4/8/2017 groundswell - ecology action
TRANSCRIPT
4/8/2017
Groundswell Community Based Groundwater
Monitoring Network
By: Jenna Jones and Makayla Jamieson SR. ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS, NSCC WATERFRONT CAMPUS
1
Jenna Jones, Makayla Jamieson NSCC ENTG Students
401-17 Portland Street, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 1H1 (778)-918-2824, (902)-483-4625
September 13, 2016
NSCC, Waterfront Campus
80 Mawiomi Place
Dartmouth, NS
B2Y 0A5
Faculty of the Environmental Engineering Program:
Groundwater is a very sensitive part of the hydrologic cycle, particularly in Nova Scotia.
Currently in Nova Scotia, information and analysis on ground water is remarkably limited. This
information is vital when considering the population that is dependent on groundwater.
Currently one program dedicated to the monitoring of groundwater is the Groundswell
program, run by the Ecology Action Center. By partnering with the EAC to work on
Groundswell, we will uncover more information on HRM’s groundwater.
Groundswell is a community based groundwater monitoring network that enables the
community to monitor groundwater levels from 8 different wells in the HRM. Data from these
wells gets collected by community groups and volunteers, and is then processed. This data can
be used to find trends, and used for industrial and domestic development plans. Currently the
program has de-escalated; data is not being loaded or processed, wells are not being assessed,
and the EAC lacks the man power for these tasks.
Larissa Holman, freshwater project coordinator of the EAC has agreed to offer assistance in our
study and contribution to the Groundswell program. We met to discuss the program, which
involves bringing it back to life, enriching current information, performing well inspections, and
adding more QAQC controls to the program.
For the completion of our work in Groundswell, the wells have been visited and assessed, and
data from the wells was downloaded for processing, and interpretation.
We are excited to be a part of the Groundswell program, and uncover information about our
groundwater resources. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Jenna Jones or
Makayla Jamieson at [email protected] and [email protected] .
Sincerely,
Jenna Jones, Makayla Jamieson; NSCC Environmental Engineering Students
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Executive Summary
The NSCC Senior Environmental Engineering Technology (ENTG) students, Jenna Jones, and
Makayla Jamieson, partnered with the Ecology Action Center (EAC) to complete work in the
groundwater level monitoring program, Groundswell. Groundswell monitors 8 Groundwater
Observation wells located in middle-eastern Nova Scotia for the purpose of increasing
knowledge on groundwater, as currently in Nova Scotia, there is limited data available on
groundwater. Information on groundwater levels in Nova Scotia is extremely minute and this
program has enabled communities access to this information
To conduct research in Groundswell, the 8 well sites were visited, data was downloaded directly
from the data loggers that remain in the wells themselves, a brief well assessment was
conducted, and the data was later processed and interpreted.
The research found that there is a long-term trend of groundwater levels being lowered over
the past 5 years. Significantly, the summer of 2016 has seen the lowest groundwater levels on
record with the Groundswell program. This is caused by the drought conditions experienced by
the province during that summer. Climate change presents to us longer bouts of wet and dry
spells and is something that will continue to happen in the province. By monitoring these trends
Nova Scotia can make better decisions when it comes to land use and the use of groundwater.
Recommendations for further work in Groundswell are as follows:
- Improve QAQC
- Add more monitoring wells to the Groundswell database
- Have available and reliable transportation for well site visits
- Learn and understand how to update applicable software, and maintain equipment
The NSCC ENTG Program is now an integral part of the Ecology Action Centres Groundswell
program. With this partnership students have the opportunity to obtain firsthand experience
with groundwater monitoring in Nova Scotia. As the first students to take on the program we
hope that future students will take the baton and continue this important research.
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Table of Contents
Executive Summary ......................................................................................................................... 2
1.0 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 5
1.1 Purpose............................................................................................................................. 5
1.2 Background ....................................................................................................................... 5
2.0 Methodology ............................................................................................................................. 6
Site Visit....................................................................................................................................... 6
Data Processing ........................................................................................................................... 6
3.0 Setting ....................................................................................................................................... 7
3.1 Geology ................................................................................................................................. 7
3.2 Well Site Descriptions ........................................................................................................... 8
3.3 Well Site Measurements ..................................................................................................... 11
4.0 Results ..................................................................................................................................... 12
4.1 Groundwater Elevations ..................................................................................................... 12
GS 101 Valley Gate/South Uniacke ....................................................................................... 12
GS 102 Fall River ................................................................................................................... 13
GS 103 Waverley ................................................................................................................... 14
GS 104 Beaver Bank .............................................................................................................. 15
GS 105 Glen Arbour .............................................................................................................. 16
GS 106 Milford ...................................................................................................................... 17
GS 107 Halifax ....................................................................................................................... 18
GS 108 New Ross................................................................................................................... 19
GS 109 Lahave ....................................................................................................................... 20
NSCC Woodside .................................................................................................................... 20
4.2 Groundwater Elevation Summary ...................................................................................... 20
4.3 Precipitation ........................................................................................................................ 21
Water Level Recovery ........................................................................................................... 22
5.0 Recommendations .................................................................................................................. 23
Software updates and Equipment Maintenance .................................................................. 23
Loggers .................................................................................................................................. 23
Transportation ...................................................................................................................... 23
4
6.0 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................... 24
References .................................................................................................................................... 25
5
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Purpose
Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) Students Jenna Jones and Makayla Jamieson have
conducted this report to increase knowledge on groundwater resources in Nova Scotia. The
study was completed as part of Applied Research Project II course requirements in the
Environmental Engineering Technology Diploma Program at NSCC.
Groundwater is a very sensitive part of the hydrologic cycle, particularly in Nova Scotia.
Currently in Nova Scotia, information and analysis on ground water is limited. This information
is vital when considering the large population that is dependent on groundwater. Currently one
program dedicated to the monitoring of groundwater is the Groundswell program, run by the
Ecology Action Center (EAC). We have partnered with the EAC to work on Groundswell as our
Applied Research project. Through this partnership we have established and analysed
groundwater trends from 2011 to 2017 in 8 different communities. The project will continue
through the EAC and NSCC for years to come, creating a database for historical and current
groundwater information.
1.2 Background
Groundswell is a community based groundwater monitoring network that enables the
community to monitor groundwater levels from 8 different wells in southern central Nova
Scotia. Data from these wells is collected by community groups and volunteers, and is then
processed. This data can be used to find long term and seasonal trends, and used for industrial
and domestic development plans. The Ecology Action Centre (EAC) has not had the resources to
keep up with Groundswell; data is not being loaded or processed, wells are not being assessed,
and the EAC lacks the man power for these tasks.
Larissa Holman, freshwater project coordinator of the EAC has provided vital information and
assistance through our work in Groundswell.
The study of groundwater requires monitoring wells in order to retrieve water level
measurements. The Ecology Action Centre’s Groundswell Program currently consists of 8
monitoring wells with data logger and barologgers inside of them recording data 24/7. The
monitoring wells are located within Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) or very close to HRM.
Locations are as follows: Fall River, Milford, New Ross, Halifax, South Uniacke, Waverley, Glen
Arbour, Lahave, and Beaver Bank.
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2.0 Methodology
Site Visit
Each well site was visited by Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) Students Jenna Jones and
Makayla Jamieson for data collection and well assessment. The level logger and barologger data
is loaded onto the student computer and processed at a later date. A well assessment checklist
was created for the purpose of establishing well site conditions, environment and well as a
source of reference for future assessments.
Table 1: Well Assessment Checklist
Well Assessment Checklist
Required Equipment: Required Field Work
Laptop with Solinst Software Solinst Logger connection cords Water Level Metre Measuring tape Camera Waterproof Paper Wrench (specific sizes)
Level Logger Data Barologger Data Casing Diameter Height of casing, from ground to
top of casing ( 2 measurements if on slope)
Elevation Coordinates
Photos: Outside of well Inside of Well Well in relationship to
surroundings
If this checklist is utilized by future students, changes in well integrity can be identified as well
as environmental conditions. Geology and Soil type are considered in the report as well to
establish the hydrogeological setting.
Data Processing
The data collected from the loggers needs to go through a process to create meaningful results.
The readings from the level loggers need to be compensated by the atmospheric pressure
readings from the barologgers, because it reads the total pressure acting on it, this is done by
simply subtracting the barologger data from the level logger data.
Level logger data – barologger data = compensated data
7
This can be done quickly and easily through the Solinst Level Logger software wizard. The data
at this point is the reading of the amount of water above where the level logger is placed in the
well. This is why it is important to have accurate line length data so that the actual water table
elevation can be found. From here we can apply a simple equation:
Elevation, top of casing – Line length + Compensated data =
Groundwater Elevation above sea level
Appendix B contains a reference document by Solinst if further interpretation is desired. After
data has been through this process, graphs can be created to analyze the data further.
3.0 Setting
3.1 Geology
Table 2: Site Geology
Well Site Bedrock Geology Surficial Geology
Fall River Halifax Formation
Ground moraine and streamlined drift
Glen Arbour
LaHave
Halifax Goldenville Formation
Waverley
Milford Murphy Road, Pesaquid and Green Oaks Formations
New Ross Middle-Late Devonian Leucomonzogranite
Beaver Bank Goldenville Formation Alluvial Deposits
Valley Gate/South Uniacke Unknown Unknown
Bedrock
Halifax Formation – Part of the Meguma group, the Halifax Formation is denoted by slate,
siltstone, minor sandstone, and Fe-Mn nodules.
Goldenville Formation- Part of the Meguma Group, the Goldenville Formation is denoted by
sandstone turbidites and slate.
Murphy Road, Pesaquid and Green Oaks Formations – Part of the Windsor Group, these
formations are denoted by siltstone, minor gypsum and shallow marine limestone.
Middle-Late Devonian Leucomonzogranite- Part of the Liscomb complex
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Surficial Geology
Ground moraine and streamlined drift – Denoted by silty, compact material. Has moderate
drainage and stoniness, and a moderate to good buffering capacity for acid rain. Has flat to
rolling topography.
Alluvial Deposits- Denoted by gravel, sand, and mud. Known as a major source of groundwater,
with a high water table. Has flat or gently sloping topography.
3.2 Well Site Descriptions
Images of each of the sites can be found in Appendix A.
South Uniacke
GS 101 is located is the community of South Uniacke, near a mobile home park. The well is at
the base of a low-sloping, south-facing grass lawn. The nearest watercourse is approximately
900 metres to the west. The well was drilled as part of a hydrogeological assessment for
drinking water at the park, is protected by a large concrete culvert, and is accessed by a locked
metal access panel. (Ecology Action Center, 2014)
This site was not personally visited by NSCC students.
Fall River
GS 102 is located at the Gordon R. Snow community centre in Fall River. The site is on a narrow
landscaped lawn between a paved driveway and a wooded trail. The well was drilled to provide
drinking water to the Centre however because it did not meet national quality and quantity
standards, it has not been used. Potable water is provided to the building by Lake Thomas, 200
metres to the east. The well is protected by a secure steel well cap. (Ecology Action Center,
2014)
At the time of the site visit by NSCC students, it was -1°C, and there was snow on the ground.
Waverley
GS 103 is located on private property in the community of Waverley. The site is on a narrow
lawn between a gravel parking area and a warehouse building. The well was drilled as a
monitoring well as part of a field school course with the Nova Scotia Community College Water
Resources program. Students from the college assisted in drilling the well, performed draw
down tests and collected water quality samples. The nearest water body is a small lake 200
metres to the southwest. The well is protected by a secure steel cap. (Ecology Action Center,
2014)
The barologger at this site was not allowing the downloading of data at the time of the site visit.
Weather conditions at the time of the site visit consisted of cloud cover, and snow.
9
Beaver Bank
GS 104 is located on property owned by Halifax Regional Municipality in the community of
Beaver Bank. The site is a recreational park which includes two baseball fields and a bike park.
The well is located on flat dirt and gravel between these three fields. The well was drilled by
Nova Scotia Natural Resources as part of a study of localized high yield aquifers. The aquifer
represented by this well is artesian (groundwater under pressure). The nearest watercourse is a
stream 100 metres to the south. The well is protected by a secure steel cap. (Ecology Action
Center, 2014).
The weather conditions at the time of the site visit were -3°C with cloud cover. There is no
barologger for this well.
Glen Arbour
GS 105 is located on an undeveloped lot in a fifteen year old residential subdivision in the
community of Hammonds Plains. The site is wooded with mature trees, and is on a moderate,
west-facing slope. The well was drilled during a hydrogeological assessment of the area prior to
development of the subdivision. The nearest watercourse is a stream 100 metres to the west.
The well is protected by a secure steel cap. (Ecology Action Center, 2014)
The weather conditions at the time of the site visit were overcast, with snow cover of 10cm.
The casing of this well appeared to be rusted and flaking.
Milford
GS 106 is located in the community of Milford Station. The site is owned by Nova Scotia
Transportation Infrastructure and Renewal (NSTIR) and is at the base of two slopes: a steep
north-facing grassy slope from highway 224, and a southwest facing slope of farm land. The
well was drilled by NSTIR to assess groundwater quality in this area. The nearest watercourse is
a stream 500 metres to the south. The well is fitted with a secured steel cap and a tall flagged
post visible from active farming machinery. (Ecology Action Center, 2014)
This site was not personally visited by NSCC students.
Halifax
GS 107 is located in the north end community of Halifax at the Technical Institute Campus of
the Nova Scotia Community College. The site is on a small area of lawn between a paved
parking area and driveway to the northeast, and a building to the southwest, and is relatively
flat. The nearest known water body is the Bedford Basin, 600 metres to the north. The well was
drilled as a monitoring well for students attending the college. The well is protected by a
secured steel cap. (Ecology Action Center, 2014)
10
The well showed signs of mold during the site visit. The well cap is cracked on the side, and the
top of casing is jagged/not flush.
New Ross
GS 108 is located in the community of New Ross, at the Ross Farm Museum. The site is on
relatively level ground, with a small gift shop and information centre several metres to the east,
and a gravel parking lot 10 metres to the west. The well was originally drilled to supply the
centre with drinking water, however water quality from this well did not meet national
standards and is no longer used. The nearest water body is approximately 200 metres to the
east. The well is hidden from view, and is protected by a steel cap. (Ecology Action Center,
2014)
This site was not personally visited by NSCC students.
LaHave
GS 109 is located on private property in LaHave, near Bridgewater. The site is on ground sloping
to the south. The well was originally drilled to supply a home with drinking water however the
residents use water from a dug well. (Ecology Action Center, 2014)
This site was not personally visited by NSCC students.
11
3.3 Well Site Measurements
These measurements were taken for the use of future students who work with Groundswell.
Measurements should be taken in the future, and if any changes are to be found between past
and present measurements, it is to be noted. Changes in the ground to top of casing
measurement could indicate sinking/subsidence which would compromise the integrity of the
well. Changes in the casing diameter could indicate corrosion/buildup, which would
compromise the integrity of the well.
Table 3: Well Site Measurements
Well Site Ground to Top of Casing (cm) Inner Casing Diamter (cm)
Outer Casing Diamter (cm)
Fall River On upper gradient: 20.5 On lower Gradient: 45.4
15.6 17.1
Glen Arbour 23.8 15.5 16.2
LaHave Not Available Not Available Not Available
Halifax 47 15.5 17.1
Waverley 32.8 15.7 16.7
Milford Not Available Not Available Not Available
New Ross* On upper gradient:27.25 inches
On lower gradient: 29 inches 6 inches 6 5/8 inches
Beaver Bank 24.7 19.9 22.7
South Uniacke Not Available Not Available Not Available
The LaHave, Milford, and South Uniacke sites were not personally visited, therefore this data is
unavailable for this site. As well, the New Ross site data was taken by a volunteer, and is kept in
his measurements as inches, to maintain the integrity.
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4.0 Results
4.1 Groundwater Elevations
The following is a summary of the results interpreted from each well location. Photographs of
each site can be found in Appendix A.
GS 101 Valley Gate/South Uniacke
Data reviewed for the South Uniacke well is from December 2012 to June 2016, data was
acquired from the Ecology Action Centre. This is the final record for GS 101. This well was
removed in June because the current land owners will be using the well as a water source, this
is also why there was no site visit or photos for the study. Statistics in metres above sea level
are as follows:
Table 4 Statistics South Uniacke
Date Elevation, ASL
Historical Low 2014-09-21 152.36m
Average 153.24m
Historical High 2015-04-23 154.21m
The long term trend in groundwater levels stays relatively balanced, with lower levels during
summer seasons and higher levels in the wintertime. The loggers were taken out before the
summer of 2016, which may have presented a lowering of the water table.
Figure 1: South Uniacke (ENTG 2017)
152
153
154
18-Dec-12 18-Dec-13 18-Dec-14 18-Dec-15
Elev
atio
n A
SL, M
etre
s
Date
South Uniake 2012-2016
Elevation Above Sea Level, Metres Linear (Elevation Above Sea Level, Metres)
13
GS 102 Fall River
Data reviewed for the Fall River well is from March 2011 to January 2017, data was acquired
from the Ecology Action Centre website from March 2011 to June 2014, and the remaining data
was directly loaded from the site visit. Statistics in metres above sea level for water levels are as
follows:
Table 5 Statistics Fall River
Date Elevation, ASL
Historical Low 2016-09-16 24.67m
Average 25.47m
Historical High 2012-09-23 25.95m
Long term trends show an overall lowering of the water table, and particularly low water levels
in the summer of 2016. The 2016 low levels are representative to the drought throughout that
summer. There is a large amount of data missing from October 2014 to June 2015, which may
have an effect on the trendline.
Figure 2: Fall River (ENTG 2017)
24.4
24.8
25.2
25.6
26
22-Mar-11 22-Mar-12 22-Mar-13 22-Mar-14 22-Mar-15 22-Mar-16
ASL
(M
)
Date
Fall River 2011-2017Elevation Above Sea Level, Metres Linear (Elevation Above Sea Level, Metres)
14
GS 103 Waverley
Data reviewed for the Waverley well is from April 2011 to January 2017, data was acquired
from the Ecology Action Centre website from April 2011 to December 2013, and the remaining
data was directly loaded from the site visit. Statistics in metres above sea level are as follows:
Table 6 Statistics Waverley
Long term trends show an overall lowering of the water table, and particularly low water levels
in the summer of 2016. The 2016 low levels are representative to the drought throughout that
summer.
Figure 3: Waverley (ENTG 2017)
34
35
36
37
2011-04-12 2012-04-12 2013-04-12 2014-04-12 2015-04-12 2016-04-12
ASL
(M
)
Date
Waverley 2012-2017Groundwater Level ASL (Metres) Linear (Groundwater Level ASL (Metres))
Date Elevation, ASL
Historical Low 2016-09-19 34.32m
Average 35.71m
Historical High 2014-12-11 36.70m
15
GS 104 Beaver Bank
The Beaver Bank well is special when considering water levels because it is an artesian well,
which means it is under pressure; when water levels rise above the ground it is then considered
a flowing artesian well. Data covered for the Beaver Bank well is from May 2012 to March 2017,
data was acquired from the Ecology Action Centre website from May 2012 to March 2014, and
the remaining was directly loaded from the site visit. Statistics in metres above sea level for
water levels are as follows:
Table 7 Beaver Bank Statistics
Date Elevation, ASL
Historical Low 2015-11-20 41.01m
Average 41.88m
Historical High 2012-12-30 42.28m
Long term trends show an overall lowering of the water table, and particularly low water levels
throughout late 2015 and summer 2016. For late 2015, it is unknown why water levels reached
such low levels, but the 2016 low levels are representative to the drought throughout that
summer. This site does not contain a barometer, so GS 102 Fall River barometric readings were
applied. There is a concern for the quality of the data due to the merging of the EAC’s data with
NSCC’s data showing a difference in maximum water levels, which should not have changed
due to the flowing nature of the well. It is recommended that the line length be measured to
resolve any discrepancies.
Figure 4: Beaver Bank (ENTG 2017)
41
42
27-Oct-11 27-Apr-12 27-Oct-12 27-Apr-13 27-Oct-13 27-Apr-14 27-Oct-14 27-Apr-15 27-Oct-15 27-Apr-16 27-Oct-16
Gro
undw
ater
Lev
el A
SL, M
etre
s
Date
Beaver BankGroundwater Level ASL, Metres Linear (Groundwater Level ASL, Metres)
16
GS 105 Glen Arbour
Data reviewed for the Glen Arbour well is from September 2012 to March 2017, all data was
directly loaded from the site visit. Statistics in metres above sea level are as follows:
Table 8 Statistics Glen Arbour
Date Elevation, ASL
Historical Low 2016-09-17 99.64
Average 101.02
Historical High 2012-12-23 101.78
The water levels at this site have been significantly dropping since 2011, with longer periods of
lower water levels in the summertime every year. The 2016 summer drought is very prominent.
The area is close to a residential area which relies on their own well water. The use of
groundwater in the near vicinity needs to be considered when interpreting data, it is possible
water levels are influenced by other pumping wells.
Figure 5: Glen Arbour (ENTG 2017)
99
100
101
102
4-Sep-12 4-Sep-13 4-Sep-14 4-Sep-15 4-Sep-16
ASL
(M
etr
es)
Date
Glen Arbour 2011-2017Elevation Above Sea Level, Metres Linear (Elevation Above Sea Level, Metres)
17
GS 106 Milford
Data reviewed for the Milford well is from October 2011 to September 2016. The site has been
abandoned, so this is the final record for GS 106. The well is only 17m above sea level, making it
the lowest well. Data was directly loaded from the removed loggers while off site, therefore a
site visit was not conducted nor were photographs taken. Statistics in metres above sea level
are as follows:
Table 9 Statistics Milford
Date Elevation, ASL
Historical Low 2015-11-19 9.52m
Average 10.21m
Historical High 2014-04-09 10.89m
There is a lot of missing data for this analysis, which reduces the integrity of results. Long term
trends show an overall lowering of the water table.
Figure 6: Milford (ENTG 2017)
9
10
11
2011-10-28 2012-10-28 2013-10-28 2014-10-28 2015-10-28
ASL
(m
etre
s)
Date
Milford 2011-2017Elevation Above Sea Level, Metres Linear (Elevation Above Sea Level, Metres)
18
GS 107 Halifax
Data reviewed for the NSCC IT Campus well is from April 2012 to January 2017, data was
directly loaded from the site visit. Statistics in metres above sea level for water levels are as
follows:
Table 10 Statistics Halifax
Date Elevation, ASL
Historical Low 2016-09-12 45.13m
Average 49.71m
Historical High 2015-04-15 52.18m
This well is pumped every 2 years as part of a learning exercise at the college, dates where
pumping has occurred data has been removed because it is not representative of actual water
levels. Long term trends show an overall lowering of the water table, and particularly low water
levels in the summer of 2016. The 2016 low levels are representative of the drought throughout
that summer, during this time the water level flatlines, and it is suspected that water levels may
have been below the level loggers.
Figure 7: Halifax (ENTG 2017)
45.00
46.00
47.00
48.00
49.00
50.00
51.00
52.00
53.00
19-Apr-12 19-Apr-13 19-Apr-14 19-Apr-15 19-Apr-16
ASL
(M
etre
s)
Date
NSCC Leeds Street 2012-2017
Elevation Above Sea Level, Metres Linear (Elevation Above Sea Level, Metres)
19
GS 108 New Ross
Data reviewed for the New Ross well is from August 2012 to March 2017, data was acquired
from Matthew Gates from Ross Farm Museum. Statistics in metres above sea level are as
follows:
Table 11 Statistics New Ross
Date Elevation, ASL
Historical Low 2014-12-10 119.82m
Average 121.07m
Historical High 2015-11-22 124.06m
Long term trends show an overall lowering of the water table, and particularly low water levels
in the summer of 2016. As shown in the graph below we see large increases in water levels at
random times. It is unknown why the data displays spikes in water level, and is believed that
the data loggers need to be maintenanced to eliminate this from continuing.
Figure 8: New Ross (ENTG 2017)
120
121
122
2012-08-14 2013-08-14 2014-08-14 2015-08-14 2016-08-14
Eeva
tio
n (
met
res)
New Ross Elevation Above Sea Level, Metres
20
GS 109 Lahave
The Lahave well level loggers and barologgers need to be maintenanced and/or updated. The
efforts to download the data failed, therefore no analysis was conducted on this well. Photos of
the well can be found in appendix A.
NSCC Woodside
Nova Scotia Community College Waterfront Campus has a well on site that has been added as
part of the Groundswell program. Data loggers were installed in this well in October 2016.
4.2 Groundwater Elevation Summary
Throughout the years in Nova Scotia, there has been an overall decrease in water levels, as
depicted below.
Figure 9: Groundwater Level Trends (ENTG 2017)
Water Levels Increasing – Water Levels Decreasing - Trend Not Available -
GS101 South Uniake GS105 Glen Arbour
GS102 Fall River GS106 Milford
GS103 Waverley GS107 Halifax
GS104 BeaverBank GS108 New Ross
21
4.3 Precipitation
The following is a graph that represents precipitation records from 2016:
This displays the drought conditions of the summertime, and can be matched with low
groundwater levels in the area. Precipitation records can be found in Appendix C, for reference
to groundwater levels. All data is from Environment Canadas weather station 8202250 at
Halifax Stanfield International airport.
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
1-Jan-16 1-Apr-16 1-Jul-16 1-Oct-16
Pre
cip
itat
ion
, mm
Precipitation, 2016
22
Water Level Recovery
In consideration of major precipitation events not all of the wells respond in the same fashion.
The following is an example of a rainfall event after drought conditions, and how different
aquifers react and recover at different rates. Represented as a 20 day event as a time
reference. The drought conditions of 2016 can be observed from day 1-8, then on the ninth day
there is a major precipitation event of 83.6mm:
The three wells all display different responses to this rainfall event: Fall River displays a gradual
straight line, Waverley displays an increase in water level of 0.81m and starts depleting again
after two days, and NSCC IT Campus displays an increase of 3.39m and starts depleting again
after 3-4 days. This is all relating to the setting (land use), and subsurface conditions of the
three wells.
These three well sites exhibit the same surficial geology, but different bedrock geologies. Fall
River is part of the Halifax Formation, whereas Waverley and the NSCC IT Campus are part of
the Goldenville Formation. The NSCC IT Campus has the greatest increase in water level. This is
largely due to its proximity to a water body (the Bedford Basin) as well as it being a fractured
bedrock system. Although the NSCC IT Campus and Waverley locations have the same bedrock
geology, being that the NSCC IT Campus has a fractured system, it leads to greater recharge.
This is an example of how setting can impact groundwater levels.
83.6
0.81
3.39
-0.5
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Ch
ange
in G
rou
nd
wat
e Le
vels
, m
Pre
cip
itat
ion
, mm
Days
Precipitation Event at Different Well Locations
Precipitation Fall River Waverley NSCC IT Campus
<------- 2016 Drought Conditions
23
5.0 Recommendations
Software updates and Equipment Maintenance
All of the Level loggers and barologgers should be updated each year with a software update so
that data can be loaded successfully. They should be cleared of all data every 3 years.
Maintenance of the data loggers is also recommended, specifically; Lahave, New Ross, Beaver
Bank, should be maintenanced by sending them to the supplier.
Loggers
The Waverley barologger and Lahave level logger did not supply any data, it is recommended
that these loggers are either replaced or fixed.
Transportation
It is recommended that students taking on the Groundswell program have a reliable source of
transportation so that all wells can be visited and assessed by the students in the study.
24
6.0 Conclusion
Through Groundswell, Environmental Engineering Technology (ENTG) Students Jenna Jones and
Makayla Jamieson have uncovered the secret world of groundwater levels in Nova Scotia.
Information on groundwater levels in Nova Scotia is extremely minute and this program has
enabled the community access to this information.
Groundswell studied groundwater levels, precipitation, and temperature. The 2017 research
found that there is a long-term trend of groundwater levels being lowered over the past 5
years. Significantly, the summer of 2016 has seen the lowest groundwater levels on record with
the Groundswell program. This is caused by the drought conditions experienced by the province
during that summer. Climate change presents to us longer bouts of wet and dry spells and is
something that will continue to happen in the province. By monitoring these trends Nova Scotia
can make better decisions when it comes to land use and the use of groundwater.
The NSCC ENTG Program is now an integral part of the Ecology Action Centres Groundswell
program. With this partnership, students have the opportunity to obtain firsthand experience
with groundwater monitoring in Nova Scotia. As the first students to take on the program we
hope that future students will take the baton and continue this important research.
Recommendations for future students include having access to transportation, QA/QC
improvements, and learning and understanding software and equipment maintenance.
25
References
Canada, E. (2016, August 09). Daily Data Report for June 2012. Retrieved February 15, 2017,
from http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/daily_data_e.html?hlyRange=1961-01-
01%7C2012-09-13&dlyRange=1953-01-01%7C2012-09-13&mlyRange=1953-01-01%7C2012-09-
01&StationID=6358&Prov=NS&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnProx&optLimit=specDate
&StartYear=2011&EndYear=2017&selRowPerPage=25&Line=0&txtRadius=25&optProxType=na
vLink&txtLatDecDeg=44.881111111111&txtLongDecDeg=63.508611111111&timeframe=2&Day
=1&Year=2012&Month=6#
Conley, Stea, Brown. (2003). [Surficial Geology of the Province of Nova Scotia Map 92-3]
Retrieved March 17, 2017, from http://novascotia.ca/natr/meb/data/mg/MAP/pdf/map_1992-
003_front_600_cln.pdf
Environment, N. S. (2009, April 01). Well Logs Database | Groundwater | Nova Scotia Environment. Retrieved January 15, 2017, from http://novascotia.ca/nse/welldatabase/wellsearch.asp Groundswell Data. (n.d.). Retrieved March 15, 2017, from https://ecologyaction.ca/issue-area/groundswell-data Keppie, J.D. (2000). [Nova Scotia Geological Highway Map] Retrieved March 17, 2017 from
http://novascotia.ca/natr/meb/data/mg/map/pdf/map_2000-001_gb_d043v2_dp.pdf
Appendix A: Photographs GS 102 Fall River............................................................................................................................................ 2
GS 103 Waverley ........................................................................................................................................... 3
GS 104 Beaver Bank ...................................................................................................................................... 4
GS 105 Glen Arbour ...................................................................................................................................... 6
GS 107 NSCC IT Campus ................................................................................................................................ 8
GS 108 New Ross........................................................................................................................................... 9
GS 109 Lahave ............................................................................................................................................. 11
2
GS 102 Fall River
Photos taken by Jenna Jones, ENTG 2017
3
GS 103 Waverley
Photos taken by Jenna Jones, ENTG 2017
4
GS 104 Beaver Bank
5
Photos taken by Jenna Jones, ENTG 2017
6
GS 105 Glen Arbour
7
Photos taken by Jenna Jones, ENTG 2017
8
GS 107 NSCC IT Campus
Photos taken by Jenna Jones, ENTG 2017
9
GS 108 New Ross
10
Photos taken by Matthew Gates, Ross Farm Museum
11
GS 109 Lahave
12
Photos taken by Brian Lohnes, Lahave
Appendix B: Reference Documents Calculations ............................................................................................................................................... 1
Well Data ................................................................................................................................................... 2
South Uniacke – Sackville Rivers Association – Valley Gate Trailer Park .............................................. 2
Fall River – SWEPS- Gordon Snow Community Centre ......................................................................... 3
Waverly – Sackville Rivers Association- Cobequid Road ....................................................................... 4
Beaver Bank- Sackville Rivers Association ............................................................................................ 5
Glen Arbor – community volunteer with glen arbor community ......................................................... 6
Milford Station – Individual Volunteer ***Site Abandoned ................................................................. 7
NSCC Leeds Street ................................................................................................................................. 8
New Ross – Individual Volunteer .......................................................................................................... 9
LaHave – Individual Volunteer ............................................................................................................ 10
Logger Information ................................................................................................................................. 11
1
Calculations
From: www.solinst.com
2
Well Data
South Uniacke – Sackville Rivers Association – Valley Gate Trailer Park
https://ecologyaction.ca/files/images-documents/file/Coastal/Groundswell/GS%20101%20South%20Uniacke(2).pdf
Well Log Record: 050987 Water Yeild Date well completed: 6 – 2 – 2005 Method: Air Lift Well Drilled for: Valley Gate Park Ltd. Rate (igpm): 6.5 Civic Address of Well: 7 Davis Drive Duration (hrs): 3 Certified Well Contractor Depth to Water at end of Test (ft): 340 Driller Name: COVIN, MURDOCK Depth to Static Level (ft): 15 Certificate No: 733 Company: BLUENOSE WELL DRILLING LTD. Well Status / Water Use Final Status of Well: Water Supply Well Water Use: Domestic Method of Drilling: Rotary From 0 to 5ft Clay From 5 to 345 ft Shale Well Construction Information Total Depth Below Surface (ft): 345 Depth to Bedrock (ft): 5 Water Bearing Fractures Encountered at (ft): 80, 100, 230, 280
Outer Well Casing: From (ft): 0 To: 40 Diameter (in): 6 Length of Casing Above Ground (ft): 1 and (in): n/a
Driveshoe Make: rotary & non-heat treated & heavy wall
https://novascotia.ca/nse/welldatabase/welldetail.asp?f_well=050987
Well Name: GS 101 South Uniacke
Observation Well ID 101
NSE Well log Number 50987
County Hants
Nearest Community South Uniacke
UTM Easting 438368m
UTM Northing 4968928m
Year Monitoring Started 2011
Casing Depth (m) 12.2m
Well Depth 105.2m
Elevation, top of casing (masl) 154m (unconfirmed)
Geologic Unit Goldenville Formation
Aquifer Material Bedrock-Shale
3
Fall River – SWEPS- Gordon Snow Community Centre
https://ecologyaction.ca/files/images-
documents/file/GS%20102%20Fall%20River.pdf
Well Log Record: 060729 Water Yeild Date well completed: 9 – 29 – 2006 Method: Air Lift Well Drilled for: HRM Rate (igpm): 6 Civic Address of Well: 1359 Fall River Road Duration (hrs): 2 Certified Well Contractor Depth to Water at end of Test (ft): 400 Driller Name: Jacobs, Byron Depth to Static Level (ft): 12 Certificate No: 695 Company: Bluenose Well Drilling LTD Well Status / Water Use Final Status of Well: Water Supply Well Water Use: Public (not municipal) Method of Drilling: Rotary From 0 to 10ft Till From 10 to 39 ft Gray Shale From 39 to 41ft Broken Shale From 41 to 405 ft Gray Shale
Well Construction Information Total Depth Below Surface (ft): 405 Depth to Bedrock (ft): 10 Water Bearing Fractures Encountered at (ft): 40, 95, 315
Outer Well Casing: From (ft): 0 To: 60 Diameter (in): 6 Length of Casing Above Ground (ft): 1 and (in): n/a
https://novascotia.ca/nse/welldatabase/welldetail.asp?f_well=060729
Well Name: GS 102 Fall River
Observation Well ID 102
NSE Well log Number 060729
County HRM
Nearest Community Fall River
UTM Easting 451277
UTM Northing 4962462
Year Monitoring Started 2011
Casing Depth (m) 18.29
Well Depth 123
Elevation, top of casing (masl) ~25m
Geologic Unit Shale*
Aquifer Material Shale
4
Waverly – Sackville Rivers Association- Cobequid Road
https://ecologyaction.ca/files/images-documents/file/GS%20103%20Waverley.pdf
Well Log Record: 993277 Water Yeild Date well completed: 4 – 29 – 1999 Method: Air Lift Well Drilled for: Hydrogeology Field School Demo Well #1 Contactor/builder/consultant: Aquaterra Resource Services Limited
Rate (igpm): 0.5
Civic Address of Well: 21 Old Cobequid Road Duration (hrs): 1 Certified Well Contractor Driller Name: Edwards, Harry A. Depth to Static Level (ft): 4.76 Certificate No: 83 Company: H. J. Edwards Well Drilling Ltd Well Status / Water Use Final Status of Well: Observation Well Water Use: Observation Method of Drilling: Rotary From 0 to 11ft Sand and Gravel From 11 to 15t Gravel and Water From 15 to 200ft Quartzite and Slate
Well Construction Information Total Depth Below Surface (ft): 200 Depth to Bedrock (ft): 15 Water Bearing Fractures Encountered at (ft): 20, 58, 70, 82, 112, 189
Outer Well Casing: From (ft): 0 To: 20 Diameter (in): 6 Length of Casing Above Ground (ft): 1.05 and (in): n/a
http://novascotia.ca/nse/welldatabase/welldetail.asp?f_well=993277
Well Name: Waverley GS 103
Observation Well ID 103
NSE Well log Number n/a
County HRM
Nearest Community Waverley
UTM Easting 451255
UTM Northing 4958996
Year Monitoring Started 2011
Casing Depth (m) 6.0
Well Depth 60.0
Elevation, top of casing (masl) 52m
Geologic Unit n/a
Aquifer Material n/a
5
Beaver Bank- Sackville Rivers Association
Well Name GS 104 Beaverbank
Observation Well ID 104
NSE Well Log Number n/a
County HRM
Nearest Community Beaver Bank
UTM Easting n/a
UTM Northing n/a
Year Monitoring Started 2011
Casing Depth (m) n/a
Well Depth (m) n/a
Elevation, top of casing (masl) 42.22
Geologic Unit n/a
Aquifer Material n/a https://ecologyaction.ca/files/images-documents/file/Coastal/Groundswell/GS%20104%20Beaver%20Bank.pdf
6
Glen Arbor – community volunteer with glen arbor community
Well Name GS 105 Glen Arbour
Observation Well ID 105
NSE Well Log Number n/a
County HRM
Nearest Community Hammonds Plains
UTM Easting 438652
UTM Northing 4956698
Year Monitoring Started 2011
Casing Depth (m) 12.2
Well Depth 112.8
Elevation, top of casing (masl) 107.751
Geologic Unit Halifax Formation
Aquifer Material Bedrock - Slate https://ecologyaction.ca/files/images-documents/file/Coastal/Groundswell/GS%20105%20Glen%20Arbour(1).pdf
7
Milford Station – Individual Volunteer ***Site Abandoned
https://ecologyaction.ca/files/images-documents/file/Coastal/Groundswell/GS%20106%20Milford%20Station.pdf
Well Name Milford Station GS 106
Observation Well ID 106
NSE Well Log Number n/a
County Hants
Nearest Community Milford Station
UTM Easting 438652.00 m E
UTM Northing 4956698.00 m N
Year Monitoring Started 2011
Casing Depth (m) 13.79 m
Well Depth (m) 26.82 m
Elevation, top of casing (masl) 17.06 m
Geologic Unit n/a
Aquifer Material n/a
8
NSCC Leeds Street
Well Name GS 107 NSCC Leeds St
Observation Well ID 107
NSE Well Log Number 980011
County HRM
Nearest Community Halifax
UTM Easting 450500
UTM Northing 4946500
Year Monitoring Started 2012
Casing Depth (m) 10.1
Well Depth (m) 112.8
Elevation top of casing (masl) n/a
Geologic Unit n/a
Aquifer Material Bedrock - Slate https://ecologyaction.ca/files/images-documents/file/Coastal/Groundswell/GS%20107%20NSCC%20Leeds%20St.pdf
Well Log Record: 980011 Water Yeild Date well completed: 1 – 20 – 1998 Method: Air Lift Well Drilled for: NS Institute of technology Rate (igpm): 12 Civic Address of Well: 5685 Leeds Street Duration (hrs): n/a Certified Well Contractor Driller Name: Edwards, Michael Lloyd Depth to Static Level (ft): 13.5 Certificate No: 361 Company: n/a Well Status / Water Use Final Status of Well: Observation Well **note northing:4946436
Easting 451298 not the same Water Use: Other Method of Drilling: n/a From 0 to 3ft Gravel From 3 to 21ft n/a From 21 to 200ft Slate
Well Construction Information Total Depth Below Surface (ft): 200 Depth to Bedrock (ft): n/a Water Bearing Fractures Encountered at (ft): 50, 186
Outer Well Casing: From (ft): 0 To: 33 Diameter (in): 6 Length of Casing Above Ground (ft): n/a
https://novascotia.ca/nse/welldatabase/welldetail.asp?f_well=980011
9
New Ross – Individual Volunteer
Well Name GS 108 New Ross
Observation Well ID 108
NSE Well Log Number 741236
County Lunenburg
Nearest Community New Ross
UTM Easting 384804
UTM Northing 4953620
Year Monitoring Started 2012
Casing Depth (m) 7.0
Well Depth (m) 140.2
Elevation top of casing (masl) n/a
Geologic Unit Liscomb Complex
Aquifer Material n/a
https://ecologyaction.ca/files/images-documents/file/Coastal/Groundswell/GS%20108%20New%20Ross.pdf
Well Log Record: 741236 Water Yeild Date well completed: 7 – 2 – 1974 Method: n/a Well Drilled for: Ross Farm Museum Rate (igpm): 3 Civic Address of Well: n/a Duration (hrs): 1 Certified Well Contractor Total draw down: 15ft Driller Name: Veinotte, Eugene Depth to Static Level (ft): 15 Certificate No: 24 Company: L.E. Veinotte & Sons LTD Well Status / Water Use Final Status of Well: n/a Water Use: Domestic Method of Drilling: Rotary From 0 to 18ft Boulders and Clay From 18 to 460ft Rock Well Construction Information Total Depth Below Surface (ft): 460 Depth to Bedrock (ft): 18 Water Bearing Fractures Encountered at (ft): Outer Well Casing: From (ft): 6 To: 23 Diameter (in): 6 Length of Casing Above Ground (ft): n/a
https://novascotia.ca/nse/welldatabase/welldetail.asp?f_well=741236
10
LaHave – Individual Volunteer
Well Name GS 109 LaHave
Observation Well ID 109
NSE Well Log Number
County Lunenburg
Nearest Community Bridgewater
UTM Easting 385728
UTM Northing 4909267
Year Monitoring Started 2013
Casing Depth (m) n/a
Well Depth (m) 25 m
Elevation top of casing (masl) n/a
Geologic Unit Slate
Aquifer Material n/a https://ecologyaction.ca/files/images-documents/file/Coastal/Groundswell/GS%20109%20LaHave.pdf
11
Logger Information
Figure 1 Retrieved from Larissa Holman, Ecology Action Centre
Logg
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02
Appendix C: Precipitation Records
Figure 1 Precipitation 2016 ........................................................................................................................... 2
Figure 2 Precipitation 2015 ........................................................................................................................... 2
Figure 3 Precipitation 2014 ........................................................................................................................... 3
Figure 4 Precipitation 2013 ........................................................................................................................... 3
Figure 5 Precipitation 2012 ........................................................................................................................... 4
Figure 6 Precipitation 2011 ........................................................................................................................... 4
Figure 1 Precipitation 2016
Figure 2 Precipitation 2015
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
1-Jan-16 1-Apr-16 1-Jul-16 1-Oct-16
Pre
cip
itat
ion
, mm
Precipitation, 2016
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
1-Jan-15 1-Apr-15 1-Jul-15 1-Oct-15
Pre
cip
itti
on
, mm
Precipitation, 2015
Figure 3 Precipitation 2014
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
1-Jan-14 1-Apr-14 1-Jul-14 1-Oct-14
Pre
cip
itat
ion
, mm
Precipitation 2014
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
1-Jan-13 1-Apr-13 1-Jul-13 1-Oct-13
Pre
cip
itat
ion
, mm
Precipitation 2013
Figure 4 Precipitation 2013
Figure 5 Precipitation 2012
Figure 6 Precipitation 2011
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
1-Jan-12 1-Apr-12 1-Jul-12 1-Oct-12
Pre
cip
itai
on
, mm
2012 Precipitation
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
1-Jan-11 1-Apr-11 1-Jul-11 1-Oct-11
Pre
cip
itat
ion
, mm
2011 Precipitation