the health of the st. croix estuary in the next millennium

8/12/2019 The Health of the St. Croix Estuary in the Next Millennium

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The Health of the St. Croix Estuary

Next Millenniumin the

Report #1

A Restoration / Remediation PlanSt. Stephen Waterfront

2005

EARTH

Art MacKay & Kim Reeder

ACAP St. Croix


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Report #2005-1

A Restoration / Remediation Plan

St. Stephen Waterfront2005

March 2005

Your Environmental Trust Fund at Work

Votre Fonds en ducie pour lenvironment au travail Atlantic Coastal Action PlanEnvironment Canada

Arthur MacKay, Kim Reeder

St. Croix Estuary Project Inc.

St. Stephen NB, Canada

Occasional Report No.

Primary Funding Provided By:

The Health of the St. Croix Estuary

in theNext Millennium

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


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY iii

II. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS v

1. INTRODUCTION 1

2. THE STUDY AREA 3

3. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND 5

4. ST. STEPHEN SEWAGE SYSTEM 11

5. MATERIALS & METHODS 19

6. RESULTS 21

ZONE 1 - THE COVE 23

ZONE 2 - COMMERCIAL STRIP 31

ZONE 3 - OLD SEWAGE LAGOON AREA 39

ZONE 4 - DENNIS STREAM AREA 45

51

7. RECOMMENDATIONS 53

8. BIBLIOGRAPHY 57


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I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In 1999, ACAP St. Croix began a program of study and monitoring

designed to lead to proactive restoration and remediation in the St.

Croix Watershed. A two-year study, The St. Croix Estuary 1604-2004

- the Environmental Health of the St. Croix Estuary after 400 years ,

conducted by ACAP St. Croix, identied and agged problem areas

and sites along the St. Croix Estuary from St. Stephen-Calais down riverto the St.Andrews-Mill Cove area. Based on high E.coli results from

bacteriological samples taken during the study, previous sampling, and

new eld work, the St. Stephen waterfront was identied as a primary

target for action. Consequently, funds were sought to do more detailed

waterfront studies, to produce this report, and begin liaison with the

appropriate authorities with a view to beginning cleanup actions.

During the 2004 eld season, all visible outfalls along the St. Stephen

Waterfront between Dennis Stream and Buchanans Hill (the St. Stephen

Waterfront), were located, surveyed, and sampled.

A pre-collection survey was conducted. This included both the study of

the Towns engineering drawings as well as a visual search conducted at

the lowest low waters of the month of July, 2004. Water samples were

collected and sent within a 24-hour time period to the Water Metrics

(Bacteria and Environmental Services) Laboratory in St. John, NB for

chemical and bacteriological analysis.

Unacceptably high levels of E. coli and fecal coliform bacteria wereconrmed along the St. Stephen waterfront and sources were pinpointed.

The bacteriological results in this study included 19 sites tested, with 9 sites

exceeding the Canadian Water Quality Guidelines for secondary contact in

Recreational Waters. Of the remaining 10 sites, 7 had total coliform levels

exceeding the 400/100ml values. There is presently no Canadian standard

for total coliform levels.

Because a new highway will soon by-pass the Town, St. Stephen is

currently looking for new revenue sources and is considering the potential

for the development of eco-tourism related activities in the River.However, the risk to human health, as dened by the Canadian Water

This innocent-looking pipe has E. coli counts in excess of 2 million per100 ml against a standard count of 100 - 400 per 100 ml.


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Quality Guidelines, is great. The highest densities of E.coli have been

recorded along the St. Stephen Waterfront and it is this area that has been

identied for tourist-related development. Unfortunately, current pollution

levels may preclude any worthwhile development based on the River at

this point.

The St. Stephen waterfront was identied as an area in urgent need of

remedial action and is the focus of this report. Recommendations includethe re-building of a salt marsh, the installation of at least 3 lift stations

coinciding with connection of outfall pipes to the wastewater facility as

well as consideration of oil/grit separators, trucking removed street snow

to the wastewater facility, a street sweeping program and educational

programs to be launched in the community.

Recommendations which preclude any further development of the St.

Stephen waterfront include mitigation of the 9 sites which exceed the

Canadian Water Quality Guidelines for secondary contact in Recreational

Waters, plus the mitigation of the outfall directly behind the NB Tel

building which has sanitary products exiting from it.

IMPORTANT NOTATION

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

on the shore. This does not mean sewage is coming from that particular

building. Names are used only to identify the location of the site.

Mitigation priorities as are follows:

a. The Clark Building which has E. coli counts of over 1.5 million and

sewage (toilet paper/sanitary products) being disposed of on the beach,

should be a top priority. This outfall needs to be redirected into the sanitarysewer line that runs along Milltown Boulevard, the line is only the length

of the building away, less than 200m.

b. The Cove 2 site also has E. coli counts exceeding 1.5 million, it needs to

be redirected into the sanitary sewer line, instead of onto the beach.

c. Both the Chocolate Park outfall and the NB Tel outfall have sewage

(toilet paper and sanitary products) being disposed of on the beach and

should also be redirected into the sanitary sewer line.

d. The outfall at the Picnic Kiosk location needs remediation. The E. coli

levels are over 99 000/100ml. This site needs to be tied into the existing

sanitary sewer line.

e. The Pizza Delight outfall has excessive counts of E. coli, over 40 000/

New Sewage Lagoons at Dennis Stream


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100ml. There is no obvious pipe at this location the only way to mitigate

this properly will be a process which includes uncovering the present ll

and investigating the issue. It may be possible that it is a disconnected

pipe, which needs replacement or there may be a possibility of applying a

ltration device.

Objectives and Results were:

Objective 1. To identify all outfalls (seepages, storm drains, open

sewers, etc.) entering the St. Croix Estuary within the Study Area.

Completed.

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

and chemical analyses.

Completed

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

Completed

4. To recommend methods for elimination of problem sites .

Completed

5. To provide cost estimates for work proposed

Unable to complete without furter input from the Town of St.Stephen. Most

remedial activities fall within the Towns responsibility and, we believe,

can be accommodated within projected budgets shown in the report.

6. To provide a proposed timeline for the work proposed

The existing timeline published by the Town of St. Stephen is adequate.

7. To provide 30 hard copy and 20 CD copies of a restoration plan for

the St. Stephen waterfront

Completed. Copies will be produced and distributed on demand as well as

through the organizations web site.

8. To recommend sources for potential funding for the work proposed

in subsequent years.

Existing funding is adequate. Additional funding for the marsh restoration

project could be obtained through the Gulf of Maine Council and others.

Prelminary contacts were made. Please see the report for details

9. To carry out second annual monitoring in 10 established sampling

zones from St. Stephen to St. Andrews.Completed and report separately.


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Primary funding for this study was provided by: Atlantic Coastal Ac-

tion Program, Environment Canada (ACAP); and the New Bruns-

wick Environmental Trust Fund. Student staff funding was provided

by Human Resource Development, New Brunswicks SEED Program.

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

Tina Spires, Steven Raye, Mary Gilmore, Bill McAlister, Hugh Akagi,

David Seman, Lomax Baker, Duncan McGeachy, Ron McGuire, Paul Do-

nahue, Phil Holmes, Alan Gillmor, Gerhard Pohle Howard Urdang, and

Ken Reeder.

The following individuals gave valuable advice and assistance:

Environment Canada

Colleen McNeill - Atlantic Coastal Action ProgramRoy Parker - Former ACAP St. Croix liaison (Window)

Peter Johnson - ACAP St. Croix liaison (Window)

Basic Design Associates:

Larry Stewart

Town of St. Stephen:

Brenda Knight, Town Manager

Gerald Mc Earchen, Development Ofcer

Lee Johnson, Engineer

Godfrey & Associates:

Clayton Rogers

Water Metrics:

Ken MacIntosh

II. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Figure 1.2 This beautiful scene habours one of the most polluted outfalls

on the St. Stephen Waterfront. The wharf is the last of many that lled the

banks of the River at St. Stephen and Calais. (Photo A. MacKay)


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1. INTRODUCTION

Twice each day, the St Croix River Estuary is the stage for a life-

giving event inuenced by the moon and the sun. Fresh seawater

arriving from the Bay of Fundy drives a wedge under the owing

fresh water of the River, gradually moving upstream to tidehead at Salmon

Falls in Milltown.

As the tide sweeps forward, channels, branching across the mud ats and

cobble beaches, are lled with incoming ocean waters and the rising tide

spreads slowly across the intertidal zone. The deepening waters lift the

various seaweeds, ll the burrows of estuary fauna, and creep into tiny

channels that penetrate the shoreline and once-present salt marshes. Then

as the earth turns, the oceans push becomes a pull, and the waters of the

riverine estuary recede. Woody debris at the shoreline edge is grounded

on the mud, the seaweed lies at, and fauna retreats to burrow, hides under

rocks and debris, or become stranded in isolated pools of water warming

in the sun.

Estuaries are unique places where ocean and river mingle to create

dynamic, diverse, and highly productive environments. Plants and animals

thrive in this exclusive environment driven by sunlight and the daily tides.

Humans, too, have historically been drawn to estuaries to harvest food,

travel on their waters, and claim the at lands for their farms and homes.

An estuary is dened as a semi-enclosed body of water, connected to the

ocean, where salt water is measurably diluted with fresh water from theland. In reality, an estuary is a whole lot more. It is a zone of transition

between the marine-dominated systems of the ocean and the upland

river systems, a zone where the mix of the two yields one of the most

biologically productive areas on Earth.

This restoration plan aims to engage our citizens in actions that will see

restoration of this valuable asset to a fully functioning ecosystem.

We have, for decades turned our backs on our rivers, using them as

convenient sewers for the disposal of our industrial and domestic wastes.In the process we have not only created unhealthy environments for

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


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ourselves, we have, paradoxically, eliminated important economic

components that nourished our community in the past and could again

do so in the future. Indeed some communities along the New England

seaboard have reestablished estuarine sh runs that now bring millions of

dollars in revenues.

Until the early 1960s, the St. Croix Estuary supported commercial sheries

worth about 20 million in todays dollars. Today recreational sherieswould add even more revenue ow. Oddly enough, it is not our treasured

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) that is most sought after by angler, but the

striped bass (Morone saxatilis), an aggressive ghting sh that can reach

50 pounds or more.

The benets that will emerge as we restore the St. Croix Estuary cannot

be overstated. We have abused our marine resources and it has been a real

loss to our economy. We can restore this balance. Some of us will enjoy

the fruits of these efforts - most certainly our children and grandchildren

will benet.

As dire global warnings about environmental collapse reach our ears,

it is incumbent on us to do our part by caring for our small but valuable

corner of this planet. If we ignore our obligations to our community and

future generations, we do so at our own peril.

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

Once abundant in the St. Croix Estuary, the Striped Bass (Morone

saxatilis) supports a multimillion dollar shery elsewhere. It could

do so here.


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2. THE STUDY AREA

The Study Area is located in the Outer Bay of Fundy in the St. CroixRiver Estuary between Maine , U.S.A. and New Brunswick, Can-

ada. St. Stephen, NB and Calais, ME are located across from each

other at tide head as shown in Figure 2.1

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

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

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

Zone 3 - Old Sewage Lagoon Area - Princess Street to the

Seniors Apartment Building

Zone 4 - Dennis Stream Area- Seniors Apartment building

to the Bridge over Dennis Stream.

The St. Croix Estuary is a typical estuary where marine inuences become

more pronounced as one proceeds downstream. The study area has both

freshwater and marine afnities. The River bottom here has been sub-jected to serious industrial pollution and was anaerobic and virtually dead

during the sixties.

While the River is not fully recovered, some hardy colonizers now occur inthe study area, including Sand Shrimp (Crangon septemspinosus), Green

Crabs (Carcinus spp.), Annelid Worms, seaweeds and some molluscs. The

once large runs of anadromous shes is virtually gone. The recovery has along way to go and the River is still inuenced by chronic pollution from

industrial releases and domestic sewage leakages into the River.

The Study Area is primarily inuenced by domestic sewage leakages fromthe Town of St. Stephen and industrial pollution from industrial plants

located upstream. Sampling along the Calais waterfront did not nd highbacterial levels during the 2002-2003 study.

The Study Area

Passamaquoddy Bay

Bay of Fundy

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


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Study Zone 1

THE COVE

Study Zone 2

DOWNTOWN STRIP

Study Zone 3

OLD SEWAGE LAGOON AREA

Study Zone 3

DENNIS STREAM AREA


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When Champlain and Demonts arrived at St. Croix in 1604,

the area was much different than it is today. The shorelines

were dominated by huge cathedral pine that created forests

much like the rain forests of the west coast; towering trees that created

a wet, dark understory. The trees we see today were much less commonand were found on hill tops, burns, and swampy areas. White-tailed deer

were absent or rare and the dominant species included caribou, moose,

and wolves. Labrador duck, the great auk, passenger pigeon, sea mink and

other extinct species were common.

The St. Croix Estuary thronged with sh, osprey, eagles, and other species

that fed on the abundant marine forage to be found here. Champlain stated

that, In May and June there is taken there (Salmon Falls) so great an

abundance of herring and bass that vessels could be loaded with them.

The water quality of the St. Croix River Estuary started to suffer during the

logging days. As industry rushed to the St. Croix to capitalize on the forest

wealth, sawmills, chandlers, brokers, and various industries established

themselves on wharves along the St. Stephen and Calais waterfronts. At

the height of commercial activity, there were more than 40 active wharves

along the shores of St Stephen and Calais. ( Figure 3.1)

Dams, and sluiceways were constructed along the River and sh runs

began to diminish. A dam at the Union was particularly hard on sh runs

since it spanned the entire River. Eventually sh ladders were built to in an

attempt to restore the important St. Croix sh runs.

In addition, shoreline stability was reduced due to deforestation, Tons of

sawdust, wood debris, and chemicals accumulated in the River creating

anaerobic processes that greatly reduced the environmental health of the

Estuary. To this day, shoreline sediments have created huge intertidal ats

and banks. that are virtually uninhabitable sawdust ats - a 150 year old

legacy.

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

the mill at Woodland, operated at that time by Georgia-Pacic, began

dumping black liquor and other wastes directly into the St. Croix River.

The health of the estuary declined rapidly and the impacts were felt both

on the American and Canadian sides of the estuary as well as downstream

into Passamaquoddy Bay. Recreational shing disappeared, commercial

shing began a precipitous decline, paint peeled from houses, and

respiratory problems arose.

The conditions of the River at St. Stephen even gave rise to a little ditty

- St. Andrews-by-the-sea - St. Stephen-by-the-smell. On both the Canadian

and American sides, at least 9 signicant clam ats have been closed due

to bacterial contamination. On the US side, these closures have been in

effect since 1969 and on the Canadian side, since 1988.

Elevated levels of pollution continued until the 1970s when the waste

treatment protocols at the mill in Woodland, Maine were upgraded underpressure from government. Nevertheless spills and controlled releases still

3. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

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


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1

2

3

4


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occur and highly toxic materials also enter the groundwater and watershed

from the air. In addition, the old sewage infrastructure of St. Stephen

continues to leak and seep signicantly high levels of E. coli and other

bacteria into the Estuary.

The St. Croix Estuary was once a vital environment, supporting

diverse populations of sh and marine invertebrates recently valued at

approximately $20 million in todays dollars

Our study, The St. Croix Estuary 1604-2004. The Environmental Health of

the St. Croix Estuary after 400 year,showed how the health of the St. Croix

estuary has declined over 400 years. A model of the original biodiversity

of the Estuary was constructed based on historical information. This was

compared with studies done in the 1970s and in 2001- 2002. As can be

seen in Figures 3.3 and 3.4, both plants and shes have declined; shes

signicantly. Similar results were obtained for other groups of marine

animals.

Non-point source (NPS) pollution is now a major stressor of the St Croix

River Estuary. The NPS pollution affecting the St Croix River Estuary

can be divided into three general categories, atmospheric deposition, land

run-off, and marine activities. In this study of the St Stephen waterfront,

the concentration is centered on the land run-off category and specically

the present-day storm and sanitary drain system.

The Town of St. Stephen is presently looking at the potential for the

development of eco-tourism related activities in the River. Since St.Stephen will soon be by-passed by a new highway, it is recognized that

a new approach to tourism is essential if visitors are to be attracted to the

Town. However, the risk to human health, as dened by the Canadian

Water Quality Guidelines, is great. The highest densities of E.coli have

been recorded along the storm drain outfalls and mysterious seepages of

the St. Stephen waterfront; the area that has been identied for tourist-

related development. Unfortunately, the risk to human health is real and

this fact may preclude any worthwhile development based on the River at

this point.

Among the various types of organisms found in the St Stephen sewage

outfalls are disease-causing organisms or pathogens and fecal coliforms,

bacteria found in the intestinal tracts of warm-blooded mammals and a

standard used to determine the extent of sewage contamination. Fecal

coliform bacteria themselves are not necessarily hazardous to humans.

However, they provide an indication of the amount of total fecal matter

present and indicate the possible presence of other pathogens, such as

hepatitis B, cholera, and typhoid. When high levels of fecal coliform arepresent, swimming and other recreational uses of water are prohibited

(APA Web Site).

Fecal coliforms, particularlyE. coli (Figure 3.5), indicate the presence of

mammal or bird feces in the water. Certain types of E. coli, particularly

those from cattle, can cause death in humans. In fact, there have been many

dramatic instances of contamination causing death and contaminated water

is of great concern to all municipal ofcials everywhere

Enterococcus bacteria are a type of fecal streptococcus and are another

valuable indicator for determining the amount of fecal contamination of

water. According to studies conducted by the EPA, enterococci have a

greater correlation with swimming-associated gastrointestinal illness in

both marine and fresh waters than other bacterial indicator organisms,

and are less likely to die off in saltwater. (www.oasisdesign.net/water/

quality/coliform.htm).

Additionally, cleanup and restoration of the St. Stephen waterfront is

essential to the return of the valuable runs of anadromous sh species.Marshes, ponds, and streams have been destroyed during the long

history of development of the waterfronts of St. Stephen and Calais.

Habitat destruction, together with pollution from industrial and domestic

sources, has resulted in the loss of important forage species such as smelt,

sticklebacks, mummichogs. and important marine invertebrates, as well as

spawning habitat for species such as striped bass, American eel and other

estuarine shes and invertebrates. With proper environmental design,

some of this habitat may be reclaimed during the process of reducing and

eliminating pollution sources in the Town of St. Stephen.


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The St. Stephen waterfront has been identied as an area in urgent need of

remedial action and it is this area that is the focus of this report.

Figure 3.5 (above) Escherichia coli(E.colibacteria) Courtesy Univer-

sity Oregon Web Site.


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Figure 3.4. Rated distribution

and abundance of shes over

time based on the number and

abundance of species. Existing

data suggests a decline of speciesdiversity and abundance in the

St. Croix Estuary. The lighter the

color, the lower the biodiversity

(See rating scale).

Figure 3.3. Biodiversity ratings

for Marine Plants over time based

on the number and abundance of

species. The lighter the color, the

lower the biodiversity (See rating

scale).


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4.3 Combined Sewers

Combined sewers are an older type of collection system that carries both

wastewater and stormwater in the same pipe. This combination of both

sanitary and storm sewers was less expensive to install and maintain when

it was built. Most of the time, combined sewers carry sanitary wastewater

and captured stormwater to a treatment plant to be treated before it is

released into the river or ocean. However, in at least 6 circumstances in

the St Stephen system, this is not the case and the outfalls release directly

into the river without rst going to the Treatment Plant. Figure 4.2

4. ST. STEPHEN SEWAGE SYSTEM

Incorporated in 1871, St. Stephen is, by North American standards at

least, an old town. Its infrastructure grew on the basis of demand

using available materials. Waterfront ll projects over the years

covered sewers, marshes, brooks, and storm drains alike. Each and every

year, the Town now strives to not only maintain a functioning system,

but, also to gradually improve and update the system. The record has beengood in this regard and annual plans can be seen in the last section of this

report. Unfortunately, the River continues to receive raw sewage from

seepages and combined septic and storm sewers. This study shows that, on

the whole, there is little reason for this to continue and elimination of these

problem should be possible in a relatively short time.

4.1 Storm Sewers

Storm sewers are an underground collection system to which storm water,snow and ice melt drain.Storm sewers are probably best known to the

public for their catchbasins commonly seen at intervals along street curbs.

Water that drains into catch basins travels through a network of pipes to

storm outfalls seen along the banks of the St Stephen waterfront.

4.2 Sanitary Sewers

The sanitary sewer system is where everyones toilets ush, dishwashers

and washing machines discharge, and sinks and shower tubs drain.

Sanitary sewers are so named because they allow for the streets of our

towns to remain relatively clean and sanitary, since the sewage remainsunderground. Wastes collected by the sanitary sewer system are to be

discharged to the Sewage Treatment Plant. This is so that wastewater can

receive treatment to make it relatively clean before releasing it into the St

Croix River. The St Stephen Municipal Plan 2004, section 3.20.3 states:

It shall be a policy of Council to give priority to storm and sanitary sewer

separation. Sewer separation may be combined with other infrastructure

improvements such as sanitary sewer and water main upgrading.

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

at Budd Avenue.


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identies the 6 outfalls: 3 were identied on the Town map and the other

3 were conrmed by the observation of feminine sanitary products and

toilet paper at outfall locations during the eld work of 2004. Also, when

it rains heavily, the volume of stormwater runoff can become too large

for the combined sewers to handle. This has caused additional polluted

runoff to reach the River (the old waste water lagoon in Milltown was

particularly bad).

Figure 4.2 shows the sanitary sewers and Figure 4.3. shows the sanitary

and combined sewers in St Stephen, NB as prepared for the Town by SGE

Acres in June of 2003. The full document is available from the World Wide

Web at http://www.chocolatetown.ca/documents/StStephenMaps.pdf

It is important to understand the seriousness of the situation which exists

at this time. As shown in Tables 4.1 and 4.2, wastewater sewage (sanitary

sewage) is not just made up of human excrement and water. It may contain

other unidentied pathogens, and it known to contain over 200 chemicals

and other toxic pollutants which enter the sewer system from households,businesses and industrial operations. It also includes debris such as gravel,

grit, tampons, condoms, rags and hair (Figure 4.4).

At least 6 outfalls are introducing these materials into the St Croix River.

However, adequate treatment could remove many of these toxic substances

from sewage efuent and capture them in the sludge (solid waste left

over after treatment of liquid waste) as long as the efuents were to be

redirected to the Treatment Plant.

Although combined sewer systems bring with them the problems ofoverows, the alternative of separate sewers for stormwater runoff and

domestic sewage can also have signicant adverse effects. In St Stephen,

where we have this type of separation, stormwater runoff is not usually

treated at all but runs straight into the receiving water, even when the

domestic system is not overloaded and could treat this discharge. As a

result, heavy metals and toxic synthetic chemicals that collect in storm

drains are constantly being discharged raw.

Section 3.2 of the St Stephen Municipal Plan states:With respect to

efcient development, it shall be a policy of Council to encourage:minimization of the need to pump sewage due to cost and maintenance

implications.

Therefore, in the recommendations section it will be found that design

includes drafts of collecting ows by gravity and diverting to a lift station

to lift the wastewater to the adjacent gravity sewer.

4.3 Sewage Lagoons

Until recently the Town of St. Stephen had 2 wastewater treatment

facilities: A small open system at Milltown and the main two-cell system

on the waterfront at the end of Budd Avenue (Figure 4.1). The recent

construction of a larger new lagoons on the banks of Dennis Stream will

lead to the closure of these facilities. The old main lagoons are being

considered for conversion to a constructed marsh for tertiary treatment of

some sewage. The new facility has had serious leakage problems that are

being addressed. However, the proximity of the complex to Dennis Stream,

an important stream for many reasons, is of concern. These considerationsare beyond the scope of this work.

Figure 4.4 Particularly disgusting sewage drains directly into

the St. Croix Estuary at several locations.


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


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


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

Toxins Potential health and environmental effects

Heavy metals

Cadmium neurotoxin (attacks nerve cells), teratogen (causes birth defects)

Chromium carcinogen (causes cancer)

Lead neurotoxin, teratogen, affects female fertility, bioaccumulativeMercury neurotoxin, teratogen, affects female fertility, bioaccumulative

Zinc excessive ingestion is uncommon but can cause gastrointestinal

distress and diarrhea

Agricultural chemicals

2,4-D teratogen

Lindane carcinogen, teratogen, immunotoxicity (damages immune system)

Methoxychlor reduces fertility, bioaccumulative

DDD and DDE neurotoxin, affects fertility, immunotoxicity, carcinogen

Industrial chemicalsPCBs neurotoxin, carcinogen, suppresses immune system in animals,

causes skin disorders, liver damage, depression and internal

bleeding, affects fertility

Chloroform carcinogen, affects female reproductive capacity

Xylene affects male reproductive capacity

Tetrachlorethylene affects respiratory system, very persistent in the environment

Trichloroethylene poisonous by ingestion or absorption through skin, skin irritant

Cresol, Phenol poisonous by ingestion or absorption through skin

PAHs carcinogens, biotransformable (shift forms once in the organism)LABs persistent in the environment, effects not yet known


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

Type Disease or syndrome causedBACTERIAAeromonas hydrophila Enteritis (inammation of the intestine)Campylobacter Enteritis, diarrheaClostridium perfringens Enteritis (indicator)Escherichia coli Enteritis, diarrhea

Francisella tularensis TularemiaLeptospira Jaundice, meningitisListeria monocytogenes ListeriosisMycobacterium Tuberculosis, skinPseudomonas Skin, ear infectionsSalmonella (1700 types) Enteritis, typhoidShigella (4 species) Enteritis, diarrheaStaphylococcus aureus Skin infectionsVibrio cholerae and parahemolyticus Cholera, skin infectionsYersinia enterocolitica & pseudotuberculosis EnteritisHELMINTHSAscaris lumbricoides Ascariasis

Ancylostoma duodenale Hookworm infectionsTrichuris trichiura TrichiuriasisTaenia TaeniasisToxocara Abdominal painsStrongyloides Abdominal painsPROTOZOANSEntamoeba histolytica and coli Enteritis, chronic diarrhea, dysentery, liver abscessGiardia lamblia Giardiasis, enteritisCryptosporidium parvium Enteritis, diarrheaBallantidium coli Enteritis, diarrheaNaegleria fowleri MeningoencephalitisAcanthamoeba spp. MeningoencephalitisVIRUSESPolioviruses (3 types) Paralysis, meningitisEchoviruses (34 types) Meningitis, diarrheaCoxsackieviruses A and B (30 types) Meningitis, conjunctivitis, chronic fatigue syndrome, myocardia, diabetesHepatitis A and E viruses Epidemic hepatitisEnteroviruses 68-71 Meningitis, conjunctivitisRotaviruses (+4 types) EnteritisReoviruses (3 types) Enteritis, respiratoryAdenoviruses (+40 types) Enteritis, eye and respiratoryNorwalk and like viruses GastroenteritisCaliciviruses and Astroviruses Enteritis

Coronaviruses EnteritisParvoviruses (2 types) Enteritis, respiratory in children


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Figure 4.4 Decommissioned Wastewater System at Milltown.


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


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Major pollution sources along the St. Stephen Waterfront from

Dennis Stream to Buchanans Hill had previously been

identied in the study, The St. Croix Estuary 1604 - 2004.

A detailed follow-up examination was conducted during 2004. A pre-

collection survey was carried out to identify all outfalls in the study area;

this included both the study of the Towns engineering drawings as well

as a visual search conducted at the lowest low waters of the month of

July, 2004 and later in March, 2005. Based on this survey, outfalls into theSt. Croix River Estuary were located, tested and sampled. Seepages not

previously located were identied.

Field days were selected that coincided with monthly low tides. A new,

detailed, pre-restoration survey was conducted to obtain additional current

data that could be used to develop recommended remediation strategies.

Two teams were deployed to collect photographs, GPS points, weather

data, sediments and water samples. The water samples were collected in

separate laboratory-issued bottles for each of the tests; bacteria, total oiland gas, PCB and mercury. Water samples were sent within a 24-hour

time period to the Water Metrics (Bacteria) and Environmental Services

Laboratory in Saint John, NB for chemical and bacteriological analysis.

Test methods used were AWWA 9223 for bacteria, GC-ECD for PCB,

AWWA 5520C for total oil and gas (hydrocarbons c6 to c50) and test

AWWA 4500-HgB for Mercury. Bacteria tests were preformed on July 25

and chemistry was preformed between July 7th

and 17th

.

5.1 Sampling and Sample Sites

1. All outfalls (seepages, storm drains, open sewers, etc.) entering the St.

Croix Estuary within the study area were identied.

2. Bacteriological analyses were conducted on all sites including 4

previously unidentied sites. Of the nineteen total samples, ve had been

sampled in 2003 as part of ACAP St. Croixs annual monitoring program.

3. Samples were collected from each location and bacteriological and

5. MATERIALS & METHODS

chemical analyses was preformed.

4. Prioritization of sites for action, recommendations of methods for

elimination of problem sites, cost estimates for work proposed and a

proposed timeline for the work is found in the recommendations section

of the report.

5. The second annual monitoring in 10 established sampling zones from

St. Stephen to St. Andrews was also carried out. See separate report.

5.2 Marsh Restoration

Certain sites along the waterfront were know to have marshes. Consideration was

given to marsh restoration as a mechanism for treating seepages in certain areas.

Larry Stewart of Basic Design Associates was contracted to work with ACAP St.

Croix staff to produce a plan for this future, potential work

Figure 5.1 Field staff collecting samples in 2003.


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Water Metrics220 King Street East

Saint John, N.B.

E2L 1H3

506-693-6799

Report Number: 17-04-25U

Date: July 20, 2004

Page: 1 of 1

PLEASE NOTE: UNITS HERE ARE IN UNITS PER ML OR MG/Ll. ACAP ST. CROIX USES THE MG/100ML STANDARD AND THIS ISUSED THROUGHOUT THIS REPORT.

In the following table, a result of


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Figure 6.1 Hot Spots - Sample sites with elevated E. coli and TOG levels

layered over a map of the storm and combined sewers in St Stephen, NB.

(SGE Acres in June, 2003) Red star = Elevated E.coli Yellow star =

elevated TOG

6. RESULTS

Results for the eld survey are presented Zone-by-Zone and

ste-by-site. Most of the notations are self evident. ND = not

detectable.

Figure 6.1 shows sites with elevatedE. coliand Total Oil and Gas (TOG)

levels.

Table 6.1 shows the actual analysis data from the testing laboratory,

Water Metrics.

Table 6.2 shows comparative results for selected sites during 2003 and

2004, as follows:

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

above acceptable levels.

Clark Building- Remained excessively high exceeding the plate

count level.

The Picnic Kiosk at Tourist Bureau- Unacceptably high.

Signicantly higher E. coli levels.

Dennis Stream - Coliforms up signicantly

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


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Site

2003

Total Coliforms/

100ml

2004

Total Coliforms/

100ml

Change

2003

E.coli/

100ml

2004

E.coli/

100ml

Change

Acceptable

Based on CWQG

for E. coli in

Recreational

Waters

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

Clarke > 2 000 000 >2 000 000No

Change> 2 000 000 1 651 000

No

Changeno

Picnic

K200 000 831 000

No

Change6 500 99 000 Up no

Dennis 810 7 820 Up 110


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6. ZONE 1 - THE COVE

Z1-001 Gateway Cathedral

Z1-002 Cove 1

Z1-003 Cove 2


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Z1-001 GATEWAY CATHEDRAL

LOCATION Z1-001 GATEWAY CATHEDRAL , Scoodic Street

GPSN 45 11 31

W 67 17 26

DATE JUNE 24 / 04

CANADIAN

STANDARD

E. COLI

100 COUNT / 100 ML PRIMARY CONTACT

400 COUNT / 100 ML SECONDARY CONTACT

RESULT / 100ML

E.COLIND

RESULT / 100 MLTOTAL COLIFORM

4 060 COUNT / 100 ML

RESULT TOTAL OIL

AND

GREASE MG / L

ND

RESULT PCB MG / L ND

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

waters.

RECOMMENDATIONNew housing starts can be anticipated in this

locality. Continue to monitor.


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

GPSN 45 11 31

W 67 17 14

DATE JUNE 24/04

CANADIANSTANDARD

E COLI

100 COUNT / 100 ML PRIMARY CONTACT400 COUNT / 100 ML SECONDARY CONTACT

RESULT / 100ML

E.COLI1370 / 100 ML

RESULT / 100 ML

TOTAL COLIFORM14 450 COUNT / 100 ML

RESULT TOTAL OIL

AND

GREASE MG / L

ND


PROBLEM

This outfall services 1.5 km of primarily residential

storm drainage. The E. coli levels are excessive. Oil

and grease are present. Inputs are believed to come

from houses along Scoodic Street and adjacent areas.

RECOMMENDATION

HIGH PRIORITY The outfalls Cove 1 and 2

drain into the historic site of a 1 ha marsh. The marsh

processes no longer provide water ltration, nutrient

cycling, or spawning habitat and the area has minimal

value as habitat. Please see the following pages for

marsh restoration preliminary planning.


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LOCATIONZ1-003 COVE 2 -BUCHANAN ST.

GPSN 45 11 33

W 67 17 11

DATE JUNE 24/04

CANADIAN STANDARD

E COLI



RESULT / 100ML

E.COLI885 000 / 100 ML

RESULT / 100 ML

TOTAL COLIFORM20 000 000 COUNT / 100 ML

RESULT TOTAL OIL ANDGREASE MG / L

19


PROBLEM

This outfall is connected with 0.3km of storm

drain. The count of E. coli recorded here is

excessive. Oil and grease are present. Inputs

are believed to come from Buchanan Street and

adjacent areas.

RECOMMENDATION

HIGH PRIORITY The outfalls Cove 1 and

2 drain into the historic site of a 1ha marsh.

The marsh processes no longer provide water

ltration, nutrient cycling, or spawning habitat

and the area has minimal value as habitat.

Please see the following pages for marsh

restoration preliminary planning.

Z1-003 COVE 2


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Figure 6.2 Aerial photograph of Cove area.


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Figure 6.3 Conceptual drawing of Marsh Restoration in The Cove.


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6.2 Marsh Restoration Plan

Signicant pollution from storm drain pipes and embankment seepages

were encountered in The Cove during surveys in 2002 - 2003. Town in-

frastrucure drawings were not made available at this time, so ACAP St.

Croix staff carried out an inspection of the area. On this basis, a sampling

program was designed for 2004-2005 and a strategy was devised to seek

funding for the restoration of an old marsh that existed here before thelumbering era. Preliminary contacts were made and a positive response

was received from a funding source that provides assistance for marsh

restoration. ACAP St. Croix was encouraged to submit an application.

On this basis a development scenario was established and Larry Stewart,

Landscape Architect, Basic Design Associates, Sussex, NB was invited to

join us in producing a conceptual design of the project.

The proposed design remains to be developed into a full-edged proposal,

but the basic elements are as follws:

The development should:

1. Result in the restoration of an historic marsh.

2. Provide habitat for sh and invertebrate forage species, as well as mam-

mals, birds, and plants.

3. Provide spawning habitat for important anadromous shes such as

striped bass, smelt, trout, etc.

4. Integrate into the park at Dover Hill and provide paths and access that

would attract visitors to the area.

5. Have an innovative demonstration hatchery component that would

provide a beginning to the restoration of striped bass, attract tourists, and

serve as an educational tool for marsh restoration, river rehabilitation,

sewage management, etc.

6. Act as a lter for river-bank seepages and inputs that cannot be con-

trolled by infrastructure development and repair.

Figure 6.3 shows a plan that incorporates all of these components. It has

been presented to St. Stephen Town Council and others and was, we be-

lieve, well received. As a preliminary step to developing a proposal, ACAP

Marsh at The Cove. 1810? (From Ronald Rees, Images of our Past, His-

toric St. Coix, St. Stephen, Calais. Nimbus, 2003

St. Croix contacted a senior ofcial in the New Brunswick Department

of Environment and Local Government. Unfortunately, we were told that

no permits would be issued for this work. No reasons for this were given.

Nevertheless, the project has real merit as an international demonstration

project. In addition, it would draw St. Stephen to the forefront of Green

towns and help bring the town into the important sphere of Environmen-

tal Tourism.

ACAP St. Croix will continue to pursue this development, but will not

produce a proposal until the appropriate authorities approve of the devel-

opment, at least in principal. Once this is accomplished a proposal will

be prepared and submitted to appropriate funding agencies with a view to

initiating this exciting and worthwhile project.


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ZONE 2 - COMMERCIAL STRIP

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

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

Z2-007 Picnic Kiosk


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Z2-001 NBTEL SHORELOCATION Z2-001 NBTEL SHORE

GPSN 45 11 31

W 67 16 34

DATE JUNE 24/04

CANADIAN

STANDARD

E COLI



RESULT / 100ML

E.COLI 100 COUNT / 100 ML

RESULT / 100 ML

TOTAL COLIFORM 2070 COUNT / 100 ML

RESULT TOTAL OIL

AND

GREASE MG / LND


PROBLEM

Toilet paper and sanitary products observed, this

outfall is linked to0.3 km of commercial efuent

sewer line

RECOMMENDATION

HIGH PRIORITY Thisoutfall should be hooked

into a system with the 5 outfalls within a 570 metre

(1700 foot) stretch including Clarke site, Picnic

Kiosk site, Chocolate Park Site, Ramp and Ramp

East Sites and proceed to a lift station which will

divert contaminants to the St Stephen Wastewater

Treatment Facility


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Z2-002 CLARK BUILDINGLOCATION Z2-002 CLARK BUILDING

GPSN 45 11 31

W 67 16 46

DATE JUNE 24/04

CANADIAN STANDARDE COLI



RESULT / 100ML

E.COLI1 652 000 / 100 ML

RESULT / 100 ML

TOTAL COLIFORM>20 000 000 COUNT / 100 ML

RESULT TOTAL OIL AND

GREASE MG / L11


PROBLEM

This outfall services 5.4km of

commercial/residential and parking

storm drainage. The E. coli levels

are excessive. Oil and grease are

present

RECOMMENDATION

HIGH PRIORITY Thisoutfall

should be hooked into a system

with the 5 other outfalls within

a 570 metre (1700 foot) stretch

including NB Tel site, Picnic Kiosk

site, Chocolate Park Site, Ramp

and Ramp East Sites and proceed

to a lift station which will divert

contaminants to the St Stephen

Wastewater Treatment Facility.


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Z2-003 CHOCOLATE PARKLOCATION Z2-003 CHOCOLATE PARK STORM DRAIN

GPSN 45 11 30

W 67 16 45

DATE JUNE 24/04




RESULT / 100ML

E.COLI53 000 COUNT / 100 ML

RESULT / 100 ML



GREASE MG / L

ND


PROBLEMToilet paper and sanitary products observed.

Excessive E.coli count.

RECOMMENDATION

HIGH PRIORITY - Thisoutfall should behooked into a system with the 5 other outfalls

within a 570 metre (1700 foot) stretch

including NB Tel site, Clarke site, Picnic Kiosk

Site, Ramp and Ramp East Sites and proceed to

a lift station which will divert contaminants to

the St Stephen Wastewater Treatment Facility


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

GPSN 45 11 32

W 67 16 43

DATE JUNE 24/04




RESULT / 100ML

E.COLIND

RESULT / 100 ML



GREASE MG / LND


PROBLEM

This site was not found to be a problem when

comparing it to the Canadian Guidelines for E.

coli in recreational waters.

RECOMMENDATION

Thisoutfall should be hooked into a system with

the 5 outfalls within a 570 metre (1700 foot)

stretch including Clarke site, Picnic Kiosk site,

Chocolate Park Site, Ramp and Ramp East Sites

and proceed to a lift station which will divert

contaminants to the St Stephen Wastewater

Treatment Facility


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

GPSN 45 11 32

W 67 16 42

DATE JUNE 24/04

CANADIAN

STANDARD

E. COLI



RESULT / 100ML

E.COLI500 COUNT / 100 ML

RESULT / 100 ML


RESULT TOTAL OIL

ANDGREASE MG / L

ND


PROBLEM This seepage has unacceptable E. coli counts.

RECOMMENDATION

HIGH PRIORITY - Thisoutfall should be hookedinto a system with the 5 outfalls within a 570

metre (1700 foot) stretch including Clark site, NB

Tel site, Chocolate Park Site, Ramp and Picnic

Kiosk Sites and proceed to a lift station which will


Treatment Facility


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LOCATIONZ2-006 PIZZA DELIGHT SITE

GPSN 45 11 32

W 67 16 34

DATE JUNE 24/04

CANADIAN STANDARD

E COLI



RESULT / 100ML


RESULT / 100 ML



GREASE MG / LND


PROBLEM Seepage issue no obvious pipe

RECOMMENDATION

Uncover ll present and investigate issue/hook

up disconnected pipe or apply a ltration device,

street sweeping or vegetation program may work

to offset issue.

Z2-006 PIZZA DELIGHT SITE


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LOCATION Z2-007 PICNIC KIOSK STORM DRAIN

GPS N 45 11 31

W 67 16 49

DATE JUNE 24/05

CANADIAN

STANDARDE COLI



RESULT / 100ML


RESULT / 100 ML


RESULT TOTAL OIL

AND

GREASE MG / L

ND


PROBLEMThis outfall services 0.3km of commercial storm

drainage. The E. coli levels are excessive

RECOMMENDATION

HIGH PRIORITY Thisoutfall should be hookedinto a system with the 5 other outfalls within a 570

metre (1700 foot) stretch including NB Tel site,

Clarke site, Chocolate Park Site, Ramp and Ramp

East Sites and proceed to a lift station which will


Treatment Facility.

Z2-007 PICNIC KIOSK


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Z3-002 Sewage 1Z3-003 Sewage 2

Z3-004 Seniors

Apartment 1

Z3-001 Vacant Lot


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Z3-008 VACANT LOTLOCATION Z3-001 VACANT LOT

GPSN 45 11 33

W 67 16 49

DATE JUNE 24/04

CANADIAN STANDARD

E COLI



RESULT / 100ML

E.COLIND

RESULT / 100 ML

TOTAL COLIFORM870 COUNT / 100 ML


GREASE MG / LND


PROBLEM


comparing it to the Canadian Guidelines for E.

coli in recreational waters.

RECOMMENDATION Continue to monitor


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

GPSN 45 11 30

W 67 16 06

DATE JUNE 24/04

CANADIAN

STANDARD

E COLI



RESULT / 100ML

E.COLIND

RESULT / 100 ML


RESULT TOTAL OIL

AND

GREASE MG / L

ND


PROBLEM


comparing it to the Canadian Guidelines for E. coli

in recreational waters.

RECOMMENDATION

The old sewage lagoon has consistently produced

low bacterial readings. Undoubted this results from

the large quantities of chlorine that are used in

the municipal water system. Chlorine impacts are

beyond the scope of this work. Continue to monitor


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

GPSN 45 11 31

W 67 16 05

DATE JUNE 24/04

CANADIAN

STANDARD

E COLI



RESULT / 100ML

E.COLIND

RESULT / 100 ML


RESULT TOTAL OILAND

GREASE MG / L

ND


PROBLEM

This seepage was not found to be a problem

compared to the Canadian Guidelines for E. coli in

recreational waters.



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

GPSN 45 11 30

W 67 15 59

DATE JUNE 24/04

CANADIANSTANDARD

E COLI

100 COUNT / 100 ML PRIMARY CONTACT400 COUNT / 100 ML SECONDARY CONTACT

RESULT / 100ML

E.COLIND

RESULT / 100 ML


RESULT TOTAL OIL

AND

GREASE MG / L

ND


PROBLEM

This seepage was not found to be a problem when

comparing it to the Canadian Guidelines for E. coli

in recreational waters.



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Z4-002 Seniors Apartment 3

Z3-004 Old Wharf

Z4-006 Dennis Stream

Z4-001 Seniors Apartment 2

Z4-003 Deep PipeZ4-005 Old Fertilizer

ZONE 4 - DENNIS STREAM AREA

Z4 001 SENIORS APARTMENT 2


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Z4-001 SENIORS APARTMENT 2

LOCATION Z4-001 SENIORS APARTMENT 2

GPSN 45 11 31

W 67 16 53

DATE JUNE 24/04

CANADIAN

STANDARD

E COLI



RESULT / 100ML

E.COLIND

RESULT / 100 ML

TOTAL COLIFORM310 COUNT / 100 ML

RESULT TOTAL OIL

AND

GREASE MG / L

ND


PROBLEM

This site was not found to be a problem compared

to the Canadian Guidelines for E. coli in



Z4 002 SENIORS APARTMENT 3


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

GPSN 45 11 26

W 67 15 52

DATE JUNE 24/04

CANADIAN

STANDARD

E COLI



RESULT / 100ML

E.COLI310 / 100 ML

RESULT / 100 ML


RESULT TOTAL OILAND

GREASE MG / L

ND


PROBLEMThis seepage has nearly unacceptable E. coli counts.

There is no obvious pipe to mitigate

RECOMMENDATION

Uncover ll present and investigate issue/hook up

disconnected pipe or apply a ltration device, street

sweeping or vegetation program may work to offset

issue.

Z4 003 DEEP PIPE OUTFALL


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

GPSN 45 11 25

W 67 15 49

DATE MARCH 28/05

CANADIAN

STANDARD

E COLI



RESULT / 100ML

E.COLINo data - unable to reach outfall

RESULT / 100 ML

TOTAL COLIFORMNo data - unable to reach outfall

RESULT TOTAL OIL

AND

GREASE MG / L

No data - unable to reach outfall

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

PROBLEM

Staff was unable to reach this pipe on foot due to

the soft sediments. It is a major outfall and requires

examination

RECOMMENDATION Monitor at low Neap tides by boat.

Z4 004 OLD WHARF


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Z4-004 OLD WHARFLOCATION Z4-004 OLD WHARF

GPSN 45 11 25

W 67 15 49

DATE JUNE 24/04

CANADIAN

STANDARD

E COLI



RESULT / 100ML

E.COLIND

RESULT / 100 ML


RESULT TOTAL OIL

AND

GREASE MG / L

8.3


PROBLEM

This seepage was not found to be a problem

compared to the Canadian Guidelines for E. coli inrecreational waters. Total coliform counts are high.

Oil and grease are present



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Z4 005 DENNIS STREAM


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Z4-005 DENNIS STREAMLOCATION Z4-005 DENNIS STREAM

GPSN 45 11 33

W 67 15 32

CANADIAN

STANDARD

E COLI



RESULT / 100ML

E.COLIND

RESULT / 100 ML


RESULT TOTAL OIL

AND

GREASE MG / L

ND


PROBLEM


compared to the Canadian Guidelines for E. coli in



7 RECOMMENDATIONS


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53

The environmental implications of these data are great, butthe negative impacts of current sewage-related pollutionthat impact the St. Croix Estuary can be easily mitigated byproactive planning and restoration actions; largely, we believewithin existing budgets.

This study allows us to recommend remedial options for eachsite. Options to eliminate, reduce, or purify the leakages,seepages and contaminants entering the estuary include the useof pollution prevention, detention basins, retention/inltrationdevices and/or vegetative controls. Some of the outfall issuesmay be simply dealt with by the reconnection of broken pipesor re-establishment of proper domestic sewage connections.

Other possibilities may include marsh rebuilding, therebysimultaneously implementing waterfront beautication, habitatrestoration, biota restoration, and water quality improvement; allcomponents of the St. Stephen Green Community initiative.

Protection of humans and the biota through water qualityprotection and restoration is the primary objective of this project.By annually neutralizing or eliminating some of these sources,it is possible over the long-term to dramatically reverse the

negative impacts of two hundred years of neglect and, further,to reestablish the important social and economic benets of ahealthy river.

ACAP St Croix is dedicated to this becoming an ongoingproactive project that will result in the restoration of the St.Croix Estuary. For this to happen, specic restoration programsmust be chosen and initiated on an annual basis over the long-

term determined by needs and funding.

Recommendations outside the specic sites include the re-

building of salt marshes, consideration of oil/grit separators in

sewer lines, trucking removed street snow to the wastewater

facility and a street sweeping program.

Barriers to action include the perceived level of difculty and

expense of identifying the problem spots and repairing the

infrastructure. For example, the in-lling of the St Stephen

waterfront resulted in outfall pipe locations being lost making

improvements in this area an interesting puzzle. Presently a

percentage of these outfalls still seep contaminants and these

provide the clues to restoration. Elsewhere, it is clear that

combined storm and septic systems have not been shifted over

to septic.

There are also issues surrounding the municipal government.

For 3 years in a row the Town of St. Stephen has agreed to

improving the water quality problems as they relate to estuary

pollution, but they have not yet produced a repair schedule or

committed any real dollars to the infrastructure that leads to the

River. A study carried out by the St. Croix Estuary Project Inc.

in the mid-nineties, also identied many of these problems. Tothis date, it seems apparent that the Town of St. Stephen has

not been prepared to address their contribution to the pollution

of the St. Croix River. Hopefully, this study will create a

positive movement to accomplish the elimination of waterfront

pollution.

Table 7.1 shows the projects and probable budget for work

on the sewage, storm drain, and water systems over the next

7. RECOMMENDATIONS

Table 7 1 St Stephen infrastructure plans for the period 2004 to 2009


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INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

YEAR 2004

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

YEAR 2005

Sanitary, Storm Water & RoadPleasant Street Milltown Blvdto Riverside Drive

$320,000.00

YEAR 2006

Sanitary, Storm & Road Cedar Street $110,000.00

Sanitary, Storm, Water & Road Pine Street - Cedar to Queen $250,000.00Total $360,000.00

YEAR 2007

Sanitary, Storm & RoadQueensway - Church to Centre Street& Centre St.

$250,000.00

YEAR 2008

Sanitary, Storm & Road

Sanitary, Storm & Road Queensway #47 to Church St $200,000.00Queensway #47 to Hill St $160,000,00

Total $360,000.00

YEAR 2009

Sanitary, Storm & RoadPrince William Street Duketo Thompson Ave.

$140,000.00

Sanitary, Water & Road Dow St. - All west fow $155,000,00

Total $295,000.00

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

5 years There appears to be no commitment to restoring the is a disconnected pipe, which needs replacement or there may be a


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5 years. There appears to be no commitment to restoring the

system along the waterfront. The cost for virtually eliminating

pollution along the waterfront would be only a minor portion of

these planned expenditures.

We request:

1. that the restoration and repair of sewer and storm

drains along the waterfront be included in the long-term

workplan of the Town of St. Stephen.

2. That priority be given to the following sites:

a. The Clark Building which has E. coli counts of over 1.5 million

and sewage (toilet paper/sanitary products) being disposed of on the

beach, should be a top priority. This outfall needs to be redirected intothe sanitary sewer line that runs on Milltown Boulevard, the line is

only the length of the building away, less than 200m.

b. The Cove 2 site also has E. coli counts exceeding 1.5 million, it

needs to be redirected into the sanitary sewer line, instead of onto the

beach.

c. Both the Chocolate Park outfall and the NB Tel outfall have sewage

(toilet paper and sanitary products) being disposed of on the beach

and should also be redirected into the sanitary sewer line.

d. The outfall at the Picnic Kiosk location needs remediation. The E.

coli levels are over 99 000/100ml. This site needs to be tied into the

existing sanitary sewer line.

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

000/100ml. There is no obvious pipe at this location the only way to

mitigate this properly will be a process which includes uncovering

the present ll and investigating the issue. It may be possible that it

is a disconnected pipe, which needs replacement or there may be a

possibility of applying a ltration device.

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

4. that the Town St. Stephen should institute an annual

monitoring program for the waterfront, conducted by

trained Town staff or under contract to the St. Croix

Estuary Project Inc.

8 BIBLIOGRAPHY


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the health of the st. croix estuary in the next millennium

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