The Impact of Vehicle Traffic on Water Quality in Acadia National Park

Peckenham, John; Kahl, J.; Amirbahman, Aria

'Abstract: Surface water samples were collected from four springs and 10 streams located in Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island, Maine, USA. Multiple locations were used on some streams for a total of 19 unique sample points. Timing of sampling was selected to represent different seasons, different periods in the water year (wetter or drier), and during periods of different levels of visitors to the Park. The sampling dates of November 16, 2002; June 3, 2003; July 9, 2003; and October 6, 2004, were scheduled to avoid periods of stormwater runoff. The water samples were analyzed for volatile organic compounds, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, and trace metals. Neither volatile organic compounds, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons were detected above 1 Micro g/L in the first three rounds of sampling and these analytes were dropped for the final sampling date. Trace metals were detected in varying concentrations in all water samples. These metals were detected, from greatest concentration to least: aluminum, zinc, copper, molybdenum, arsenic, vanadium, lead, nickel, chromium, palladium, cadmium, ruthenium, rhenium, and platinum. Detected concentrations were mostly below acceptable ecological limits, but above amounts expected from the composition of local geology. The metals detected may be derived from vehicle wear and emissions. The spatial patterns of detections suggest that local sources and deposition are factors in controlling the amount and distribution of trace metals in Acadia National Park.' 'Recommendations: This study detected contaminants that are likely derived from vehicles driven in Acadia National Park. Efforts to reduce traffic in the Park, such as using the Island Explorer Bus, should be continued. Access and vehicle use near areas that seem to be particularly vulnerable, such as Sieur de Monts Spring, should be re-designed to minimize impact. The quality of stream sediments was not evaluated. Since sparingly soluble metals were detected in streams, the same metals can be expected to be accumulating in sediments. Sampling and analysis of co-location water and sediment samples for trace metals is recommended. This study found evidence that some metals may be transported and deposited as particulants that later dissolve. Analysis of samples from the McFarland Hill wet deposition sampler for these metals will clarify the importance of atmospheric deposition. Additional sample collection and analyses of through-fall samples will also provide valuable information. Additional stream sampling and analysis will provide a better understanding of the temporal and spatial patterns of trace metals in streams. This type of detailed analysis is well suited to be combined with ecological studies of stream communities. Background groundwater quality needs to be defined with greater certainty. The spring samples proved to be unreliable as indicators of background water quality. Bedrock wells in the Park should be sampled and analyzed to improve resolution of impact (metal content)' Maps of sampling locations is provided on page 3 and 4. The document includes a CD of the report. /STUDY LOCATIONS:/ /MOUNT DESERT ISLAND/Birch Spring/Fern Spring/Maple SPring/Sieur de Monts Spring/Breakneck Brook/Cadillac Brook (Canon)/Canon Brook/Chasm Brook/Duck Brook/Hadlock Brook/ Hunters Brook/Kebo Brook/Little Hunters Brook/Richardson Brook/Upper Little Harbor Brook/