The Department of Environment is investigating whether development projects in Fredericton are the cause of sediment getting into a brook.

People who visit Corbett Brook, part of a woodlot owned by the University of New Brunswick, complained to the province about conditions there earlier this month. Half of the property's 1,400 hectares, preserved for decades, is now the scene of major developments, including an arena, a new road and big box stores. 

As a cross-country skier, bird-watcher and scout leader, Earl Arnold has used the woodlot for decades.

He told CBC News he was shocked to see Corbett Brook near Alison Boulevard running brown, full of sediment. He said he's worried the area around the brook will soon resemble the developed part of the woodlot.

"It's very sterile, there's no mature trees, there isn't much life left in that part of the woodlot, and I had hoped that it wouldn't quite come to pass the way it seems to be going."

Photos Arnold took of the brook made their way to the provincial officials.

Denis Deveau of the Department of Environment said an inspector confirmed the sediment problem and followed the brook to where workers were extending Alison Boulevard for the city.

"He indicated to the contractors that they had to take measures that the exposed soils do not turn into sedimentation run-off," Deveau said.

Deveau said the contractors put hay on the soil and that seems to be working.

He said the department is still investigating to establish what caused the problem because it's not certain that the road construction is responsible for the sediment.