Indicator 2.1 - Water Quality at the Fjardaál Smelter
Ground and Surface Water Quality
While most of the freshwater used in Iceland is untreated groundwater, around 5% is surface water, treated and untreated.
Because the majority of the Icelandic population uses untreated potable water, maintenance of acceptable water quality standards are vital to the sustainability of the local communities.
The presence of industrial facilities creates the potential for direct contamination of local groundwater. All facility discharges (solid, liquid, gaseous) have the potential to influence water quality.
Performance
Measurements of surface water.
Table 1. Measurements of pH in samples from four rivers in Reydarfjordur (average over the year).
Source: Alcoa Fjardaál 2011
Table 2. Measurements of fluorine (F) in samples from four rivers in Reydarfjordur (average over the year; fluorine measured in mg F/L)
Source: Alcoa Fjardaál 2010
The map below shows sample collection locations for water and snow in Reydarfjördur.
Source: Alcoa Fjardaál 2010
Table 3. Measurements in Ph and fluorine (F) in surface water near the Alcoa Fjardaál smelter (fluorine measured in mg F/L)
Source: Alcoa Fjardaál 2010
| 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | ||
| pH | 7.34 | 7.22 | 6.94 | 7.01 | |
| Fluorine (F) | 0.025 | 0.032 | 0.09 | 0.05 |
Source: Alcoa Fjardaál 2009 and 2011.
Specialists are currently investigating the groundwater near the smelter. The outcome will be published when available.
Last updated 29 March 2012.
Metrics, Targets and Monitoring Protocol
Metrics: What is measured?
Concentrations (mg/l) of phosphorous (P), fluoride (F), chlorine (Cl), and sulphate (SO4) in groundwater and surface water at established sample locations at the smelter site and near the smelter outfall. (Project effect: indirect).
Target
Targets for constituents in surface water and groundwater to be based on baseline study results.
Monitoring Protocol
Soil samples (groundwater) will be collected and analyzed for concentration of F, Cl, SO4, and pH (sampling protocols yet to be determined as per AW Davidson)
Concentrations (mg/l) of phosphorous (P), fluoride (F), chlorine (Cl), and sulphate (SO4) in groundwater and surface water at established sample locations at the smelter site and near the smelter outfall. (Project effect: indirect).
- Surface water is collected and analyzed for concentrations of F, SO4, Cl, heavy metals, PAH-16, alkalinity, and pH
- Samples collected from surface snow and snowmelt are collected and analyzed for concentration of PAH-16
Data is collected according to this schedule:
- Groundwater: Every year 2004-2011
- Surface water: Every three months from 2005-2011
- Surface snow and snowmelt: Every year from 2005-2008.
Rationale for Indicator Selection
Currently, 95% of the freshwater used in Iceland is untreated groundwater. The remaining freshwater is a combination of treated and untreated surface water.
Because the majority of the Icelandic population uses untreated potable water, maintenance of acceptable water quality standards are vital to the sustainability of the local communities.
The presence of industrial facilities creates the potential for direct contamination of local groundwater. All facility discharges (solid, liquid, gaseous) have the potential to influence water quality.
