Lessons learned from cumulative effects development monitoring in the Grand River Watershed

Session: 21. - The Science-Policy Interface in Great Lakes Research

Cameron Irvine, Grand River Conservation Authority, [email protected]
Janet Ivey, Grand River Conservation Authority, [email protected]

Abstract

Challenges exist in the ability of development-driven monitoring to characterize natural system variability, establish baseline conditions and thresholds, identify cumulative effects (due to natural variability, climate change, urban development etc.), and recognize when indicators exceed thresholds. These limitations hinder adaptive management by delaying recognition of early indicators of effects. The authors share findings from a 10+ year, multi-scale, pre-, during-, and post- development monitoring program in Blair Creek, an urbanizing coldwater stream in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. Water quantity, water quality (sediment and nutrients) and stream temperature baselines were established and analyzed using a weight-of-evidence approach to assess the potential impacts of residential development. Results suggest that there may be potential localized increases in total suspended sediment (TSS) which may have a negative impact on the sensitive coldwater fish species. Residential development is currently ongoing and this project serves as a milestone to evaluate watershed conditions and implement recommendations for adaptive management This study helps to characterize urban stormwater sources and impacts on a coldwater stream watershed by developing a framework for assessing cumulative effects of urbanization, and provides lessons learned for the design and governance of multi-scale cumulative effects monitoring programs.

1. Keyword
Grand River

2. Keyword
ecosystem health

3. Keyword
environmental policy

4. Additional Keyword
urbanization

5. Additional Keyword
adaptive management