contamination related to explosives and heavy metals dispersed at the surface in soil
and vegetation but also in surface water and sediment. The contamination patterns of
surface soils around targets and across the ranges were re-evaluated in Alpha, Jimmy
Lake and Shaver River ranges. The same approaches and strategies used during Phase
I were applied to re-sample Jimmy Lake and Shaver River ranges. Furthermore, a
statistical evaluation of the explosive concentrations was done in Shaver River Range.
Background samples were also collected to compare and assess the natural and
anthropogenic contribution. The extent of vegetation contamination in the worst-case
scenario locations was assessed by collecting vegetation samples to evaluate the
phytoaccumulation and the potential risk for wildlife. Moreover, the remote areas
were also visited and sampled mainly for metal concentrations. Finally, the quality of
surface water and sediment was evaluated in Primerose Lake and Jimmy Lake by
collecting surface water and sediment samples in both lakes. In total, 324 soils
including 100 discrete samples and 12 composite samples to realize the statistical
analysis in Shaver River Range, 69 vegetation, 19 water and 28 sediment samples
were collected.
To better assess the contamination and characterize an area, an appropriate definition
and understanding of the hydrogeological context of the site is required.
Characterizing the groundwater quality, especially on such large ranges, is critical
because metals and energetic materials are mobile in sandy environments and may
migrate in groundwater, presenting a threat to human health and to the environment.
Groundwater flow has to be carefully assessed by determining its velocity and
direction. The quality of the groundwater has also to be evaluated since it is often
used for irrigation purposes, as a drinking water source by the base and to sustain
aquatic ecosystems. Consequently, any contamination could impact human health and
aquatic ecosystems. In fact, groundwater flowing under CLAWR discharges into
Primerose and Jimmy Lakes and also into rivers such as the Shaver River. All are
highly sensitive areas for wildlife and humans receptors. The first phase of the
hydrogeological study was accomplished in February 2004 and all of the results from
this study will be reported later. Many wells were drilled In February 2004 but
groundwater samples were mainly collected in August 2004 since most of the wells
were frozen in February. The second phase of this hydrogeological study will take
place in November 2004.
In this report, all of the surface work carried out during Phase II in August 2003 is
described and results were compared with those of Phase I to better assess the
situation in the ranges. This study was performed under the work breakdown element
12NY01, "Characterization of DND Sites Contaminated with Energetic Materials,"
and was sponsored mainly by 4-Wing and by the Strategic Environmental R&D
Programme (SERDP) for the sampling of the surface soils. All work was done in
collaboration with U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC)
scientists from CRREL and EL under the umbrella of Canada-United States Test and
Evaluation Programme (CANUSTEP). This joint venture between Canada and the
United States was initiated to evaluate the fate of explosives in live firing ranges
under the auspices of SERDP, a major funding program in the US DoD. Defence
Construction Canada (DCC) was responsible of hiring the analytical laboratory,
providing manpower, logistic and making the link with range control personnel.
2
DRDC Valcartier TR 2004-204
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