Beneficial Use Impairment #11
BUI #11 - Degradation of aesthetics
Status - Final report under development
In the Stage 1 report, that outlined the environmental problems facing the Bay of Quinte, this BUI was indentified as impaired due to excess algae. The criteria established for this BUI was related to reducing excess algae, which would improve water clarity.
Water clarity is measured using a Secchi disk, which is a circular metal plate with alternating black and white quadrants used to estimate the depth of visibility in a water column. A greater depth of Secchi disk visibility implies increased aesthetics quality due to higher visibility into the water column.
The Bay of Quinte is currently meeting the required criteria.
Criteria and Supporting Evidence
1. Measure a seasonal mean secchi disk of 1.3 metres with an
anticipated summer secchi disk of 1.0 metres. Achieved
Status Report - Degradation of Aesthetics
However, it was noted that the Bay of Quinte RAP restoration
target and measure did not align with the IJC’s original intent for the
Aesthetics BUI which was to identify the following impacts that adversely
affect the “aesthetics” as a beneficial use in the AOC:
- Unnatural/man-made impacts;
and
- Near-shore impacts
In 2018, the BUI criteria was revised to address the original
intent of the BUI.
New Target:
Nearshore
surface waters of the Bay of Quinte are free of any substance due to human
activity that produces a persistent objectionable deposit, unnatural colour or
turbidity or unnatural odour (for instance, oil slick or surface scum).
Monitoring staff have collected data for man-made issues related to: water colour, clarity, odour and debris.
In 2018, the Bay scored at 9.5 or Excellent. In the second year of monitoring the Bay scored at 9.8 or Excellent.
A final assessment report will be completed in early 2020. An official public comment period will be announced in the New Year.