Browsing by Author "Westerbeek, Krista Lynn"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Sediment assessment of stormwater retention ponds within the urban environment of Calgary, Alberta
    (2007) Westerbeek, Krista Lynn; Chu, Angus
    The treatment of urban storm water by retention ponds is known to be effective for water quality improvement and storm flow management and in the past two decades has become widely implemented. However, limited research has been conducted on the quality of the resulting sediment within ponds. This research focuses on comprehensive sampling of sediment from stormwater ponds that have been created in Calgary, Alberta. Electrical conductivity and the sodium adsorption ratio consistently exceeded CCME agricultural soil quality guidelines, indicating a city wide salt contamination issue. F3 hydrocarbon fractions, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, selenium and zinc were also identified as parameters of concern. In particular 61 Ave SE Duck pond displayed the greatest diversity and severity of contaminants possibly due to the industrial catchment area. Disposal options were subsequently restricted to landfill disposal with the exception of Deerfoot Trail & 22X pond, wherein disposal on commercial land is acceptable.