Transcript Slide 1
Keeping the Course to Delisting Niagara River RAP Implementers Workshop April 10, 2013 The RAP Process AOC Designation Stage 1Define the problems Stage 2Develop and implement the action plan Stage 3- Complete actions and monitor for recovery DELIST Water Quality Problems: Beneficial Use Impairments GLWQA identifies 14 beneficial use impairments (BUI) linked to degraded water quality BUIs are a common language for GLs All RAPs select from same list of 14 BUIs to describe problems RAP must address each BUI to delist 14 Beneficial Use Impairments Restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption Tainting of fish and wildlife flavour Degradation of fish and wildlife populations Fish tumours or other deformities Bird or animal deformities or reproduction problems Degradation of benthos Restrictions on dredging activities Eutrophication or undesirable algae Restrictions on drinking water consumption or taste or odour problems Beach closings Degradation of aesthetics Added costs to agriculture or industry Degradation of phyto/zoo plankton populations Loss of fish and wildlife habitat Restrictions on Fish Consumption MOE Study on Niagara R – still consumption advisories (Hg, PCB, DDT) Review of data for Welland R watershed expected 2013 NRRAP must demonstrate that there are no Canadian sources for ongoing impairment in Niagara River 2008 Degradation of Fish and Wildlife Populations BUI linked to habitat and contaminants MNR currently assessing fish populations Wildlife population assessment complete, report to be written in 2013 Assessment may recommend fish habitat projects Degradation of Benthos Benthic invertebrates are an indicator of degraded water quality Signals potential for impact on food chain Assessment nearing completion Eutrophication & Undesirable Algae BUI will be assessed in 2013 Focus on Niagara R Welland R Eutro Study 20 Will identify RAP vs “regional” actions Beach Closings Queen’s Royal Beach remaining issue Source is under investigation Expect resolution in near future Degradation of Phytoplankton and Zooplankton Populations Never assessed Linked to Eutrophication and Undesirable Algae BUI “Not Impaired” in US Area of Concern and other “connecting channel” AOC Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat Interim assessment done in 2012 Most targets reached Binational GLFC team forming for Niagara R habitat work Fish Population report will flag habitat needs Questions?