The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My Public Portal About2019-04-04_COW_Public Agenda Package (added 8.1, 8.5 and 8.6)Page 1 of 2 of Agenda Cover Page(s) Committee of the W hole AGENDA Thursday,April 4, 2019 Chester Municipal Council Chambers 151 King Street, Chester, NS 1.MEETING CALLED TO ORDER. 2.APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ORDER OF BUSINESS. 3.PUBLIC INPUT SESSION (8:45 A.M.–9:00 A.M.) 4.MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: 4.1.Committee of the Whole –March 21, 2019 5.MATTERS ARISING. 6.POLICY DEVELOPMENT/REVIEW. 7.CORRESPONDENCE: 7.1 Email from Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities (NSFM) dated March 6, 2019 regarding South Shore –HRM Area Regional Meeting (update on location). RSVP required by April 11th via email to Tracy Verbeke at tverbeke@nsfm.ca 7.2 Information from Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities (NSFM)dated March 26, 2019 regarding News Release -Stable,balanced budget good for Nova Scotia Municipalities. 8.NEW BUSINESS: 8.1 Request for Decision prepared by Community Development Department dated March 20, 2019 regarding Fox Point Lake 2018 Monitoring Report. 8.2 Request for Decision prepared by Community Development Department dated March 20, 2019 regarding Fox Point Lake 2019 Pricing Options. 8.3 Information Report prepared by Community Development Department dated March 25, 2019 regarding Registration for the Nova Scotia Spring Planning Conference open to Councillors, Committee members and staff. 8.4 For information –Upcoming conferences scheduled in May 2019: a)NSFM 2019 Spring Workshop –Wednesday, May 8th to Friday, May 10th, 2019. Page 2 of 2 9.IN CAMERA: 9.1 Section 22(2)(e)of the MGA –Contract Negotiations 10.ADJOURNMENT. 8.5 Request for Decision prepared by Engineering and Public Works regarding Mill Cove WWTP Capacity and Expansion. b) FCM 2019 Annual Conference and Trade Show – Thursday, May 30 th to Sunday, June 2nd, 2019. 8.6 Information Report prepared by Communications Officer regarding Best of Chester Municipality Business Awards open on April 1st. 1 Cindy Hannaford Subject:FW: SOUTH SHORE - HRM REGIONAL MEETING (UPDATE ON LOCATION) From:NSFM Info <Info@nsfm.ca> Sent:March 8, 2019 12:01 PM To:Tracy Verbeke <TVerbeke@nsfm.ca> Subject:SOUTH SHORE -HRM REGIONAL MEETING (UPDATE ON LOCATION) TO:Mayors, Wardens, Councillors and CAOs from the South Shore -HRM Area Region RE:SOUTH SHORE -HRM REGIONAL MEETING HRM has kindly agreed to host the South Shore -HRM Area Regional Meeting. Update on location: Date:Thursday, April 18th, 2019 Location:St. Margaret’s Centre, 12 Westwood Boulevard, Upper Tantallon, NS Time:1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. Please forward Agenda items to Will Brooke wbrooke@nsfm.ca (the agenda package will be sent out in advance of the Meeting date.) Please let us know if you will be attending the meeting by responding to this email by April 11 th .You can also email Tracy Verbeke directly at tverbeke@nsfm.ca. We will need to know our numbers for seating and catering. A special thank you to HRM for agreeing to host. - NOVA SCOTIA FEDERATION OF MUNICIPALITIES t +1.902.423.8331 nsfm.ca |facebook |twitter |linkedin |instagram PLEASE NOTE:If you do not want to receive communications from NSFM, please e -mail Tracy Verbeke at tverbeke@nsfm.ca,and you will be removed from the mailing list. REQUEST FOR DECISION Prepared By:Garth Sturtevant, Senior Planner Date March 20, 2019 Reviewed By:Tara Maguire, Director Date March 25, 2019 Authorized By:Dan McDougall, CAO Date March 26, 2019 CURRENT SITUATION The Municipality has engaged Bluenose Coastal Action foundation (BCAF) to co -ordinate the fourth consecutive season of water quality monitoring at Fox Point Lake in 2018. Monitoring activity commenced in June and continued through October. The final report was submitted and co nsidered by the Water Quality Monitoring Committee at its meeting held on March 13, 2019.The Committee members passed the following motion: MOTION: It was MOVED by John McNeil, SECONDED by Ged Stonehouse, that the 2018 Monitoring Report be received and recommend for adoption by Council. CARRIED. RECOMMENDATION Receive the Report for 2018 and share with: -Nova Scotia Environment -Aspotogan Ridge Developers BACKGROUND The Municipality appointed the Fox Point Lake Water Quality Monitoring Committee in respo nse to concerns expressed during public discussions about the adjacent proposed golf course and residential development. The Committee is comprised of representatives of Municipal Council, the Municipal Area Advisory Committee, the Aspotogan Heritage Trust, the Fox Point Lake Property Owners Association, the Developer of Aspotogan Ridge and a subject matter expert related to water quality. DISCUSSION The program, designed by Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation and approved by the Committee and Council,involves monthly water sampling to assess the health of the water body. Sampling results are tested for nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen, chlorophyll a, temperature, water clarity, suspended and dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, thermal stratifi cation, pH and fecal coliform. The 2018 monitoring program added a one-time sampling event to measure total nitrogen and total phosphorus below the thermocline of the lake. Sampling below the thermocline was added to inform whether the lake may have excessive nutrients, which could cause an algal bloom or eutrophication during the fall lake-turnover. Additionally, one blank and one replicate slide per month was added at a REPORT TO:Municipal Council SUBMITTED BY:Community Development Department DATE:April 4, 2019 SUBJECT:Fox Point Lake 2018 Monitoring Report ORIGIN:Fox Point Lake Water Quality Monitoring Committee Recommendation 2 Request For Decision /Direction randomly-selected site to ensure quality control. Finally, due to the late start of the 2018 monitoring season, the funds normally used for the May sampling date were diverted and used for a one -time, rainfall-dependent sampling event. Summary of Findings from the 2018 Monitoring Report: Precipitation & Water Level –Precipitation and water levels at Fox Point Lake were monitored daily by volunteers from June –October (September data was not available). Taking into account the lack of data from September, total rainfall measured in 2018 of 433mm is comparable to 2017 (483.6mm) and higher than the drought -inducing level of 163mm recorded in 2016. Water Temperature & Stratification –Water temperatures were consistently colder at the inlet sites compared to the lake and outlet sites. This is expected and although temp eratures within the Lake and Outlet did exceed the 200 C threshold for cold-water fish species, deeper waters in the lake, cold water pools in the Outlet and the colder inlet streams would provide ample thermal refuge for fish. A thermocline (separation of warmer and colder waters) did occur with cooler water settling below the 6 to 10m depth where the stratification occurs . Dissolved Oxygen –The North Inlet site consistently had the lowest Dissolved Oxygen concentrations,with the highest concentrations recorded at the lake sample site. The low Dissolved Oxygen in the North Inlet could negatively affect aquatic organisms. The minimal threshold set by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME)for cold-water species is 6.5mg/L. While the Outlet fell below the threshold once in September and the South Inlet was marginally below three times, the North Inlet site was below the threshold in every sample except October. This result is concerning but is not significantly different from previous years data and will continue to be monitored. Total Dissolved Solids –Total dissolved solids within Fox Point Lake are higher than other locations and previous years. This does not appear to cause a problem fo r aquatic organisms and there is no guideline set by CCME for total dissolved solids. Therefore, although a statistically significant increase has been noted, this does not appear to be detrimental to Fox Point Lake. Total Phosphorus –Three of the four sites sampled did not exceed the guidelines set by Ontario’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC)<0.03 mg/L. Only the South Inlet site exceeded the guideline and this trend occurred during every sample in the 2018 season. This site has experienced similar effects during the 2015, 2016 and 2017 monitoring seasons with elevated concentrations of Phosphorus present. As natural inputs of phosphorus in the environment are uncommon, these consistently high readings likely indicate an anthropogenic (originating from human activity)source.As the site is downstream from the Aspotogan Golf Course, it may be acting as a contributing source to the inlet’s phosphorus concentrations. Despite these findings, the 2018 results indicate that phosphorus concentrations in the stream appear to be in decline. The maximum recoded reading in 2018 was the lowest maximum recorded since the inception of the monitoring program. Additionally, the 2018 samples also had the lowest mean concentration of phosphorus compared to 2015, 2016 and 2017. The BCAF report states this is an indication that the stream is recovering and that control measures in place at the gol f course appear to be effective. 3 Request For Decision /Direction Fecal Coliform Bacteria –Fecal Coliform Bacteria is no longer used by Health Canada as an indicator of lake health and been replaced with E. coli testing (when the monitoring program was initiated Fecal Coliform was still regarded as valid). Fecal coliform is used as a proxy and in the case of the Fox Point Lake Program, has been used since the inception of the program (the 2019 season will switch to testing for E. coli as discussed in this report).During the rainfall sampling event, both Inlet sites recorded a spike in fecal coliform bacteria.Only the South Inlet exceeded the Health Canada primary contact guideline of <400 CFU/ 100 mL, and with readings of 840 CFU/ 100 mL was below the secondary contact guideline of <1000 CFU/ 100 mL. The report indicates this may be the result of drought-like conditions prior to the rainfall event which can result in bacteria that has concentrated in pools being washed all at once into the stream. The report also notes that this finding is not the highest recorded CFU count at the South Inlet. Algal Blooms –There was no algal bloom observed in Fox Point Lake during the 2018 monitoring season. Suspicious algae were noted and sampled on August 22, 2018. The results showed much lower concentrations of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae)than the threshold set by Health Canada. These results are also lower than in 2015, 2016 and 2017. Sediment Sampling –Within the Lake, sediment indicates minimal risk for bioaccumulation. Only arsenic exceeded the CCME threshold and remains at levels believed to have no adverse impact to organisms.Within the South Inlet arsenic and mercury exceeded the threshold, while lead appears to be approaching the threshold. All three of these metals were found in higher concentrations than in 2017. The report notes that the results remain below two other thresholds (PEL -probable effect level & NSEQS -Nova Scotia Environmental Quality Standards) for the three metals. However, the report notes concern with the increase in concentrations from 2017. Organisms living within the stream should be considered at -risk for bioaccumulation and fisheries should be limited to the lake where dilution occurs,and heavy metals readings are below thresholds. Recommendations from 2018 Monitoring Season: The report provides the following recommendations: continue the monitoring program collecting monthly samples at the four sites ; continue the one-time sediment sampling to monitor heavy metal concentrations ; continue one-time lake sample below thermocline to monitor late-season algal blooms; continue to provide FPL residents with bottles to sample potential algal blooms ; switch from testing for Fecal Coliforms to E. coli to better align with Health Canada Guidelines; continue the rainfall-dependent sampling, consider adding new site or moving South Inlet site ; consider moving the North Inlet site to avoid effects of win d on flow rates; implement a communications plan to inform community members and visitors of the potential risks and encourage good practices in and around the water. IMPLICATIONS Policy Water quality monitoring undertaken by the Municipality supports Municipal Planning Strategy Policy 6.1.6 It is the intention of Council to encourage land use and development in a manner that will preserve, enhance and protect the natural environment and t he living environment of the District of Chester. 4 Request For Decision /Direction Financial/Budgetary This monitoring program has been cost-shared between the Municipality and the Aspotogan Heritage Trust. The increase in the proposed budget for 2019 will require the Municipality to con tribute additional funds to the program, or alternatively, if the increase is denied, the program will be adjusted to rely more heavily on volunteers while maintaining a similar sampling schedule. Environmental This activity addresses a specific environmental concern related to Fox Point Lake. The program has now provided a baseline beginning in 2015 and can compare new results to this growing resource of historical data. Strategic Plan Strengthen and support environmental, cultural, and social re sources; Work Program Implications Staff coordination of this activity is required. The Senior Planner provides support relating to organizing meetings, keeping minutes, preparing Council Reports and other duties as required. The Committee is prepared to oversee a monitoring program for 2019 subject to budget approval. OPTIONS 1.Receive the Fox Point Lake 2018 Water Quality Monitoring Report and share copies with Nova Scotia Environment and the developers of the Aspotogan Ridge site; 2.Defer acceptance pending further discussion. ATTACHMENTS Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation,Fox Point Lake 2018 Water Quality Monitoring Report,February 2019. Fox Point Lake 2018 Water Quality Monitoring Report Prepared for Municipality of Chester Water Quality Monitoring Committee (Mill Cove) By Coastal Action 37 Tannery Road, PO Box 730 Lunenburg, N.S. B0J 2C0 February 2019 Fox Point Lake 2018 Report | Municipality of Chester | Coastal Action | 2019 2 | P a g e Table of Contents List of Figures .................................................................................................................................. 3 List of Tables ................................................................................................................................... 5 1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 6 1.1. Fox Point Lake Background .............................................................................................. 6 1.2. Program Background ........................................................................................................ 7 1.3. Objectives and Scope of Work ......................................................................................... 7 1.4. Review of the 2017 Fox Point Lake Water Quality Monitoring Report ........................... 8 1.5. Changes to the 2018 Fox Point Lake Water Quality Monitoring Program ...................... 8 2. Water Quality Monitoring Results ........................................................................................... 9 2.1. Water Sampling ................................................................................................................ 9 2.1.1. Physical Water Quality Parameters .......................................................................... 9 2.1.2. Chemical Water Quality Parameters ...................................................................... 18 2.1.3. Biological Water Quality Parameters ...................................................................... 22 2.2. Sediment Sampling ......................................................................................................... 24 3. Discussion .............................................................................................................................. 27 3.1. Algae Blooms in Fox Point Lake ...................................................................................... 27 3.2. Trophic State of Fox Point Lake ...................................................................................... 27 3.3. Potential for Nutrient Enrichment of Fox Point Lake ..................................................... 29 4. Recommendations ................................................................................................................. 30 5. References ............................................................................................................................. 31 Fox Point Lake 2018 Report | Municipality of Chester | Coastal Action | 2019 3 | P a g e List of Figures Figure 1: Drainage basin and sampling sites of Fox Point Lake. ..................................................... 6 Figure 2: Daily water level and rainfall monitored at FPL from June -October, 2018. No data was collected during the month of September. .................................................................................. 10 Figure 3: One-time monthly water discharges from the three streams monitored at FPL from June-October, 2018....................................................................................................................... 11 Figure 4: Monthly water temperature from the lake and three stream sites at FPL from June - October, 2018. Red line indicates the 20oC water temperature threshold for cold-water fish species. .......................................................................................................................................... 12 Figure 5: Monthly water temperature depth-profiles from the lake site at FPL from June- October, 2018. Red line indicates the 20oC water temperature threshold for cold-water fish species. .......................................................................................................................................... 13 Figure 6: Monthly DO from the lake and three stream sites at FPL from June-October, 2018. Red line indicates the 6.5 mg/L DO minimum for aquatic organisms, as set by the CCME. ............... 14 Figure 7: Monthly dissolved oxygen depth-profiles from the lake site at FPL from June-October, 2018. Red line indicates the 6.5 mg/L DO minimum for aquatic organisms, as set by the CCME. ....................................................................................................................................................... 15 Figure 8: Monthly pH from the lake and three stream sites at FPL from June-October, 2018. Red line indicates the 6.5-pH minimum for aquatic organisms, as set by the CCME.......................... 16 Figure 9: Monthly total dissolved solids from the lake and three stream sites at FPL from June - October, 2018. .............................................................................................................................. 18 Figure 10: Monthly total suspended solids from the lake and three stream sites at FPL from June-October, 2018....................................................................................................................... 19 Figure 11: Monthly total phosphorus concentrations from the lake and three stream sites at FPL from June-October, 2018. Red solid line indicates the 0.03 mg/L MOECC guideline for streams and rivers, while the red dotted line indicates the 0.02 mg/L M OECC guideline for lakes.......... 20 Figure 12: Monthly total nitrogen concentrations from the lake and three stream sites at FPL from June-October, 2018. Red line indicates the 0.9 mg/L guideline for freshwater environments, as set by Dodds and Welch (2000). ...................................................................... 21 Figure 13: Monthly fecal bacteria concentrations from the lake and three stream sites at FPL from June-October, 2018. Red solid line indicates the Health Canada 400 CFU/100 mL limit for primary recreation in freshwaters; red dotted line indicates the Health Canada 1 000 CFU/100 mL limit for secondary recreation in freshwaters. ....................................................................... 23 Figure 14: Monthly fecal bacteria concentrations from the lake and three stream sites at FPL from 2015-2018. Red solid line indicates the Health Canada 400 CFU/100 mL limit for primary Fox Point Lake 2018 Report | Municipality of Chester | Coastal Action | 2019 4 | P a g e recreation in freshwaters; red dotted line indicates the Health Canada 1000 CFU/100 mL limit for secondary recreation in freshwaters. ..................................................................................... 24 Figure 15: Carlson TSI for FPL using the mean Secchi disk depth (transparency), mean chlorophyll a concentration and mean total phosphorus concent ration within FPL in 2018. From Carlson, 1977. ............................................................................................................................... 29 Fox Point Lake 2018 Report | Municipality of Chester | Coastal Action | 2019 5 | P a g e List of Tables Table 1: Mean and range of stream discharge rates from June-October, 2018 at the three stream sites, with 2015, 2016, and 2017 results for comparison. ............................................... 11 Table 2: Mean and minimum summer DO concentrations from July-September, 2018 at the four sites, with 2015, 2016, and 2017 results for comparison............................................................. 14 Table 3: Mean and minimum pH values from June-October, 2018 at the four sites, with 2015, 2016, and 2017 results for comparison. ....................................................................................... 17 Table 4: Mean and maximum phosphorus concentrations from June-October 2018 at the four sites, with 2015, 2016, and 2017 results for comparison............................................................. 20 Table 5: Mean and maximum nitrogen concentrations from June-October, 2018 at the four sites, with 2015, 2016, and 2017 results for comparison............................................................. 22 Table 6: Concentration of metals within site sediment samples sampled on September 27 th, 2018. Interim sediment quality guideline (ISQG) is the recommendation by CCME of total concentrations of chemicals in surficial sediment, while the probable effect level (PEL) is the CCME upper value in which adverse effects are expected (CCME, 2001). Nova Scotia environmental quality standards (NSEQS) are sediment guidelines specifically set by the Nova Scotia Environment (NSE, 2014). Light yellow indicates parameters approaching one of the guidelines, while dark yellow indicates an exceedance of one of the guidelines. ....................... 26 Table 7: Phosphorus concentrations in sediment samples from lake and river sites sampled on September 27th, 2018. .................................................................................................................. 27 Table 8: 2018 FPL TSI scores (red) and trophic states, using the Carlson (1977) trophic equations, for total phosphorus, chlorophyll a, and Secchi disk compared to previous years (black italicized). ........................................................................................................................... 28 Table 9: Nutrient concentrations from surface and depth waters (below the thermocline) within FPL, obtained on September 27th, 2018. ...................................................................................... 30 Fox Point Lake 2018 Report | Municipality of Chester | Coastal Action | 2019 6 | P a g e 1. Introduction 1.1. Fox Point Lake Background Fox Point Lake (FPL) is a 1.4 km2 lake located on the Aspotogan Peninsula, within the Municipality of Chester, Nova Scotia (Figure 1). FPL contains 11 small islands and has an average depth of 4.9 m (Beanlands, 1980). The lake drains an area of 8 km2, with two inlet streams – the north and south - and one outlet draining into St. Margaret’s Bay. The northern inlet drains a forested region, crossing a wetland before reaching the lake, while the southern inlet runs through the Aspotogan Golf Course. Residential properties, both year-round and seasonal, line the lake perimeter. Figure 1: Drainage basin and sampling sites of Fox Point Lake. Fox Point Lake 2018 Report | Municipality of Chester | Coastal Action | 2019 7 | P a g e 1.2. Program Background In 2014, due to concerns from residents about the water quality of FPL, the Municipality of Chester created the Fox Point Lake Water Quality Monitoring Committee (WQMC). Due to development around the lake by Aspotogan Ridge – a 550-acre community with development plans for 344 residential units and an 18-hole golf course – the rate of rainfall-induced sedimentation plumes in FPL spiked. The sedimentation events, occurring near the southern inlet which drains from the golf course, raised concerns for the health of FPL by citizens. To monitor the water quality conditions and track changes within the lake, Coastal Action was contracted in 2015 by the Municipality of Chester to join the WQMC and develop and implement a water quality program. The program focuses on four site locations (Figure 1) chosen to monitor water quality incoming, within, and exiting the lake. Monitoring activities within the program are conducted by a small group of trained volunteers, with the support of the Coastal Action Project Manager. Further details on the program can be found in the Fox Point Lake Water Quality Monitoring Program (2015), and program results are found in the Fox Point Lake Water Quality Monitoring Reports from 2015-2017; all are available on request from the Municipality of Chester. 1.3. Objectives and Scope of Work The objective of this program is to provide a multi-year water quality baseline of Fox Point Lake, and monitor changes and the lake’s trophic state, to help inform decisions made regarding development in the region and its effects on water quality. Within the WQMC, Coastal Action’s scope of work includes: • Designing and writing the Fox Point Lake 2018 Water Quality Monitoring Program • Ordering and ensuring correct bottles from Maxxam Analytics • Creating and printing waterproof field sheets for each sampling mo nth • Calibrating and caring for the MODL-MOC YSI monthly • Coordinating with volunteers for sampling days • Coordinating the volunteer-collected water level and rainfall measurements • Conducting one-time rainfall-dependent sampling with volunteers • Conducting one-time field sediment sampling with volunteers • Conducting field water sampling monthly with volunteers • Conducting algal bloom sampling with volunteers • Dropping off water samples at Maxxam Analytics in Bedford, NS • Transferring data from field sheets, Maxxam, and volunteers into a database and analyzing data Fox Point Lake 2018 Report | Municipality of Chester | Coastal Action | 2019 8 | P a g e • Attending WQMC-MC meetings and presenting water quality results • Preparing this report to summarize results and recommendations for water quality related to Fox Point Lake 1.4. Review of the 2017 Fox Point Lake Water Quality Monitoring Report The trophic state of FPL was determined to be oligotrophic and appr oaching mesotrophic in 2015, 2016, and 2017; this indicates that there have not been any major changes in the biological productivity of the lake from 2015-2017. Thermal and oxygen profiles were conducted at one lake site in 2017. Thermal stratification of the lake was observed during the temperature profile, while dissolved oxygen indicated a depletion of oxygen at depth, with concentrations below 3 mg/L at the bottom waters of the lake. An algae bloom occurred in June of 2017 and water sample analysis confirmed the presence of microcystin-LR, which is a toxin produced by cyanobacteria. The 2017 algal bloom occurred at approximately the same time as the 2016 bloom – in mid- to late-June. The confirmation of cyanobacterial toxins in FPL in 2016 and 2017 highlights the need for residents to be aware of the risks associated with algae blooms and informed as to the proper precautions to take during a bloom. Nutrients (both phosphorus and nitrogen) were found to exceed water quality guidelines at the North and South Inlets; however, the South Inlet site had decreases in both mean and maximum concentrations of phosphorus and nitrogen compared to 2015 and 2016. The South Inlet stream appears to be recovering from excessive nutrient loading but is still exceeding guidelines. 1.5. Changes to the 2018 Fox Point Lake Water Quality Monitoring Program In 2017, physical water parameters (temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and total dissolved solids) were measured bimonthly; however, due to the minimal differences between bimonthly measurements and the significant amount of sampling time required from volunteers, sampling was reduced to monthly. In addition, the 2018 program added a one-time sampling event to measure total nitrogen and total phosphorus below the thermocline of the lake. Sampling below the thermocline was Fox Point Lake 2018 Report | Municipality of Chester | Coastal Action | 2019 9 | P a g e added to inform whether the lake may have excessive nutrients within the bottom waters, which could cause an algal bloom or eutrophication during the fall’s lake-turnover. One blank and one replicate per month at a randomly-selected sampling site were added to the program in 2018 for quality assurance and quality control. Finally, as the program did not begin until June in 2018, the sampling costs for May’s sampling were used for a one-time rainfall-dependent sampling event, where water samples were collected and analyzed within 48 hours of a >20 mm rainfall event. 2. Water Quality Monitoring Results 2.1. Water Sampling 2.1.1. Physical Water Quality Parameters 2.1.1.1. Precipitation and Water Level Precipitation and water level of FPL were monitored by FPL volunteers daily from June to October, 2018 – except the month of September as data collection was unavailable (Figure 2). Between June 5th and October 17th, 2018, FPL received 433 mm of rain – this rainfall amount is a minimum value, as the September data are not available. This precipitation amount is comparable to the 483.6 mm of rain in 2017, and higher than the drought-inducing 163 mm in 2016. Water level was recorded from a fixed-elevation staff gauge on a shoreline dock structure. The FPL water level fluctuated between 0.57 and 0.78 m during 2018 – this is also consistent with previous years’ data (0.58-0.78 m in 2017, 0.63-0.78 m in 2016, and 0.61-0.80 m in 2015). Water level within the lake decreased below 0.6 m within the month of August, coinciding with a period of drought. Fox Point Lake 2018 Report | Municipality of Chester | Coastal Action | 2019 10 | P a g e Figure 2: Daily water level and rainfall monitored at FPL from June-October, 2018. No data was collected during the month of September. 2.1.1.2. Stream Discharge Stream discharge rates were monitored at the two inlet sites – North and South – and the Outlet site monthly from June to October, 2018 (Figure 3). As stream depth and width can affect stream discharge, each stream’s depth, width, velocity, and discharge are measured and calculated on an individual basis. Discharges from the two inlet sites were, on average, lower than that of the outlet (Figure 3, Table 1). The Outlet provided the greatest rate variability, ranging between 0.005 to 0.610 m3/s; however, both the Outlet and the South Inlet sites’ range and mean discharge for 2018 are comparable to previous years. The discharge at the outlet is the highest of all three steam sites, which is expected as it is the sole outlet draining the lake. The North Inlet had the greatest variability in discharge direction. The negative directions recorded at the North Inlet are associated with the strong influence from wind and the lake ’s waves, causing the stream to appear to be moving backward s. The effects of the wind and waves on the North Inlet site appears to be due to the change in site location, as previous years did not record negative discharges. 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2 Rainfall (mm)Water Level (m)Rainfall Water Level (m) Fox Point Lake 2018 Report | Municipality of Chester | Coastal Action | 2019 11 | P a g e Figure 3: One-time monthly water discharges from the three streams monitored at FPL from June-October, 2018. Table 1: Mean and range of stream discharge rates from June-October, 2018 at the three stream sites, with 2015, 2016, and 2017 results for comparison. North Inlet South Inlet Outlet Mean Stream Discharge Rate (m3/s) (2015/2016/2017) -0.015 (0.428/0.213/0.157) 0.053 (0.036/0.027/0.053) 0.26 (0.235/0.178/0.608) Range of Stream Discharge Rates (m3/s) (2015/2016/2017) -0.237-0.171 (0.2002-0.701/0.161- 0.271/0.104-0.195) 0.022-0.105 (0.021-0.058/0.012- 0.035/0.015-0.106) 0.005-0.610 (0.052-0.749/0.032- 0.540/0.254-0.930) 2.1.1.3. Water Temperature and Stratification of Fox Point Lake Water temperatures from the four FPL sites were recorded monthly during the 2018 program; temperatures ranged from 9.1 to 23.7oC (Figure 4). Water temperatures were consistently colder at the North and South Inlet sites than the Lake and Outlet . As streams are commonly cooler than lakes, the cooler temperatures recorded at the inlet streams are expected. In addition, as the Outlet is the point of drainage for the lake, the temperatures in the stream are highly dependent on the lake temperatures and would therefore be elevated higher than the two inlet streams. Water temperatures increased from July to September, with the Lake and Outlet sites exceeding 20oC – the temperature threshold for cold-water fish species (Nova Scotia Salmon Association [NSSA], 2014). Although the two sites exceeded the 20oC threshold, the deeper -0.40000 -0.20000 0.00000 0.20000 0.40000 0.60000 0.80000 1.00000 Discharge (m3/s)Northern Inlet Southern Inlet Outlet Fox Point Lake 2018 Report | Municipality of Chester | Coastal Action | 2019 12 | P a g e waters within the lake, deep cold-water pools within the Outlet, and the two colder inlet streams provide ample thermal refuge for fish during the hotter months. Figure 4: Monthly water temperature from the lake and three stream sites at FPL from June-October, 2018. Red line indicates the 20oC water temperature threshold for cold-water fish species. During the 2018 FPL program, a monthly water profile was conducted within the lake (Figure 5). Between June to September, the profile shows the development and establishment of a stratified water column, with warmer waters remaining at the surface (epilimnion) and the cooler, more-dense waters settling to the lake bottom (hypolimnion). The thermocline – the depth at which the water temperature rapidly changes – is located at the 6 to 10-m lake depth. Although the surface waters of the lake exceeded the 20 oC threshold for cold-water fish, temperatures were below the threshold at depths >6 m. Due to the density-differences between the epilimnion and hypolimnion, little mixing occurs within the thermally-stratified parts of the lake. By the end of September (during the rainfall event), we can see the deterioration of the stratification (Figure 5), as the surface temperatures lower and the thermocline covers a smaller area. October has minimal thermocline, with temperatures staying consistent down to a depth of 13 m. Fall turnover of the lake is expected to occur in October when the lack of stratification encourages mixing of the waters at all depths. 0 5 10 15 20 25 Temperarture(oC)North South Outlet Lake Fox Point Lake 2018 Report | Municipality of Chester | Coastal Action | 2019 13 | P a g e Figure 5: Monthly water temperature depth-profiles from the lake site at FPL from June-October, 2018. Red line indicates the 20oC water temperature threshold for cold-water fish species. 2.1.1.4. Dissolved Oxygen and Stratification of Fox Point Lake Dissolved oxygen (DO) within the water was recorded monthly at all four sites, from June to October, 2018 (Figure 6). DO ranged from 0.22 mg/L to 10.39 mg/L. The North inlet consistently had the lowest DO concentrations, while the highest concentrations were recorded within the lake. The low velocity and minimal incline of the North inlet stream may be factors in the low DO measurements, as these factors limit the water’s ability to engulf oxygen from the air. The low DO in the North inlet may negatively affect aquatic organisms. DO is a requirement for the survival of aquatic organisms, with a minimal threshold of 6.5 mg/L set by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) for cold-water species (CCME, 1999). Of the four sites, the lake was never below 6.5 mg/L, the Outlet minimally fell below the threshold once in September (6.38 mg/L), the South inlet fell below the threshold three times (5.55 mg/L, 6.26 mg/L, and 3.02 mg/L on July 17th, August 22nd, and September 17th, respectively), and the North inlet was below the 6.5 mg/L threshold every month except October. Although fish can survive in low-DO environments for short periods of time, the continuous low-DO environment in the North inlet may be causing physiological stress to fish in th at stream. Although the low-DO concentrations in the North inlet is concerning, it is consistent with previous years (Table 2). The summer 2018 DO concentrations (July-September) at the North inlet are lower than previous years; however, when comparing the entire field seasons of 2017 and 2018, the DO measurements are not significantly different at 95% (p-value: 0.09 according to the Wilcoxon Test). The reduction in DO during the summer is a consistent annual trend due 0 5 10 15 20 25 0 5 10 15 20 25Temperature (oC)Depth (m) June July Aug Sept Rainfall Oct Fox Point Lake 2018 Report | Municipality of Chester | Coastal Action | 2019 14 | P a g e to the decreased ability for warmer waters to dissolve oxygen and the higher DO demand during the growing season. Figure 6: Monthly DO from the lake and three stream sites at FPL from June-October, 2018. Red line indicates the 6.5 mg/L DO minimum for aquatic organisms, as set by the CCME. Table 2: Mean and minimum summer DO concentrations from July-September, 2018 at the four sites, with 2015, 2016, and 2017 results for comparison. North Inlet South Inlet Outlet Lake Mean Summer DO (mg/L) (2015/2016/2017) 2.0 (2.25/3.36/3.59) 5.33 (6.31/5.63/6.70) 7.16 (7.05/6.97/7.66) 8.65 (7.88/8.02/8.21) Minimum Summer DO (mg/L) (2015/2016/2017) 0.22 (1.38/2.31/1.93) 3.02 (5.86/3.92/5.38) 6.38 (5.75/5.61/6.80) 8.16 (7.33/7.43/7.75) DO was measured within the lake during the monthly water depth-profiles (Figure 7). There is no difference in DO concentrations at depth in June, and minimal difference in July. By August, there appears to be an established stratified DO column in the lake, which remains for the rest of the sampling period. The reduction of DO concentrations within the hypolimnion is associated with minimal mixing of the water column due to the presence of a thermocline in the lake (refer to section 2.1.1.3). The lack of mixing and therefore minimal DO inputs from the epilimnion, and the continued oxygen demand from organisms, result in the decline in DO 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)North South Outlet Lake Fox Point Lake 2018 Report | Municipality of Chester | Coastal Action | 2019 15 | P a g e concentrations in the hypolimnion until the water column mixes again during fall turnover (Smith and Bella, 1973). The DO depth-profile within the lake appears to be a clinograde curve, with a negative heterograde curve occurring in August. Of the four types of DO curves that can be observed (orthograde, clinograde, negative heterograde, and positive heterograde), a clinograde curve occurs when DO decreases in the hypolimnion layers due to microbial decomposition and other oxygen demands. A negative heterograde curve can occur, with a pocket of low DO occurring mid-profile, due to the accumulation and high oxygen demand of decomposing organic matter being caught in the density boundary (Mackie, 2004). A negative heterograde curve has been confirmed in previous years in FPL, with the clinograde curve occurring most predominantly during the fall prior to the lake’s turnover. The summer stratification of the lake may cause stress to organisms within the lake. During the August-October monthly profiles, the hypolimnion’s DO concentrations fall below 6.5 mg/L. August appears to be the most concerning, as the decline in DO concentrations below the threshold occurs at shallow depth (6 m) and remains below the threshold for all depths >6 m. Although the subsequent months do not fall below the threshold until after 6 -m, their hypolimnion waters have lower DO concentrations than in August, becoming hypoxic (<2 mg/L) and anoxic (<1 mg/L) – conditions which can reduce the ability to support aquatic life (United States Geological Survey [USGS], 2014; Brylinsky, 2004). Figure 7: Monthly dissolved oxygen depth-profiles from the lake site at FPL from June-October, 2018. Red line indicates the 6.5 mg/L DO minimum for aquatic organisms, as set by the CCME. 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 0 5 10 15 20 25Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)Depth (m) June July Aug Sept Rainfall Oct Fox Point Lake 2018 Report | Municipality of Chester | Coastal Action | 2019 16 | P a g e 2.1.1.5. pH pH, a measurement of the acidity of a liquid, was measured monthly at each of the four FPL sites (Figure 8). Mean pH concentrations for the sites ranged from 5.15 -pH at the North inlet, to 6.71-pH within the Lake (Table 3). pH values fell as low as 4.40-pH, occurring at the North inlet on October 17th; however, pH values at the North inlet were not statistically significant from the 2017 values (p-value: 0.33 at 95% confidence using the Wilcoxon Test). The highest recorded pH – 9.75 on September 27th within the lake – occurred following a heavy rainstorm and may be influenced by more basic water entering the lake via rainwater and overland flow. Although most pH measurements fell below the 6.5-pH threshold set by the CCME (CCME, 2002), the acidity of the FPL waters is not a concern. Of the measurements taken, only one sample – 9.75 on September 27th within the Lake – met the 6.5-pH threshold. As Nova Scotia has experienced high amounts of acid precipitation in the past, and its geology limits the replenishment of base cations to soils (NSSA, 2015), surface waters within the province are generally lower than the 6.5-pH threshold. In addition, though the FPL sites’ pH values are lower than 6.5 pH, many fish species can survive in waters >5.0-pH (NSSA, 2014) and therefore it appears that the majority of the time (save for the low sub-5.0 pH measurements in the North and South inlets on October 17 th) the acidity of the waters at FPL pose minimal threat to organisms. Figure 8: Monthly pH from the lake and three stream sites at FPL from June-October, 2018. Red line indicates the 6.5-pH minimum for aquatic organisms, as set by the CCME. 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 pHNorth South Outlet Lake Fox Point Lake 2018 Report | Municipality of Chester | Coastal Action | 2019 17 | P a g e Table 3: Mean and minimum pH values from June-October, 2018 at the four sites, with 2015, 2016, and 2017 results for comparison. North Inlet South Inlet Outlet Lake Mean pH (2015/2016/2017) 5.15 (4.52/5.17/5.01) 5.44 (4.96/5.64/5.23) 5.74 (5.45/5.74/5.47) 6.71 (6.17/6.39/6.91) Minimum pH (2015/2016/2017) 4.40 (3.88/4.36/4.49) 4.89 (4.1/4.85/4.78) 5.50 (5.04/5.59/5.08) 5.79 (5.66/6.08/6.10) 2.1.1.6. Total Dissolved Solids Total dissolved solids (TDS) from the four FPL sites sampled monthly from June-October 2018 ranged from 25 mg/L to 59 mg/L (Figure 9). The highest TDS concentrations were consistently measured within the North inlet, while the remaining three sites never exceeded 34 mg/L. Although TDS concentrations within FPL are higher than other locations and previous years, TDS does not appear to be a problem for aquatic organisms. There is no set guideline for TDS by the CCME for the protection of aquatic health; however, Hinch and Underwood (1985) found that pristine Nova Scotian lakes had an average of 20 mg/L. The lake site within the FPL program had an average of 33.2 mg/L in 2018, suggesting that the lake is not pristine and to some extent affected by sedimentation. In addition, the lake site’s 2018 TDS concentrations were significantly higher than the 2017 concentrations (p-value: 0.007 at 95% confidence based on the Wilcoxon Test). Although TDS did increase within the lake compared to 2017, the presence of high TDS is not necessarily harmful as dissolved materials can be from both anthropogenic and natural sources. As TDS does not have a guideline for the protection of aquatic organisms and has only a 2.15 mg/L maximum difference from the 2017 values, TDS concentrations do not appear to be detrimental to FPL. Fox Point Lake 2018 Report | Municipality of Chester | Coastal Action | 2019 18 | P a g e 2.1.2. Chemical Water Quality Parameters 2.1.2.1. Total Suspended Solids Total suspended solids (TSS) were measured, at Maxxam Analytics Laboratory for each site monthly, as the value of solids suspended in a water column which do not pass through a 45 µm glass fiber filter. For FPL, TSS ranged from <1 mg/L to 3 mg/L (Figure 10). The South inlet had the highest maximum and mean TSS concentrations, 3.0 mg/L and 2.09 mg/L respectively. Only the South inlet was significantly different from the Lake at 95% confidence (p-value: 0.005 based on Wilcoxon Test); the stream sites were not significantly different from each other at 95% confidence. An increase in TSS concentrations were recorded within the Lake and South inlet sites during the scheduled September and rainfall-dependent sampling events. Although rainfall appears to influence TSS within FPL, concentrations are not a concern and are consistent with Nova Scotian lakes and previous FPL sampling years. Following several rainfall events in mid-September, both the monthly and the rainfall-dependent samples from the Lake and South inlet increased; increases may be associated with overland flow influences adding sediment to both the stream and the lake. The elevated TSS concentrations were only 0.91 mg/L and 0.5 mg/L greater than mean concentrations for the South inlet and Lake, respectively. As the CCME has a guideline of a 10 mg/L allowable increase from baseline in waterbodies with TSS ≤ 100 mg/L (CCME, 2002), the increases observed in FPL do not appear to be a threat to aquatic organisms. The TSS measurements are consistent with past sampling, as no 2018 FPL site’s TSS concentrations were significantly different than the 2017 measurements (at 95% 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 Total Dissolved Soilds (mg/L)North South Outlet Lake Figure 9: Monthly total dissolved solids from the lake and three stream sites at FPL from June-October, 2018. Fox Point Lake 2018 Report | Municipality of Chester | Coastal Action | 2019 19 | P a g e confidence based on the Wilcoxon Test). In addition, the mean Lake TSS concentration was 1.10 mg/L, well below the average 3.0 mg/L background concentration of Nova Scotia lakes reported by Hinch and Underwood (1985). Figure 10: Monthly total suspended solids from the lake and three stream sites at FPL from June-October, 2018. 2.1.2.2. Total Phosphorus Total phosphorus within FPL, monitored and analyzed at Maxxam monthly from June -October 2018, ranged from <0.004 mg/L to 0.1 mg/L (Figure 10, Table 4). The highest phosphorus concentrations were consistently measured at the South inlet, and were significantly different from the North inlet, Outlet, and Lake sites (p-values: 0.003 for all sites, at 95% confidence based on the Wilcoxon Test). The phosphorus concentration obtained at-depth, below the thermocline, was 0.025 mg/L. Three of the four FPL sites did not exceed phosphorus guidelines in 2018. Ontario’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) has established two guidelines for phosphorus in waterbodies: ≤ 0.02 mg/L for lakes, and ≤ 0.03 mg/L for rivers and streams (Ontario’s Ministry of Environment [MOE], 1979). The lake’s phosphorus concentrations never exceeded 0.02 mg/L, with 0.013 mg/L between the threshold and the highest recorded 2018 lake phosphorus concentration. Phosphorus concentrations also did not exceed the 0.03 mg/L stream threshold for the North inlet and Outlet. The South inlet site exceeded the 0.03 mg/L MOECC stream guideline for phosphorus during the entire 2018 sampling season. This sample site has exceeded the MOECC stream guideline for phosphorus for each sample obtained during the 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 field seasons. As there are few natural phosphorus inputs into the environment, elevated concentrations 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 Total Suspended Soilds (mg/L)North South Outlet Lake Fox Point Lake 2018 Report | Municipality of Chester | Coastal Action | 2019 20 | P a g e indicate an anthropogenic source; the South inlet site is downstream of the Aspotogan golf course, which may be acting as a contributing source to the inlet’s phosphorus concentrations. Although the South inlet exceeded MOECC stream phosphorus guidelines, phosphorus concentrations within the stream appear to be declining. The maximum recorded phosphorus concentration in 2018 was 0.1 mg/L, the lowest maximum value recorded since the inception of the program (Table 4). In addition, the 2018 samples also had the lowest mean concentration compared to 2015, 2016, and 2017. Although phosphorus concentrations in the South inlet are the highest of the four FPL sampling sites, the reduction in phosphorus concentrations suggest s that the stream is recovering from nutrient enrichment and that the control measures placed along any developments feeding the South inlet are working. Figure 11: Monthly total phosphorus concentrations from the lake and three stream sites at FPL from June-October, 2018. Red solid line indicates the 0.03 mg/L MOECC guideline for streams and rivers, while the red dotted line indicates the 0.02 mg/L MOECC guideline for lakes. Table 4: Mean and maximum phosphorus concentrations from June-October 2018 at the four sites, with 2015, 2016, and 2017 results for comparison. North Inlet South Inlet Outlet Lake Mean Total Phosphorus (mg/L) (2015/2016/2017) 0.020 (0.020/0.018/0.021) 0.084 (0.164/0.149/0.088) 0.007 (0.008/0.012/0.007) 0.006 (0.010/0.007/0.007) Maximum Total Phosphorus (mg/L) (2015/2016/2017) 0.028 (0.030/0.031/0.034) 0.100 (0.240/0.320/0.120) 0.008 (0.008/0.027/0.008) 0.007 (0.014/0.008/0.010) 0 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.1 0.12 Total Phosphorus (mg/L)North South Outlet Lake Fox Point Lake 2018 Report | Municipality of Chester | Coastal Action | 2019 21 | P a g e 2.1.2.3. Total Nitrogen Total nitrogen was measured at Maxxam monthly from June-October 2018 for all four FPL sites (Figure 12). Total nitrogen ranged from 0.167 mg/L to 0.66 mg/L; the highest nitrogen concentration was recorded at the North inlet, while the highest mean nitrogen concentration occurred at the South inlet (Table 5). No sites’ 2018 concentrations were significantly different from the 2017 concentrations (at 95% confidence based on the Wilcoxon Test). The nitrogen concentration obtained at-depth, below the thermocline, was 0.460 mg/L. Nitrogen concentrations do not appear to be a problem in FPL. The CCME does not have a set guideline for nitrogen in waters, as nitrogen is an essential nutrient to ecosystems; however, Dodds and Welch (2000) established a 0.9 mg/L threshold for freshwater environments to avoid excessive nutrient loading and eutrophication of the ecosystem. In addition, Underwood and Josselyn (1979) have a 0.3 mg/L guideline for nitrogen concentrations in oligotrophic waters. All four sample sites fell below the 0.9 mg/L threshold, while the Lake site exceeded the 0.3 mg/L guideline once – the first exceedance of the oligotrophic guideline since the beginning of the program. As this exceedance occurred on September 27th, on the rainfall-dependent sampling date, it is possible that the elevated concentration is due to overland flow, as the two inlet streams minimally changed from their mean concentrations and therefore do not appear to be factors in the increase of nitrogen within the lake during this sampling event. As all four sites are under the nutrient-loading threshold, and the lake is generally within oligotrophic nitrogen levels, the risk of nutrient enrichment via nitrogen appears to be minimal for FPL. Figure 12: Monthly total nitrogen concentrations from the lake and three stream sites at FPL from June-October, 2018. Red line indicates the 0.9 mg/L guideline for freshwater environments, as set by Dodds and Welch (2000). 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 Total Nitrogen (mg/L)North South Outlet Lake Fox Point Lake 2018 Report | Municipality of Chester | Coastal Action | 2019 22 | P a g e Table 5: Mean and maximum nitrogen concentrations from June-October, 2018 at the four sites, with 2015, 2016, and 2017 results for comparison. North Inlet South Inlet Outlet Lake Mean Total Nitrogen (mg/L) (2015/2016/2017) 0.397 (0.530/0.481/0.478) 0.528 (1.22/0.612/0.595) 0.238 (0.365/0.236/0.244) 0.245 (0.234/0.241/0.236) Maximum Total Nitrogen(mg/L) (2015/2016/2017) 0.660 (0.624/0.584/0.605) 0.630 (2.01/0.763/0.683) 0.292 (0.696/0.298/0.264) 0.439 (0.266/0.266/0.276) 2.1.3. Biological Water Quality Parameters 2.1.3.1. Fecal Coliform Bacteria Although Heath Canada uses Escherichia coli (E. coli) as the fecal bacteria indicator, this program uses fecal coliform as a proxy. Health Canada has set primary and secondary recreational contact guidelines for E. coli in freshwaters, ≤400 CFU/ 100 mL and ≤1000 CFU/ 100 mL, respectively (Health Canada, 2012). Prior to the use of E.coli, fecal coliform was used as an indicator for fecal contamination in freshwaters and was therefore included in the FPL program. As the FPL program has tested for fecal coliform since the program began in 2015, the 2018 field season continued the fecal coliform sampling to allow for comparison with previous years. Fecal coliform concentrations are used as a proxy to E. coli concentrations and compared to Health Canada’s E. coli guidelines. Fecal coliform samples were collected from each FPL site monthly during the 2018 field season (Figure 13). Samples ranged from <10 CFU/100 mL to 840 CFU/100 mL. The South inlet had the highest mean fecal coliform concentration of 187.1 CFU/100 mL. The South inlet had a median value of 50 CFU/100 mL for 2018, indicating that extreme values are skewing the 2018 statistical mean at the site; however, the South inlet’s median value remains the highest of the four sites. During the rainfall-dependent sampling event, bacteria concentrations spiked in the two inlets and resulted in the sole exceedance of Health Canada’s primary contact recreational guideline during the sampling period. The North inlet increased from 20 CFU/100 mL during the monthly September sampling event to 170 CFU/100 mL following the rainfall event; the South inlet also saw an increase from 20 CFU/100 mL to 840 CFU/100 mL. The North inlet increase did not exceed any Health Canada guidelines; however, the South inlet sample exceeded the primary contact guideline, while falling 160 CFU/100 mL below the secondary contact guideline. The increases in bacteria during the rainfall event may be due to drought conditions before the rain, as bacteria concentrate in pools during the low-discharge period and then these bacteria-rich pools are flushed during rainfall events (Caruso, 2001). It should be noted that the raised bacteria concentrations during this storm were not the highest bacteria concentrations Fox Point Lake 2018 Report | Municipality of Chester | Coastal Action | 2019 23 | P a g e recorded during the FPL program (Figure 14), and that drought-induced bacteria concentrations have been shown to be dominated by wildlife sources rather than human sources – though this has not been confirmed in FPL (Shehane et al., 2005). Lake bacteria concentrations throughout the sampling period were well below primary recreation Health Canada guidelines. Throughout the 2018 sampling period, the lake fecal coliform concentrations never exceeded 10 CFU/100 mL. Although the North and South inlets had increased bacteria concentrations during the September 27th sampling event, the lake bacteria concentrations do not appear to be affected, as concentrations raised from below the lab’s detection limit to just at the detection limit (10 CFU/100 mL). The last – and only – sample to exceed 10 CFU/100 mL was October 23rd, 2015. During the 2018 field season, construction of a house and barn occurred just below the South inlet sampling site. If the barn on the property were to house animals, this would increase the risk of fecal bacteria contamination of the South inlet due to the increased presence and potential leaching of animal feces into the water from overland flow. Moving the South inlet site, or adding a secondary site below the development, may be needed to monitor changes in water quality along the inlet. Figure 13: Monthly fecal bacteria concentrations from the lake and three stream sites at FPL from June-October, 2018. Red solid line indicates the Health Canada 400 CFU/100 mL limit for primary recreation in freshwaters; red dotted line indicates the Health Canada 1000 CFU/100 mL limit for secondary recreation in freshwaters. 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 Fecal Coliform (CFU/100 mL)North South Outlet Lake Fox Point Lake 2018 Report | Municipality of Chester | Coastal Action | 2019 24 | P a g e Figure 14: Monthly fecal bacteria concentrations from the lake and three stream sites at FPL from 2015-2018. Red solid line indicates the Health Canada 400 CFU/100 mL limit for primary recreation in freshwaters; red dotted line indicates the Health Canada 1000 CFU/100 mL limit for secondary recreation in freshwaters. 2.1.3.2. Microcystins and Algal Blooms An algae bloom was not observed in Fox Point Lake in 2018; however, suspicious algae were noted and sampled on August 22, 2018. A water sample was collected in a laboratory-certified bottle by Coastal Action and a member of the FPL volunteer group, delivered to Maxxam Analytics laboratory in Bedford, then shipped to Nautilus Environmental laboratory in Calgary, Alberta for analysis of microcystin-LR, a cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) toxin. Analysis of the sample indicated a microcystin-LR concentration of 0.16 µg/L, significantly lower than the 20 µg/L threshold set by Health Canada for recreational water-based activities (Health Canada, 2012). The 2018 microcystin-LR sample was also lower than previous years: 0.71 µg/L in 2017 and 1.25 µg/L in 2016. 2.2. Sediment Sampling Sediment sampling from the Southwest side of the lake (known as ‘SW Cove’) and from the South inlet occurred on September 27th, 2018. The substrate from both sites were analyzed for metals, phosphorus, and orthophosphate, to assess the risk of internal nutrient loading within the lake and potential risk from accumulation of metals within the sediments (Tables 6 & 7). Within the lake, the substrate indicates minimal risk for bioaccumulation. Of the three guidelines used for comparison – the CCME’s recommended interim sediment quality guideline Sept 14, 2015 Sept 27, 2018 Sept 14, 2015 Fox Point Lake 2018 Report | Municipality of Chester | Coastal Action | 2019 25 | P a g e (ISQG), the CCME’s probable effect level (PEL), and the Nova Scotia Environmental Quality Standards (NSEQS) contamination threshold – only arsenic exceeded a threshold (CCME, 2001; Nova Scotia Environment [NSE], 2014). Acid extractable arsenic was 0.1 mg/kg greater than the ISQG, but still below the PEL and NSEQS thresholds. As arsenic is still below concentrations believed to have adverse effects to organisms, and is the only metal exceeding guidelines, FPL sediments appear to be of good quality and pose minimal threat to organisms. Within the South inlet, metal concentrations within sediment were greater than those found within the lake sediment. Arsenic and mercury concentrations both exceeded ISQG thresholds, while lead appears to be approaching the ISQG threshold. All three of these metals are higher than the 2017 concentrations (7.9, 0.12, and 17 mg/kg in 2017, respectively). Although no metal concentration exceeded PEL or NSEQS thresholds, the increase in metals within one year is alarming. Organisms living within this stream should be considered at-risk for bioaccumulation. Any fisheries should be limited to the lake, where the inputs from the South inlet are diluted and do not appear to affect the overall sediment quality within the lake. As discussed in Section 2.1.3.1, development along the South inlet may be detrimental to water quality. The development of the downstream property may pose issues with water quality within the remaining stretch of the South inlet . As the South inlet’s sediment is contaminated with heavy metals, disturbance of the sediment can result in the release and contamination of metals into the water, thereby affecting water quality and organisms. Fox Point Lake 2018 Report | Municipality of Chester | Coastal Action | 2019 26 | P a g e Table 6: Concentration of metals within site sediment samples sampled on September 27th, 2018. Interim sediment quality guideline (ISQG) is the recommendation by CCME of total concentrations of chemicals in surficial sediment, while the probable effect level (PEL) is the CCME upper value in which adverse effects are expected (CCME, 2001). Nova Scotia environmental quality standards (NSEQS) are sediment guidelines specifically for contaminated sites set by the Nova Scotia Environment (NSE, 2014). Light yellow indicates parameters approaching one of the guidelines, while dark yellow in dicates an exceedance of one of the guidelines. Sediment Sample Concentrations Concentration Guidelines Metals Units SW Cove South Inlet RDL* ISQG PEL NSEQS Acid Extractable Aluminum (Al) mg/kg 1700 6100 10 Acid Extractable Antimony (Sb) mg/kg ND* ND 2.0 25 Acid Extractable Arsenic (As) mg/kg 6.0 10 2.0 5.9 17 17 Acid Extractable Barium (Ba) mg/kg 14 50 5.0 Acid Extractable Beryllium (Be) mg/kg ND ND 2.0 Acid Extractable Bismuth (Bi) mg/kg ND ND 2.0 Acid Extractable Boron (B) mg/kg ND ND 50 Acid Extractable Cadmium (Cd) mg/kg ND 0.40 0.30 0.6 3.5 3.5 Acid Extractable Chromium (Cr) mg/kg ND 4.5 2.0 37.3 90 90 Acid Extractable Cobalt (Co) mg/kg 1.2 2.0 1.0 Acid Extractable Copper (Cu) mg/kg 2.2 8.5 2.0 35.7 197 197 Acid Extractable Iron (Fe) mg/kg 4000 7000 50 47,766 Acid Extractable Lead (Pb) mg/kg 2.6 33 0.50 35 91.3 91.3 Acid Extractable Lithium (Li) mg/kg 6.6 7.8 2.0 Acid Extractable Manganese (Mn) mg/kg 230 270 2.0 1,100 Acid Extractable Mercury (Hg) mg/kg ND 0.21 0.10 0.17 0.486 0.486 Acid Extractable Molybdenum (Mo) mg/kg ND ND 2.0 Acid Extractable Nickel (Ni) mg/kg ND 3.8 2.0 75 Acid Extractable Phosphorus (P) mg/kg 110 640 100 Acid Extractable Rubidium (Rb) mg/kg 4.3 7.9 2.0 Acid Extractable Selenium (Se) mg/kg ND 1.1 1.0 2 Acid Extractable Silver (Ag) mg/kg ND ND 0.50 1 Acid Extractable Strontium (Sr) mg/kg ND 24 5.0 Acid Extractable Thallium (Tl) mg/kg ND ND 0.10 Acid Extractable Tin (Sn) mg/kg ND ND 2.0 Acid Extractable Uranium (U) mg/kg 1.5 11 0.10 Acid Extractable Vanadium (V) mg/kg 2.8 8.4 2.0 Acid Extractable Zinc (Zn) mg/kg 16 43 5.0 123 315 315 *RDL = Reportable Detection Limit; ND = Not Detected Concentrations of both acid extractable phosphorus and bioavailable orthophosphate were analyzed within both sites’ substrates (Table 7). Within the SW Cove, orthophosphate constituted just 0.58% of total phosphorus. This is an increase from the 0.02% from 2017; however, this increase is due to the change in phosphorus stores within the sediment, where total phosphorus fell from 850 mg/kg in 2017 to 110 mg/kg in 2018, and orthophosphate rose from 0.17 mg/kg in 2017 to 0.64 mg/kg in 2018. Within the South inlet, orthophosphate makes up 0.20% of total phosphorus, an increase of 0.09% compared to 2017. This increase suggests Fox Point Lake 2018 Report | Municipality of Chester | Coastal Action | 2019 27 | P a g e that there is more bioavailable phosphorus within the lake and South inlet sediment in 2018 than 2017, which can result in nutrient enrichment during fall turnover if the available orthophosphate stores increase and are not assimilated. Although orthophosphate concentrations have increased, total phosphorus concentrations within the sediment of both sites suggest minimally polluted sediment. According to Ontario’s provincial sediment quality guidelines, pollution can range from clean/marginally polluted (‘lowest effect level’) at 600mg/kg to heavily contaminated (‘severe effect level’) at >2000 mg/kg of phosphorus in sediment (Ontario MOE, 2008). The SW Cove falls within the lowest effect level – with a large decrease in total phosphorus from 850mg/kg in 2017. The South inlet is marginally polluted, falling slightly above the 600 mg/kg boundary, and increasing its status from the lowest effect level due to an increase of 180 mg/kg since 2017. Table 7: Phosphorus concentrations in sediment samples from lake and river sites sampled on September 27th, 2018. SW Cove South Inlet Orthophosphate in sediment (mg/kg) 0.64 1.3 Acid extractable phosphorus in sediment (mg/kg) 110 640 3. Discussion 3.1. Algae Blooms in Fox Point Lake For FPL, algal blooms have been reported and sampled during the previous two monitoring years; however, no bloom occurred in the lake during 2018. The lack of algal blooms in FPL is consistent with other lakes in Nova Scotia (Sherbrooke Lake – see Sherbrooke Lake 2018 Water Quality Monitoring Report available from the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg and the Municipality of Chester) and across the country (Bergot, 2018). It appears that 2018 was an anomaly for algal blooms, as the literature predicts increases in both size and frequency of blooms in the future (Michalak et al., 2013). As algal blooms can be induced and intensified by increases in nutrients to ecosystems (whether naturally from mixing of waters or anthropogenically from pollution), trends in algal blooms are hard to predict and can vary spatially. Although no bloom occurred in FPL during 2018, algal blooms should continue to be monitored and tested, with residents around FPL made aware of algal bloom causes, health effects, and precautions to take if a bloom occurs. 3.2. Trophic State of Fox Point Lake Using various water parameters, the biological productivity of a lake can be assessed and monitored for changes over time. Based on the mean depth of transparency (Secchi disk), and Fox Point Lake 2018 Report | Municipality of Chester | Coastal Action | 2019 28 | P a g e mean concentrations of chlorophyll a and phosphorus, a Trophic State Index (TSI) score can be calculated using the Carlson (1977) equations (Equations 1, 2, and 3). By calculating a TSI of a waterbody, we can assess the biological state (trophic state) of the water and monitor how it changes over time. Trophic states range from oligotrophic (low productivity and minimal biomass) to hypereutrophic (high productivity and maximum biomass). Equation 1: 𝑆𝑆𝐼 (𝑆𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑖ℎ 𝑐�ℎ𝑟𝑘)=60 −14.41 × ln(𝑀𝑐𝑎𝑘 𝑆𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑖ℎ 𝑐�ℎ𝑟𝑘 [𝑘]) Equation 2: 𝑆𝑆𝐼 (𝑐�𝑘𝑘𝑟𝑘𝑘�𝑦𝑘𝑘 𝐴)=30.6 +9.81 × ln(𝑀𝑐𝑎𝑘 𝑐�𝑘𝑘𝑟𝑘𝑘�𝑦𝑘𝑘 𝑎 [𝜇𝑔 𝐿]) Equation 3: 𝑆𝑆𝐼 (𝑟𝑘𝑟𝑎𝑘 𝑘�𝑘𝑟𝑘�𝑘𝑟𝑟𝑟)=4.15 +14.42 × ln(𝑀𝑐𝑎𝑘 𝑟𝑘𝑟𝑎𝑘 𝑘�𝑘𝑟𝑘�𝑘𝑟𝑟𝑟 [𝜇𝑔 𝐿]) For FPL, the trophic state has consistently been recorded as oligotrophic approaching mesotrophic from 2015-2018 (Table 8). Phosphorus and chlorophyll a concentrations are within the oligotrophic range, while the Secchi disk score falls within the mesotrophic range (Table 8, Figure 15). The status of FPL should be considered more oligotrophic than mesotrophic , as water transparency via Secchi disk is not an exact indication of a waterbody’s productivity and can be influenced by factors other than biomass, such as suspended particles within the water column (NSSA, 2014; United States Environmental Protection Agency [US EPA], 2002). Table 8: 2018 FPL TSI scores (red) and trophic states, using the Carlson (1977) trophic equations, for total phosphorus, chlorophyll a, and Secchi disk compared to previous years (black italicized). TSI Score Trophic State Phosphorus (2015/2016/2017) Chlorophyll a (2015/2016/2017) Secchi Disk (2015/2016/2017) < 40 Oligotrophic 29.99 (37/31.8/32.2) 39.09 (34/41.5/37.3) 40-50 Mesotrophic 47.55 (49/45.7/45.5) > 50 Eutrophic Fox Point Lake 2018 Report | Municipality of Chester | Coastal Action | 2019 29 | P a g e Figure 15: Carlson TSI for FPL using the mean Secchi disk depth (transparency), mean chlorophyll a concentration and mean total phosphorus concentration within FPL in 2018. From Carlson, 1977. 3.3. Potential for Nutrient Enrichment of Fox Point Lake Excessive nutrients entering FPL can be detrimental to the health of the lake and will change the lake’s trophic status. Nutrient enrichment can be from both external and internal loading sources. External sources can be natural (animal waste, plant decomposition, etc.) or anthropogenic (septic tank malfunction, fertilizer application, composter leachate, etc.) (Sereda et al., 2008; Wetzel, 1990; Dion et al., 1983). Internal sources come from within the lake, whether nutrients trapped within the lake substrate (like orthophosphate) or nutrients trapped in the water below the thermocline and therefore can’t be mixed and dispersed throughout the lake (Sondergaard et al., 2003; Kennedy and Walker, 1990). Within FPL, external loading appears to affect the inlet streams more than the lake. Both inlet streams had greater nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations compared to the lake. Concentrations of nitrogen also increased within the two inlets following a rainfall event. The elevated nutrient concentrations of these two inlet streams suggests a level of pollution related to nutrients, particularly phosphorus entering the South inlet from nearby sources. Nutrient loading within the two inlets is further increased during rainstorms via overland flow. Although the lake appears to be unaffected by the current influx of nutrients coming from both inlet streams, further increases in nutrients from either stream may affect the delicate balance within the lake and cause eutrophication. Internal loading poses a risk to nutrient enrichment and eutrophication in FPL. Within the water column, there is an increase in phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations below the thermocline Fox Point Lake 2018 Report | Municipality of Chester | Coastal Action | 2019 30 | P a g e than within the surface waters (Table 9); when fall turnover occurs, the redistribution of these elevated levels of nutrients results in a source of internal loading and may cause eutrophication of the lake. Nutrients in sediments is an additional internal loading source. Although orthophosphate makes up only 0.58% of total phosphorus in the SW Cove sediment, the increase from the 0.02% in 2017 suggests an increase in pollution. In addition, the release of phosphorus from sediment is not limited to lakes, but also streams; the South inlet’s marginally phosphorus-polluted stream acts as an additional source of nutrients which may impact the lake. As the percent of bioavailable phosphorus increases within the lake and stream sediment, there is greater risk in the future for nutrient enrichment via internal loading within the lake. Table 9: Nutrient concentrations from surface and depth waters (below the thermocline) within FPL, obtained on September 27th, 2018. Surface Waters At-Depth Waters Phosphorus Concentrations (mg/L) 0.006 0.025 Nitrogen Concentrations (mg/L) 0.439 0.460 The development occurring along the South inlet may influence the risk of nutrient enrichment within FPL. The barn located on the property may be used to house animals, with the means of feeding and disposing their waste unknown. As animal waste contains bacteria and nutrients (Vanni, 2002), these can be flushed into the South inlet and eventually the lake. The increase in nutrients within the lake can result in possible eutrophication and algae blooms, as the presence of key nutrients stops limiting the growth of organisms within the lake. 4. Recommendations The following recommendations are suggested for the FPL Water Quality Monitoring Program, based on the 2018 water quality results: • The FPL Water Quality Monitoring Program should continue in 2019 and beyond. o The program should continue to collect monthly water samples from all four sites. o The program should continue to obtain one-time sediment samples from the SW Cove and South inlet, as arsenic and mercury may pose a risk to aquatic organisms’ health and should be monitored. o One-time lake water samples from below the thermocline should continue to be monitored to assess the risk associated with internal loading and potential late- season algal blooms. o The program should continue to supply FPL residents with certified bottles to sample and test for the presence of microcystins-LR during future possible algal blooms. Fox Point Lake 2018 Report | Municipality of Chester | Coastal Action | 2019 31 | P a g e o Although previous years have analyzed fecal coliform, future water quality within FPL should switch to testing for E. coli, as it is Health Canada’s indicator of choice and has set primary and secondary recreational thresholds. • Due to the expected increases in droughts and rainfall events associated with climate change, the one-time rainfall-dependent sampling event should be adopted, and at least one monthly sampling event should be aimed to capture the effects of a drought . • Due to development occurring below the golf course along the South inlet, moving the current site or adding an additional site should be investigated. Samples should be obtained, between the current South inlet site and the lake , after a rainstorm to determine if the development is affecting water quality. • Due to the interference of winds affecting the ability to calculate flow within the North inlet throughout the 2018 season, the placement of the North inlet site should be reconsidered and relocated. • As the FPL Water Quality Monitoring Program has been ongoing since 2015 , the WQMC should implement a communications plan to inform community members and visitors of the water quality work in FPL. The plan should include tips to be water-friendly, information to increase awareness of water quality and degradation within the area, and a way for citizens to contact the committee. This may act as a source of additional members becoming involved and volunteering with the committee and sampling team and will increase the spatial coverage volunteers have when monitoring the lake for algal blooms. 5. References Beanlands, D.I. 1980. Surveys of Ten Lakes in Guysborough, Halifax, Hants, and Lunenburg Counties, Nova Scotia, 1978. Freshwater and Anadromous Division Resource Branch. Canadian Data Report of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences No. 192. Bergot, N. (2018). ‘Blue-green algae blooms ease but toxic lake goo here to stay: U of A researcher’, The Edmonton Journal, November 13. Online Edition, Accessed January 21, 2019. https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/blue-green-algae-blooms-ease-but- toxic-lake-goo-here-to-stay-u-of-a-researcher Brylinsky, M. (2004). User’s Manual for Prediction of Phosphorus Concentration in Nova Scotia Lakes: A Tool for Decision Making. Version 1.0. Acadia Centre for Estuarine Research, Acadia University. 82 p. Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME). (1999). Canadian water quality guidelines for the protection of aquatic life: Dissolved oxygen (Freshwater). In: Canadian environmental quality guidelines, 1999, Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, Winnipeg. Fox Point Lake 2018 Report | Municipality of Chester | Coastal Action | 2019 32 | P a g e Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME). (2001). Canadian sediment quality guidelines for the protection of aquatic life: Introduction. Updated. In: Canadian environmental quality guidelines, 1999, Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, Winnipeg. Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME). 2002. Canadian water quality guidelines for the protection of aquatic life: Total particulate matter. In: Canadian environmental quality guidelines, 1999, Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, Winnipeg. Carlson, R. E. (1977). A trophic state index for lakes. Limnology and oceanography, 22(2), 361- 369. Caruso, B. S. (2001). Regional river flow, water quality, aquatic ecological impacts and recovery from drought. Hydrological Sciences Journal, 46(5), 677-699. Dion, N. P., Sumioka, S. S., and Winter, T. C. (1983). General hydrology and external sources of nutrients affecting Pine Lake, King County, Washington. US Department of the Interior, US Geological Survey. Dodds, W.K. and Welch, E.B. (2000). Establishing nutrient criteria in streams. J.N.Am.Benthol.Soc.19(1), 186-196. Health Canada. (2012). Guidelines for Canadian Recreational Water Quality, Third Edition. Water Air, and Climate Change Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario. (Catalogue No H129-15/2012E). Hinch, P.R. and Underwood, J.K. 1985. A study of aquatic conditions in Lake Echo during 1984. N.S. Dept. Env. Lib. L192.1 85/00 C2. 38 p. Kennedy, R. H., and Walker, W. W. (1990). Reservoir nutrient dynamics. Reservoir limnology: ecological perspectives, 109-131. Mackie, G. 2004. Applied Aquatic Ecosystem Concepts. 2d ed. Dubuque, Iowa. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company. Michalak, A.M., Anderson, E.J., Beletsky, D., Boland, S., Bosch, N.S., Bridgeman, T.B., Chaffin, J.D., Cho, K., Confesor, R., Daloğlu, I. and DePinto, J.V. (2013). Record-setting algal bloom in Lake Erie caused by agricultural and meteorological trends consistent with expected future conditions. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 201216006. Nova Scotia Environment (NSE). (2014). Environmental Quality Standards for Contaminated Sites, Rationale and Guidance Document. Version 1.0, April 2014. 57 p. Nova Scotia Salmon Association (NSSA) NSLC Adopt-A-Stream Program. (2014). Walking the River: A Citizen’s Guide to Interpreting Water Quality Data. 43 p. Nova Scotia Salmon Association (NSSA) NSLC Adopt-a-Stream Program. (2015). Acid Rain. [http://www.nssalmon.ca/issues/acid-rain]. Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE). (1979). Rationale for the establishment of Ontario’s Provincial Water Quality Objectives. Queen’s Printer for Ontario. 236 p. Fox Point Lake 2018 Report | Municipality of Chester | Coastal Action | 2019 33 | P a g e Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE). (2008). Guidelines for Identifying, Assessing and Managing Contaminated Sediments in Ontario. Queen’s Printer for Ontario. 112 p. Sereda, J. M., Hudson, J. J., Taylor, W. D., and Demers, E. (2008). Fish as sources and sinks of nutrients in lakes. Freshwater Biology, 53(2), 278-289. Shehane, S. D., Harwood, V. J., Whitlock, J. E., and Rose, J. B. (2005). The influence of rainfall on the incidence of microbial faecal indicators and the dominant sources of faecal pollution in a Florida river. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 98(5), 1127-1136. Smith, S. A., and Bella, D. A. (1973). Dissolved oxygen and temperature in a stratified lake. Journal (Water Pollution Control Federation), 119-133. Søndergaard, M., Jensen, J. P., and Jeppesen, E. (2003). Role of sediment and internal loading of phosphorus in shallow lakes. Hydrobiologia, 506(1-3), 135-145. Underwood, J.K., and Josselyn, D.M. (1979). The extent of road salt and nutrient stressing of Williams Lake, Halifax, Nova Scotia. N.S. Dept. Env. Lib. #W724 79/08. 88p. United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). (2002). Volunteer Lake Monitoring: A Methods Manual. United States Environmental Protection Agency. 65 p. United States Geological Survey (USGS). (2014). Hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico. [toxics.usgs.gov/hypoxia/] Wetzel, R. G. (1990). Land-water interfaces: metabolic and limnological regulators. Internationale Vereinigung für theoretische und angewandte Limnologie: Verhandlungen, 24(1), 6-24. Vanni, M. J. (2002). Nutrient cycling by animals in freshwater ecosystems. Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics, 33(1), 341-370. REQUEST FOR DECISION Prepared By:Garth Sturtevant, Senior Planner Date March 20, 2019 Reviewed By:Tara Maguire, Director Date March 25, 2019 Authorized By:Dan McDougall, CAO Date March 26, 2019 CURRENT SITUATION The Municipality has engaged Bluenose Coastal Action foundation (BCAF) to co -ordinate the fourth consecutive season of water quality monitoring at Fox Point Lake in 2018.A final report for the 2018 season was submitted and considered by the Water Quality Monitoring Committee at its meeting held on March 13, 2019.The Committee has expressed its desire to continue monitoring activity of Fox Point Lake for the 2019 season. Staff have worked with BCAF to obtain two pricing options, of which the Comm ittee has recommended their preferred program for Council’s consideration with the following motion: MOTION: to recommend that Council engage Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation to carry -out the monitoring program described as Option 1, in the attached rep ort, for a total cost of $13,054.74. MOVED by John McNeil, SECONDED by Kathy Gamache. CARRIED. BACKGROUND The Municipality appointed the Fox Point Lake Water Quality Monitoring Committee in response to concerns expressed during public discussions about t he adjacent proposed golf course and residential development. The Committee is comprised of representatives of Municipal Council, the Municipal Area Advisory Committee, the Aspotogan Heritage Trust, the Fox Point Lake Property Owners Association, the Developer of Aspotogan Ridge and a subject matter expert related to water quality. DISCUSSION At a meeting of the Fox Point Lake Water Quality Monitoring Committee held on March 13, 2019 , several recommendations made in the Fox Point Lake 2018 Water Quality Mo nitoring Report were accepted by the Committee: continue the monitoring program collecting monthly samples at the four sites ; continue the one-time sediment sampling to monitor heavy metal concentrations ; continue one-time lake sample below thermocline to monitor late-season algal blooms; continue to provide FPL residents with bottles to sample potential algal blooms ; switch from testing for Fecal Coliforms to E. coli to better align with Health Canada Guidelines; continue the rainfall-dependent sampling, consider adding new site or moving South Inlet site ; consider moving the North Inlet site to avoid effects of wind on flow rates ; REPORT TO:Municipal Council SUBMITTED BY:Community Development Department DATE:April 4, 2019 SUBJECT:Fox Point Lake 2019 Pricing Options ORIGIN:Fox Point Lake Water Quality Monitoring Committee Recommendation 2 Request For Decision /Direction implement a communications plan to inform community members and visitor s of the potential risks and encourage good practices in and around the water. Options for 2019 Monitoring Program –Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation Based on the recommendations above, two pricing options were provided by Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation for the 2019 monitoring season : 3 Request For Decision /Direction Low Value Alternative Procurement for 2019 Monitoring Pricing options presented above have been submitted solely by the Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation (BCAF). According to Council’s procurement policy, this expenditure would qualify for Alternative 4 Request For Decision /Direction Procurement Approval as procurement of a Low Value service described above. As BCAF is a non-profit organization, criteria 18 of appendix 1 to the Procurement Polic y is satisfied. Additional Pricing Options Although Council’s Procurement Policy does not require it, Council may choose to direct staff to complete a Request for Proposal call to obtain additional pricing options for the provision of water quality monitoring services for Fox Point Lake for the 2019 season. Staff note that there could be some issues with continuity and presentation of results, as BCAF has provided the service since the inception of the program. In addition, MOC in partnership with the D istrict of Lunenburg has recently purchased a YSI meter (a device used during water sampling) for use by the Sherbrooke Lake Water Monitoring Program and the Fox Point Lake Water Monitoring Committee.Should an alternate service provider be selected, it would require negotiations to ensure the successful provider had access to and benefitted from the Municipality’s acquisition of this equipment. It should also be noted that a decision to issue a Request for Proposals and the subsequent evaluation and award could result in a delay in getting the program up and running in time for the beginning of the 2019 monitoring season (first sample to be taken in June). Should Council wish to pursue this option, staff can prepare and issue a Request for Proposals and br ing the results to Council for a decision. IMPLICATIONS Policy Water quality monitoring undertaken by the Municipality supports Municipal Planning Strategy Policy 6.1.6 It is the intention of Council to encourage land use and development in a manner that will preserve, enhance and protect the natural environment and the living environment of the District of Chester. Financial/Budgetary This monitoring program has been cost-shared between the Municipality and the Aspotogan Heritage Trust. The increase in the proposed budget for 2019 will require the Municipality to contribute additional funds to the program, or alternatively, if the increase is denied, the program will be adjusted to rely more heavily on volunteers while maintaining a similar sampling schedule. Environmental This activity addresses a specific environmental concern related to Fox Point Lake. The program has now provided a baseline beginning in 2015 and can c ompare new results to this growing resource of historical data. Strategic Plan Strengthen and support environmental, cultural, and social resources; Work Program Implications Staff coordination of this activity is required. The Senior Planner provides support relating to organizing meetings, keeping minutes, preparing Council Reports and other duties as required. The Committee is prepared to oversee a monitoring program for 2019 subject to budget approval. 5 Request For Decision /Direction OPTIONS 1.Continue the monitoring program for the 2019 season, with the selection of Option 1, submitted by Bluenose Coastal Action foundation, with a total cost of $13,054.74 as described in this report ; 2.Continue the monitoring program for the 2019 season, with the selection of Option 2, submitted by Bluenose Coastal Action foundation, with a total cost of $1 1,852.42 as described in this report; 3.Do not accept either option. Direct staff to complete a Request for Proposals to obtain additional pricing options to be brought back to Council for consideratio n; 4.Do not accept either option. No further pricing options will be sought. A Water Quality Monitoring program will not occur in 2019; 5.Defer making a decision, pending further information. ATTACHMENTS Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation,Fox Point Lake 2019 Proposed Budget Options INFORMATION REPORT Prepared By:Garth Sturtevant, Senior Planner Date March 25, 2019 Reviewed By:Tara Maguire, Director Date March 25, 2019 Authorized By:Dan McDougall, CAO Date March 26, 2019 CURRENT SITUATION Registration is now open for the annual Spring Planning Conference, hosted by the Nova Scotia Planning Directors Association and the Licensed Professional Planners Association of Nova Scotia. This year, the conference runs from May 29-31st and will be hosted at the Westin Nova Scotia in Halifax. The 2019 conference is titled Housing For All Sharing Our Stories and will explore all areas of housing and hear local innovative stories addressing the goal of providing housing for all.The full conference program has not been released, but Keynote Speak Biographies are attached. The Planning Conference is open to Councilors, Committee members and staff. Any members of Council that wish to attend the Planning Conference should advise staff who can assist with Registration. ATTACHMENTS Conference Notification & Keynote Speakers Bio’s REPORT TO:Municipal Council SUBMITTED BY:Community Development Department DATE:April 4, 2019 SUBJECT:Nova Scotia Spring Planning Conference ORIGIN:Staff 2 Information Report NSDPA/LPPANS SPRING PLANNING CONFERENCE 2019 THE THEME IS “HOUSIN G FOR ALL: SHARING O UR STORIES” KEYNOTE SPEAKERS: CORD SOEHLKE –In 1997, Cord Soehlke started to work for the Tübingen-Südstadt Development Project and from 2001 to 2010 he headed the Office of Urban Rehabilitation for the Town of Tübingen, Germany. In April 2010, he took office as Mayor for Urban Building, Planning and Development and in 2018 he was reelected for a second period of eight years. Since the 90’s the University Town of Tübingen has worked with a special strategy for urban development. The city purchases brownfield areas like former military barracks or abandoned factories, develops them within their own department and sells the ground to diverse private building cooperatives. With this long -term strategy, Tübingen has gained a lot of experiences in the field of co -housing and self-organized building, small-scaled urban development and neighbourhood diversity. In the last fifteen years a lot of German and European cities have been inspired by the Tübingen way. CATHERINE LEVITEN-REID –Dr. Catherine Leviten-Reid researches social economy, social care and housing, much of which is community-based. Her work has been published in journals including Community Development, VOLUNTAS: International Journal of Volunta ry and Nonprofit Organizations and the Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly. From 2010-2016, she was a co-investigator in a SSHRC -funded Community University Research Alliance on co-operatives and her current research is supported by the Homelessness P artnering Strategy. Dr. Catherine Leviten-Reid is an Associate Professor in Community Economic Development at Cape Breton University. FRED DEVEAUX –Fred Deveaux is the Executive Director of the Cape Breton Community Housing Association and Community Home less Shelter. He is a member of the Community Advisory Board on Homelessness, Chair of the Cape Breton Association of Youth Homelessness and Programs, a member of the Affordable Housing and Homelessness Working Group. He also has over 15 years’ experience in the Social Enterprise, housing, and Mental Health sectors. REQUEST FOR DECISION/DIRECTION Prepared By: Matthew S. Davidson, P. Eng. Date February 25, 2019 Reviewed By: Dan McDougall, CAO Date March 26, 2019 Authorized By: Dan McDougall, CAO Date April 3, 2019 CURRENT SITUATION During the February 21, 2019 Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting, Council reiterated its request from the January 24th, 2019 COW meeting, whereby staff is to outline the options to provide central wastewater service to the Aspotogan Ridge Golf Village Development – Phase 1 including the projected cost implications for the developer and/or Municipality. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that Council direct staff to: Inform the developer that the Municipality will construct a service extension to the proposed apartment complex this fiscal year, incorporating this extension and future expansions, as detailed, in the 10-year plan, based on the development being phased. BACKGROUND On November 23rd, 2018, staff met with the developer (represented by G. Stonehouse) to discuss the Aspotogan Ridge Golf Village Development, specifically Phase 1 of the development. Wastewater servicing options were discussed, specifically onsite, new central system and or the existing municipal central system. While it was agreed that utilizing municipal central wastewater system to its fullest extent is the preferred option, there are capacity concerns and budgetary implications that need to be addressed before a commitment can be made by the Municipality. On December 6th, 2018, at the COW meeting, Council requested a report at a future meeting regarding Mill Cove wastewater treatment plant (MCWWTP). On January 24th, 2019, at the COW meeting, staff were directed to move forward with the zoning amendment, creation of a Comprehensive Development Zone, as per the developer’s request. The developer attended this meeting and reviewed the proposed project and requirement for changes in the zoning. The project includes a development with amenities, apartments, duplexes, affordable units, town homes, and possibly some bungalows which could translate into 160 new units (i.e. at 1000 L/day/per unit, ~160,000L/day); depending on the market. REPORT TO: Municipal Council SUBMITTED BY: Engineering & Public Works Department DATE: April 3, 2019 SUBJECT: Mill Cove WWTP Capacity & Expansion ORIGIN: COW – February 21, 2019 2 Request For Decision The Mill Cove Wastewater Treatment plant was designed to accommodate an average daily flow of 150,000 L/day, and single day peak flow of 450,000 L/day. Currently, the average daily flow is approximately 76,500 L/day, with the highest recorded peak flow of 203,000 L/day. Therefore, there is approximately 73,000 L/day remaining in capacity at the plant. We must consider there are still lands that front the existing collection system that pay the wastewater area rate and could connect at any time. Staff have estimated the wastewater generation from these lands to be about 20,000 L/day, although staff are not aware of any lands in the process of being developed at this time. Furthermore, the plant is currently experiencing inflow and infiltration (I&I), upwards of 125,000 L/day. The plant can handle these peak flows, but they can impact the capacity. Fortunately, I&I can be investigated and while it cannot be completed eliminated, staff can reduce its impact on the WWTP. Furthermore, the plant was designed to be modular, therefore, additional capacity can be constructed. The table below summarizes the current and projected flows. The associated investments are summarized in a subsequent table. DESIGN Average (L/day) Hydraulic (L/day) Peak (L/day) Comments Flows 78,000 150,000 450,000 CBOD5 30 Kgs/day 2018 DATA Average (L/day) Minimum (L/day) Peak (L/day) Flows 76,500 23,000 203,000 CBOD5 (81mg/L) 6.20 1.86 16.44 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT FLOWS Average (L/day) Minimum (L/day) Peak (L/day) Existing & Unconnected 20,000 60,000 No expansion required A. Ridge: P. 1a (Appts) 48,000 144,000 No expansion required A. Ridge: P. 1b (Detach/Semi) 112,000 336,000 Expansion required Total Projected Flows 256,500 743,000 Expansion required Total Projected CBOD5 20.78 60.18 Expansion required DISCUSSION If the developer phased the construction of the development, the MCWWTP could accommodate the apartment (i.e. 48-unit apartment complex). There would still be remaining capacity (~25,000 L/day) for further development and any reduction in I&I would increase the remaining capacity. The collection system would have to be extended to the property line, approximately 150 m, at an estimated cost of $55,000. 3 Request For Decision A private connection would then need to be installed to service the complex itself. Depending on the configuration of the connection(s), single vs. multiple, the cost of the private connection(s) is estimated also at $55,000. A project timeframe between 3 and 4 months would be required to complete the work. At the time of design and construction, consideration would be given to extending the collection system further, as well as flow control and reduction of I&I. Additional capacity can be created with the installation of a filter module (5th), pump system and UV disinfection unit. Another module would create an additional capacity of 40,000 L/day; or, approximately 40 residential units. The estimated cost of a new module and associated equipment is $250,000 net HST ($2019). The collection system would also have to be extended an estimated 300 m, to service a portion of the duplex’s and single-family dwellings. This is based on the most recent version of the proposed development. The cost of this extension is estimated at $90,000. Each lot or unit would be responsible to connect to the sewer main, at an estimated cost per connection of $5000. The plant was designed to accommodate one (1) filter module easily, and while logistics would need to be worked out, a project timeframe between 3 and 6 months would be required to complete the work. In discussions with the MCWWTP design consultant, ABLE Engineering, they stated another filter module (6th) and associated equipment may be added to provide an additional 40,000 L/day in capacity without jeopardizing effluent quality, subject to Nova Scotia Environment (NSE) approval. The cost to add another module would be higher than the first expansion, approximately $400,000 net HST ($2019), since more work (i.e. design, piping, earthworks, tank access) would be required. It is anticipated that an expansion of a second module would take nine (9) months. Furthermore, the collection system would also have to be extended an estimated 300 m, to service another portion of the duplex’s and single-family dwellings. The cost of this extension is estimated at $90,000. Each lot or unit would be responsible to connect to the sewer main, at an estimated cost per connection of $5000. With the additional modules (5th/6th) as suggested, the MCWWTP would have rated capacity of 230,000 L/day (Hydraulic) and 530,000 L/day (Peak), which would should service an additional 150 residential units beyond what is currently connected. INFLOW & INFILTRATION The plant’s capacity would be closely monitored, and I&I investigated before adding connections beyond the 48-unit apartment complex. Through this study and discussions with both consultants and NSE, the available capacity for future development and options for further expansion would be determined. Completing this study, along with a phased approach to the development increases the potential for more of the development to be serviced through the municipal wastewater service. The consultant confirmed staff’s recommendation, that if the proposed development is to be serviced by the MCWWTP, that alternative collection systems (i.e. septic tank effluent systems and low pressure forcemains) should be employed so as not to compound the I&I issue which would be anticipated with conventional collection systems (i.e. gravity mains and manholes). 4 Request For Decision Staff have been working on reducing I&I across all wastewater systems, however, the work to date has been related to asset condition. Staff have scheduled to complete an information gap analysis this fiscal year. This would include further inspections, possible flow monitoring and minor construction, with a proposed budget of $50,000. The work plan for this fiscal year and the 10-year capital plan makes general headway on the I&I issues but does not focus on a specific area or issue. Mill Cove would be a high priority should the proposed development get underway. A preliminary work plan would include an information review, hiring a consultant to complete investigation/inspections, strategic flow monitoring, and completing any recommended repairs that would make the most meaningful impact. Staff expect this work could be completed in the next six months, subject to budgetary considerations. Any recommendations that could not be completed due to budgetary limitations would then be included in the 10-year capital plan. While we cannot expect to eliminate I&I completely, based on anecdotal evidence, staff anticipate that reducing I&I Mill Cove by 10% (6,500 – 12,500 L/day) over the next 6 months and 33% (20,000-40,000 L/day) over 10 years are achievable goals. If these reductions were realized and other flow control/I&I mitigation measures employed during the design and construction of expansions, more development could be serviced by the MCWWTP. OPERATIONS Staff do not anticipate a huge increase in staff time or operational costs associated with the expansion of the treatment plant and the collection system extension. Staff estimate an operational budget increase of approximately $3,000/module which should cover power usage and sludge wasting. Sludge wasting (tank cleaning) would be required for private tank(s), at an estimated cost of $250 per tank. Filter media replacements of would have to be factored into the long-term capital plan, but replacements would not be expected in the next 10-15 years. IMPLICATIONS Policy Under the Municipal Planning Strategy, the development as proposed would not be permitted. However, staff have been directed to create a Comprehensive Development Zone, which provides the flexibility needed by the developer to proceed with their proposed plan or a variation thereof. Staff are suggesting that the entire development be controlled by a Development Agreement. This would allow servicing details to be finalized in phases, whereby each building would require its own development and building permits. It is assumed that this approach would satisfy the developers timeline of having shovels in the ground within 6 months for the apartment complex, as well as provide time for the Municipality to construct the necessary services. It is important to note that the proposed 6-month time-frame is tight, and the developer will be required to meet certain submission deadlines. The developer must also understand that servicing additional units, while possible, would take more time since it would be subject to NSE approval. 5 Request For Decision The developer can also choose to service the development onsite through private central wastewater system, while they may request that MODC assume ownership and maintain, MODC is not required to do so, unless they subdivided four or more lots that are serviced by central wastewater. It is expected that the Developer would be required to follow the municipal specifications when constructing a central wastewater system. Additionally, the developer has the option of servicing each lot or unit with an onsite system, with developer or lot owner being responsible for operation and maintenance. Under the Municipal Government Act (MGA), Municipalities have the authority to impose an infrastructure charge, through the MPS and Subdivision By-Law, to recover the capital costs incurred by the Municipality for new development. The Municipality does not currently have a policy regarding infrastructure charges, since we do not experience a high level of development. Traditionally, the developers have handled the design and construction of services suitable to their development only, and where required through by-law, transferred ownership to the Municipality. Infrastructure charges have been employed for servicing on an ad-hoc basis (i.e. Chester Basin). Given that we are reviewing our MPS and accompanying By-Law’s, it is an opportune time to include the development of an Infrastructure Charge Policy for the entire Municipality. However, given the need to have a Master Servicing Plan and community engagement, staff believe it is not possible to have this policy in place in next 6 months, and are concerned that it would hamper the Aspotogan Ridge Golf Village Development. The Sewer By-law (Bylaw #34) must also be considered since there are sections that pertain to the development as proposed. Most importantly it provides Council the power to build service extensions, require properties to connect and pay for the connection, as well as be charged annually for the operation and maintenance of the wastewater system. Financial/Budgetary Currently, the proposed 10-year capital plan includes a $50,000 net HST each year for I&I Management, however, the plan does not include provision for extending the public sewer system or adding modules to the treatment system. Below is a table summarizing the costs as described in the discussion section, as well as potential revenue streams associated with the proposed development. 6 Request For Decision Description of Costs 48 units 40 Units 40 units Comments CAPITAL – ONE TIME Treatment Plant $0.00 $250,000.00 $400,000.00 Collection Sys. Public $55,000.00 $90,000.00 $90,000.00 Collection Sys. Private $55,000.00 $200,000.00 $200,000.00 $5,000/residential unit OPERATIONS – ANNUAL Treatment Plant Negligible $3,000.00 $3,000.00 Power consumption Collection Sys. Public Negligible Negligible Negligible STEP system Collection Sys. Private Negligible $10,000.00 $10,000.00 $250/septic tank REVENUE – ANNUAL Revenue – Sewer Rate $28,800.00 $24,000.00 $24,000.00 $600.00 per EDU Revenue – Gen. Rate $10,850.00 $15,230.00 $15,230.00 Deducted mandatory fees (64%) Assumptions: - All costs are NET HST - General assessment rate is $0.705/$100 - The assessment for the first 48 units is based upon value of Shoreham 24-unit apartment complex - The assessment for a detached or semi-detached unit is estimated to be $150,000 - Staff have not considered any other area rates since we expect the increase in revenue will be offset by an increase in costs - Annual payments for MODC’s portion of the capital costs using a 3.5% interest rate, over a 10-year period for the first expansion are estimated to be $40,900.00, and similarly for the second expansion, the annual payments are estimated to be $59,920.00. Environmental Non-compliance events must be reported to both the Province and Federal Governments and may lead to warnings and or directives to eliminate non-compliance events. There has been no non-compliance since the construction of the new MCWWTP. Strategic Plan 2. Continually improve public satisfaction with municipal services; 3. Ensure sufficient infrastructure is available to best serve our residents and businesses; 6. Promote conditions conducive to fostering economic prosperity. Work Program Implications The proposed 10-year capital plan focuses generally on addressing I&I throughout all the systems. A more active approach could be taken in Mill Cove this fiscal year, utilizing the proposed budget for 2019-2020 and reporting progress back to Council, as required. The expansion of the MCWWTP is not contained within the plan either. It has yet to be determined what impacts these additional projects will have on the 2019-2020 FY since the budget has yet to be finalized. 7 Request For Decision OPTIONS 1. Inform the developer that the Municipality will construct a service extension to the proposed apartment complex this fiscal year. Future service expansions will be reviewed based on development applications and requests. 2. Inform the developer that the Municipality will construct a service extension to the proposed apartment complex this fiscal year, incorporating this extension and future expansions, as detailed, in the 10-year plan, based on the development being phased. 3. Defer any decision on the matter and direct staff to bring back further information as identified by Council. ATTACHMENTS N/A Best of... Chester Municipality Give local businesses the recognition they deserve! Nominate your favourites for a Best of Chester Municipality Award NOMINATE VOTE April 1 to 29 May 3 to 26 Businesses with the most nominations in each category are eligible to receive a Best of Chester Municipality Award so get to nominating!*www.chester.ca/BestOf Winners announced May 30 *only one nomination and vote per category per device (mobile, laptop, tablet, etc.) Questions?elowe@chester.ca 902-275-2599