Shriners Creek

Surface Water Quality Analysis

Niagara College
By: Travis Bico, Arianne Bohnert & Steve Scott

Table of Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1
Study Objectives ............................................................................................................................. 1
Description of Study Area .............................................................................................................. 1
Geographic Information .............................................................................................................. 1
Current and Historic Land Use ................................................................................................... 2
Watershed Information ............................................................................................................... 2
Soil Type and Surficial Geology................................................................................................. 2
Background Information ............................................................................................................. 2
Methodology ................................................................................................................................... 3
Health and Safety Measures........................................................................................................ 4
Quality Assurance and Control ................................................................................................... 5
Results ............................................................................................................................................. 5
Stream Flow Results ................................................................................................................... 7
Contaminate Loading .................................................................................................................. 7
Historical Comparison of Analytical Results ............................................................................. 8
Discussion ..................................................................................................................................... 13
Limitations ................................................................................................................................ 14
Conclusion .................................................................................................................................... 14
Recommendations ......................................................................................................................... 14
References ..................................................................................................................................... 16
Appendices .................................................................................................................................... 17
Appendix A: Field Notes .......................................................................................................... 17
Appendix B: Aerial Photographs .............................................................................................. 20
Appendix C: Health and Safety Plan ........................................................................................ 23
Appendix D: Lab Documents ................................................................................................... 31
Appendix E: Maps .................................................................................................................... 33
Appendix F: Lab Procedures .................................................................................................... 36

Introduction
Located within the Niagara Region Conservation Authority, Shriners Creek is the main body of
water within the Shriners Creek Watershed (Watershed Plan). The watershed is mainly in the city
of Niagara Falls, but a small portion of its western edge is within the city of Thorold, draining about
1400 hectares of land into the Welland Canal (Watershed Plan).
The area has been predominantly agricultural in nature, and it has only been since the 1970s that
residential development has begun to surround the creek (1969 aerial photo). As a result of its
combined agricultural and residential land use, it is important that the health of the Shriners Creek
be monitored to ensure the health of the local community. To that end, the NPCA gathers water
quality data used for monitoring purposes. To continue with these monitoring efforts, we sampled
Shriners Creek as part of this study. Our sampling area corresponded to the NPCA sampling area
SH001 and comprises the upstream portion of Shriners Creek. The NPCA Watershed Plan identifies
Shriners Creek as a warm-water creek.

Study Objectives
The objective of this study is to:

Provide historical information on previous and current land use, as well as geology
conditions.
Assess water quality parameters of Shriners Creek (pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen,
chloride, e. coli, and nitrate).
Determine which water quality measurements are in exceedance of water quality guideline
standards.
Assess determinants of water quality findings.
Provide recommendations to mitigate or eliminate water quality exceedances.

To achieve the above objectives, water quality testing occurred on Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at Shriners
Creek, Niagara Falls, off of Kalar Road.

Description of Study Area

Geographic Information
The site location is off of Kalar Road, in Niagara Falls, Ontario. There is evidence of erosion along
the stream banks with sparse marcrophyte growth. On the day of sampling, there was snow
throughout the surrounding area and the stream was running with clear water. The riparian cover
consisted largely of thorn bushes and trees. Roughly 7% of stream where sampling occurred was
covered by canopy cover. No odours were present, as expected as most upstream activity consists
of residential homes. Sampling occurred roughly 1m after a narrowing riffle in the stream. A culvert
lay upstream and some garbage, mainly cement bricks, were found at the site. Sampling occurred at
10:30am and activity occurred between 10:27am and 11:30am on-site. The weather was clear and
sunny with an 11km/hr wind out of the north. Site notes can be viewed in from the field sheet in
Appendix A.
1

Current and Historic Land Use

Historically the area upstream of the sample location has been used for agriculture in from what can
be seen in the 1934 aerial photographs of the area. Another aerial photo was obtained for 1969,
which shows the development of residential homes on the east side of the QEW. Between 1969 and
2000 the majority of the land was developed for residential use and a powerline corridor lies outside
the headstream, the surrounding area pools into Shriners Creek. In the last 6 years, new development
began to form on the adjacent property to the headstream based off of 2010 aerial photographs. In
2013, the aerial photographs show that property is being developed into residential homes. A
condominium and a YMCA lay upstream of the sample location and could be sources of
contamination through road salt from road maintenance and fertilizer runoff from land maintenance.
Images can be seen in Appendix B.

Watershed Information
Shriners Creek falls under the Beaverdams and Shriners Creek watershed. Collectively, this
watershed empties into the Welland Canal, which empties into Lake Ontario. Besides Shriners
Creek, this watershed also includes Beaverdams Creek and Ten Mile Creek, which all empty into
Welland Canal North subwatershed. The watershed is includes 25 fish species, 21 provincially rare
species and 15 species considered Species at Risk. It is considered a warm water fishery and fishing
samples between 1993 and 1994 identified 5 fish species present at Shriners Creek (NPCA, 2011).
Runoff contributions to the sample site can be seen in Appendix E.

Soil Type and Surficial Geology

Fine-textured glaciolacustrine and part of the Lockport formation. The superficial soil is Lake
Warren and younger pre-Iroquois stratified clay, silt, and sand according to a quaternary geology
map. Geology and soils maps of the area can be found in Appendix E.

Background Information
Previous water quality work on Shriners Creek indicated the creek was susceptible to erosion, which
results in increased turbidity and impacts on fish habitats. In the 2011 NPCA report, bank instability
was identified, but due to the nature of the site being in a Conservation Area, it was noted that the
site would stabilize itself over time. It was recommended that a degree of rill management be taken
to limit the amount of sediment entering the creek.
According to a previous BioMAP of two sites on Shriners Creek, the water quality index rating was
marginal in both, water quality impaired in one and not available in the other. Sensitive benthic
invertebrates, such as caddisflies, mayflies and stones flies were not found on site during sampling
in the spring and fall in 2006.
The site itself is part of a Niagara Falls stormwater management project with the goal to reduce
flooding impacts and absorb runoff from urban surroundings. The NPCA report on Shriners Creek
in 2007 reported that total phosphorus, chloride and E. coli were found to be in exceedance of water
quality guidelines, but other tested parameters were in acceptable concentrations. Through statistical
2

analysis, water quality did not differ significantly between the upstream station (this report) and the
downstream station (colleagues report).

Methodology
Table 1: Equipment used in both field and lab analysis.
Equipment List
Field Equipment

UltraPen PT2 pH pen

(0.01 pH)
Portable Dissolved Oxygen
meter
Ball Hockey Ball and
stopwatch
Metre Stick
Measuring Tape
Nitrile Gloves
High Visibility Vest

Lab Equipment

IDEXX sealer
Incubator
Beaker
Pipette
HACH Spectrophotometer
E. coli sample bottle
Exova metals and total phosphorus sample
bottle
General chemistry sample bottle
Nitrile Gloves
LaMotte Nitrate Test Kit
Portable Turbidity Meter

The NPCA has two water quality monitoring sites within Shriners Creek. This study tested site
SH001, while a study conducted by our colleagues (Jessa, Phil, and Patrice) sampled SH002.

Figure 1: Aerial photograph of Shriners Creek and the two monitoring stations associated with it,
SH001 (This reports) and SH002 (Colleagues report).
At our site, grab samples were collected from the approximate centre of Shriners Creek. A full health
and safety plan (HASP) can be viewed in Appendix C. The distance across the stream was measured
using measuring tape and samples were taken near the centre. Depth measurements were taken to
obtain an average depth of the creek at this location. Water quality parameters that were analyzed
included general chemistry, nutrients, E. coli, and metals are summarized in Table 3.
General chemistry parameters (pH, and dissolved oxygen) were taken in the field with field
equipment. As the stream was not overly wide, the ball-and-stopwatch method was used to
determine the flow. Five trials were run and an average value was obtained. The first trial result was
omitted from the average because it was significantly higher than all the other trials.
A conductivity meter was not included in our equipment pack so this parameter was measured in
the lab using a field meter. Other parameters measured in the lab were turbidity, using a standard
spectrophotometer, chloride, using the HACH spectrophotometer method, and nitrate, using the
LaMotte Nitrate Test Kit (Table 1 & 2). Procedures for each test can be seen in Appendix F.
E. coli was tested using the IDEXX Quanti-tray 2000 method. Results are shown in Table 3.
Metals and total phosphorus analysis were completed by Exova Laboratories using standard testing
protocols and are presented in Table 3.

Health and Safety Measures

This site was located adjacent to a moderately busy roadway, with parking for this site being scarce.
The team parked as close to the site access point, and as far off the roadway as possible. Members
of the team wore high visibility vests to ensure the team was visible to passing motorists. Being that
air and water temperatures in early April are quite low, the team wore appropriate clothing to prevent
hypothermia during sampling. Though the water on the site is not deep, the water sampler wore hip
waders as an extra mechanism to stay dry. A first aid kit was available in the vehicle driven to the
site.
4

Quality Assurance and Control

To maintain quality of the samples, the team labeled their sample bottles prior to going out into the
field. Water was transferred from a new general chemistry bottle, into each of the E. coli and Exova
metals and total phosphorus bottles to prevent overfilling and loss of sample preservative. All
members of the team wore nitrile gloves while handling the sample bottles. Samples for lab analysis
were given directly to Ms. Annie Michaud for same day shipment to the Exova Laboratories. Chain
of Custody documents are attached in Appendix D.
For the water analysis completed by the team in the Niagara College lab (E305), the team wore
nitrile gloves to ensure no cross contamination. All lab equipment was rinsed with deionized water
prior to our use to prevent cross contamination from previous uses.

Results
The field measurements were taken at the site between 10:30am and 11:30am on April 5 th, 2016.
The results of field samples are summarized in the table below.
Table 2: Field parameters measured during water quality sampling.
Field Parameter

Field
Measurement

Water Quality Standard

Temperature ()

3.5

Depends on surrounding characteristics

pH

8.07

Depends on surrounding geological

characteristics

Conductivity (S/cm)

1753*

Depends on surrounding geological

characteristics

Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)

12.66

>5-8 - PWQO (for warm water streams)

Dissolved Oxygen (%
Saturation)

95.3

No standard given

Turbidity (NTU)

5.65

Depends on surrounding characteristics

*Due to the lack of conductivity meter at the site, conductivity measurement was taken in lab upon return where
temperature was elevated from 3.5 to 6.5.

Analytical parameters that require additional procedures outside of field conditions are
summarized in the table below.
Table 2: Analytical parameters tested at Niagara College and by Exova Laboratories with water
quality standards. Concentrations found above water quality standards are highlighted in red.
5

Analytical Measurement
(mg/L unless otherwise
noted)

Water Quality Standard (mg/L unless

otherwise noted)

Chloride (mg/L Cl )

50

640 mg/L (short term)

120 mg/L (long term)
- CWQG

Total Phosphorous

0.024

0.02 - IPWQO

Nitrate

10 - US EPA (1996)

E. coli
(MPN/100mL)

13.5

100/100mL - PWQO for recreational uses

Ag

<0.0001

0.0001 - PWQO

Al

0.12

0.075 - IPWQO

0.03

0.200 - IPWQO

Ba

0.06

Not available

Be

<0.0005

0.011 - PWQO

Cd

<0.0001

0.0002 - PWQO

Co

<0.0002

0.0009 - PWQO

Cr

<0.001

0.001 - PWQO

Cu

0.001

0.005 - PWQO

Fe

0.21

0.30 - PWQO

Mn

0.07

Not available

Mo

<0.005

0.040 - IPWQO

Ni

<0.005

0.025 - PWQO

Pb

<0.001

0.005 - PWQO

Si

Not available

Sr

0.651

Not available

Ti

<0.01

Not available

Tl

<0.0001

0.0003 - IPWQO

Analytical
Parameter

Analytical
Parameter

Analytical Measurement
(mg/L unless otherwise
noted)

Water Quality Standard (mg/L unless

otherwise noted)

<0.001

0.006 - IPWQO

Zn

<0.01

0.030 - PWQO

IPWQO - Interim Provincial Water Quality Objectives

PWQO - Provincial Water Quality Objectives
CWQG - Canadian Water Quality Guidelines (CCME)

Stream Flow Results

For stream flow, a wetted width measurement was taken, and do to unsafe conditions, a panel
method was not utilized; instead, a ball-and-stopwatch approach was used. Depth was averaged
from three measurements and velocity was averaged from four, removing the first measurement,
as it was an outlier. Stream flow data is summarized in the table below:
Table 3: Measurements of stream wetted width, depth and velocity used to calculate the streams
stream flow.
Wetted Width
(m)

Depth
(m)

Cross-Sectional
Area (m )

Stream Velocity
(m/s)

Stream Flow
(L/s)

4.24

0.16

0.69

0.26

176

Contaminate Loading
Contaminant loading for chloride, nitrate and total phosphorus were calculated using the measured
stream flow and the concentrations found from the analytic analysis. Only contaminates that were
found to be in exceedance were calculated. The results are summarized in the table below:
Table 4: Contaminated loadings calculated in kg/year for chloride, total phosphorus and nitrate.
Contaminant

Contaminate Loading (kg/year)

Chloride

276852

Total Phosphorous

133

Nitrate

11075

Historical Comparison of Analytical Results

A historical comparison of metals and total phosphorus were collected from 2006, and 2013-2016.
Additional contaminates were not investigated, as data from 2013-2015 only displayed metal and
phosphorus analysis. Contaminates in exceedance of water quality standards are highlighted in red.
Contaminates that were found to be in exceedance at least once in their history were plotted onto
line graphs to display any trends in contaminate concentrations throughout 2006, and 2013-2016
(Figures 2-7). A table of contaminate concentrations can be on the next page.

Table 5: Historical comparison of metal and phosphorus analysis data from 2006, and 2013-2016.
Concentration exceedances above the PWQO standard are highlighted in red.
Concentration of Contaminate by Year (mg/L)
Contaminant

2006

2013

2014

2015

2016

Aluminum (Al)

0.06

0.03

0.25

2.76

0.12

Barium (Ba)

0.04

0.05

0.05

0.05

0.06

Beryllium (Be)

<0.001

<0.0005

<0.0005

<0.0005

<0.0005

Boron (B)

0.06

0.03

0.03

0.02

0.03

Cadmium (Cd)

<0.0001

<0.0001

<0.0001

<0.0001

<0.0001

Chromium (Cr)

0.002

<0.001

<0.001

0.005

<0.001

Cobalt (Co)

<0.002

<0.0002

<0.0002

0.0017

<0.0002

Copper (Cu)

0.003

0.001

0.003

0.010

0.001

Iron (Fe)

0.27

0.28

0.29

3.94

0.21

Lead (Pb)

<0.001

<0.001

<0.001

0.005

<0.001
8

Concentration of Contaminate by Year (mg/L)

Contaminant

2006

2013

2014

2015

2016

Manganese (Mn)

0.06

0.13

0.08

0.17

0.07

Molybdenum (Mo)

<0.005

<0.005

<0.005

<0.005

<0.005

Nickel (Ni)

<0.005

<0.005

<0.005

<0.005

<0.005

Silicon (Si)

4.9

5.3

4.4

11.6

Silver (Ag)

<0.0001

<0.0001

<0.0001

<0.0001

<0.0001

Strontium (Sr)

0.452

0.533

0.543

0.366

0.651

Thallium (Tl)

<0.0001

<0.0001

<0.0001

<0.0001

<0.0001

Titanium (Ti)

<0.01

<0.01

<0.01

0.04

<0.01

Vanadium (V)

<0.001

0.001

<0.001

0.005

<0.001

Zinc (Zn)

<0.01

<0.01

<0.01

0.04

<0.01

Total Phosphorus

N/A

0.03

0.06

0.13

0.024

Historical Aluminum Concentrations

3

Concentration (mg/L)

2.5

1.5

0.5
Standard

0
2006

2013

2014

2015

2016

Year

Figure 2: Historical aluminum concentrations (mg/L) in Shriners Creek from 2006, and 20132016. The red line represents the PWQO standard.

Historical Cobalt Concentrations

0.0025

Concentration (mg/L)

0.002

0.0015

0.001

Standard

0.0005

0
2006

2013

2014

2015

2016

Year

Figure 3: Historical cobalt concentrations (mg/L) in Shriners Creek from 2006, and 2013-2016.
The red line represents the PWQO standard.

10

Historical Copper Concentrations

0.012

Concentration (mg/L)

0.01
0.008
0.006
Standard
0.004
0.002

0
2006

2013

2014

2015

2016

Year

Figure 4: Historical copper concentrations (mg/L) in Shriners Creek from 2006, and 2013-2016.
The red line represents the PWQO standard.

11

Historical Iron Concentrations

4.5
4

Concentration (mg/L)

3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
2006

2013

2014

2015

2016

Year

Figure 5: Historical iron concentrations (mg/L) in Shriners Creek from 2006, and 2013-2016. The
red line represents the PWQO standard.

Historical Zinc Concentratons

0.045

0.04
Concentration (mg/L)

0.035
0.03

Standard

0.025
0.02
0.015
0.01
0.005
0
2006

2013

2014

2015

2016

Year

Figure 6: Historical zinc concentrations (mg/L) in Shriners Creek from 2006, and 2013-2016. The
red line represents the PWQO standard.
12

Historical Total Phosphorus Concentrations*

0.14

Concentration (mg/L)

0.12

0.1
0.08
0.06
0.04
0.02

Standard

0
2006

2013

2014

2015

2016

Year

*2006 concentrations were not available and a value of 0 was given for the data point.

Figure 7: Historical total phosphorus concentrations (mg/L) in Shriners Creek from 2006, and
2013-2016. The red line represents the PWQO standard.

Discussion
Overall, most of our water quality data met the Provincial Water Quality Objectives. The only
exceptions were total phosphorus and aluminum which were above the standard. The total
phosphorus was found to be 0.024 mg/L, which is higher than the standard of 0.02 mg/L. Phosphorus
is typically found in fertilizers which are heavily used in agricultural areas, and potentially some
residential lawns. The area around Shriners Creek is agricultural and residential, so this exceedance
in total phosphorus is likely related to that. However, the level of exceedance is not very high so
there is a chance that the exceedance is the result of an error, either from the lab or with the sample
itself.
The aluminum was found at a level of 0.12 mg/L, which is higher than the standard of 0.075 mg/L.
Metals typically enter the water as a result of industrial effluents, pesticides, and storm water runoff.
Since area is predominantly agricultural and residential, there is not a lot of industrial sites that feed
into Shriners Creek, the exceedance in aluminum is most likely not from industry. It could be coming
from pesticides that are used in the adjacent agricultural fields and from possible storm water runoff.
E. coli is generally used to assess whether the surface water is contaminated with sewage or animal
waste. As Shriners Creek is not used for drinking water, we used the recreational criteria for E. coli
in water. Our sampling site was well below the standard of 100/mL at only 13.5/100mL.
Data is consistent with the historical data for the site. In each instance where exceedences were
observed, data from 2015 showed similar exceedences. In other words, there are no net new water
quality issues to report for this site. It is important to note however that while contaminant
13

exceedences were observed for total phosphorus and aluminum, both concentrations in the 2016
data were below that of the previous year. Additionally, there were a number of instances were the
2016 data showed concentrations lower than were found in the 2015 data. In the cases of cobalt,
copper, iron and zinc, 2016 data was below the concentrations reported in the 2015, but consistent
with data from 2006, 2013, and 2014.

Limitations
Below are the limitations of our water quality analysis:

Large amounts of vegetation, and steep banks made it difficult for the sampling team to take
water samples from the creeks edge. As a result, one of the samplers had to enter the creek
upstream from the sampling location. Small amounts of sediment were stirred up, and while
best efforts were taking to wait until the sediment settled or flowed past the sampling area
before collecting the samples, elevated aluminum levels could be a result of suspended
contaminants being released from the sediment.
Flow measurements were taken after a small riffle where the creek narrowed. Though an
average was calculated based on four trials, creek flow may be faster in this area because of
the riffle.

Conclusion
Continued monitoring of watershed health is important in protecting overall water quality in the
Province of Ontario. Located within the Niagara Region Conservation Authority, Shriners Creek is
the main body of water within the Shriners Creek Watershed, and eventually drains into the Welland
Canal. The results of the water quality analysis show that total phosphorus and aluminum exceeded
the Provincial Water Quality Objectives at the sample site (SH001). These exceedences are
consistent with data from the previous year (2015). Additionally, E. Coli was found to be present at
this site.
Improvements from 2015 data were noted in the 2016 data for cobalt, copper, iron and zinc, whereby
concentrations identified in the 2016 data was below the concentrations reported in the 2015. The
2016 concentration data was consistent with data from 2006, 2013, and 2014. Recommendations
have been provided to ensure the health of Shriners Creek is maintained.

Recommendations
The following are recommendations for preserving the health of Shriners Creek:

It is recommended that annual sampling and monitoring continue for this specific portion of
Shriners Creek (Kalar Rd. and Thorold Stone Rd.).
E. coli was found to be more abundant at the SH001 site, versus the SH002 site. It is
recommended that monitoring be conducted upstream from the SH001 site to determine if
there is a specific source of the E. coli.
According to the NPCA, the most recent report card for this site was published in 2012.
Though there has not been significant change in water quality since 2013, according to the
14

historical data, it is recommended that the NPCA update their report card to better reflect the
water quality of the area.

15

References
1. NPCA. (2007). Water Quality Monitoring of Shriner's Creek Upstream and Downstream of the
NPCA Water Control Structure: Technical Summary.
2. NPCA. (2011). Beaverdams and Shriners Creek Watershed Plan Phase One: Watershed
Characterization and Preliminary Issues Identification.
3. Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (n.d.). Geocortex Essentials Flex Viewer. Retrieved
April 10, 2016, from http://www.giscoeapp.lrc.gov.on.ca/web/mnr/wrip/ofat/Viewer/viewer.html

16

Appendices
Appendix A: Field Notes

17

18

19

Appendix B: Aerial Photographs

1934 Aerial Photograph

20

1969 Aerial Photograph

2000 Aerial Photograph

21

2013 Aerial Photograph

22

Appendix C: Health and Safety Plan

Shriners Creek at Kalar Road Health and Safety Plan

Part 1: Purpose and Scope
The purpose of this Health and Safety Plan is to identify and minimize any potential
hazards that could be present during the water sampling on Tuesday, April 5th, 2016. Between
approximately 10:30 am and 12:30 pm, water samples will be collected from the sampling site for
analysis in the lab.
Part 2: Location
The site to be sampled is Shriners Creek, located on the west side of Kalar Road (Figure 1).
The area to be sampled is indicated in the red circle. To access the site, follow Kalar Road north
from Thorold Stone Road. The creek is on the west side of the road across the street from a school.
Hazard Assessment of Field Work Activities
Field Location:

Date:

Shriners Creek

Tuesday April 5th, 2016

43.115898, -79.137824

Crew:

Cell Phone:

Travis Bico, Arianne Bohnert, Steve Scott

Travis: 905-380-3099
Arianne: 647-473-6762
Steve: 613-799-1915

Coordinator/Supervisor:

Emergency: 911

Name and Number:

Ambulance: 905-688-2191

Annie Michaud, 4476

Niagara College Security: ext. 4444

Niagara College 135 Taylor Road,

Nearest Hospital: Greater Niagara General

Hospital 5546 Portage Rd, Niagara Falls, ON L2E
6X2 (approximately 8 mins away)

Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
906-641-2252
Alternate Contact:

First Aid Kit packed?

Arianne Bohnert 647-473-6762

Yes

23

Activity

Hazards and
Conditions

Controls

Personal Protective
Equipment

Water Sampling

Adverse weather

-Appropriate clothes

-Appropriate clothes
including hat

-Stay hydrated
-Have working cell
and battery

-sunscreen
-appropriate footwear

-Reschedule if
necessary
-Work in a team
-Seek shelter
-Be aware of rising
water levels due to
rain
Tripping and falling

-Be aware of
surroundings

-Appropriate footwear
and clothing

-Use caution near

slopes and ditches and
uneven ground
-Have first aid kit
-Have working cell
and battery
-Work in a team
-Have appropriate
footwear and clothing
Overhead dangers

-Be aware of
surroundings
-Operate equipment
appropriately

-Hard hat
-Safety vest
-Protective eyewear if
necessary

-Transport and store

equipment safely
-Have PPE, first aid
kit, and working cell
phone and battery
-Work in a team

24

Punctures and
abrasions

-Be aware of
surroundings
-Have appropriate
PPE

-Appropriate
footwear, gloves, and
clothing

-Have a first aid kit,

and working cell and
battery
-Work in a team
Biological hazards

-Use insect repellent

with DEET
-Identify toxic species
and where they could
be

-Appropriate
footwear, clothing,
gloves, eye protection
if necessary

-Have appropriate
PPE
-Have first aid kit,
sanitizer, working cell
and battery
-Work in a team
Equipment Risks

-Be aware of
surroundings

-Appropriate clothes
and footwear

-Read instruction
manual if unsure of
proper way to use
equipment

-Eye protection if
necessary

-Wear necessary PPE

-Have first aid kit
-Work in a team
Working around
water

-Be aware of uneven

terrain underwater

-Appropriate clothes
and footwear

-If water looks

unsafe, do not enter

-Other PPE as
necessary

-Work in a team
-Have appropriate
PPE

25

-Have a working cell

and battery and a first
aid kit
Working around
roadways

-Be aware of
surroundings
-Be visible to drivers

-Have visible clothing

and appropriate
footwear

-Use caution when

crossing parking lot
and road
-Have a working cell
and battery and a first
aid kit
Walking to sample
site

Adverse weather

-Appropriate clothes
-Stay hydrated
-Have working cell
and battery

-Appropriate clothes
including hat
-sunscreen
-appropriate footwear

-Reschedule if
necessary
-Work in a team
-Seek shelter
-Be aware of rising
water levels due to
rain
Tripping and falling

-Be aware of
surroundings

-Appropriate footwear
and clothing

-Use caution near

slopes and ditches and
uneven ground
-Have first aid kit
-Have working cell
and battery
-Work in a team
-Have appropriate
footwear and clothing
Overhead dangers

-Be aware of
surroundings

-Hard hat

26

-Operate equipment
appropriately
-Transport and store
equipment safely

-Safety vest
-Protective eyewear if
necessary

-Have PPE, first aid

kit, and working cell
phone and battery
-Work in a team
Punctures and
abrasions

-Be aware of
surroundings
-Have appropriate
PPE

-Appropriate
footwear, gloves, and
clothing

-Have a first aid kit,

and working cell and
battery
-Work in a team
Biological hazards

-Use insect repellent

with DEET
-Identify toxic species
and where they could
be

-Appropriate
footwear, clothing,
gloves, eye protection
if necessary

-Have appropriate
PPE
-Have first aid kit,
sanitizer, working cell
and battery
-Work in a team
Equipment Risks

-Be aware of
surroundings

-Appropriate clothes
and footwear

-Read instruction
manual if unsure of
proper way to use
equipment

-Eye protection if
necessary

-Wear necessary PPE

-Have first aid kit
-Work in a team
27

Working around
water

-Be aware of uneven

terrain underwater

-Appropriate clothes
and footwear

-If water looks

unsafe, do not enter

-Other PPE as
necessary

-Work in a team
-Have appropriate
PPE
-Have a working cell
and battery and a first
aid kit
Working around
roadways

-Be aware of
surroundings
-Be visible to drivers

-Have visible clothing

and appropriate
footwear

-Use caution when

crossing parking lot
and road
-Have a working cell
and battery and a first
aid kit
Driving to Site

Adverse weather

-Appropriate clothes
-Stay hydrated
-Have working cell
and battery

-Appropriate clothes
including hat
-sunscreen
-appropriate footwear

-Wait in vehicle
during inclement
weather
-Reschedule if
necessary
-Work in a team
-Be aware of rising
water levels due to
rain
Overhead dangers

-Be aware of
surroundings
-Operate equipment
appropriately

-Hard hat
-Safety vest
-Protective eyewear if
necessary
28

-Transport and store

equipment safely
-Have PPE, first aid
kit, and working cell
phone and battery
-Work in a team
Equipment Risks

-Be aware of
surroundings

-Appropriate clothes
and footwear

-Read instruction
manual if unsure of
proper way to use
equipment

-Eye protection if
necessary

-Wear necessary PPE

-Have first aid kit
-Work in a team
Vehicle Risks

-Be aware of other

traffic

-Dont speed
-Wear seatbelts

-Follow all rules of

the road
-Obey traffic signals
and signs
-Park in appropriate
place that doesnt
block other traffic
-Have first aid kit
-Have working cell
phone with charged
battery (not to be used
by driver when
vehicle is in motion)
-Avoid driving during
high volume times
-Give pedestrians the
right of way

29

Shriners Creek at Kalar Road.

30

Appendix D: Lab Documents

Chain of Custody form, filled out for Exova Laboratories.

31

Exova Laboratories Certificate of Analysis for SH001 (First column).

32

Appendix E: Maps

Geology Map of Beaverdams and Shiners Creek Watershed.

33

Soils map of Beaverdams and Shriners Creek Watershed.

34

Stream Contributions to SH001 sample site.

35

Appendix F: Lab Procedures

Chloride Test Procedure (HACH Manual):

36

37

E. coli Test Procedure (Colilert Manual):

38

Nitrate Test Procedure (LaMotte Manual):

39

Turbidity Test Procedure (HACH Manual):

40