Citation | Deniseger, J, Epps, D, Barlak, R and Swain, L. 2009. Use of the ecoregion approach to setting water quality objectives in the Vancouver Island Region, British Columbia. BC Ministry of Environment. |
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Organization | Ministry of Environment |
URL | http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wat/wq/objectives/eco-vanc-island/ecoregion-report.pdf |
Abstract/Description or Keywords | The British Columbia (B.C.) Ministry of Environment began establishing generic provincial water quality guidelines in the early 1980’s. These are used to do a preliminary evaluation of the water quality data, and to establish site specific ambient water quality objectives. Water quality objectives and the associated monitoring and assessment are key components of the adaptive management cycle, guiding management decisions and actions. The development of water quality objectives is a resource intensive process, requiring three years of monitoring and assessment on individual watersheds. In 1985, an ecoregion classification system was adopted by the Wildlife Branch of the Ministry of Environment as a framework for managing the diverse nature of B.C.’s topography, climate and ecosystems. Within this system, areas with similar features can be grouped into discrete geographical units at five different levels. The ecoregion classification system was established to help in area-based planning, one of the core reasons for water quality objectives development. Using this classification system as a model, the Vancouver Island Region (VIR) has initiated an ecoregion-based approach to water quality objectives development. Rather than developing water quality objectives for each individual watershed, VIR has been working towards the long term goal of developing objectives for each ecoregion as a whole. Within each ecoregion, representative watersheds have been chosen and three year monitoring and assessment programs have been established with local partners. The data are used to develop ecoregion-based water quality objectives for all lakes and streams in that ecoregion. A number of studies have shown that land classification systems can be useful for identifying areas of relative homogeneity for water quality. Several studies discussed in this report support the premise that fundamental water quality is similar between watersheds, within ecological regions. One example found that un-impacted watersheds can be used to establish background levels and subsequent site specific water quality objectives for adjacent impacted watersheds. To further verify the validity of the ecoregion approach as it applies to VIR, this report compares water quality objectives for two Vancouver Island streams in the same ecoregion. The objectives were found to be interchangeable and applicable to either watershed. Applying the ecoregion approach system to water quality is seen as a reasonable, cost effective, and scientifically defensible means to develop water quality objectives. |
Information Type | report |
Regional Watershed | Vancouver Island North, Vancouver Island South |
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Project status | complete |
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