| Abstract/Description or Keywords |
The purpose of this technical data report (TDR) 1 is to describe the baseline characteristics of hydrology as presented in the environmental assessment (EA) for the Coastal GasLink Pipeline Project (the Project) (see Volume 1, Section 7.4). This TDR outlines the methods used to evaluate the baseline conditions for hydrology. Results presented in the TDR will be used to predict effects and assist in identifying mitigation to avoid adverse effects of the proposed Project on hydrology during construction and operations. The information in this report has been gathered and synthesized from existing data sources and a project-specific field sampling program. Hydrological characterization included evaluation of both surface water quantity and surface water quality. Surface water quantity was characterized by quantifying fundamental flow attributes of streams crossed by the proposed Project, through analysis of hydrologic data available from Water Survey of Canada (WSC) stations located within 150 km of the proposed Project. Surface water quality was characterized based on a review of laboratory analytical results for water quality samples collected at 66 stream crossing sites and consideration of supplementary surface water quality data obtained from BC Ministry of Environment’s (BC MOE) Environmental Monitoring System (EMS) database. The objectives of this TDR are: • estimate mean monthly flows and return period flows for streams crossed by the propose route • identify streams with zero-flow periods and estimate the time of occurrence • characterize baseline surface water quality within regional hydrologic zones. This TDR considers the direction of Application Information Requirements (AIR) and the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Guidelines for the proposed Project. This TDR also refers to the guidance contained in British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office (BC EAO) User Guide (2011), the Fairness and Service Code (2009), and the Proponent Guide for Providing First Nation Consultation Information (2010). |
