Water is a key natural resource in our way of life. Without water such miracles of human achievement as the building of great cities and the spanning of the continent with railroads and automobile highways would not have been possible. Such a key natural resource must be protected and controlled by adequate legislation which will prevent its waste, undue consumption, misuse or contamination. With this view in mind the writer has critically analysed the legislation governing water distribution and sewage-disposal control in British Columbia by comparing it with that in other provinces, the United States of America, and Italy. To achieve this critical analysis, the writer has used two excellent references on which to base his recommendations in the form of desirable principles for the existing British Columbia water legislation. These two references are entitled, "Desirable Principles of State Water Legislation," and "Suggested State Water Pollution Control Act," and are published by the National Reclamation Association and the United States Public Health Service, respectively. As a result of the critical analysis of the existing British Columbia water supply and distribution legislation, it is felt that the British Columbia Act Respecting the Diversion and Use of Water has both sound legislative foundations and administrative procedure, and is far superior to any of the similar pieces of legislation of the other provinces in Canada. The writer also feels that the Act ranks high in comparison with the water acts of comparable western states in the United States. However, there are certain recommendations for improvement that have been made for the British Columbia water supply and distribution legislation. Briefly, these are as follows: 1. That some provision be made for the acquiring, controlling, and exercising of rights to the use of ground waters, including both definite underground streams and percolating waters. 2. That some provision be made for an appropriator to have the opportunity of recapturing and re-using return water which results from his development when he is diligent and uses foresight in his attempt not to infringe upon preexisting rights. 3. That some provision be made for the appropriation of salvaged water and developed water in preparation for any foreseeable shortage of our natural water resources. 4. That some provision be made for the rotation in use of water in the event of an unexpected shortage of water for domestic or other purposes. 5. That some provision be made for the exchange of water so that appropriators may exchange water with one another so long as the rights of others are not impaired with respect to either quantity or quality of the water, and so bring about a more effective utilization of water by appropriators who are already entitled to divert under terms of their separate appropriative rights. 6. That some provision be made for the appropriation of interprovincial waters with the use of a doctrine of reciprocity. As a result of the critical analysis of the existing British Columbia water-pollution control legislation, it is felt that, in the past, the authority has been divided among several agencies, a situation which gave rise to lax control and a lack of coordination. However, the recently-passed Act (March 1956) to Control the Pollution of Waters of the Province is an excellent beginning of effective, coordinated control. It is difficult to compare this Act with those in other provinces or in the United States because of its recent enactment. Briefly, the writer would suggest the following recommendations: 1. That some definite and exact classification be adopted in setting the quality standards of beneficial uses for receiving waters, and that these standards be inserted in the Pollution-control Act. 2. That the beneficial uses of the receiving water be evaluated, and that discharges into the receiving water be controlled so as to protect as many of the benefits as possible. 3. That some provision be made for setting up regional boards, in whose hands will be the primary control. 4. That the Provincial Pollution-control Board be given power to hold an inquiry, and for that purpose it be given all the powers and jurisdiction of a Justice of the Peace under the "Summary Convictions Act." 5. That the Board be given the power to require the keeping of records and making of reports, and to enter on property at reasonable times for purposes of inspection and investigation. 6. That one member of the Board be experienced in the field of municipal government and one be experienced in the field of industrial activities. / Business, Sauder School of / Graduate

This investigation into the nature of dissolved oxygen dynamics in the lower Fraser River/Estuary has made use of the application of two mathematical water quality models - a tidally averaged dissolved oxygen model and a tidally varying dissolved oxygen model. The tidally averaged model analyzes the inter-tidal behaviour of the river/ estuary, giving estimates of steady-state dissolved oxygen response. The tidally varying model, on the other hand, analyzes conditions within the tidal cycle, thereby describing the "real-time", intra-tidal behaviour of the river/estuary. Both dissolved oxygen models are one-dimensional and make the assumption that the only operative dissolved oxygen source/sink processes are deoxygenation due to the oxidation of discharged organics and reoxygenation due to atmospheric reaeration. The present high dissolved oxygen levels in the lower Fraser preclude the accurate calibration of the dissolved oxygen models. However, an analysis of model sensitivities is presented, in lieu of verification, to document model responses. Dissolved oxygen predictions made using the unverified models indicate that the assimilative capacity of the lower Fraser River/ Estuary is considerable, mainly because of the large freshwater inflows which afford extensive dilution as well as rapid flushing. The "critical period" is likely to be in late summer when the combined effects of water temperature and freshwater flows result in the lowest dissolved oxygen levels. Future water quality impairment in the main channels of the lower Fraser, at least insofar as dissolved oxygen is concerned, is considered by this study to be unlikely, providing that existing pollution control policies are adhered to. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Civil Engineering, Department of / Graduate

No description available.

Nitrate pollution of ground and surface water can stem from the mismanagement and over-application of both inorganic and organic fertilizers. This results in the occurrence of non-point externalities, which infringe on the overall level of social welfare. Market based environmental policies, known as economic instruments, can be developed to curb the level of this non-point externality. Such policies directly affect the management decisions of agricultural producers, providing them with incentives to change their management practices. The overall objective of this study is to analyze an array of economic instruments which could feasibly curb water quality degradation resulting from the over-application and misuse of manure and inorganic fertilizers in agricultural production. The economic instruments are compared in terms of their relative effectiveness in decreasing nitrate water pollution and social damage. This thesis develops a three agent manure market model, wherein a vegetable producer and composter can purchase manure from a dairy producer or inorganic fertilizer from an exogenous fertilizer market. The production activities of each agent are modelled using real world production data. A non-linear programming technique is used. The imposition of a percentage manure tax was found to alter the vegetable producer’s derived demand for manure, and resulted in less manure being exchanged between the dairy and vegetable producers. The provisions of a percentage manure composting subsidy increased the quantity of manure demanded by the composter and decreased the amount of manure consumed by the vegetable and dairy producers. The imposition of an inorganic fertilizer tax increased the demands for manure fertilizer, as did the manure application limit. The effects on social damage are dependent on the leaching and surface run-off susceptibilities of each operation’s associated land base. The composting subsidy appeared to be the most efficient instrument for decreasing the overall level of social damage, when qualitatively analyzed. It induced decreases in the demand for manure by both the dairy and vegetable producers, while increasing the demand for manure of the composter. This results in an overall social benefit. There must be, however, financial justification for the implementation of such an instrument.

In recent years the problem of water pollution has been recognized as a meta-problem of unexpected magnitude and complexity. Early attempts to control pollution were stifled by the property-oriented common law of riparian rights and by the lack of Authorities possessing adequate jurisdiction and funds. The object of this paper is to delineate the proper legislative and administrative field of water pollution control, with particular reference to British Columbia's pollution control legislation. As a background, the common law relating to water pollution is sketched and its adequacy evaluated. Early British Columbia Pollution control legislation is outlined in an attempt to determine the roots of the present comprehensive legislation. The Pollution Control Act 1956 is examined, with particular attention to the administrative tribunal created thereunder. Board procedures are seen to be informal and dependent upon direct communication and negotiation with individuals concerned. An attempt is made to determine the criteria upon which the Board acts in setting effluent standards in waste disposal permits granted by it. These standards are found to be vitually completely in the Board's discretion, but necessary (with some limitations) for flexible policy administration. The Board has several means of enforcement at its command including prosecution under the Act, or under the Criminal Code and civil proceedings at the suit of the Attorney-General. To determine whether civil actions for pollution lie apart from the Act, the question of whether riparian rights have been abrogated in British Columbia by water appropriation legislation is considered. The evidence indicates that actions by riparian owners will continue to lie. The fact that parties hold either water licences or pollution control Board permits makes no difference if pollution in fact exists. The Board is an administrative tribunal; but it may at certain stages of its permit issuing procedure be required to act judicially. At those stages, the Board's decision is open to review by the courts. Under the present legislation a person who objects to the grant of a permit is not entitled to an oral hearing, though he is entitled to file written representations in support of his objection. There appears to be no conflict among the numerous pollution control provisions contained in various provincial statutes. The Pollution Control Act is clearly the governing legislation. Federal Legislation relating to pollution is validly enacted under Federal Fisheries and Navigation powers; and in a case of direct conflict will override the provincial legislation. From the preceding examination of the Act, it is concluded that while certain minor changes suggested might to some degree remedy the present legislation, what is required is a policy making, expert tribunal. An important recommendation is that to secure individual rights, a hearing should be granted every person who files an objection to a permit application. New legislation recently introduced in the British Columbia Legislature provides for appointment of a Director, who will undertake day-to-day administration of the Act. However, the Board will continue to be subject to direction by the Executive Council, and the right to a full oral hearing upon an objection will remain discretionary. / Law, Peter A. Allard School of / Graduate

The impact of fire retardant waste on the aquatic environment was investigated at Abbotsford Airport located in the Lower Fraser Valley, in Southwestern British Columbia. The cleaning of fire fighting aircraft results in significant quantities of fire retardant waste being washed into the airport drainage system with subsequent transport to a drainage ditch located in the southwest corner of the Airport Chemical components of the fire retardant likely to be of environmental concern were identified as ammonia, phosphate, and a corrosion inhibitor. Glacial and outwash deposits consisting of sands and gravels comprise the surficial geology of the study area. Hence, the fire retardant waste would have the potential to impact both surface water and groundwater resources. Therefore there was concern due to the extensive use of groundwater in the local area for both drinking and irrigational purposes. The major components of the research design were 1) assessment of the spatial and temporal distribution of fire retardant introduced into the aquatic environment, and 2) overall impact of fire retardant contamination on surface water and groundwater quality. A long term and two short term monitoring programs were designed to determine the rate of transport and distribution of the fire retardant in the aquatic environment Results showed that although the fire retardant was observed to wash through the drainage system into the stream, no measurable impact on surface water quality was recorded during the study period. Fire retardant components which would cause surface water contamination are ammonia, phosphorus, iron and chromium. A significant rise in nitrate-nitrogen concentration was detected in groundwater samples less than a day after fire retardant waste was recorded in measurable quantities in the ditch water. Temporal distribution of fire retardant in the aquatic environment was correlated with the high hydraulic conductivity of the subsurface and specific hydrological events involving heavy precipitation. Results from the laboratory column experiments indicated that components of the Fire retardant were not retained in the soil and would therefore be rapidly leached into groundwater. Surface water quality and groundwater quality results were compared with established water quality standards for drinking water and protection of freshwater aquatic life. On the basis of these standards the fire retardant waste was not found to contribute to degradation of the surface and groundwaters at Abbotsford Airport Overall impact of the fire retardant waste on the aquatic environment at Abbotsford Airport during the study period was not found to be significant The low fire season combined with a change in washing policy resulted in a fewer number of planes being cleaned at Abbotsford Airport during 1983-84. Therefore, the impact on the aquatic environment recorded during this period cannot be considered typical. / Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies / Graduate

Nitrate pollution of ground and surface water can stem from the mismanagement and over-application of both inorganic and organic fertilizers. This results in the occurrence of non-point externalities, which infringe on the overall level of social welfare. Market based environmental policies, known as economic instruments, can be developed to curb the level of this non-point externality. Such policies directly affect the management decisions of agricultural producers, providing them with incentives to change their management practices. The overall objective of this study is to analyze an array of economic instruments which could feasibly curb water quality degradation resulting from the over-application and misuse of manure and inorganic fertilizers in agricultural production. The economic instruments are compared in terms of their relative effectiveness in decreasing nitrate water pollution and social damage. This thesis develops a three agent manure market model, wherein a vegetable producer and composter can purchase manure from a dairy producer or inorganic fertilizer from an exogenous fertilizer market. The production activities of each agent are modelled using real world production data. A non-linear programming technique is used. The imposition of a percentage manure tax was found to alter the vegetable producer’s derived demand for manure, and resulted in less manure being exchanged between the dairy and vegetable producers. The provisions of a percentage manure composting subsidy increased the quantity of manure demanded by the composter and decreased the amount of manure consumed by the vegetable and dairy producers. The imposition of an inorganic fertilizer tax increased the demands for manure fertilizer, as did the manure application limit. The effects on social damage are dependent on the leaching and surface run-off susceptibilities of each operation’s associated land base. The composting subsidy appeared to be the most efficient instrument for decreasing the overall level of social damage, when qualitatively analyzed. It induced decreases in the demand for manure by both the dairy and vegetable producers, while increasing the demand for manure of the composter. This results in an overall social benefit. There must be, however, financial justification for the implementation of such an instrument. / Land and Food Systems, Faculty of / Graduate

This study was an investigation into the relationship of bacterial water quality and the incidence of illness amongst lake and chlorinated pool swimmers. During the summer of 1972 three groups of swimmers were surveyed: 1. Lake Okanagan swimmers who swam at the Kelowna City Park beach 2. Ogopogo Aquatic Team who swam at the same beach 3. Chlorinated swimmers who swam at an unheated community pool The swimmers ranged in age from six to sixteen and were surveyed for upper respiratory illness, gastroenteritis, otitis externa, shistosomiasis and conjunctivitis. The lake water, proximal creeks, and chlorinated pool were sampled throughout the swimming season for the fecal contamination indicators; fecal coliforms and fecal streptococci. Bacterial water quality of the creek varied with the effluent input and quality of the lake water varied with inflow from the creeks and swimming density. The flake fecal coliform counts generally remained below 200 organisms per 100 milliliters. The lake fecal streptococci counts were slightly higher than the fecal coliforms and more responsive to swimming density. In the chlorinated pool samples fecal coliforms were not present while fecal streptococci counts ranged up to 168 organisms per 100 mis. Contamination at all sites was of both human and animal origin. Total illness incidence was highest amongst Hake Okanagan swimmers and lowest amongst the Ogopogo Aquatic team swimmers. The most distinctive illness difference observed between lake and chlorinated pool swimmers was the incidence of otitis externa. For Lake Okanagan swimmers the incidence was 17.82 per 1000 person hours water exposure, for the Ogopogo Aquatic Team the incidence was 16.48 and for chlorinated pool swimmers incidence was only 0.67. It was surmised that the causative organism for the auditory dermatitis was Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its presence was verified in the lake water and streams and negated in the chlorinated water. For lake swimmers the correlations between incidence of illness and lake fecal indicator counts were significantly positive for upper respiratory infections, gastroenteritis and otitis externa. The correlation coefficient exhibited between otitis externa of lake swimmers and the fecal streptococci counts was .866. Throughout statistical analysis fecal streptococci counts displayed stronger positive correlations with illness incidence than the fecal coliform data. For chlorinated pool swimmers the illness patterns did not significantly correlate with fecal streptococci counts. It was recommended that fecal coliforms alone were an inadequate index of recreational water quality. It was also suggested that Ps. aeruginosa warranted further research as a potential water affiliated pathogen and water quality index. / Science, Faculty of / Zoology, Department of / Graduate

Urban expansion of the City of Vancouver has resulted in increased land development of the municipality of Surrey, and more intensive agriculture on the remaining farmland. From 1980 to 1984 five different fish kills in the Serpentine River attributed to low dissolved oxygen were thought to be caused by a combination of agricultural discharges, high autumn water temperatures, as well as rainfall and river flow patterns. In 1985 an experimental instream aeration system was installed in a lower reach of the river in an attempt to provide additional oxygen during the critical autumn period. This study was undertaken to determine the extent of the agricultural drainage discharge problem. Weekly sampling from July to December, 1987, revealed that organic pollutional loading from dairy farms was high. Nutrients loadings in the river supported a heavy algal growth which resulted in an oxygen deficit during autumn algal die-off and decay. Although the flushing of farm ditches normally exerts an additional oxygen demand on the river, this was not observed in 1987 because the major autumn rains began on Oct 30, and lower water temperatures prevented a rapid exertion of the biodegradable oxygen demand. Implementation of source control of farm animal wastes is strongly recommended, along with a program of public education on conservation and management of natural habitat. Harvesting of filamentous algae in the river may eventually prove necessary for successful rehabilitation as diffused river aeration appears to be having a very small effect. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Civil Engineering, Department of / Graduate

This work involves the study of the effects of land use on the chemical composition of urban stormwater runoff, and its subsequent acute toxicity to the aquatic invertebrate Daphnia pulex. Samples were obtained from the Brunette drainage basin of Burnaby, British Columbia, from a variety of sites in the land use classifications commercial (C), industrial (I), residential (R) and open/greenspace (0). Results indicate that the toxicity to D. pulex and the chemical composition of the stormwater (measured by such parameters as COD, alkalinity, hardness, hydrocarbons and trace metals) were influenced by land use and the interval between rainfall events. The industrial and commercial land use sites were the major source of those trace metals most often considered toxic to aquatic organisms, with runoff from the commercial sites proving most toxic to the test organism (toxicity followed the sequence C>I>R»0). Bioassays with synthetic stormwater (Cu, Fe, Pb and Zn, at concentrations observed from field samples) demonstrated that pH and suspended solids helped to regulate the toxicity of the trace metals, and implicated the importance of these elements in natural stormwater toxicity. Statistical comparison between synthetic and natural stormwater runoff toxicity yielded poor correlation; however, this was expected due to the inherent differences between the laboratory and field environments. A detailed study of a single storm event indicated that while the "first-flush" of the storm may be contributing to toxicity through the physical scouring of insoluble pollutants, the soluble pollutants proved to be more toxic and were washed out of the area over the entire duration of the event. This prompted the author to propose the complete treatment of all stormwater runoff, and not simply the slug load of the first hour. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Civil Engineering, Department of / Graduate