UBC researchers find high levels of contaminants in Lost Lagoon: study

The future of Lost Lagoon is as murky as its waters after a water quality analysis showed high concentrations of contaminants.

Lost Lagoon is a shallow, freshwater-brackish water body by the entrance of Stanley Park. Its significance, both culturally and environmentally, cannot be overstated. After a fish die-off event last summer, the Stanley Park Ecological Society (SPES) commissioned research from UBC to investigate the water quality.

According to the study, Water Quality Analysis of Lost Lagoon and Associated Biofiltration Ponds at Stanley Park, the lagoon is impacted by invasive species, pollution, and eutrophication – a process that can result in algae blooms.

After carp die-offs in Vancouver’s Lost Lagoon, @ubcscience students are testing the human-made lake’s murky waters.

Read more: https://t.co/Tbx8VbDqJt pic.twitter.com/65mf5oe65h

— University of British Columbia (@UBC) July 13, 2023

Biofiltration ponds at Lost Lagoon were designed to catch runoff from nearby Highway 99 that can contain contaminants. The ponds are designed to filter the runoff before it goes into the lagoon. Biological processes remove contaminates and slow the flow of water, allowing other contaminates to settle into sediments.

Researchers tested the waters at three sites to test the quality of the water and to see the efficiency of the biofiltration ponds.

Map of Lost Lagoon including biofiltration pond locations and sampling sites / UBC

They found high concentrations of aluminum, tin, copper, beryllium, and chromium in the water. Researchers also noticed elevated levels of sediment-settling contaminants, suggesting that the “biofiltration ponds are oversaturated and can no longer capture contaminants before they enter the lagoon,” reads the study. Researchers recommended that contaminated sediments should be removed every five years. The last time they were dredged was in 2018.

The water also had high concentrations of phosphorus, which can lead to excessive algae growth and low oxygen conditions. An imbalanced composition of nutrients can influence the functioning of the ecosystem, according to the study.

Park board is aware of the UBC report

A spokesperson for the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation told Daily Hive Urbanized that the board is aware of the report and has been monitoring the ecological challenges over the years while considering potential improvements.

“It’s important to note that due to the lagoon’s location and proximity to infrastructure such as the Causeway, any improvements to the area’s ecology – including dredging the stormwater filtration ponds – are complex and would demand major investment,” said a spokesperson.

“Other considerations include upcoming major works such as the CAP5 project, which will impact the configurations of the lagoon’s surroundings.”

According to the park board, an Intergovernmental Working Group has been set up to move forward with a comprehensive management plan and co-management of Stanley Park with the Host Nations.

Any restoration work on Lost Lagoon would also have to be discussed with the Nations, the spokesperson said.

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