 55

Table 8: Incidental observations of invasive species made during the sampling

program. .................................................................................................... 56

ALTERNATIVE FORMATS

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document in an alternative format.

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NVCA | Nottawasaga Bay Nearshore Water Quality Monitoring Project Report, 2017 1

Background Nottawasaga Bay is located at the southern end of Georgian Bay in Ontario. The

Bay is experiencing a multitude of stressors that are changing its ecosystem, especially in the nearshore environment. The proliferation of invasive species,

specifically Dreissenid mussels is altering nutrient dynamics and food webs. Current and intensifying urban and agricultural land use practices in its drainage area are resulting in significant nutrient, sediment and bacterial loading to the Bay.

Recent botulism outbreaks that have killed thousands of fish and birds are a concern to residents and management officials and are becoming more common

(Chun et al., 2013). Alteration of the nearshore environment through groynes, dredging and shoreline hardening is removing or degrading valuable shoreline and

nearshore habitats. Dreissena polymorpha and Dreissena bugensis known commonly as zebra and

quagga mussels have proliferated in the Great Lakes since their arrival in the 1980’s. Through their sheer numbers as proficient filter feeders, the mussels have

caused phytoplankton depopulation and species shifts (Alderstein et al., 2013). Their filtering activity has also had a direct effect on reducing available nutrients in particle and planktonic forms which impacts zooplankton populations with effects

cascading through the food web, impacting important recreational and commercial fisheries. In essence, these non-native mussels convert available nutrients into

mussel biomass or as deposited feces and shift nutrients from the pelagic to the nearshore and shallow offshore zones where mussels are found (Hecky et al., 2004; Nalepa et al., 1999).

The Nottawasaga River basin represents the largest source of nutrients and

suspended sediment entering Nottawasaga Bay (Figure 1). The Nottawasaga River drains a watershed characterized by natural cover and agricultural land use with expanding urban centres and an increasing number of wastewater treatment

facilities. The Nottawasaga River and several of its tributaries regularly exceed the Ontario Provincial Water Quality Objectives (PWQO; (OMOEE, 1994)) for total

phosphorus, the recreational water quality guideline for Escherichia coli (E. coli) and the Canadian Water Quality Guideline for total suspended solids (CCME, 2002) due in part to current and intensifying urban and agricultural land use practices.

With an estimated 47 tonnes of phosphorus entering Nottawasaga Bay from the Nottawasaga River annually, this nutrient load has the potential to promote excess

algae growth and to negatively impact water quality (SNC Lavalin, 2006). The deterioration in water quality has the potential to impact both the natural and human components of the nearshore environment, including the world’s longest

freshwater beach at Wasaga Beach.


Figure 1: Nottawasaga River Plume, July 2006. Source: AeroCamera Services Ltd./SSEA

The beaches of Nottawasaga Bay are an area of economic and recreational

importance, with over 2 million people visiting Wasaga Beach every summer. Since 2007, Wasaga Beach Provincial Park has been designated as a Blue Flag beach based on a suite of eco-certification measures including water quality. The

importance of these beaches warrants cause to monitor, track, and report on nearshore water quality conditions and determine the effects of land use decisions.

Although beach water sampling for E. coli is conducted during the summer months along Nottawasaga Bay by Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, and beach associations in The Township of Tiny, more information is

required to enhance the understanding of Nottawasaga Bay, as this body of water is underrepresented in scientific literature.

The shoreline of Nottawasaga Bay has undergone significant alteration through hardening, dredging, vegetation removal and groyne construction, all of which are

known to negatively affect water quality and habitat conditions. By providing a sheltering effect, groynes impede circulation and water exchange, leading to water

quality impairments (Davies et al., 2013).

Management agencies and the public are also concerned about the thousands of dead birds and fish (including the threatened Lake Sturgeon) that periodically wash up on local beaches of Nottawasaga Bay due to outbreaks of botulism. Botulism is

an illness caused by the toxins produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum which resides in nutrient-rich, anoxic substrates on the nuisance algae Cladophora

beds found commonly in the Great Lakes (Chun et al., 2013) and possibly within the Dreissenid mussel beds. Biomagnification through the food web can result in episodes of mass fish and bird death (Dermott et al., 2005). In late summer/fall

2011, it was estimated that more than 6,000 dead birds washed up on the shores of Wasaga Beach, due to a single botulism outbreak. Smaller outbreaks continue to

occur along the Bay.


In September 2016, the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority was retained

by Environment and Climate Change Canada to undertake a study in the nearshore zone of Nottawasaga Bay. The purpose of this project was to collect water quality

and biological data from the nearshore zone of southeastern Nottawasaga Bay to evaluate the impact and spatial extent of the plume of turbid water discharging from the Nottawasaga River into Nottawasaga Bay.

The objectives of this project were:

Collect baseline water quality samples from pre- and post-rain events to measure nutrient concentrations,

Characterize the status and health of the benthic macroinvertebrate

community throughout the nearshore, Document the presence of several invasive species,

Document the presence of Cladophora, Use the findings to support best management practices and inform

management decisions.

The findings from this study provide preliminary information that aids our

understanding of the general health of the nearshore environment as it is impacted by the plume of turbid water exiting the Nottawasaga River. Recommendations for

further work to build on the results of this study and enhance our understanding of river/bay interactions are provided in the conclusion of the report.


Methods

Location Nottawasaga Bay is a sub-bay at the southern extent of Georgian Bay in Ontario

(Figure 2). The Nottawasaga River empties into Nottawasaga Bay at its southern limit draining a catchment of 3361 km2. The sampling program targeted the nearshore zone of southeastern Nottawasaga Bay. For the purposes of this study

the nearshore zone was defined as the immediately accessible first 2 metres of depth along public beaches.

Figure 2: Sampling locations in Nottawasaga Bay.

Sampling occurred at seven nearshore locations in the vicinity of the Nottawasaga River confluence along transects perpendicular to the shore. Beginning west


(upcurrent) of the confluence the transect locations extend for 12 km northeast along the coast from Wasaga Beach into The Township of Tiny.

Each transect consisted of three sampling sites, located offshore at 0.5 m, 1.5 m,

and 2.5 m depths. At each sampling site, samples were taken immediately below the water surface and at mid-depth, for a total of six samples per transect.

Site nomenclature was based on the corresponding beach location, except for the “West of River” site which has a geographically based named. Each location is

comprised of three sampling sites, named as “West of River 1,” to represent the 0.5 m depth, “West of River 2,” to represent the 1.5 m depth, and “West of River 3,” to represent the 2.5 m depth. In addition, samples were taken at surface and mid-

water depth, which are differentiated by “West of River 1A,” for surface water samples, and “West of River 1B,” for mid-depth samples.

Based on the modelling done by SNC Lavalin (2006), Figure 3 represents the general flow patterns that were anticipated with regards to the movement of the

plume. Scenario one, with west winds, the plume travels along the east side of Nottawasaga Bay, reaching Spratt Point in The Township of Tiny, where it then is

directed offshore (red arrows). For scenario two, during strong north-west winds, the plume is anticipated to move along the east side of Nottawasaga Bay, staying

close to shore and moving north along the coast of The Township of Tiny (yellow arrows). For the third scenario, with easterly winds, the plume is anticipated to cycle back and move towards the west (orange arrows). Countless other flow paths

undoubtedly also occur as conditions change.


Figure 3: Generalized plume paths along the eastern shore of Nottawasaga Bay as determine by modeling completed by SNC Lavalin (2006).

Water Chemistry Water samples were collected and analyzed for total phosphorus, orthophosphate, Escherichia coli, and nitrate by SGS Canada Inc. (Lakefield, ON). SGS Canada Inc.

is an accredited and certified laboratory. In situ measurements of temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, pH, and turbidity were collected using a YSI ProDSS

handheld multi-parameter sonde. In situ light penetration was measured with a Secchi disk.

At each site, a grab sample was taken immediately below the water surface and at mid-depth using a Beta Plus 3.2 L horizontal Van Dorn-style sampler by Wildco

(Yulee, FL), for a total of six samples per transect.

2

1

3

Spratt Point

Nottawasaga Bay

Township of Tiny

Town of

Wasaga Beach


Sample Events A total of five sampling events were conducted, with one event characterizing baseline conditions, and the other four capturing post-rain events. A baseline event

was characterized by three days without significant precipitation (>5cm rain). Dates sampled were September 15, 2016 (baseline), September 19, September 21, October 5, and October 6 (depicted by blue dots on Figure 4). The baseline event

of September 15 occurred seven days following any significant precipitation. Post-rain sampling events occurred with a time lag of a minimum of two days following

the episode of rain. Scheduling events with this lag allowed the surge in Nottawasaga River flows to reach the Bay prior to sampling.

Figure 4: Hydrometric graph from the Water Survey of Canada flow gauge Edenvale (02ED027) between September 13 and October 7, 2016. Blue dots represent

sampling events. Field days were selected, in part, by monitoring the Environment Canada and

Climate Change rain gauges near Collingwood, ON and Thornbury, ON. Two stations were used in the effort to capture all storms that cross the southern end of

Nottawasaga Bay. Storm tracks affecting the study area do not always pass through Collingwood, the station closest to the river mouth.


Field days were also selected based on assessment of the Water Survey of Canada flow gauge near Edenvale, ON located in the lower reach of the Nottawasaga River.

This gauge was used to determine flow response and presence of a river mouth plume following rain events. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association

Lake Huron coastal forecasting system was also relied upon when selecting field days, for consistency in wave and wind conditions (south and south-west winds with minimal wave action to ensure safe sampling conditions).

Benthic Macroinvertebrates Benthic macroinvertebrates (BMI) were collected using a standard ponar grab (9”x9”) from Wildco (Yulee, FL) on October 6. The BMI were collected at the 1.5 m

depth contour. Initial plans to sample at different depths were removed from the study design based on professional judgement. Homogeneous, shifting sand

substrate prevalent at the majority of stations provides poor habitat for BMI populations. Following field collections, full samples were passed through a 500 µm mesh and preserved in 95% ethanol. The 500 µm mesh allowed for the retention

of macroinvertebrates. BMI were identified by a taxonomy specialist, Henry Kowalyk of BII Consulting (Minesing, ON). Samples were identified to the lowest

practical taxonomic level.

Incidental Observations A GoPro Hero4 Camera was used to photo-document the presence Cladophora,

invasive species, and the substrate at each location. Incidental sightings of Cladophora and invasive species were also noted during two beach walks conducted along Wasaga Beach and the municipal beaches in The Township of Tiny on October

31 and December 7.

Data Analysis

Water Chemistry Water chemistry data were compared to Ontario Provincial Water Quality Objectives

for total phosphorus and E. coli and Federal Water Quality Guidelines for nitrates, turbidity (OMOEE, 1994; CCME, 2012; CCME, 2002). Water chemistry data were mapped using a natural neighbour technique (Sibson, 1981), a method of spatial

interpolation conducted using ArcMap 10.1 (ESRI, Redlands, CA). The natural neighbour technique was used to demonstrate graphically the presence and

structure of a plume on a given day of sampling. It also allowed for inferences about the flow path the plume was following between sample days.

Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessment prognoses are largely dependent on biotic indices that have been

developed to give numerical scores to specific indicator organisms. Such organisms have identifiable physical and chemical habitat requirements. Changes in physical and chemical conditions result in changes in the presence/absence and proportions

of these organisms, indicating whether system health is considered Unimpaired, Below Potential or Impaired.


Several indices were calculated to identify the relative water quality at each location within the study area. These indices were specifically selected to highlight

attributes of the benthic communities that characterize each location.

Abundance

The abundance is the total number of individuals present in a sample. Higher abundance in area-weighted sampling can be indicative of better water or habitat

quality.

Species Richness

Species richness is defined as the total number of species present in a sample. Higher species richness is usually associated with higher water quality.

% Chironomids Chironomids (i.e., bloodworms, midges) are common in a variety of aquatic

habitats, however high proportions are generalized to be indicative of poor water quality. This assumption is based on generalized family level characteristics though

species-specific traits show that some chironomidae can be indicative of high quality waters.

% EPT

This metric measures the proportion of mayflies (Ephemeroptera), stoneflies

(Plecoptera) and caddisflies (Trichoptera) within each sample. These three orders are often associated with unimpaired conditions. A higher value generally indicates better water quality.


Results and Discussion

Water Chemistry

September 15 – Baseline Event September 15 was chosen to represent baseline conditions, as there was no rain in the seven days prior. Wind and wave activity on Nottawasaga Bay were minimal in

the three days prior to and the day of sampling (NW wind 6-11 km/h – light breeze). Discharge from the Nottawasaga River (based on Edenvale WSC gauge)

was 7.2 m3/s.

Turbidity

Turbidity at surface and most mid-depth stations was very low in Nottawasaga Bay falling well below 1.0 NTU during baseline sampling (Figure 5).

Figure 5: Contour map displaying turbidity at surface sampling stations on September 15 following seven days without rain and minimal wave and wind action.

Interpolation between sites completed using the natural neighbour method.

Turbidity at mid-depth sites showed elevated levels of 8.84 NTU at Bluewater 3B (Figure 6). A persistent turbidity increase to this level would indicate a level of impairment when compared to Ontario or CCME long-term water quality guidelines.


Figure 6: Contour map displaying turbidity at mid-depth sampling stations on

September 15 following seven days without rain and minimal wave and wind action. Interpolation between sites completed using the natural neighbour method.

Total Phosphorus Total phosphorus concentrations at surface and mid-depth stations were most

commonly below the laboratory detection limit (0.009 mg/L) during the baseline sampling event (Figure 7, Figure 8). Several isolated sites recorded total

phosphorus concentrations above the detection limit but below the Ontario PWQO for lakes. Site Edmore 3A had a total phosphorus concentration of 0.41 mg/L, twice the PWQO for lakes.

The extent of the “red zone” of elevated total phosphorus is unknown and the zone

on Figure 7 is a result of the natural neighbour interpolation method used to generate the figure. Additional sampling locations would be required to obtain a more accurate representation of water quality conditions.


Figure 7: Contour map displaying total phosphorus concentrations at surface sampling stations on September 15 following seven days without rain and minimal

wave and wind action. Interpolation between sites completed using the natural neighbour method.

Despite the elevated total phosphorus concentrations at the surface (Edmore 3A), concentrations at the mid-depth site Edmore 3B were below detection limit.

Concentrations at mid-depth (Bluewater 3B) were elevated (0.023 mg/L), above the PWQO, its paired surface water site was below detection.


Figure 8: Contour map displaying total phosphorus concentrations at mid-depth sampling stations on September 15 following seven days without rain and minimal

wave and wind action. Interpolation between sites completed using the natural neighbour method.

Total Reactive Phosphorus Total reactive phosphorus concentrations for surface and mid-depth sites were all

below the detection limit (0.03 mg/L) during the baseline sampling event. No figures are shown.

Nitrates Nitrate concentrations for surface and mid-depth sites ranged between 0.18 mg/L

to 0.28 mg/L during the baseline sampling event. No figures are shown as the results were all very low and nearly uniform.

Escherichia coli E. coli concentrations at surface and mid-depth stations were very low ranging from

0 cfu/100mL to 5 cfu/100mL across all sample sites. Concentrations in this range were well below the recreational PWQO for Ontario. No figures are shown as the results were all very low.

Summary

The conditions in Nottawasaga Bay on September 15 were reflective of a large oligotrophic body of water. Nutrient concentrations were for the most part very low, frequently at or below detection limits. Water clarity through turbidity and


Secchi depth measurements was clear with total penetration to the bottom at all locations. As the sampling event captured baseline conditions, outcomes of this

nature were anticipated across the study area.

A preliminary theory of the investigators speculated that the turbid and nutrient-rich waters of the Nottawasaga River would be detected in the Bay at the closest station, about 1 km downcurrent even under baseline conditions; they were not.

The lack of evidence showing any impact during baseline sampling suggests that Nottawasaga Bay has the capacity to assimilate the nutrients, bacteria and

sediments being discharged from the Nottawasaga River under similar conditions. Elevated total phosphorus concentrations were noted at two sites Edmore 3A and

Bluewater 3B on September 15. The investigators suspect that water quality conditions arose from locally derived sources (stream or sewage system inputs) as

was found by Severn Sound Environmental Association (2008). An alternate theory suggests that a total phosphorus plume is being recirculated shoreward from the open water of Nottawasaga Bay or southward down the coast by the northwesterly

wind and wave conditions. This theory suggests that the storm plume arose from a source to the north.

September 19 – Post-Rain Event (48 hours prior) A post-rain event was sampled on September 19 following 27.6 mm (Collingwood, Thornbury – 43.8 mm) of rain occurring 48 hours earlier. Nottawasaga River discharge had increased from a pre-storm low of 6.74 m3/s to 7.89 m3/s on the day

of sampling. Wind was low (3-8 km/h – light breeze) from the southwest pushing the current northeastward up the coast towards The Township of Tiny.

Turbidity Turbidity at most surface and mid-depth stations was very low in Nottawasaga Bay

falling well below 1.0 NTU (Figure 9, Figure 10). A small increase in turbidity was detected at surface West of River sites and at mid-depth New Wasaga sites. The

New Wasaga sites immediately downcurrent of the Nottawasaga River confluence appear to indicate that a small plume of sediment is discharging from the River and traveling along the coast. The increase in turbidity remains small 1-2 NTU over

background levels (Figure 9).



sites completed using a natural neighbour method.

The mid-depth West of River sites upcurrent from the Nottawasaga River confluence appear to indicate that the surface component of the plume has circled back and was detected immediately west of the confluence. The measured levels of

turbidity were small 2-5 NTU (Figure 10).


Figure 10: Contour map displaying turbidity at surface sampling stations on September 19, 48 hours following a moderate rain event. Interpolation between


Total Phosphorus

The results for both surface and mid-depth stations illustrate a slight elevation in total phosphorus concentration at locations within close proximity to the

Nottawasaga River confluence. The majority of sampled locations remained below the laboratory detection limit.

The surface and mid-depth New Wasaga sites downcurrent of the River confluence have total phosphorus concentrations ranging from 0.009 mg/L to 0.018 mg/L

(excluding non-detects) (Figure 11, Figure 12). The New Wasaga sites also indicated the formation of a small plume from the Nottawasaga River.


Figure 11: Contour map displaying total phosphorus concentrations at surface sampling stations on September 19, 48 hours following a moderate rain event.

Interpolation between sites completed using a natural neighbour method.

The surface and mid-depth West of River sites upcurrent of the confluence ranged from 0.009 mg/L to 0.016 mg/L (excluding non-detects) (Figure 11, Figure 12). The West of River sites appear to indicate that at least a portion of the plume from

the Nottawasaga River may be circling back against the standard view of Bay circulation.




Total Reactive Phosphorus

Total reactive phosphorus concentrations for surface and mid-depth sites were all below the detection limit (0.03 mg/L) during the post-rain sampling event. No

figures are shown.

Nitrates

Nitrate concentrations for surface and mid-depth sites ranged between 0.18 mg/L to 0.34 mg/L during the 48 hours post-rain sampling event. This range was only

slightly higher than baseline conditions. No figures are shown as the results were all very low and nearly uniform.

Escherichia coli The results for both surface and mid-depth E. coli concentrations indicate a slight

increase at the first two sampling locations (West of River and New Wasaga), situated around the confluence of the River. The range of concentrations at these two locations was 3 cfu/100mL to 56 cfu/100mL, elevated over baseline conditions

but well below the recreational PWQO (Figure 13 – surface stations map shown though it is also reflective of the mid-depth trend).


Figure 13: Contour map displaying Escherichia coli concentrations at surface sampling stations on September 19, 48 hours following a moderate rain event.


Summary

The September 19 sampling occurred two days following a moderate rain event (27.6 mm) which increased Nottawasaga River discharge by 17% over pre-rain

levels. These conditions were sufficient to foster the development of a small plume in Nottawasaga Bay as evidenced through turbidity, total phosphorus and E. coli

concentrations. Elevated concentrations of these parameters were measured at the stations within close proximity to the River confluence, both up- and downcurrent in the Bay. Water clarity remained total with clear view of the bottom substrate.

The appearance of the plume at both up- and downcurrent stations puzzled

investigators, as southwesterly winds and a moderate increase in River discharge were hypothesized to be strong enough to push the plume northward. The current circulation model (SNC Lavalin, 2006) showed that it is not uncommon for the

waters of the Nottawasaga River to discharge into the Bay and circulate north, northwest or even due west given certain wind patterns. This suggests that the

wind and current conditions on September 19 were not strong enough to force the plume to follow a northeasterly flow up the coast, allowing some to circulate to the west.


The composition of the plume as sampled on September 19 suggests that the Nottawasaga River following a moderate rain event has a modest impact on the

water quality of the Bay. All physicochemical parameters showed no increase or only minor increases over baseline conditions. Total phosphorus concentrations at

two sample sites increased to near the PWQO for lakes while most others remained near the detection limit. Local concern is strong over beach fowling from E. coli, to this point E. coli concentrations remain below the provincial recreational limit.

September 21 – Post-Rain Event (96 hours prior) September 21 sampling captured water quality conditions following a moderate rain event (27.6 mm – Collingwood, 43.8 mm – Thornbury) that occurred four days

prior, in order to understand the amount of time required for concentrations to disperse within the Bay. Nottawasaga River discharge increased from a pre-storm low of 6.74 m3/s to 7.89 m3/s (September 19) before decreasing to 7.60 m3/s on

September 21. Wind was low (2-8 km/h – light breeze) from the west-southwest continuing to push the current along the coast.

Turbidity Turbidity at most surface and mid-depth stations was very low in Nottawasaga Bay

falling well below 1.0 NTU, however a third of stations had turbidity above 1.0 NTU. Relatively elevated turbidity ranging from 0.3 NTU to 6.62 NTU continued to be measured at those stations closest to the Nottawasaga River confluence; West of

River and New Wasaga. Slightly elevated turbidity (>1.0 NTU) was measured at all surface stations closest to the coast (“1A” stations) except Woodland 1A and

Georgian 1A (Figure 14).


Figure 14: Contour map displaying turbidity at surface sampling stations on September 21, 96 hours following a moderate rain event. Interpolation between


At mid-depth, stations closest to the coast had relatively elevated turbidity ranging from 1.96 NTU to 8.74 NTU (Figure 15). Sites further from the coast had low turbidity.




These results suggest that a plume continues to persist in the vicinity of the River confluence and may be extending up the coast through Allenwood Beach. An alternate explanation could have the plume persisting near the River confluence

stations and dispersing prior to traveling along the coast. Elevated turbidity along the coast could arise from local drainage into the Bay or sediment resuspension due

to wind and wave activity.

Total Phosphorus

Total phosphorus concentrations at surface and mid-depth stations were at or minimally above the laboratory detection limit. Most stations in the vicinity of the

Nottawasaga River confluence had slightly elevated total phosphorus compared to baseline conditions ranging from 0.010 mg/L to 0.012 mg/L. Elevated total phosphorus was measured at Georgian 1B (0.019 mg/L) and 2B (0.016 mg/L)

which approached the PWQO (Figure 16).






figures are shown.

Nitrates

Nitrate concentrations for surface and mid-depth sites ranged between 0.17 mg/L to 0.30 mg/L during the 96 hours post-rain sampling event. This range was

marginally higher than baseline conditions. No figures are shown as the results were all very low and nearly uniform.


increase over baseline conditions at the first sampling location east of the confluence (New Wasaga). The range of concentrations at New Wasaga 6 cfu/100mL to 24 cfu/100mL, were well below the recreational PWQO. Results from

all other stations were similar to the very low baseline concentrations. No figures are shown.


Summary The September 21 sampling event occurred 96 hours after a moderate rain event.

Discharge from the Nottawasaga River remained elevated compared to baseline conditions despite the storm peak flow having passed. The continued monitoring of

the rain event was intended to gauge the longevity and movement of the plume captured on September 19.

The plume that covered all proximal sites to the confluence appears to have dissipated. The physicochemical parameters at the West of River location have

reduced to at or near their baseline values. Turbidity, total phosphorus and E. coli at the New Wasaga location have remained elevated, though slightly reduced compared to the September 19 event. These results suggest the plume has

decreased in size and intensity at the River confluence when compared to September 19.

Based on wind patterns, the plume was expected to track northeast along the coast into The Township of Tiny. Turbidity results suggest that the plume did not extend

beyond Allenwood Beach following this rain event. Total phosphorus and E. coli results suggest the plume did not extend even that far, stopping around New

Wasaga Beach.

Elevated turbidity at coastal stations along the shoreline suggests sediment resuspension or beach scour due to wave action or the influence of local tributary loading. Investigators believe resuspension and scour as a likely cause considering

higher wind activity the day prior may have increased wave action. If tributary loading was a cause one would expect to observe a parallel increase in total

phosphorus. The relationship between total phosphorus and suspended sediments in agricultural runoff is well established (Wise et al., 2007; Christensen et al., 2000; Kronvang et al., 1997; Grayson et al., 1996). The tributaries draining the

agricultural lands in The Township of Tiny would be expected to maintain a similar relationship.

Local tributary drainage may explain the isolated rise in total phosphorus concentrations at Georgian Beach (SSEA, 2008). Alternatively, Georgian Beach had

uprooted algal material (stonewort - Chara) along its shore and in the water (Figure 17). The influence of the algal detritus on total phosphorus concentrations

warrants further investigation.


Figure 17: Stonewort (Chara) detritus deposited along the Georgian Beach shoreline.

October 4 – Post-Rain Event (48 hours prior) A post-rain event was sampled on October 4 following 9.2 mm (Thornbury,

Collingwood – 4.2 mm) 48 hours prior. The Nottawasaga River discharge increased from a pre-storm low of 6.65 m3/s to 7.83 m3/s. Wind was low (5-12 km/h – light breeze) from the south. Wave activity was slight. The small storm was predicted to

form a minor plume that would cover less spatial extent and have lower nutrient concentrations.

Turbidity Turbidity at surface and mid-depth stations was very low (<1.0 NTU) following the

small rain event. Slightly elevated turbidity ranging from 1.4 NTU to 4.7 NTU was measured proximal to the River confluence offshore at West of River 2 and New

Wasaga 3 (Figure 18). Slightly elevated turbidity ranging from 1.1 NTU to 1.8 NTU was also recorded at Bluewater 1, the cause of which is unknown.


Figure 18: Contour map displaying turbidity at surface sampling stations on October 4, 48 hours following a small rain event. Interpolation between sites completed

using a natural neighbour method.

Total Phosphorus

Total phosphorus concentrations at surface and mid-depth stations were primarily below the detection limit, though 10% of the samples were close to the PWQO,

none exceeded it. The elevated total phosphorus concentrations ranged from 0.011 mg/L to 0.020 mg/L were recorded at West of River 1, Georgian 1-3 and Bluewater

3 (Figure 19, Figure 20).


Figure 19: Contour map displaying total phosphorus concentrations at surface sampling stations on October 4, 48 hours following a small rain event.



Figure 20: Contour map displaying total phosphorus concentrations at mid-depth sampling stations on October 4, 48 hours following a small rain event.




figures are shown.

Nitrates




increase over baseline conditions at the three sampling locations closest to the confluence (West of River, New Wasaga and Allenwood) (Figure 21, Figure 22). The range of concentrations was 3 cfu/100mL to 57 cfu/100mL, well below the

recreational PWQO. Results from all other stations were similar to the very low baseline concentrations.


Figure 22: Contour map displaying Escherichia coli concentrations at mid-depth sampling stations on October 4, 48 hours following a small rain event.


Summary

The October 4 sampling event occurred two days following a small rain event (9.2 mm) which increased Nottawasaga River dischage by 18% over pre-rain levels.

These conditions allowed for the development of a weak plume in Nottawasaga Bay as evidenced through turbidity, total phosphorus and E. coli concentrations.

Elevated concentrations of these parameters were measured at the stations within close proximity to the River confluence, both up- and downcurrent in the Bay.

The recurrence of a plume in the Bay suggests that small and moderate sized rain events may regularly form visible (turbidity) and chemical signatures that can be

tracked in the Bay. The generalized location and extent of the October 4 plume was very similar to that of the September 19 plume. The October plume had a different chemical fingerprint when compared to the September plume. The

September plume had slightly elevated levels of sediments (turbidity), total phosphorus and E. coli at West of River and New Wasaga locations, surrounding the

Nottawasaga River confluence. The October plume had slightly elevated turbidity effect the same stations near the confluence but total phosphorus was restricted to West of River and E. coli was drawn out covering all stations from the confluence to

Woodland Beach. These results suggest that the sources and dispersion drivers for these chemical parameters differ between rain events.


Total phosphorus concentrations were elevated at the northern two stations within

the study area: Georgian and Bluewater. These results appear isolated from the Nottawasaga River plume generated after the October 2 rain event. Their

discontinuity from the West of River results suggest a secondary source, including local watercourse loading or Bay recirculation (SSEA, 2008). Widespread sediment resuspension is an unlikely cause as turbidity at these locations remained fairly low.

Recirculation in Nottawasaga Bay may be the explanation for this situation as strong easterly winds were prominent leading up to October 4. As such, the wind

conditions could have disrupted traditional counterclockwise Bay circulation. Additional sampling locations situated further offshore could be useful in a scenario such as this one, in order to see whether a plume is located further offshore.

October 6 – Post-Rain Event (96 Hours Prior) A post-rain event was sampled on October 6 four days after a small storm (9.2 mm – Thornbury, 4.2 mm – Collingwood). Nottawasaga River discharge increased from

a pre-storm low of 6.65 m3/s to 7.83 m3/s (October 4) before decreasing to 7.77 m3/s on October 6. Wind was low (2-9 km/h – light breeze) from the east pushing the plume off the coast. Wind the day before was stronger (11-19 km/h – gentle

breeze) from the southeast pushing the plume northward along the coast.

Turbidity

Turbidity at surface and mid-depth stations was very low (<1.0 NTU) at all stations except New Wasaga 1A which registered 1.3 NTU. No figures are shown as the

results were very low and nearly uniform.

Total Phosphorus

Total phosphorus at surface and mid-depth stations was above the detection limit between the Nottawasaga River confluence and Edmore Beach ranging between

0.010 mg/L to 0.024 mg/L (Figure 23, Figure 24). Ten percent of sites south of Spratt Point were nearing the PWQO (>0.017 mg/L) and one site exceeded it; West of River 2B. All results north of Spratt Point were below the detection limit.


Figure 23: Contour map displaying total phosphorus concentrations at surface sampling stations on October 6, 96 hours following a small rain event.



Figure 24: Contour map displaying total phosphorus concentrations at mid-depth sampling stations on October 6, 96 hours following a small rain event.



Total reactive phosphorus concentrations for surface and mid-depth sites were all below the detection limit (0.03 mg/L) during the post-rain sampling event except

for station Woodland 2B. Woodland had a total reactive phosphorus concentration of 0.130 mg/L. Total phosphorus at Woodland 2B was only 0.010 mg/L, which

makes the previous result highly suspicious. No figures are shown.

Nitrates



Escherichia coli

The results from both surface and mid-depth E. coli concentrations were very low at most stations (<10 cfu/100mL). Elevated E. coli concentrations occurred

downcurrent of the River confluence at New Wasaga Beach and to a lesser degree at Allenwood Beach (Figure 25). Those results at New Wasaga 1A and 1B were

between 900 cfu/100mL and 1,100 cfu/100mL, well in exceedence of the recreational PWQO. New Wasaga 2A also slightly exceeded the PWQO.




Summary The October 6 sampling event occurred four days following a small rain event (9.2

mm). Discharge from the Nottawasaga River remained elevated compared to baseline conditions despite the storm peak flow having passed. The weak plume

which was detected on October 4 continued to move north along the coast impacting all stations south of Spratt Point. Nutrient and bacteria components of the plume also continued to intensify despite water clarity returning to near

background levels.

The composition of the October 6 plume was primarily total phosphorus and E. coli with very little impact from sediments (turbidity). Total phosphorus detection above baseline levels was widespread across all locations south of Spratt Point with

concentrations at numerous locations trending towards the PWQO. E. coli concentrations exceeding the recreational PWQO were measured east of the


Nottawasaga confluence at New Wasaga Beach, while concentrations at Allenwood and Woodland Beaches were elevated (20-50 cfu/100mL) but well below the PWQO.

The results from October 6 detected the largest plume from the five sample events.

Although the majority of sites displayed increased concentrations, they were still below the PWQO limit.


Benthic Macroinvertebrates Benthic macroinvertebrates, large bottom dwelling aquatic insects, are excellent

indicators of aquatic ecosystem health as they are exposed to a wide range of conditions and are long lived (Jones et al., 2007). In addition, benthic macroinvertebrates are relatively easy to sample, identify, and analyze, making

them a useful “tool” for the determination of water quality. Different benthic macroinvertebrate species exhibit a range of tolerances to pollution and other

stressors. Therefore, the health of an aquatic ecosystem can be inferred by analyzing the community of organisms present.

Table 1: Benthic macroinvertebrate results from Nottawasaga Bay on October 6, 2016.

Indices West of

River

New

Wasaga Allenwood Woodland Edmore Georgian Bluewater Total

Abundance 2 3 0 6 6 1 0 18

Richness 2 2 0 3 4 1 0 7

%Chironomidae 50 67 0 100 83 100 0 83

%EPT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

All locations exhibited very low overall abundance of individuals and no EPT taxa, indicating that the study area was lacking key habitat components. Benthic macroinvertebrate habitat is commonly restricted due to the availability of suitable

substrate on which to live, shelter and feed. In the locations sampled for benthic analysis, the dominant substrate is highly mobile sand. Sand is a poor substrate

for benthic habitat due to its mobility and inability to provide sheltered attachment locations, like gravel or cobble. The highly abrasive texture of moving sand also poses a risk to macroinvertebrates of being abraded as the sand grains rub against

the soft-bodied benthos.

Groynes The NVCA was tasked with sampling water quality around groynes in the nearshore

environment. However, due to the higher water levels of Nottawasaga Bay this year (above historical average), all groynes were submerged and difficult to locate.

A modelling study produced for the Township of Tiny by Coldwater Consulting Ltd. (Davies et al., 2013) examined the relationship between water levels and the intensity of water movement in areas with groynes from three different scenarios:

low water, mean water, and high water. The high water scenario resulted in increased circulation, as waves were able to break over the submerged groynes.

The increased circulation would minimize or eliminate the isolated backwater effect and corresponding concerns about magnification of chemical and bacteriological impacts in water quality. For these reasons and the limited scope of this project,

the benefit of sampling water quality around groynes during high water scenarios was impractical.

The investigation of groynes and associated potential impacts should be conducted

during low water level years.


Incidental Observations Photographs were taken at each sampling site to capture substrate and incidental observations of Cladophora and invasive species, particularly Dreissenid mussels.

Substrate at the two-thirds of sampling locations was dominated by coarse mobile sand; the remaining third were composed of cobble-boulder substrates. The sand dominant locations were absent any algae growth and mussel sightings (Figure 26).

Light algae growth occurred at the cobble substrate sites, while Dreissenid mussel populations were near zero (Figure 27). Cladophora was not observed at any of the

seven nearshore locations. Invasive species such as round goby were observed at several locations while Dreissenid mussel shells were highly visible on beaches following periods of higher wave activity (Figure 28).

Figure 26: Sand dominated substrate (West of River 1). No algae growth and no Dreissenid mussel use.


Figure 27: Cobble-boulder dominated substrate (Allenwood 2). Algae growth on rocks present but not complete. No Dreissenid mussel observation at this site.

Figure 28: Dreissenid mussel shells deposited along the shore at New Wasaga Beach. Mussel beds were not noted in the nearshore sampling (<2 m depth)

suggesting beds are located in abundance in the deeper nearshore or pelagic zones.


Conclusion The Nottawasaga River is the largest river draining into Nottawasaga Bay and with it comes significant loadings of sediments and phosphorus. It is estimated that the

Nottawasaga River deposits an annual load of 47 tonnes of phosphorus into the Bay from the agricultural and expanding urban centres in the watershed (SNC Lavalin,

2006). The river is generally turbid throughout the summer months, exhibiting elevated suspended sediment concentrations and regularly exceeding the Ontario Provincial Water Quality Objectives (PWQO) for total phosphorus and Escherichia

coli (recreational objective).

The oligotrophic receiving waters of the Bay appear to rapidly assimilate the loadings from the Nottawasaga River during baseflow conditions. The impact of the

Nottawasaga River on the Bay during baseflow was negligible with stations maintaining trace/below detection concentrations of monitored parameters.

Following both a small and a moderate rain event, a visible (turbidity) and chemical plume formed in the Bay encompassing those stations nearest the Nottawasaga

River confluence, both up- and downcurrent. The location and dispersal pattern of the plume during these two events was likely driven as much by wind and wave patterns as by River discharge and loadings. The light wind and waves during the

sampling period allowed the plume to exit the river and disperse in a semi-circular radial pattern around the confluence.

With time, both plumes intensified around the confluence. A portion of the October (small event) plume appears to have traveled northward up the coast. The

chemical signature of the October plume can be seen as far north as Spratt Point at Edmore Beach.

The physicochemical characteristics of both plumes were comparable with relatively elevated turbidity, total phosphorus, and E. coli concentrations at the West of River

and New Wasaga locations. Turbidity was not significantly elevated and may be a poor means of tracking small and moderate storm plumes. Total phosphorus

concentrations increased substantially from consistent levels below 0.009 mg/L to 0.015 mg/L, with sporadic levels above the PWQO. E. coli concentrations also increased from a baseline of near 0 cfu/100mL to 50 cfu/100mL with three records

exceeding the PWQO (two of those nearing 1,000 cfu/100mL). Nitrate and total reactive phosphorus concentrations remained below their respective PWQOs at all

stations over all sampling events. The sampling program found discontinuity in the results along the coast, suggesting

that secondary sources may have an impact on the nearshore chemistry of the Bay. Samples north of Spratt Point often had elevated turbidity and/or total phosphorus

concentrations that were clearly isolated from the Nottawasaga River plume. Equally, samples along the coast near Woodland and Allenwood Beaches occasionally would show elevated turbidity, nutrient and bacterial concentrations

above what would be predicted by simply tracking the River plume along the coast.


The impact of local sources on the water quality of the nearshore may be minor compared to the influence of the Nottawasaga River but they should not be

overlooked at a local level.

Benthic macroinvertebrate populations in the nearshore were at such a low level that proper conclusions on water quality cannot be inferred. The dominance of a mobile coarse sand substrate across the study area restricted the suitability of

habitat for a benthic macroinvertebrate community to survive. Benthic sampling is not recommended for future plume/shoreline sampling in this area.

Incidental observations show that nearshore algae, Cladophora and Dreissenid mussel within the study area (nearshore; depths <2 m). Cladophora and

Dreissenid mussels were not observed in the study area, while algae growth on pockets of cobble substrate was moderate and not problematic. Detrital algae

(Chara) and Dreissenid mussel shells washed onto the shore following a period of higher wave activity suggest that offshore algae and mussel populations at the edge of maximum wave action penetration are greater than those observed in the

study area. Round goby was observed frequently in the study area and appear to be omnipresent along the Nottawasaga Bay shoreline.

The results from this study indicate that small-sized, higher frequency rain events

associated with low to moderate increases in river discharge result in minor impairments to water quality conditions at areas within close proximity to the confluence of the river. Rain events resulting in low river discharge rates (~7.90

m3/s) were not strong enough to produce a plume that covered a large spatial area. The findings from this study have resulted in many recommendations towards

gaining a more detailed understanding of the plume and its potential impacts along the shoreline.


Recommendations In order to get a better understanding of the plume and its impact on the nearshore environment, a series of recommendations are made that would provide more

detailed information on this issue.

A monitoring program designed to conduct year-round sampling would significantly enhance our understanding of the plume. By sampling year-round, larger rain/snowmelt events and higher river discharge rates could be

captured, therefore further documenting the extent of the plume and its chemical and bacterial characteristics. As seen in Figure 29, the discharge

rates monitored in this September/October sampling study were very low, compared to those that occurred earlier in 2016 and likely do not reflect the

extent and character of the river plume during higher discharge events.

Figure 29: Hydrometric graph from the Water Survey of Canada flow gauge Edenvale (02ED027) between January 1 and December 1, 2016. The red circled

area represents the active sampling period of this study.

A rigorous sampling program with additional in-Bay sample sites would

enhance the ability to define the spatial extent and chemical/bacterial characteristics of the plume.


Installation of a real-time water quality monitoring station in the lower

Nottawasaga River would allow for more accurate characterization of the temporal variation and the annual loading of nutrients to the Nottawasaga

Bay. A real-time water quality gauge can: o Identify existing or emerging water quality issues o Detect changes in water quality instantaneously

o Evaluate long term changes in water quality in response to land use o Monitor diurnal, seasonal, and storm event-driven fluctuations in water

quality

Periodic water sampling at an offshore location in Nottawasaga Bay to

characterize the ambient waters (those unaffected by the discharge).

Establish a groyne impact monitoring program during the low water period on Georgian Bay.

Continued monitoring of Cladophora and invasive species in the nearshore environment is needed. This can be accomplished by partnering with local

municipalities, beach associations and community groups who can lead a group of citizen scientists to monitor for these potential problem species.

Establish or enhance an existing stewardship program in the Nottawasaga

River watershed and the smaller watersheds along the coast of the Township

of Tiny. The stewardship program should focus on nutrient and bacterial abatement projects.


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Edition. T.F. Nalepa, and D.W. Schlosser (Eds.). CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, 525-543 pp.

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field turbidity measurements for the computation of total phosphorus and suspended solids loads. Journal of Environmental Management v.47 257-267.

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p.112.

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Appendix A: Chemistry Data Table 2: Water Chemistry Data for September 15, 2016

Location Time Temperature

°C pH

Dissolved

Oxygen

mg/L

Conductivity

µS/cm

Turbidity

NTU

Phosphorus

(total

reactive)

mg/L

Nitrate

(as N)

mg/L

Phosphorus

(total)

mg/L

E. Coli

cfu/100mL

West of River 1A 11:10 19.8 7.84 9.27 229 0.73 <0.03 0.28 <0.009 1

West of River 1B 11:16 <0.03 0.28 <0.009 3

West of River 2A 11:26 20.3 8.04 9.09 227 1.93 <0.03 0.27 <0.009 5

West of River 2B 11:32 <0.03 0.27 <0.009 2

West of River 3A 11:45 20.7 8.45 8.99 207 0.05 <0.03 0.22 <0.009 1

West of River 3B 11:50 <0.03 0.22 <0.009 0

New Wasaga 1A 12:10 20.2 8.43 9.30 204 0.34 <0.03 0.19 <0.009 0

New Wasaga 1B 12:15 <0.03 0.19 0.010 2

New Wasaga 2A 12:18 20.6 8.37 8.90 201 0.26 <0.03 0.20 <0.009 1

New Wasaga 2B 12:20 <0.03 0.20 <0.009 0

New Wasaga 3A 12:35 20.7 8.30 8.89 201 0.04 <0.03 0.20 <0.009 0

New Wasaga 3B 12:38 <0.03 0.20 <0.009 0

Allenwood 1A 13:00 20.8 8.31 9.21 203 0.20 <0.03 0.20 0.010 0

Allenwood 1B 13:03 <0.03 0.20 <0.009 1

Allenwood 2A 13:15 20.7 8.22 9.08 201 0.20 <0.03 0.19 0.009 0

Allenwood 2B 13:16 <0.03 0.20 0.011 1

Allenwood 3A 13:24 20.8 8.16 9.27 201 0.21 <0.03 0.19 <0.009 1

Allenwood 3B 13:25 <0.03 0.19 0.009 1

Woodland 1A 13:42 21.8 8.30 9.31 200 0.18 <0.03 0.19 0.011 1



°C pH

Dissolved

Oxygen

mg/L

Conductivity

µS/cm

Turbidity

NTU

Phosphorus

(total

reactive)

mg/L

Nitrate

(as N)

mg/L

Phosphorus

(total)

mg/L

E. Coli

cfu/100mL

Woodland 1B 13:43 <0.03 0.19 <0.009 1

Woodland 2A 13:55 21.1 8.26 9.16 199 0.15 <0.03 0.19 <0.009 1

Woodland 2B 13:56 <0.03 0.19 <0.009 0

Woodland 3A 14:08 21.4 7.96 8.83 196 0.36 <0.03 0.19 <0.009 0

Woodland 3B 14:10 <0.03 0.19 <0.009 0

Edmore 1A 14:30 22.2 8.25 8.85 196 0.06 <0.03 0.18 <0.009 0

Edmore 1B 14:35 <0.03 0.18 <0.009 0

Edmore 2A 14:51 21.9 8.21 8.82 196 0.10 <0.03 0.18 <0.009 0

Edmore 2B 14:52 <0.03 0.18 <0.009 0

Edmore 3A 15:05 21.7 7.91 8.76 196 0.07 <0.03 0.19 0.041 0

Edmore 3B 15:06 <0.03 0.19 <0.009 0

Georgian 1A 15:23 22.1 8.35 9.02 196 0.02 <0.03 0.18 <0.009 0

Georgian 1B 15:24 <0.03 0.18 <0.009 0

Georgian 2A 15:34 21.8 8.14 8.99 195 0.04 <0.03 0.18 <0.009 0

Georgian 2B 15:35 <0.03 0.18 <0.009 0

Georgian 3A 15:57 21.6 7.97 8.99 194 0.11 <0.03 0.18 <0.009 0

Georgian 3B 15:59 <0.03 0.18 <0.009 0

Bluewater 1A 16:13 23.6 8.14 8.48 208 0.14 <0.03 0.26 <0.009 0

Bluewater 1B 16:14 <0.03 0.26 <0.009 0

Bluewater 2A 16:24 21.8 8.15 8.89 195 0.05 <0.03 0.18 0.013 0

Bluewater 2B 16:25 <0.03 0.18 <0.009 0

Bluewater 3A 16:34 21.7 7.87 8.90 195 0.08 <0.03 0.18 <0.009 0

Bluewater 3B 16:35 22.3 8.02 8.60 2 8.84 <0.03 0.18 0.023 0


Table 3: Water Chemistry Data for September 19, 2016


°C pH

Dissolved

Oxygen

mg/L

Conductivity

µS/cm

Turbidity

NTU

Phosphorus

(total

reactive)

mg/L

Nitrate

(as N)

mg/L

Phosphorus

(total)

mg/L

E. Coli

cfu/100mL

West of River 1A 10:10 20.4 7.92 9.06 250 0.70 <0.03 0.33 0.012 28

West of River 1B 10:10 20.4 7.94 9.04 251 0.76 <0.03 0.33 0.012 35

West of River 2A 10:25 20.7 7.88 8.82 242 5.24 <0.03 0.31 <0.009 19

West of River 2B 10:25 20.5 7.92 8.90 250 0.52 <0.03 0.34 0.016 33

West of River 3A 10:33 20.8 8.07 8.79 231 2.42 <0.03 0.28 <0.009 13

West of River 3B 10:33 20.6 8.08 8.98 239 0.31 <0.03 0.28 <0.009 10

New Wasaga 1A 10:47 20.7 8.20 9.58 221 1.60 <0.03 0.23 <0.009 56

New Wasaga 1B 10:47 20.6 8.20 9.48 221 3.12 <0.03 0.23 0.011 44

New Wasaga 2A 10:54 20.7 7.92 8.95 213 0.21 <0.03 0.22 0.018 7

New Wasaga 2B 10:54 20.6 7.91 8.81 215 2.19 <0.03 0.21 0.009 5

New Wasaga 3A 11:05 21.2 8.18 9.38 204 0.05 <0.03 0.21 <0.009 5

New Wasaga 3B 11:05 20.9 8.19 9.23 204 0.01 <0.03 0.20 <0.009 3

Allenwood 1A 11:24 21.3 8.27 8.75 211 0.21 <0.03 0.21 <0.009 3

Allenwood 1B 11:24 21.2 8.30 8.82 211 0.54 <0.03 0.21 <0.009 3

Allenwood 2A 11:32 21.1 8.30 9.15 209 0.12 <0.03 0.21 <0.009 1

Allenwood 2B 11:32 20.8 8.31 9.02 209 0.21 <0.03 0.21 <0.009 0

Allenwood 3A 11:41 21.2 8.13 8.83 208 0.07 <0.03 0.21 <0.009 0

Allenwood 3B 11:41 20.7 8.14 8.94 210 0.23 <0.03 0.22 0.011 3

Woodland 1A 11:57 21.6 8.31 9.49 207 0.38 <0.03 0.20 <0.009 10

Woodland 1B 11:57 21.6 8.27 9.42 207 0.54 <0.03 0.20 <0.009 6

Woodland 2A 12:09 21.3 8.37 9.07 204 0.02 <0.03 0.19 <0.009 1

Woodland 2B 12:09 21.0 8.36 9.28 204 0.12 <0.03 0.19 <0.009 3



°C pH

Dissolved

Oxygen

mg/L

Conductivity

µS/cm

Turbidity

NTU

Phosphorus

(total

reactive)

mg/L

Nitrate

(as N)

mg/L

Phosphorus

(total)

mg/L

E. Coli

cfu/100mL

Woodland 3A 12:17 21.4 8.39 9.02 204 0.02 <0.03 0.20 <0.009 1

Woodland 3B 12:17 21.0 8.38 9.29 203 0.09 <0.03 0.19 <0.009 0

Edmore 1A 13:03 22.8 8.8 8.67 202 0.26 <0.03 0.19 <0.009 1

Edmore 1B 13:03 22.6 8.77 8.82 200 0.05 <0.03 0.19 <0.009 4

Edmore 2A 13:15 21.9 8.47 8.69 200 0.23 <0.03 0.19 <0.009 1

Edmore 2B 13:15 21.5 8.43 8.87 199 0.15 <0.03 0.19 <0.009 1

Edmore 3A 13:25 21.9 8.4 8.77 201 0.22 <0.03 0.18 <0.009 1

Edmore 3B 13:25 21.6 8.36 8.95 199 0.15 <0.03 0.19 <0.009 1

Georgian 1A 13:39 23.3 8.41 8.61 150 0.24 <0.03 0.18 <0.009 0

Georgian 1B 13:39 23.1 8.39 8.85 200 0.14 <0.03 0.18 <0.009 1

Georgian 2A 13:50 22.6 8.3 8.50 207 2.53 <0.03 0.18 0.010 0

Georgian 2B 13:50 22.0 8.3 8.76 200 0.31 <0.03 0.18 <0.009 0

Georgian 3A 14:03 22.3 8.37 8.79 203 0.30 <0.03 0.20 <0.009 0

Georgian 3B 14:03 21.7 8.4 8.99 200 0.25 <0.03 0.18 <0.009 0

Bluewater 1A 14:26 23.6 8.39 8.56 202 0.91 <0.03 0.20 <0.009 2

Bluewater 1B 14:26 23.5 8.37 8.61 201 1.41 <0.03 0.22 <0.009 0

Bluewater 2A 14:38 22.5 8.31 8.46 200 0.40 <0.03 0.19 0.012 0

Bluewater 2B 14:38 21.9 8.3 8.72 196 0.33 <0.03 0.19 <0.009 0

Bluewater 3A 14:45 21.9 8.26 8.99 196 0.11 <0.03 0.19 <0.009 0

Bluewater 3B 14:45 21.8 8.31 8.95 196 0.08 <0.03 0.19 <0.009 0


Table 4: Water Chemistry Data for September 21, 2016


°C pH

Dissolved

Oxygen

mg/L

Conductivity

µS/cm

Turbidity

NTU

Phosphorus

(total

reactive)

mg/L

Nitrate

(as N)

mg/L

Phosphorus

(total)

mg/L

E. Coli

cfu/100mL

West of River 1A 10:51 21.3 8.87 9.23 203 1.96 <0.03 0.18 <0.009 3

West of River 1B 10:51 21.2 8.81 8.97 198 2.09 <0.03 0.17 <0.009 5

West of River 2A 11:05 21.1 8.40 8.78 201 0.58 <0.03 0.17 0.010 1

West of River 2B 11:05 21.0 8.38 8.77 201 0.52 <0.03 0.18 0.010 0

West of River 3A 11:14 21.1 8.25 9.57 200 0.34 <0.03 0.17 <0.009 1

West of River 3B 11:14 21.0 8.20 9.00 200 0.46 <0.03 0.17 0.010 0

New Wasaga 1A 11:25 20.9 8.27 8.79 239 2.56 <0.03 0.30 <0.009 14

New Wasaga 1B 11:25 20.8 8.27 8.85 239 4.46 <0.03 0.30 <0.009 24

New Wasaga 2A 11:33 20.7 8.12 8.70 237 6.62 <0.03 0.28 <0.009 6

New Wasaga 2B 11:33 20.8 8.14 8.81 234 0.54 <0.03 0.29 0.012 11

New Wasaga 3A 11:40 21.2 8.19 8.76 229 1.79 <0.03 0.27 <0.009 6

New Wasaga 3B 11:40 21.0 8.19 8.84 229 0.36 <0.03 0.27 <0.009 8

Allenwood 1A 11:54 21.2 8.26 8.75 209 1.19 <0.03 0.20 <0.009 1

Allenwood 1B 11:54 21.0 8.25 8.87 207 8.74 <0.03 0.20 0.010 0

Allenwood 2A 12:02 21.0 8.13 9.01 206 0.17 <0.03 0.20 0.010 1

Allenwood 2B 12:02 21.0 8.05 8.97 207 0.37 <0.03 0.20 <0.009 1

Allenwood 3A 12:10 21.1 8.26 8.90 206 0.11 <0.03 0.20 <0.009 0

Allenwood 3B 12:10 21.1 8.26 8.97 206 0.14 <0.03 0.19 <0.009 1

Woodland 1A 12:25 21.3 8.27 8.97 202 0.73 <0.03 0.19 <0.009 1

Woodland 1B 12:25 21.2 8.28 9.03 202 2.10 <0.03 0.19 <0.009 1

Woodland 2A 12:34 21.1 8.13 8.89 201 0.18 <0.03 0.19 <0.009 1

Woodland 2B 12:34 21.1 8.18 8.95 200 0.16 <0.03 0.18 <0.009 0



°C pH

Dissolved

Oxygen

mg/L

Conductivity

µS/cm

Turbidity

NTU

Phosphorus

(total

reactive)

mg/L

Nitrate

(as N)

mg/L

Phosphorus

(total)

mg/L

E. Coli

cfu/100mL

Woodland 3A 13:02 21.2 8.46 8.96 201 0.07 <0.03 0.19 <0.009 0

Woodland 3B 13:02 21.0 8.39 8.95 200 0.13 <0.03 0.18 <0.009 0

Edmore 1A 13:23 21.3 8.33 9.21 200 1.76 <0.03 0.19 <0.009 6

Edmore 1B 13:23 21.3 8.29 9.03 200 1.96 <0.03 0.19 <0.009 15

Edmore 2A 13:33 21.3 8.18 8.85 200 0.44 <0.03 0.19 <0.009 2

Edmore 2B 13:33 21.3 8.19 8.90 200 0.54 <0.03 0.19 <0.009 0

Edmore 3A 13:41 21.4 8.10 8.86 200 0.45 <0.03 0.19 <0.009 1

Edmore 3B 13:41 21.2 8.09 8.91 199 0.17 <0.03 0.19 <0.009 0

Georgian 1A 13:52 21.9 8.08 8.86 202 0.30 <0.03 0.19 <0.009 1

Georgian 1B 13:52 22.0 8.07 8.79 202 0.61 <0.03 0.19 0.019 0

Georgian 2A 14:04 21.7 8.15 8.79 200 5.55 <0.03 0.19 <0.009 0

Georgian 2B 14:04 21.6 8.21 9.01 200 0.13 <0.03 0.19 0.016 1

Georgian 3A 14:12 21.5 8.16 8.92 199 0.02 <0.03 0.19 <0.009 0

Georgian 3B 14:12 21.4 8.15 8.91 200 0.03 <0.03 0.19 <0.009 1

Bluewater 1A 14:28 21.6 8.24 8.76 203 1.78 <0.03 0.20 <0.009 2

Bluewater 1B 14:28 21.5 8.23 8.79 203 2.54 <0.03 0.20 <0.009 2

Bluewater 2A 14:38 21.5 8.11 8.93 201 0.48 <0.03 0.20 <0.009 0

Bluewater 2B 14:40 21.4 7.96 8.90 199 0.25 <0.03 0.19 <0.009 0

Bluewater 3A 14:47 21.3 8.11 8.93 198 0.10 <0.03 0.19 <0.009 0

Bluewater 3B 14:47 21.4 8.00 8.92 199 0.29 <0.03 0.19 <0.009 0


Table 5: Water Chemistry Data for October 4, 2016


°C pH

Dissolved

Oxygen

mg/L

Conductivity

µS/cm

Turbidity

NTU

Phosphorus

(total

reactive)

mg/L

Nitrate

(as N)

mg/L

Phosphorus

(total)

mg/L

E. Coli

cfu/100mL

West of River 1A 8:57 14.7 9.13 9.83 221 0.38 <0.03 0.28 0.019 22

West of River 1B 8:57 14.6 9.02 9.89 218 0.37 <0.03 0.29 <0.009 19

West of River 2A 9:07 14.7 8.42 10.01 226 1.65 <0.03 0.32 0.010 4

West of River 2B 9:07 14.5 8.41 10.09 221 1.40 <0.03 0.31 <0.009 9

West of River 3A 9:18 14.6 8.21 10.14 213 0.39 <0.03 0.28 <0.009 12

West of River 3B 9:18 14.5 8.15 10.15 211 0.41 <0.03 0.27 <0.009 7

New Wasaga 1A 9:32 14.5 8.07 10.18 240 0.64 <0.03 0.37 <0.009 43

New Wasaga 1B 9:32 14.4 8.06 10.18 240 0.64 <0.03 0.36 <0.009 57

New Wasaga 2A 9:39 14.6 7.96 10.06 237 0.64 <0.03 0.36 <0.009 47

New Wasaga 2B 9:39 14.5 7.97 10.06 237 0.65 <0.03 0.36 <0.009 43

New Wasaga 3A 9:48 15.3 8.03 9.91 205 4.69 <0.03 0.25 <0.009 3

New Wasaga 3B 9:48 15.0 8.06 10.03 208 0.35 <0.03 0.25 <0.009 5

Allenwood 1A 10:07 14.1 8.07 10.36 221 0.39 <0.03 0.30 <0.009 25

Allenwood 1B 10:07 13.8 7.87 9.80 255 0.41 <0.03 0.30 <0.009 19

Allenwood 2A 10:14 14.2 7.88 10.30 224 0.38 <0.03 0.32 <0.009 25

Allenwood 2B 10:14 14.1 7.89 10.32 224 0.38 <0.03 0.32 <0.009 8

Allenwood 3A 10:23 14.7 7.83 10.32 218 0.37 <0.03 0.30 <0.009 4

Allenwood 3B 10:23 14.6 7.81 10.31 217 0.40 <0.03 0.30 <0.009 3

Woodland 1A 10:38 14.4 8.01 10.46 245 0.55 <0.03 0.40 <0.009 15

Woodland 1B 10:38 14.4 8.00 10.47 244 0.66 <0.03 0.40 <0.009 11

Woodland 2A 10:44 14.7 7.87 10.24 230 0.42 <0.03 0.35 <0.009 12

Woodland 2B 10:44 14.6 7.88 10.25 231 0.45 <0.03 0.35 0.009 15



°C pH

Dissolved

Oxygen

mg/L

Conductivity

µS/cm

Turbidity

NTU

Phosphorus

(total

reactive)

mg/L

Nitrate

(as N)

mg/L

Phosphorus

(total)

mg/L

E. Coli

cfu/100mL

Woodland 3A 10:52 14.6 7.93 10.30 212 0.34 <0.03 0.28 <0.009 10

Woodland 3B 10:52 14.5 7.89 10.31 218 0.37 <0.03 0.33 <0.009 6

Edmore 1A 11:09 11.8 8.01 11.10 199 0.27 <0.03 0.24 <0.009 4

Edmore 1B 11:09 11.9 7.98 11.09 199 0.29 <0.03 0.24 <0.009 4

Edmore 2A 11:17 11.6 7.78 11.02 198 0.20 <0.03 0.23 <0.009 3

Edmore 2B 11:17 11.4 7.79 11.16 196 0.20 <0.03 0.23 <0.009 3

Edmore 3A 11:23 11.6 7.73 11.05 197 0.21 <0.03 0.23 <0.009 3

Edmore 3B 11:23 11.4 7.75 11.12 196 0.24 <0.03 0.23 <0.009 3

Georgian 1A 12:28 12.8 8.42 10.99 198 0.03 <0.03 0.24 0.020 2

Georgian 1B 12:28 12.7 8.39 11.07 198 0.08 <0.03 0.23 <0.009 2

Georgian 2A 12:34 12.4 8.14 10.94 196 0.10 <0.03 0.23 0.012 2

Georgian 2B 12:34 12.2 8.12 10.99 196 0.13 <0.03 0.23 <0.009 4

Georgian 3A 12:41 13.7 7.82 10.58 193 0.23 <0.03 0.22 0.018 1

Georgian 3B 12:41 13.3 7.80 10.56 195 0.21 <0.03 0.22 0.016 0

Bluewater 1A 12:56 11.8 7.73 11.17 196 1.79 <0.03 0.24 0.011 0

Bluewater 1B 12:56 11.6 7.69 11.27 196 1.12 <0.03 0.24 0.012 2

Bluewater 2A 13:03 13.1 7.78 10.71 195 0.20 <0.03 0.22 <0.009 1

Bluewater 2B 13:03 12.6 7.80 10.75 195 0.22 <0.03 0.23 0.011 2

Bluewater 3A 13:09 13.1 7.88 10.70 195 0.15 <0.03 0.23 0.018 0

Bluewater 3B 13:09 12.3 7.88 10.83 195 0.21 <0.03 0.23 <0.009 1


Table 6: Water Chemistry Data for October 6, 2016


°C pH

Dissolved

Oxygen

mg/L

Conductivity

µS/cm

Turbidity

NTU

Phosphorus

(total

reactive)

mg/L

Nitrate

(as N)

mg/L

Phosphorus

(total)

mg/L

E. Coli

cfu/100mL

West of River 1A 8:44 12.9 8.89 10.69 217 0.70 <0.03 0.31 0.011 5

West of River 1B 8:44 12.9 8.86 10.71 216 0.80 <0.03 0.30 0.12 2

West of River 2A 9:09 12.8 8.06 10.99 217 0.48 <0.03 0.31 <0.009 5

West of River 2B 9:09 12.8 8.05 10.99 217 0.47 <0.03 0.32 0.024 2

West of River 3A 9:19 12.7 8.09 10.90 218 0.42 <0.03 0.32 0.012 2

West of River 3B 9:19 12.7 8.08 11.00 218 0.42 <0.03 0.32 0.010 1

New Wasaga 1A 9:34 15.0 7.98 10.22 303 1.31 <0.03 0.53 0.017 960

New Wasaga 1B 9:34 15.0 7.99 10.21 298 1.37 <0.03 0.51 0.016 1020

New Wasaga 2A 9:49 14.1 8.13 10.61 231 0.57 <0.03 0.35 0.014 104

New Wasaga 2B 9:49 14.2 8.11 10.58 236 0.57 <0.03 0.32 0.011 68

New Wasaga 3A 9:58 13.8 7.91 10.56 221 0.38 <0.03 0.32 0.015 38

New Wasaga 3B 9:58 13.3 7.91 10.76 212 0.32 <0.03 0.30 0.010 6

Allenwood 1A 10:19 15.6 7.96 10.21 218 0.42 <0.03 0.27 0.010 20

Allenwood 1B 10:19 15.6 7.96 10.23 217 0.36 <0.03 0.27 0.010 16

Allenwood 2A 10:34 15.4 8.16 10.38 209 0.24 <0.03 0.26 0.015 6

Allenwood 2B 10:34 15.1 8.14 10.40 205 0.22 <0.03 0.25 0.013 3

Allenwood 3A 10:50 15.0 8.15 10.36 202 0.17 <0.03 0.26 <0.009 1

Allenwood 3B 10:50 14.1 8.13 10.53 197 0.19 <0.03 0.24 0.018 0

Woodland 1A 11:10 16.2 8.08 9.99 227 0.45 <0.03 0.31 0.014 40

Woodland 1B 11:10 16.1 8.08 10.01 226 0.51 <0.03 0.31 0.013 52

Woodland 2A 11:18 16.4 8.03 10.06 223 0.19 <0.03 0.30 0.014 8

Woodland 2B 11:18 16.0 8.04 10.13 222 0.22 0.13 0.30 0.010 6



°C pH

Dissolved

Oxygen

mg/L

Conductivity

µS/cm

Turbidity

NTU

Phosphorus

(total

reactive)

mg/L

Nitrate

(as N)

mg/L

Phosphorus

(total)

mg/L

E. Coli

cfu/100mL

Woodland 3A 11:43 16.2 8.04 10.20 217 0.26 <0.03 0.29 0.014 5

Woodland 3B 11:43 15.7 7.99 10.34 212 0.26 <0.03 0.28 <0.009 0

Edmore 1A 12:05 16.7 8.15 10.03 211 0.42 <0.03 0.25 0.018 7

Edmore 1B 12:05 16.7 8.13 10.01 211 0.40 <0.03 0.25 0.017 9

Edmore 2A 12:14 16.0 8.05 10.16 204 0.16 <0.03 0.24 <0.009 1

Edmore 2B 12:14 15.7 8.05 10.20 203 0.18 <0.03 0.24 0.019 4

Edmore 3A 12:31 16.1 8.12 10.14 201 0.10 <0.03 0.23 0.012 1

Edmore 3B 12:31 15.4 8.12 10.43 200 0.11 <0.03 0.23 0.013 3

Georgian 1A 13:22 17.1 8.24 10.02 202 0.03 <0.03 0.23 <0.009 1

Georgian 1B 13:22 16.9 8.23 10.05 202 0.14 <0.03 0.23 <0.009 1

Georgian 2A 13:40 16.7 7.97 10.22 200 0.12 <0.03 0.22 <0.009 0

Georgian 2B 13:40 16.3 7.96 10.14 199 0.14 <0.03 0.22 <0.009 0

Georgian 3A 13:51 16.8 7.89 10.03 200 0.05 <0.03 0.22 <0.009 0

Georgian 3B 13:51 15.7 7.88 10.29 198 0.12 <0.03 0.22 <0.009 0

Bluewater 1A 14:13 17.8 7.93 9.79 205 0.20 <0.03 0.24 <0.009 4

Bluewater 1B 14:13 17.6 7.92 9.88 204 0.37 <0.03 0.23 <0.009 1

Bluewater 2A 14:23 16.6 8.02 10.09 199 0.10 <0.03 0.21 <0.009 2

Bluewater 2B 14:23 16.2 8.03 10.11 197 0.14 <0.03 0.22 <0.009 0

Bluewater 3A 14:35 18.2 7.80 10.00 198 0.10 <0.03 0.22 <0.009 2

Bluewater 3B 14:35 15.8 7.81 10.24 194 0.13 <0.03 0.21 <0.009 0


Appendix B: Benthic Macroinvertebrate Data Table 7: Benthic macroinvertebrate results from Nottawasaga Bay sampling on October 6, 2016.

Taxonomy Taxonomy

Family

Taxonomy

Species

West of

River

New

Wasaga Allenwood Woodland Edmore Georgian Bluewater

Amphipoda 2

Gammarus sp 1

Diptera

Ceratopogonidae

Probezzia sp 1 1

Chironomidae

Cryptochironomus sp 1 2 4 2

Cyphomella sp 2 1

Monodiamesa sp 1

Polypedilum sp 1

Procladius sp 1

Oligochaeta

Naididae 1


Appendix C: Incidental Observations Table 8: Incidental observations of invasive species made during the sampling

program.

Station Dominant

Substrate

Round

Goby Cladophora

Other

Algae

Dreissenid

Mussels

West of River 1 Sand



New Wasaga 1 Sand Shells on

beach

New Wasaga 2 Cobble X

New Wasaga 3 Cobble X

Allenwood 1 Sand Shells on

beach

Allenwood 2 Cobble X X

Allenwood 3 Cobble X

Woodland 1 Sand Shells on

beach

Woodland 2 Cobble X

Woodland 3 Cobble X X

Edmore 1 Sand

Edmore 2 Cobble X

Edmore 3 Cobble X X

Georgian 1 Sand

Georgian 2 Cobble X

Georgian 3 Cobble X

Bluewater 1 Sand

Bluewater 2 Cobble X X

Bluewater 3 Cobble x


Appendix D: Site Photos

Figure 30: Substrate at West of River 1




Figure 33: Substrate at New Wasaga 1




Figure 36: Substrate at Allenwood 1




Figure 39: Substrate at Woodland 1




Figure 42: Substrate at Edmore 1




Figure 45: Substrate at Georgian 1




Figure 48: Substrate at Bluewater 1



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