Abstract

Construction sites are significant water pollution sources in urban watersheds. In cooperation with the Government of Canada’s Great Lakes Sustainability Fund (GLSF), Town of Richmond Hill (RH), Toronto and Regions Conservation Authority (TRCA), Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), Ontario Ministry of Environment (MOE), National Water Research Institute (NWRI), a Ryerson University’s research team monitored a sediment control pond in the Town of Richmond Hill in 2002. The objectives of the monitoring study are to (i) characterize runoff entering and leaving the sediment control pond during the construction phase; and (ii) evaluate the sediment removal efficiency of the pond. The pond experienced high removal rates for suspended solids during the monitoring period. However, suspended solids exiting the pond during some events were high which might cause downstream fishery impact. This study has demonstrated that strictly erosion and sediment control requirements are necessary for construction sites to prevent downstream water quality impacts.

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