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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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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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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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Guiding principles for water quality and aquatic ecosystem monitoring

Description

This document provides a short summary of the scientific steps and processes involved in aquatic ecosystem monitoring. It spells out guiding principles and the accountability considerations... More ≫

Description

This document provides a short summary of the scientific steps and processes involved in aquatic ecosystem monitoring. It spells out guiding principles and the accountability considerations necessary to ensure that high quality, scientific, reliable information is available to make informed decisions regarding aquatic ecosystem and watershed management.

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Alberta Environment water for life : aquatic ecosystems review of issues and monitoring techniques

Description

The general objectives of this study were to review current and future issues that represent a concern for aquatic ecosystem health, and to review, evaluate and prioritize techniques available for... More ≫

Description

The general objectives of this study were to review current and future issues that represent a concern for aquatic ecosystem health, and to review, evaluate and prioritize techniques available for monitoring and assessing aquatic ecosystem health.

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Report : scope of work for the initial assessment of aquatic ecosystem health in Alberta

Description

Alberta Environment released its Water for Life Strategy in November 2003. Part of the Strategy involves a province-wide assessment of aquatic ecosystem health to identify data gaps, help design... More ≫

Description

Alberta Environment released its Water for Life Strategy in November 2003. Part of the Strategy involves a province-wide assessment of aquatic ecosystem health to identify data gaps, help design future monitoring programs, and establish a baseline for reporting. This document: provides background on approaches for defining aquatic ecosystem health; reviews Canadian and other pertinent international approaches for assessing aquatic ecosystem health; proposes a framework for conducting the initial assessment of aquatic ecosystem health; and develops a scope of work for the initial assessment of aquatic ecosystem health.

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Cardinal Divide area baseline survey water quality and aquatic biota 1995-96 : data report

Description

In view of potential coal mine development in the Mountain Park area of the upper McLeod River and upper Cardinal River basins, Alberta Environmental Protection carried out a one year sampling... More ≫

Description

In view of potential coal mine development in the Mountain Park area of the upper McLeod River and upper Cardinal River basins, Alberta Environmental Protection carried out a one year sampling program to obtain baseline data on water quality and benthos in the project area which would serve to complement and corroborate data being collected by the proponent. This report provides basic information on the methods used and compiles the data obtained during the program.

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Lake Wabamun study : a report commissioned by the Honourable W.J. Yurko, Minister of the Environment of the Province of Alberta

Description

This report is compiled from existing reports on Lake Wabamun. It considers the impact of thermal discharges on the lake from the two power plants in relation to the physical and biological... More ≫

Description

This report is compiled from existing reports on Lake Wabamun. It considers the impact of thermal discharges on the lake from the two power plants in relation to the physical and biological factors and compares methods of improving the quality of the lake to maintain this important recreational asset.

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