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Cyanobacterial blooms in Alberta recreational waters

Description

Cyanobacteria (also referred to as blue-green algae) are common photosynthetic bacteria that live in surface waters. Under favorable conditions, such as warm water and high nutrient content, these... More ≫

Description

Cyanobacteria (also referred to as blue-green algae) are common photosynthetic bacteria that live in surface waters. Under favorable conditions, such as warm water and high nutrient content, these bacteria can form nuisance “blooms”. The presence of blooms in recreational water causes unpleasant aesthetics and exposure to some toxin-producing blooms may pose potential health risks. Contact with blooms can cause skin rashes and irritation, itchy eyes, and ear infections. Inhaling water may cause allergic-like reactions, runny noses or sore throats. Ingestion of toxins can cause a range of symptoms (e.g., hepatotoxic or neurotoxic effects, and even death). There has been increased public awareness as a result of research over the past 20 years, recent monitoring efforts, and increased public education on the topic. In 2009, Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services began seasonal monitoring for cyanobacterial blooms at high use recreational beaches. In 2019, beach operators took over...

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Freshwater monitoring : a case study : an educational field study for Grade 8 and 9 students

Description

This is a curriculum-connected full-day study of the Elbow River with multidisciplinary preparatory and post-activity support. The intent of this program is to provide a hands-on, engaging outdoor... More ≫

Description

This is a curriculum-connected full-day study of the Elbow River with multidisciplinary preparatory and post-activity support. The intent of this program is to provide a hands-on, engaging outdoor component, which will meet the needs of grades 8, Unit E: Freshwater and Saltwater Systems and grade 9, Unit C: Environmental Chemistry. This program is also written to achieve the mandate of the Alberta Government - Tourism, Parks, and Recreation and also addresses the four program goals of preservation, outdoor recreation, heritage appreciation, and heritage tourism. The preparatory activities are designed to prepare students for an off-site visit to the Elbow River. The preparatory activities focus on introducing students to the watershed monitoring area, related vocabulary, to water testing procedures, and to the expectations of safe and appropriate student behaviour within a protected area. These activities also attempt to further students‟ ability to make predictions, and encourage...

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Joint Canada | Alberta implementation plan for oil sands monitoring : 2014-2015 technical results summary

Description

Presents results from the implementation of monitoring activities in Year Three (April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015) of the Joint Canada/Alberta Implementation Plan for Oil Sands Monitoring under the... More ≫

Description

Presents results from the implementation of monitoring activities in Year Three (April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015) of the Joint Canada/Alberta Implementation Plan for Oil Sands Monitoring under the joint leadership of Alberta Environmental Monitoring Evaluation and Reporting Agency, on behalf of the Government of Alberta, and of Environment and Climate Change Canada on behalf of the Government of Canada.

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The Joint Canada | Alberta Implementation Plan for Oil Sands Monitoring annual report

Description

Federal and Alberta environment ministers jointly announced the Joint Canada-Alberta Implementation Plan for Oil Sands Monitoring in February 2012, committing the two governments to implementing... More ≫

Description

Federal and Alberta environment ministers jointly announced the Joint Canada-Alberta Implementation Plan for Oil Sands Monitoring in February 2012, committing the two governments to implementing an environmental monitoring program for the region. The implementation plan included a commitment to report annually on the progress made in carrying out the activities laid out in the plan.

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Assessing the scientific integrity of the Canada-Alberta joint oil sands monitoring (2012-2015) : expert panel review

Description

In 2012, Canada and Alberta launched a Joint Oil Sands Monitoring (JOSM) to improve, consolidate and integrate existing disparate monitoring arrangements into a single, transparent government-led... More ≫

Description

In 2012, Canada and Alberta launched a Joint Oil Sands Monitoring (JOSM) to improve, consolidate and integrate existing disparate monitoring arrangements into a single, transparent government-led approach with a strong scientific base. A Joint Canada-Alberta Implementation Plan for Oil Sands Monitoring was developed, describing a phased and adaptive approach to monitoring in the oil sands region to be undertaken over three years (2012-2015). Included in the Plan was a call for an external expert peer review plan after Year Three. This report presents the findings of the expert review panel.

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Lower Athabasca Regional Plan : annual reporting on air quality and surface water quality

Description

Monitoring is a key component of the environmental management frameworks in our regional plans - it's how we know if we're on track to meet our environmental objectives. But it's not useful on its... More ≫

Description

Monitoring is a key component of the environmental management frameworks in our regional plans - it's how we know if we're on track to meet our environmental objectives. But it's not useful on its own - we need to know how to interpret the data. Objectives are set within the frameworks so we can know whether we are adequately managing the cumulative effects of development in the region.

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Joint Implementation Oil Sands Monitoring Plan : spring 2013 update

Description

The Joint Canada-Alberta Implementation Plan for Oil Sands Monitoring was announced in February 2012. Under the plan, the provincial and federal governments are taking steps to enhance the oil... More ≫

Description

The Joint Canada-Alberta Implementation Plan for Oil Sands Monitoring was announced in February 2012. Under the plan, the provincial and federal governments are taking steps to enhance the oil sands monitoring program for air, land, water and biodiversity. This update descriges completed enhancements and work in progress as of spring 2013.

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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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Joint Canada | Alberta implementation plan for oil sands monitoring

Description

Following extensive discussions between the Governments of Canada and Alberta, a Joint Canada-Alberta Implementation Plan for Oil Sands Monitoring was developed for monitoring in the oil sands... More ≫

Description

Following extensive discussions between the Governments of Canada and Alberta, a Joint Canada-Alberta Implementation Plan for Oil Sands Monitoring was developed for monitoring in the oil sands area. It describes how the Governments of Alberta and Canada will put in place a world class monitoring program for the oil sands to provide assurance of environmentally responsible development of the resource. The purpose of the plan is to support sound decision-making, ensure transparency, enhance science-based monitoring and improve analysis of existing monitoring data.

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Evaluation of four reports on contamination of the Athabasca River system by oil sands operations

Description

This publication includes the technical evaluation, recommendations and general conclusions drawn from four reports of contamination of the Athabasca River system by oil sands operations. The four... More ≫

Description

This publication includes the technical evaluation, recommendations and general conclusions drawn from four reports of contamination of the Athabasca River system by oil sands operations. The four reports included two papers written by a team of scientists led by Drs. David Schindler and Erin Kelly of the University of Alberta, one Alberta Environment report written by T. Hebben, and a report from the Regional Aquatics Monitoring Program.

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