Recent Publications

A comprehensive report that details water quality within the Petitcodiac and Memramcook watersheds. *Attention*: LARGE FILE

The Jonathan Creek Assessment  focuses on the suspended sediment concentrations and the point and non point sources of sediment coming into the system. The amount of sediment entering Jonathan creek is due, in part, to recent development along a major portion of the creek, resulting in the water to become turbid (i.e. cloudy) and brown. There are numerous point and non point sources of sediment coming into the creek which include: bank instability, poorly vegetated buffer zones, crossings, poorly built culverts, urban construction and impervious surfaces. The majority of impacts on Jonathan creek are due to urbanization and some agriculture. Other factors affecting the health of the creek are high E.coli levels, dissolved oxygen, temperature, discharge (flow), nitrate and phosphorus levels, and turbidity. Sampling for this assessment was conducted at three sites along Jonathan creek between July and October 2005.

The Mapleton park brooks are part of a healthy aquatic ecosystem. Negative effects of urban development are present throughout the stream area but have yet to greatly alter the habitat or physiochemical qualities of the stream. A second habitat assessment will be completed following future developments of the area.

Rabbit Brook is a tributary of Halls Creek. This watercourse is highly influenced by urbanization, sediment deposition and siltation due to urban sprawl, and development which affect the physical habitat of Rabbit Brook.

The Rabbit Brook assessment was conducted between June 11 2005 and October 21 2005 within the Hall's creek watershed area. During this period, 23 water samples were taken from several locations on Rabbit Brook. The two primary sampling sites are located at the junction of Plaza Blvd and Rabbit Brook; and 100 meters upstream from West Branch Halls creek, off Kendra St. Each sample was tested for dissolved oxygen, temperature, total coliform and E. coli, nitrate nitrogen, phosphate, alkalinity and turbidity.

The purpose of this assessment was to focus solely on the water quality of Rabbit Brook. The primary objective is to determine sources of E. coli entering into the watercourse. Currently, Rabbit Brook is a highly degraded system. Negative effects of urban development are present throughout the stream area. It is suggested that further microbiological testing be undertaken in the brook to identify sources of E. coli contamination. We can be reasonably sure that the middle pipe at Plaza Blvd. is the primary source of E. coli into the system. The remediation of sewage cross-connections and illicit sewage dumping should be combined with a public education campaign targeting dog owners and stream-front owners to stoop and scoop.

 

Petitcodiac River Water Classification Report
The classification documentation of major rivers and streams in the Petitcodiac River watershed. Published in 2002.