| Abstract/Description or Keywords |
The purpose of this document is to describe the baseline characteristics of surface water and sediment quality, which will be assessed in the environmental and socio-economic assessment (ESA). This information will be used to identify construction and operational measures that will be needed to limit or avoid environmental effects on these biophysical elements. It will also be used as a basis against which environmental effects on surface water quality will be assessed. The Enbridge Northern Gateway Project (the Project) water quality database was developed using surface water and sediment quality data from different sources and data collected during the 2005 field survey. This baseline technical data report includes: _ sources for water and sediment quality information _ field programs and data collection methods _ an overview of the water quality within major basins and hydrological zones, based on available historical information _ surface water and sediment quality along the route at watercourse crossings, where applicable _ a comparison and analysis of compliance with applicable Alberta, British Columbia and federal water and sediment quality guidelines. The North Saskatchewan, Athabasca and Peace River basins have similar drainage patterns and climatic conditions but variable land uses. The watersheds are characterized by rolling hills, watercourses with low slope gradients, low mean annual precipitation and long cold winters. The North Saskatchewan River basin, which encompasses areas between the Rocky Mountains and the confluence of the South Saskatchewan River, is part of the Nelson River drainage system, which drains most freshwater from the Prairie Provinces into Hudson Bay. The portion of this basin to be crossed by the RoW extends from near Bruderheim, Alberta to Glenford (Barrhead County), Alberta and includes mainly cultivated lands near the RoW and some sloughs. The pipeline route will cross the Athabasca River basin between Glenford, Alberta to about 50 km west of Whitecourt, Alberta. The headwaters of this basin are found in the Rocky Mountains. Water from this basin drains into the MacKenzie River drainage system and the Beaufort Sea via the Peace–Athabasca Delta. The portion of this basin crossed by the RoW is characterized as a zone of transition between cultivated land in the east and boreal forests in the west. The Peace River basin drains most of northwest Alberta and northeast British Columbia through the Peace – Athabasca Delta. The pipeline route will extend approximately 40 km through a forested area in this basin. The highest slope gradients can be found near Foxy Creek. Industrial operations, such as pulp and paper mills, are found in Whitecourt, but agriculture is the main activity. Most areas are uninhabited. However, there are several operational oil and gas leases west of Foxy Creek near Smoky River and in the Simonette, Latournell and Wapiti River watersheds. Logging operations are identified along the Redwillow River watershed and Kinuseo Creek and Murray River watersheds south of Tumbler River, British Columbia. Generally, most areas near the RoW are undisturbed. Further in the mountains, major rivers, including the Stuart, Necoslie and Endako occur. Generally, climatic conditions vary little with low to moderate mean annual precipitation, warm short summers and cool winters. Most watercourses have drainage areas less than 50 km2. Stream slope gradients vary, with the lowest gradients found in the interior area, extending from the Crooked River watershed to the Endako River watershed. High steam slope gradients are observed in the Rocky Mountain trench area (Monkman Pass to the Crooked River watershed) and in the Coastal Mountains (Endako River watershed to the Morice River watershed). Farther to the east, the RoW crosses western portions of the Peace River basin (Monkman Pass to Bear Lake, British Columbia) and headwater areas of the Fraser River basin (Muskeg and Salmon River watersheds). Central portions of this area traverse the headwaters of several subwatersheds of the Nechako River basin and the Muskeg and Salmon River watersheds from areas south of Davie Lake to Burns Lake, British Columbia. The pipeline route will also cross the headwaters of Parrott Creek, a subwatershed west of Burns Lake, which is also part of the Nechako River sub-basin. The Nechako River sub-basin and the Muskeg and Salmon River watersheds drain water south and east into the Fraser River drainage system, which extends from the Yellowhead Pass (Rocky Mountains) to the lower mainland (south coast) where water drains into Georgia Strait (Pacific Ocean). The portion of the pipeline route west of Burns Lake and areas between Sutherland River and Burns Lake will cross headwaters of several subwatersheds in the Skeena River basin. Water drains north and west from the region where the pipeline route crosses to Hecate Strait (Pacific Ocean), south of Prince Rupert. Logging areas are identified in all major river basins along the RoW. Burns Lake and Bear Lake are the only settlements in this zone near the RoW. The Kitimat River basin drains into the Kitimat Arm of the Douglas Channel (Hecate Strait) and has a small drainage area compared to the other basins along the RoW. Most of the areas are undisturbed subalpine habitat with steep stream flow gradients. High mean annual precipitation, cool temperatures at high elevations and more moderate temperatures in valleys characterize the climate. This basin consists of mountainous regions in upstream areas and an alluvial plain in downstream areas. The RoW will follow the Kitimat River along a valley in upstream locations and then will follow the western Coast Mountain Range to its end point at Kitimat Arm. The climate near the Kitimat Terminal is wet and temperate, with very high mean annual precipitation and above-freezing temperatures for most of the year. Some logging areas were identified in the Skeena River basin. The RoW will cross mainly natural habitats along the alluvial plain of the Kitimat Valley. Portions of the RoW will be upstream of the Town of Kitimat, a pulp and paper mill and an aluminum smelter. |
