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Review of benthic invertebrates and epilithic algae at long-term monitoring sites in the Bow River

Description

The report evaluates longitudinal trends in benthic invertebrate and epilithic algal communities sampled from long-term river network sites on the Bow River in 2006. It also compares long-term... More ≫

Description

The report evaluates longitudinal trends in benthic invertebrate and epilithic algal communities sampled from long-term river network sites on the Bow River in 2006. It also compares long-term trends in historical (1983-1992) and 2006 data. Responses to nutrient enrichment are clearly visible below Calgary: invertebrates and algae thrive in fast flowing (erosional) areas, but in slow flowing (depositional) areas lower diversities indicate stress. At Cochrane invertebrates and algae are impacted by strong diurnal fluctuations in river discharge resulting from hydro-electric dam operation.

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Pilot study to evaluate the practicality of aquatic ecosystem monitoring in small agricultural streams in Alberta

Description

The intent of this pilot study on Rose and Strawberry creeks and the Blindman River was to scope out the feasibility of adding sediment and non-fish biota to the AESA water quality monitoring and... More ≫

Description

The intent of this pilot study on Rose and Strawberry creeks and the Blindman River was to scope out the feasibility of adding sediment and non-fish biota to the AESA water quality monitoring and to make a preliminary evaluation of the data. Collection of field data, invertebrate samples (kick nets), epilithic algae and sediment quality sampling in the three streams was practical. Benthic invertebrate and epilithic algal communities were diverse and abundant and offer good potential for future monitoring, along with water and sediment chemistry. Defining reference conditions ecoregionally would be important in future aquatic ecosystem health monitoring and data interpretation.

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An initial assessment of aquatic ecosystem health in Alberta

Description

One of the short-term actions specified under the Water for Life strategy was to complete an initial assessment of the status of aquatic ecosystem health, including rivers, streams, lakes and... More ≫

Description

One of the short-term actions specified under the Water for Life strategy was to complete an initial assessment of the status of aquatic ecosystem health, including rivers, streams, lakes and wetlands. This poster-style information sheet uses tables and maps to indicate aquatic ecosystem health in the province.

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Raw water quality of the Red Deer River with respect to the operation of the Anthony Henday water treatment plant : spring runoff 1997

Description

A water quality study was initiated on the Red Deer River to address water quality concerns experienced by the Anthony Henday Water Treatment Plant during periods of runoff. The study was designed... More ≫

Description

A water quality study was initiated on the Red Deer River to address water quality concerns experienced by the Anthony Henday Water Treatment Plant during periods of runoff. The study was designed to document longitudinal changes in water quality in the Red Deer River between the Dickson Dam and the City of Red Deer, and to evaluate the effects of contributions from the Little Red Deer and Medicine rivers on Red Deer River water quality during spring runoff.

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Pesticides in Alberta surface waters

Description

A study carried out under the Canada-Alberta Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture Agreement (CAESA). The purpose of this scoping-level study was to determine if agricultural pesticides... More ≫

Description

A study carried out under the Canada-Alberta Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture Agreement (CAESA). The purpose of this scoping-level study was to determine if agricultural pesticides currently sold and used in large quantities across Alberta were detectable in small streams and lakes and to compare their concentrations with CWQG for the protection of aquatic life and for irrigation.

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Alberta's surface water quality project

Description

A four year program to support environmentally sustainable agriculture in Alberta, had the goal of answering: "What is the impact of Alberta's agriculture on surface water and groundwater... More ≫

Description

A four year program to support environmentally sustainable agriculture in Alberta, had the goal of answering: "What is the impact of Alberta's agriculture on surface water and groundwater quality?". Water quality data from Alberta's major river shows occasional detections of agricultural chemicals by concentrations are typically three orders of magnitude below guidelines for protection of freshwater aquatic life.

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Water quality of the North Saskatchewan River in Alberta

Description

In 1985, the Environmental Quality Monitoring Branch of Alberta Environment began water quality field studies on the North Saskatchewan River within Alberta to provide input to the North... More ≫

Description

In 1985, the Environmental Quality Monitoring Branch of Alberta Environment began water quality field studies on the North Saskatchewan River within Alberta to provide input to the North Saskatchewan River basin planning program. The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of water quality in the river for the time period studied.

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The effect of the Dickson Dam on water quality and zoobenthos of the Red Deer River

Description

The objective of this report was to summarize results of a five-year study conducted on the Red Deer River to assess the effects of impounding the river behind Dickson Dam. It also presents... More ≫

Description

The objective of this report was to summarize results of a five-year study conducted on the Red Deer River to assess the effects of impounding the river behind Dickson Dam. It also presents results of a study on Gleniffer Lake, the reservoir created when the dam was constructed in 1983.

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Water quality in the Wapiti-Smoky River system downstream of the Procter and Gamble Pulp Mill, 1983

Description

Proctor and Gamble Cellulose Ltd. Operates a bleached kraft pulp mill near Grande Prairie, which discharges effluent to the Wapiti River. In the late 1970’s water quality impacts and public... More ≫

Description

Proctor and Gamble Cellulose Ltd. Operates a bleached kraft pulp mill near Grande Prairie, which discharges effluent to the Wapiti River. In the late 1970’s water quality impacts and public complaints began to arise with respect to the Smoky River, into which the Wapiti drains. Since little data were available for the Smoky, a water quality study was carried out in 1983 to assess the impact of the pulp mill and to augment the data base and understanding of the Smoky River system.

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An overview of water quality in the Oldman River Basin (1984-85)

Description

The intensive monitoring of the Oldman River and its tributaries was conducted from April 1984 to March 1985. The study included chemical monitoring, biological monitoring of algae, macrophytes... More ≫

Description

The intensive monitoring of the Oldman River and its tributaries was conducted from April 1984 to March 1985. The study included chemical monitoring, biological monitoring of algae, macrophytes and benthic invertebrates, and testing for accumulation of metals and organic contaminants in the sediments. The establishment of baseline conditions indicate the current status of the basin, including the impact of present development. This forms a basis for comparison for any future impacts or developments.

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