North Canadian Bacterial Project

Project Description

This bacteriological sampling performed in summer 2011 duplicated eight locations sampled in a previous ACOG sampling effort in 2003. In summer 2003, ACOG staff sampled pathogen bacteria (enterococci, and E. coli) on the North Canadian River in Canadian, Oklahoma, and Pottawatomie Counties and calculated load duration curves which led eventually to the adoption of a Total Daily Maximum Load (TMDL) in 2009 for the river and several tributaries. This TMDL was incorporated into Oklahoma Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (OPDES) permits, especially those relating to storm water.

The 2011 survey collected information on flow, pathogen concentrations, and fluorescence on the North Canadian River. The fluorometer data was thought to help characterize the reaches of the river affected by human activity in the watershed such as sewage discharge. In addition, the data collection would indicate if the bacteria levels have significantly reduced since 2003. Since the 2003 collection, several Phase II programs in the various cities along this reach of the river have been initiated.

Fecal coliform in summer 2011 decreased significantly from the summer 2003 sampling event. However, there is no statistical difference between the e. coli concentrations between the two sampling events. Enterococci decreased in two of the sampled tributaries (Crutcho Creek and Choctaw Creek) as wells as the sampling location on Triple-X road (NC07).

Fluorometer data was inconclusive as a tool to define detergents (and thus failing septic tanks). The main stem of the river had consistent luminescence. The tributaries had higher luminescence, but had no relationship to flow or turbidity. In addition, the data did not correlate to the density or number of septic tanks in the watershed.

Final Report

In summer 2003, ACOG staff sampled pathogen bacteria (enterococci, and E. coli) on the
North Canadian River in Canadian, Oklahoma, and Pottawatomie Counties and calculated
load duration curves which led eventually to the adoption of a Total Daily Maximum Load
(TMDL) in 2009 for the river and several tributaries. This TMDL was incorporated into Oklahoma
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (OPDES) permits, especially those relating to
storm water.

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