Poster

Jesse Lake: making ‘scents’ of a smelly problem

In 2016, LICA’s Portable Air Monitoring System (PAMS) was deployed in Bonnyville to address an issue that residents talk about – the “unpleasant smell from Jessie Lake”. PAMS data showed a number of exceedances of the Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objective (AAAQO) for hydrogen sulphide (H2S). While values were above the AAAQO (thus creating an odour nuisance), adverse health effects are not expected to occur until levels, much higher than those detected by LICA, are reached.
Water samples were collected in 2017 with the assistance of local residents. Most analytes were within typical ranges for shallow wetland-type systems. However, Jessie Lake also had very high total phosphorus concentrations. High phosphorus in a lake accelerates algae growth, often causing a bloom. Later, as the algae dies, H2S gas is released during decomposition. This decomposition is likely responsible for perennial summertime odours in Bonnyville.
To resolve the odour issue, phosphorous in and entering Jessie Lake needs to be reduced. Some efforts are already underway. In 2018, 5200 native tree species seedlings were planted in the riparian zone. Community volunteers cleared the shorelines of invasive weeds and litter. Interpretive signage was installed in adjacent greenspaces. Lastly, shore-washed algae and vegetation are routinely collected and disposed of.
Further phosphorous mitigation measures are being considered. Additional air monitoring is planned and coordinated, local resident delivery of follow-up water sampling is underway.
The direct and collaborative involvement of the public in collection and analysis of data gives LICA’s efforts credence; the project is buoyed by strong stakeholder interest, including municipal governments and local industry.

Authors: Michael Bisaga and Colin Hanusz