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June 25, 2006
This report to WAB represents the consensus deliberations of the AHS which met approximately monthly. The AHS considered the physical, chemical and biological indicators of water quality, the nature, methodology and costs of monitoring for water quality, and the potential users of the resulting data. Approaches taken in other jurisdictions were examined and adopted where considered applicable.
As a result of its deliberations, the AHS recommends the consolidation of water quality monitoring policy throughout HRM, and that an ad hoc Technical Subcommittee (TSC) be constituted to provide scientific and technical advice, on request, to all water advisory groups in HRM.
It is further recommended that any proposed development, arising from a development agreement, be classified into one of three categories in terms of potential impact on fresh water quality in any stream or lake as: (i) substantial, (ii) moderate, or (iii) unlikely to impact to any significant extent.
Where impact of development is potentially substantial it is recommended that initial baseline monitoring be carried out followed by on-going monitoring of a shortlist of key indicator parameters. A base list of parameters is presented for each of these phases, together with a time schedule for the shortlist program.
Where potential for impact is moderate, it is recommended that only the shortlist of key parameters be carried out by trained volunteers under a part-time coordinator. It is suggested that developer and constructor organizations be approached to provide the necessary support funding, in return for which they would have the right to advertise their patronage and to use the results for promotional purposes.
All data must have quality assurance, must be assessed within a reasonable period, and the data and assessment must be readily accessible to all interested parties.
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