Matt Pearson, B.M. Ross & Associates Limited provided the annual report on the Surface Water Quality Monitoring Program.
Pearson provided information on the history of the program, what influences the samples, and trends that occurred during the year.
On average the E.Coli sampling was lower than previous years and within the expected norms. Pearson clarified that the October 10th sampling was conducted on a date when a large amount of rainfall over several days had occurred, which resulted in higher than average readings.
Pearson spoke to Nitrate Concentration data steadily increasing since the 1990's. Nitrates are often higher in the spring and fall or after extensive rainfall. Pearson also provided information on the Phosphorus trend, which shows a decrease since the 1990's.
The summary provided to Committee of the Whole noted that nitrate and phosphorus levels are high in particular areas. B.M. Ross works with landowners to try to identify areas which may be the source of higher levels, and work to mitigate those impacts through education.
Pearson confirmed that the numbers are for information purposes, but that nitrate and phosphorous sources are not the jurisdiction of Council, but of the province.
Committee of the Whole inquired about high phosphorus counts due to septic systems. Pearson indicated that septic systems are not designed to filter phosphorus or nitrates, or many other chemicals.
Committee noted that changes have been made in the agricultural community to help mitigate nitrate and phosphorus runoff. Inquiry was made into how long before those changes show up in sampling data. Pearson noted that one non-compliant location could change the data for the area.