Vol.

1 Executive Summary

The St. Croix Estuary 1604 - 2004

The Environmental Health of the St. Croix Estuary after 400 Years
Arthur MacKay, Jennifer Cameron, Mark Bader St. Croix Estuary Project Inc. March, 2003

The St. Croix Estuary 1604 - 2004

The Environmental Health of the St. Croix Estuary after 400 Years Arthur MacKay, Jennifer Cameron, Mark Bader*
* Currently with New Brunswick Department of Environment and Local Government, Saint John, N.B.

Volume 1 of 3, Executive Summary

March 2003

St. Croix Estuary Project Inc.

St. Stephen, N.B., Canada
Occasional Report No. 03/2 Primary funding provided by:

Your Environmental Trust Fund at Work Votre Fonds en fiducie pour lenvironnement au travail

Atlantic Coastal Action Plan Environment Canada

International Joint Commission Commission mixte internationale

Biota

Status of Sponges in the St. Croix Estuary Comparative Estuary records are limited to studies by MacKay (1978) and the current surveys carried out in 2001-2002 by the St. Croix Estuary Project Inc (See Volume 2 of this publication). In all, 9 species have been recorded in the St. Croix River Estuary. Figure 1.1 shows the rated distribution of sponge assemblages over time. The theoretical model is our best estimate of the probable distribution within an unpolluted Estuary based on the literature and our knowledge of the distribution of these species relative to salinity and bottom type. As can be seen, in 1977-78 the diversity rating for sponges had dropped from the theoretical model. However, no significant changes have occurred since that time except in the outer Estuary where the diversity rating appears to have declined further. This supports results obtained for other biotic groups. Indicator Species Because of their primitive structure, sponges are highly suseptible to poor water quality and, as a result, are excellent indicators of the health of a body of marine water. A

1 PORIFERA
single species, the Crumb-of-bread Sponge, Halichondria panacea illustrated above, may be used within the lower or Fjord protion of the Estuary is an excellent Indicator Species. Halichondria occurs subtidally and intertidally in tide pools. Its present suggests acceptable water quality. Its absence from a traditional site, however, should raise an alarm since it suggests degradation of water quality. Similarly, its reappearance suggests improvement of water quality. Recommended Action The data presented here shows that, in 1977-78, the Estuary population of Poriferans was depressed from the historical model and that a further decline of sponges has occurred in the outer Estuary over the last 25 years or so. This supports the need to further improve the water quality of the Estuary.

Figure 1.1 Diversity Ratings over time for Porifera in the St. Croix Estuary.

2. CNIDARIA
Status of Cnidaria in the St. Croix Estuary. This large group includes hydroids, anemones, jellyfish, soft corals, and other related species. Approximately 42 species have been recorded in Passamaquoddy Bay (Thomas (1977), Brinkhurst and Linkletter (circa 1975), and Mackay (1978)). 12 species of Cnidaria were recorded in Passamaquoddy Bay by MacKay (1978) while only 9 species were recorded during the surveys carried out in 2001-2002 by the St. Croix Estuary Project Inc. Figure 2.1 shows the Diversity Rating of Cnidarian groups over time. The theoretical model is our best estimate of the probable distribution within an unpolluted Estuary based on the literature and our knowledge of the distribution of these species relative to salinity and bottom type.

As can be seen from these maps, the Diversity Rating for Cnidarians was greater in 1977-78 than was found during the 2001 - 2002 survey. This result mirrors similar patterns for other marine groups and suggests a general decline in biodiversity. Indicator Species Cnidarians are an important component of a healthy marine environment and there are many species that should occur abundantly on the proper substrate. The presence of Corymorpha, Metridium, Obelia, Sertularia, and Tubluaria (illustrated here) suggested satisfactory water conditions. However, improvements are clearly possible and the appearance of other Cnidarians from Passamaquoddy Bay can be used as an indicator of improved qater quality. Recommended Action. The data presented here shows that, in 1977-78, the Estuary population of Cnidarians was depressed from the historical model and that a further decline of sponges has occurred over the last 25 years or so. This supports the need to further improve the water quality of the Estuary.

Figure 2.1 Diversity Ratings over time for Cnidaria in the St. Croix Estuary.

Status of Mollusca in the St. Croix Estuary. This is the second largest group of marine invertebrates. Chitons, gastropods, bivalves, squid, and octopus are widely distributed in the Bay of Fundy. Approximately 72 species have been recorded in Passamaquoddy Bay (Thomas (1977), Brinkhurst and Linkletter (circa 1975), and Mackay (1978)). 35 species of Mollusca were recorded in Passamaquoddy Bay and the St. Croix Estuary by MacKay (1978) while only 15 species were recorded during the surveys carried out in 2001-2002 by the St. Croix Estuary Project Inc. Figure 3.1 shows the Diversity Rating of Molluscan groups over time. The theoretical model is our best estimate of the probable distribution within an unpolluted Estuary based on the literature and our knowledge of the distribution of these species relative to salinity and bottom type. As can be seen from these maps, the Diversity Rating for Mollusca was greater in 197778 than was found during the 2001 - 2002 survey. This result mirrors similar patterns for other marine groups and suggests a general decline in biodiversity. Indicator Species Mollusca are an important component of a healthy marine environment and there are

3. MOLLUSCA
many species that should occur abundantly on the proper substrate. Some species are extremely hardy colonizers while others are sensitive to slight variations in water quality. Potential Indicators Species are: colonizers - all species of Littorina, Mya, Mytilus, Thais indicate adequate water quality. Their reappearance in any area will indicate improving conditions. Basically, these species are among the last to go and the first to re-appear. Some of these species have recolonized the upperEstuary over the last 25 years, suggesting improvements there Recommended Action. The data presented here shows that, in 1977-78, the Estuary population of Mollusca was depressed from the historical model and that a further decline of has occurred over the last 25 years or so. This supports the need to improve the water quality of the Estuary.

Figure 3.1 Diversity Ratings over time for Mollusca in the St. Croix Estuary.

4. ANNELIDA
Status of Annelida in the St. Croix Estuary. Brinkhurst and Linkletter (circa 1975) list a total of 79 Annelids (76 Polychaetes and 3 Oligochaetes) that occur in Passamaquoddy Bay. Most of these occur in bottom substrates, under rocks, and in masses of other invertebrates such as Blue Mussels. Many are not encountered during standard macrofaunal surveys. Some, however, are very common and may be used to indicate the health of a body of water. 11 species of Annelida were recorded in Passamaquoddy Bay and the St. Croix Estuary by MacKay (1978) only 7 species were recorded during the surveys carried out in 2001-2002 by the St. Croix Estuary Project Inc.+Figure 4.1 shows the Diversity Rating of Annelida over time. The theoretical model is our best estimate of the probable distribution within an unpolluted Estuary based on the literature and our knowledge of the distribution of these species relative to salinity and bottom type.

As can be seen from these maps, the Diversity Rating for Annelida was greater in 197778 than was found during the 2001 - 2002 survey. This result mirrors similar patterns for other marine groups and suggests a general decline in biodiversity. Indicator Species Annelida are an important component of a healthy marine environment and there are many species that should occur abundantly on the proper substrate. The presence of Clymenella, Glycera, Myxicola, Nephthys, Nereis, Potamilla, and Spirorbuis suggested satisfactory water conditions. However, improvements are clearly possible and the appearance of other Anneilida from Passamaquoddy Bay assemblage can be used as an indicator of improved water quality. Nereis virens is a colonizer that is an important Indicator Species. Its presence in the upper Estuary suggests an improvement in water quality there. Recommended Action. The data presented here shows that, in 1977-78, the Estuary population of Annelida was depressed from the historical model and that a further decline of Annelida has occurred over the last 25 years or so. This supports the need to further improve the water quality of the Estuary.

Figure 4.1 Diversity Ratings over time for Annelida in the St. Croix Estuary.

Status of Arthropoda in the St. Croix Estuary This large and diverse group of invertebrates includes spiders, crustaceans, and insects. approximately 76 species have been recorded in Passamaquoddy Bay (Thomas (1977), Brinkhurst and Linkletter (circa 1975), and Mackay (1978)). 18 species of Arthropods were recorded in Passamaquoddy Bay and the St. Croix Estuary by MacKay (1978) while only 11 species were recorded during the surveys carried out in 2001-2002 by the St. Croix Estuary Project Inc. Figure 5.1 shows the Diversity Rating of Arthropoda over time. The theoretical model is our best estimate of the probable distribution within an unpolluted Estuary based on the literature and our knowledge of the distribution of these species relative to salinity and bottom type. As can be seen from these maps, the Diversity Rating for Arthropoda was greater in 1977-78 than was found during the 2001 - 2002 survey. This result mirrors similar patterns for other marine groups and suggests a general decline in biodiversity. Indicator Species Arthropods are an important component of a healthy marine environment and there are

5. ARTHROPODA
many species that should occur abundantly on the proper substrate. Some species are extremely hardy colonizers while others are sensitive to slight variations in water quality. Potential Indicators Species are: colonizers - Balanus balanoides, Crangon septemspinosus, and Carcinus maenas.Their reappearance in any area will indicate improving conditions. Basically, these species are among the last to go and the first to re-appear. Some of these species have recolonized the upper Estuary over the last 25 years, suggesting improvements there. Mysis stenolepis (see illustration) is a key stone species that is vital to a wide range of estuarine and near shore species including commercial fishes. Its absence from an estuary points to an estuary in a poor state of environmental health. This is the case in the St. Croix Estuary. Recommended Action. The data presented here shows that, in 1977-78, the Estuary population of Arthropods was depressed from the historical model and that a further decline has occurred over the last 25 years or so. This supports the need to improve the water quality of the Estuary.

Figure 5.1 Diversity Ratings over time for Arthropoda in the St. Croix Estuary.

6. ECHINODERMATA
Status of Echinodermata in the St. Croix Estuary

in 1977-78 than was found during the 2001 - 2002 survey. This result mirrors similar patterns for other marine groups and suggests a general decline in biodiversity. Indicator Species Echinoderms are an important component of a healthy marine environment and there are many species that should occur abundantly on the proper substrate. The presence of Asterias, Crossaster, Cucumaria, Echinarachnius, Henricia, Psolus, Solaster, and Strongylocentrotus suggested satisfactory water conditions were they were found. However, improvements are clearly possible and the appearance of other Echinoderms from the Passamaquoddy Bay assemblage can be used as an indicator of improved water quality. The low aabundance and diversity of Echinoderms in the middle and upper Estuary, as well as the inner lower Estuary suggests relatively water quality in these areas. The Common Starfish (Asterias) and Sea Urchin (Strongylocentrotus) are recommended as Indicator Species. Recommended Action. The data presented here shows that, in 1977-78, the Estuary population of Echinoderms was depressed from the historical model and that a further decline has occurred over the last 25 years or so. This supports the need to further improve the water quality of the Estuary.

Approximately 35 species have been recorded in Passamaquoddy Bay (Thomas (1977), Brinkhurst and Linkletter (circa 1975), and Mackay (1978)). 11 species of Echinoderms were recorded in Passamaquoddy Bay and the St. Croix Estuary by MacKay (1978) while only 8 species were recorded during the surveys carried out in 2001-2002 by the St. Croix Estuary Project Inc.
Figure 6.1 shows the Diversity Rating of Echinoderms over time. The theoretical model is our best estimate of the probable distribution within an unpolluted Estuary based on the literature and our knowledge of the distribution of these species relative to salinity and bottom type. As can be seen from these maps, the Diversity Rating for Echinodermata was greater

Figure 6.1 Diversity Ratings over time for Echinoderms in the St. Croix Estuary.

Status of Fishes in the St. Croix Estuary Scott (1983) lists 105 species of fish for Passamaquoddy Bay. 51 species can be considered to be resident (Table 6.8.1). 16 species were recorded in Passamaquoddy Bay and the St. Croix Estuary by MacKay (1978) while only 6 species were recorded during the surveys carried out in 2001-2002 by the St. Croix Estuary Project Inc. Particularly noticable is the relatively small numbers of common migratory species such as smelt, striped bass, and shad. Alewives are still present thanks to a run in Dennis Stream. Nevertheless their presence was spotty during the 2001-2002 surveys. Of particular concern was the virtual absence of Winter Flounder (Pseudopleuronectes) Mummichogs (Fundulus heteroclistus) Small estuarine eels (Anguilla), and Three-spined Sticklebacks (Gasterosteus). These species are usually found in abundance throughout the Estuary, but were not found in follow-up surveys undertaken to specifically find these species. Figure 6.1 shows the Diversity Rating of Fishes over time. The theoretical model is our best estimate of the probable distribution within an unpolluted Estuary based on the literature and our knowledge of the distribution of these species relative to salinity and bottom type. As can be seen from these maps, the Diversity Rating for Pices was greater in 1977-78 than was found during the 2001 - 2002 survey. This result mirrors similar patterns for other marine groups and suggests a general decline in biodiversity. Indicator Species

7. PISCES

Fishes are the ultimate keystone species in an estuary. Important Indicator Species are: Smelt, Alewife, Atlantic Salmon, Striped Bass, Winter Flounder, Common Eel, Mummichog, and Stickleback. A method for assessing these populations should be devised. Recommended Action. The data presented here shows that, in 1977-78, the Estuary population of Fishes was depressed from the historical model and that a further decline has occurred over the last 25 years or so. This supports the need to improve the water quality of the Estuary.

Figure 7.1 Diversity Ratings over time for Pisces in the St. Croix Estuary.

8. MARINE PLANTS
Status of Echinodermata in the St. Croix Estuary

patterns for other marine groups and suggests a general decline in biodiversity. Indicator Species Echinoderms are an important component of a healthy marine environment and there are many species that should occur abundantly on the proper substrate. The presence of Asterias, Crossaster, Cucumaria, Echinarachnius, Henricia, Psolus, Solaster, and Strongylocentrotus suggested satisfactory water conditions were they were found. However, improvements are clearly possible and the appearance of other Echinoderms from the Passamaquoddy Bay assemblage can be used as an indicator of improved water quality. The low aabundance and diversity of Echinoderms in the middle and upper Estuary, as well as the inner lower Estuary suggests relatively water quality in these areas. The Common Starfish (Asterias) and Sea Urchin (Strongylocentrotus) are recommended as Indicator Species. Recommended Action. The data presented here shows that, in 1977-78, the Estuary population of Echinoderms was depressed from the historical model and that a further decline has occurred over the last 25 years or so. This supports the need to further improve the water quality of the Estuary.

approximately 35 species have been recorded in Passamaquoddy Bay (Thomas (1977), Brinkhurst and Linkletter (circa 1975), and Mackay (1978)). 11 species of Echinoderms were recorded in Passamaquoddy Bay and the St. Croix Estuary by MacKay (1978) while only 8 species were recorded during the surveys carried out in 2001-2002 by the St. Croix Estuary Project Inc.
Figure 6.1 shows the Diversity Rating of Echinoderms over time. The theoretical model is our best estimate of the probable distribution within an unpolluted Estuary based on the literature and our knowledge of the distribution of these species relative to salinity and bottom type. As can be seen from these maps, the Diversity Rating for Echinodermata was greater in 1977-78 than was found during the 2001 - 2002 survey. This result mirrors similar

Figure 8.1 Diversity Ratings over time for Marine Plants in the St. Croix Estuary.

Water

Mercury

Sediments

Air

Table 8.2 Reported air- and water-borne Releases during the year 2000 for Georgia Pacific Corp. This does not include release onsite or disposal offsite. Sources: EPA TRI data, www.RTK.org, and www.scorecard.org. for sale. St. Croix River Sawmill Pulp Mill Total Input Input Input 0 1,300 1300 18,000 18,000 0 0 0 70 70 0 0 0 0 0 1.80 1.80 0 3,000 3,000 535 535 0 0 0 0 700 700 0 4,805 4,805 210,000 210,000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 17,700 17,700 Air Sawmill Pulp Mill Total 3,328 0 0.12 18,885 4.00 900 95,543 8,527 0.93 70,000 160,500 7.70 0 3,305 6,014 1.10 18,200 0 60,000 2,100 226,100 0 ? 800 146.3 43,000 1,400 73,328 160,500 7.70 0 3,305 6,014 1.22 37,085 0 60,004 3,000 321,643 0 ? 9327 147.23 43,000 1,400

Chemical Acetaldehyde* Ammonia* Benzo(G,H,I)Perylene* Catechol* Chlorine* Chlorine Diozide* Dioxin & dioxinl-like* Formaldehyde* Formic Acid* Hydrochloric Acid* Manganese Compounds* Methanol* Nitrate Compounds* Nitric Acid* Phenol* Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds* Sulfuric Acid* Zinc compounds*

Standard

Av./day 3.56 49.32 0.19 0 0 0.005 8.22 1.47 0 1.92 13.16 575.34

Av/Day 200.90 439.73 0.021 0 9.05 16.48 0.003 101.60 0 164.39 8.22 881.21 0 ? 25.55 0.40 117.81 3.84

Health Hazard K=known, S=suspected Chemical Cancer Cardio- DeAgent vascu- velplar or mental Blood Toxin Toxin K S K S S S K S K S S S S S S S S Endocrine Toxin S Gas- Immu- Kidney Mus- Neuro- Repro- Respitrintes- notoxin Toxin culosk- toxin ductive ratory tinal or eletal Toxin Toxin Liver Toxin Toxin S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S Skin Sense Organ Toxin S S S S S S S S S S S S S -

Acetaldehyde Ammonia Benzo(G,H,I)Perylene Catechol Chlorine Chlorine Diozide Dioxin & dioxin-like Formaldehyde Formic Acid Hydrochloric Acid Manganese Compounds Methanol Nitrate Compounds Nitric Acid Phenol Polycyclic Aromatic Comp Sulfuric Acid Zinc Compounds