Thanks to Juicepig for all of your help!
The Holland Marsh forms one of two large valleys that were
originally arms of Glacial Lake Algonquin. Formed by the result of
the melting of this giant lake over 15, 000 years ago, this
northeast-southwest valley forms a tunnel channel and is an
integral part of the Oak Ridge’s Moraine system. For many
years, the rich sediment here acted as a filter for the groundwater
produced by the aquifer in the area.
Figure 1: The Holland Marsh and surrounding area geological
landforms
Then along came Professor Day... In the early 1900s a Bradford
Grocer, Dave Watson, wrote to William H. Day, then a University of
Guelph physics professor, about his idea to turn this area into
agricultural lands. Day then began his plan of re-routing rivers,
building dykes and canal systems until the marsh had been drained
into agricultural lands. Through the continued use of pesticides
and agricultural development, serious concerns through numerous
hydrological and hydro chemical studies have been raised as to the
levels of pollutants in the groundwater in this area.
Figure 2: Geological formation of Oak Ridges Moraine
In addition to this, little is known about the effects of rapid
urbanization in the area. Roads and surfaces such as this may
reduce the recharge rates of groundwater and lead to it being
backed up in storm sewers. Other effects that may lead to damage of
the area may include large-scale urban consumption of groundwater,
salting of roads and the effects of septic systems. As the aquifer
releases ground water slowly, the damage may not be evident for
many years. Pumping stations were established in the Marsh to drain
groundwater off of the Marsh. The coordinates above will take you
to the Art Janse Pumping Station, one of two in the Holland
Marsh.
TO LOG THIS ONE!
1) Got to the following coordinates N 44 06.638 W 079 32.735. Be
careful of your footing here and be careful of any children you
have along with you. Take a look at the ground water being pumped
out of the pump house (the ripples in the water near the pump). The
pipe is located underneath the pump in the water and pumps directly
into the river. You need to calculate the rate of flow of the
discharge and the depth of the water being pumped out into the
holding tank. The discharge is intermittent so you might have to
wait ( Take note of the hint especially in winter). For this
calculation you need to determine the velocity (v=d/t) of the water
coming out of the pipe and the diameter of the pipe which is 2
metres. Take your best guess of the velocity and the depth of the
water. Send your findings to me via an e-mail.
2) Take a look at the Holland River next to the pump house.
Estimate the depth of the river. You don’t need to go near
the river. Just stand on the road next to it. Send your findings to
me via an e-mail.