|
|
|
Northern River Basins Study Final Report
7.0 Appendices
7.1 Laying the Groundwork: The Intergovernmental Steering Committee
In October 1989, a meeting was struck among federal, provincial
and territorial agencies with interests in the basins (later to be known as
the Intergovernmental Steering Committee). The meeting was struck to discuss
the need for technical studies on the three river basins, a need emphasized
by the AlPac EIA report released in March 1990.
The Steering Committee and its associated Task Force outlined
the initial framework for the Northern River Basins Study and developed a
draft federal-provincial-territorial agreement for carrying it out. The three
and one-half year study would be funded under the Canada Water Act,
Alberta's Water Resources Act and the Department of Indian Affairs'
Northern Development Program.
In June 1990, the Task Force released a report that reviewed
the scope of previous environmental investigations in the three basins. Although
these studies were extensive, they presented a piecemeal picture of the basins,
pockmarked by major data deficiencies. For instance, while licensed use of
water (e.g., industrial use) was well documented, unlicensed withdrawals by
farms and temporary camps was unknown. A complete picture of who was using
the water and how they were using it was required. More information was needed
regarding the fate and effects of organochlorines and other contaminants on
the aquatic ecosystem. Water quality models were required to assess present
and future contaminant levels. Knowledge of the habitat and water quality
requirements affecting fish populations and movements was necessary. This
included the importance of documenting current levels of contaminants in fish
and understanding their cumulative effects.
Under the guidance of the Intergovernmental Steering Committee,
the Task Force proposed a research program to fill these and other information
gaps. The program was budgeted $12.3 million and covered five areas: hydrology/hydraulics,
water use, water quality, fisheries and wildlife. Ninety per cent of the proposed
program funds would be directed towards water quality and fisheries studies,
reflecting the large knowledge gaps in these areas as well as widespread public
concerns.
|
Quick Links