Common use of Conclusions Clause in Contracts

Conclusions. There was an increasing trend in nickel concentrations since about 1994, although it has been reduced in magnitude in recent years. The cause of this increase is unclear, but concentrations of total nickel remain well below guideline levels for aquatic life. • There may be slight increases in cobalt, rubudium, and dissolved nitrogen and dissolved sulphate. • There appears to be a decreasing trend in lead concentrations and a possible increase in manganese. These trends may be related to the elimination of leaded gas and the use of a manganese-based additive. • Specific conductivity also appeared to be increasing over time, but the levels seem to have remained steady since about 1992. Similar patterns were noted for hardness. • The Fraser River at Red Pass has a low sensitivity to acid inputs (has a high buffering capacity) based on its relatively high total alkalinity and calcium concentrations. • Exceedances of water quality guidelines by metals such as total copper, total iron, and total silver, appear to be associated with elevated turbidity levels, indicating that these metals were bound in particulate matter, and therefore not available to biota and not of concern. Many metals that appeared to have values that exceeded guidelines in the past, have been shown to meet guidelines since lower detection limits have been utilized, and confidence in results have coincidentally improved. • As there are no major human activities upstream from the Red Pass site, the measured concentrations of all metals would appear to be due to natural erosion processes in the upper watershed. Occasional high turbidity values are also attributed to natural erosion processes. • All fecal coliform values were very low, indicating little fecal contamination of the Fraser River was occurring upstream from Red Pass. • True colour has only been measured at Red Pass since 1997, but all values since that time have been below the aesthetic guideline for drinking water quality. • Another recent evaluation of water quality at the Red Pass site, using the Water Quality Index as an assessment tool, ranked the water quality as Good to Excellent. Benthic populations measured downstream from the site in 1996 also indicated excellent water quality, and the population itself was considered to be a “reference” (i.e. undisturbed) population.

Conclusions. There was an increasing trend Turbidity levels and specific conductivity fluctuate throughout the year in nickel concentrations since about 1994, although it has been reduced in magnitude in recent yearsresponse to flow conditions. The cause of this increase Turbidity increases during freshet periods when runoff carries solids from the land surface. Specific conductivity is unclear, but concentrations of total nickel remain well below guideline levels for aquatic life. • There may be slight increases in cobalt, rubudium, and dissolved nitrogen and dissolved sulphate. • There appears to be a decreasing trend in lead concentrations and a possible increase in manganese. These trends may be related to the elimination of leaded gas generally at its highest when flows are low and the use influence of a manganese-based additive. • Specific conductivity also appeared to be increasing over time, but ground waters that are harder than the levels seem to have remained steady since about 1992. Similar patterns were noted for hardness. • The Fraser River at Red Pass surface water has a low sensitivity to acid inputs (has a high buffering capacity) based most influence on its relatively high total alkalinity and calcium concentrations. • Exceedances of water quality guidelines by metals such as total copper, total iron, and total silver, appear to be associated with elevated turbidity levels, indicating that these metals were bound in particulate matter, and therefore not available to biota and not of concern. Many metals that appeared to have values that exceeded guidelines in the past, have been shown to meet guidelines since lower detection limits have been utilized, and confidence in results have coincidentally improved. • As there are no major human activities upstream from the Red Pass site, the measured concentrations of all metals would appear to be due to natural erosion processes in the upper watershed. Occasional high turbidity values are also attributed to natural erosion processes. • All fecal coliform values were very low, indicating little fecal contamination of the Fraser River was occurring upstream from Red Pass. • True colour has only been measured at Red Pass since 1997, but all values since that time have been below the aesthetic guideline for drinking water quality. • Another recent evaluation Water temperatures (and likely dissolved oxygen concentrations but these have not been measured) fluctuate throughout the year, with highest water temperatures occurring during the warmer summer months as would be expected. This is a period when we would expect the lowest dissolved oxygen concentrations because warmer water has a lesser capability to hold dissolved oxygen than colder water. • The data indicate that several metals that occasionally have values that exceed guidelines to protect aquatic life are associated with high concentrations of particulate matter. This means that the metals are likely in particulate form and are not biologically available and would be removed with treatment of this source water when used for drinking. • Fecal coliforms were considerably less than the guideline for source waters used for drinking that are not treated other than by disinfection. • One true colour value was associated with a high turbidity level, and this would be removed by treatment used to remove solids when the water is used as a source for drinking. Colour is an aesthetic concern and not a health issue per se. • Water temperature frequently exceeded the guideline to protect aquatic life during summer periods, but the margin above the guideline was small. • Analytical detection limits used for many metals has improved considerably in the period from 2003-2006. This has resulted in fewer values exceeding guidelines during that period. This relates to the fact that many of the former high values may have been “false positives” which is common when values are close to the detection limit. The new lower detection limits help to avoid such problems and allow us to present a more accurate picture of water quality quality. • There did appear to some long-term trends of increasing values through the period of record at this station for the Red Pass sitefollowing variables although none were environmentally significant: boron, using the Water Quality Index as an assessment tool, ranked the water quality as Good to Excellent. Benthic populations measured downstream from the site in 1996 also indicated excellent water qualitychloride, and the population itself was considered magnesium. Each of these needs to be verified by a “reference” (i.e. undisturbed) populationstatistical analysis. • There did appear to some long-term trends of decreasing values through the period of record at this station for the following variables although none were environmentally significant: antimony, lithium, rubidium, silicon, sulphate, specific conductivity, thallium, and uranium. Each of these needs to be verified by a statistical analysis.

Conclusions. There was an increasing trend in nickel concentrations since about 1994, although it has been reduced in magnitude in recent years. The cause of this increase is unclearFlows fluctuate throughout the year, but concentrations peak in the May-June period on a yearly basis. Low flows seem to be consistent through most of total nickel remain well below guideline levels for the other months of the year. • Water temperatures and dissolved oxygen often exceed water quality objectives, especially during the hot summer periods. • Several metals exceeded guidelines or water quality objectives on occasion; however, these seemed to be correlated with turbidity and were likely in particulate form and not biologically available. Such metals included: aluminum, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, lead, silver, and zinc. Cadmium also often exceeded guidelines, and was not always related to turbidity, which means that it could potentially be more available to aquatic life. This has just become evident over the past couple of years since the cadmium detection limit has decreased; cadmium will continue to be monitored at these low levels to track this potential concern. • There Colour values and fecal coliforms and E. Coli often exceeded guidelines for drinking water at the source; however, these were related to turbidity events and complete treatment of the source water would be needed prior to use for drinking. • Arsenic values may be showing a slight increase in concentration through the period of record. This may be due to a larger groundwater contribution to the flow. • Lithium and extractable silicon were showing distinct decreases in concentrations over time. Recommendations • We recommend monitoring be continued for the Salmon River at Salmon Arm to track the possible increases in cobaltvariables, rubudiumand guideline exceedences that have been identified in this report. • Either trivalent and hexavalent forms of chromium should be measured in the future, or alternately, guidelines be developed for total chromium values. • A statistical analysis of the data for arsenic, lithium, and silicon should be conducted to confirm whether the identified trends are real. Water quality indicators that are important for future monitoring are: • flow, water temperature, specific conductivity, pH, turbidity, hardness, and dissolved nitrogen oxygen, • appropriate forms of metals for comparison to their respective guidelines, and dissolved sulphate. • There appears to be a decreasing trend in lead concentrations and a possible increase in manganese. These trends may be other variables related to the elimination of leaded gas and the use of a manganese-based additive. • Specific conductivity also appeared to be increasing over time, but the levels seem to have remained steady since about 1992. Similar patterns were noted for hardness. • The Fraser River at Red Pass has a low sensitivity to acid inputs (has a high buffering capacity) based on its relatively high total alkalinity and calcium concentrations. • Exceedances of drinking water quality guidelines by metals such as total coppercolour, total iron, fecal coliforms and total silver, appear to be associated with elevated turbidity levels, indicating that these metals were bound in particulate matter, and therefore not available to biota and not of concern. Many metals that appeared to have values that exceeded guidelines in the past, have been shown to meet guidelines since lower detection limits have been utilized, and confidence in results have coincidentally improved. • As there are no major human activities upstream from the Red Pass site, the measured concentrations of all metals would appear to be due to natural erosion processes in the upper watershed. Occasional high turbidity values are also attributed to natural erosion processes. • All fecal coliform values were very low, indicating little fecal contamination of the Fraser River was occurring upstream from Red Pass. • True colour has only been measured at Red Pass since 1997, but all values since that time have been below the aesthetic guideline for drinking water quality. • Another recent evaluation of water quality at the Red Pass site, using the Water Quality Index as an assessment tool, ranked the water quality as Good to Excellent. Benthic populations measured downstream from the site in 1996 also indicated excellent water quality, and the population itself was considered to be a “reference” (i.e. undisturbed) populationE. Coli.

Conclusions. There Flows are typical of coastal streams, with peaks occurring during the late autumn to early winter period and low flows taking place during the late Spring through Summer periods. • Several metals had occasional values that exceeded the guidelines for the protection of aquatic life, but also appeared to be correlated with turbidity and were likely not of biological concern. These included aluminum, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, and molybdenum. • Total alkalinity has on occasion been below the guideline that indicates that there is only moderate buffering to acidic inputs. Alkalinity may be continuing to show a trend to increasing values, but this should be verified with appropriate statistics (in the 2000 Trend Report, alkalinity was an shown to exhibit a statistically significant increasing trend trend). • Increasing trends through time appeared to continue for a number of dissolved variables and related parameters, including boron, calcium, magnesium, sodium, sulphate, specific conductivity and hardness. These were identified as statistically significant trends in nickel concentrations since about 1994the 2000 Trend Report, and were attributed to neutralization of acid drainage at the upstream coal mine. The more current data set should be re-assessed statistically to confirm that these trends are continuing. These variables do not exceed aquatic life guidelines and therefore would appear to be of little concern to aquatic life at this time. However, benthic invertebrate assessments carried out in 2001 and 2003 indicated that the population was severely stressed, and deviated strongly from that expected. Assessments in 2004 and 2005 indicated that the population was still stressed, although it has been reduced in magnitude in recent yearsnot as greatly. The causes of these impacts on the benthic population are under investigation. • Apparent colour values seem to fluctuate with turbidity and regularly exceeded the drinking water guideline for true colour; however, this is to be expected since true colour is measured on a filtered sample (i.e., turbidity removed). True colour values were lower than apparent colour values, as expected; however, values seem to fluctuate with turbidity and regularly exceeded the drinking water guideline. • Phosphorus was measured as total dissolved phosphorus after 1999 and seemed to decrease between 1999 and 2005, probably due to this change (i.e. measurement of dissolved rather than total phosphorus), and possibly also due to a change in analytical laboratory at about that time.. Regardless, phosphorus levels in the river are relatively high. The benthic populations measured at the site have shown some characteristics of nutrient enrichment, so the elevated nutrient levels measured in the river may be the cause of this increase is unclear, but concentrations of total nickel remain well below guideline levels for aquatic lifethe deviation. • There may be slight increases Larger fluctuations in cobaltpH values after 2000 likely reflect a change in analytical laboratory, rubudium, and dissolved nitrogen and dissolved sulphate. • There appears to be a decreasing trend in lead concentrations and a possible increase in manganese. These trends may be related to the elimination of leaded gas and the use of a manganese-based additivemore sensitive analytical techniques. • Specific conductivity also appeared to be increasing over time, but the levels seem to have remained steady since about 1992pH varies strongly with conductivity. Similar patterns were noted for hardness. • The Fraser River at Red Pass has a low sensitivity to acid inputs (has a high buffering capacity) based on its relatively high total alkalinity and calcium concentrations. • Exceedances A recent calculation of water quality guidelines by metals such as total copper, total iron, and total silver, appear to be associated with elevated turbidity levels, indicating that these metals were bound in particulate matter, and therefore not available to biota and not of concern. Many metals that appeared to have values that exceeded guidelines in the past, have been shown to meet guidelines since lower detection limits have been utilized, and confidence in results have coincidentally improved. • As there are no major human activities upstream from the Red Pass site, the measured concentrations of all metals would appear to be due to natural erosion processes in the upper watershed. Occasional high turbidity values are also attributed to natural erosion processes. • All fecal coliform values were very low, indicating little fecal contamination of the Fraser River was occurring upstream from Red Pass. • True colour has only been measured at Red Pass since 1997, but all values since that time have been below the aesthetic guideline for drinking water quality. • Another recent evaluation of water quality at the Red Pass site, using the Water Quality Index for the Quinsam River site assessed the river as an assessment tool“Fair”. This ranking resulted from a number of values that exceeded the guideline for some total metals, ranked nutrients and alkalinity. Metals that exceeded the water quality as Good guideline were primarily turbidity-related, which may be natural or may be exacerbated by upstream coal mining. It is unlikely that aquatic life would be impacted by these short-term events. However the elevated phosphorus and nitrogen levels could lead to Excellent. Benthic populations measured downstream from nutrient enrichment of the site in 1996 also indicated excellent water qualityriver, leading to nuisance plant growth, and the population itself was considered to be a “reference” (i.e. undisturbed) populationpotentially affecting local aquatic life populations.

Conclusions. There was an increasing trend in nickel concentrations since about 1994, although it has been reduced in magnitude in recent years. The cause of this increase is unclearFlows fluctuate throughout the year, but concentrations peak in the May-June period on a yearly basis. Low flows seem to be consistent through most of total nickel remain well below guideline levels for the other months of the year. • Water temperatures and dissolved oxygen often exceed water quality objectives, especially during the hot summer periods. • Several metals exceeded guidelines or water quality objectives on occasion; however, these seemed to be correlated with turbidity and were likely in particulate form and not biologically available. Such metals included: aluminum, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, lead, silver, and zinc. Cadmium also often exceeded guidelines, and was not always related to turbidity, which means that it could potentially be more available to aquatic life. This has just become evident over the past couple of years since the cadmium detection limit has decreased; cadmium will continue to be monitored at these low levels to track this potential concern. • There Colour values and fecal coliforms and E. Coli often exceeded guidelines for drinking water at the source; however, these were related to turbidity events and complete treatment of the source water would be needed prior to use for drinking. • Arsenic values may be showing a slight increase in concentration through the period of record. This may be due to a larger groundwater contribution to the flow. • Lithium and extractable silicon were showing distinct decreases in concentrations over time. RECOMMENDATIONS • We recommend monitoring be continued for the Salmon River at Salmon Arm to track the possible increases in cobaltvariables, rubudiumand guideline exceedences that have been identified in this report. • Either trivalent and hexavalent forms of chromium should be measured in the future, or alternately, guidelines be developed for total chromium values. • A statistical analysis of the data for arsenic, lithium, and silicon should be conducted to confirm whether the identified trends are real. Water quality indicators that are important for future monitoring are: • flow, water temperature, specific conductivity, pH, turbidity, hardness, and dissolved nitrogen oxygen, • appropriate forms of metals for comparison to their respective guidelines, and dissolved sulphate. • There appears to be a decreasing trend in lead concentrations and a possible increase in manganese. These trends may be other variables related to the elimination of leaded gas and the use of a manganese-based additive. • Specific conductivity also appeared to be increasing over time, but the levels seem to have remained steady since about 1992. Similar patterns were noted for hardness. • The Fraser River at Red Pass has a low sensitivity to acid inputs (has a high buffering capacity) based on its relatively high total alkalinity and calcium concentrations. • Exceedances of drinking water quality guidelines by metals such as total coppercolour, total iron, fecal coliforms and total silver, appear to be associated with elevated turbidity levels, indicating that these metals were bound in particulate matter, and therefore not available to biota and not of concern. Many metals that appeared to have values that exceeded guidelines in the past, have been shown to meet guidelines since lower detection limits have been utilized, and confidence in results have coincidentally improved. • As there are no major human activities upstream from the Red Pass site, the measured concentrations of all metals would appear to be due to natural erosion processes in the upper watershed. Occasional high turbidity values are also attributed to natural erosion processes. • All fecal coliform values were very low, indicating little fecal contamination of the Fraser River was occurring upstream from Red Pass. • True colour has only been measured at Red Pass since 1997, but all values since that time have been below the aesthetic guideline for drinking water quality. • Another recent evaluation of water quality at the Red Pass site, using the Water Quality Index as an assessment tool, ranked the water quality as Good to Excellent. Benthic populations measured downstream from the site in 1996 also indicated excellent water quality, and the population itself was considered to be a “reference” (i.e. undisturbed) populationE. Coli.

Conclusions. There The water was an increasing trend in nickel concentrations since about 1994, although it has been reduced in magnitude in recent years. The cause of this increase is unclearvery soft with respect to hardness, but concentrations of total nickel remain well below guideline levels for aquatic life. • There may be slight increases in cobalt, rubudium, and dissolved nitrogen and dissolved sulphate. • There appears to be a decreasing trend in lead concentrations and a possible increase in manganese. These trends may be related to the elimination of leaded gas and the use of a manganese-based additive. • Specific conductivity also appeared to be increasing over time, but the levels seem to have remained steady since about 1992. Similar patterns were noted for hardness. • The Fraser River at Red Pass has had a low sensitivity to acid inputs (has a high buffering capacity) based on its relatively high total alkalinity and calcium concentrationsacids. • Exceedances of The water quality guidelines by metals such as total copperobjectives for ammonia, total fecal contamination, lead, and zinc were attained. • Periphyton algal growth met the water quality objective on the one occasion when it was measured at the station in 1993, but a 1998 survey of the lower river found that the objective was exceeded downstream from the Xxxxxx-North Cowichan sewage treatment plant outfall. There was ample nitrogen and phosphorus to support algal growth. • Phosphorus had a declining trend in 2002-03 due to waste abatement at the Xxxxxx-North Cowichan sewage treatment plant. • Total copper exceeded the objectives occasionally during 1998-2003 due to elevated flow and turbidity, but dissolved copper met the objectives. • Chromium, cobalt, iron, and total silver, appear to be associated with elevated turbidity levels, indicating that these metals were bound in particulate matter, and therefore not available to biota and not of concern. Many metals that appeared to have values that manganese occasionally exceeded guidelines in the past, have been shown to meet guidelines since lower detection limits have been utilized, and confidence in results have coincidentally improved. • As there are no major human activities upstream from the Red Pass site, the measured concentrations of all metals would appear to be due to natural erosion processes in the upper watershed. Occasional high turbidity values are also attributed to natural erosion processes. • All fecal coliform values were very low, indicating little fecal contamination of the Fraser River was occurring upstream from Red Pass. • True colour has only been measured at Red Pass since 1997, but all values since that time have been below the aesthetic guideline for drinking water qualityaesthetics and/or aquatic life, during winter high flows due to elevated turbidity. • Another recent evaluation Water quality objectives for dissolved oxygen were often not attained. • Water temperatures exceeded the guideline for cold-water fish species during the summer, when the water was warm enough for swimming. • Apparent increasing (deteriorating) trends in fecal coliforms, non-filterable residue, and turbidity were attributed to the increased sampling frequency during 2000-03. • Apparent decreasing (improving) trends in lead, molybdenum, and zinc were attributed to decreasing minimum detectable limits over time. RECOMMENDATIONS • Update the zinc objectives in accordance with the new guidelines for zinc. • Continue biweekly monitoring and reassess the data for trends in five years, when ten years of consistent, regular data are available. • Reduce the minimum detection limit for cadmium to at least ten times below the lowest water quality at guideline when the Red Pass sitetechnology becomes available. Figure 1 Map of the Cowichan-Koksilah River Basin Authors Xxxxxx, using the X.X. Pommen Water Quality Index as an assessment toolConsulting, ranked Victoria, B.C. Contributors Xxxxxxxxx, X. Environmental Quality Section, Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection, Nanaimo, X.X. Xxxx, X. Xxxxxxx Sciences Section, Environmental Conservation Branch, Environment Canada, Vancouver, X.X. Xxxxx, X.X. Water and Air Monitoring and Reporting Section, Water, Air and Climate Change Branch, Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection, Victoria, B.C. Table of Contents Page Executive Summary i Authors and Contributors iv List of Figures vi Introduction 1 Water Quality Assessment 1 References 6 LIST OF FIGURES Page Figure 1 Map of the water quality as Good to ExcellentCowichan-Koksilah River Basin. Benthic populations measured downstream from iii Figure 2a Flow in the site Cowichan River near Duncan, 1985-2003 7 Figure 2b Flow in 1996 also indicated excellent water qualitythe Cowichan river near Duncan, 1999-2003 7 Figure 3 Aluminum 8 Figure 4 Ammonia Nitrogen 9 Figure 5 Coliforms 9 Figure 6 Conductance, Specific 10 Figure 7 Copper 10 Figure 8 Hardness 11 Figure 9 Iron 12 Figure 10 Lead 13 Figure 11 Molybdenum. 14 Figure 12 Nitrogen 15 Figure 13 Oxygen, Dissolved 16 Figure 14 pH 17 Figure 15a Phosphorus 18 Figure 15b Phosphorus, Total Dissolved 2000-03 19 Figure 16 Temperature, Water 20 Figure 17 Turbidity and the population itself was considered to be a “reference” (i.e. undisturbed) population.Non-filterable Residue 21 Figure 18 Zinc 21

Conclusions. There was an increasing trend The hydrograph for the Salmon River is typical of interior B.C. streams, with flows dominated by a snow-melt freshet in nickel concentrations since about 1994May and June. • Values in excess of water quality guidelines for metals such as aluminum, although it has been reduced in magnitude in recent years. The cause cadmium, cobalt, copper, iron, and manganese were likely a result of this increase is unclear, but occasional high concentrations of total nickel remain well below guideline levels for aquatic lifeparticulate matter (as evidenced by high turbidity levels). • There may This means that these metals were probably not bio-available and would be slight increases in cobalt, rubudium, and dissolved nitrogen and dissolved sulphate. • There appears to be a decreasing trend in lead concentrations and a possible increase in manganese. These trends may be related to removed by the elimination of leaded gas and the treatment needed before use of a manganese-based additive. • Specific conductivity also appeared to be increasing over time, but the levels seem to have remained steady since about 1992. Similar patterns were noted for hardnessas drinking water. • The Fraser Salmon River at Red Pass has had a low sensitivity to acid inputs (has a was well-buffered), as evidenced by high buffering capacity) based on its relatively high total alkalinity and calcium concentrations. • Exceedances Both of water quality guidelines by metals such as total copper, total iron, and total silver, appear to be these parameters showed strong seasonal fluctuations associated with elevated turbidity levels, indicating that these metals were bound in particulate matter, and therefore not available to biota and not of concern. Many metals that appeared to have values that exceeded guidelines in the past, have been shown to meet guidelines since lower detection limits have been utilized, and confidence in results have coincidentally improvedwater level. • As there are no major human activities upstream from Fecal coliform concentrations were generally much higher than the Red Pass site, the measured concentrations of all metals would appear to be due to natural erosion processes in the upper watershed. Occasional high turbidity values are also attributed to natural erosion processes. • All fecal coliform values were very low, indicating little fecal contamination of the Fraser River was occurring upstream from Red Pass. • True colour has only been measured at Red Pass since 1997, but all values since that time have been below the aesthetic guideline for drinking water qualityundergoing disinfection only, although the sampling frequency was insufficient to determine if the guideline was exceeded. • Another recent evaluation of Dissolved organic carbon and true colour values frequently exceeded the drinking water guideline at this site • Detection limits used to analyze metals such as cadmium and silver were too high to accurately assess these metals in comparison to the appropriate water quality guideline. In addition, laboratory problems with cadmium prior to August 2000 render data collected before this time unreliable. Different methods should be employed in the future to allow these data to be compared to water quality guidelines. • Fluoride concentrations occasionally exceeded the aquatic life guidelines. • Salmon River water had relatively high hardness, frequently exceeding the optimum aesthetic range for drinking water. • Phosphorus concentrations were relatively high at the Red Pass this site, using and may be contributing to eutrophication in Shuswap Lake. • Water temperatures exceeded maximum aesthetic drinking water guidelines in all but one of the Water Quality Index as an assessment tool, ranked the water quality as Good to Excellent. Benthic populations measured downstream from the site in 1996 also indicated excellent water quality13 years on record (1988 – 2000), and the population itself general fisheries guideline was considered exceeded in about half of the xxxxxxx. • Turbidity values were frequently above guideline levels • There may have been a slight increasing trend in chloride, magnesium and potassium over the period of record. The reason for these increases is not clear. RECOMMENDATIONS We recommend monitoring be continued for the Salmon River near Highway 1. It is an important tributary to be the Shuswap Lake, and has high fisheries values. Water quality indicators that are important for future monitoring are: • flow, water temperature, specific conductivity, pH, • total dissolved phosphorus, total dissolved nitrogen, periphyton chlorophyll-a, • dissolved oxygen, fecal coliforms, chloride, • colour (true and total absorbance), turbidity, hardness, dissolved aluminum, total and dissolved or extractable cobalt, copper, lead, nickel, and zinc. • Low-level cadmium, hexavalent and trivalent chromium, and silver. TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Summary i Conclusions i Recommendations ii Table of Contents iii List of figures iii Introduction 1 Quality Assurance 1 State of the Water Quality. 3 References 11 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. Salmon River near Highway 1 2 Figure 2. Flow data for the Salmon River near Highway 1 5 Figure 3. Alkalinity 12 Figure 4. Aluminum 12 Figure 5. Ammonia 13 Figure 6. Arsenic 13 Figure 7. Barium 14 Figure 8. Beryllium 14 Figure 9. Bromide 15 Figure 10. Cadmium 15 Figure 11. Calcium. 16 Figure 12. Carbon, Dissolved Organic 16 Figure 13. Chloride 17 Figure 14. Chromium 17 Figure 15. Cobalt 18 LIST OF FIGURES (continued) Figure 16. Coliforms, Fecal 18 Figure 17. Colour, True 19 Figure 18. Conductivity, Specific 19 Figure 19. Copper 20 Figure 20. E. coli 20 Figure 21. Enterococci 21 Figure 22. Fluoride. 21 Figure 23. Hardness 22 Figure 24. Iron 22 Figure 25. Lead 23 Figure 26. Lithium 23 Figure 27. Magnesium 24 Figure 28. Manganese 24 Figure 29. Molybdenum. 25 Figure 30. Nickel 25 Figure 31. Nitrate 26 Figure 32. Nitrate/Nitrite, Dissolved 26 Figure 33. Nitrite 27 Figure 34. Nitrogen 27 Figure 35. Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 28 Figure 36. Oxygen, Dissolved 28 Figure 37. pH 29 Figure 38. Phosphorus, Dissolved 29 Figure 39. Phosphorus, Total 30 Figure 40. Phosphorus, Ortho- 30 Figure 41. Potassium 31 Figure 42. Residue, Filterable 31 Figure 43. Residue, Non-Filterable 32 Figure 44. Selenium 32 Figure 45. Silver. 33 LIST OF FIGURES (continued) Figure 46. Sodium 33 Figure 47. Sulphate 34 Figure 48. Temperature, Water 34 Figure 49. Turbidity 35 Figure 50. Vanadium 35 Figure 51. Zinc 36 INTRODUCTION The Salmon River, near Salmon Arm B.C., is located in the southern-interior portion of the province (Figure 1). Its headwaters originate in the vicinity of Tahaetkun and Bouleau Mountains, south of Westwold and northeast of Merritt. The river's headwaters are located in Monte Hills Provincial Forest, some 15 km northeast from Salmon Lake. Some of the river's flow is diverted into Salmon Lake; much of that flow returns to the river via XxXxxxx Creek, the outlet from Salmon Lake. From the confluence with XxXxxxx Creek, the Salmon River flows northeast to Falkland, then southeast and east to Glenemma, and finally north to Salmon Arm before entering Shuswap Lake. The total length and drainage area of the Salmon River are approximately 120 km and 1510 km2, respectively. The Salmon River is an important tributary of Shuswap Lake, which drains into the South Xxxxxxxx River. In addition to supporting anadromous salmonids, resident fish species and other aquatic organisms, the Salmon River and its tributaries provide important sources of raw water for domestic water supplies, irrigation, and livestock watering. Recreation and aesthetics also represent important uses of the aquatic environment, both of which generate social and economic benefits to area residents. Concerns related to environmental quality conditions in the Salmon River are primarily associated with non-point source contaminant discharges. Such contaminants arise from a “reference” (i.e. undisturbed) population.variety of land use activities, including forest management, agriculture and urban development. Contaminants of concern in the watershed include suspended solids, turbidity, ammonia, phosphorus, nitrogen, metals and fecal coliforms. In addition, water withdrawals from the river and nearby infiltration galleries have resulted in decreased streamflows and associated effects on water temperatures and other habitat features in the river. This report discusses water quality data collected by the provincial and federal governments between 1985 and 2000. These objectives specify the water quality

Conclusions. There was an increasing trend in nickel concentrations since about 1994The hydrograph for the Quinsam River is typical of coastal B.C. streams, although it has been reduced in magnitude in recent yearswith flows dominated by heavy fall and winter rains. The cause • Values that exceeded water quality guidelines were recorded for metals such as aluminum, cadmium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, manganese, and zinc were likely a result of this increase is unclear, but occasional high concentrations of total nickel remain well below guideline levels for aquatic lifeparticulate matter (as evidenced by high turbidity levels). This means that these metals were probably not biologically available and would be removed by the treatment needed before use as drinking water. • There may be slight increases in cobaltThe Quinsam River had a low to moderate sensitivity to acid inputs (was relatively well-buffered), rubudiumas evidenced by moderate alkalinity and calcium concentrations. Both of these parameters showed strong seasonal fluctuations associated with water level. Additionally, both alkalinity and dissolved nitrogen and dissolved sulphate. • There appears to be a decreasing trend in lead calcium concentrations and a possible increase in manganese. These trends may be related to the elimination of leaded gas and the use of a manganese-based additive. • Specific conductivity also appeared appear to be increasing over time, but the levels seem to have remained steady since about 1992. Similar patterns were noted for hardness. • The Fraser River at Red Pass has a low sensitivity to acid inputs (has a high buffering capacity) based on its relatively high total alkalinity and calcium concentrations. • Exceedances of water quality guidelines by metals such as total copper, total iron, and total silver, appear to be associated with elevated turbidity levels, indicating that these metals were bound in particulate matter, and therefore not available to biota and not of concern. Many metals that appeared to have values that exceeded guidelines in the past, have been shown to meet guidelines since lower detection limits have been utilized, and confidence in results have coincidentally improved. • As there are no major human activities upstream from the Red Pass site, the measured concentrations of all metals would appear to be due to natural erosion processes in the upper watershed. Occasional high turbidity values are also attributed to natural erosion processes. • All fecal coliform values were very low, indicating little fecal contamination of the Fraser River was occurring upstream from Red Pass. • True colour has values frequently exceeded the drinking water guideline at this site • Detection limits used to analyze metals such as cadmium and silver were too high to accurately assess these metals in comparison to the appropriate water quality guideline. In addition, laboratory problems with cadmium prior to August 2000 render data collected before this time unreliable. Different methods should be employed in the future to allow these data to be compared to water quality guidelines. • Fluoride concentrations occasionally exceeded the aquatic life guidelines. • The Quinsam River had relatively low hardness (the water is quite soft), with concentrations below the optimum drinking water range. • Water temperatures were measured only been measured at Red Pass since 1997sporadically prior to 1986, but all values since that after this time have been below they exceeded the aesthetic drinking water guideline most years. In addition, the general fisheries guideline was exceeded in five xxxxxxx between 1986 and 2000. • Turbidity values were frequently above guideline levels for drinking water quality(both aesthetic and health). • Another recent evaluation There appeared to be an increasing trend in magnesium, sodium, sulphate, alkalinity and calcium at this site. These increases are likely indications of neutralized acid drainage originating from the Quinsam Coal mine. The Quinsam River sustains an important fishery and is a potential drinking water supply. We recommend that monitoring be continued at this site on the Quinsam River near the mouth due to increasing trends in a number of water quality indicators. These increases, while not a direct threat to aquatic life at present, will also be addressed through additional monitoring near the Red Pass site, using mine. Figure 1 Quinsam River Watershed TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Summary i Conclusions i List of Tables iv List of Figures v Introduction 1 Quality Assurance 2 State of the Water Quality Index as an assessment tool, ranked 3 References 12 Page Table 1: List of Water Quality Objectives for the water quality as Good to Excellent. Benthic populations measured Quinsam River downstream from Quinsam Lake 4 LIST OF FIGURES Page Figure 1. Quinsam River Watershed iii Figure 2. Water Survey of Canada Flow Data for Quinsam River near the site in 1996 also indicated excellent mouth (1956- 2000) 3 Figure 3. Alkalinity 13 Figure 4. Aluminum 13 Figure 5. Ammonia 14 Figure 6. Arsenic 14 Figure 7. Barium 15 Figure 8. Beryllium 15 Figure 9. Boron 16 Figure 10. Bromide 16 Figure 11. Cadmium 17 Figure 12. Calcium. 17 Figure 13. Carbon, Dissolved Organic 18 Figure 14. Chloride 18 Figure 15. Chromium 19 Figure 16. Cobalt 19 Figure 17. Coliforms, Fecal 20 Figure 18. Coliforms, Total 20 Figure 19. Colour 21 Figure 20. Conductivity, Specific 21 Figure 21. Copper 22 Figure 22. Fluoride. 22 Figure 23. Hardness 23 Figure 24. Iron 23 Figure 25. Lead 24 Figure 26. Lithium 24 LIST OF FIGURES (CONTINUED) Page Figure 27. Magnesium 25 Figure 28. Manganese 25 Figure 29. Molybdenum. 26 Figure 30. Nickel 26 Figure 31. Nitrate 27 Figure 32. Nitrate/Nitrite, Dissolved 27 Figure 33. Nitrite 28 Figure 34. Nitrogen 28 Figure 35. Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 29 Figure 36. Oxygen, Dissolved 29 Figure 37. pH 30 Figure 38. Phosphorus 30 Figure 39. Potassium 31 Figure 40. Residue, Filterable 31 Figure 41. Residue, Non-Filterable 32 Figure 42. Selenium 32 Figure 43. Silica 33 Figure 44. Silicon 33 Figure 45. Silver. 34 Figure 46. Sodium 34 Figure 47. Sulphate 35 Figure 48. Temperature, Water 35 Figure 49. Thallium 36 Figure 50. Turbidity 36 Figure 51. Uranium 37 Figure 52. Vanadium 37 Figure 53. Zinc 38 INTRODUCTION The Quinsam River is located on eastern Vancouver Island, west of the town of Xxxxxxxx River, B.C. It is a tributary to the Xxxxxxxx River, which it joins 3 km inland from the Strait of Georgia. The Quinsam River basin is surrounded by various water qualitybodies. The Xxxxxxxx River and Xxxxxxxx Lake border it to the north, Upper Xxxxxxxx and Xxxxxx Lakes are to the west, the Oyster River is to the south, and the population itself Strait of Georgia is to the east (Figure 1). The main tributary to the Quinsam River is the Iron River, which flows from the south and meets the Quinsam River in between Quinsam and Middle Quinsam Lakes. The total drainage area of the Quinsam River is 280 km2. The Quinsam River originates south of Upper Quinsam Lake, roughly 30 km southwest of Xxxxxxxx River, B.C. It flows north for about 5 km into Upper Quinsam Lake and then Wokas Lake. The second part of the river flows east for about 5 km before entering Middle Quinsam Lake. This portion of the Quinsam River has two B.C. Hydro dams, established in the 1950's. The second dam, located about 2 km upstream from Middle Quinsam Lake, diverts most of the water in the Upper Quinsam River through Gooseneck Lake into the Xxxxxxxx River chain for hydroelectric use. After leaving Middle Quinsam Lake, the river flows east for 10 km to Quinsam Lake. The third part of the river has two main features: a falls and a major tributary. The falls are 2 km downstream from Middle Quinsam Lake, below which is a valuable salmon spawning area. The Iron River joins the Quinsam River upstream from Quinsam Lake. The fourth segment of the Quinsam River is approximately 25 km long. It flows east and then north toward its confluence with the Xxxxxxxx River. On this stretch of the river are the Quinsam River Hatchery and Elk Falls Provincial Park, as well as the flow and water quality stations. The hatchery, operated by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, is situated 3 km from the mouth of the river. The park is located near the mouth. Fishing is a major water use associated with the Quinsam River. The river is home to a wide range of salmon, both wild and hatchery, as well as steelhead and cutthroat trout. Pacific salmon typically spawn below the falls downstream from Middle Quinsam Lake. This is the farthest upstream that the fish can migrate. Hatchery salmon are often introduced above the falls to encourage spawning in other parts of the river system. Kangasniemi (1989) reported that the Greater Xxxxxxxx River Water District had applied for a domestic water licence on the Quinsam River. To date, there are no permitted withdrawals for drinking water on the Quinsam River. The five water licenses currently issued for the Quinsam River are for hydroelectric power, fisheries conservation, frost protection (by the Ministry of Forests), and irrigation (for the Cape Xxxxx Indian Band). Coal mining was considered introduced to be the area when Quinsam Coal Ltd. began mining in December, 1987. The activity is concentrated near Middle Quinsam and Long Lakes, 27 km from Xxxxxxxx River. Logging and generation of hydroelectric power are other important economic activities in the region. The Quinsam River watershed is uninhabited. This report assesses data from a “reference” station on Quinsam River near its mouth. Environment Canada has taken bi-weekly samples at the site since 1986. The federal data are stored under ENVIRODAT station number BC08HD0004. The water quality variables are plotted in Figures 3 to 42. Water Survey of Canada operates a flow gauge just upstream (i.e. undisturbedsite number BC08HD005). Flow data from 1986 to 2000 are graphed in Figure 2. QUALITY ASSURANCE The water quality graphs were inspected and erroneous values were removed. There were erroneous values for copper, specific conductivity and chromium. Metals such as chromium, copper, lead and zinc had high values between 1986 and 1991. This contamination was caused by the break down of preservative vial liners and lids. Mercury data were not plotted because all detectable values were likely due to contamination (Pommen, 1994). All pH values before 1989 were low due to laboratory problems. The next section gives more details regarding quality assurance. 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Month Flow (m 3/s) population.250 January February March April May June July August September October November cember De 200 Flow (m3/s) 150 100 50 6 1958 1960 1962 1964 1966 1968 1970 1972 1974 1976 1978 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 0 195 Date

Conclusions. There was an increasing trend in nickel concentrations since about 1994The Nechako River at Prince Xxxxxx had occasionally high turbidity values, although it has been reduced in magnitude generally as a result of spring freshet or high precipitation. Treatment to remove turbidity is needed before using the water for drinking. Peak turbidity values seem to be higher in recent years. The cause • When drinking water and aquatic life guidelines were exceeded for metals such as aluminum, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, manganese, iron, silver, and zinc, there was a strong correlation with high turbidity values, suggesting that these metals were in particulate form and therefore not biologically available. In addition, water treatment (e.g., filtration) necessary prior to consumption would remove the majority of this increase is unclearthese suspended metals from drinking water. • With reduced detection limits in recent years, but concentrations of total nickel remain well below cadmium and silver generally have met guideline levels for aquatic life. The relation of measured values to high detection limits was a concern expressed in the last assessment that has been addressed. • There may Water temperatures exceeded the guidelines for migration to protect salmonids during most xxxxxxx. • Fecal coliform concentrations met the objective (i.e., were within acceptable limits for water that undergoes partial treatment (e.g., filtration) plus disinfection prior to drinking). pH also met its objective. • Total organic carbon often exceeded the guideline for raw drinking water that will be slight increases in cobalt, rubudiumchlorinated, and dissolved nitrogen treatment to remove organic carbon and alternate disinfectants should be considered before drinking water use. • True and apparent colour data exceeded the aesthetic guidelines for true colour in drinking water. These values in excess of the guideline were related to turbidity. • High total and dissolved sulphate. • There appears to be a decreasing trend in lead concentrations and a possible increase in manganese. These trends may be phosphorus levels are related to turbidity. RECOMMENDATIONS We recommend that monitoring be continued on the elimination of leaded gas and the use of a manganese-based additive. • Specific conductivity also appeared to be increasing over time, but the levels seem to have remained steady since about 1992. Similar patterns were noted for hardness. • The Fraser Nechako River at Red Pass has a low sensitivity to acid inputs (has a high buffering capacity) based Prince Xxxxxx. Water quality data collected at this site would be used to: • represent the water quality from the upper portion of the interior plain ecosystem, • show the cumulative effects of water from the Stuart, Xxxxxxx, and Xxxxxxx xxxxxx on its relatively high total alkalinity water quality and calcium concentrations. hydrology, • Exceedances check attainment of water quality guidelines by metals such as total copper, total ironobjectives established for the Nechako River, and total silver, appear to be associated with elevated turbidity levels, indicating that these metals were bound in particulate matter, and therefore not available to biota and not of concern. Many metals that appeared to have values that exceeded guidelines • determine changes in the past, have been shown to meet guidelines since lower detection limits have been utilized, and confidence in results have coincidentally improved. • As there are no major human activities upstream from the Red Pass site, the measured concentrations of all metals would appear to be due to natural erosion processes in the upper watershed. Occasional high turbidity values are also attributed to natural erosion processes. • All fecal coliform values were very low, indicating little fecal contamination water quality of the Fraser River was occurring upstream downstream from Red Passthe Nechako River confluence. Water quality indicators that are important for future monitoring are: • flow, water temperature, specific conductivity, pH, • total dissolved phosphorus, total dissolved nitrogen, periphyton chlorophyll-a, • dissolved oxygen, fecal coliforms, and • true colour, turbidity, hardness, dissolved aluminum, total and dissolved copper, lead, nickel, and zinc. • True colour has only been Trihalomethane (THM) concentrations should be measured at Red Pass since 1997, but all values since that time have been below the aesthetic guideline for in treated drinking water qualitysupplies to ensure that the high levels of dissolved organic carbon are not resulting in high residual THMs after water is chlorinated for drinking. • Another recent evaluation The trivalent and hexavalent forms of chromium should be measured in the future, when the methods become available, to permit comparison to the aquatic life guidelines. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Executive Summary i Conclusions i Recommendations ii Table of Contents iii List of Figures iii Introduction 1 Water Quality Assessment 3 References 7 List of Figures Page Figure 1. Nechako River at Prince Xxxxxx 2 Figure 2. Nechako River at Prince Xxxxxx - Hydrograph 3 Figure 3. Alkalinity 8 Figure 4. Aluminum 9 Figure 5. Antimony 10 Figure 6. Arsenic 11 Figure 7. Barium 12 Figure 8. Beryllium 13 Figure 9. Bismuth. 14 Figure 10. Boron 15 Figure 11. Cadmium 16 Figure 12. Calcium. 17 Figure 13. Carbon 18 Figure 14. Chloride 19 Figure 15. Chromium 20 List of Figures (Continued) Page Figure 16. Cobalt 21 Figure 17. Coliforms, Fecal 22 Figure 18. Colour 23 Figure 19. Conductivity, Specific 24 Figure 20. Copper 25 Figure 21. Fluoride. 26 Figure 22. Hardness 27 Figure 23. Iron 28 Figure 24. Lead 29 Figure 25. Lithium 30 Figure 26. Magnesium 31 Figure 27. Manganese 32 Figure 28. Molybdenum. 33 Figure 29. Nickel 34 Figure 30. Nitrate and Nitrite 35 Figure 31. Nitrogen 36 Figure 32. pH 37 Figure 33. Phosphorus 38 Figure 34. Potassium 39 Figure 35. Selenium 40 Figure 36. Silica and Silicon 41 Figure 37. Silver. 42 Figure 38. Sodium 43 Figure 39. Solids – dissolved 44 Figure 40. Solids – suspended 45 Figure 41. Strontium 46 Figure 42. Sulphate 47 Figure 43. Temperature, Water 48 List of Figures (Continued) Page Figure 44. Thallium 49 Figure 45. Tin. 50 Figure 46. Turbidity 51 Figure 47. Turbidity versus Flow. 52 Figure 48. Vanadium 53 Figure 49. Zinc 54 INTRODUCTION The Nechako River is one of the major tributaries that affect flow and water quality in the Fraser River. Its headwaters are located in a chain of lakes known as the Nechako Reservoir drainage basin (Figure 1). The reservoir was formed as a result of the Xxxxxx Dam, which was erected in 1952 at the outlet of Knewstubb Lake. This dam helps divert water to generate hydroelectric power for Alcan's aluminum plant at Kitimat. Water that is not required for power generation is released from Ootsa Lake, flowing east to the Nechako River via Skins, Cheslatta and Xxxxxx lakes. It then flows northeast to Fort Fraser and the confluence with the Nautley River. The Nechako River then flows in an easterly direction for 40 km, past the City of Vanderhoof, to the confluence with the Stuart River. The river then meanders for another 35 km, past Isle Pierre, to the confluence with the Chilako River, where it then flows through the City of Prince Xxxxxx and discharges into the Fraser River. The Nechako River site characterizes the water quality of the upper portions of the interior plateau. The drainage area for the site is 46 000 km2 and represents the effects on water quality from the Stuart, Nautley, and Xxxxxxx xxxxxx. Nechako River water is used for irrigation, livestock watering, primary and secondary-contact recreation (i.e., swimming and boating), drinking water with partial treatment, and to sustain aquatic life and wildlife (Xxxxx and Xxxxxx, 1987). The Nechako River at Prince Xxxxxx has been jointly operated as a federal-provincial water quality monitoring station since 1985. This report assesses twenty years of water quality data. The provincial EMS station number is E206583 and the federal ENVIRODAT station number is BC08KE0010. Flow is plotted in Figure 2, showing 1985 – 2004 data from Water Survey of Canada station BC08JC002 at Isle Pierre, which has a drainage area of 42 500 km2, including 14 000 km2 behind the Red Pass siteXxxxxx Dam. Water quality data are plotted in Figures 3 to 49. Data for the Nechako River at Prince Xxxxxx have been collected on a frequency of about once every two weeks. As well, using the Water Quality Index as an assessment tooltwice per year, ranked the two additional samples are collected in order to ensure that there are two periods when weekly samples are collected during five consecutive weeks to assess attainment of water quality as Good to Excellentobjectives. Benthic populations measured downstream from the site in 1996 also indicated excellent water qualityIn addition, quality assurance samples (blanks and the population itself was considered to be a “reference” (i.e. undisturbedreplicates) populationare collected three times per year.

Conclusions. There was an increasing trend in nickel concentrations since about 1994Iron, although it lead, manganese, phosphorus and zinc had dramatic decreasing trends during the 1970’s and early 1980’s due to waste abatement at the Cominco complex on the St. Xxxx River at Kimberley. Since then, there has been little or no change of environmental significance in these indicators with the exception of zinc. • Xxxx had another decreasing trend during the 1990’s due to renewed waste abatement at the Cominco Xxxxxxxx Mine, but aquatic life guidelines were still exceeded in 1997 and 2000. • Cadmium data were not adequate for trend assessment, but aquatic life guidelines were exceeded in 1997 and 2000. • Colour had decreasing trends during the 1980’s and 1990’s due to waste abatement at the pulp mill at Skookumchuck in 1981 (ground infiltration) and 1994 (tertiary treatment). • Fecal contamination was greatly reduced in magnitude in recent yearsbetween the 1970’s and 2000, probably due to improved sewage and pulp mill effluent treatment and disposal. In 2000, the water was suitable for swimming, livestock, irrigation, and drinking water that receives partial treatment and disinfection. • Turbidity had elevated levels during the spring snowmelt freshet, indicating that turbidity removal (e.g., filtration) would be needed before drinking water use. The cause of this increase is unclearturbidity peaks also caused metals such as cadmium, but concentrations of total nickel remain well below guideline levels chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead and manganese to peak and exceed guidelines for aquatic lifelife and drinking water. However, being associated with turbidity, the metals were not likely bio-available and would be removed by the water treatment needed prior to drinking water use. • There may be slight increases in cobaltCalcium, rubudiummagnesium, sodium, conductivity and dissolved nitrogen and dissolved sulphatehardness all had minor increasing trends for unknown reasons. • There appears The only effect of these trends was that the water became less aesthetically pleasing for drinking water due to be a decreasing trend in lead concentrations and a possible increase in manganese. These trends may be related to the elimination of leaded gas and the use of a manganese-based additive. • Specific conductivity also appeared to be increasing over time, but the levels seem to have remained steady since about 1992. Similar patterns were noted for water hardness. • The Fraser River at Red Pass has a low sensitivity to acid inputs (has a high buffering capacity) based on its relatively high total alkalinity and calcium concentrationspH occasionally exceeded the aesthetic objective for drinking water. Recommendations • Exceedances Monitoring for the current suite of water quality guidelines by metals indicators should continue because the Kootenay River at Fenwick Station and the Elk River at Highway 93 are the major inflows to Koocanusa Lake (the reservoir of the Xxxxx Dam in Montana), which is a transboundary waterbody. Abatement of acid rock drainage at the Xxxxxxxx Mine is continuing (the mine is expected to be permanently closed in 2002) and there is a need to continue to track pollutants such as total copper, total iron, cadmium and total silver, appear to be associated with elevated turbidity levels, indicating that these metals were bound in particulate matter, and therefore not available to biota and not of concernzinc. Many metals that appeared to have values that exceeded guidelines in the past, have been shown to meet guidelines since lower detection limits have been utilized, and confidence in results have coincidentally improved. • As there are no major human activities upstream from the Red Pass site, the measured concentrations of all metals would appear to be due to natural erosion processes in the upper watershed. Occasional high turbidity values are also attributed to natural erosion processes. • All fecal coliform values were very low, indicating little fecal contamination Figure 1 Map of the Fraser Kootenay River was occurring upstream from Red Pass. • True colour has only been measured at Red Pass since 1997Basin Authors Xxxxxx, but all values since that time have been below X.X. Water Quality Section, Water Protection Branch, Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection, Victoria, B.C. Contributors XxXxxxxx, X.X. Pollution Prevention, Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection, Cranbrook, X.X. Xxxx, X. Xxxxxxx Sciences Section, Environmental Conservation Branch, Environment Canada, Vancouver, X.X. Xxxxxx, X. Xxxxxxxxx Prevention, Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection, Xxxxxx, X.X. Xxxxx, X.X. Water Quality Section, Water Protection Branch, Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection, Victoria, B.C. Table of Contents Page Executive Summary i Authors and Contributors iv List of Figures vi Introduction 1 Water Quality Assessment 1 References 8 List of Figures Page Figure 1 Map of the aesthetic guideline for drinking water quality. • Another recent evaluation of water quality Kootenay River Basin iii Figure 2 Flow at the Red Pass siteKootenay River at Fort Xxxxxx, using the 1971-2000 9 Figure 3 Aluminum, Total… 9 Figure 4 Arsenic, Total 10 Figure 5 Barium, Total 10 Figure 6 Beryllium, Total and Extractable 11 Figure 7 Boron, Extractable 11 Figure 8 Cadmium, Total 12 Figure 9 Cadmium, Total and Extractable 12 Figure 10 Calcium 13 Figure 11 Carbon, Dissolved Organic 13 Figure 12 Chromium, Total 14 Figure 13 Chromium, Total and Extractable 14 Figure 14 Cobalt, Total and Extractable 15 Figure 15 Coliforms, Fecal 15 Figure 16 Colour, True 16 Figure 17 Colour, Single-Wavelength 16 Figure 18 Conductivity, Specific 17 Figure 19 Copper, Total 17 Figure 20 Copper, Total and Extractable 18 Figure 21 Gallium, Extractable 18 List of Figures (Cont’d) Page Figure 22 Hardness 19 Figure 23 Iron, Total 19 Figure 24 Lanthanum, Extractable 20 Figure 25 Lead, Total 20 Figure 26 Lead, Total and Extractable 21 Figure 27 Lithium, Total and Extractable 21 Figure 28 Magnesium 22 Figure 29 Manganese, Total and Extractable 22 Figure 30 Molybdenum, Total 23 Figure 31 Nickel, Total and Extractable 23 Figure 32 Nitrogen, Total Dissolved 24 Figure 33 pH 24 Figure 34 Phosphorus, Dissolved Ortho, 1971-2000 25 Figure 35 Phosphorus, Dissolved Ortho, 1976-2000 25 Figure 36 Phosphorus, Dissolved Ortho, 1987-2000 26 Figure 37 Phosphorus, Total, 1971-2000 26 Figure 38 Phosphorus, Total, 1976-2000 27 Figure 39 Phosphorus, Total, 1985-2000 27 Figure 40 Selenium, Total 28 Figure 41 Silver, Total and Extractable 28 Figure 42 Sodium, Dissolved and Extractable 29 Figure 43 Strontium, Total and Extractable 29 List of Figures (Cont’d) Page Figure 44 Water Quality Index as an assessment toolTemperature 30 Figure 45 Thallium, ranked the water quality as Good to Excellent. Benthic populations measured downstream from the site in 1996 also indicated excellent water qualityExtractable 30 Figure 46 Turbidity 31 Figure 47 Uranium, Extractable 31 Figure 48 Vanadium, Total and the population itself was considered to be a “reference” (i.e. undisturbed) population.Extractable 32 Figure 49 Zinc, Total 32 Figure 50 Zinc, Total, 1991 – 2000 33 Figure 51 Zinc, Total and Extractable, 1997-2000 33

Conclusions. There was an increasing trend Values in nickel concentrations since about 1994excess of water quality guidelines for metals such as aluminum, although it has been reduced in magnitude in recent years. The cause arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc were likely a result of this increase is unclear, but occasional high concentrations of total nickel remain well below guideline levels for aquatic lifeparticulate matter (as evidenced by high turbidity levels). • There may This means that these metals were probably not bio-available and would be slight increases in cobalt, rubudium, and dissolved nitrogen and dissolved sulphate. • There appears to be a decreasing trend in lead concentrations and a possible increase in manganese. These trends may be related to removed by the elimination of leaded gas and the treatment needed before use of a manganese-based additive. • Specific conductivity also appeared to be increasing over time, but the levels seem to have remained steady since about 1992. Similar patterns were noted for hardnessas drinking water. • The Fraser Similkameen River at Red Pass has had a low sensitivity to acid inputs (has a high buffering capacity) based on its was relatively well- buffered), as evidenced by relatively high total alkalinity and calcium concentrations. True colour values frequently exceeded the drinking water guideline at this site • Exceedances of water quality guidelines by Detection limits used to analyze metals such as total coppercadmium and silver were too high to accurately assess these metals in comparison to the appropriate water quality guideline. In addition, total ironlaboratory problems with cadmium prior to August 2000 render data collected before this time unreliable. Different methods should be employed in the future to allow these data to be compared to water quality guidelines. • Weak-acid dissociable cyanide concentrations exceeded the average aquatic life guideline on two occasions, and total silverexceeded the maximum guideline on one occasion. Strong-acid dissociable cyanide concentrations were well below guideline levels. • Fluoride concentrations exceeded the aquatic life guidelines on one occasion. • The Similkameen River had moderate hardness, appear to be associated with elevated turbidity levels, indicating that these metals were bound in particulate matterconcentrations generally within the optimum drinking water range. British Columbia-Canada Water Quality Monitoring Agreement i • Water temperatures exceeded the aesthetic drinking water guideline most years, and therefore not available to biota and not of concern. Many metals that appeared to have values that occasionally exceeded guidelines in the past, have been shown to meet guidelines since lower detection limits have been utilized, and confidence in results have coincidentally improvedgeneral fisheries guideline. • As there are no major human activities upstream from the Red Pass site, the measured concentrations of all metals would appear to be due to natural erosion processes in the upper watershed. Occasional high turbidity values are also attributed to natural erosion processes. • All fecal coliform Turbidity values were very low, indicating little fecal contamination of the Fraser River was occurring upstream from Red Pass. • True colour has only been measured at Red Pass since 1997, but all values since that time have been below the aesthetic frequently above guideline levels for drinking water quality(both aesthetic and health). • Another recent evaluation of water quality MONITORING RECOMMENDATIONS: Monitoring should continue at the Red Pass Similkameen River near Princeton, which acts as a control site, using and at the downstream station near the US Border. The site near the US Border is both a trans-border station and is downstream of the largest number of industrial waste discharges to the Similkameen River. TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Summary i Conclusions i Recommendations ii Table of Contents iii List of figures iii Introduction 1 Quality Assurance 1 State of the Water Quality Index as an assessment tool, ranked the water quality as Good to ExcellentQuality. Benthic populations measured downstream from the site in 1996 also indicated excellent water quality, and the population itself was considered to be a “reference” (i.e. undisturbed) population.3 References 11