“Challenge:
How might we monitor waste water contamination in the Chedoke Creek Watershed in order to guide remediation efforts?”
Students taking water samples
Students:
Nathaniel Benfey, David Betson, Jessica Bosma, Justin DeWeerd, Audrie Fosbery, Erin Katerberg, Danielle Magcalas, Christine Nah, Rachel Pigden, Marcia Poirer, Erin Steckley, Janelle Vander Hou, Alanna Van Ommen, Miriam Wielinga
Staff:
N/A
Instructor:
Darren Brouwer
Course and Department:
Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Redeemer University College
Chedoke Watershed
The Chedoke Creek watershed flows into Cootes Paradise, an important ecological area that is in the process of rehabilitation, mainly through the efforts of the Royal Botanical Gardens. This watershed is located in an urbanized area of Hamilton and is contaminated with sewage, which leads to detrimental impacts downstream such as undesirable algae growth (eutrophication). It is believed that sewage contamination is caused by cross-connections between sanitary and storm sewers in homes on Hamilton Mountain.
Students of Darren Brouwer's Analytical Chemistry course at Redeemer University ran a data collection project to identify particular problem site and general trends in the Chedoke Watershed. Instructor Brouwer has run this project over three courses to collect enough data for analysis and form relationships with key stakeholders from the Royal Botannical Gardens, Bay Area Restoration Council, Hamilton Conservation Authority, and City of Hamilton.
Next, the students will coordinate their monitoring work with City of Hamilton staff, learn more about remediation work done by the City of Hamilton and possibly expand monitoring efforts to the Red Hill Creek Watershed as well.
“We have been delighted in the interest, support, and encouragement that our students’ work has received from other organizations, including City of Hamilton staff.”
