Persistent Industrial Marine Debris In Charlotte County and the

Transcription

Persistent Industrial Marine Debris
In Charlotte County and the Passamaquoddy Area
Contents
List of Figures
List of Tables
List of Charts (Prevalent Items - Percentage of the Total)
List of Photos
Page #:
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Executive Summary
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Acknowledgements
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Introduction and Study Objectives
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Study Objectives
Definition of Persistent Industrial Marine Debris
Environmental Social and Economic Impacts
Methods
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The Four Study Areas
Methodology
Site Selection
PIMD Study Definition
Results
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Preliminary Site Visits
Summer Field Study Results
The West Isles
Passamaquoddy Bay
Letang Harbour
Southwest New Brunswick Coast
Overall Assessment of the Four Areas
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Sites with the highest variety of PIMD
Highest Amounts, Largest Items and Industry Presence
Riverdale Coffee Cups
Conclusions
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Movement of PIMD
Amount and Location
Effects of PIMD on the Marine Environment
Incineration
Illegal Landfill
Ingestion and Entanglement
Navigational Hazard
General Discussion: Waste Management and Recycling of PIMD
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Appendix I: PIMD amounts Recorded on Data Cards
Appendix II: DMD amounts Recorded on Data Cards
Appendix III: Glossary
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References
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Eastern Charlotte Waterways Incorporated
Created by casmith. March 2002
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List of Figures
Figure 1: Location of Study Region and Sites In the Four Study Areas
Figure 2: Aerial Survey – general flight route
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List of Tables
Table 1: Marine Debris Biodegradation Times
Table 2: Data Collection Sites: PIMD, DMD and Control
Table 3: Aerial Survey – June 1, 2001
Table 4: Pandalus Survey – May 31, 2001
Table 5: Pandalus Visit to the West Isles – June 8, 2001
Table 6: Preliminary Visit to Back Bay and Greens Cove
Table 7: Preliminary Visit to Craig Point and Holts Point.
Table 8: Sites in the West Isles
Table 9: Sites in Passamaquoddy
Table 10: Sites in St. George and Letang
Table 11: Sites on the Southwest New Brunswick Shore
Table 12: Total Amount of PIMD in Each Study Area
Table 13: Highest Amounts, Largest Items and Industry Presence
Table 14: Location of Incineration Sites
Table 15: PIMD Data Sheet – Plastic and Synthetic Items
Table 16: PIMD Data Sheet – Foam and Rubber Items
Table 17: PIMD Data Sheet – Metal and Wood Items
Table 18: DMD Data Sheet – Plastic Items
Table 19: DMD Data Sheet – Foam and Glass Items
Table 20: DMD Data Sheet – Metal and Paper Items
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Appendix I
Appendix I
Appendix I
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
List of Charts For Most Prevalent Items As a Percentage of the Total
Chart 1: Sandy Island
Chart 2: Simpsons Island
Chart 3: Indian Island
Chart 4: Ship Harbour
Chart 5: Lords Cove
Chart 6: Hardwood Island
Chart 7: Total for the West Isles Area
Chart 8: Sherard Beach
Chart 9: Cummings Cove
Chart 10: Pendelton Island
Chart 11: Total for Passamaquoddy Area
Chart 12: Fraiser Beach
Chart 13: Birch Cove
Chart 14: Totals for the St. George and Letang Area
Chart 15: Lighthouse Point
Chart 16: Seelys Cove
Chart 17: Totals for the Southwest New Brunswick Shore
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List of Photos
Photo 1: Rusting Metal Drums and Floats – Deer Island
Photo 2: Pandalus and Zodiac
Photo 3: Airplane Used for Aerial Survey – 4 seat plane
Photo 4: Piping and Other PIMD – Southwest N.B.
Photo 5: Old Wood Cage Frame in Letang (aerial)
Photo 6: Plastic Buoys, Nets … Indian Island (aerial)
Photo 7: PIMD Transported Inland (aerial)
Photo 8: Discarded Floating Docks – Casco Island (aerial)
Photo 9: Discarded Net – Sandy Island (aerial)
Photo 10: Tinker Island (aerial)
Photo 11: Cormorant Colony – Tinker Island
Photo 12: Sandy Island
Photo 13: Net on Sandy Island
Photo 14: Seagull Nest – Sandy Island
Photo 15: Old Net on Sandy Island
Photo 16: Simpsons Island
Photo 17: Rusty Pontoon - Simpsons Island
Photo 18: PIMD Disposal Pit - Simpsons Island
Photo 19: Dead Bird - Simpsons Island
Photo 20: Indian Island
Photo 21: Algae on Shore - Indian Island
Photo 22: PIMD Incineration Site - Indian Island
Photo 23: PIMD - Indian Island
Photo 24: Ship Harbour
Photo 25: Lords Cove
Photo 26: Nets and PIMD – Lords Cove
Photo 27:Hardwood Island
Photo 28: PIMD on Hardwood Island
Photo 29: Deer Island Point
Photo 30: Sherard Beach
Photo 31: Rope in Beach – Sherard Beach
Photo 32: Cummings Cove
Photo 33: Aquaculture Operation - Cummings Cove
Photo 34: Old Wood Cage – Pendelton Island
Photo 35: PIMD Transported Inland – Pendelton Island
Photo 36:Melted Plastic – Pendelton Island
Photo 37: Timber Cove
Photo 38: Detached Beach and Tidal Area – Timber Cove
Photo 39: Fraiser beach
Photo 40: Buried PIMD – Fraiser Beach
Photo 41: Discarded PVC Pipes
Photo 42: Landfill – Fraiser Beach
Photo 43: Discarded Cage Parts – Fraiser Beach
Photo 44: Fishing Boats and Wood Cages – Birch Cove
Photo 45: Abandoned Fishing Vessel – Birch Cove
Photo 46: Abandoned Sardine Vessel – Birch Cove
Photo 47: Treinors Cove
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Executive Summary / Abstract
Accumulation of persistent industrial marine debris (PIMD) in the environment adversely impacts
coastal wetlands, marine species, and water quality. This report provides the results of a study
based on an environmental assessment of persistent industrial marine debris (PIMD) in coastal
areas of Charlotte County, New Brunswick. The study was conducted in collaboration with Eastern
Charlotte Waterways, the New Brunswick Salmon Growers Association, Dalhousie University, and
the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. A total of 36 sites were visited during the study - including
aerial survey and preliminary assessment in the spring, and field studies in the summer. Survey
studies conducted in the summer of 2001 determined the type, amount and distribution of PIMD.
During the studies it was noted that discarded items bearing company logos, names, or registration
numbers could be traced to local sources. For example feed or salt bags with company names,
vessel names and numbers, and licence or registration tags (i.e. lobster traps). A power point
presentation comprised of digital images collected during field studies accompanies the
assessment as an educational tool for practitioners and regulators. This provides knowledge and
understanding on the type, amount, sources and impacts of PIMD at the interface between land
and water in coastal watersheds. In a broader sense the results assist in developing effective waste
management programs, regulations, and infrastructure that provide solutions to PIMD problems.
KEY TERMS: coastal industry; educational tool; environmental survey; illegal disposal; persistent
industrial marine debris; waste management.
Acknowledgements
I would like to extend gratitude to Eastern Charlotte Waterways
Incorporated, Sue Farquarson, Wendy Raymond (for field assistance
and GPS mapping), Melinda Hanson (for help with the maps), and all
the staff at ECW for resources and support that made this study
possible. Special thanks also to the Department of Fisheries and
Oceans, for in-kind support including the opportunity to conduct an
aerial survey of the area, information, equipment, and vessels to
enable collection of data in remote areas. To Maria Buzeta (Biologist,
DFO Oceans Branch, MPAs Bay of Fundy) who provided information,
help and advice thank you. Gratitude also to the New Brunswick
Salmon Grower's Association - in particular Nell Halse, and Jody
MacBeth for guidance and helping to co-ordinate access to sites.
Kind thanks are also given to Dwaine Richardson and Phil Hatt for
providing their time and effort in transporting me to sites in Letang
and the Western Isles. Others to whom I owe gratitude for their
knowledgeable input, guidance and help include Dalhousie
University, and the School for Resource and Environmental Studies,
Ray Cote (SRES Dalhousie University), Dr. Barry Jones (St. Andrews
Biological Station), Wayne Miner (Captain of the Pandalus), Danny
Loveless (First mate of the Pandalus), and Deborah Hawkins (Clean
Nova Scotia Foundation - for help with literature research). I am also
grateful to my family (especially Mom, Dad & the Children) and
friends for patience and help during the research and studies.
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Insert Figure 1
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Insert Figure 2
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Persistent Industrial Marine Debris
In Charlotte County and the Passamaquoddy Area
Prepared for: Eastern Charlotte Waterways Incorporated and
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Oceans Branch,
St. Andrews Biological Station, New Brunswick
By: Christine Anne Smith, B.Sc., B.A., and MES candidate
Dalhousie University, School for Resource and Environmental Studies
March 2002
Introduction and Study Objectives
Expanding population, changing technology, and industry activity increasingly
exploit natural coastal resources. One side effect is the accumulation of persistent
industrial marine debris (PIMD) along the shore. Sources may be as diverse as:
land-based industry, marine-based industry, recreational activities, and residential
garbage. The initial step toward a solution is to survey and study the type, amount,
source, and effect of domestic and industrial wastes on or around the shores.
PIMD from aquaculture, commercial fishing, and other coastal industries is a
growing problem in the Bay of Fundy, Passamaquoddy, as in other regions of the
world. PIMD that accumulates on beaches in the study area includes: fishing nets,
aquaculture pens, tarpaulin or plastic sheeting, 55-gallon drums, Styrofoam floats,
and pallets (Photo 1). Many of these items consist of plastic and other synthetic
materials that are not readily biodegradable.
Photo 1: Rusting metal drums and Styrofoam floats
Next to a lobster pound on Deer Island, N.B.
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This assessment studies debris that originates from marine based industries such
as: commercial fishing, aquaculture, recreational boating, marine transport, and
any other industry sector that creates solid waste that may end up in the ocean.
This requires knowledge and understanding of the type, amount, sources, and
impacts of PIMD in order to develop coastal management programs and
infrastructure that prevent waste disposal in the oceans and the adverse effects
there of.
Study Objectives
The purpose of the study was to survey accumulation of marine industrial debris in
the Passamaquoddy Area in order to identify sources so that preventative
strategies could be developed. The type, amount, distribution, and industry
sources of PIMD in the Passamaquoddy study area were determined through field
surveys and review of existing data and information. In addition, a survey on type,
amount, and source of residential and recreational debris was conducted in a more
residential area to compare and illustrate the difference between PIMD and
discarded residential or household waste.
The overall intent of the study is to determine if sources of PIMD can be traced to
industries in the study area. Study objectives address several questions. For
example: How much PIMD is in the study area? What are the potential and actual
effects on the marine or coastal environment? What are the most prevalent types
of PIMD? Can they be traced to their sources? Is it all generated locally or does
some come from outside the area? The intent was to first determine the nature and
extent of any problem and then recommend remediation solutions.
Definition of PIMD
In current literature there is no specific definition of PIMD, however the following
three terms are used to describe debris from human activity in coastal areas:
marine litter, marine debris and persistent marine litter. Butler et al (1989:5) define
persistent marine litter as:
Any material that is lost, discarded, dumped, or discharged into the marine
environment, or that is thrown or blows into the sea, or is carried down
rivers and ends up in the sea and is resistant to rapid degradation or
breakdown in the environment.
In comparing each word in the term persistent industrial marine debris (PIMD) to
dictionary definitions: persistent means an adjective that refers to something as
incessantly repeated or unrelenting; industrial refers to things or actions derived
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from industry; marine describes anything found in or relating to the sea; and
debris identifies fragments or remnants of something destroyed or broken (Collins
Dictionary of the English Language. 1985). In the Collier's Dictionary (also
published as Webster's New World Dictionary of American English, Third Edition.
1994) the term debris is described as rough, broken bits and pieces of stone,
wood, glass, etc., as well as rubbish or litter. Where rubbish is defined as any
material rejected or thrown away as worthless and litter is defined as things lying
about in disorder. In this report the term PIMD refers to materials that persist in the
environment such that they do not readily degrade and tend to accumulate over
time. In terms of scale this includes anything as large as a fishing boat or as small
as a Styrofoam lobster float.
The definition of PIMD targets specific materials that due to composition, size and
form take a long time to degrade or break down in the marine environment. The
following table provides examples of how long it takes for various types of
discarded industrial or domestic material to break down in the marine environment.
Table 1: Marine Debris Biodegradation Times1
Item
Aluminium Can
Cardboard Box
Cotton Rope
Monofilament Fishing Line
Painted Wooden Stick
Photo-degradable Beverage Holder
Plastic Beverage Holder
Plastic Bottle
Plywood
Styrofoam Buoy
Styrofoam Cup
Tin Can
Biodegradation Time
200 years
2 months
3 – 14 months
600 years
13 years
6 months
400 years
450 years
1 - 3 years
80 years
50 years
50 years
Debris Type
Domestic
Both
Industrial
Industrial
Both
Domestic
Domestic
Both
Industrial
Industrial
Domestic
Domestic
The information highlighted in Table 1 indicates that monofilament fishing line,
plastic bottles, and Styrofoam buoys have a biodegradation time of 600, 450, and
80 years respectively. Some synthetic materials can last for thousands of years in
the environment2. Many manufactures of fishing gear claim that products such as
plastic navigation or suspension buoys can endure Bay of Fundy conditions for
hundreds and possibly thousands of years.3
1
Source: MOTE Marine Laboratory ‘s Marine Debris Biodegradation time line, 1993.
Business Week, July 9/ 2001, Pollution Solution, Plastic as high as an Elephants Eye. The McGraw-Hill
Companies, Inc.
3
Referring to items comprised of high molecular weight polyethylene virgin material that is stabilized against
the effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
2
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Environmental, Social and Economic Impacts of PIMD
Plastic in the form of netting, markers, or tarpaulins (sheets) are examples of
materials that persist in the environment for years or even decades, and cause
harm to marine life, risks to marine transport and human safety. In addition, PIMD
and other marine debris detract form the aesthetic beauty of coastal areas.
The increasing influx of people into coastal zones (nearly 50 percent of the
U.S. population now lives within 100 miles of the oceans bordering the
country or along the shores of the Great Lakes) has exasperated the
problem ... Marine debris not only is an aesthetic problem, but has become
a serious threat to marine life, a marine transportation hazard, and can
threaten human health and safety as well as inflict serious economic loss
(Sea Grant National Media Relations Office, 2001).
Solving the marine litter problem is difficult because it is the cumulative result of
diverse and numerous sources. Just simply acknowledging that it is out there and
that there is a lot of it is not enough to address the issues and find practical
solutions. The Center for Marine Conservation (1989) identified five categories of
marine litter in relation to sources as: galley wastes; fishing or boating gear,
operational wastes, sewage associated wastes and medical waste. By 1997, this
same organization identified sources and trends of ocean-based marine debris
under the following five categories: recreational fishing and boating wastes,
commercial fishing wastes, operational wastes, galley-type wastes, and debris
traceable to passenger ships - effectively connecting the problem with the sources.
The definition of PIMD falls into the commercial fishing wastes and operational
wastes categories.
...plastic debris will float on the surface of the sea, or within the water
column, where they can harm wildlife, foul fishing gear and cause a hazard
to small craft. Floating debris can also be carried substantial distances by
ocean currents. This means that many items washed ashore are from
foreign countries, making marine litter a global pollution problem (MCS,
2000).
More than 50% of marine litter consists of plastics (Marine Conservation Society,
2000). It is estimated that over one million birds and 100,000 marine mammals and
sea turtles die every year from entanglement in, or ingestion of, plastics. Of the
115 species of marine mammals, 47 are known to become entangled in and/or
ingest marine debris. Approximately 30,000 northern fur seals die annually due to
entanglement, primarily in net fragments (Marine Conservation Society, 2000).
Estimates of marine life endangered by debris include most of the world's turtle
species, 25 percent of marine mammal species, and more than 15 percent of
seabird species. Debris, especially plastic film and sheeting, can settle over
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immobile plants and animals, covering valuable ecosystem habitats such as coral
reefs, effectively smothering them and rendering them uninhabitable and
unproductive (Sea Grant National Media Relations Office, 2001).
Economic losses
Economic losses for users of coastal resources include: damage to trawler nets;
plastic tarpaulins blocking water intake pipes; damage to ships and small crafts
due to collision with metal drums or wooden pallets; ropes or nets getting caught in
boat propellers; lost fishing opportunities (ghost fishing) from free-floating nets; and
lost tourism potential due to unsightly beach litter (Butler et al. 1989:6). Also,
discarding or burning PIMD may result in the release of estrogenic compounds4 or
volatile organic carbons. Inappropriate waste management practices also inhibit
reuse of materials. This results in the use of virgin materials at the production level
and places added pressure on natural resources and the environment. For
example, recycling metals and plastics reduces the need to mine or extract such
material from the environment.
Methods
This section identifies the study areas and four regions from which data was
collected during field studies in the summer of 2001. The methodology or approach
to site selection and data collection is out lined as well. In addition a distinction
between control, DMD and PIMD sites is provided and summarized in Table 2 at
the end of this section.
Four Study Areas
The base for the study was the Biological Station in Saint Andrews, New
Brunswick. The study area encompasses areas off the coast of Charlotte County
New Brunswick, extending to the south from Letang Harbour to Deer Island, and to
the east from Hog Island in Passamaquoddy Bay to Pocologan Harbour in the Bay
of Fundy (figure 1). The study area also overlaps three major Gulf of Maine
watersheds defined as the St. Croix River, Magaguadavic Bay and
Passamaquoddy Bay. Islands and remote areas were accessed by zodiac or DFO
research vessel.5
4
Interfere with reproduction processes and cause genetic mutations
According to Ocean Biologists with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans in St. Andrews, this area
represents a portion of Passamaquoddy that is subject to accumulation of PIMD of concern to local enterprise
and governments. These areas are not included in the regular beach cleanup programs. Eastern Charlotte
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Four distinct environments are defined within the study area as: 1. The West Isles
(Quoddy); 2. Passamaquoddy Bay; 3. Letang Harbour, and 4. Southwest New
Brunswick Coast. The West Isles archipelago consists of an island chain between
Letete Passage extending southward to Deer, Indian, and Campobello Islands.
Passamaquoddy bay is an enclosed sea into which the St. Croix, Digdeguash, and
Magaguadavic Rivers flow. The Letang - St. George Region includes shorelines
and islands in the Letang Harbour and along the northern side of the Letete
Passage. The Southwest New Brunswick Coast extends from Pea Point northeast
to Pocologan Harbour, covering a stretch of shore along the Bay of Fundy toward
Maces Bay.
Between May 31 and June 8, 2001 a preliminary assessment was conducted to
determine the type, location, and amount of PIMD at targeted sites in the study
area. This assessment involved field visits to sites by car, DFO vessel (Photo 2:
Pandalus and zodiac), and an aerial survey. Video footage of shoreline in the
Passamaquoddy Region was recorded on a hand held camcorder during both
ground visits and the aerial survey. Approximately 3 hours of videocassette
footage was shot and converted to videotape for all site visits. In addition a total of
323 photographs were taken at sites in the study region. Most of the items
recorded on the data cards appear in the videos and photos of each site. The
footage and photos are useful for reference purposes.
Photo 2: Pandalus and Zodiac
Water Ways Incorporated (a not for profit environmental group) also receives increasing complaints regarding
industrial debris and navigational or environmental hazards along Charlotte County shorelines.
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Methodology
Study methodology is essentially gather data on PIMD at selected sites in the
study area, identify types of industries close to each site in the study area, and
determine the relationship between the PIMD and industrial operations in the study
area. Methods are primarily:
Select shoreline sites according to study site criteria.
Identify site size and location by recording GPS start and finish co-ordinates
between defined beach features. I.e. - between two points or headlands.
Define PIMD in the context of this study.
Create data record sheets for recording PIMD data and site information.
Visit selected sites and record amount and type of PIMD on data record
sheets.
Record observations with video tape and photograph samples along selected
shorelines.
Inspect samples for logos, tags or other markings that indicate origin.
If necessary and where possible take samples such as pieces of nets, lines
and cage parts.
Map the distribution, type and amount of PIMD in the study area.
Analyze and correlate data. Inspect samples for clues such as labels, tags,
company logos that indicate the area of origin and/or source.
Create a brief detailed description of each site that includes coastal
geomorphology, fauna/flora, and human interactions.
Independent variables in this study are defined as industries - such as fishing,
aquaculture, boating, tourism and fish processing plants that can impact coastal
areas. The dependent variable or PIMD is defined in general terms as debris from
industrial activities that accumulates in coastal areas and is not readily degradable.
Site Selection
With the exception of control sites all sites fit into the following site selection
criteria. Selected study sites:
1. Are within the study area as described in this report. (Figure 1)
2. Have a shoreline area capable of debris accumulation such as a wave cut
terrace or a beach.
3. Are known to have debris accumulation (PIMD sites).
4. Represent the four distinct environmental areas as described in this report.
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Control Sites
Four control sites provide comparison in the presence or absence of certain
features. The presence and amount of PIMD in areas with no coastal industry can
be compared to areas close to coastal industry that may not have a regular cleanup program. The location of control sites are indicated in Figure 1 and listed in
Table 2.
DMD Sites
Domestic marine debris includes items discarded and accumulating on beaches
that originate from household or residential use. Since the study focus is on PIMD
the DMD data card is less detailed and collects on 1 page: Site location; Estimated
distance inland that debris extends; as well as type and amount of discarded
domestic items that land on shorelines. Information is recorded on DMD data card
under the following 6 categories: plastic, foam, rubber, metal glass, and wood –
including paper and clothes. Pieces of items roughly larger than 4cm2 were also
included in data collection. DMD data was only collected from 5 locations in each
of the 4 environmental regions and used to count and identify items at control sites.
DMD data collection sites are outlined in Table 2. The DMD data recorded on
collection cards in the field are found in Appendix II.
PIMD Study Definition
PIMD is defined as persistent debris in the marine environment that originates from
industrial activities that operate and use resources in coastal areas. In this study,
PIMD is broken down into 5 categories: 1. Plastic and synthetic fiber; 2.
Polystyrene or Styrofoam; 3. Rubber; 4. Metal; and 5. Wood. Page 2 of the PIMD
Data Record Card lists the items included in each of these categories. Data
recorded on the PIMD cards are found in Appendix II. Minimum sizes counted
under each category included pieces and scraps not greater than 0.5m2 in length
and / or width for plastics, rubber, metal, and wood. However, due to the extensive
fragmentation and presence of Styrofoam – pieces6 approximately 5cm2 with in the
study sites were included in data collection during field studies. Larger items such
as boats or platforms are included in the "other" section under the category that
matches the material they are mostly comprised of when surveyed. For example
old abandoned sardine vessels identified during field survey are included under the
category for wood and metal on the PIMD Data Record Sheet, while old wooden
fishing boats are listed under wood in the other section. Types of wood counted
include large or treated items that take longer to biodegrade i.e. weir poles,
aquaculture pens, and industrial beams7.
6
Foam pieces are identified in the pie charts as Pieces of foam < 0.25m 2. The smallest foam pieces recorded
2
on the data sheets are roughly 5cm in dimensions.
7
Large wood items such as pens, wharves or floating docks are potential hazards to navigation when lifted off
shore by the tides. In addition, weir poles that are in good condition could be reused instead of cutting down
more trees.
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RESULTS
The erratic coastline geomorphology in the Passamaquoddy region is intricately
laced with a multitude of bays, beaches, and inlets that yield a large amount of
sites where sediments and debris may accumulate. The initial field studies
conducted in May and June 2001 provided information on the types of PIMD and
(to a lesser extent) DMD found in the study areas. During these preliminary studies
it was also noted that PIMD and other flotsam and jetsam tends to accumulate on
the shorelines that are closer to residential areas and industry operations. Due to
the size of the area, as well as resource and time constraints only 17 sites (Table
2) are selected for more detailed study.
Table 2: Data Collection Sites: PIMD, DMD and Control
Environme
ntal Region
The
Western
(Quoddy)
Isles
Passamaq
uoddy Bay
Letang
Harbour
Southwest
New
Brunswick
Coast
#
Site Name
Area use
Data
use
1
Sandy Island
Weirs, FAS8
PIMD
2
Simpsons Island
Weirs, FAS
PIMD
3
Indian Island
FAS
PIMD
4
Ship Harbour, MacMasters
Island
FAS
PIMD
5
Lords Cove, Deer Island
Lobster pound, Fish
Processing Plant
PIMD
6
Hardwood Island
FAS
PIMD
7
Deer Island Point
Provincial Park & ferry
to Campabello I.
Control9
8
Cummings Cove
Fish Processing Plant,
FAS10
PIMD
9
Pendleton Island Beach
FAS
PIMD
10
Sherard Beach
FAS and rural residential
Compar
ison
PIMD
and
DMD
11
Timber Cove, Oven Head
Rural - some cottages
Control
11
12
Fraiser Beach, Mathew’s Cove
FAS
PIMD
13
Birch Cove, Frye Island, Lime
Kiln Bay
FAS
PIMD
14
Treinors Cove
Rural - rural residential
Control
15
Lighthouse Pt., Beaver Harbour
Fish Packing Plant,
Weirs, FAS12
PIMD
16
Seelys Cove
Weirs, FAS
PIMD
17
Pocologan Harbour, Maces Bay
Rural - residential
Control
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The control study site numbers are highlighted in Table 2 – they are fairly remote
with relatively low anthropocentric influence. Both PIMD and DMD data are
collected from Sherard Beach in the Passamaquoddy Bay to provide a brief
comparison of type and amount of material from domestic and coastal industry
sources.
Preliminary Site Visits
Results of the preliminary site visits conducted between May 31 and June 8, 2001
are included in this section. Each table indicates location name, co-ordinates,
items identified, comments, which sites were included in the PIMD summer
assessment, and digital photograph number. GPS co-ordinates were not recorded
during the aerial survey on June 1, 2001. In total 36 sites were surveyed – 13 with
the Pandalus on 2 separate days, 19 by air plane in one afternoon, and 4 by car on
3 separate days. All preliminary site visits took place during low tides.
Aerial Survey: June 1, 2001
The Aerial survey was conducted on a clear sunny day during low tide in the
afternoon between 2:00 and 3:45pm. During the aerial survey video footage was
recorded and photographs were taken. The flight route covered a path from the air
field in Pennfield along the Southwest New Brunswick coast, from Red Head and
into the St. George / Letang Region. The flight route then proceeded along the
Greens Point to Mathew Cove – it then extended across the Passamaquoddy Bay
to St. Andrews. From St. Andrews the flight proceeded westward to Fairhaven,
Deer Island and southward to Deer Island Point. The plane then passed over
Indian Island and proceeded northward over the Western Isles to Pea Point.
Photo 3: Airplane used for Aerial Survey and
C.A. Smith Research Scientist
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Table 3: Aerial Survey - June 1, 2001
Name
Red Head,
Pocologan
I.
Penn I.,
Crow
Harbour
Seeleys
Cove
Beaver
Harbour
Items Identified
PIMD could not be detected
Deadman's
Harbour
Blacks
Harbour
Letang
Harbour
Back Bay
Greens
Point
Matthew's
Cove
Fairhaven
Deer Island
Point
Indian
Island
Comments
Return?
No aquaculture sites or
herring weirs
No
CD Photo #s
82
Some PIMD may be
accumulating
No
83
Piping on beach
No
84, 85
No PIMD noted from air
Yes
Not able to note PIMD during
flight
Piping on beach
No
86 (road to
lighthouse), 87,
88
89, 90
No
91, 92, 93?
Beached FAS net pen with
Styrofoam, old wooden net
pen, foam, piping, weir poles,
netting (possibly)
Beached FAS pen
PIMD - undetermined
Yes
95 - 104
No
No
105 - 109
110-112
Across from Ship
Harbour on MacMasters
I.
Cleaning nets
No
113 - 114
No
116 - 121
Eastern side of the
Island
PIMD noted in the
vicinity of 2 sites on the
western side of Indian I.
- across from Deer I.
Point
Yes
Possibly some PIMD noted
Industrial planking - some
Styrofoam, plastics (possibly),
beached net pens
Beached cage and some
other debris
Styrofoam, drums, netting,
foam, parts of cages, green
nets, weir poles...
Western side of point
Yes
122,123,124,
126
Casco
Island
Sandy,
spruce and
Tinker
Islands
Planking, foam, FAS cage
parts? - Uncertain
Weir poles, netting (Sandy),
melted plastic may be on
Tinker Island
No
127- 130
Yes
131-136
Mowat
Channel
Adam
Island
Bliss Island
Some PIMD noted
No
Foam, weir poles, netting
No
Pea Pt.
Positive identification of PIMD
could not be noted from air.
Cages, foam, plastics,
(Sandy &
Tinker
Islands)
Northern section across
from Pea Pt.
137, 138
No
139
No
140-142?
143
17 of 88
PIMD was positively identified and photographed at 13 of the 19 locations
identified during the flight. This next section provides a more detailed account of
the aerial survey including some photos of larger items of PIMD as discerned from
the air. In total 63 photos were taken during the flight.
Photo 4: Southwest New Brunswick Shore: Piping and other PIMD
along the shore
Photo 5: Letang Harbour:
Old Wooden Cage Frame abandoned in the inter-tidal zone
18 of 88
Photo 6: Indian Island:
Plastic buoys, nets, Styrofoam (selected as a PIMD data collection site)
Photo 7: Indian Island: PIMD transported into adjacent ecosystems
19 of 88
Photo 8: Casco Island:
Discarded floating docks contain large amounts of Styrofoam as flotation
Photo 9: Sandy Island: Large discarded net
May 31 – Pandalus: Sites Accessed By DFO Vessel and Zodiac
The cloudy rainy weather conditions during this boat survey perpetuated wind and
surf conditions that inhibited landing on beaches by zodiac from the Pandalus.
Only 12 photographs were taken since stormy conditions inhibited use of the digital
camera. However, samples were collected from one site on Simpsons Island that
was successfully accessed by zodiac from the Pandalus.
20 of 88
Table 4: Pandalus: May 31, 2001
Name
Coordinates
* Pendleton
I.
45 05 111
67 04 505
* Pendleton
I. Beach
45 02 089
66 56 957
Mac Masters
I. –
Northwest
side.
45 02 423
66 56 260
Items Identified
Comments
Large pieces of Styrofoam
00070
Old wooden aquaculture pen, fishing net,
plastic containers, Styrofoam. Attempted
landing with the zodiac. Compact and
powerful breakers filled it with water. Had
to stand in hip deep water to prevent
zodiac from beaching. Left gear on shore
and got people back to boat. Emptied
water and retrieved gear from shore.
Plastic and foam floats, possibly melted plastic,
plastic containers, nets and rope.
Also known as Macs I.
00071
00072
Black flexible pipe (PVC) ~4-5 cm in diameter
& ~ 100m in length. -Believed to have been
there for at least 2 years.
00076
00077
00078
Ship
Harbour,
MacMasters
I.
45 02 852
66 55 245
* Simpsons
I.
45 00 239
66 54 797
Mowat Hbr.
45 00 096
66 54 593
Beans I
44 59 771
66 55 763
Hardwood I.
45 00 893
66 55 316
Photo #
Large old rusting ferry pontoon attached to wooden pilings. Foam, floats,
plastic oil or bleach containers, nets, industrial planking, rope. – Amount of litter
was uncountable. Collected samples: feed bag, rope, piece of foam, and
plastic oil cans … Able to land on this beach with the zodiac. Ferry pontoon is
possibly from the Abanakie or Mac Learn Ferries - out of commission for 20
yrs. Compared to length of time on Island. Old copper mines. PIML blown into
the woods as far as the eye can see. Dead bird suspended from tree – possibly
caught in lines. An eagle was flying overhead.
Beached cages on both Mowat and
Simpsons Islands. Foam, rope, and
plastic containers.
Immature Eagle flying overhead.
00073
00074
00075
00079
00080
00081
Plastic oil containers, Styrofoam, pieces of net pens, black PVC pipes,
Styrofoam cylinders…
Adjacent herring weirs.
Adult eagle sitting on rock.
Cage (possibly wooden), Float, Styrofoam, blue tote
21 of 88
June 8 - Pandalus to the West Isles (World Oceans Day)
Clear weather conditions during this field survey allowed landing on beaches by
zodiac from the Pandalus. Samples were collected from Simpsons Island. Total of
55 photographs were taken during site visits on June 8.
Table 5: West Isles: East of Deer Island, June 8, 2001
Name
Coordinates
*Pendelton
Island Beach
N 45 02 089
W 066 56 957
* Hardwood
Island
N 45 00 893
W 66 55 316
Items Identified & Comments
Old wooden net pen, large nets,
Styrofoam, feed and salt bags,
totes, a lot of plastic debris
integrated into the rock weed,
weir poles, lobster crate,
planking. 2 Riverdale coffee cups.
Birmed beach, privately owned by
the Pendelton family who own the
adjacent FAS. It is reported that
the owners have a bonfire every
year to burn accumulated PIMD.
Shoreline debris extends in landbeyond the limits of the beach
into the adjacent shoreline woods. Dead seal found among debris inside old wooden
cage frame. A dead blue Herron was also found along the beach. Cause of death for
both animals is undetermined.
Industrial planking, plastic containers (oil and
cleaning solutions) Styrofoam, floats, rusting drums,
weir nets, aquaculture nets, xactic box cover (in
photo) totes, pieces of plastic, approx. 8 Riverdale
coffee cups. Old herring weir on the other side of the
spit. Samples taken: lobster door, floats.
* Beans Island
beaches
East of Lords
Cove, Deer
Island. Landed
on the Eastern
side of Beans
Island
* Barns Island
East of
Simpsons Island
Melted plastics, floats, weir poles, wood
pallets, discarded netting, rope, wood beams
with spikes, partially burned wharf piece approx. 2.5m in length, burned plastic on
pallet, hot water tank, plastic tarp, 1 Riverdale
coffee cup Samples of nets taken for
identification from second beach visited.
Samples: melted plastic, nets, coffee cup.
Weir poles, several
tires, large pieces of
Styrofoam, plastics,
industrial planking,
floats, rope, pilings
or barge parts, rusty
cans, plastic
containers, oil cans, herring weir nets, metal drums
pipes, feeder pipe, crates, pallets, rusty drum, totes,
lobster crate, treated lumber
22 of 88
Name
Coordinates
* Simpsons
Island (eastern
side)
N 45 00 239
W 66 54 797
Items Identified & Comments
Old rusty pontoon, oil cans, weir poles, tires,
floats, pilings or barge parts, crates, pallets,
cage parts, cylindrical pieces of Styrofoam from FAS operations, totes, feeder pipes,
floats, large pieces of Styrofoam, wooden
pallets, salt and feed bags, plastic cleaner
bottles, nets, ropes, 5 Riverdale coffee cups.
Considerable amount of plastics and foams
carried by wind into adjacent coastal forest extending approximately 100m. Including plastic containers (oil, cleaners), feedbags,
salt bags, plastic sheets, large pieces of Styrofoam.
Sites Accessed By Car
During preliminary site visits 4 sites were accessed by car in the Passamaquoddy
Bay and Letang Regions. No photographs of these sites were taken, however,
video footage was shot at each of these sites. PIMD was noted at Craig Point and
Holts Point. Shoreline in Back Bay in the vicinity of a wharf and lobster pound was
covered predominantly in domestic marine debris. A summary of field visits at
these sites is provided in the following tables.
Table 6: Back Bay and Greens Cove - St. George / Letang - June 4
Name
Back
Bay
Greens
Cove
Items Identified
Weir poles, several tires, netting, car wreck,
oil cans, motor, boat and vehicle parts,
lobster crates, several large pieces of
Styrofoam, metal railing, cage parts, totes,
plastic sheeting, feed bags, moving cart, fish
boxes, rope, large pile of rusting nails
A few small pieces of rope or nets.
Small amount of little plastic pieces caughtup in the rockweed.
Comments
The area also included domestic wastes.
Foul odors along the shore - especially by
the pier indicate release of untreated
sewage.
Other than a few pieces of small scale litter,
this area is clear of PIMD. It is reported that
the adjacent FAS operators monitor waste
residuals and conduct beach cleanups.
Table 7: Craig Point and Holts Point - June 6-7, 2001
Name
Craig
Point
area,
June 6
Holts
Point,
June 7
Coordinates Items Identified
Comments
Point at the end of Harkness Road across
N 45 06.
Rubble from old sardine
from Ministers I. in Chamcook Harbour.
877
factory, floats, Styrofoam,
W067
corrugated plastic (3 pieces < Relatively low in PIMD. Video close-ups
revealed no PIMD on the northern point and
03.619
1m in length),
N 45 08.830
W066
59.087
Some pieces of Styrofoam, a
car battery, 3 floats, a few
weir poles, 2 tires, a few
rusting metal objects under
1m in length
low tide causeway of Minister Island
Walked from entrance around the point and
down into Mill Cove between the high and
low water marks. Return route- above the
high water mark. Approximately 0.75 km.
Compared to other sites (Pendelton I,
Simpson I, and Back Bay), and considering
the amount of area covered, this beach
does not have a lot of PIMD.
23 of 88
Tinker Island
Tinker Island is a small rocky island in the Western Isles area. It is mostly covered
in rockweed except for a small grassy area in the centre above the high water
mark. This area was included in the aerial survey and visited twice by DFO vessel
(Pandalus) and the zodiac.
Photo 10: Tinker Island: Aerial View
As we flew over the island it was difficult to determine the presence of melted
plastic. During the first visit on June 29, 2001 Tinker Island was not accessed due
to high tides - and video footage was shot from the zodiac as we encircled the
island. On the second visit by boat, I landed on Tinker Island from the zodiac and
walked around on the rocky shore looking for evidence of melted PIMD from an
illegal incineration site that had been reported to DFO in the previous year.
24 of 88
Photo 11: Cormorant Colony on Tinker Island, June 29, 2001
Video footage was recorded during all three visits and no PIMD was noted during
either visit. However, Tinker Island is thriving with several species of seabird
including cormorant, eider duck, and seagull – all of which were noted in
abundance during both visits. A seal was also noted resting on the rocky shoreline
of this small island.
Summer Field Study Results
In consideration of the preliminary visits, site selection criteria, local industry,
geography and consultation with ECW and DFO staff, 17 sites were selected for
the summer field study assessment. Data was collected between the length of two
GPS co-ordinate readings (start and end points), along the base of the high water
mark and moving inland as far as the PIMD extends.
The results of data and observation recorded at the 17 selected study sites are
provided in the following sections and are organized in tables 8 through 12 in terms
of the 4 distinct environments. Each table contains information on the date of visit
to the site, GPS start – end coordinates, mode of access, and type of data
collected. Site descriptions, remarkable observations (i.e. largest and most
common items), pie charts depicting percentage totals, and photographs acquired
at each site are also provided. In addition, Riverdale Styrofoam coffee cups
(Riverdale is an Irving stores product brand name) were counted and recorded for
ECW monitoring and research purposes.
25 of 88
The West Isles Area
Table 8: Sites in the West Isles
#
SITE NAME &
DATE OF VISIT
1
SANDY ISLAND
June 29 / 01
2
SIMPSONS
ISLAND
June 29 / 01
3
INDIAN ISLAND
July 11/ 01
4
SHIP HARBOUR,
MACMASTERS
ISLAND
July 11/ 01
5
LORDS COVE,
DEER Island
July 15/ 01
6
HARDWOOD
ISLAND
July 18/ 01
7
DEER
POINT
ISLAND
July 15/ 01
LOCATION: GPS –
Start & End points
Start:
0
N 44 58. 366’
0
W 66 54. 767’
End:
0
N 44 58. 338’
0
W 66 54. 878’
Start:
0
N 45 00. 202’
0
W 66 54. 740’
End:
0
N 45 00. 253’
0
W 66 54. 738’
Start:
0
N 44 56. 094’
0
W 66 58. 086’
End:
0
N 44 56. 186’
0
W 66 58. 148’
Start:
N 45 02. 786’
0
W 66 55. 434’
End:
0
N 45 02. 682’
0
W 66 55. 319’
MODE OF
ACCESS
PIMD
Pandalus
Pandalus
Local Industry: Fishery, herring
weir, aquaculture (exclusion
area).
PIMD
Pandalus
Local Industry:
Fishery, herring weir, aquaculture
(exclusion area)
PIMD
Pandalus
Local Industry:
Aquaculture (controlled growth14
area)
PIMD
Vehicle
Start:
0
N 44 58. 366’
0
W 66 54. 767’
End:
0
N 44 58. 338’
0
W 66 54. 878’
NBSGA
Dwayne
Richardson
speed boat
Local Industry: Fishery, herring
area13).
PIMD
Start:
0
N 45 00. 981’
0
W 66 64. 245’
End:
0
N 45 01. 008’
0
W 66 64. 168’
Start:
0
N 44 58. 366’
0
W 66 54. 767’
End:
0
N 44 58. 338’
0
W 66 54. 878’
DATA TYPE: PIMD or DMD
LOCAL INDUSTRY
Local Industry:
Lobster pound, Fishery, herring
area).
PIMD
Local Industry:
Fishery, herring weir,
transportation, tourism,
aquaculture (exclusion area).
DMD
Vehicle
Local Industry:
Tourism (Provincial Park),
transportation.
26 of 88
Site 1: SANDY ISLAND
Photo 12: Sandy Island beach.
Note herring weir beside the site and Spruce Island on the horizon.
Debris (plastic) is caught up in the rockweed at the high water line.
Site Description: Biophysical
The Sandy Island site is a large sandy beach beside a herring weir on the eastern
side of the island facing Spruce Island (Photo 11). Rockweed at and above the
high-water mark extends into coastal grasses. Dune-like formations occur along
the backshore of the beach and are held in place by marram or beach vegetation.
The beach face slopes at a gentle angle to the water. The island was accessed
during low tide and several scallops were noted on the ocean floor when
approaching with the zodiac. A seagull colony occupies the island and a nest with
gull eggs (Photo 13) was noted among the dry rockweed close to the high water
mark, along the backshore.
Data Type: PIMD
Debris extends approximately 5m past terrestrial vegetation line above the
backshore. Nets, plastic, and ropes are integrated into the beach and dune
formations (Photo 14). Many items cannot be identified with out excavation.
27 of 88
Pie Chart 1: Sandy Island - Most prevalent items (%):
SITE #1: Sandy Island
Plastic cleaner bottles
WOOD Weir poles
15%
WOOD pallets
2%
0%
9%
OTHER
RUBBER ITEMS
(glove) 2%
Plastic Oil bottles
Plastic Oil bottles
6%
Plastic
FEED/SALT BAGS
2%
FISH BOXES
2%
Foam Floats
2%
Plastic FLOTATION PIPES
FISH BOXES
Synthetic fiber: ROPE /
LINES>2m
Fishing NETS >1m
Weir NETS >1m
Plastic Sheeting > 1m
OTHER Plastic or Synthetic fiber
items (water jugs)
13%
2%
Weir NETS >1m
4%
OTHER Plastic or Synthetic
fiber items
Foam Floats
WOOD Weir poles
Synthetic fiber: ROPE / LINES>2m
36%
WOOD pallets
Fishing NETS >1m
4%
Most Common Items and Other Remarks
A total of 44 PIMD items were counted and recorded on the data sheet. First,
second and third most common items at this site are: 1) synthetic rope and lines
greater than 2m in length (17), 2) wood weir poles and 3) plastic water jugs. From
most to least common the order of each debris category is: Plastics / synthetics;
Wood; Foam; Rubber, and Metal. The largest item noted was a net (photo 12) at
the point, which was also recorded on video and photographed during the aerial
survey. A 1000kg bulk fishmeal feed bag from Connors feed company was also
recorded on the data card.
28 of 88
Ph
oto 13: Net on Sandy Island Beach
Photo 14:
Seagulls Nest on Sandy Island
– found just beyond the old net
in photo 12
Photo 15:
Sandy Island: Old Net
Integrated Into Beach
Matrix. The net is faded
and frayed and partly
buried under sand –
beach vegetation and
marram grow through
the mesh.
29 of 88
Site 2: SIMPSONS ISLAND
Photo 16: Simpsons Island
Site Description: Biophysical:
On Simpsons Island the data was collected on a beach that partly covers an
exposed rock formation. Pebble and cobble covers the upper foreshore and
backshore. Rockweed extends along high water mark. Terrestrial vegetation along
the shore consists of a conifer – deciduous mixed forest.
Data Type: PIMD
Debris extends approximately 20m above terrestrial vegetation line along
backshore. A large metal pontoon was noted at the high water mark above the
beach (Photo 16).
.
30 of 88
Pie Chart 2: Simpsons Island - Most prevalent items (%):
SITE # 2: Simpsons Island
WOOD Beams or
planking
3%
WOOD Weir poles 1%
13%
0%
2%
Foam Pieces < 0.25m
26%
Plastic Oil bottles
9%
Foam
Packing: flotation
or insulation
4%
1%
Plastic FEED/SALT
BAGS
20%
1%
FOAM Sheets
> 0.25m
1%
3%
OTHER Plastic or
Synthetic fiber items
(lobster tags - 3, feed
scoup- 1, garbage cans 3, water jugs -6, garbage
bags - 1) 6%
Plastic Oil bottles
Plastic FEED/SALT BAGS
Weir NETS >1m
Aquaculture NETS >1m
MELTED PLASTIC
BUCKETS
OTHER Plastic or Synthetic fiber items
FOAM Sheets > 0.25m
Foam Floats
Foam Packing: flotation or insulation
Foam Pieces < 0.25m
OTHER Foam items
RUBBER tires
Vessel Parts
Rusty METAL Drums
OTHER METAL ITEMS
WOOD Weir poles
WOOD Crates
WOOD Beams or planking
Synthetic fiber:
ROPE / LINES>2m
6%
BUCKETS
2%
Foam pieces less than ¼ meter in length (65), plastic feed bags (48), and plastic
cleaner bottles (31) were the first, second and third most common items identified
respectively. A total of 245 items were counted and recorded on the data collection
sheet within the limits of the Simpsons Island site. The most prevalent PIMD
category in debris category is Plastic and Synthetics with a total of 142 items
recorded, followed by Foam, Wood, Metal, and Rubber – from most to least
common. The largest items noted were the rusty old pontoon (Photo 16), and 3
plastic garbage cans. A dead bird (possibly a cormorant) was also found entangled
in the trees above the backshore. Evidence of shoreline dumping was noted in a
large pit above the shoreline near the data collection end point (Photo 17). Other
notable items include a plastic feed scoop, and lobster tags.
12 Riverdale coffee cups
31 of 88
Photo 17: Old Rusty Pontoon. On Simpsons Island – also documented on
May 31 in the preliminary assessment section.
Photo 18: PIMD Disposal Pit on Simpsons Island
32 of 88
Photo 19: Dead Bird Entangled on Simpsons Island
33 of 88
Site 3: INDIAN ISLAND
Photo 20: Indian Island
The shoreline is comprised of and pebble covering a solid rock formation - similar
to Simpsons Island. However the shoreline below the high water mark is quite
green with algae. Aquaculture operations are visible from this shoreline.
Photo 21:
Algae on Indian
Island - Finfish
Cage Ring and
feed barge with
damaged yellow
floats are also
noted.
34 of 88
Shoreline plants have thick green leaves with waxy cuticles along the high water
line. Rockweed accumulates at and above the high water mark. Vegetation
covering the shore in a path from the waters edge toward the back shore is
rockweed, algae, rockweed, green coastal plants, rockweed mixed with debris,
then grasses, and coniferous forest above the backshore.
Data Type: PIMD
PIMD appears to be transported inland by the wind and extends approximately 10 15m past terrestrial vegetation line along backshore. Three separate debris
incineration sites are noted within the site study limits between the high water mark
and adjacent forest line (Photo 21).
Pie Chart 3: Indian Island - Most prevalent items (%):
SITE # 3: Indian Island
WOOD Beams or
planking
Plastic cleaner
8%
bottles
OTHER METAL
4%
ITEMS
(rusty bucket, pipe,
Plastic Oil bottles
paint cans, pvc
5%
coated wires) 2%
1%
Plastic
1%
1%
FEED/SALT BAGS
1%
1%
6%
1%
RUBBER tires
1%
3%
Synthetic fiber:
ROPE / LINES>2m
16%
Foam Pieces <
0.25m
32%
Foam Floats
2%
FOAM Sheets >
0.25m
4%
Aquaculture NETS
>1m
5%
1%
1% Plastic Sheeting >
1m
2%
OTHER Plastic or
synthetic fiber items
(4L containers, pvc
pipe, feed scoup,
paint roller)
3%
Plastic Oil bottles
Plastic FEEDER PIPES
Plastic TOTES
FISH BOXES
Plastic PENS (cages)
MELTED PLASTIC
BUCKETS
FOAM Sheets > 0.25m
Foam Floats
Foam Pieces < 0.25m
RUBBER tires
OTHER RUBBER ITEMS
Vessel Parts
Rusty METAL Drums
OTHER METAL ITEMS
WOOD Weir poles
WOOD Crates
WOOD pallets
OTHER WOOD ITEMS
35 of 88
A total of 387 PIMD items were identified at the Indian Island site. The most
common item recorded on the data card was foam pieces less than 0.25m in
length for which 149 pieces were counted. The second and third most common
items were ropes or lines greater than 2m and industrial wood beams respectively.
Most prevalent PIMD debris category is Plastics and Synthetics (with 170 items
counted), followed by Foam, Wood, Rubber and Metal in descending order.
Photo 22: PIMD Incineration Site.
Large damaged items
(possibly discarded)
found at this site
include: feed barges,
large yellow plastic
floats, Styrofoam
sheets, large nets, and
a wooden skiff covered
with foam.
Photo 23: PIMD on
Indian Island. Floats,
polystyrene, nets,
ropes … etc.
36 of 88
Site 4: SHIP HARBOUR, MACMASTERS ISLAND
Photo 24: Ship Harbour, MacMasters Island
The Ship Harbour shoreline consists mostly of gravel and pebble with some coarse
sand along the foreshore. A tidal trough extends along the backshore, creating a
bar or ridge that separates the foreshore from the backshore – with a fairly steep
angle on either side. This is a very large stretch of accessible shoreline. There is a
steep slope above backshore runnel or trough extending up into the forest this
inhibits inland movement of debris. The forest is a mix of deciduous and coniferous
trees. Vegetation along the ridge that separates the foreshore from the backshore
trough consists of grasses, wild peas, amaranth and other wild grains.
Data Type: PIMD
Data collection begins at the western headland and ends half way up the beach –
going east. Three old incineration sites are noted within study limits of the site.
However not very much debris is noted.
37 of 88
Pie Chart 4: Ship Harbour - Most prevalent items (%):
SITE #4: Ship Harbour, MacMaster I.
WOOD Weir poles
4%
WOOD pallets
2%
OTHER METAL ITEMS
(pile of rusty nails) 2%
0%
Synthetic fiber: ROPE / LINES>2mLINES>2m
40%
Fishing NETS >1m
MELTED PLASTIC
OTHER Plastic or
OTHER METAL ITEMS
WOOD Weir poles
WOOD pallets
THER Plastic or Synthetic fiber
items (aquaculture cage parts and
Fishing NETS >1m
2%
strapping)
46%
MELTED PLASTIC
5%
In total 57 PIMD items were counted at the Ship Harbour study site. First, second
and third most common items at this site were identified as aquaculture cage parts
(26 in total), ropes or lines, and melted plastic. Items in the Plastics category made
up 93% of the material type most common at this site. Picnic tables are noted
along the ridge between the fore and backshore. Hikers / boaters / revellers may
visit this site from time to time.
38 of 88
Site 5: LORDS COVE, DEER ISLAND
Photo 25: Lords Cove, on the Northwest side of Deer Island.
This large shoreline consists of a pebble beach covered at intervals with rockweed.
A rock ridge (possibly man-made) separates foreshore from backshore. The
backshore lagoon contains a lobster pound.
Photo 26: Nets and PIMD in Lords Cove-->
Data Type: PIMD
GPS start readings were taken at the
warehouse (red building), and end readings
were recorded at the headland in the distance
(see Photo 24). Toward the end point of the
study area debris extends inland for
approximately 10m. Most of the PIMD is
found along the high water line and the rock
ridge. Five or more nets are entangled in
rocks and driftwood along the mid-shore
ridge.
39 of 88
Pie Chart 5: Lords Cove - Most prevalent items (%):
OTHER WOOD ITEMS
2%
SITE # 5: Lords Cove
Plastic TOTES
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
Plastic Oil bottles
WOOD Beams or
planking
10%
1%
Plastic cleaner
bottles Plastic Oil bottles
5%
2%FLOTATION
Plastic
PIPES
3%
1%
FISH BOXES
Fishing NETS >1m
1%
1%
LINES>2m
15%
1%
1%
MELTED PLASTIC
FOAM Sheets > 0.25m
Foam Floats
Fishing NETS >1m
5%
3%
1%
Foam Pieces < 0.25m
37%
OTHER Plastic or
3%
FOAM Sheets > 0.25m
2%
1%
Foam Pieces < 0.25m
RUBBER tires
OTHER RUBBER ITEMS
METAL Crab or lobster traps
Vessel Parts
Rusty METAL Drums
OTHER METAL ITEMS
WOOD Weir poles
WOOD Pen (cage) parts
WOOD Crates
WOOD pallets
OTHER WOOD ITEMS
During the field assessment 288 items were counted between the start and end
points in Lords Cove. The most prevalent item was foam pieces followed by
industrial wood beams, and rope or lines greater than 2m in length. Three pieces
of melted plastic were found along the shore. The most common PIMD category
was plastic. The largest items recorded include a floating dock (toward the data
collection end point), mussel screen (beside the warehouse), tires, and nets.
Hundreds of dead crabs and lobsters (red and blue) were noted along this
shoreline.
40 of 88
Site 6: HARDWOOD ISLAND
Photo 27: Hardwood Island
The study site on Hardwood Island is located on a small peninsula or spit
(approximately 70m in width) on the eastern side of the Island. A narrow inlet
separates this formation from the main part of Hardwood Island. The area toward
the isthmus is occupied by a small coastal marsh. The beach is rocky gravel and
pebble.
Data Type: PIMD
Data collected between the headlands at the point of the spit and the isthmus in a
north to south direction on the open ocean side. PIMD spans the width of the
peninsula. Fifty-seven ropes greater than 2m in length are on and in the beach
matrix and a total of 40 plastic bottles (PIMD) were counted.
41 of 88
Pie Chart 6: Hardwood Island - Most prevalent items (%):
SITE # 6: Hardwood Island
WOOD Weir poles
4%
OTHER METAL ITEMS
(metal screen) 2%
WOOD pallets
2%
0%
OTHER Plastic or
Synthetic fiber items (truck
rock guard, lobster plugs,
funnel, water bottles,
antifreez containers)
46%
LINES>2m
40%
Fishing NETS >1m
2%
Plastic Oil bottles
Plastic TOTES
Plastic FLOATS
FISH BOXES
Fishing NETS >1m
BUCKETS
FOAM Sheets > 0.25m
Foam Floats
Foam Pieces < 0.25m
Rusty METAL Drums
OTHER METAL ITEMS
WOOD Weir poles
WOOD finfish cages
WOOD Crates
WOOD pallets
OO
MELTED PLASTIC
5%
Out of the 202 PIMD items counted
and recorded at this site the first,
second and third most common
items at this site are: Plastics, lines
or ropes greater than 2m, and
melted plastic. Most common PIMD
category in debris category is
Plastics and synthetic materials. The
largest items counted at this site
include 1 xactic cover, 6 plastic
totes, 1 oil bucket, 5 nets and 1
lobster crate. Most of these items
were noted during earlier visits to
Hardwood Island (Table 5).
Photo 28: PIMD on Hardwood Island
42 of 88
Site 7: DEER ISLAND POINT
Photo 29: Deer Island Point
Just north of the fifty-fifth parallel, the site at Deer Island Point rests between two
headlands forming a small fishhook type beach. It over looks a large tidal whorl pool
named “the Old Sow”. Sediment type is mostly sand with some pebbly gravel. Three or
four harbour porpoises were noted swimming toward the Western Passage just off the
Point. Rockweed occurs on the rocks of the small headlands but not on the beach. There
are no fishing or aquaculture operations in the vicinity due to strong currents that interfere
with the anchoring of equipment and vessels.
Data Type: DMD
Three pieces of rope less than 1m were identified and may either originate from
recreational boating or industry operations. However, no PIMD could be noted with any
certainty in this area. The items identified on Deer Island Point originate from nonindustrial or domestic sources. Several items of DMD are also recorded on the data record
sheet including: beverage containers, food bags, lids, cups, toys, pieces of plastic,
cigarette butts, broken glass, paper bags, cloth, pieces of newspaper or magazines, and
cardboard tubes from flairs or fireworks. A dead seagull was noted on the beach near the
data collection start point. There was no clear evidence of entanglement.
PIMD items = 3 pieces of rope less than 1m in length.
43 of 88
Chart 7: West Isles - Percentage Total of PIMD Items
TOTAL: West Isles Sites
OTHER WOOD
6%
ITEMS
Plastic Oil bottles
1%
6%
WOOD Beams or
WOOD pallets
1%
WOOD Crates
1%
WOOD Weir
poles
planking
8%
2%
OTHER METAL
ITEMS
1%
Vessel Parts
1%
RUBBER tires
1%
Synthetic fibre: ROPE /
LINES>2m
18%
Fishing NETS >1m
1%
2%
Foam Pieces < 0.25m
25%
Foam Packing: flotation
or insulation
1%
Foam Floats
1%
Plastic FLOTATION
PIPES
1%
Plastic TOTES
1%
Plastic FEED/SALT
BAGS
7%
FOAM Sheets > 0.25m
3%
2%
OTHER Plastic or BUCKETS
Synthetic fibre items 1%
6%
MELTED PLASTIC
1%
44 of 88
Passamaquoddy Bay Area
Table 9: Passamaquoddy Bay Area Sites
#
SITE NAME &
DATE OF VISIT
LOCATION: GPS –
Start and End points
8
SHERARD BEACH
Start:
0
N 45 08. 101’
0
W 66 54.284’
End:
0
N 45 58. 936’
0
W 66 54.148’
July 8 / 01
&
July 10 / 01
Start:
0
N 44 56. 646’
0
W 66 59. 86’
End:
0
N 44 56. 560’
0
W 66 59.863’
9
CUMMINGS COVE
July 14 / 01
10
Start:
0
N 45 02. 018’
0
W 66 56.937’
End:
0
N 45 02. 056’
0
W 66 56.885’
PENDELTON
ISLAND
July 18/ 01
11
TIMBER
HEAD
COVE,
OVEN
July 17/ 01
Start:
N 45 08. 907’
0
W 66 56.287’
End:
0
N 45 08.949’
0
W 66 56.368’
MODE OF
ACCESS
LOCAL INDUSTRY
PIMD & DMD
Vehicle
Local Industry:
Aquaculture (controlled growth15
area).
PIMD
Vehicle
Local Industry:
Aquaculture (controlled growth
area).
PIMD
NBSGA
Dwayne
Richardson
speed boat
Local Industry:
Weir, Aquaculture (controlled
growth area).
DMD - Control
Vehicle
Site 8: SHERARD BEACH
Sherard Beach is a large pebble and cobble beach with rockweed in intervals
between low and high-water mark. It is located north of where the Magaguadavic
River empties into the Passamaquoddy Bay. The shoreline slightly undulates in
cusp-like formations perpendicular to the line where the water meets the shore.
The beach has a fairly steep gradient indicating a high-energy environment.
Coastal forest begins abruptly along the backshore and there is no flat grassy area
between the beach and the tree line. This is a large very accessible shoreline that
forms a crescent between two headlands. However, permission to enter through
adjacent properties must be obtained from the owners.
45 of 88
Photo 30: Sherard Breach
Data Type: PIMD & DMD
Debris extends no more than 3m past the terrestrial vegetation line above
backshore – and is inhibited from further inland movement by the backshore slope
where the forest abruptly begins. Data collection start point is at the base of a
staircase that ascends to an adjacent property. Data collection ends to the west at
a rocky headland.
46 of 88
Pie Chart 8: Sherard - Most prevalent items (%):
SITE # 8: Sherard Beach
Plastic Oil bottles
2%
9%
WOOD Beams or
planking
22%
1%
Plastic Oil bottles
LINES>2m
1%
21%
FOAM Sheets > 0.25m
23%
Fishing NETS >1m
WOOD pallets
2%
WOOD
Weir poles
6%
1%
1%
Foam Floats
4%
FOAM Sheets > 0.25m
Foam Floats
OTHER Foam items
Fishing NETS >1m
2%
OTHER
Plastic or Synthetic fiber
items (fluorescent
markers, antifreez jugs)
6%
RUBBER tires
OTHER METAL ITEMS
WOOD Weir poles
WOOD pallets
OTHER WOOD ITEMS
A total of 165 items were counted and recorded on the data sheets. First, second
and third most common items at this site are foam sheets, wood beams, and rope
or lines greater than 2m in length. Most nets, ropes and lines were integrated into
the rockweed, beach gravel and driftwood. The most common PIMD debris
category is plastic and synthetic materials. From most to least common the order
of each debris category is Plastic and synthetics, wood from industry sources,
foam, rubber and metal. During the field studies thirty-seven foam sheets greater
than 0.5m in length and thirty-five ropes greater than 2m in length were counted
within the site study limits. Other PIMD items noted during the survey include
fluorescent highway markers and several lengths of PVC coated wire.
47 of 88
Photo 31: Rope integrated into the beach matrix at Sherard Beach
Domestic Marine debris was also counted
and recorded on a DMD data card at the
Sherard Beach site. A total of 120 DMD items
were noted with in the site study limits. The
most prevalent items were plastic and glass
beverage bottles for which a total of 44 were
counted. Development in the surrounding
areas is mostly rural-residential and the
predominant current in Passamaquoddy Bay
is counter clock wise so many of the DMD
items may originate from the Magaguadavic
River – which passes through the town of St.
George.
48 of 88
Site 9: CUMMINGS COVE
Photo 32: Cummings Cove, Deer Island {PIMD items: fishing net – centre
right, finfish cage rings – above net, and PIMD burn site – lower-mid right}
Located on the southwest side of Deer Island, Cummings Cove is in the
Passamaquoddy Bay, Western Passage area. This is a large very accessible
shoreline consisting of a sandy fishhook pocket beach that extends between two
headlands. The slope increases along the coastal / terrestrial interface from start to
end points. Beach grass, wild peas and wild roses grow along the backshore.
Mixed deciduous / conifer forest grows inland and on the headlands. Rockweed
extends along high watermark. An aquaculture operation is visible from this sight
(Photo 32).
49 of 88
Photo 33: Aquaculture operation in Cummings Cove
Pie Chart 9: Cummings Cove - Most prevalent items (%):
SITE # 9: Cummings Cove, Deer Island Plastic Oil bottles
2%
WOOD Beams
or planking
16%
1% 0%
Plastic FLOATS
Plastic Oil bottles
2%
1%
1%
2%
1%
WOOD pallets
3%
5%
MELTED PLASTIC
WOOD Pen (cage) parts
3%
Vessel Parts
2%
FOAM Sheets > 0.25m
Foam Floats
1%
Foam Packing: flotation or insulation
29%
Foam Pieces < 0.25m
9%
Foam Floats
2%
FOAM Sheets > 0.25m
2%
OTHER Plastic or Synthetic fiber
items (pieces of totes, tool box)
2%
Foam Pieces < 0.25m
OTHER Foam items
2%
9%
MELTED PLASTIC
2%
RUBBER tires
OTHER RUBBER ITEMS
METAL Crab or lobster traps
Metal Pens (cages)
Motors
Vessel Parts
Rusty METAL Drums
New METAL Drums
OTHER METAL ITEMS
50 of 88
Data Type: PIMD
Debris counted and recorded at this site extends from 1 to 6m above the
backshore vegetation line depending on steepness of adjacent inshore area. Data
collection begins on the section of shoreline next to an abandoned homestead.
Photo 31 was taken while standing at the start point. The end points were recorded
beside the northwest headland (upper left in Photo 31).
A total of 91 PIMD items were counted and recorded on the data card. First,
second and third most common items at this site are: Rope or line greater than 2 m
in length, industrial wood beams or planking, and foam pieces less than 0.25m in
length as well as plastic sheeting greater than 1m in length. From most to least
common the order of each debris category is: Plastic and synthetic materials, wood
from industry operations, foam, metal, and rubber. Five large aquaculture cage
rings approximately 8 –15m in diameter were anchored to the shore in this area,
and 3 large floating docks (apprx. 1 X 8m) were identified on the northwest part of
this shoreline. 3 large coils of rope were also included in the count. An old
Styrofoam float was found. It was encrusted with barnacles, mussels, algae, and
rockweed. Various insects also inhabited this piece of PIMD. 16
51 of 88
Site 10: PENDELTON ISLAND
Photo 34: Old wooden cage on Pendelton Island Beach.
Pendelton Island Beach is a
gravel / pebble shoreline with
some coarse sand closer to
the waters’ edge. It is similar
to the Ship Harbour site in
that a tidal trough extends
along the backshore, creating
a bar or ridge that separates
the foreshore from the
backshore. Dry rockweed &
coastal
plants
(grasses,
beach pea, and wild grains)
sparsely populate the ridge.
The coastal forest beside the
beach consists primarily of
coniferous trees. This is a
very large shoreline.
Photo 35: PIMD transported by wind into adjacent forest on
Pendelton Island.
52 of 88
Data Type: PIMD
Debris is integrated into the biophysical matrix of the shoreline and extends
approximately 100m above terrestrial vegetation line along backshore.
Pie Chart 10: Most prevalent items (%):
SITE # 10: Pendelton Island Beach
Plastic Oil bottles
WOOD Beams or
planking
5%
5%Plastic Oil bottles
1% 1%
9%
Plastic
1%
FEED/SALT
BAGS
Foam Pieces < 0.25m
10%
29%
1%
1%
1%
1%
BUCKETS
FOAM Sheets > 0.25m
2%
3%
MELTED PLASTIC
2%
4%
Plastic TOTES
Plastic FLOATS
PLASTIC DRUMS
Fishing NETS >1m
MELTED PLASTIC
BUCKETS
LINES>2m
24%
FOAM Sheets > 0.25m
Foam Floats
Foam Pieces < 0.25m
OTHER RUBBER ITEMS
WOOD finfish cages
WOOD pallets
53 of 88
A total of 348 PIMD items were counted and recorded on the data record card for
Pendelton Island Beach. The first, second, and third most common items at this
site are: Foam pieces less than 0.25m in length, rope and lines greater than 2m in
length, and feed bags. From most to least common the order of each debris
category is: Plastic and synthetic materials, foam, wood from industry, and rubber.
Evidence of debris incineration sites includes 6 pieces of melted plastic from 0.25
to 0.5m2 in size found within the study site. The old wooden cage frame noted on
the eastern end of the beach was identified during the preliminary site visits, as
were the remains of a dead seal. Other PIMD items include: 50 plastic bottles, 21
Connors feed bags and 14 salt bags, 85 ropes greater than 2m, 101 pieces of
foam greater than 0.10m2 and less than 0.25m2, 10 foam sheets greater than
0.25m2, a car battery, and 16 Riverdale coffee cups.
Photo 36: Melted feedbag on Pendelton Island
54 of 88
Site 11: TIMBER COVE, OVEN HEAD
Photo 37: Timber Cove, Ovenhead
Timber Cove is located on the northern side of a causeway that connects Oven Head
Island to the mainland. The cove itself is shallow and consists of pebble and gravel tidal
flats. At the mouth of the cove is a detached beach through which a tidal inlet flows. During
low tide the tidal flats are accessible for walking. Data was also collected along the cove
side of the detached beach.
Data Type:
Control
None
-
Observations begin at
the end of the long
point extending into the
cove and ends at the
northern point of Oven
Head I. (a detached
beach).
Remarks:
DMD and
PIMD items are not
detected in this area.
Photo 38: Detached beach in Timber cove (near top of photo)
55 of 88
Chart 11: Passamaquoddy Bay: Percentage Total of PIMD Items
TOTAL: Passamaquoddy Bay
WOOD Beams or
planking
12%
Plastic cleaner
bottles
4%
WOOD pallets
1%
WOOD Weir poles
1%
Foam Pieces <
0.25m
18%
Foam Floats
2%
FOAM Sheets >
0.25m
OTHER Plastic or
8%
Synthetic fibre
BUCKETS
items
1%
2%
Plastic Oil bottles
8%
Plastic TOTES
1%
Plastic
FEED/SALT BAGS
6%
Plastic PENS
(cages)
1%
Synthetic fibre:
ROPE / LINES>2m
24%
Fishing NETS >1m
1%
Plastic Sheeting >
1m
4%
MELTED PLASTIC
1%
56 of 88
Saint George & Letang Region
Table 10: Sites in the Saint George & Letang Region
#
SITE NAME &
DATE OF VISIT
12
FRAISER
BEACH,
Catherin Cove
July 17/ 01
13
BIRCH
COVE,
FRYE
ISLAND,
LIME KILN BAY
July 17/ 01
14
TREINORS COVE,
Letang Harbour
July 16/ 01
LOCATION: GPS
Start
&
End
points
MODE
OF
ACCESS
Start:
N 450 03. 566’
W 660 54.329’
End:
0
N 45 03. 486’
0
W 66 54.333’
Vehicle
Start:
N 450 03. 088’
W 660 50.249’
End:
N 450 03. 048’
W 660 50.265’
NBSGA
–
Phil Hatt skiff
Start:
N 45 06.564’
0
W 66 45.881’
End:
N 450 06.552’
W 660 45.971’
Vehicle
LOCAL INDUSTRY
PIMD
Local Industry:
Aquaculture (controlled growth area).
PIMD
Local Industry:
Transportation, tourism, and
Aquaculture (controlled growth area).
DMD - Control
57 of 88
Site 12: FRAISER BEACH, Catherin Cove
Photo 39: Fraiser Beach, Catherin Cove
Fraiser Beach is underlain by a large rock base (the Quoddy formation) and
covered with a rock-pebble beach between foreshore and backshore. Rockweed
grows in abundance on the exposed rocks below the high tide line. There is a large
marsh grass area beyond the backshore. An aquaculture operation is visible from
the shoreline (Photo 33). There is a graded road above the high water mark and
large tire marks may be noted in the beach gravel between high and low water line.
Data Type: PIMD
Estimated distance inland that debris extends is approximately 100m. Data
collection begins at the small cliff face to the right of the road that is used to access
the site – and ends at the power pole to the southeast (Photo 33).
58 of 88
Pie Chart 12: Most prevalent items (%):
SITE # 12: Fraiser Beach
6%
OTHER METAL ITEMS
(loading plank, space heater,
hydraulic arm, pipes, tire wells,
rusty metal grid, wire)9%
OTHER WOOD ITEMS
3%
1%
Vessel Parts
2%
Motors
2%
0%
4%
Plastic Oil bottles
2%
Plastic Oil bottles
26%
OTHER RUBBER ITEMS
2%
Plastic TOTES
RUBBER tires
3%
3%
Foam Pieces < 0.25m
6%
1%
1%
FOAM Sheets > 0.25m
2%
1%
3%
1%
3%
4%
Plastic FLOATS
2%
Plastic FLOATS
Synthetic fibre: ROPE / LINES>2m
6%
Synthetic fibre: ROPE /
LINES>2m
10%
Photo 40: PIMD buried at Fraiser Beach, tires, nets, chains and motor parts
59 of 88
A total of 113 items were counted at the surface. However, a large amount of items are
found below ground surface when digging into the beach matrix. First, second and third
most common items at this site are: PVC pipes from aquaculture sites (Plastic feeder
pipes), rope or line greater than 2m in length and metal items. The most common debris
category is plastics and synthetic materials. Thirty different types of PIMD items were
identified.
A large amount of PIMD items are buried in the shoreline gravel and cannot be
identified in terms of dimension and size without excavation. This area appears to
be used as a landfill deposit.
Tires, ropes, cage parts, nets,
plastic floats, motor parts, and
other items are found at and
below the surface. Since many
items are buried or partly buried
data collection is difficult so only
items clearly identified at the
surface are entered on the data
sheet.
Melted rubber found
above the high tide mark
indicates tire burning at this site
in the past. A piece of melted
rubber was taken as a sample.
Photo 41: PVC pipe discarded on Fraiser Beach
Photo 42: Landfill on Fraiser Beach
60 of 88
Photo 43: Fraiser Beach: Discarded cage parts – partly buried
Site 13: BIRCH COVE, LIME KILN BAY
Photo 44: Birch Cove: old fishing boats and wooden cages
61 of 88
Located on Frye Island in Lime Kiln Bay, Birch Cove is a small sheltered inlet with
a lower energy environment in terms of wave action. The southwest parts of the
cove are difficult to access on foot due to steep elevations and marsh areas. Most
of the data was collected from the skiff. I landed on the southeast part of the cove.
Wildlife on the island includes: coyote, deer, & grass snake. Mackerel were noted
in the water.
Data Type: PIMD
The estimated distance inland that debris extends is 2-3m. Data collection begins past the
point of land on the western side of the cove and ends on the other side before reaching
the eastern point. Up to the end point the entire cove was surveyed.
Pie Chart 13: Birch Cove - Most prevalent items (%):
SITE # 13: Birch Cove, Frye I.
OTHER WOOD
ITEMS (Sardene
vessels and fishing
boat) 6%
Plastic Oil bottles
2%
WOOD finfish cages
27%
FOAM Sheets >
0.25m
27%
Plastic Oil bottles
FOAM Sheets > 0.25m
Foam Pieces < 0.25m
Motors
WOOD finfish cages
OTHER WOOD ITEMS
Motors
2%
Foam Pieces <
0.25m
37%
62 of 88
Photo 45: Old abandoned fishing vessel in Birch Cove
A total of 62 items were counted in Birch Cove. The PIMD in this area is low in
variety with only 7 types of items identified. However, out of all the sights it has the
highest amount of very large items – including 3 abandoned vessels, and 13
wooden aquaculture cages. First, second and third most common items at this site
are: pieces of foam, wooden aquaculture pens, and abandoned boats.
63 of 88
Photo 46: Old Sardine Vessel in Birch Cove
The old vessels (2 sardine vessels and one lobster boat) are located in the western
corner of the cove (Photos 38 - 40). With small trees and grasses growing on their
decks these boats appear to have been there for a very long time. Two foam
sheets and 5 foam pieces were found in the forest on the other side of the cove.
64 of 88
Site 14: TREINORS COVE, Letang Harbour
Photo 47: Treinors Cove, Upper Letang
Low energy environment in the upper reaches of Letang Harbour. Development in the
area is rural, cottage and some residential. Data collection area access is through woods
beside a dirt road. There is no coastal industry local to this site.
Data Type: DMD - Control
Data collection begins on the southeast side of the Harbour and extends to GPS end
points at the first point of land to the west. In comparison to other shorelines in this study
area, not much domestic or industry debris is noted. This is likely due to the fact that there
is no industry local to this site.
Remarks
A total of 10 DMD items (mostly plastic) were counted at this control site. Five pieces of
PIMD are indicated on the DMD data collection sheet and include: a very degraded feed
bag, 2 foam floats, a metal pipe, and a large rusty spike.
65 of 88
Chart 14: Letang - Percentage Total of PIMD Items
TOTAL: Letang Area
WOOD finfish
WOOD Beams or
Plastic FEEDER
Plastic cleaner
WOOD pallets planking
cages
PIPES
bottles
1%
8%
4%
18%
OTHER WOOD 3%
Plastic
Oil
bottles
Plastic
ITEMS
OTHER METALWOOD Pen (cage)
2%
FLOTATION
4%
ITEMS
parts
PIPES
6%
2%
Plastic TOTES2%
Motors Vessel Parts
1% Plastic FEED/SALT
1%
2%
OTHER RUBBER
ITEMS
1%
RUBBER tires
2%
Foam Pieces <
0.25m
15%
Foam Packing:
flotation or
insulation
1%
FOAM Sheets > OTHER Plastic or
Foam Floats
Synthetic fibre
0.25m
1%
items
9%
1%
BAGS
Plastic FLOATS 2%
1%
Plastic PENS
Synthetic fibre: (cages)
ROPE / LINES>2m 4%
7%
Aquaculture NETS
>1m
3%
Plastic Sheeting >
1m
2%
66 of 88
Southwest New Brunswick Shore
Table 11: Sites on the Southeast New Brunswick Shore
#
SITE NAME &
DATE
OF
VISIT
LOCATION: GPS –
Start & End points
15
LIGHTHOUSE
POINT, beaver
Harbour
Start:
0
N 45 03. 480’
0
W 66 44.188’
End:
0
N 45 03. 566’
0
W 66 44.290
July 13/ 01
16
SEELYS COVE
July 13/ 01
17
POCOLOGAN
HARBOUR,
MACES BAY
July 12/ 01
MODE OF
ACCESS
LOCATION
PIMD
Vehicle
Local industry: Fish packing plant, recreational
/ tourism, FAS, and herring weirs. PIMD
(Not in controlled growth or exclusion areas)
PIMD
Start:
0
N 45 05. 093’
0
W 66 39.264’
End:
0
N 45 04. 972’
0
W 66 39.262’
Vehicle
Start:
N 45 07.214’
0
W 66 35.324’
End:
0
N 45 07.222’
0
W 66 45.378’
Vehicle
Local industry: Herring weir, and FAS.
(Not in controlled growth or exclusion areas)
Control
Site 15: LIGHTHOUSE POINT, Beaver Harbour
This site is located on Back Beach between Lighthouse Pt and West Head. The
shoreline consists of a cobble and pebble beach. The beach slopes at a slightly
steep angle indicating a high-energy wave action or tidal environment. Large tire
tracks were noted on the beach and backshore area. Campers and revellers noted
tenting and hiking along this shoreline during the study.
Data Type: PIMD
Distance in land that PIMD extends is approximately 10m. Items are counted
between 2 headlands on the shore beside an old boarded-up cottage.
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Pie Chart 15: Lighthouse Point - Most prevalent items (%):
SITE #15: Lighthouse Point, Beaver Harbour
10%
OTHER METAL ITEMS
(rusty pipes) 2%
OTHER RUBBER ITEMS
(gloves)4%
RUBBER tires
8%
2%
Plastic Oil bottles
12%
Plastic Oil bottles
2%
Plastic
FEED/SALT BAGS
4%
LINES>2m
Foam Floats
RUBBER tires
Foam Floats
6%
OTHER RUBBER ITEMS
OTHER METAL ITEMS
22%
29%
Most Common PIMD Items and Other Remarks
The total amount of PIMD items counted and recorded on the data card is 51. The
first, second and third most common items at this site are: rope or lines longer that
2m, plastic sheeting greater than 1m in length, and plastic oil bottles. Most
common PIMD category is plastic and synthetic materials. An old burn site was
noted on the beach. It contained remnants of driftwood, beverage containers, and
tires. There is no indication that it is a PIMD incineration site – it is likely a fire pit
used by campers and hikers – a few of which were noted in the area during the
summer. Sheets of plastic and several lengths of rope are buried in the beach
matrix.
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Site 16: SEELYS COVE
The Seelys Cove site shoreline runs along the base of a cliff - the foreshore
consists of cobble and the backshore consists of sand. Several sand dollar shells
were noted along the shore. Dry rockweed was found at the high-water mark. The
beach slopes at a slightly steep angle down toward the water. Tire tracks were
noted along the beach.
Pie Chart 16: Seelys Cove - Most prevalent items (%):
SITE # 16: Seelys Cove
Plastic
cleaner bottles
6%
Plastic Oil bottles
6%
1% 1%
WOOD Beams or
planking
14%
1%
1%
OTHER RUBBER ITEMS
(gloves) 3%
LINES>2m
12%
Plastic Oil bottles
Plastic TOTES
MELTED PLASTIC
FOAM Sheets > 0.25m
Foam Pieces < 0.25m
Foam Pieces < 0.25m
26%
1%
MELTED PLASTIC
4%
OTHER RUBBER ITEMS
22%
OTHER METAL ITEMS
Data Type: PIMD
Debris is inhibited from migration inland. The site is accessed from a road that
branches off the #1 highway in Pennfield. GPS readings were taken at the beach
access point. From this point to the headland to the south PIMD items were
identified, counted and recorded.
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Most Common PIMD Items and Other Remarks
A total of 61 PIMD items were counted during the survey at Seelys Cove. The first,
second and third most common items at this site are: foam pieces less than 0.25m
in length, plastic sheeting greater than 1m in length and wood beams or planking.
The most common PIMD items consist of plastic and synthetic materials. From
most to least common, the order of each debris category is: plastics and PVC,
foam, wood, rubber and metal. Three pieces of melted plastic were noted. Other
than this no evidence of incineration on the beach itself is detected. Highest
amount of plastic items include15 sheets greater than 1m in length and 8 ropes
longer than 2m in length. Three dead fish were found in a tote at the study site end
points (beside a headland).
Site 17: POCOLOGAN HARBOUR, MACES BAY
The site in Pocologan Harbour is a small sandy beach beside the #1 Highway. An
ancient clamshell midden is partly buried under the paved access ramp. Some
rockweed is noted along the high water mark. Beach grass and small shrubs grow
along the backshore east of the access ramp.
Data Type: Control
The distance in land that debris extends is approximately 1m. Data was collected
from the eastern headland to the end of the beach to the west of the access ramp.
In total 102 DMD items were counted and recorded. PIMD items identified at this
site and include: a clam digging spade, some lobster bands, and melted plastic.
The largest DMD item identified at this site was a 3 X 4m piece of orange carpet.
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Chart 17: Southwest New Brunswick Coast - Percentage Total of
PIMD Items
TOTAL: Southwest New Brunswick Coast
WOOD WOOD
Weir Beams or
poles planking
12%
1%
Plastic
Plastic cleaner
FLOTATION
bottles Plastic Oil bottles
PIPES
4%
8%
1%
OTHER METAL
ITEMS
2%
Plastic TOTES
1%
Plastic FLOATS
2%
OTHER RUBBER
ITEMS
3%
RUBBER tires
3%
Foam Pieces <
0.25m
15%
Foam Floats FOAM Sheets >
2%
0.25m
1%
Plastic
FEED/SALT
BAGS
2%
MELTED
PLASTIC
2%
Synthetic fibre:
ROPE /
LINES>2m
19%
Plastic Sheeting >
1m
21%
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Overall Assessment of The 4 Study Areas
This section provides an account of amounts, totals and averages for sites and
areas visited during summer field studies (Table 12). This is followed by
comparisons of variety, large items, sites with the highest/lowest amounts and the
presence of industry operations in each of the study areas (Table 13 and Figure 1).
Study Area Sites and Amounts of PIMD Items Counted:
West Isles:
Sandy Island 44, Simpsons I. 245, Indian Island 387, Ship Harbour 57, Lords Cove
288, Hardwood Island 202. Total amount DMD – Deer Island Point 106
Passamaquoddy Bay:
Sherard Beach 165, Cummings Cove 91, Pendelton Island Beach 348. Total
amount DMD – Sherard Beach 120, Timber Cove in Oven Head 0
Letang Harbour Area:
Fraiser Beach 113, Frye Island 62. Total amount DMD – Treinors Cove 15.
Southwest New Brunswick:
Beaver Harbour 51, Seelys Cove 61. Total amount DMD – Pocologan Harbour 105
Table 12: The Amount of PIMD in Each Study Area: Percentages of the Total
Area
Total
Study Area
Total
Plastics
Total
Foam
Total
Rubber
Total
Metal
Total
Wood
West Isles
(6 sites)
646
(52.8%)
386
(31.6%)
21
(1.7%)
28
(2.3%)
142
(11.6%)
1223
Passamaquoddy
(3 sites)
332
(55%)
171
(28.3%)
4
(0.66%)
3
(0.49%)
94
(15.6%)
604
Letang
(2 sites)
72
(41.1%)
55
(31.43%)
6
(3.43%)
15
(8.6%)
27
(15.43%)
175
Southwest NB
Coast
(2 sites)
64
(57.1%)
22
(19.6%)
8
(7.1%)
2
(1.79%)
16
(14.29%)
112
Total for Study
Region
1114
634
39
48
279
2114
Average
for each
site
204
201
87.5
66
~ 163
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The total amount of PIMD items counted at the 13 PIMD data collection sites is
2114. The average amount of PIMD for each site in the entire study area is 163
PIMD items / site. The most common debris category is plastic. From 41.1% to
57.1% of all materials in each area consisted of plastic or PVC materials - with a
total amount of 1114 items counted at all sites collectively. Foam was the second
most common PIMD type - with 19.6% to 31.6% of all material counted at each site
identified as Styrofoam.
Sites With the Highest Variation of PIMD Items
The site with the highest variety of PIMD was Fraiser Beach for which the following
types of items were identified: plastic cleaner bottles, motor oil bottles, feeder
pipes, flotation pipes, totes, feed / salt bags, aquaculture pens, rope longer than 2
m, nets, plastic sheeting, garbage lid, foam sheets, foam floats, foam packing,
foam pieces, tires, sparkplugs, melted rubber, tire pad, glove, motors, vessel parts,
metal grid, pvc coated wire, space heater, hydraulic arm, metal pipes, tire wells,
wood pallets, planking and treated lumber. In total 31 different types of PIMD items
were found at this site. The following sites with the most diverse amount of
accumulated PIMD items and amounts are: Fraiser Beach (31), Lords Cove (28),
Indian Island (27), Simpsons Island (23), Hardwood Island (28), Pendelton Island
Beach (22), and Cummings Cove (21). Sites with the lowest variety of PIMD and
amounts are: Ship Harbour (7), Frye Island (7), and Beaver Harbour (11)
Table 13: Highest Amounts, Largest Items and Industry Presence
Study Area
West Isles
Passamaquoddy
Bay
Letang
Southwest
NB coast
Sites With Highest
Amounts of PIMD
Indian Island
(387)
Pendelton Island
(348)
Fraiser Beach
(113)
Seelys Cove
(61)
Largest Items and Sites
where Located
Pontoon - Simpsons
Island
Feed barge - Indian
Island
Wood aquaculture cage
- Pendelton Island
Floating docks Cummings Cove
Fishing vessels - Frye
Island
Furnace oil drum Seelys Cove
Concentration
Of Industry:
Fishing Weirs: 65
Aquaculture sites: 14
Fish Processing Plants: 5
Total: 84
Fishing Weis: 21
Total: 53
Fishing Weirs: 15
Total: 51
Fishing Weirs: 16
Total: 23
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Highest Amounts, Largest Items and Industry Presence
Areas with the highest amounts of PIMD are identified in the following table along
with sites where the largest items were found. Estimates on the amounts of fish
weirs, aquaculture sites, and fish processing plants (Figure 1) indicate the amount
of industry that may be present in each of the study areas. The amount of these
industries in the Table 13 provides a general idea on the presence of industry in
each area. Other coastal resource users in these areas include such industries as
net and line fishers, tourism, research, and transportation.
Riverdale Coffee Cups
Riverdale coffee cups were also counted in all study areas during the summer site
visits. The total amount of Riverdale coffee cups counted at all 17 sites in the 4
study areas was 77. The highest amount was found in the West Isles with a total of
33. The lowest amount was found in the Southwest New Brunswick area (a total of
4). The sites with the most Riverdale cups included Fraiser beach (17), Sherard
Beach (16), and Simpsons Island (12). No Riverdale cups were found at the Sandy
Island, Dear Island Point, Timber Cove, Beaver Harbour, and Pocologan Harbour
sites. Average amount of Riverdale cups in each study area from highest to lowest
is as follows: Letang Harbour (6 cups / site), Passamaquoddy Bay (5.75 cups /
site), West Isles (4.7 cups / site), and the southwest New Brunswick coast (1.33
cups / site). On average larger amounts of Riverdale coffee cups occur in areas
that have a higher residential population and are closer to the Irving stores.
Conclusion
In addition to providing a final account of PIMD and recommendations for future
action, this final section addresses the following questions raised in study
objectives: How much PIMD is in the study area? What are the potential and actual
effects on the marine or coastal environment? What are the most prevalent types
of PIMD? Can they be traced to their sources? Is it all generated locally or does
some come from outside the area?
Amount of PIMD
The West Isles study area has the highest amount of PIMD on average for each
site. The average amount of items counted at each site in the West Isles study
area was 204. This area also has the highest amount of industry operations with a
combined total of 84 fishing weirs, aquaculture sites and fish processing plants.
The Southwest New Brunswick coast has the lowest amount of PIMD on average
for each site. The average amount of PIMD items counted at each site in this area
was 66. Fish weirs, aquaculture sites and fish processing plants were not as
prevalent in this area – with a combined total of 23. This suggests a correlation
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between the amount of coastal industry in an area and the amount of PIMD that
washes up on shore.
There are numerous other areas where PIMD accumulates in the study region and
it was impossible to visit all of them with in the study time frame. Since selected
locations are representative of the 4 study areas, it may be that amounts at
hundreds of other sites where PIMD accumulates in this region are similar to the
average (163 items / site) concluded in the overall assessment. This estimated
projection suggests that there is an enormous amount of PIMD accumulating within
the study region.
Effects of PIMD on the Marine Environment in the Study Areas
Potential impacts to the marine environment in the four study areas include release
of toxins from incineration of PIMD, leachate from unauthorized landfills, ingestion
by seabirds, entanglement of wildlife, and navigational hazards. For example,
larger unanchored items such as the pontoon on Simpsons Island and old floating
docks at Cummings cove may pose a navigational hazard to smaller craft in the
area if lifted off shore by storm or tidal events.
The following table indicates where evidence of incineration was found in the four
study areas. Sites highlighted in red are locations where both a fire pit and partly
burned PIMD were identified.
Table 14: Location of Incineration Sites
Area
West Isles
Passamaquoddy
Bay
Letang Harbour
Southwest NB
coast
Site
Simpsons Island
Indian Island
Lords Cove
Cummings Cove
Pendelton Island Site
Fraiser Beach
Beaver Harbour
Seelys Cove
Fire Pit
Detected?
No
Yes – 3 pits
No
Yes – 1 pit
No
Yes ~ 2-3 pits
Yes
No
Melted Plastic or
rubber?
Yes
Yes - plastic and rubber
Yes
Yes – plastic
Yes
Yes – melted rubber
No
Yes
From a total of 17 sites visited during the summer 8 were found to have evidence
of PIMD incineration. This amount is high in consideration of the fact that such
unauthorized open pit burning of waste material is not legal. The long - term impact
of incineration on the local environment is not fully known. However the effects of
PIMD incineration include the release of carcinogenic compounds such as vinyl
chloride (see polyvinyl chloride in Appendix III) into the atmosphere. In addition
burning plastics and other items that can be recycled places pressure on the
environment due to the fact that new materials must be extracted from natural
resources. Other adverse environmental impacts from inappropriate PIMD disposal
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include leachate from illegal landfill operations along the coast. For example the
site at Fraiser Beach that is used as a PIMD burial pit exudes a slimy acrid
smelling substance. This site may contain a mix of organic and chemical material
that could have impacts on the neighbouring coastal industries. It may also contain
a build up of flammable gasses from organic decomposition. Testing of soil and
water is recommended for such sites.
Ingestion of plastic and foam fragments by sea birds and entanglement of wildlife
in discarded lines and nets are also potential areas of environmental concern at
most of the sites. Studies conducted by DFO scientists indicate that sea urchins,
algae and other life forms also ingest plastic and foam materials. The
metabolization of these materials can release such chemicals as nonylphenol or
bisphenol-A – both mimic estrogenic compounds. Studies conducted by the World
Health Organization and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicate
that estrogenic compounds released by plastics: “may modify the normal
functioning of human and wildlife endocrine, or hormone, systems and cause
developmental, behavioral, and reproductive problems” (EPA 2000 - Endocrine
Disruptor Screening Program Web Site). Scientists have also determined that such
chemicals released by plastics are bioaccumulative in the fatty tissues of animals
(Colborn et al 1996. Our Stolen Future: Are we threatening our fertility, intelligence and survival? –
A scientific detective story).
Location and Movement of PIMD Accumulating Along Shorelines
All identifiable items appear to be generated local to respective study areas. For
example sites directly beside aquaculture operations tended to have a higher
amount of feed bags, flotation pipes, cages, and cage parts i.e. Indian Island,
Fraiser Beach and Cummings Cove are all next to aquaculture operations and a
high amount of aquaculture related PIMD was counted at these sites. In addition
the main feed supplier for aquaculture operations is a local company - Connors
Bros. Ltd and all feedbags that had legible markings carried the Connors name.
(Except for one feed bag found at Sherard Beach that carried a faded Rainbow
farms company logo). Another example is the Sandy Island site. This site is directly
beside a fish weir and had a weir pole count.
Location and amounts of Riverdale coffee cups also provide evidence that
materials generated in an area will tend to remain closer to that area. Also areas
that are close to tourism and residential developments had the highest amounts of
DMD. For example, Deer Island Point is part of a popular provincial park and had a
total DMD count of 223 items. Sherard Beach is down river from the town of St.
George and had the second highest count at 120 items. The more remote or
sheltered areas such as Treinors Cove and Timber Cove had a total of 15 and 0
DMD items respectively.
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Depending on the topography and cohesive properties of a shoreline the more
lightweight PIMD items such as plastic containers, feed bags and Styrofoam can
be transported into adjacent terrestrial ecosystems by wind (Photo 7). Heavier
items such as vessels, pipes, and tires appear to remain along the shoreline. Nets
and ropes from local industry that become entangled in rockweed and the
shoreline matrix also tend to remain at or above the high water mark. However,
heavy and entangled items may be lifted off shorelines and redistributed in the
area by extreme tidal events.
Recommendations
The following is a list of suggestions for further research, monitoring, and
management of PIMD in Charlotte County.
Conduct further study or research to determine how currents may impact the
distribution of PIMD in each study area. (i.e. determine if local sediment
transport models apply and develop a simple PIMD transport model for each
area)
Analyze soil, water and leachate samples at sites where unauthorized
landfills are found
Research the effects of PIMD incineration on local air, soil and water determine the types of toxic chemicals released by the different types of
PIMD when incinerated.
Research effects of plastic metabolization on the food chain. For example
determine if it is assimilative, bioaccumulative and what the effects are to
living systems.
Research the effectiveness of current infrastructure that handles PIMD in
each of the four study areas.
Educate Coastal resource users on the adverse impacts of PIMD
Consult with public and industry on solutions to PIMD problems
Proper waste management is more than knowing what to do once waste is
generated from industrial processes. It requires an understanding of the material
composition of tools, equipment and packaging used in industry activities that
are likely to end up as PIMD. It also requires evaluation and survey of current
waste resource collection methods and handling operations as well as locating
local markets for PIMD. For if there are no appropriate collection and handling
facilities for PIMD then regulations and waste management programs will be
ineffective.
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Final Discussion: Waste Management and Recycling of PIMD
Since items can be traced to the source industry, prevention strategies that mitigate the
problem of persistent debris should be based on input from each coastal industry sector.
In addition to appropriate collection and handling facilities for PIMD, an Integrated Coastal
Environmental Management System (ICEMS) can provide a series of templates specific to
each industry. This can promote continued progression in effective resource management
driven by a commitment to environmental improvement.
Economic Benefits and Cost Recovery
Implementing a comprehensive PIMD recycling program will: cut waste disposal,
collection, and transportation costs (disposal and tipping fees); Generate revenues for the
sale of recyclables; and create a few jobs. PIMD and related materials that can be
recycled include: plastics (bottles, feed bags, and some nets); used motor oil; tires; and
lead-acid batteries17. Resulting environmental benefits include: reducing the need for
landfills, conserving resources, and reducing in air pollution.
Regional Economic Analysis
Apply an economic analysis and assess the viability of resource recovery with respect to
recycling facilities and buy back centers. For example, waste resource processing facilities
and the possibility of creating a local Waste Exchange.18 Contact local government and
coastal industry representatives about establishing recycling programs. Set goals –
perhaps increasing the diversion rate to a certain level i.e. 25% by 2003; 50% by 2004;
75% by 2005 and so on.
A PIMD recycling program can: save money on supplies; conserve natural resources and
energy; reduce garbage disposal costs; provide customers with "green" products from
"environmentally-friendly" business; reduce the environmental burden caused by the
disposal of PIMD; increase employee morale by working together on an environmental
project; improve due diligence and reduce liability associated with illegal PIMD disposal.
Pre-cycling
Pre-cycling procedures consider how the product and its’ packaging contribute to the
problem of PIMD. It essentially reduces material that potentially enters the waste stream at
the purchasing and material acquisition stage. Pre-cycling management procedures
encourage a business to:
Order equipment and supplies with less packaging, in concentrated form, or in bulk
Ask suppliers to use less packaging materials
Request that deliveries be shipped in returnable or recyclable containers
Return, reuse and repair wooden pallets, totes, xactic boxes, etc.
Replace disposable boxes with durable boxes for shipping products to plants and
customers.
Use remanufactured equipment and invest in - high quality, durable, equipment that is
repairable.
Use rechargeable batteries
Provide employees with re-useable coffee or beverage cups.
Waste management, recycling and pre-cycling also demonstrate to customers and the
public that a business is socially and environmentally conscious. Local communities that
have negative reactions to the accumulation of PIMD may be more accepting and
supportive of companies that plan and implement solutions to waste problems. In essence
the company earns its social license. A company may also promote such environmental
plans as part of a marketing strategy for their product or service.
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APPENDIX I: Persistent Industrial Marine Debris: Amounts Recorded on Data Cards for
the 17 Sites
&
APPENDIX II: Domestic Marine Debris: Amounts Recorded on Data Cards for
Five Study Sites
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APPENDIX III:
Glossary
Assimilative Capacity: natural ability of soil and water to use and decompose pollutants
without harmful environmental (attempts to indicate natural limits).
Baler: machine used to compress and bind recyclables, such as aluminums, paper,
corrugated cardboard and plastics.
Bentonite: a type of plastic clay consisting of the minerals montmorillonite and
beidellite. It swells when wet and inhibits transmission of water or liquids- it is
often used as a lining material to for landfills.
Biodegradable: capable of decomposition by microorganisms.
Buy-Back Centre: facility where individuals bring recyclables in exchange for payment.
Carcinogen: cancer causing substance.
Coliform Bacteria: Microorganisms that typically inhabit the intestines of warm-blooded
animals. They are measured in drinking water analyses and pollution by
human or animal waste.
Commercial Waste: materials originating in wholesale, retail, institutional or service
establishments such as offices, stores, markets, theatres, hotels and
warehouses.
Commingled Recyclables: mixture of several recyclable materials in one container.
Compactor: device used to compress materials in to a smaller volume.
Contaminant: any physical, chemical, biological, or radiological substance causing an
adverse change in the environment.
Decomposition: biological, chemical, or physical break down of material into component
parts or basic elements.
Decomposition Gases: produced in the breakdown of garbage or other material. Some,
such as methane, are flammable.
Degradable: capable of being biologically, chemically or physically broken down.
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Diversion Rate: measure of the amount of waste material diverted for recycling
compared with the total amount is thrown away.
Domestic Marine Debris: material accumulating along shorelines or in the ocean that
originates from household or residential use.
Drop-off Centre: facility for collecting recyclable or compostible materials in which
materials are taken by individuals to collection sites and deposited into
designated containers.
Erosion: natural breakdown and movement of soil and rock by water, wind, or ice. The
process may be accelerated by human activities.
Escherichia coli (E. coli): species of coliform bacteria that inhabit intestines of people
and animals.
Garbage: waste food that is thrown away, generally defined as wet food waste. The
term is also used to describe all products discarded, regardless of their
reusability or recyclability.
Geographic Information System: computerized database system containing natural
resources and land use data that is used to analyze and display information
in spatial, or map, format.
Hazardous Waste: solid, liquid, or gaseous substance that, because of its source or
characteristics, is classified under law as dangerous. It is subject to special
handling, shipping, and disposal requirements.
Heavy Metals: metals (elements with high density, malleability, and electrical and
thermal conductivity) that have high specific gravity and high atomic mass,
such as lead, cadmium, zinc, copper, silver, and mercury. These may be
found in the waste stream as part of discarded items such as batteries,
lighting fixtures, colorants and inks.
Household Hazardous Waste: discarded or unused portions of home cleaning products,
workshop and outdoor chemicals, automotive fluids, and personal care
products that contain toxic chemicals. Products labelled WARNING,
CAUTION, POISONOUS, TOXIC, FLAMMABLE, REACTIVE, or
EXPLOSIVE are considered hazardous.
Incinerator: facility in which the combustion of solid waste takes place.
Industrial Waste: materials discarded from industrial operations or derived from
manufacturing processes.
Inorganic Chemicals: natural or synthetic chemicals that contain no carbon.
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Institutional Waste: material originating in schools, hospitals, prisons, research
institutions, and other public buildings.
Integrated Solid Waste Management: practice of using several alternative waste
management techniques to manage and dispose of specific components of
the municipal waste stream. Waste management alternatives include source
reduction, recycling, composting, energy recovery, and land filling.
Intermediate Processing Centre (IPC): type of materials recovery facility (MRF) that
processes residentially collected mixed recyclables into new products
available for market; often used interchangeably with MRF.
Landfill: see Sanitary Landfill.
Leaching: movement through soil of dissolved or suspended substances in water.
Materials Market: combination of manufacturing interests who buy recyclable materials
and process them for reuse. The demand for goods made of recycled
materials determines the economic feasibility of recycling and resource
recovery.
Materials Recovery Facility (MRF): facility that separates and processes recyclable
materials for sale to an end user.
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW): non-hazardous discarded material generated in
residential, commercial, institutional, and light industrial settings. It is defined
by local governments, and in general does not include automobile oil, tires,
lead-acid batteries, hazardous or infectious wastes, demolition debris, etc.
NIMBY: acronym for "Not In My Back Yard". It is an expression of opposition to building
a facility or other operation by residents in the proposed location.
Nonpoint Source (NPS) Contamination: water contamination or pollution derived from
diffuse sources such as construction sites, agricultural fields, and urban
runoff.
Nuisance Contaminant: constituents in water, which are not normally harmful to health
but may cause offensive taste, odour, colour, corrosion, foaming, or staining.
Organic Compound: a carbon-based substance, including some petroleum products,
solvents, pesticides, and halomethanes. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
readily vaporize; a number of these are known carcinogens.
Percolation: movement of water through soil or rock.
Permeability: capacity of soil, sediment, or porous rock to transmit water.
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Persistence: resistance to degradation as measured by the period of time required for
complete breakdown of a material. Depends on temperature, pH, soil type, light
intensity, etc.
Persistent Industrial Marine Debris: Discarded items that are treated with chemicals or
comprised of synthetic materials such as plastic. These items are found in
the marine environment and are resistant to degradation.
Pesticide: substance used for controlling, destroying, or repelling a specific pest.
Includes fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, nematicides, rodenticides,
defoliants, and plant growth regulators.
Photodegradable: capable decomposition by a chemical reaction initiated by direct
exposure to the sun's ultraviolet radiation.
pH: numerical measure of acidity, with a scale of 0 to 14. A pH value of 7 is neutral,
values below 7 are acidic, and values above 7 are alkaline.
Point Source Contamination: water contamination from specific sources such as
leaking underground storage tanks, landfills, industrial waste discharge
points, or chemical mixing sites.
Pollution: presence of a contaminant to such a degree that the environment (land,
water, or air) is not suitable for a particular use.
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET): recyclable plastic used to make bottles such as
soda bottles. Recycled PET is used in car bumpers, furniture, skis,
surfboards, carpet yarn, polyester fibre, films and sheets, and moulded parts.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): common plastic material which releases hydrochloric acid
when burned.
Post-Consumer Recycling: reuse of materials generated from residential and
commercial waste; excludes recycling of material from industrial processes
that has not reached the consumer, such as glass broken in the
manufacturing process.
Post-Consumer Waste: material discarded by a business or residence that has fulfilled
its useful life.
Recyclables: materials that have useful physical or chemical properties after serving
their original purpose and that can be remanufactured into additional
products, thereby serving as substitutes for raw materials.
Recycling: process by which materials destined for disposal are collected,
remanufactured, and reused. Mandatory recycling programs require by law
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that consumers separate trash so that recyclable materials are not incinerated or
dumped in landfills. One example of such a recycling process is the Halifax Regional
Municipality Solid Waste Management Program in Nova Scotia
Residential Waste: materials generated in single and multiple-family homes.
Residue: materials remaining after processing, incineration, composting, or recycling;
normally disposed of in landfills.
Resource Recovery: extraction and utilization of materials and energy from the waste
stream.
Reuse: use of a product, such as a soft-drink bottle, in its original form more than once
for the same purpose.
Scrap: discarded or rejected industrial waste material often suitable for recycling.
Secondary Material: reprocessed material used in place of a primary or raw material in
manufacturing a product.
Sediment: eroded soil and rock material, and plant debris, transported and deposited
by water.
Solid Waste Management: related to storage, collection, transportation, treatment,
utilization, processing, and final disposal of solid waste or resource recovery,
and facilities necessary for such activities.
Source Reduction: design, manufacture, acquisition, and reuse of materials so as to
minimize the quantity and/or toxicity of waste produced. Waste is eliminated
by redesigning products or by otherwise changing societal patterns of
consumption, use, and waste generation.
Source Separation: segregation of specific recyclable materials at the point of
generation for separate collection; often part of a curbside recycling program.
Special Waste: items that require special or separate handling, such as household
hazardous waste, bulky waste, tires, and used oil.
Tipping Fee: Charge, usually in dollars per ton, for the unloading or dumping of waste
at a landfill, transfer station, recycling centre, or waste-to-energy facility, also
called a disposal or service fee.
Transfer Station: site where waste materials are taken and temporarily stored after
collection, pending shipment to a disposal site or resource recovery facility.
Recycling and some processing may also take place at transfer stations.
Virgin Material: raw materials that have never been processed in a manufacturing
system, usually requiring more energy to produce than when substituted for
by recyclable materials.
86 of 88
Volume Reduction: the processing of waste materials so as to decrease the amount
of space the materials occupy, usually by compacting or shredding
(mechanical), incineration (thermal), or composting (biological).
Waste Exchange: a computer and catalogue network that redirects waste materials
back into the manufacturing or reuse process by matching companies
generating specific waste with companies that use those wastes as
manufacturing inputs.
Waste Stream: the total waste generated by all contributors (households, industry,
government) in a particular area (city, county, state).
Wetlands: areas that are regularly wet or flooded and have a water table that stands at
or above the land surface for at least part of the year. Coastal wetlands
extend back from estuaries and include salt marshes, tidal basins, marshes,
and swamps.
References
Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Province of New Brunswick, 2000, Bay of Fundy
Marine Aquaculture Site Allocation Policy.
Atlantic Coastal Action Program, Saint John, New Brunswick, Beach Sweep 1998 Report.
Butler, M., Guinchard, A., Olojede, O., Parker, R., Ross, J., Soltan, K., Strickland, M.,
Sweeny, S., 1989. A Survey of Shoreline Litter in Halifax Harbour, School for
Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University.
Center for Marine Conservation, 1991 International Coastal Cleanup Overview, CMC
Washington, DC. Copyright May 1992 CMC.
Center for Marine Conservation, 1997 International Coastal Cleanup Results, CMC
Washington, DC. Copyright 1998 CMC.
Clean Nova Scotia Foundation, 1992. Clean Nova Scotia Beach Sweep and Litter Survey,
spring 1992
FAO Technical paper, "Integrated Management of Coastal Zones", United Nations, Rome,
1992.
Fisheries Research Board of Canada, Technical Report No. 428. Summary of Physical,
Biological, Socio-economic and other factors relevant to potential oil spills in the
Passamaquoddy Region of the Bay of Fundy.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 1989. Plastic Debris and Lost and Abandoned Fishing
Gear in the Aquatic Environment, Communications Directorate DFO, Ottawa, Ontario.
87 of 88
Maraniss, Linda. 1989. All About Beach Cleanups, Center for Marine Conservation
Washington, DC. Copyright 1989 CMC.
MOTE Marine Laboratory. 1993. Marine Bio degradation Time Line, Sarasota, Florida.
Nova Scotia Department of the Environment, "Coastal 2000", 'A Consultation Paper',
1994.
Stewart, P.L. & White, L. 2001. A Review of Contaminants on the Scotian Shelf and in
Adjacent Coastal Waters: 1970 to 1995. Oceans and Environment Branch Maritimes
Region, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Bedford Institute of Oceanography.
Internet References
Brown, Ruth, and Mackay, Rod. 2001. Index for Passamaquoddy. Last updated: March
30, 2001. URL: http://www.oldcelticbooks.com/Quoddy/pass6.html. Date of access:
April 1, 2001
Marine Conservation Society, 2000, "National Aquatic Litter Group", last updated: not
indicated. URL: "http://www.adoptabeach.org.uk/NALG/html/nalg_home.htm". United
Kingdom. Date of access: March 15, 2001.
Editorial Services Communications New Brunswick. 2001. "Minister allocates one new
aquaculture site in Bay of Fundy".
URL: http://www. grib.ca/cnb/news/afa/2001e0298af.htm. Last updated: not indicated.
Date of access: October 23, 2001.
Sea Grant National Media Relations Office, 1994- 2001, "Sea Grant National Media
Center", last updated: not indicated. URL: "http://seagrantnews.org". National Sea
Grant College Program, Washington D.C. Date of access: March 15, 2001.
The Minch Project, 1996, "Marine Litter in the Minch: Categories of Marine Litter", Last
updated: July 19, 1999. URL: "http://www.w-isles.gov.uk/minch/litter/litter-05.htm".
Scotland. Date of access: March 15, 2001.
DFO (Maritimes Region). URL: www.maritimes. dfo.ca. Date of access: October 2001.
88 of 88

Persistent Industrial Marine Debris In Charlotte County and the

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