appendix 90b.2 2014 winter snow survey vehicles, snowmobiles and atvs to minimize the likelihoodthat...

Frontier Oil Sands Mine ProjectIntegrated ApplicationSupplemental Information Request, Round 3

ESRD and CEAA ResponsesAppendix 90b.2: 2014 Winter Snow Survey

October 2014

Appendix 90b.2 2014 Winter Snow Survey

June 2014

TECK RESOURCES LIMITED FRONTIER OIL SANDS MINE PROJECT

2014 Winter Snow Survey

REPO

RT

Report Number: 14-1337-0002

Submitted to:

2014 WINTER SNOW SURVEY

June 2014 Report No. 14-1337-0002 i

Table of Contents

1.0 2014 WINTER SNOW SURVEY ....................................................................................................................................... 2

1.1 Winter Snow Survey Program Overview .............................................................................................................. 2

1.2 Objective .............................................................................................................................................................. 2

2.0 METHODS ........................................................................................................................................................................ 2

2.1 Sample Collection and Analysis........................................................................................................................... 2

2.2 Quality Control ..................................................................................................................................................... 5

3.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ......................................................................................................................................... 5

3.1 Snow Pack Characteristics .................................................................................................................................. 5

3.2 Snow Chemistry ................................................................................................................................................... 6

3.3 Quality Control ................................................................................................................................................... 13

3.4 2012 to 2014 Comparison ................................................................................................................................. 17

4.0 SUMMARY AND CLOSURE .......................................................................................................................................... 22

5.0 REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................................................ 24

TABLES Table 1: Snow Quality Parameters Analyzed in 2014 Winter Survey ......................................................................................... 3

Table 2: Snow Pack Characteristics ........................................................................................................................................... 6

Table 3: 2014 Snow Quality Data ............................................................................................................................................... 8

Table 4: 2014 Duplicate Snow Samples Data .......................................................................................................................... 13

Table 5: 2012 and 2014 Snow Survey Data Summary ............................................................................................................ 18

FIGURES Figure 1: 2014 Winter Snow Survey Sampling Locations .......................................................................................................... 4


June 2014 Report No. 14-1337-0002 2

1.0 2014 WINTER SNOW SURVEY 1.1 Winter Snow Survey Program Overview In 2012, a snow survey pilot project was initiated for Teck Resources Ltd Frontier Oil Sands Mine Project (the Project). The snow survey was part of the 2012 supplemental winter water quality baseline survey to collect winter data to add to the existing baseline database (Teck Energy 2012). The winter survey included collection of snow samples from Redclay Creek, Big Creek and Ronald Lake watersheds. The results of the snow samplings will be used to inform the assessment of atmospheric deposition of metals and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). The 2014 winter snow survey was designed to mimic the 2012 pilot survey, with some adjustments made to incorporate learnings from 2012.

1.2 Objective The objectives of the 2014 winter snow survey were:

to collect additional snow quality data to supplement existing baseline data; and

to support future refinements to modelling of aerially deposited PAHs and metals.

2.0 METHODS 2.1 Sample Collection and Analysis The 2014 winter snow survey was conducted on March 5, 2014. Snow samples were collected from six locations in the Big Creek, Redclay Creek and Ronald Lake watersheds (Figure 1). Sample locations were selected to cover representative sites within the local study area, including samples upstream, downstream and within the footprint of the Project.

The snow samples were collected using an acetate snow corer. The goal of the core sampling was to collect snow samples that represented the complete vertical make-up of the snowpack. Therefore, only complete vertical cores were collected. Samples were collected at least 100 m away from any combustion source such as helicopters, vehicles, snowmobiles and ATVs to minimize the likelihood that samples would be contaminated by the rotor wash or exhaust.

The snow corer was cleaned according to standard protocols the day before the survey started. The snow corer was then wrapped in protective bag and case for transport to the site. At each sampling location, an area of undisturbed snow was chosen. The corer was cleaned prior to sampling by giving it a “snow rinse”. This was done by placing the corer vertically into the nearby snow several times before taking the first sample. After the corer had been “snow rinsed”, samples were collected. Two sets of snow samples were collected at each location: one set for PAH analysis and one set for metals and routine parameters analysis. Each set was collected in a 20 L plastic pail lined with three bags; a nylon bag (outer bag), plastic garbage bag (middle bag), and a flat-bottom Teflon bag (inner bag). In order to collect enough snow at each site to fill the sample containers, multiple snow cores were required. Snow temperature, snow depth and weight of snow sampled were recorded for each snow core.

The samples were shipped to AXYS Analytical Services (AXYS) in Sidney, BC for PAH analysis and to Maxxam Analytics (Maxxam) in Calgary, AB for the remainder of the analyses. The full list of analyzed parameters is presenting in Table 1.

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June 2014 Report No. 14-1337-0002 3

Table 1: Snow Quality Parameters Analyzed in 2014 Winter Survey Group Parameters

Conventional Parameters pH, specific conductivity, hardness, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, total organic carbon, dissolved organic carbon, colour, total alkalinity, as CaCO3, phenolphthalein alkalinity, as CaCO3, total dissolved solids (calculated), turbidity

Major Ions calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, chloride, fluoride, sulphate, sulphide, bicarbonate, as CaCO3, carbonate, as CaCO3, hydroxide, as CaCO3

Nutrients nitrate, nitrate + nitrite, nitrite, total ammonia, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, total nitrogen (calculated), total phosphorus, dissolved phosphorus

Total Metals aluminum, antimony, arsenic, barium, beryllium, bismuth, boron, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, lithium, manganese, mercury, methyl mercury, molybdenum, nickel, selenium, silicon, silver, strontium, thallium, tin, titanium, uranium, vanadium, zinc, zirconium

Dissolved Metals aluminum, antimony, arsenic, barium, beryllium, bismuth, boron, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, lithium, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, selenium, silicon, silver, strontium, sulphur, thallium, tin, titanium, uranium, vanadium, zinc, zirconium

Target and Alkylated PAHs

naphthalene, 1-methylnaphthalene, 2-methylnaphthalene, C2 subst'd naphthalenes, C1 subst'd naphthalenes, C3 subst'd naphthalenes, C4 subst'd naphthalenes, 1,2-dimethylnaphthalene, 1,4,6,7-tetramethylnaphthalene, 2,3,5-trimethylnaphthalene, 2,3,6-trimethylnaphthalene, 2,6-dimethylnaphthalene, acenaphthene, C1 subst'd acenaphthenes, acenaphthylene, anthracene, 2-methylanthracene, dibenzo(a,h)anthracene, benzo(a)anthracene, chrysene, 5/6-methylchrysenes, C1 subst'd chrysene, 5,9-dimethylchrysene, C1 subst'd benzo(a)anthracenes / chrysenes, C2 subst'd benzo(a)anthracenes / chrysenes, C3 subst'd benzo(a)anthracenes / chrysenes, C4 subst'd benzo(a)anthracenes / chrysenes, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(j,k)fluoranthenes, benzo(a)pyrene, 7-methylbenzo[a]pyrene, benzo(e)pyrene, C1 subst'd benzofluoranthenes / benzopyrenes, C2 subst'd benzofluoranthenes / benzopyrenes, benzo(g,h,i)perylene, biphenyl, C1 subst'd biphenyls, C2 subst'd biphenyls, dibenzothiophene, 2/3-methyldibenzothiophenes, C1 subst'd dibenzothiophenes, C2 subst'd dibenzothiophenes, C3 subst'd dibenzothiophenes, C4 subst'd dibenzothiophenes, 2,4-dimethyldibenzothiophene, fluoranthene, 3-methylfluoranthene/benzo[a]fluorine, C1 subst'd fluoranthenes / pyrenes, C2 subst'd fluoranthenes / pyrenes, C3 subst'd fluoranthenes / pyrenes, C4 subst'd fluoranthenes / pyrenes, fluorene, 2-methylfluorene, C1 subst'd fluorenes, C2 subst'd fluorenes, C3 subst'd fluorenes, 1,7-dimethylfluorene, indeno(c,d-123)pyrene, phenanthrene, 1-methylphenanthrene, 2-methylphenanthrene, 3-methylphenanthrene, 9/4-methylphenanthrene, C1 subst'd phenanthrenes / anthracenes, C2 subst'd phenanthrenes / anthracenes, C3 subst'd phenanthrenes / anthracenes, C4 subst'd phenanthrenes / anthracenes, 1,7-dimethylphenanthrene, 1,8-dimethylphenanthrene, 2,6-dimethylphenanthrene, 3,6-dimethylphenanthrene, 1,2,6 trimethylphenanthrene, 1-methyl-7-isopropyl-phenanthrene, perylene, pyrene


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2.2 Quality Control One duplicate snow sample was collected for quality control (QC) purposes during the 2014 winter snow survey. Results of the duplicate sample were used to assess within-site variability and precision of field sampling methods, as described below.

Analysis of a set of equipment blanks was performed prior to the snow collection. One sample of rinse water from the acetate corer and one sample of rinse water from a Teflon bag were analyzed by AXYS and Maxxam. Results from the equipment blanks were less than five times the detection limits, indicating that the sampling equipment was fit for purpose.

Differences between concentrations measured in the duplicate sample were calculated as the relative percent difference (RPD) for each parameter. The RPD was calculated using the following formula:

RPD = (|difference in concentration between duplicate samples|/mean concentration) x 100%

The RPD value for a given parameter was considered notable if:

it was greater than 20%; and

concentrations in at least one sample were greater than or equal to five times the detection limit (DL).

“within-site variability” and “field sampling precision” were rated as:

low and high, respectively, if less than 10% of the parameters included in the duplicate sample analysis were notably different from one another;

moderate if 10% to 30% of the parameters included in the duplicate sample analysis were notably different from one another; or

high and low, respectively, if more than 30% of the parameters included in the duplicate sample analysis were notably different from one another.

These criteria are consistent with those used by analytical laboratories as part of internal QC procedures for duplicate samples.

3.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 3.1 Snow Pack Characteristics The average snow pack depth during the 214 winter survey was 49 cm, with an average density of 0.13 g/cm3. The average snow water equivalence of the snowpack was 6.4 cm. The cumulative total of zero thaw degree days since February 1, suggests that the pack had not started to ripen, which is also confirmed by the recorded snow pack temperatures. The snow pack depth, temperature and density at each station are presented in Table 2.


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Table 2: Snow Pack Characteristics

Sampling Location Average Snow Pack Depth [cm]

Snow Temperature [°C]

Density [g/cm3] Degree Day(a)

BC1 39 -7.8 0.11 0

BC2 45 -15.2 0.12 0

BC3 53 -14.4 0.12 0

RC1 57 -14.9 0.14 0

RC2 51 -15.3 0.14 0

RL1 51 -19.4 0.13 0 (a) Degree Day calculated as of February 1, 2014.

3.2 Snow Chemistry The results of the snow pack chemical analyses are described below, with comparisons to surface water quality guidelines. The snow quality data do not directly represent habitat environments or human or wildlife drinking water; however, chemistry of snow pack will influence the chemistry of surface waters during spring freshet and for that reason the data were compared to water quality guidelines for the protection of freshwater aquatic life, human health and wildlife health (AENV 1999; CCME 1999; Health Canada 2012; U.S. EPA 2002, 2003a, 2003b, 2013).

The snow quality data (Table 3) were generally less than the water quality guidelines; with the following exceptions:

pH was below the acute and chronic guidelines at all locations, which is expected of pure or nearly pure precipitation;

total nitrogen concentrations were above the chronic guideline at BC1, BC2 and RL1;

total phosphorus concentrations were above the chronic guideline at BC1, BC2, RC1 and RL1;

total aluminum concentrations were above the chronic guideline at all locations, and above the human health guideline at BC2, RC1 and RC2;

total cadmium concentrations were above the acute and or chronic guidelines at BC1, RC2 and RL1 and above the chronic guideline at RC1;

total copper concentrations were above the acute guideline at BC1, BC2, RC1, RC2 and RL1 and above the chronic guideline at RC2;

total iron concentrations were above the chronic guideline at RC1 and RC2;

total lead concentrations were above the chronic guideline at all locations, and above the acute guideline at RC1 and RC2;

total nickel concentrations were above the chronic guideline at RC2;

total silver concentrations, or detection limits, were above the acute guideline at all locations;

total zinc concentrations were above the acute guideline at BC1, BC2, RC1, RC2 and RL1;


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the reported detection limits for dibenzo(a,h)anthracene were above the human health guidelines at BC2, RC1 and RL1;

benzo(a)anthracene concentrations were above human health guidelines at BC2, RC1, RC2 and RL1;

chrysene concentrations were above the human health guideline at all locations;

benzo(b)fluoranthene and benzo(a)pyrene concentrations were above human health guidelines at BC2, RC1, RC2 and RL1;

benzo(j,k)fluoranthenes concentrations were above the human health guideline at RL1; and

the reported detection limits for indeno(c,d-123)pyrene were above the human health guideline at BC1 and RC2.

The PAH data presented in Table 3 are not blank-corrected and as a result are reported with sample-specific DLs for each PAH species, which varied among the samples. In order to establish consistent DLs for all of the samples, the data will be blank-corrected. The blank-correction will be completed by calculating a set of DLs for the sampling survey. The blank-corrected DLs will be calculated for each PAH species as two times the standard deviation of a dataset of laboratory blanks analyzed during Golder sampling programs. The blank-corrected DLs will then be applied to the data provided by AXYS, and will likely result in a higher detection limit. In the event that the mean reported DL is greater than the blank-corrected DL, the mean reported DL will be used as the DL for the sampling survey. These methods of blank-correction are consistent with those used by RAMP (2012). Currently, due to insufficient blank data, the data cannot be blank-corrected at this time. For the time being, the values are being stored in Golder’s water quality database as reported by AXYS; and the data will be blank-corrected in future drafts and before using the data in future models.


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Table 3: 2014 Snow Quality Data

Parameter Unit

Guidelines for the Protection of Big Creek Watershed Redclay Creek Watershed Ronald Lake Watershed

Aquatic Life Human Health

Wildlife Health (Livestock)

BC1 BC2 BC3 RC1 RC2 RL1

Acute Chronic 05-Mar-14 05-Mar-14 05-Mar-14 05-Mar14 05-Mar-14 05-Mar-14

Conventional Parameters

pH - 6.5 to 8.5 6.5 to 8.5 5.0 to 9.0 - 5.5(A, C) 5.5(A, C) 5.4(A, C) 5.2(A, C) 5.4(A, C) 5.3(A, C)

Specific Conductivity µS/cm - - - - 5.5 5.9 4.9 4.7 7.1 5.5

Hardness mg/L - - - - 1.2 1.9 1.5 1.4 0.58 1.6

Total dissolved solids mg/L - - - 3,000 20 16 14 10 10 16

Total suspended solids mg/L - - - - 29 42 4.9 87 68 29

Total organic carbon mg/L - - - - 3.6 4.3 4.7 1.7 1.6 1.5

Dissolved organic carbon mg/L - - - - 1.6 2.9 1.5 1.3 1.2 1.6

Colour TCU - - - - 4.0 4.3 5.9 <2.0 4.9 2.3

Total alkalinity, as CaCO3 mg/L - - - - 0.63 0.73 0.55 <0.5 0.58 <0.5

Phenolphthalein alkalinity, as CaCO3 mg/L - - - - <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5

Total dissolved solids (calculated) mg/L - - - - <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10

Turbidity NTU - - - - 12 18 2.7 26 24 10

Major Ions

Calcium mg/L - - - 1,000 0.29 0.56 0.4 0.47 0.17 0.45

Magnesium mg/L - - - - 0.11 0.12 0.12 0.063 0.041 0.11

Potassium mg/L - - - - 0.5 0.36 0.16 0.081 0.16 0.37

Sodium mg/L - - - - 0.22 0.21 0.22 0.24 0.23 0.24

Chloride mg/L 640 120 - - <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0

Fluoride mg/L - 0.12 1.5 2.0 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05

Sulphate mg/L - - - 1,000 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0

Sulphide(a) mg/L - 0.002 - - <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002

Bicarbonate, as CaCO3 mg/L - - - - 0.77 0.89 0.67 <0.5 0.71 <0.5

Carbonate, CaCO3 mg/L - - - - <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5

Hydroxide, as CaCO3 mg/L - - - - <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5

Nutrients and Biological Indicators

Nitrate + nitrite mg-N/L - - - 100 0.17 0.16 0.1 0.18 0.14 0.15

Total ammonia(b) mg-N/L 38 to 39 5.2 - - 0.049 0.0089 0.0075 0.014 0.009 0.0056

Total Kjeldahl nitrogen mg-N/L - - - - 0.91 1.1 0.22 0.62 0.17 1.4

Total nitrogen (calculated) mg-N/L - 1.0 - - 1.1(C) 1.3(C) 0.32 0.8 0.31 1.6(C)

Total phosphorus mg-P/L - 0.05 - - 0.39(C) 0.069(C) 0.031 0.069(C) 0.033 0.063(C)

Dissolved phosphorus mg-P/L - - - - 0.031 0.021 0.003 0.012 0.01 0.052

Nitrate mg-N/L 124 2.9 10 - 0.17 0.16 0.1 0.18 0.14 0.15

Nitrite mg-N/L - 0.06 1.0 10 0.0039 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003


Table 3: 2014 Snow Quality Data (continued)

June 2014 Report No. 14-1337-0002 9

Parameter Unit






Total Metals

Aluminum(a) µg/L 750 5.0 100 5,000 58(C) 114(C, H) 12(C) 557(C, H) 283(C, H) 49(C)

Antimony µg/L - - 5.5 - <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05

Arsenic µg/L 340 5.0 10 25 0.1 0.11 0.042 0.22 0.18 0.076

Barium µg/L - - 1,000 - 6.4 12 2.0 28 16 4.7

Beryllium µg/L - - 4.0 100 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 0.021 0.028 <0.01

Bismuth µg/L - - - - <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02

Boron µg/L 29,000 1,500 5,000 5,000 <20 <20 <20 <20 <20 <20

Cadmium(c) µg/L 0.11 0.04 5.0 80 0.17(A, C) 0.024 0.008 0.045(C) 0.14(A, C) 0.16(A, C)

Chromium µg/L 16 1.0 50 50 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 0.58 <0.5 <0.5

Cobalt µg/L - - - 1,000 0.26 0.15 0.043 0.33 0.36 0.13

Copper(c) µg/L 0.11 - 0.33 2.0 1,300 500 1.3(A) 0.65(A) <0.2 0.91(A) 2.8(A, C) 0.65(A)

Iron µg/L - 300 - - 167 283 41 834(C) 467(C) 106

Lead(c) µg/L 0.12 - 0.52 0.0045 - 0.02 10 100 0.17(C) 0.31(C) 0.068(C) 1.4(A, C) 0.56(A, C) 0.16(C)

Lithium µg/L - - - - <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5

Manganese µg/L - - - - 82 128 46 187 135 15

Mercury µg/L 0.013 0.005 1 3 0.0031 0.0030 0.0016 0.0044 0.0040 0.0025

Methyl Mercury µg/L 0.002 0.001 - - 0.00015 <0.00008 <0.00008 <0.00008 <0.00008 <0.00008

Molybdenum µg/L - 73 - 500 0.056 0.086 0.11 0.11 0.11 0.068

Nickel(c) µg/L 6.0 - 16 0.67 - 1.8 340 1,000 0.89 0.45 0.12 1.1 2.2(C) 0.48

Selenium µg/L - 1.0 10 50 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 0.05 <0.04

Silicon µg/L - - - - <100 166 <100 594 906 <100

Silver(d) µg/L 0.00058 - 0.0044 0.1 - - <0.005(DL>A) <0.005(DL>A) <0.005(DL>A) 0.005(A) 0.017(A) <0.005(DL>A)

Strontium µg/L - - - - 8.1 3.2 0.84 3.1 3.8 3.5

Thallium µg/L - 0.8 0.13 - 0.003 <0.002 0.013 0.015 0.012 0.002

Tin µg/L - - - - <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2

Titanium µg/L - - - - <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 14 6.2 <5.0

Uranium µg/L 33 15 20 200 0.008 0.01 <0.005 0.021 0.03 0.005

Vanadium µg/L - - - 100 0.51 0.54 <0.5 2.3 1.6 <0.5

Zinc(d) µg/L 1.5 - 4.1 30 5,103 50,000 28(A) 8.9(A) 3.4 12(A) 18(A) 12(A)

Zirconium µg/L - - - - <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1

Dissolved Metals

Aluminum µg/L - - - - 3.1 5.3 1.4 11 7.1 2.5

Antimony µg/L - - - - <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02

Arsenic µg/L - - - - 0.023 0.026 <0.02 0.021 0.053 0.022

Barium µg/L - - - - 0.67 2.4 0.69 2.4 0.33 1.2

Beryllium µg/L - - - - <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01



June 2014 Report No. 14-1337-0002 10

Parameter Unit






Bismuth µg/L - - - - <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005

Boron µg/L - - - - <20 <20 <20 <20 <20 <20

Cadmium µg/L - - - - 0.01 <0.005 <0.005 0.006 0.006 0.033

Chromium µg/L - - - - <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1

Cobalt µg/L - - - - 0.054 0.019 0.028 0.021 0.018 0.036

Copper µg/L - - - - 0.15 0.11 0.15 0.11 0.14 0.12

Iron µg/L - - - - 9.7 10 4.6 12 14 5.3

Lead µg/L - - - - 0.016 0.013 0.024 0.01 0.008 0.031

Lithium µg/L - - - - <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5

Manganese µg/L - - - - 43 41 34 38 15 5.9

Mercury µg/L - - - - 0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 0.0007 <0.0005

Molybdenum µg/L - - - - <0.05 <0.05 0.09 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05

Nickel µg/L - - - - 0.19 0.16 0.089 0.082 0.14 0.25

Selenium µg/L - - - - <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04

Silicon µg/L - - - - <100 <100 <100 <100 <100 <100

Silver µg/L - - - - <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005

Strontium µg/L - - - - 1.1 1.8 0.67 1.3 0.33 2.1

Sulphur µg/L - - - - <600 <600 <600 <600 <600 <600

Thallium µg/L - - - - <0.002 <0.002 0.009 <0.002 0.009 <0.002

Tin µg/L - - - - <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2

Titanium µg/L - - - - <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5

Uranium µg/L - - - - <0.002 0.002 <0.002 <0.002 0.002 <0.002

Vanadium µg/L - - - - <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2

Zinc µg/L - - - - 3.0 1.5 0.8 2.0 0.94 3.0

Zirconium µg/L - - - - <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1

Target PAHs and Alkylated PAHs Naphthalene µg/L - 1.1 - - 0.0088 NQ NQ NQ NQ 0.01

1-methylnaphthalene µg/L - - - - 0.0021 NQ 0.0012 NQ NQ 0.0038

2-methylnaphthalene µg/L - - - - 0.0034 NQ 0.0023 NQ NQ 0.0063

C1 subst'd naphthalenes µg/L - - - - 0.0055 NQ 0.0035 NQ NQ 0.01

C2 subst'd naphthalenes µg/L - - - - 0.011 NQ 0.004 NQ 0.037 0.022

C3 subst'd naphthalenes µg/L - - - - 0.0035 NQ 0.0038 NQ 0.04 0.02

C4 subst'd naphthalenes µg/L - - - - 0.011 NQ 0.0044 NQ 0.046 <0.036

1,2-dimethylnaphthalene µg/L - - - - <0.0042 NQ <0.00033 NQ <0.0029 <0.0013

1,4,6,7-tetramethylnaphthalene µg/L - - - - <0.0023 NQ <0.00026 NQ <0.002 <0.001

2,3,5-trimethylnaphthalene µg/L - - - - <0.0022 NQ <0.00076 NQ <0.0076 <0.0044

2,3,6-trimethylnaphthalene µg/L - - - - <0.0022 NQ <0.0013 NQ 0.006 0.0051

2,6-dimethylnaphthalene µg/L - - - - <0.0034 NQ <0.00062 NQ 0.0047 <0.0027



June 2014 Report No. 14-1337-0002 11

Parameter Unit






Acenaphthene µg/L - 5.8 326 - <0.0016 <0.00046 <0.000094 <0.00033 0.00058 0.00043

C1 subst'd acenaphthenes µg/L - - - - <0.00045 <0.00023 <0.00017 <0.00048 <0.00027 <0.00016

Acenaphthylene µg/L - - - - <0.0011 0.00029 <0.00011 <0.00073 0.00046 <0.0003

Anthracene µg/L - 0.012 6,269 - <0.00087 0.0025 0.00043 0.0022 0.0018 0.0023

2-methylanthracene µg/L - - - - <0.00054 0.003 0.0006 0.0025 0.0018 0.0026

Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene µg/L - - 0.0028 - <0.0027 <0.0051(DL>H) <0.0011 <0.0062(DL>H) <0.0025 <0.0034(DL>H)

Benzo(a)anthracene µg/L - 0.018 0.0028 - <0.0025 0.0087(H) 0.0017 0.0075(H) 0.0057(H) 0.0089(H)

Chrysene µg/L - - 0.0028 - 0.005(H) 0.019(H) 0.0035(H) 0.016(H) 0.017(H) 0.021(H)

5/6-methylchrysenes µg/L - - - - 0.00067 0.0022 0.00034 0.0017 0.0017 0.0026

C1 subst'd chrysene µg/L - - - - 0.00097 0.0056 0.00088 0.0051 0.0049 0.0059

5,9-dimethylchrysene µg/L - - - - 0.0029 0.0096 0.0015 0.0094 0.0047 0.0084

C1 subst'd benzo(a)anthracenes/chrysenes µg/L - - - - 0.011 0.05 0.0085 0.041 0.034 0.053

C2 subst'd benzo(a)anthracenes chrysenes µg/L - - - - 0.0096 0.037 0.0055 0.036 0.024 0.036

C3 subst'd benzo(a)anthracenes/chrysenes µg/L - - - - 0.0025 0.0053 0.00046 0.028 0.0049 0.0076

C4 subst'd benzo(a)anthracenes/chrysenes µg/L - - - - 0.0019 0.0018 <0.00017 0.0035 0.0023 0.0066

Benzo(b)fluoranthene µg/L - - 0.0028 - <0.0016 0.0051(H) 0.00078 0.0071(H) 0.0041(H) 0.0069(H)

Benzo(j,k)fluoranthenes µg/L - - 0.0028 - <0.00069 0.0023 0.00056 0.0028 0.0028 0.003(H)

Benzo(a)pyrene µg/L - 0.015 0.0028 - <0.002 0.0094(H) 0.0018 0.0087(H) 0.006(H) 0.0087(H)

7-methylbenzo[a]pyrene µg/L - - - - <0.0015 0.0029 0.00076 0.0029 0.0027 0.0024

Benzo(e)pyrene µg/L - - - - <0.0024 0.0098 0.0018 0.0089 0.0071 0.01

C1 subst'd benzofluoranthenes/benzopyrenes µg/L - - - - 0.0034 0.054 0.01 0.045 0.042 0.083

C2 subst'd benzofluoranthenes/benzopyrenes µg/L - - - - 0.001 0.041 0.0086 0.051 0.028 0.037

Benzo(g,h,i)perylene µg/L - - - - <0.00087 0.0061 0.0012 0.0053 0.0045 0.0059

Biphenyl µg/L - - - - <0.0027 0.0071 0.00083 0.0066 0.016 0.0023

C1 subst'd biphenyls µg/L - - - - 0.003 0.0041 0.0014 0.0055 0.0056 0.0028

C2 subst'd biphenyls µg/L - - - - 0.011 0.01 0.0039 0.013 0.011 0.0058

Dibenzothiophene µg/L - - - - 0.0026 0.0072 0.0013 0.0065 <0.0073 0.0083

2/3-methyldibenzothiophenes µg/L - - - - 0.0027 0.012 0.0017 0.0093 0.0064 0.014

C1 subst'd dibenzothiophenes µg/L - - - - 0.0081 0.031 0.0046 0.025 0.019 0.038




2,4-dimethyldibenzothiophene µg/L - - - - <0.0011 <0.0039 <0.00065 <0.0043 <0.0025 <0.0039

Fluoranthene µg/L - 0.04 52 - 0.0021 0.0043 0.001 0.0068 0.005 0.0061

3-methylfluoranthene/benzo[a]fluorene µg/L - - - - <0.0024 0.011 0.0022 <0.017 0.0097 0.011

C1 subst'd fluoranthenes/pyrenes µg/L - - - - 0.011 0.038 0.0072 0.043 0.027 0.033

C2 subst'd fluoranthenes/pyrenes µg/L - - - - 0.011 0.051 0.0093 0.05 0.049 0.041



June 2014 Report No. 14-1337-0002 12

Parameter Unit






C3 subst'd fluoranthenes pyrenes µg/L - - - - 0.0039 0.036 0.0051 0.044 0.039 0.032

C4 subst'd fluoranthenes pyrenes µg/L - - - - 0.0017 0.028 0.0058 0.038 0.036 0.022

Fluorene µg/L - 3.0 836 - <0.00067 <0.0016 0.00036 <0.0022 <0.0029 <0.0023

2-methylfluorene µg/L - - - - <0.0035 <0.0034 <0.00071 <0.0046 <0.0037 <0.0044

C1 subst'd fluorenes µg/L - - - - 0.0067 0.01 0.0022 0.013 0.012 0.012



1,7-dimethylfluorene µg/L - - - - <0.0014 0.00099 <0.00018 <0.0023 <0.0024 <0.0012

Indeno(c,d-123)pyrene µg/L - - 0.0028 - <0.0057(DL>H) 0.0021 <0.00063 <0.0024 <0.0031(DL>H) <0.0023

Phenanthrene µg/L - 0.4 - - 0.0063 0.018 0.0026 0.021 0.018 0.022

1-methylphenanthrene µg/L - - - - <0.0027 0.0077 0.00087 0.01 0.0081 0.0084

2-methylphenanthrene µg/L - - - - 0.0035 0.013 0.002 0.011 0.011 0.015

3-methylphenanthrene µg/L - - - - 0.002 0.0073 0.0011 0.0068 0.0064 0.0087

9/4-methylphenanthrene µg/L - - - - 0.002 0.0061 0.00085 0.0066 0.0058 0.0073

C1 subst'd phenanthrenes/anthracenes µg/L - - - - 0.0075 0.037 0.0055 0.038 0.033 0.042




1,7-dimethylphenanthrene µg/L - - - - <0.0014 0.0061 0.00065 <0.023 0.0061 0.0055

1,8-dimethylphenanthrene µg/L - - - - <0.00039 0.0011 <0.000098 0.0011 0.0012 0.00076

2,6-dimethylphenanthrene µg/L - - - - <0.0011 <0.0026 <0.00043 <0.0025 0.0019 0.0027

3,6-dimethylphenanthrene µg/L - - - - <0.00045 <0.0018 <0.00026 <0.0018 <0.0014 <0.0022

1,2,6-trimethylphenanthrene µg/L - - - - <0.00048 0.0016 <0.000074 0.0022 <0.00036 <0.00084

1-methyl-7-isopropyl-phenanthrene (retene) µg/L - - - - 0.0024 0.016 0.00056 0.29 0.025 0.0058

Perylene µg/L - - - - <0.00079 0.00069 <0.00017 0.00069 0.0004 0.00073

Pyrene µg/L - 0.025 627 - 0.0024 0.0076 0.0015 0.0086 0.0061 0.0078

Bolded Concentrations are higher than relevant water quality guidelines. - = No guideline or data. NQ = Data not quantifiable. (A) = Concentration higher than the relevant acute aquatic life guideline or beyond the recommended pH or DO concentration range. (C) = Concentration higher than the relevant chronic aquatic life guideline or beyond the recommended pH or DO concentration range. (H) = Concentration higher than the relevant human health guideline or beyond the recommended pH or DO concentration range. (DL>A) = Analytical detection limit was higher than the relevant acute aquatic life guideline. (DL>H) = Analytical detection limit was higher than the relevant human health guideline. (a) Chronic guideline is pH dependant. (b) Guidelines are pH and temperature dependant, sample specific guidelines are applied to each sample. (c) Guidelines are hardness dependant, sample specific guidelines are applied to each sample. (d) Acute guideline is hardness dependant, thus the range is presented, sample specific guidelines are applied to each sample. Water quality data and guidelines shown in this table were rounded to reflect laboratory or field instrument precision after comparisons to guidelines. Therefore, values slightly above guidelines may be displayed as being equal to the guidelines and identified as exceedances. Measured concentrations equal to the guideline values were not identified as exceedances.


June 2014 Report No. 14-1337-0002 13

3.3 Quality Control The results of the duplicate sample analysis (Table 3) suggest that the within-site variability was high and field sampling precision was low, as 42% of the analyzed parameters had an RPD that was greater than 20%. The total metals and PAH results had the most parameters with a notable RPD; 46% and 57%, respectively, of the parameters had a RPD greater than 20%.

Table 4: 2014 Duplicate Snow Samples Data

Parameter Unit Sample 1 Sample 2 Relative Percent Difference (RPD)

Conventional Parameters

pH - 5.2 5.08 2%

Specific Conductivity µS/cm 4.7 4.8 -

Hardness mg/L 1.44 1.11 -

Total dissolved solids mg/L 10 20 -

Total suspended solids mg/L 87 42 70%

Total organic carbon mg/L 1.7 1.4 -

Dissolved organic carbon mg/L 1.3 1.1 -

Colour TCU <2 <2 -

Total alkalinity, as CaCO3 mg/L <0.5 <0.5 -

Phenolphthalein alkalinity, as CaCO3 mg/L <0.5 <0.5 -

Total dissolved solids (calculated) mg/L <10 <10 -

Turbidity NTU 26 17 42%

Major Ions

Calcium mg/L 0.472 0.342 32%

Magnesium mg/L 0.063 0.063 0%

Potassium mg/L 0.081 0.081 0%

Sodium mg/L 0.238 0.22 8%

Chloride mg/L <1 <1 -

Fluoride mg/L <0.05 <0.05 -

Sulphate mg/L <1 <1 -

Sulphide mg/L <0.002 <0.002 -

Bicarbonate, as CaCO3 mg/L <0.5 <0.5 -

Carbonate, as CaCO3 mg/L <0.5 <0.5 -

Hydroxide, as CaCO3 mg/L <0.5 <0.5 -


Nitrate + nitrite mg-N/L 0.18 0.18 0%

Total ammonia mg-N/L 0.014 0.012 -

Total Kjeldahl nitrogen mg-N/L 0.62 1.2 64%

Total nitrogen (calculated) mg-N/L 0.8 1.38 53%

Total phosphorus mg-P/L 0.069 0.042 49%

Dissolved phosphorus mg-P/L 0.012 0.01 18%

Nitrate mg-N/L 0.18 0.18 0%

Nitrite mg-N/L <0.003 <0.003 -


Table 4: 2014 Duplicate Snow Samples Data (continued)

June 2014 Report No. 14-1337-0002 14


Total Metals

Aluminum µg/L 557 232 82%

Antimony µg/L <0.05 <0.05 -

Arsenic µg/L 0.215 0.128 51%

Barium µg/L 28.4 14.5 65%

Beryllium µg/L 0.021 0.013 -

Bismuth µg/L <0.02 <0.02 -

Boron µg/L <20 <20 -

Cadmium µg/L 0.045 0.027 50%

Chromium µg/L 0.58 <0.5 -

Cobalt µg/L 0.331 0.156 72%

Copper µg/L 0.91 0.41 -

Iron µg/L 834 365 78%

Lead µg/L 1.41 0.67 71%

Lithium µg/L <0.5 <0.5 -

Manganese µg/L 187 120 44%

Mercury µg/L 0.0044 0.0037 18%

Methyl Mercury µg/L <0.00008 <0.00008 -

Molybdenum µg/L 0.11 0.074 -

Nickel µg/L 1.12 0.54 70%

Selenium µg/L <0.04 <0.04 -

Silicon µg/L 594 273 74%

Silver µg/L 0.005 0.005 -

Strontium µg/L 3.09 1.7 58%

Thallium µg/L 0.015 0.008 61%

Tin µg/L <0.2 <0.2 -

Titanium µg/L 13.7 6.6 -

Uranium µg/L 0.021 0.016 -

Vanadium µg/L 2.27 1.19 -

Zinc µg/L 11.6 7.3 46%

Zirconium µg/L <0.1 <0.1 -

Dissolved Metals Aluminum µg/L 11.2 4.53 85%

Antimony µg/L <0.02 <0.02 -

Arsenic µg/L 0.021 <0.02 -

Barium µg/L 2.42 1.86 26%

Beryllium µg/L <0.01 <0.01 -

Bismuth µg/L <0.005 <0.005 -

Boron µg/L <20 <20 -

Cadmium µg/L 0.006 <0.005 -

Chromium µg/L <0.1 <0.1 -



June 2014 Report No. 14-1337-0002 15


Cobalt µg/L 0.021 0.012 -

Copper µg/L 0.112 0.059 -

Iron µg/L 12.2 6.2 65%

Lead µg/L 0.01 0.006 -

Lithium µg/L <0.5 <0.5 -

Manganese µg/L 37.5 25.4 38%

Mercury µg/L <0.0005 <0.0005 -

Molybdenum µg/L <0.05 <0.05 -

Nickel µg/L 0.082 0.177 73%

Selenium µg/L <0.04 <0.04 -

Silicon µg/L <100 <100 -

Silver µg/L <0.005 <0.005 -

Strontium µg/L 1.31 0.936 33%

Sulphur µg/L <600 <600 -

Thallium µg/L <0.002 <0.002 -

Tin µg/L <0.2 <0.2 -

Titanium µg/L <0.5 <0.5 -

Uranium µg/L <0.002 <0.002 -

Vanadium µg/L <0.2 <0.2 -

Zinc µg/L 1.97 1.07 59%

Zirconium µg/L <0.0001 <0.1 -

Target PAHs and Alkylated PAHs

Naphthalene µg/L NQ NQ -

1-methylnaphthalene µg/L NQ NQ -

2-methylnaphthalene µg/L NQ NQ -

C1 subst'd naphthalenes µg/L NQ NQ -

C2 subst'd naphthalenes µg/L NQ 0.0128 -



1,2-dimethylnaphthalene µg/L NQ <0.00066 -

1,4,6,7-tetramethylnaphthalene µg/L NQ <0.00102 -

2,3,5-trimethylnaphthalene µg/L NQ <0.00274 -

2,3,6-trimethylnaphthalene µg/L NQ 0.00304 -

2,6-dimethylnaphthalene µg/L NQ 0.0027 -

Acenaphthene µg/L <0.00033 <0.00031 -

C1 subst'd acenaphthenes µg/L <0.00048 <0.0002 -

Acenaphthylene µg/L <0.00073 <0.0002 -

Anthracene µg/L 0.0022 0.00175 23%

2-methylanthracene µg/L 0.0025 0.0019 27%

Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene µg/L <0.00623 <0.00446 -

Benzo(a)anthracene µg/L 0.00749 0.00588 24%



June 2014 Report No. 14-1337-0002 16


Chrysene µg/L 0.0162 0.0135 18%

5/6-methylchrysenes µg/L 0.00171 0.00169 1%

C1 subst'd chrysene µg/L 0.0051 0.00361 34%

5,9-dimethylchrysene µg/L 0.00943 0.00863 9%

C1 subst'd benzo(a)anthracenes / chrysenes µg/L 0.041 0.0331 21%




Benzo(b)fluoranthene µg/L 0.00713 0.00405 55%

Benzo(j,k)fluoranthenes µg/L 0.00275 0.00168 48%

Benzo(a)pyrene µg/L 0.00868 0.00672 25%

7-methylbenzo[a]pyrene µg/L 0.00286 0.00208 32%

Benzo(e)pyrene µg/L 0.00891 0.00663 29%

C1 subst'd benzofluoranthenes / benzopyrenes µg/L 0.0447 0.035 24%

C2 subst'd benzofluoranthenes / benzopyrenes µg/L 0.0506 0.0413 20%

Benzo(g,h,i)perylene µg/L 0.00525 0.00389 30%

Biphenyl µg/L 0.00662 0.00275 83%

C1 subst'd biphenyls µg/L 0.00552 0.00452 20%

C2 subst'd biphenyls µg/L 0.0134 0.00935 36%

Dibenzothiophene µg/L 0.00649 0.00568 13%

2/3-methyldibenzothiophenes µg/L 0.00927 0.0087 6%

C1 subst'd dibenzothiophenes µg/L 0.0248 0.0233 6%




2,4-dimethyldibenzothiophene µg/L <0.00426 <0.00254 -

Fluoranthene µg/L 0.00679 0.00332 69%

3-methylfluoranthene/benzo[a]fluorene µg/L <0.0174 0.00778 76%

C1 subst'd fluoranthenes / pyrenes µg/L 0.0425 0.0257 49%




Fluorene µg/L <0.00217 <0.00144 -

2-methylfluorene µg/L <0.00456 <0.00246 -

C1 subst'd fluorenes µg/L 0.0125 0.00864 37%



1,7-dimethylfluorene µg/L <0.00233 0.000823 -

Indeno(c,d-123)pyrene µg/L <0.00236 <0.00145 -

Phenanthrene µg/L 0.0207 0.0132 44%

1-methylphenanthrene µg/L 0.0103 0.00526 65%



June 2014 Report No. 14-1337-0002 17




9/4-methylphenanthrene µg/L 0.00664 0.00448 39%

C1 subst'd phenanthrenes / anthracenes µg/L 0.0376 0.026 36%




1,7-dimethylphenanthrene µg/L <0.0227 <0.00423 -

1,8-dimethylphenanthrene µg/L 0.00106 0.000553 63%



1,2,6-trimethylphenanthrene µg/L 0.0022 0.00081 92%

1-methyl-7-isopropyl-phenanthrene (retene) µg/L 0.292 0.0118 184%

Perylene µg/L 0.000688 0.000544 -

Pyrene µg/L 0.00858 0.00517 50%

Bolded Relative Percent Differences are notably different (i.e., greater than 20%). - = Relative Percent Difference Not Calculable because concentrations in both samples are less than five times the respective detection limits. NQ = Data not quantifiable.

3.4 2012 to 2014 Comparison The data from the 2014 winter snow survey was compared to the 2012 survey (Table 4). Average concentrations of most conventional parameters and major ions were lower in the 2014 samples than in the 2012 samples. The average concentrations of nitrate, nitrite and nitrate & nitrite were similar in both survey years. The concentrations of total and dissolved metals varied from 2012 to 2014; however, the difference in average concentrations, and the range of concentrations, was generally less than an order of magnitude.

In the 2012 snow survey, the samples collected for PAH analysis were sent to Maxxam, and all results were reported below DL. In 2014, PAH analysis was performed by AXYS with much lower detection limits, therefore the data from 2012 could not be directly compared to the 2014 data and are not presented.


June 2014 Report No. 14-1337-0002 18

Table 5: 2012 and 2014 Snow Survey Data Summary

Parameter Unit 2012 Snow Survey 2014 Snow Survey

Mean Min Max Count Mean Min Max Count

Conventional Parameters pH - 6.6 6.2 7.3 4 5.3 5.1 5.5 7

Specific Conductivity µS/cm 21 13 32 4 5.5 4.7 7.1 7

Hardness mg/L 7.4 4.2 14 4 1.3 0.58 1.9 7

Total dissolved solids mg/L 20 10 30 4 15 10 20 7

Total suspended solids mg/L 73 16 190 4 43 4.9 87 7

Total organic carbon mg/L - - - 0 2.7 1.4 4.7 7

Dissolved organic carbon mg/L - - - 0 1.6 1.1 2.9 7

Colour TCU - - - 0 3.3 <2.0 5.9 7

Total alkalinity, as CaCO3 mg/L 6.2 2.1 13 4 0.46 <0.5 0.73 7

Phenolphthalein alkalinity, as CaCO3 mg/L - - - 0 0.25 <0.5 <0.5 7

Total dissolved solids (calculated) mg/L - - - 0 5 <10 <10 7

Turbidity NTU 5.6 2.3 11 4 16 2.7 26 7

Major Ions

Calcium mg/L 2.1 0.41 3.7 4 0.38 0.17 0.56 7

Magnesium mg/L 0.39 0.096 0.68 4 0.088 0.041 0.12 7

Potassium mg/L 0.95 0.21 2 4 0.24 0.081 0.5 7

Sodium mg/L 0.96 0.87 1.1 4 0.23 0.21 0.24 7

Chloride mg/L 0.93 <1.0 1.4 4 0.5 <1.0 <1.0 7

Fluoride mg/L - - - 0 0.025 <0.05 <0.05 7

Sulphate mg/L 1.1 <1.0 2.1 4 0.5 <1.0 <1.0 7

Sulphide mg/L - - - 0 0.001 <0.002 <0.002 7

Bicarbonate, as CaCO3 mg/L 7.6 2.6 16 4 0.54 <0.5 0.89 7

Carbonate, as CaCO3 mg/L 0.25 <0.5 <0.5 4 0.25 <0.5 <0.5 7

Hydroxide, as CaCO3 mg/L 0.25 <0.5 <0.5 4 0.25 <0.5 <0.5 7



Table 5: 2012 and 2014 Snow Survey Data Summary (continued)

June 2014 Report No. 14-1337-0002 19



Nitrate + nitrite mg-N/L 0.17 0.15 0.21 4 0.15 0.1 0.18 7

Total ammonia mg-N/L - - - 0 0.015 0.0056 0.049 7

Total Kjeldahl nitrogen mg-N/L - - - 0 0.8 0.17 1.4 7

Total nitrogen (calculated) mg-N/L - - - 0 0.96 0.31 1.6 7

Total phosphorus mg-P/L - - - 0 0.099 0.031 0.39 7

Dissolved phosphorus mg-P/L - - - 0 0.020 0.003 0.052 7

Nitrate mg-N/L 0.17 0.15 0.2 4 0.15 0.1 0.18 7

Nitrite mg-N/L 0.0026 <0.003 0.006 4 0.0019 <0.003 0.0039 7

Total Metals Aluminum µg/L 68 29 152 4 186 12 557 7

Antimony µg/L 0.029 <0.02 0.067 4 0.025 <0.05 <0.05 7

Arsenic µg/L 0.27 <0.02 0.93 4 0.12 0.042 0.22 7

Barium µg/L 19 5 52 4 12 2 28 7

Beryllium µg/L 0.012 <0.01 0.033 4 0.011 <0.01 0.028 7

Bismuth µg/L 0.008 <0.005 0.018 4 0.01 <0.02 <0.02 7

Boron µg/L 25 <50 <50 4 10 <20 <20 7

Cadmium µg/L 0.082 0.023 0.18 4 0.083 0.008 0.17 7

Chromium µg/L 0.3 0.22 0.42 4 0.3 <0.5 0.58 7

Cobalt µg/L 0.32 0.075 0.73 4 0.2 0.043 0.36 7

Copper µg/L 1.3 0.47 1.8 4 0.96 <0.2 2.8 7

Iron µg/L 407 152 1,050 4 323 41 834 7

Lead µg/L 0.74 0.41 1.2 4 0.48 0.068 1.4 7

Lithium µg/L 0.67 <0.5 0.91 4 0.25 <0.5 <0.5 7

Manganese µg/L 69 14 147 4 102 15 187 7

Mercury µg/L 0.017 0.0051 0.049 4 0.0031 0.0016 0.0044 7

Methyl mercury µg/L - - - 0 0.000056 <0.00008 0.00015 7

Molybdenum µg/L 0.16 0.12 0.23 4 0.088 0.056 0.11 7



June 2014 Report No. 14-1337-0002 20



Nickel µg/L 1.6 0.48 2.9 4 0.83 0.12 2.2 7

Selenium µg/L 0.035 <0.04 0.079 4 0.025 <0.04 0.05 7

Silicon µg/L 210 <100 400 4 298 <100 906 7

Silver µg/L 0.0025 <0.005 <0.005 4 0.0052 <0.005 0.017 7

Strontium µg/L 7.4 4.4 11 4 3.5 0.84 8.1 7

Thallium µg/L 0.0094 <0.002 0.028 4 0.0078 <0.002 0.015 7

Tin µg/L 0.93 <0.2 2.1 4 0.1 <0.2 <0.2 7

Titanium µg/L 2 0.83 4.1 4 5.2 <5.0 14 7

Uranium µg/L 0.061 0.0091 0.2 4 0.013 <0.005 0.03 7

Vanadium µg/L 0.35 <0.2 0.95 4 0.94 <0.5 2.3 7

Zinc µg/L 14 3.5 27 4 13 3.4 28 7

Zirconium µg/L 0.068 <0.1 0.12 4 0.05 <0.1 <0.1 7

Dissolved Metals

Aluminum µg/L 15 9.4 23 4 5 1.4 11 7

Antimony µg/L 0.01 <0.02 <0.02 4 0.01 <0.02 <0.02 7

Arsenic µg/L 0.02 <0.02 0.05 4 0.023 <0.02 0.053 7

Barium µg/L 4.9 1.1 9.8 4 1.4 0.33 2.4 7

Beryllium µg/L 0.0083 <0.01 0.018 4 0.005 <0.01 <0.01 7

Bismuth µg/L 0.0025 <0.005 <0.005 4 0.0025 <0.005 <0.005 7

Boron µg/L 25 <50 <50 4 10 <20 <20 7

Cadmium µg/L 0.022 0.0051 0.058 4 0.0090 <0.005 0.033 7

Chromium µg/L 0.098 <0.1 0.17 4 0.05 <0.1 <0.1 7

Cobalt µg/L 0.19 0.018 0.66 4 0.027 0.012 0.054 7

Copper µg/L 0.52 0.3 0.93 4 0.12 0.059 0.15 7

Iron µg/L 18 8.2 24 4 8.8 4.6 14 7

Lead µg/L 0.06 0.02 0.099 4 0.016 0.006 0.031 7

Lithium µg/L 0.25 <0.5 <0.5 4 0.25 <0.5 <0.5 7



June 2014 Report No. 14-1337-0002 21



Manganese µg/L 18 5.5 44 4 29 5.9 43 7

Mercury µg/L 0.0013 <0.002 0.0022 4 0.00035 <0.0005 0.00065 7

Molybdenum µg/L 0.13 0.063 0.23 4 0.035 <0.05 0.09 7

Nickel µg/L 0.69 0.14 2 4 0.16 0.082 0.25 7

Selenium µg/L 0.02 <0.04 <0.04 4 0.02 <0.04 <0.04 7

Silicon µg/L 108 <100 280 4 50 <100 <100 7

Silver µg/L 0.0025 <0.005 <0.005 4 0.0025 <0.005 <0.005 7

Strontium µg/L 6.5 1.3 13 4 1.2 0.33 2.1 7

Sulphur µg/L 5,000 <10,000 <10,000 4 300 <600 <600 7

Thallium µg/L 0.005 <0.002 0.017 4 0.0032 <0.002 0.009 7

Tin µg/L 0.32 <0.2 0.61 4 0.1 <0.2 <0.2 7

Titanium µg/L 0.33 <0.5 0.58 4 0.25 <0.5 <0.5 7

Uranium µg/L 0.012 0.0042 0.03 4 0.0012 <0.002 0.002 7

Vanadium µg/L 0.14 <0.2 0.27 4 0.1 <0.2 <0.2 7

Zinc µg/L 4.9 2.2 6.2 4 1.8 0.8 3 7

Zirconium µg/L 0.05 <0.1 <0.1 4 0.05 <0.1 <0.1 7 - = Data not available.


June 2014 Report No. 14-1337-0002 22

4.0 SUMMARY AND CLOSURE The data collected during the 2014 winter snow survey has provided information on the 2014 snow pack physical characteristics and chemical composition. The snow pack had not started to ripen at the time of the survey and had a snow water equivalence of 6.4 cm. The majority of the chemical constituents within the snow pack at all sampling locations were less than the corresponding surface water guidelines for the protection of freshwater aquatic life, human health and wildlife health. Exceptions were pH, total nitrogen, phosphorus, aluminum, cadmium, copper, iron, lead, nickel, silver, zinc as described in Section 3.2. Also, concentrations or detection limits (not yet blank-corrected), of the following PAHs were above the human health guideline at two or more sampling locations: dibenzo(a,h)anthracene, benzo(a)anthracene, chrysene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(j,k)fluoranthenes, benzo(a)pyrene, and indeno(c,d-123)pyrene. These data will be used to supplement existing baseline data and support future refinements to modelling of aerially deposited PAHs and metals.


June 2014 Report No. 14-1337-0002 23

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Scott McKenzie, M.Sc., P.Biol. Jerry Vandenberg Principal, Aquatics Division Director Associate, Senior Environmental Chemist

Golder, Golder Associates and the GA globe design are trademarks of Golder Associates Corporation.

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ORIGINAL SIGNED BY ORIGINAL SIGNED BY


June 2014 Report No. 14-1337-0002 24

5.0 REFERENCES AENV (Alberta Environment). 1999. Surface Water Quality Guidelines for Use in Alberta. November 1999. Environmental Service, Environmental Sciences Division. Edmonton, AB.

CCME (Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment). 1999. Canadian Environmental Quality Guidelines. 1999 with updates to 2014. Winnipeg, MB.

Health Canada. 2012. Summary of Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. Prepared by the Federal-Provincial Subcommittee on Drinking Water of the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Committee on Environmental and Occupational Health.

Richardson, G.M. 1997. Compendium of Canadian Human Exposure Factors for Risk Assessment. O’Connor Associates Environmental Inc.

U.S. EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency). 2002. National Recommended Water Quality Criteria – Correction. April 1999. Updated in 2002. Office of Water. Washington, D.C. U.S. EPA 822-Z-99-001.

U.S. EPA. 2003a. National Recommended Water Quality Criteria for the Protection of Human Health. Notice of Availability. Federal Register: December 31, 2003, Vol. 68, No. 250. P. 75505-75515.

U.S. EPA. 2003b. National Primary Drinking Water Standards. Office of Water (4606M). EPA-816-F-03-016.

U.S. EPA. 2013. Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013. Office of Water (4304T), Washington, D.C. EPA-822-R-13-001.

Golder Associates Ltd. 102, 2535 - 3rd Avenue S.E. Calgary, Alberta, T2A 7W5 Canada T: +1 (403) 299 5600

appendix 90b.2 2014 winter snow survey vehicles, snowmobiles and atvs to minimize the likelihoodthat...

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