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Investigations of trends in select water quality variables at long-term monitoring sites on the North Saskatchewan River

Description

This report updates the analysis of trends for select variables of concern with recent data (1987-2011) for the four long-term monitoring sites. In addition to examining trends in the entire data... More ≫

Description

This report updates the analysis of trends for select variables of concern with recent data (1987-2011) for the four long-term monitoring sites. In addition to examining trends in the entire data set, trends for the ice-cover and open water periods are assessed separately. Percentiles, which can serve as a foundation to derive site-specific objectives, are provided for each site.

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Synthesis of recent knowledge on water quality, sediment quality and non-fish biota in the North Saskatchewan River with special emphasis on the Industrial Heartland-Capital Region Water Management Framework reach

Description

The main objective of this report is to provide a succinct overview of the technical studies conducted in support of the Water Management Framework for the Industrial Heartland-Capital Region... More ≫

Description

The main objective of this report is to provide a succinct overview of the technical studies conducted in support of the Water Management Framework for the Industrial Heartland-Capital Region (IH-CR). The IH-CR supports a population of over one million people and a large segment of Alberta’s resource processing heavy industry, and the region is expected to continue to experience industrial and population growth. Unless this growth is managed carefully, cumulative impacts on the river from point and non-point source loading of contaminants could lead to the deterioration of water quality and aquatic ecosystem health. The Water Management Framework for the IH-CR focuses on the management of current and future municipal and industrial impacts.

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Development of an aquatic pesticide toxicity index for use in Alberta

Description

This report describes the development and application of an index to assess potential toxicity risk to aquatic life of co-occurring pesticides in surface waters. The index utilizes ambient... More ≫

Description

This report describes the development and application of an index to assess potential toxicity risk to aquatic life of co-occurring pesticides in surface waters. The index utilizes ambient pesticide concentrations measured as part of Alberta Environment monitoring and published acute toxicity endpoints determined in laboratory tests.

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Wabamun Lake oil spill August 2005 : data report for water and sediment quality in the pelagic area of the lake (August 4-5 to September 15, 2005)

Description

This report provides a summary of the chemical data (extractable and volatile priority pollutants, PAH, and trace metals) collected from water and sediments in the pelagic zone of the lake on the... More ≫

Description

This report provides a summary of the chemical data (extractable and volatile priority pollutants, PAH, and trace metals) collected from water and sediments in the pelagic zone of the lake on the days and weeks following the spill.

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Overview of pesticide data in Alberta surface waters since 1995

Description

Alberta Environment (AENV) has measured pesticides in surface waters since the mid-1980’s and reports on pesticide concentrations in surface waters as part of its evaluation and reporting... More ≫

Description

Alberta Environment (AENV) has measured pesticides in surface waters since the mid-1980’s and reports on pesticide concentrations in surface waters as part of its evaluation and reporting responsibilities. In 1995 the approach to pesticide monitoring was updated to link ambient monitoring to pesticide sale records. Every five years provincial pesticide sales data, information on pesticide behaviour and toxicity, and results of surface water monitoring programs, are reviewed to priorize active ingredients that need to be monitored in surface waters. The overall objective of this report is to provide an overview of the extent and nature of pesticide contamination in Alberta’s surface waters. The overview covers all data from 1995 to 2002 inclusive that are stored on the AENV Water Data System.

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Glyphosate residues in Alberta's atmospheric deposition, soils and surface waters

Description

Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide used for the control of annual and perennial grasses and broadleaf weeds. Registered for use in Canada in 1974, it is currently registered and used in over... More ≫

Description

Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide used for the control of annual and perennial grasses and broadleaf weeds. Registered for use in Canada in 1974, it is currently registered and used in over 125 countries. With annual sales in Alberta (1998) exceeding 2.6 million kg of active ingredient, it is by far the most commonly used pesticide in the province. Long considered by scientists and farmers around the world as an effective and environmentally friendly herbicide, recent studies have shown some persistence and mobility in the environment.

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Spatial variability of water quality in Wabamun Lake (July 2002) data report

Description

The objective of the sampling program initiated by AENV in July 2002 was to scope out the degree of spatial variability in Wabamun Lake water quality. Eight other lakes were also sampled to allow... More ≫

Description

The objective of the sampling program initiated by AENV in July 2002 was to scope out the degree of spatial variability in Wabamun Lake water quality. Eight other lakes were also sampled to allow comparisons of the intra- and inter-lake variability in water quality. This document provides a compilation of the data and highlights the major findings

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A survey of metals and trace organic compounds in sediments from Wabamun Lake and other Alberta lakes

Description

In 2002 Alberta Environment (AENV) initiated several studies (including this one) in response to complaints about murky water in the lake near the TransAlta Utilities Corporation (TAU) ash lagoon... More ≫

Description

In 2002 Alberta Environment (AENV) initiated several studies (including this one) in response to complaints about murky water in the lake near the TransAlta Utilities Corporation (TAU) ash lagoon outfall and in support of an investigation on fish mortality. The specific objectives of this study were to document surficial sediment quality of Wabamun Lake with respect to metals and trace organics and to compare results with those from other lakes.

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Determination of new pesticides in Alberta's surface waters (1999-2000)

Description

This two-year project was initiated in 1999 with the following objectives: 1) To identify pesticides that are used intensively on locally grown specialty crops (such as corn, sugar beets,... More ≫

Description

This two-year project was initiated in 1999 with the following objectives: 1) To identify pesticides that are used intensively on locally grown specialty crops (such as corn, sugar beets, potatoes) and have not been monitored, or new pesticides that are used broadly across the province; and 2) To implement a sampling program to determine, at a scoping level, the occurrence and concentration of these chemicals in surface waters.

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Baseline pesticide data for semi-permanent wetlands in the Aspen Parkland of Alberta

Description

Semi-permanent wetlands in the Aspen Parkland eco-region are important habitat for migratory waterfowl and offer valuable habitat for pairing and brood rearing. A water quality study was conducted... More ≫

Description

Semi-permanent wetlands in the Aspen Parkland eco-region are important habitat for migratory waterfowl and offer valuable habitat for pairing and brood rearing. A water quality study was conducted to establish pesticide baseline data for these wetlands. A second objective of this study was to evaluate, at a scoping level, the potential importance of atmospheric loading of pesticides to these wetlands. The literature documents the importance of overland runoff as a pathway of pesticide movement to surface waters, but increasing evidence also points to the importance of atmospheric deposition.

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