Publications

Supplementary guideline for the preparation of air quality modelling for regulatory applications and resolving model predicted exceedances of Alberta ambient air quality objectives and guidelines

Description

This Supplementary Guideline provides detailed information with respect to resolving exceedances of Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objectives and Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objectives and... More ≫

Description

This Supplementary Guideline provides detailed information with respect to resolving exceedances of Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objectives and Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objectives and Guidelines predicted in air quality modelling associated with regulatory applications in the Industrial Heartland Designated Industrial Zone. This information was developed to provide proponents with certainty of process around the function of Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objectives and Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objectives and Guidelines establishing approval conditions for regulated industrial facilities, and the evaluation process for proposals for constructing facilities.

Tags

MULTISAR : a multi-species conservation strategy for species at risk in the Grassland Natural Region of Alberta, 2021–2022 report

Description

The MULTISAR program is focused on multi-species conservation at the landscape level that promotes stewardship through voluntary participation of landholders on both Crown and private lands. It is... More ≫

Description

The MULTISAR program is focused on multi-species conservation at the landscape level that promotes stewardship through voluntary participation of landholders on both Crown and private lands. It is a collaborative effort among landholders, Alberta Conservation Association, Alberta Environment and Parks, and the Prairie Conservation Forum. This report summarizes MULTISAR's accomplishments in 2021-2022 in its three primary program areas: habitat conservation strategies; education, outreach and awareness; and research, monitoring, and evaluation.

Tags

Industrial heartland designated industrial zone : surface water supply and distribution operational guidance

Description

This document provides guidance for applicants of new water intake works on the North Saskatchewan River to support developments in the Industrial Heartland Designated Industrial Zone. Alberta... More ≫

Description

This document provides guidance for applicants of new water intake works on the North Saskatchewan River to support developments in the Industrial Heartland Designated Industrial Zone. Alberta Environment and Parks recognizes that access to water from the North Saskatchewan River for expanding industrial development in the Industrial Heartland Designated Industrial Zone is necessary to supply projected demand for water given the insufficient volumes that can be drawn from alternative sources.

Tags

Using steady-state mass balance model to determine critical loads of acidity for terrestrial ecosystems in Alberta

Description

Benchmarks for atmospheric deposition of acidifying substances for terrestrial ecosystems in Alberta were developed using the steady-state mass balance (SSMB) model. The SSMB model considers both... More ≫

Description

Benchmarks for atmospheric deposition of acidifying substances for terrestrial ecosystems in Alberta were developed using the steady-state mass balance (SSMB) model. The SSMB model considers both biological response and soil buffering capacity. Alberta soil characteristics, dominant vegetation cover, run off, biomass harvest and grazing, base cation deposition and the impact of wildfires are used to derive these benchmarks or critical loads of acidity for sulphur and nitrogen deposition. This document provides critical load values necessary for acid deposition assessments carried out under the revised 2022 Acid Deposition Management Framework for Alberta. The report outlines the methods used to determine these critical load values and is a companion document to the revised framework.

Tags

Designated industrial zone pilot project : regional water systems feasibility study

Description

This resource includes a summary, highlights and background information of a study undertaken to provide information on long-term planning and opportunity for handling water within the Designated... More ≫

Description

This resource includes a summary, highlights and background information of a study undertaken to provide information on long-term planning and opportunity for handling water within the Designated Industrial Zone in Alberta's Industrial Heartland, with the aim of developing a regionalized hybrid water supply and distribution model to optimize the use of new and existing water supply infrastructure within the area. The study, prepared by Stantec Consulting under contract to Alberta Environment and Parks, also considered options for wastewater management and explored management approaches through the use of a jurisdictional review. The full Stantec report is included as an attachment to the publication.

Tags

Designated industrial zones in Alberta : criteria for provincial designation of industrial zones

Description

Designated industrial zones in Alberta are areas targeted for strategic investment and development of clustered industrial development and economic diversification. Management goals for designated... More ≫

Description

Designated industrial zones in Alberta are areas targeted for strategic investment and development of clustered industrial development and economic diversification. Management goals for designated industrial zones include regulatory streamlining, cluster infrastructure development, and the management of cumulative effects to achieve environmental outcomes. This document sets out criteria the Province considered in establishing the Industrial Heartland Designated Industrial Zone. These criteria are intended to support municipalities when considering planning for clustered heavy industrial developments of similar scope and size.

Tags

Annual environmental report North Bow, Calgary, Alberta

Description

Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) is continuing with an environmental monitoring program in an area north of the former Canada Creosote Site and the Bow River in northwest Calgary, referred to... More ≫

Description

Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) is continuing with an environmental monitoring program in an area north of the former Canada Creosote Site and the Bow River in northwest Calgary, referred to as the North Bow Site. Advisian was awarded a five-year (2017-2021) contract to complete the North Bow Site environmental monitoring work. This executive summary provides an overview of the findings of works completed in the first year of this program from March 2017 to March 2018.

Tags

Update on Porsild’s bryum (Haplodontium macrocarpum) in Alberta

Description

This report provides updated information on the conservation status of Porsild's bryum in Alberta, including targeted search efforts, subpopulation size estimates and potential threats to the... More ≫

Description

This report provides updated information on the conservation status of Porsild's bryum in Alberta, including targeted search efforts, subpopulation size estimates and potential threats to the species, and will be used to inform the provincial recovery planning process for the species. Two new subpopulations and two new subpopulation components are reported on for the first time here. Although the total colony number remains relatively unchanged, estimates for individual subpopulations have increased, decreased or appear to have remained relatively stable over time. Threats to the subpopulations are discussed.

Tags

Whitebark and limber pine recovery program in Alberta : 2015–2019 report

Description

Recovery for whitebark and limber pine in Alberta began in the early 2000s, and recovery plans were developed and used as the basis for setting priorities and taking action. Over the years,... More ≫

Description

Recovery for whitebark and limber pine in Alberta began in the early 2000s, and recovery plans were developed and used as the basis for setting priorities and taking action. Over the years, Alberta has undertaken of completed many of the recovery actions set out in the recovery plans. This report summarizes core recovery actions and tracking of progress, and shares next steps in the recovery program.

Tags

Quirk Creek fisheries data series : summary and analysis

Description

Brook trout have become established in the Quirk Creek watershed, raising concern about native, Threatened westslope cutthroat trout and bull trout. Several partners established the brook trout... More ≫

Description

Brook trout have become established in the Quirk Creek watershed, raising concern about native, Threatened westslope cutthroat trout and bull trout. Several partners established the brook trout suppression project, running from 1998 to 2015, to test the efficacy of selective harvest in controlling brook trout and promoting recovery of the threatened trout. Westslope cutthroat trout recruitment was negatively affected by brook trout; native trout have not recovered despite the suppression of brook trout. This report explores several potential mechanisms to explain the lack of recovery and provides recommendations for management of this fishery.

Tags