2016

Water Quality Assessment: Four Mile Creek

Prepared for: Annie Michaud

Prepared by: Victoria Munro, Erica Ma,
Marta Swiercz
04/15/2016

Victoria Munro
Erica Ma
Marta Swiercz
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................ 1
STUDY OBJECTIVES ...................................................................................................................................................1
STUDY AREA .............................................................................................................................................................1
Geographic Information.......................................................................................................................................2
Current and Historic Land-Use ...........................................................................................................................2
Watershed Information.........................................................................................................................................3
NPCA 2012 Watershed Report Card ................................................................................................................................ 3

Soil Type and Surficial Geology ..........................................................................................................................3

METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................................................................... 4
FIELD DATA COLLECTION ..........................................................................................................................................4
FIELD METHODS FIELD PARAMETERS & CHEMISTRY ..............................................................................................5
FIELD METHODS STREAM FLOW .............................................................................................................................5
ANALYTICAL METHODS .............................................................................................................................................5
EQUIPMENT LIST ........................................................................................................................................................6
HEALTH AND SAFETY ................................................................................................................................................6
QUALITY ASSURANCE / QUALITY CONTROL..............................................................................................................7
RESULTS ....................................................................................................................................................................7
Field chemistry .....................................................................................................................................................7
Analytical results..................................................................................................................................................8
Stream flow data ..................................................................................................................................................9
Contaminant loading calculations .....................................................................................................................10
DISCUSSION OF RESULTS ............................................................................................................................. 11
CONCLUSIONS ................................................................................................................................................ 13
RECOMMENDATIONS .................................................................................................................................... 13
REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................................... 15
APPENDICES .................................................................................................................................................... 16
APPENDIX A: FIELD SHEET ......................................................................................................................................16
APPENDIX B: HEALTH AND SAFETY PLAN ...............................................................................................................18
APPENDIX C: COPY OF CHAIN OF CUSTODY ............................................................................................................22
APPENDIX D: LAB PROCEDURES AND INSTRUMENT METHODS................................................................................24
APPENDIX E: PHOTOS AND MAPS ............................................................................................................................28

Introduction
The purpose of this study is to assess the water quality in Four Mile Creek in order to analyze
and determine for any forms of potential contamination and identifying its potential sources. This
analysis was conducted using lab methodology based off the samples collected within the field.
The location of the collected samples is approximately situated where Four Mile Creek crosses
Line 8 at the nearest intersection of Four Mile Creek Rd and Line 8 in Niagara-on-the-Lake
(Figure 1). Once the field parameters and the samples were collected, they were analyzed within
the lab for E. coli, Chloride and Nitrate. In order to test for metals and total phosphorus,
additional samples were sent to Exova Laboratories off-site for further analysis. All results were
compared to previous data findings and the applicable water quality guidelines in order to
determine whether contaminant concentrations exceeded provincial standards. Recommendations
were provided based on the results from the lab analysis for further action on improving water
quality, if found to be necessary.

Study Objectives
The objectives of this study are as follows:
1) To assess water quality at Four Mile Creek using field and lab methods, and compare this data
to applicable water quality guidelines.
2) To determine stream flow and contaminant loadings at Four Mile Creek.
3) To identify potential contaminant sources impacting Four Mile Creek based on existing landuse.

Study Area
As previously mentioned, the study area is located where Four Mile Creek crosses Line 8 in
NOTL accessed from Four Mile Creek Road. The approximate geographic coordinates of our
sampling site were at 43.173360 degrees north and 79.105089 west. Adjacent properties include
residential and urban areas. This area is predominantly for agricultural use and vineyards, which
can be a potential source of contamination.
Four Mile Creek is situated in a valley setting, therefore poses a higher risk of potential
contamination from urban runoff entering the creek. Furthermore, Four Mile Creek flows
northwards emitting all water into Lake Ontario.

Victoria Munro
Erica Ma
Marta Swiercz

Four Mile Creek Rd

Sampling Location
Parking Location

Figure 1. Aerial map of study area at Four Mile Creek, NOTL (Google Maps).
Geographic Information
The municipalities within the Four Mile Creek area of the NOTL watershed include Niagara-onthe-Lake and Niagara Falls. Land-use in this area is predominantly agriculture and vineyards, in
addition to urban and residential areas of the Niagara-on-the-Lake region. Significant natural
areas in this area include: Four Mile Creek Estuary Wetland Complex, Laurent Wetland
Complex, and Firemans Park Wetland Complex.
Current and Historic Land-Use
At present, the current land-uses surrounding our study area in Four Mile Creek include:
Vineyards, Wineries
Residential areas
Construction areas
Agricultural areas
Farm Animals, livestock raising
These land-uses have the potential to significantly influence the water quality in this creek
because they are likely to have substances run-off into the water. Substances that are likely to
run-off into the water include:
Fertilizers, pesticides, chemicals
Road salt
Animal waste
As seen in Appendix F: Figures 5 10, there have not been many significant land-use changes
from 1934 to 2013. These images illustrate that the areas surrounding our sampling site at Four
Mile Creek have remained agricultural areas for the past few decades. One change to note
occurred between 2006 and 2010, in which the two lagoons noted in Figure 7 are no longer seen
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in Figure 6. This change depicts the changes in agricultural land-use throughout the years. These
seemingly small changes may have influenced the creek in terms of flow, quality, buffer, and
habitability.
Watershed Information
Four Mile Creek is located in the Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) Watershed. This watershed is
approximately 137 km2 in total area, with a primarily mixed clay and loam, mixed sand and
loam, and mixed silt and loam soil composition. The total natural area within the watershed is
approximately 22.7 km2, and is less than 20% of the total natural area. Furthermore, there are
two bird species at risk in this area the Tufted Titmous and the Red-headed woodpecker. Their
endangerment may be associated with this lack of cover. According to the 2012 NPCA report,
the NOTL watershed is moderately vulnerable to groundwater contamination, such as shallow
aquifers.
NPCA 2012 Watershed Report Card
The Watershed Report Cards use a grading scheme from A to F, each associated with a quality
standard.
A: Excellent
B: Good
C: Fair
D: Poor
F: Very Poor
This method was implemented to provide consistency between reporting across all of Ontario.
Monitoring of Four Mile Creek was conducted on Lakeshore Road, NOTL in 2003. This study
gave a surface water quality grade of an F (Very Poor). The results of this study showed
concentrations of Phosphorus and E. coli bacteria in exceedance of the provincial guidelines.
Furthermore, the benthic invertebrates in the water were found to be those associated with poor
water quality. Of the 44 individual report cards created for 2012, the Niagara-on-the-Lake
watershed received the lowest water quality scores. Forest conditions in the Four Mile Creek
area were given a grade of a D (Poor). The percent forest cover, percent forest interior, and
percent riparian zone forested were all found to be below the southern Ontario Targets.
Soil Type and Surficial Geology
Four Mile Creek is located below the Niagara Escarpment, and is made up of generally flat
topography. This location creates a fertile area made up of red shale, silt and clay, soil
characteristics that hold water well. The combination of these properties create an idyllic
growing area for wineries and agriculture which are the general makeup of the Niagara area.
Soil in this area was developed on the Queenston bedrock Formation. As mentioned, this
formation is made up of red shale which is high in silt and clay content, ideal for moisture
retention. Similar to all of the Niagara Region, this area experiences the remnants from glacial
movement in the past. For example, Four Mile Creek has a high content of Halton Till, which is
a rich clay loam substance that has high water retention abilities. The Four Mile Creek area also
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includes areas of the following soil characteristics, which were obtained from the VQA Ontario
site and are illustrated in Appendix E - Figure 6:
Lacustrine silty clay
Clay loam till
Lacustrine silty clay over clay loam till
Sandy or loamy sediments over lacustrine clays or loams
Lacustrine very fine sandy loam, loamy sand, and sand
Eoilian sands
Reddish-hued coarse sandy loam and gravelly sand
Alluvial deposits on flood plains
Shallow soils over dolostone bedrock
Lacustrine silt loam
Lacustrine heavy clay
Elevation in the Four Mile Creek area is an average of approximately 95 meters. As previously
mentioned, due to the relatively flat topography and very fertile land, the area experiences
lengthy sun exposure and cool nights which are ideal conditions for growing seasons.

Methodology
Field methodology consisted of field data collection, collecting field parameters and determining
the stream flow. This methodology was chosen in order to ensure accuracy when comparing
results to previous data reports and lab analysis. Analytical methodology consisted of Chloride,
Nitrate, and E. coli testing. Furthermore, additional samples were sent for further analysis offsite for total phosphorus and metals at Exova Laboratories. This methodology was utilized in
order to determine all potential sources of contamination effecting water quality. In addition,
these methods were used to obtain results in order to compare and determine whether
concentrations exceed the applicable water quality guidelines, which will provide evidence of
potential contamination.

Field data collection

Field conditions were noted while onsite. The current weather, temperature and time were
recorded prior to sampling because they may fluctuate by the time we arrived at the lab, and insite measurements are more accurate. We completed the in-field measurements on Tuesday,
April 5, 2016 at 10:15 am. The weather conditions at the time were as follows:
Sunny
Light breeze (13 km/h)
-3 degrees Celsius (feels like -8 degrees Celsius)
Snow covered ground, but not snowing
Channel Measurements:
The creek measured 270 cm (2.7 m) across, and had an average depth of approximately 0.372 m.
The channel was divided into five sections using the panel method, in which the midpoints from
each section, the depth, and velocity was determined in order to calculate the flow for each
section, and then provide the total stream flow.
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Field Observations:
There were quite a few trees surrounding the stream in all areas visible to our group during the
data collection. These trees acted as a riparian buffer from the land-uses around the creek. The
land-uses surrounding the creek include:
Vineyards, Wineries
Residential
Construction areas
Agriculture
Farm Animals, livestock
The creek sampling site is located under a road pass, which provides more potential
contamination sources, such as road salt and windshield wiper fluid. At the time of sampling,
there were a number of large trucks passing by heading towards the construction zones nearby.
The water colour in the stream was brown due to the soft bottom and turbid areas. In shallower
areas the water was clear and the bottom was visible, but in slightly deeper areas the water was
turbid and dark. There were no odours coming off of the water. There is evidence of erosion as
seen on the banks and edges of the creek. For full details, please see Appendix A.

Field methods Field Parameters & Chemistry

Parameters collected in the field include pH, temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and
turbidity. A Multi-meter and YSI were used to measure the stream pH, temperature,
conductivity, dissolved oxygen and turbidity. In addition, a sterilized container was used to take
a sample of water from the site to be used for the E. coli test back at the lab. Three jars filled
with preservative and acids were filled to be brought back to the lab for analysis by Exova
Laboratories. Finally, an additional bottle was filled with sample water for use in the lab as a
quality assurance, quality control measure.

Field methods Stream Flow

The panel method was used for determining the velocity and flow of Four Mile Creek. The
stream was separated into five panels across using a measuring tape, and the velocity was
measured using a tennis ball and stopwatch method at the midpoint point of the creek and the
average depth was taken over a 2 meter distance. The velocity was calculated by timing the time
it took for the tennis ball to flow the 2 meters, this test was completed three times and averaged.
From here, the flow was calculated by multiplying the velocity by the average depth. For full
details, see Appendix A.

Analytical methods
Chloride Test
The chloride test was completed by performing a dilution using the water sample collected from
Four Mile Creek. A pipette was filled with 1 mL of sample water, put into a 100 mL volumetric
flask, and filled to the line with Reverse Osmosis De-Ionized water. This process created a 1%
dilution. Next, two spectrophotometer cuvettes and stoppers were obtained. The diluted sample
was poured into the cuvette to the 10 mL line. In the second cuvette, de-ionized water was filled
to the 10 mL line. From here, 0.8 mL of Mercuric Thiocyanate and 0.4 mL of Ferric Ion solution
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was added to each of the cuvettes. The solutions were swirled for two minutes. The
spectrophotometer was zeroed using the blank sample, and then a chloride reading was obtained
using the Four Mile Creek sample cuvette. The actual chloride concentration was calculated by
multiplying the result by 100 in order to account for the original dilution.
Nitrate
The nitrate test was completed by filling the 0106 test tube to the 5 mL line with sample water.
Next, a Nitrate #1 tablet was added and mixed until the tablet disintegrated. Then, a Nitrate #2
tablet was added and mixed for two minutes. Then, the solution sat for five minutes. The solution
was then inserted into the Nitrate-Nitrogen Octa-Slide 2 Viewer to match the sample colour to
the colour standard.
E. coli
The E. coli test was completed by using the IDEXX Quanti-tray 2000. Once the sample was
inserted into the tray and sealed, it was then incubated for a total of 24 hours. After incubation,
the results were based on the IDEXX Most Probable Number (MPN) table for E. coli.

Equipment list
The equipment used for this study include:
Tennis ball-Stop watch method
Multi-meter, YSI
Measuring tape
Nitrile Gloves
Five grab sampling jars
Preservatives and Acid for sampling jars
Meter stick
Calculator
Waders
Micropipettes
Volumetric Flask
Volumetric Pipette
HACH Spectrophotometer
Chloride Test Kit and Reagents
Glass cuvettes, stoppers

Health and safety

The main health and safety features which required consideration for the completion of this
investigation include:
Weather: cold, snow, ice
Biological hazards
Punctures and Abrasions
Tripping and Falling
Equipment Risks
Water
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Traffic
Acids and Preservatives

Many of these potential hazards were prevented by:

Carrying a cellphone and First Aid kit
Wear Nitrile gloves to protect from the acids, preservatives and cold temperatures
Working cautiously and slowly, aware of surroundings
Wearing appropriate footwear and clothing
For full details of the Health and Safety Plan, see Appendix B.

Quality Assurance / Quality Control

Field QA/QC:
Labelling sample jars before entering the field
Wearing Nitrile Gloves
Proper PPE (Hip waders, proper footwear, jackets)
Checking the lab kit with a checklist prior to entering the field ensuring all proper
equipment is there
Cleaning all equipment prior to use to avoid cross contamination
Field Safety Training
Using a prepared field sheet
Collected additional blank sample
Documentation before, during and after sampling
Lab QA/QC:
Disinfecting lab station using Alconox solution
Wearing Nitrile gloves
Cleaning all beakers and glassware with distilled water prior to using it for collected
water samples
Documentation of lab analysis protocols and procedures
Verification of labelled jars by supervisor
Lab Safety Training
Timing using a stopwatch to ensure accuracy
Use of Blank samples

Results
Field chemistry
The field chemistry of the site is outlined in Table 1 below.
Table 1. Field chemistry at Four Mile Creek sampling site.
Parameter
pH
Temperature
Conductivity

Measurement
5.15
2.5 degrees Celsius
1411 S/cm
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Dissolved Oxygen
Turbidity
Total Dissolved Solids

15 mg/L
8.01 NTU
1137 ppm

Analytical results
E. coli analysis was completed using the IDEXX Quanti-tray 2000 method, Nitrate analysis
completed using the LaMotte Nitrate Test Kit, and Chloride analysis completed using the HACH
spectrophotometer method. Metals and total phosphorus will be analyzed and completed off-site
by Exova Laboratories. The amount of E.coli was determined using the IDEXX Quanti-tray
2000 method, which involved using the IDEXX Quanti-tray 2000. Once the sample was inserted
into the tray and sealed, it was then incubated for a total of 24 hours. After incubation, the results
were based on the IDEXX Most Probable Number (MPN) table for E. coli.
Table 2. Analytical results of Nitrate and E. coli from Four Mile Creek.
Parameter
Nitrate
E. coli

Results 2016
3 ppm
205.1 # coliforms / 100mL

Total coliform:
4 large wells, 21 small wells
= 26.3 # of coliforms / 100 mL
E. coli:
44 large wells, 27 small wells
= 205.1 # of coliforms / 100 mL
Table 3. Analytical results for Chloride concentration.

Diluted Water Sample

Spectrophotometer Reading
Actual Chloride
(mg/L)
Concentration (mg/L)
1.3
130

This chloride concentration is above the Ontario Water Quality guideline of 120 mg/L.
No data was available for site FU002 for 2013 and 2014; therefore, the results for our sampling
site were only compared to the data available from 2015, as depicted in Table 4 below.
Table 4. Analytical results from Exova Laboratories.
Analyte
Ag
Al
B
Ba

MRL
0.0001
0.01
0.01
0.01

Units
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L

Guidelines
PWQO-0.0001
IPWQO-0.075
IPWQO-0.200
ODWQS- 1

2015
<0.0001
8.92*
0.03
0.18

2016
<0.0001
0.52*
0.05
0.06

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Be
Cd
Co
Cr
Cu
Fe
Mn
Mo
Ni
Pb
Si
Sr
Ti
Tl
V
Zn
Total
Phosphorus

0.0005
0.0001
0.0002
0.001
0.001
0.03
0.3
0.01
0.005
0.005
0.001
0.1
0.001
0.1
0.0001
0.001
0.01

mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L

0.01

mg/L

PWQO-0.011
PWQO-0.0002
PWQO-0.0009

<0.0005
0.0001
0.0051*
0.011
0.020*
11.8*

<0.0005
<0.0001
<0.0002
<0.001
0.002
0.28

IPWQO-0.04
PWQO-0.025
PWQO-0.005
NA
ODWQS- 5.0
NA
IPWQO-0.0003
IPWQO-0.006
PWQO-0.3

0.47
<0.005
0.013
0.014*
30.7
0.431
0.1
<0.0001
0.014*
0.09*

0.06
<0.005
<0.005
<0.001
4.6
0.535
0.01
<0.0001
<0.001
<0.01

IPWQO-0.02

0.40*

PWQO-0.005
PWQO-0.3
PWQO-0.3

0.023*

*In exceedance of Ontario Provincial Waste Quality Guidelines

Total phosphorus was found to be in exceedance of the Interim Provincial Water Quality
Objectives guideline of 0.02 mg/L, but slightly below the Ontario Water Quality Guideline
standard of 0.03 mg/L. Aluminum was found to be in exceedance of the Interim Provincial
Water Quality Objectives guideline of 0.075 mg/L.
Areas in which the concentration of the analyte increased include: Boron, and Strontium. In both
cases, neither are above the guideline. Areas in which the concentration of the analyte decreased
below the guideline from 2015 to 2016 include: Cobalt, Iron, Mercury, Vanadium, and Zinc.
Aluminum and total phosphorus bettered between the years, but remain below the guideline
standard.
Stream flow data
Table 5. Stream flow results using the panel method and tennis ball-stopwatch method at the
Four Mile Creek sampling site.
Location
(m)

Midpoint
(m)

0.54

0.27

Panel
Number

Width
(A)
(m)

Depth
(B)
(m)

Panel Area
(A x B = C)
(m2)

Average
Velocity
(D)
(m/s)

Flow
(C x D)
(m3/s)

0.54

0.235

0.1269

0.026

0.54

0.310

0.1674

0.034

1
1.08

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2
1.62

1.35

0.2053

0.54

0.345

0.1863

0.038

0.54

0.290

0.1566

0.032

0.54

0.08

0.0432

0.009

3
2.16

1.89
4

2.70

2.43
5

Wetted Width: 270 cm = 2.70 m

Total stream flow = 0.139 m3/s
Location
0.54 m
1.08 m
1.62 m
2.16 m
2.70 m

Mid-Point
0.27 m
0.81 m
1.35 m
1.89 m
2.43 m

Float Method
Average Depth: 0.35 m
Length: 2.0 m
Time: 9.74 seconds
Average Velocity: 0.2053 meters/second
Velocity correction factor: 0.9
Average Velocity: 0.1848 m/s
Contaminant loading calculations
Table 6. Contaminant loading results from Four Mile Creek sampling site.
Parameter
Chloride
Total Phosphorus
Nitrate

Contaminant Loading
1,807 mg/s
3.197 mg/s
417 mg/s

Calculations:
Contaminant loading = Concentration x Flow
Flow = 0.139 m3/s x 1000
Flow = 139 L/s

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Chloride:
Concentration=130 mg/L
Contaminant Loading = 130 mg/L x 139 L/s
Contaminant Loading = 1,807 mg/s
Total Phosphorus:
Concentration= 0.023 mg/L
Contaminant Loading = 0.023 mg/L x 139 L/s
Contaminant Loading = 3.197 mg/s
Nitrate:
Concentration= 3 ppm = 3 mg/L
Concentration Loading= 3 mg/L x 139 L/s
Contaminant Loading = 417 mg/s

Discussion of Results
Data that was discovered during analysis indicated that there were over exceedances in
concentrations when sampling for specific parameters. Therefore, the over exceedances can be
sources of contamination of nearby pollutants such as fertilizers used in agriculture. However, in
comparison with the results from 2015, this year's data represents a significant decrease in
contamination concentrations.
Key Findings
The following key findings were discovered during analysis:
Aluminum concentration of 0.52 mg/L which is an over exceedance of the Interim
Provincial Water Quality Objectives guidelines but below Ontario Water Quality
Guidelines.
Total Phosphorus concentration of 0.023 mg/L which is an over exceedance of the
Interim Provincial Water Quality Objectives guidelines.
Chloride concentration of 130 mg/L which exceeds Ontario Water Quality Guidelines.
Nitrate concentration of 3 ppm.
E. coli of 205.1 / 100 mL which exceeds Canadian Recreational Water Quality Standards
(<200/100mL).
The aluminum concentration in exceedance can be due to construction activities that occur in the
site area. During in-field sampling, multiple construction vehicles drove by the site which
indicates ongoing construction nearby. The exceedance in phosphorus concentration could be
credited to the agricultural and viticultural land use of the area. The use of fertilizers within
these industries increases phosphorus in soil and surrounding water due to runoff. The chloride
concentration exceedance could be a result of the abnormal weather conditions leading up to the
sampling day. There were unseasonal snow conditions that would induce the town to salt the
road and the run off from the melting snow could be a contributor to the increased chloride
concentration. The presence of E. coli is a potential indicator of fecal contamination which
would be a result of livestock in the farms of the area.
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Historic Data Comparison
According to the previous years results, it appears as if there were less exceedances in the year
2016 compared to 2015. This year, there was only an exceedance in Aluminum and total
phosphorus. Although, there were exceedances this year, their concentrations were lower than
the previous year. Aluminum decreased by 8.4 mg/L resulting in 0.52 mg/L. Total Phosphorus
decreased by 0.377 mg/L resulting in 0.023 mg/L. Therefore, this is a significant change in
comparison to last years results. However, limitations include that streamflow conditions are
variable over time and the conditions in 2016 compared to 2015 may have affected the results.
Water Quality Guidelines
The following contaminants were found in exceedance of water quality guidelines during the
2016 water sampling:
Aluminum: 0.52 mg/L (IPWQO- 0.075mg/L)
Chloride: 130 mg/L (Ontario Water Quality Guideline- 120 mg/L)
Total Phosphorus: 0.023 mg/L (IPWQO- 0.02mg/L)
E. Coli: 205.1/100 mL (Canadian Recreational Water Quality Standards - 200/100 mL)
Objectives Met?
The study objectives were to:
1. Assess water quality at Four Mile Creek using field and lab methods, and compare this
data to applicable water quality guidelines.
2. To determine stream flow and contaminant loadings at Four Mile Creek.
3. To identify potential contaminant sources impacting Four Mile Creek based on existing
land-use.
These objectives were met as one of our primary objectives involved is identifying potential
sources of contamination. This was accomplished by assessing water quality at Four Mile Creek
using the field and lab methods discussed, as well as determining stream flow and contaminant
loadings. The results indicate that the chloride concentration exceeded the Ontario Water Quality
guideline of 120 mg/L as the analysis indicated the chloride concentration to be 130 mg/L.
Therefore, a potential source of contamination is the use of road salts throughout the winter for
the reason that the sample was collected just off Line 8 Road. In addition, the results from Exova
laboratories presented exceedances in total phosphorus and Aluminum. Therefore, potential
sources of contamination of these parameters may involve agricultural runoff from the use of
fertilizers for the reason that Four Mile Creek is in a valley-like location, making it easier for
runoff to enter the creek. The over exceedance of Aluminum may also be a source from the
construction in the area as well as the minerals found within the sediment (rocks).
Limitations
A study limitation would include the potential for human error or inaccuracy, in particular with
using the tennis ball method in order to estimate and determine the stream flow. Another
limitation, is that only one sample was sent and analyzed by Exova Laboratories to determine
metals and one sample to determine total phosphorus. Perhaps, two samples could have been sent
to be analyzed for each parameter taken from both sides of Four Mile Creek in the same general

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area as a quality assurance, quality control measure. In addition, stream conditions are dynamic
and variable over time, therefore; flow, temperature or erosion may have affected the results.
Sources of Error
Potential sources of error were the use of test kits in order to analyze Nitrate and Chloride
concentrations. Test kits can often report a range of concentrations and have the potential to be
inaccurate at times. In addition, the Nitrate test kit involved comparing the sample colour to the
colour standard, which can be very subjective and not entirely effective.

Conclusions
Overall, the contaminant concentrations in 2016 were lower than the 2015 samples and fewer
contaminants exceeded guidelines and standards. After lab analysis, there were only four
substances of interest that exceeded the guidelines in 2016 in comparison to the eight
exceedances in 2015. The four exceedance in 2016 were aluminum, chloride, phosphorus and
E.coli. Though they exceeded the guidelines, the contaminants all exceeded less than the
previous year. This could be a result of unseasonal weather during sampling, construction
activities in the area, livestock on farms upstream and general agriculture and viticulture
activities of the region. Overall there has been a decrease in contamination in the stream and an
overall increase of the water quality in the stream.

Recommendations
The continual monitoring of the area and areas of potential contaminant sources is recommended
to ensure all values are below guidelines. Aluminum, chloride, phosphorus and E.coli were in
exceedance of the guideline and the following recommendations were made to lower the
concentrations to below guideline.
Aluminum
Although the aluminum concentration in 2016 is much lower than the 2015 concentration, the
results are still above guideline levels. This can be due to the construction activity within the
area. Previous construction may include the turning up of soil and minerals within rocks that
lead to a higher concentration in aluminum. The increased level of aluminum in 2016 may be
residuals of the initial construction activities and ongoing construction that may involve less
disruption of soil and rocks. Continual monitoring of the construction near the site will help
identify sources of increased aluminum in the creek and educating contractors in the area on
proper management of those processes and materials will help lower the contamination levels.
Chloride
The analysis lab results from the 2016 sampling round shows a decrease in contaminants from
2015. This can be a result of the unseasonal weather experienced this winter prior to
sampling. The 2016 winter was much milder than the 2015 winter, which resulted in less salting
of the roads. The exceedance in chloride concentrations can be credited to the snow events that
occurred in the week prior to sampling. In order to get chloride concentrations under the
applicable guidelines, monitoring and controlling the amount of salt used on roads is
recommended.
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Phosphorus
The phosphorus concentration exceedance can be due to the agricultural and viticultural activity
in the site area. The use of fertilizers in these industries is the main contributor to the increase of
phosphorus. Regulating fertilizer use as well as offering and promoting alternatives to farmers
will help lower this contaminant concentration to below standard levels.
E. Coli
The exceedance of E. coli in the samples is a result of livestock on farms in the study site area
and an indicator of fecal contamination. Educating farmers on methods to capture livestock fecal
matter will be the best way to reduce E.coli concentrations.

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References
VQA Ontario (2016). Retrieved from:
http://www.vqaontario.ca/Appellations/NiagaraPeninsula/FourMileCreek
Niagara-on-the-Lake 2012 Watershed Report Card (2012). Retrieved from:
https://npca.ca/sites/default/files/NiagaraOnTheLake_WatershedReportCard.pdf
Niagara Conservation Watershed Report Card (2012). Retrieved from:
https://npca.ca/sites/default/files/NPCA_2012WatershedReportCard_Summary_Web2.pdf
Methodology for in-lab analyses were obtained in lab, and are detailed in the Appendix.
IDEXX Quanti-Tray/2000 MPN Table

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Appendices
Appendix A: Field Sheet
Date: April 5, 2016
Time of Sampling: 10:15am
Current Weather Conditions:

Parameter

Measurement

pH

5.15

Temperature

2.5 degrees Celsius

Conductivity

1411 mS/cm

Dissolved Oxygen

15 mg/L

Turbidity

8.01 NTU

Total Dissolved Solids 1137 ppm

Substrate Type:
Riparian Buffer: none, small area from tree cover
Canopy Cover: quite a few small trees surrounding the creek
Land-use:
Vineyards. Wineries
Residential
Construction areas
Agriculture
Farm Animals, livestock

General Observations
Water Colour: clear to brown depending on depth
Odour: none
Sheen: sparkly
Erosion: evidence on banks and edges

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Flow Measurement
Location
(m)

Midpoint
(m)

0.54

0.27

Panel
Number

Width
(A)
(m)

Depth
(B)
(m)

Panel Area
(A x B = C)
(m2)

Average
Velocity
(D)
(m/s)

Flow
(C x D)
(m3/s)

0.54

0.235

0.1269

0.026

0.54

0.310

0.1674

0.034

0.54

0.345

0.1863

0.54

0.290

0.1566

0.032

0.54

0.08

0.0432

0.009

1
1.08

0.81
2

1.62

1.35

0.2053

0.038

3
2.16

1.89
4

2.70

2.43
5

Total stream flow = 0.139 m3/s

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Appendix B: Health and Safety Plan

Introduction
Site Code: FU002
The purpose of this study is to assess the water quality in a local watercourse 4 Mile Creek.
The objectives of this study are as follows,
1. To assess water quality at 4 Mile Creek using field and lab methods, and compare the
acquired data to applicable water quality guidelines.
2. To determine stream flow and contaminant loadings at 4 Mile Creek.
3. To identify potential contaminant sources impacting 4 Mile Creek site based on existing
land-use.
Our group will collect water quality samples, collect five grab samples, and calculate water flow
using the propeller method or tennis ball-stop water method. The sampling location is illustrated
in Figure 1 below. This study involves a complete site record and description of the study area,
collection of five grab samples, water quality analysis to assess the water quality of the
watercourse, water flow calculations, results and discussion, conclusion, and recommendations.
Following sample collection, we will use the following methods of analysis to assess the
characteristics of the water:
E. coli analysis completed using the IDEXX Quanti-tray 2000 method
Nitrate analysis completed using the LaMotte Nitrate Test Kit
Chloride analysis completed using the HACH spectrophotometer method
Metals and total phosphorus will be analyzed and completed by Exova Laboratories. After we
receive the results, we will evaluate these results to form appropriate conclusions and
recommendations. Furthermore, this water quality assessment will assist the municipality of
Niagara-on-the-Lake in setting baseline water quality conditions for the watershed plan, thus
ranking watercourses requiring remediation.
The sampling location was around the intersection of Four Mile Creek Road and Line 8 Road.
There is no parking in this area, so we will park on the far edge of the road. To complete the
study we had to walk down into the creek basin. We measured the width of the stream in order to
conduct flow meter measurements, captured five grab samples, and recorded in-situ field
parameters of the site.

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Site Map

Four Mile Creek Rd

Sampling Location
Parking Location

Hazard Assessment of Field Work Activities

Field Location:
Date: April 5, 2016 @ 10:30 am 12:30
Four Mile Creek, Line 8 and Four Mile
pm
Creek Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Crew:
Cell Phone: 289-684-3795
Marta
Erica Ma
Victoria Munro
Coordinator/Supervisor: Annie Michaud
Name and Number: 905-641-2252, ext. 4476

Emergency: 911
Ambulance: 905-688-2191

Niagara College 135 Taylor Road,

Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
906-641-2252
Alternate Contact:
Marta Swiercz
647 993 5461

Activity
Collecting
Water
Samples

Hazards and
Conditions
Weather:
Precipitation

Niagara College Security: ext. 4444

First Aid Kit packed? Yes

Controls
- Carry cellphone + charger
- Work with crew
- Check the weather forecast

Personal Protective
Equipment
- Dress appropriately for
weather conditions
Rain coat, appropriate
footwear, extra clothes
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Collecting
Water
Samples

Weather:
Sun

- Stay hydrated
- Bring/apply sunscreen
- Carry cellphone + charger
- Work with crew
- Check the weather forecast

- Dress appropriately for

weather conditions
appropriate footwear,
extra clothes
- Bring/apply sunscreen

Collecting
Samples

Weather:
Cold
temperatures,
precipitation
(snow, sleet)
Biological
Hazards

- Carry cellphone + charger

- Work with crew
- Check weather forecast

- Dress appropriates for

weather conditions
appropriate footwear,
extra clothes, gloves, coat,
warm clothing
- Appropriate
footwear/clothing
- Gloves
- First Aid kit

Punctures
and
Abrasions (pokes and
cuts) using
equipment
Tripping and
Falling

- Be aware of surroundings
- Be cautious, do not rush
- Be aware of sharp objects
and plants
- Work slowly and carefully
- Do not break glass jars
- Be aware of surroundings
- Be cautious around slopes,
unstable ground, etc.
- Carry cellphone + charger
- Work with crew
- Be aware of surroundings
and proximity to workers
- Work with crew
- Be cautious, do not rush
- Do not poke or prod others
- Be aware of surroundings
- Work with crew
- Be cautious, do not rush

Walking to
and
throughout
Site
Walking,
Collecting
Samples,
Analyzing
Samples
Walking,
Collecting
Samples

Equipment
Using
Equipment, Risks
- Glass Jars
Collecting
Samples

- Insect repellent with DEET

- Carry hand sanitizer
- Work with crew
- Carry cellphone + chargers

Collecting
Water
Samples

Water,
Drowning

Collecting
Samples,
Walking
throughout
Site
Collecting
Samples,

Traffic

- Be aware of surroundings
- Work with crew
- Be cautious, do not rush

Acids and
Preservatives

- Be aware of surroundings
- Be cautious, do not rush

- Gloves
- Appropriate shoes
- First Aid kit

- Wear appropriate
footwear
- First Aid kit

- Wear appropriate
footwear and clothing
- First Aid kit

- Wear appropriate
footwear
- Carry cellphone, First
Aid kit
- Lifeguard on-site
- Wear appropriate
footwear
- Carry cellphone, First
Aid kit
- Wear Safety Vest
- Wear Nitrile Gloves
- Carry First Aid kit
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Using Glass
Jars

- Do not overfill the sample

jars
- Do not touch inside of jars
or lids

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Appendix C: Copy of Chain of Custody

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Appendix D: Lab Procedures and Instrument Methods

Figure 2. Lab procedure for chloride testing.

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Figure 3. Lab procedure for Nitrate testing.

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Figure 5. E. coli testing results using UV light.

Figure 4. E. coli testing results using UV light.

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Appendix E: Photos and Maps

Figure 6. Four Mile Creek Soil Properties (VQAOntario)

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Figure 7. Four Mile Creek as a part of the NOTL Watershed (NPCA, 2012)

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Figure 8. Four Mile Creek sampling site sketch.

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Figure 9. Baselayer map of Four Mile Creek at Line 8 Rd and Four Mile Creek Rd
(Niagara Navigator).

Figure 10. Aerial Imagery of Four Mile Creek at Line 8 Rd and Four Mile Creek Rd, 2013
(Niagara Navigator).

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Figure 11. Aerial Imagery of Four Mile Creek at Line 8 Rd and Four Mile Creek Rd, 2010
(Niagara Navigator).

Figure 12. Aerial Imagery of Four Mile Creek at Line 8 Rd and Four Mile Creek Rd, 2006
(Niagara Navigator).

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Figure 13. Aerial Imagery of Four Mile Creek at Line 8 Rd and Four Mile Creek Rd, 2002 (Niagara
Navigator).

Figure 14. Aerial Imagery of Four Mile Creek at Line 8 Rd and Four Mile Creek Rd, 2000 (Niagara
Navigator).

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Figure 15. Aerial Imagery of Four Mile Creek at Line 8 Rd and Four Mile Creek Rd, 1934 (Niagara
Navigator).

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Figure 16. Analytes and associated sources.

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