The Environmental Health of the St.

Croix Estuary

2007

Building a Sustainable Tomorrow

Quoddy
Learning
Centre
Photo Credit: Joyce Morrell
 The Environmental Health of the St. Croix Estuary
Monitoring Program 2007

March 2008

Kim Reeder, Arthur MacKay

Quoddy Learning Centre & Nature Park
St. Stephen NB, Canada
Occasional Report No. 2008-3

Primary Funding Provided By:

Your Environmental Trust Fund at Work

Votre Fonds en fiducie pour l’environment au travail

Quoddy
Learning
Atlantic Coastal Action Program Centre
Environment Canada
 Table of Contents
1. Introduction 3.3 2007 Monitoring Results 19
1.1 The Organization 1
3.3.1 Zone J 19
1.2 Project Background 2 3.3.2 Zone I 21
1.3 Past Monitoring Projects & Results 3 3.3.3 Zone H 22
3.3.4 Zone G 23
2. Project Location 3.3.5 Zone F 24
2.1 Map 5 3.3.6 Zone E 25
2.2 Study Area 6 3.3.7 Zone D 26
3.3.8 Zone C 27
2.3 Physiography 6
3.3.9 Zone B 28
2.4 Bathymetry 6
3.3.10 Zone A 29
2.5 Substrate 6 3.4 2007 Watch List Sites 33
2.6 Light & Water Clarity 7 3.4.1 Picnic Kiosk 33
2.7 Climate & Meterorology 7 3.4.2 Boat Ramp 34
3.4.3 Clarke 35
2.8 Tides 8
3.4.4 Dennis Stream 36
2.9 Geology 9
3.4.5 Chocolate Park 37
2.10 Historical Information 9 3.4.6 Seniors Complex 38

3. Monitoring Program 3.4.7 Buchanan Street

3.4.8 Gateway
39
40
3.1 Project Objectives 13 3.4.9 Oak Bay 41

3.2 Three Simple Steps To Estuary Restoration 16 3.5 The Bayside Quarry 42
 Introduction

1.1 The Organization Since 1992, SCEP Inc. has conducted scientific research and
water quality monitoring and remediation, as well as knowledge

T he St Croix Estuary Project Inc. (SCEP Inc.) is a

generation and community outreach programs on an annual
basis.
community-based, not-for-profit charity, a board and member
driven organization that has been a stabilizing force in the
In 2002, SCEP Inc. purchased a 350 acre parcel of land which
Passamaquoddy Region for the last 15 years. We are also a
has since been developed into a nature & (New Brunswick’s
member of the Atlantic Coastal Action Program (ACAP). ACAP is
first) marine park, the Ganong Nature & Marine Park. This land
made up of 16 organizations in the four Atlantic Provinces. Each
serves both the community and up until now, approximately 10
one of these non-profit organizations operates independently,
000 visitors/year. Presently, SCEP Inc. is finishing a $2 million
but is linked under the umbrella of ACAP to represent a force
project on this land, which includes the construction of an
stronger than the individual parts.
Interpretive Centre – The Quoddy Learning Centre, road and
trail upgrades, a marine tidal pool and many other environmental
In 1991, faced with an urgent need to restore coastal
and sustainable development displays and programs.
environments so that they would sustain coastal communities,
Environment Canada initiated the Atlantic Coastal Action SCEP Inc’s reputation has grown steadily since its inception
Program, as a means of empowering local communities to take in 1992 and, because of the confidence expressed by the
community; SCEP Inc was offered and accepted an important
the lead in identifying and addressing their environmental and
community asset, Camp Waweig. The Waweig property is
development challenges. The ACAP groups recognize that
located on 40 acres of forested land bordering the Waweig
local organizations are the most effective champions to achieve
River, and has served the community for more than 80 years.
sustainability in their communities. By empowering communities
It includes 7 cabins, a large (30’ x 50’) cookhouse, bathroom
and taking on a holistic approach towards protecting the
facilities and a large meeting hall (24’ x 24’) overlooking the
environment, ACAP communities and their partners have
Waweig Estuary, as well as established nature trails throughout
achieved great successes.

1
the adjacent forested area. These facilities have been the core 1.2 Project Background
of a popular camp that was founded over 80 years ago and now
has an alumnus list of approximately 10 000. Much of ACAP St. Croix’s early work culminated in 1997 with the
release of a Comprehensive Environmental Management Plan
Throughout the years SCEP Inc. has had many supporters, mak- (CEMP) detailing 50 immediate courses of action to address the
ing our projects possible. Support comes from the community; environmental concerns for the area. ACAP St Croix’s Monitoring
the federal and provincial levels of government; groups such and Remediation Program has been designed to define and
as the Shell Environment Fund, Canadian Tire, many science- monitor the Health of the St. Croix Estuary and Passamaquoddy
based partnerships including the Gulf of Maine Council and the Bay and to initiate remediation work and follow-up that will insure
International Joint Commission as well as partnerships with incremental improvement in regional environmental health. This
local schools, municipalities and organizations such as Ducks is proving to be a successful strategy.
Unlimited, Nature Canada, Evergreen, the NB Environmental
Trust Fund and the NB Wildlife Trust Fund. Within this context, the 2007 Monitoring & Remediation work
has contributed to the following articles of our Comprehensive
From its earliest beginnings, SCEP Inc. has implemented
Environmental Management Plan;
the community model for environmental decision making and
● Identify and define sources of pollution in the Estuary
coastal management. Volunteer monitoring programs, scientific
● Initiate programs that will reduce bacterial discharge into
study, public outreach and education, coastal resource mapping,
the St. Croix Estuary and Passamaquoddy Bay .
and sustainable job creation are all hallmarks of St. Croix’s
● Conduct annual monitoring program that will evaluate the
history. Over the last 15 years, for instance, the organization
results of remedial work as well as identify new pollution
has completed water audits for municipalities, drogue studies
sources.
in the Passamaquoddy Bay, environmental lecture series,
● Participate in trans-boundary dialog on effluent and
stewardship courses for adults and children alike, nature
effluent treatment
camps, environmental excursions, and eco-history tours by boat
● Develop non point-source pollution prevention strategies
and land for groups such as Outward Bound to name a few of
● Continue work towards separating storm and sanitary
ACAP St. Croix’s many initiatives.
2
 Monitor Training
sewers in St. Stephen
● Monitor the Estuary area for fecal coliform bacteria and
other bacterial and chemical inputs.
● Promote clean water
● Develop, maintain and monitor important terrestrial and
freshwater habitat sites that are being impacted by
pollution.
● Convene meetings and events for the exchange
of information on, and celebration of, the St. Croix/
Passamaquoddy region community environmental awareness and stewardship by
improving local capacity to collect and analyze water quality
● Make recommendations to municipalities and conduct samples; prevent increases in water pollution by working with
follow-up regarding commitments made, to prevent and polluters to alleviate present point and non-point sources of
clean up marine and estuarine debris pollution; and engage decision-makers and citizens in water
quality initiatives.
ACAP St. Croix’s environmental science work, now designated
as the Quoddy Ecosystem Initiative, is designed to provide
critical up-to-date information that can be used in time-sensitive 1.3 Past Monitoring Projects
decision making. The purpose of the Monitoring Program is to
test a set of fixed sampling sites that have been visited each 2001 - 2004 - “Health of the St. Croix Estuary 1604 – 2004”.
year since 2004 and to use these data to quickly and efficiently This is the 2 year baseline study for the Monitoring and
assess the current health of the St. Croix River Estuary an Remediation Program. - This study is still being cited by
important economic, environmental and social watershed. The DFO , NB Department of the Environment as well as the
sampling sites are in 10 zones in the St. Croix Estuary, from St. Town of St. Stephen in their ongoing work
Stephen NB to St. Andrews NB.
2004-2005 – “Health of the St. Croix Estuary in the Next
The goal is to reduce and, where possible, eliminate pollution
2

Millennium – Report #1 A Restoration / Remediation Plan

in the St.Croix Estuary and Passamaquoddy Bay. Increase for the St. Stephen Waterfront, 2005” This document is

3
 one reference used for the ongoing Town of St Stephen’s
remediation of point source pollution as well as for storm
and sanitary separation work.

2005-2006 – “Health of the St. Croix Estuary in the Next

Millennium – Report #2 A Restoration / Remediation Plan
for Dennis Stream, the Municipal Water Source for St.
Stephen” - The Town of St Stephen prepared in-house
reports based on input from ACAP St Croix’s work, as
well, some remediation work was completed immediately
upon presentation of this report

2006-2007 – ACAP St Croix Inc. was contracted by the Town

of St Stephen to develop a plan for the Billy Weston
Brook, which will be ongoing in 2008 – 2009. Due to
this work we were also contacted by DFO to create a
proposal for HADD (Harmful Alteration, Disruption or
Destruction of Fish Habitat) compensation work to be
completed on this brook. The work will be completed
pending DOT support.

4
 2. Location

2.1 Maps
5
 2.2 Study Area shaped by glacial ice and the Estuary undoubtedly held a valley

T
glacier that may have extended into Western and Head Harbour
he St. Croix River Estuary is located at the northwest corner Passages (Forgeron, 1959). The coastline is generally rugged
of Passamaquoddy Bay at the western mouth of the Bay of with numerous small mountains reaching heights of 600 feet.
Fundy in Charlotte County, New Brunswick, Canada.
2.4 Bathymetry
The St. Croix River Estuary extends from tidehead at Salmon
Falls in St. Stephen (Milltown) to St. Andrews. It is the largest T he Estuary has an average depth below low water of 38
river flowing into Passamaquoddy Bay and its influence is felt ft. with channel depths reaching 100 - 130 feet. There are
well out into this body of water and beyond. approximately 10 square miles of exposed intertidal area
(Forgeron, 1959).
The Upper Estuary, from Salmon Falls to The Ledge, is a
typical river estuary. However, because of its configuration and Passamaquoddy Bay has an average depth of about 78 ft. It
topography, the Lower Estuary has more marine characteristics is shallow in the northern portion with the deepest areas being
and closer ecological affinities with Passamaquoddy Bay and found to the south where depths reach 200-250 feet. The
is considered by some to be a fjord. The Estuary is a typical exposed intertidal area is approximately 51 square miles, with
estuary where marine influences become more pronounced approximately 6 square miles of intertidal mudflat (Forgeron,
as one proceeds downstream. The study area has both 1950).
freshwater and marine affinities. 2.5 Substrates
2.3 Physiography S ubtidally the St. Croix Estuary is dominated by mud with

T
cobble, boulder bottom in scoured areas, and occasional
he St. Croix River Estuary/Passamaquoddy Bay area is a emergent ledges. Intertidally the shores are primarily mud
drowned shoreline with an indented coast reflecting the bedrock with emergent ledge. There are a few sandy areas and mixed
geology and structure of the region. The main features were beaches of cobble, boulder, sand, and mud are relatively
6 common.

Once abundant in the St. Croix Estuary, the Striped Bass (Morone
saxatilis) supports a multimillion dollar fishery elsewhere. It could
do so here.
2.6 Light and Water Clarity
W aters in the study area are characterized by high loads of
suspended matter which restrict light penetration. Diver visibility
is usually under ten feet and “blackouts” at 30 feet have been
encountered. In part, this characteristic of the study area may
explain the absence of major kelp beds.
2.7 Climate and Meteorology
T he area is influenced by a north-temperate marine climate
that is characterized by warmer winter temperatures and cooler
summer temperatures than inland, extensive periods of summer
fog, and strong fall and winter winds.
The climate of the St. Croix Estuary and Passamaquoddy Bay
is similar to that of the Bay of Fundy. The proximity to land,
however, produces several local peculiarities and two general
air masses meet in the area: a continental air mass which
moves in from the west and an Atlantic air mass which moves in
from the ocean. The result can be rapid local changes in cloud
conditions, temperatures, humidity, and winds.
Fog occurs frequently in spring and summer and results in
cooler temperatures over the water. Large daily temperature
shifts can occur and in winter these sometimes exceed 20
Celsius degrees. Similarly, spring weather is highly changeable
being generally cool but often switching to summer-like weather
in a short time. Fall is generally a stable, pleasant period with a
gradual transition into winter. Snow usually starts in October or
November, becoming more frequent as the season progresses
and declining after March. Permanent frost occurs between
December and April.
Passamaquoddy Bay remains open during the winter and
provides good winter conditions for shipping and general boat
activities. In recent years, the St. Croix Estuary has remained
open due to mild winter temperatures. However, during severe
winters, such as 2002-2003, ice may extend to St. Croix Island
7
Warmer sea water is created by the large tidal range and the
intense vertical mixing in the waters of the Passamaquoddy Fog is most intense during the spring and early summer with
July generally being the worst month. During the period May
and West Isles marine areas. As a result, there is very little ice
formation in the Bay, although it does occur in the deeper baysto August, 10-14 days per month are foggy, while this drops to 2-
and estuaries and shores do ice up during very cold periods. 4 days per month during the winter. Fog is most common during
mild weather or with low velocity southerly breezes which cause
The average annual temperature in Passamaquoddy Bay is very offshore banks to move into Passamaquoddy Bay through Big
constant at approximately 5°C. The warmest period is generally Letete, Little Letete and Western Passages. This infl uences
between July and August and the coldest is between January the lower St. Croix Estuary, but has little effect on the mid and
and mid-February. Thomas (1983) quotes recordings from ships upper Estuary regions. During the summer it is common for the
showing seasonal means as follows: February, -3°C; May, 8°C; continental air mass to force fog banks out of the Bay during the
August, 14°C; November, 6°C. day, but they generally return quickly at sunset.

Precipitation occurs on about 160 days per year and averages

about 1400 mm per year. About 75% of this is rain and the
balance is snow or snow equivalents (Thomas, 1983).

Until recent years, weirs were built and fished in the lower St. Croix Estuary up to Oak Bay. Pollution elminated this valuable fishery in the 1960s.
8

2.8 Tides
T he semidiurnal tides in Passamaquoddy Bay have a
12.4 h cycle and are typical for the outer Bay of Fundy with a
maximum range of 8.3 m. The great tidal magnitude and gentle
sloping character of the area results in a large intertidal area
(approximately 6 square miles) which signifi cantly affects the
diversity and abundance of marine plants and animals. From
an economic point of view, the intertidal area supports good
beds of soft-shelled clams (Mya arenaria) which occur in areas
that have generally been closed due to coliform pollution. Tidal
Water from Passamaquoddy Bay fl ows into and out of the St.
Croix River Estuary, reaching to tidehead at Salmon Falls in St.
Stephen. This water mixes with the large volume of freshwater
that enters the Estuary from the St. Croix River and other
Estuary tributaries
2.9 Geology
T he valley glacier that originated in the St. Croix River
Estuary cut across the northeastern structural trend of the
bedrock (Cumming, 1967) and evidence of glaciation is common
throughout the area. Directions of striae range from south 50
degrees west to south 64 degrees east and fall into at least two
sets, an older set trending southerly and a younger southeast
set. Drift and deposits of stratified outwash gravels are commonly
found throughout the area (Alcock, 1945).
The bedrock geology, surficial geology and faults of the St Croix
River Valley have been well documented and maps are available
from NB Department of Natural Resources
Regarding earthquakes Burke (2000) writes: Passamaquoddy
Bay was identified as a seismically active region by Barosh
(1981), who stated that more than 50 earthquakes had been
reported from the area since 1870. He reports that after a
network of seismograph stations was installed in southeastern
Maine in 1975, an average of 7 earthquakes per year had been
recorded with a magnitude range of 1 to 3.2.
With the exception of an aggregate excavation operation at the
Bayside Port in the St. Croix River Estuary, there is little coastal
mining activity in the area at the present time. However, current
prospecting activities show promising results for a number of
minerals, including gold. It is likely that coastal operations will
be started in the future and this could influence the marine
resources of the area.
2.10 Historical Information
W hen Champlain and Demonts arrived at St. Croix in 1604,
the area was much different than it is today. The shorelines were
9
dominated by huge “cathedral” pine that created forests much fish ladders were built in an attempt to restore the important St.
like the rain forests of the west coast; towering trees that created Croix fish runs.
a wet, dark understory. The trees we see today were much less
common and were found on hilltops, burns, and swampy areas. In addition, shoreline stability was reduced due to deforestation,
White-tailed deer were absent or rare and the dominant species Tons of sawdust, wood debris, and chemicals accumulated in
included caribou, moose, and wolves. Labrador duck, the great the River creating anaerobic processes that greatly reduced
auk, passenger pigeon, sea mink and other extinct species were the environmental health of the Estuary. To this day, shoreline
common. sediments have created huge intertidal flats and banks that are
virtually uninhabitable “sawdust flats” - a 150 year old legacy.
The St. Croix Estuary thronged with fish, osprey, eagles, and
other species that fed on the abundant marine forage to be In the 1960’s the lower River and Estuary became grossly
found here. Champlain stated that, In May and June there is polluted as the mill at Woodland, operated at that time by
taken there (Salmon Falls) so great an abundance of herring Georgia-Pacific, began dumping black liquor and other wastes
and bass that vessels could be loaded with them. directly into the St. Croix River. The health of the estuary
declined rapidly and the impacts were felt both on the American
The water quality of the St. Croix River Estuary started to suffer and Canadian sides of the estuary as well as downstream
during the logging days. As industry rushed to the St. Croix to into Passamaquoddy Bay. Recreational fishing disappeared,
capitalize on the forest wealth, sawmills, chandlers, brokers, commercial fishing began a precipitous decline, paint peeled
and various industries established themselves on wharves from houses, and respiratory problems arose.
along the St. Stephen and Calais waterfronts. At the height of
commercial activity, there were more than 40 active wharves On both the Canadian and American sides, at least 9 significant
along the shores of St Stephen and Calais. clam flats have been closed due to bacterial contamination. On
the US side, these closures have been in effect since 1969 and
Dams, and sluiceways were constructed along the River and on the Canadian side, since 1988.
fish runs began to diminish. A dam at the Union was particularly
hard on fish runs since it spanned the entire River. Eventually Elevated levels of pollution continued until the 1970s when the

10
waste treatment protocols at the mill in Woodland, Maine were way to go and the River is still influenced by chronic pollution
upgraded under pressure from government. Nevertheless spills from industrial releases and domestic sewage leakages into the
and controlled releases still occur and highly toxic materials also River.
enter the groundwater and watershed from the air. In addition,
the old sewage infrastructure of St. Stephen continues to leak The Study Area is primarily influenced by domestic sewage
and seep significantly high levels of E. coli and other bacteria leakages from the Town of St. Stephen and industrial pollution
into the Estuary. from industrial plants located upstream. Sampling along the
Calais waterfront did not find high bacterial levels during the
The St. Croix Estuary was once a vital environment, supporting 2002-2003 study.
diverse populations of fish and marine invertebrates recently
valued at approximately $20 million in today’s dollars The benefits that will emerge as we restore the St. Croix Estuary
cannot be overstated. We have abused our marine resources
For decades we have turned our backs on this river, using it and it has been a real loss to our economy. We can restore this
as a convenient sewer for the disposal of our industrial and balance. Some of us will enjoy the fruits of these efforts - most
domestic wastes. In the process we have not only created certainly our children and grandchildren will benefit.
unhealthy environments for ourselves, we have, paradoxically,
eliminated important economic components that nourished As dire global warnings about environmental collapse reach our
our community in the past and could again do so in the future. ears, it is incumbent on us to do our part by caring for our small
Indeed some communities along the New England seaboard but valuable corner of this planet. If we ignore our obligations
have reestablished estuarine fish runs that now bring millions of to our community and future generations, we do so at our own
dollars in revenues. peril.

While the River is not fully recovered, some hardy colonizers

now occur in the study area, including Sand Shrimp (Crangon
septemspinosus), Green Crabs (Carcinus spp.), Annelid
Worms, seaweeds and some molluscs. The once large runs of
anadromous fishes is virtually gone. The recovery has a long
11
12
 3. The Monitoring Program
the development of eco-tourism related activities in the River.
3.1 Project Objectives
Since St. Stephen will soon be by-passed by a new highway, it is
recognized that a new approach to tourism is essential if visitors
Many studies have been carried out in the St. Croix River Estuary
are to be attracted to the Town. However, the risk to human
over the past 100 years or so. In general, they had relatively
health, as defined by the Canadian Water Quality Guidelines, is
narrow and project-specific objectives which were not related
great. The highest densities of E.coli have been recorded along
to measuring long-term change or assessing the environmental
the storm drain outfalls and mysterious seepages along the St.
health of this ecosystem.
Stephen waterfront; the area that has been identified for tourist-
related development. Unfortunately, the risk to human health is
Our monitoring program has established historic sampling
real and this fact may preclude any worthwhile development
sites, baseline data, scientific protocols, and mechanisms for
based on the River at this point.
measuring the relative health of the estuary on an ongoing
annual basis.
Among the various types of organisms found in the St Stephen
sewage outfalls are disease-causing organisms or pathogens
Non-point source (NPS) pollution is now a major stressor of the
and fecal coliforms, bacteria found in the intestinal tracts of
St Croix River Estuary. The NPS pollution affecting the St Croix
warm-blooded mammals and a standard used to determine
River Estuary can be divided into three general categories,
the extent of sewage contamination. Fecal coliform bacteria
atmospheric deposition, land run-off, and marine activities.
themselves are not necessarily hazardous to humans. However,
they provide an indication of the amount of total fecal matter
In the Annual Monitoring & Remediation program, the
present and indicate the possible presence of other pathogens,
concentration is centered on the land run-off category and in
such as hepatitis B, cholera, and typhoid. When high levels of
areas adjacent to municipalities, specifically the present-day
fecal coliform are present, swimming and other recreational
storm and sanitary drain system.
uses of water are prohibited (APA Web Site).

The Town of St. Stephen is presently looking at the potential for

Fecal coliforms, particularly E. coli, indicate the presence of
13
mammal or bird feces in the water. Certain types of E. coli, some of this habitat may be reclaimed during the process of
particularly those from cattle, can cause death in humans. In reducing and eliminating pollution sources.
fact, there have been many dramatic instances of contamination
causing death and contaminated water is of great concern to all
municipal officials everywhere
Enterococcus bacteria are a type of fecal streptococcus and are
another valuable indicator for determining the amount of fecal
contamination of water. According to studies conducted by the
EPA, enterococci have a greater correlation with swimming-
associated gastrointestinal illness in both marine and fresh
waters than other bacterial indicator organisms, and are less
likely to “die off” in saltwater. (www.oasisdesign.net/water/
quality/coliform.htm).
Additionally, cleanup and restoration of the St. Croix Estuary
is essential to the return of the valuable runs of fish species.
Marshes, ponds, and streams have been destroyed during the
long history of development of the waterfronts of St. Stephen and
Calais. Habitat destruction, together with pollution from industrial
and domestic sources, has resulted in the loss of important
forage species such as smelt, sticklebacks, mummichogs. and
important marine invertebrates, as well as spawning habitat for
species such as striped bass, American eel and other estuarine
fishes and invertebrates. With proper environmental design,
14
Until ACAP St Croix began its proactive Monitoring and
Remediation Program, little if any remedial implementation
was initiated. To counter this, our Monitoring and Remediation
Program stresses the following elements:
1. IDENTIFY the pollution sites;
2. DEFINE the source(s) and level of pollution;
3. PRIORITIZE, TARGET & REMEDIATE chosen sites,
and
4. PERFORM FOLLOWUP MONITORING to assess
success or failure.
To date this approach has resulted in remedial success that
has not been achieved before. Pollution sources have been
identified and eliminated for the first time. For instance in our
“Health of the St. Croix Estuary in the Next Millennium – Report
#1 A Restoration / Remediation Plan for the St. Stephen
Waterfront, 2005” we made immediate reccommendations for
the municipality to address 7 sites of point souce pollution, now
2 of those sites have been cleaned up and the other 5 sites are
being addressed through the municipality’s 5 year work plan.
Also, new projects are under discussion that may substantially
reduce pollution in the future.
As can be seen in our study “The St. Croix Estuary 1604-2004”
and in monitoring results from the last two years, we have
identified many locations that contribute to water and air pollution
in the St. Croix River Valley. The existing and future Monitoring
and Remediation Program focuses on these “red-flag” sites.

Our annual monitoring program includes water sample collection

and species data collection from 10 pre-selected sites. These
sites, encompassing 10 zones from St. Stephen to St Andrews,
NB, were identified in “The St. Croix Estuary 1604-2004” and
have since been sampled annuallly.

Intertidal surveys were conducted during the 4 hour time period

before and after low water. Qualitative and quantitative counts
for resident flora and fauna have been taken from various levels
on the beach at each site. Photos and GPS points were taken
and volunteers and staff completed careful examination of the
organisms and recorded the data. Subtidal observations are
made by underwater video.Where necessary, dip nets and
minnow seines were used to sample tide pools or shallow water
areas. Water samples were taken by volunteers and staff and
delivered within 24 hours to laboratory facilities in Saint John,
NB where total coliform and E.coli were measured. Tests for
ammonia, nitrates/nitrites, phosphates, temperature, disolved
oxygen and salinity were conducted on-site with various
instruments including a YSI meter and various test strips.
15
 3 Simple Steps to Estuary Restoration
1 2 3
Define Target & Repair Monitor
1. Conduct a detailed baseline study 1. Select an annual target site or sites for 1. Design annual monitoring program
2. Determine what has changed remediation 2. Annually monitor all target sites
over time 2. Seek funding, partners, and approvals 3. Target negative changes for detailed
3. Determine what the problem sites 3. Begin physical remediation with appropriate follow-up
exist authorities 4. Perform follow-up sampling and
4. Prioritize problem sites. reporting on remediated sites.

16
Each year the St Croix
Estuary Project Inc
conducts monitoring in 10
zones from St. Stephen to
St. Andrews. In the
following section, results of
the 2007 monitoring
program are presented.

17
18
 2007 Annual Monitoring Results
TC
TN ZONE J - Station 1
45‛11‛31N A beach survey was conducted
Location: This station
067‛17‛14W at this site. Green unicelluar
is located at “The Cove”
matter was noted along
above the International
00 the high water mark and on
16 Bridge in St. Stephen.
scattered rocks. No rockweed
00 or other algae was found.
12
E.coli mL

Worms Lineus and Nereis found

o 885 o 885 under rocks on mud. Gammarus
0 800
80
o
present in stream. Periwinkles
and barnacles were present.
0 Identified as poor habitat.
40 o
365 For primary
283 human contact
o
Ammonia 0
0 (immersion) the Phosphates 15
acceptable levels Nitrite 0
are 100/100mL and Nitrate 0
2003

2004

2006
2005

2007

for secondary human pH 7.4

contact (canoeing) Temp. 4.1 C
the acceptable level is Total Coliforms TNTC
400/100mL

The Cove Site - downtown

St. Stephen

19
 o o o
TC 45‛11‛31N A beach survey was conducted
TN
067‛16‛35W at this site. Rockweed was
common, Ulva – present
ZONE J -
Nereis – present to common
Station 2
00 Porphyra - present to common
16 Location:
Gammarus - present
This station
00 is located
E.coli mL

12 Ammonia 0
adjacent to Phosphates 5
0 Pizza Delight Nitrite 0
80 and the Nitrate 0
public wharf. pH 7.4
0
40 Temp 4.9 C
52
o
48 Total Coliforms TNTC
o
0
2003

2004

2006
2005

2007

The Downtown St.

Stephewn Wharf Site

20
 TC
TN ZONE I - Station 5 45‛09‛56N This beach has a very high con-
Location: This station is 067‛13‛37W tent of sawdust. Fucus, Gamma-
located at The Narrows. rus, periwinkles and barnacles
Take the Donald were noted as present
6 00
1 Road off the Ledge Road.

00
12
E.coli mL

Ammonia 0
Phosphates 5
0
80 Nitrite 0
Nitrate 0
0
40 pH --
10
o 87 o 91 o 88 Temp 5.0 C
0
o
Total Coliforms TNTC
2003

2004

2006
2005

2007

Ledge Loop Site

The Narrows Site

21
 C ZONE H - Station 6 45‛10‛22N A beach survey was conducted
T
TN Location: This station is 067‛12‛22W
at this site, a slight sewer smell-
located at the Ledge Loop. was noted and there were skidder
tracks on beach. No obvious chang-
es in flora/fauna were noted, typi-
00 cal assemblages include; Mytilus,
16
Nereis, barnacles, Strongylocentro-
00
E.coli mL

tus, Ulva, Fucus

12
782
0
o
80

0
40 o 239
o 17
0
2003

2004

2006
2005

2007

Downtown St
Stephen

The Narrows Site

22
 C ZONE G - Station 7 45‛13‛05N During the beach survey it was
T
TN Location: This station is 067‛11‛39W noted that there was a ‘rust‛
the Rose Bowl Inn (oxidized iron) colour covering
the fresh water stream bottom
and the intertidal area had heavy
00 Entormorpha. Fucus, periwinkles
16
and barnacles were present
00
E. coli

12
Ammonia 0.25
Phosphates 0
0
80 Nitrite 0
Nitrate 0
0
40 pH --
o 110 o 33
o 41 Temp 4.0 C
0 Total Coliforms TNTC
2003

2004

2006
2005

2007

Rose Bowl Inn

Site

23
 ZONE F - Station 9 45‛12‛38N There was an abundance of
TC Location: This station is 067‛08‛48W creosote noted at this site.
TN Rockweed was common, dog
located at the bridge over
the Waweig River whelk eggs, periwinkles,
at Gilman‛s Corner. Mytilus, Zostera, Chondrus
and Porphyra were present.
00
16 As well, eel grass and
barnacles were abundant
00
12
E. coli

0
80 Ammonia 0
Phosphates 5
0 Nitrite 0
40
o 28 Nitrate 0
11
o
0 pH 6.9
Temp 6.0 C
Total Coliforms TNTC
2003

2004

2006
2005

2007

Gilman‛s Corner Site

24
 C 45‛10‛21N E. coli levels consistently under
T ZONE E - Station 10
TN 067‛09‛35W 100cfu/100mL
Location: This station
is located at the Ganong The beach survey indicated
Nature Park at Todd‛s that all is well, usual abundant
00 Point. flora & fauna. Typical
16
assemblages include; Obelia,
00 Metridium, Acmaea, Littorina,
12
Mytilus, Clymenella, Nereis,
Balanus, Gammarus, Crangon,
0
80 Carcinus, Echinarachnius,
Strogylocentrotus, Asterias,
0
40 Ascophyllum, Fucus, and
>10 o53 o 57 Cerebratulus
25
o o
0
2003

2004

2006
2005

2007

Todds Point Site

25
 C ZONE D - Station 12 45‛08‛25N The beach survey indicated
T Location: This station is
TN 067‛07‛53W that all is well, usual
located at the Island View abundant flora & fauna
Campground at including Ascophyllum,
Sandy Point. Fucus, Strongylocentrotus,
00
16 Asterias, Gammarus,
Crangon, Carcinus, Balanus,
00 Idotea, Clymenella, Glycera,
12
Mytilus, Littorina, Acmaea,
0 and Metridium.
80

0
40 o 243
o 22 o
20
0
2003

2004

2006
2005

2007

Sandy Point Site

26
 C ZONE C - Station 13 45‛07‛23N The beach survey indicat-
T Location: This station is
TN 067‛06‛15W ed no substantial changes
located at the Garcelon‛s in the typical assemblages
in Johnson Cove. of Ascophyllum, Fucus,
Strongylocentrotus, Aste-
00 rias, Gammarus, Crangon,
16
Carcinus, Balanus, Idotea,
00 Mytilus, Clymenella, Litto-
12
rina, and Metridium
0
80

0
40
o 0 o 0
0
2003

2004

2006
2005

2007

Garcelons Site

27
 ZONE B - Station 14 45‛04‛51N The beach survey indicated no significant
Location: This station is 067‛05‛05W changes in typical flora / fauna which
C includes; Leucosolenia, Metridium,
T located at the furthest
TN end of the main building Acmaea, Littorina, Thais, Mytilus,
on your right at the St. Clymenella, Nereis, Balanus, Idotea,
Andrews Biological Station Gammarus, Carcinus, Strongylocentrotus,
on Brandy Asterias, Entromorpha, Monostroma,
6 00 Ulva, Ascophyllum, Ectocarpus, Fucus,
1 Cove Rd.
Polysiphonia, Porphyra, Lineus, Bryozoan,
00 and Molgula. A slight sewerage smell was
12
noted.
0 Ammonia 0.25
80 Phosphates 0
Nitrite 0
0
40 Nitrate 0
o 10 o 11 o 1 pH --
0 Temp 8.5 C
Total Coliforms 1986.3/100mL
2003

2004

2006
2005

2007

Brandy Cove Site

28
 ZONE A - Station 16 45‛04‛42N Marsh looks good, some erosion,
Location: Heading into St 067”04‛11W no smells. Entromorpha, Molgula,
Andrews from St Stephen, this Polysiphonia, Ulva, Ascophyllum, Chorda,
T C
TN station is located by turning Chordaria, Fucus, Echinarachnius,
right at the Block house onto Strongylocentrotus, Asterias,
Joe‛s Point Road. Continue on Gammarus, Crangon, carcinus, Balanus,
Joe‛s Point Road unitl you cross Clymenella, Thais, Ischiton ruber,
0
0 a little bridge. The bridge is at Acmaea, Crepidula, Littorina, and
16
this location. Metridium are the typical assemblages
00
12 Ammonia 0
Phosphates 5
0 Nitrite 0
80
Nitrate 0
0 pH --
40 300
o o
291
o Temp 6.0 C
60 48
o
0 Total Coliforms TNTC
2003

2004

2006
2005

2007

Pottery Creek Site

29
 ZONE A - Station 15 45‛04‛01N The beach survey indicated that all is
Location: This station is 067‛02‛30W well, with the typical abundant flora &
TC located at the furthest
TN fauna including; Entromorpha, Molgula,
point east in St Andrews. Polysiphonia, Ulva, Ascophyllum, Chorda,
Enter on the main road of Chordaria, Fucus, Echinarachnius,
St Andrews and drive until Strongylocentrotus, Asterias, Gammarus,
00 you are adjacent to the Crangon, Carcinus, Balanus, Clymenella,
16 Kiwanis Campground. Thais, Ischiton ruber, Acmaea, Crepidula,
00 Littorina, and Metridium
12
Ammonia 0
800 Phosphates 15
Nitrite 0
0 Nitrate 0
40 pH 6.9
o53 o 104
11 30 Temp 8.9 C
o
0
o
Total Coliforms TNTC
2003

2004

2006
2005

2007

Indian Point Site

30
31
32
 2007 Updates on Watch-list Sites
TC
o o o o o
TN
Location: This station is 45‛11‛32N This site was
located in front of the 067‛16‛29W reccommended for clean
green picnic kiosk up to the Town of St.
00 located on Budd Ave. Stephen in 2004. We will
16
be seeking committment
00 from the municipality for
12 immediate action
0
80

0
40
0
2003

2004

2006
2005

2007

Picnic Kiosk Site

33
 This site is located 45‛11‛31N This site was brought to the
C
TNT east of the public boat 67‛16‛40W Town‛s attention in 2004. The
launch in downtown St. E. coli numbers are too high
Stephen for primary human contact
with this source but are still
00 under the Canadian Water
16 Quality Guidelines for second-
00 ary human contact.
12

0
80 o 500

0
40 o 261

0
2003

2004

2006
2005

2007

Boat Ramp East

34
 o o o
TC 45‛11‛31N This site was cleaned
TN 067‛16‛45W up by the Town of St.
Stephen, and the
Location: This station is
owners of the building
located behind the Clarke
00 Building on Milltown Blvd.
16

00
12

0
80

0
40
o
78
0
2003

2004

2006
2005

2007

Clarke Building Site

35
 C 45‛11‛30N This site‛s E.coli counts have
T Location: This station is
TN located where the Dennis
067‛15‛31W remained under 100cfu/100mL
for 2 years in a row.
Stream fl ows into
the St. Croix.
00
16

00
12

0
80

0
40 o
110 87
49
o o
0
2003

2004

2006
2005

2007

Dennis Stream Site

36
 o o
C 45°11‛31N This site was brought to the
TNT Location: This station is located 067°16‛43W Municipality‛s attention in 2004.
on the river‛s edge in downtown The E. coli numbers are exces-
St. Stephen in front of Choco- sivley high. The test used to
late Park measure the E.coli/100mL will
6 00 measure up to 2419.6cfu/100mL.
1
Under the Canadian Water Qual-
00 ity Guidelines for primary human
12
contact E.coli must be under
100cfu/100mL, for second-
0
80 ary human contact the limit is
400cfu/100mL. This site exceeds
0
40 2419.6cfu/100mL and is consid-
ered dangerous.
0
2003

2004

2006
2005

2007

Chocolate Park Site

37
 TC 45°11‛27N This site was brought to the
TN Location: This station is 067°15‛54W Town‛s attention in 2004. The
located at the southwest E. coli numbers are too high for
corner of the seniors primary human contact with this
00 complex parking lot source but are still under the
16 Canadian Water Quality Guidelines
for secondary human contact.
00
12

0
80

0
40 310
o o
296

0
2003

2004

2006
2005

2007

Seniors Complex Site

38
 o o
C 45°11‛33N This site was brought to the Mu-
T
TN Location of this site is 067°17‛187W nicipality‛s attention in 2004. The
the end of Buchanan E. coli numbers are excessivley
Street , on the river- high. The test used to measure
front of downtown St the E.coli/100mL will measure up
00 Stephen to 2419.6cfu/100mL. Under the
16
Canadian Water Quality Guide-
00 lines for primary human contact
12
E.coli must be under 100cfu/
0 100mL, for secondary human con-
80 tact the limit is 400cfu/100mL.
This site exceeds 2419.6cfu/
0
40 100mL and is considered danger-
ous.
0
2003

2004

2006
2005

2007

Buchanan Street Site

39
 N 45 11 31 This site‛s E.coli counts have
C This station is lo-
TNT W 67 17 26 remained under 100cfu/100mL
cated close to the
since the monitoring program
Gateway Cathedral
started. Total coliforms have
inside Town of St.
continuously been too numerous
Stephen limits
00 to count
16

00
12

0
80

0
40
o o o47
0
2003

2004

2006
2005

2007

40
 Three years out of four, this
TC Location: This station is
TN site‛s E.coli counts have re-
located at the beach by mained under the Canadian
the Oak Bay Campground. Water Quality Guidelines for
primary human contact, 100cfu/
00 100mL. In 2006, there were
16
elevated E.coli levels, but even
00 then the levels remained under
12 the level for for secondary hu-
man contact, 400cfu/100mL
0
80

0
40 320
o
1 19
o
o 1 o
0
2003

2004

2006
2005

2007

Campground Site

41