Stream Health Study of Vernon and BX Creeks related to Stormwater Runoff

2016

$103,900

$15,000

The main goals of this study are as follows:

• To provide baseline water quality, sediment quality, and aquatic biology data in a scientifically defensible manner data to allow the City to track improvements in stream health over time in two key streams that flow to Okanagan Lake as stormwater investments are being made.
• To develop a better understanding of the water quality in Lower Vernon Creek, a tributary to Okanagan Lake.
• To develop a better understanding of water quality during storms after prolonged drought conditions to help with drought management.

Success will be measured by establishing a baseline for comparison to future monitoring. The baseline data that will be collected for this project will be directly compared to data collected following future efforts to improve the quality of stormwater runoff within the City (e.g. stormwater investments like street sweeping, rain gardens, constructed wetlands, and in-line sediment traps). The ultimate success will be improved stream health by proper implementation of stormwater investments.