Northern River Basins Study Final Report
7.0 Appendices
7.2 Northern River Basins Study Agreement
CANADA-ALBERTA NORTHWEST TERRITORIES AGREEMENT
RESPECTING THE PEACE - ATHABASCA - SLAVE RIVER BASIN STUDY
PHASE II - TECHNICAL STUDIES
THIS AGREEMENT made this 27th day of September, 1991
BETWEEN:
THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA, represented herein by the Minister of the Environment
and the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (hereinafter referred
to as "Canada"),
AND
THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, represented herein by the Minister
of Environment and the Minister of Forestry, Lands and Wildlife (hereinafter
referred to as "Alberta"),
AND
THE GOVERNMENT OF THE NORTHWEST TERRITORIES, represented herein by the Minister
of Renewable Resources and the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories (hereinafter
referred to as "Northwest Territories").
WHEREAS the Canada Water Act encourages federal-provincial cooperation
in the examination and resolution of water resource issues; and
WHEREAS the Minister of the Environment for Alberta is empowered under the
Department of Environment Act to enter into agreements with the Government
of Canada relating to any matter pertaining to the environment; and
WHEREAS the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development is empowered
under the Northern Inland Waters Act to enter into the
agreements with a province respecting the management of transboundary waters;
and
WHEREAS the Minister of Renewable Resources and the Commissioner of the
Northwest Territories are empowered under the Water Resources Agreements
Act to enter into agreements with the Government of Canada or a province
respecting transboundary water resources; and
WHEREAS the Peace and Athabasca River basins are tributary to the Slave
River Basin and part of the Mackenzie River Basin, and are a primary source
of water for northern Alberta and the Peace, Athabasca and Slave River deltas
and the Mackenzie River Basin in the Northwest Territories; and
WHEREAS Canada and Alberta and the Northwest Territories are negotiating
a bilateral agreement on transboundary water management at the
Alberta-Northwest Territories boundary which is intended to be consistent with the Mackenzie
River Basin Master Agreement; and
WHEREAS Canada and Alberta and the Northwest Territories wish to ensure
that existing and future developments make use of the water resources of the
Peace, Athabasca and Slave River basins in a manner which does not diminish
the potential for the use of these water resources; and
WHEREAS the water and aquatic environment of the Peace, Athabasca and
Slave River basins may be altered by development projects such as forestry operations,
pulp and papermills, hydroelectric facilities, oil sands plants, and associated
municipal growth; and by the cumulative effects of these developments; and
WHEREAS there is a need to improve the existing information base in order
to facilitate the effective monitoring and evaluation of the water and aquatic
environment of the Peace, Athabasca and Slave River basins; and
WHEREAS there is a desire to coordinate environmental studies conducted
under this program with other related activities to be carried out by other
agencies and industry within the Peace, Athabasca, and Slave River basins,
including the Slave River Environmental Quality Monitoring Program and the
proposed human health study; and
WHEREAS the Governments of Canada, Alberta and the Northwest Territories
agree that an open and cooperative approach to collecting and analysing data
regarding the water and aquatic environment of the Peace, Athabasca and
Slave River basins is essential; and
WHEREAS Phase I - Initial Inventory and Data Gap Evaluation of the
Peace-Athabasca-Slave River Basin Study has been carried out
by an intergovernmental task force; and
WHEREAS the Governor in Council, by Order in Council PC1991-7/1859 dated
September 26, 1991, has authorized the Minister of the Environment and the
Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development to enter into this Agreement
on behalf of Canada; and
WHEREAS the Lieutenant Governor in Council, by Order in Council 376/91 dated
June 6, 1991, has authorized the Minister of the Environment to enter into
this Agreement on behalf of Alberta; and
WHEREAS the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly through the Water
Resources Agreements Act assented to September 10, 1983 has authorized
the Minister of Renewable Resources and the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories
to enter into this Agreement on behalf of the Northwest Territories.
IT IS THEREFORE AGREED BETWEEN THE PARTIES HERETO AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1 - Definitions
1. In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) "aquatic environment" means the environment containing all
growing or living things upon or in water including all bottom substrate,
sediments and physical and biological constituents;
(b) "eligible costs" means directly related costs that have been
approved and recorded by the Operations Committee as having been reasonably
and properly incurred for the Study;
(c) "fiscal year" means the period commencing on April 1 of any
year and terminating March 31 of the immediately following year.
(d) "Ministers" means the Ministers of the Environment, and Indian
Affairs and Northern Development for Canada; and the Ministers of the Environment
and Forestry, Lands and Wildlife for Alberta; and the Minister of Renewable
Resources for the Northwest Territories;
(e) "Operations Committee" means the
Canada-Alberta-Northwest Territories
Peace-Athabasca-Slave River Basin Study Operations Committee of
the Study Board established pursuant to Section 3.4;
(f) "Science Advisory Committee" means a group of objective and
professional experts appointed by the Study Board appointed by the Study Board
to advise on the design and implementation of the Study;
(g) "Study" means the Peace-Athabasca-Slave River Basin Study.
Phase II - Technical Studies as outlined in Schedule "A";
(h) "study area" means the Alberta and Northwest Territories portions
of the Peace, Athabasca and Slave River mainstems, their important tributaries,
and their deltas;
(i) " Study Board" means the Canada-Alberta-Northwest Territories
Peace-Athabasca-Slave River Basin Study Board established pursuant to Section 3.1;
(j) " Study Director" means the individual appointed pursuant
to Section 3.5; and
(k) " Technical Advisory Group" means a group of scientists and
interested people appointed by the Study Board to assist the Study Director
with delivery of the Study.
Section 2 - Purpose
2.1 The purpose of this Agreement is to provide a cooperative interjurisdictional
mechanism to undertake the Study.
2.2 The purpose of the Study is to understand and characterize the cumulative
effects of development on the water and aquatic environment of the study area
by coordinating with existing programs and undertaking appropriate new technical
studies.
2.3 The study has the following objectives:
(a) to provide a scientifically sound information base for planning and
management of the water and aquatic environment of the study area so as to
enable its long term protection, improvement and wise use;
(b) to collect and interpret data and develop appropriate models related
to hydrology/hydraulics, water quality, fish and fish habitat, riparian vegetation/wildlife
and use of aquatic resources for use in predicting and assessing cumulative
effects of development; and
(c) to ensure that technical studies undertaken in the basin are conducted
in an open and cooperative manner and that their purpose, progress, and results
are reported regularly to the public.
2.4 The Peace-Athabasca-Slave River Basin Study, Phase II - Technical Studies
shall be carried out in accordance with the terms of reference as set out
in Schedule "A" which is attached to, and forms part of this Agreement.
Section 3 - Management and Coordination
3.1 Canada, Alberta and the Northwest Territories agree to establish a Study
Board to implement the terms of this Agreement, as follows:
(a) the Study Board will consist of up to twenty-five members;
(b) government members of the Study Board shall be appointed by their respective
Ministers from the following departments:
- Alberta Environment (two members)
- Alberta Forestry, Lands and Wildlife (one member)
- Alberta Health ( one member)
- Environment Canada (one member)
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada (one member)
- Indian Affairs and Northern Development Canada (one member)
- Health and Welfare Canada (one member) and
- Government of Northwest Territories, Department of Renewable Resources
(one member);
(c) Subject to Section 3.1. (a), additional members of the Study Board may
be appointed by joint agreement of the Ministers of the Environment for Canada
and Alberta and with the Minster of Renewable Resources for the Government
of the Northwest Territories.
3.2 The appointment of members as co-chairpersons of the Study Board shall
be made by the Ministers of the Environment for Canada and Alberta.
3.3 The duties of the Study Board shall include:
(a) responsibility for the overall direction of the Study to ensure that
the objectives and intent of theAgreement are carried out;
(b) meeting regularly, keeping minutes of its meetings and recording its
decisions taken at its meetings, with such records to be made public;
(c) establishment of standards and procedures required for maintenance of
order in its meetings, using such parliamentary rules of order as Bourinots
Rules of Order;
(d) review of the Study program and making recommendations to the Operations
Committee regarding the management of the Study;.
(e) approval of an annual program of work and an annual budget for proposed
programs and projects to be done under this Agreement for the subsequent fiscal
year, as prepared by the Operations Committee pursuant to
Section 3.5 (d) (v);
(f) provision of recommendations to the Operations Committee on reallocation
of funds as appropriate between the Study projects identified in
Schedule "A";
(g) provision of an annual report to the Ministers within three months after
the termination of each fiscal year and at any other time or times as the
Ministers may require containing such information as is specified in the Agreement;
(h) appointment of a Science Advisory Committee and Technical Advisory Groups,
as required;
(i) provision of a program of public information including, but not limited
to, reports on the purpose, progress and results of the Study;
(j) provision of a final report of the Study with recommendations to the
Ministers by March 31, 1995; and
(k) carrying out such other related duties as the Ministers may direct.
3.4 Canada, Alberta and the Northwest Territories agree to establish an
Operations Committee of the Study Board to manage the affairs of the Study
between meetings of the Study Board. The Operations Committee will be comprised
of the following members of the Study Board:
(a) one Alberta Environment representative,
(b) the Alberta Forestry, Lands and Wildlife representative,
(c) the Environment Canada representative,
(d) the Fisheries and Oceans Canada representative,
(e) one member who was appointed pursuant to Section 3.1 (c), as selected
by the Study Board, and
(f) the Study Director as an ex-officio member and secretary.
Members of the Operations Committee may designate an alternate to assume
responsibilities during periods of absence.
3.5 The duties of the Operations Committee shall include:
(a) day-to-day management of the Study on behalf of the Study Board;
(b) appointment of and day-to-day direction of the Study Director on behalf
of the Study Board;
(c) ensuring that studies done outside of this Agreement but within the
study area are coordinated with this Study;
(d) responsibility for the discharge of the financial and accounting provisions
of the Agreement and, in particular:
- ensuring that the manner in which funds are spent in the Study complies
with the intent of the Agreement;
- ensuring that funds are controlled and expended in accordance with the
provisions of the legislative requirements of the funding parties;
- reallocation of funds, as appropriate, between the Study projects identified
in Schedule "A";
- determination of eligible costs pursuant to this Agreement; and
- preparation, with the assistance of the Study Director, of annual budgets
and work programs for review and approval of the Study Board.
(e) responsibility for provisions of guidance and assistance to the Study
Board in all matters of financial accountability normally required by the
parties in the discharge of this Agreement and the undertaking of the Study.
The Operations Committee will report to the Study Board on these and all other
matters at each meeting of the Study Board.
3.6 The Study Director may, subject to approval of the Operations Committee,
enter into contracts with individuals, government departments or agencies,
universities, consultants, or private firms to carry out various aspects of
the work associated with the Study.
3.7 The ultimate responsibility for all decisions with regard to the operation
of the Study will rest with the Ministers.
Section 4 - Financial Provisions
4.1 Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the total eligible
costs of the Study shall not exceed $12,300,000, to be shared equally by Canada
and Alberta.
4.2 The expenses of the members of the Study Board shall not be included
within the eligible costs of the Study and Canada, Alberta and the
Northwest Territories shall bear the entire costs of travel, salary and other expenses
of each member of the Study Board appointed by that party and any other employee
of that party, unless specifically authorized by the Operations Committee
as an eligible cost.
4.3 Where Canada, Alberta and the Northwest Territories are supplying goods
and services as part of their share of eligible costs, such goods or services
shall be supplied at no more than cost.
4.4 Alberta shall, with respect to the costs to which Section 4.1 is applicable:
(a) pay such costs as they come due; and
(b) where the cost is incurred by other parties, Alberta shall reimburse
the other party upon submissions of the claim in accordance with procedures
to be established by the Study Board for such purposes.
4.5 Alberta shall submit, at least quarterly on a fiscal year basis, progress
claims to Canada for its share of the eligible costs incurred and paid for
in the performance of work, as certified by a senior financial officer of
that party and in a mutually agreed manner.
4.6 The parties shall pay the progress claims submitted by the other party,
at least upon a quarterly basis, after the claims are certified by a senior
officer by that latter party.
4.7 Canada, Alberta and the Northwest Territories shall maintain adequate
documentation and records of the costs that are to be shared by them and which
are incurred pursuant to this Agreement and shall, upon requests, make such
records and documents available for examination by auditors of the other.
4.8 Any discrepancy in the documents and records of costs incurred under
this Agreement disclosed by an audit under Section 4.7 shall be promptly adjusted
between Canada, Alberta and the Northwest Territories.
4.9 The provisions of funds by Canada and Alberta for the implementation
of this Agreement are subject to the Parliament of Canada and the Legislative
Assembly of Alberta having approved and appropriated such funds for the fiscal
year in which they are required.
Section 5 - Amendments
5.1 This Agreement may be amended by the Ministers with the exception of
Section 4.1. and 6.1 which can only be amended with the approval of the Governor
in Council for Canada, the Lieutenant Governor in Council for Alberta and
the Commissioner for the Northwest Territories.
Section 6 - General
6.1 This Agreement shall take effect from the date when last executed by
a party hereto and, except as noted in Section 6.2. and 6.3, shall terminate
on March 31, 1995.
6.2 The Parties agree that eligible costs shall include eligible costs incurred
between April 1, 1991 and the signing of this Agreement, up to a maximum of
$542,000.
6.3 The provisions of this Agreement respecting the payment, reimbursement
and audit of eligible costs that are to be shared by Canada and Alberta shall
remain in effect for six months after the termination date.
6.4 Any party may terminate involvement in this Agreement upon providing
six months notice in writing to the other parties.
6.5 Canada, Alberta and the Northwest Territories shall, upon request, make
available to each other and to the Study Board all available documents, including
past and current reports, studies and analyses concerning water and the aquatic
environment of the Peace, Athabasca and Slave River basins for use in the
Study.
6.6 Where Canada, Alberta or the Northwest Territories undertakes or is
responsible for any portion of the Study, it shall indemnify and save harmless
each of the others, their officers, servants and agents, against all claims
and demands of third parties in any way arising out of any work undertaken
pursuant to this Agreement, except as such claims or demands relate to the
act or negligence of any officer, employee or agent of the others.
6.7 No member of the Parliament of Canada or member of the Legislative Assemblies
of Alberta or the Northwest Territories shall hold, enjoy or be admitted to
any share or part of any contract, agreement, commission or benefit arising
out of this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Minister of Environment for Canada and the Minister
of Indian Affairs and Northern Development for Canada have hereto set their
hands on behalf of Canada; the Minister of the Environment for Alberta and
the Minister of Forestry, Lands and Wildlife for Alberta have hereto set their
hands on behalf of Alberta; and the Minister of Renewable Resources for the
Northwest Territories and the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories have
hereto set their hands on behalf of the Northwest Territories.
PEACE-ATHABASCA-SLAVE BASIN STUDY
PHASE II - TECHNICAL STUDIES
SCHEDULE "A"
TERMS OF REFERENCE
INTRODUCTION
The Peace-Athabasca-Slave River Basin Study, Phase II - Technical
Studies is comprised of four technical components as well as a study management
component. The technical components include hydrology/hydraulics, water quality,
fish and fish habitat and use of aquatic resources. The objectives and programs
for each component are described below. Annual programs of work prepared pursuant
to Section 3.5 of the Agreement will present detailed descriptions of the
technical studies program.
The study area is described as the Alberta and Northwest Territories portions
of the Peace, Athabasca and Slave River mainstems, their important tributaries,
and their deltas.
1. HYDROLOGY/HYDRAULICS COMPONENT
The objective of the hydrology/hydraulics component is to acquire hydrologic,
hydraulic and sediment transport information to support the other Study components
in their analyses needs.
The programs will include:
1.1 Hydrologic database program - to develop a complete hydrologic
database, at the highest level of accuracy necessary.
1.2 Hydraulics program - to determine the hydraulic and
mixing characteristics
of the rivers during winter low flow, under-ice conditions.
1.3 Sediment transport program - to identify the amount and timing
of the transport of sediment through the system.
| Hydrology/Hydraulics Component Budget
| $1,000,000
|
2. WATER QUALITY COMPONENT
The objectives of the water quality component are:
(a) to characterize existing industrial and municipal
effluents;
(b) to document the existing baseline quality of water, bed and suspended
sediments and aquatic biota;
(c) to describe the fate and effects of the key contaminants within the aquatic
environment and its food chain, including benthos, fish and riparian wildlife;
(d) to develop predictive tools that define cumulative effects of point discharges
on the quality of the rivers; and
(e) to provide an information base for the design of long-term monitoring
programs.
The programs will include:
2.1 Effluent characterization program - to characterize the existing
industrial and municipal effluents and describe their ecotoxicity.
2.2 Dissolved oxygen program - to characterize the dissolved oxygen,
biological oxygen demand, sediment oxygen demand and other relevant components
of aquatic oxygen.
2.3 Toxic organics program - to assess the contamination and biological
effects of key toxic organics and to study their transport and partitioning.
2.4 Metals in water program - to assess the contamination and effects
of key metals on the aquatic environment.
2.5 Eutrophication and non-toxic variables program - to assess
the levels and impacts of nutrients on the aquatic biota.
2.6 Common services program - to provide quality assurance and coordination
services for cost effective water quality component programs.
| Water Quality Component Budget
| $4,630,000
|
3. FISH AND FISH HABITAT COMPONENT
The objectives of the fish and fish habitat component are:
(a) to improve the level of knowledge on the species composition, relative
abundance, temporal and spatial distribution, life history, predatory/prey
relationships and habitat relationships of the fish resources so as to conserve,
protect and manage the fish and fish habitat;
(b) to conduct pathological examinations of fish collected to evaluate fish
health;
(c) to determine the water quality requirements for the protection of the
fish populations, with a particular emphasis on dissolved oxygen; and
(d) to integrate fish population, habitat and health studies to better understand
the direct and cumulative effects of development in the basin.
The programs will include:
3.1 Fish inventory program - to collect data on fish populations, their
population dynamics and migrations, and on habitat utilization and food webs
via fish and fish habitat surveys, radio telemetry tracking of fish and stable
isotope analyses; and to supply fish for other components of the Study.
3.2 Dissolved oxygen requirements for fish program - to determine the
effects of reduced dissolved oxygen levels on fish and to recommend dissolved
oxygen levels for the protection of fish.
| Fish and Fish Habitat Component Budget
| $5,014,000
|
4. USE OF AQUATIC RESOURCES COMPONENT
The objectives of the use of aquatic resources component are:
(a) to document the location, type and extent of consumptive and non-consumptive
human use of the water resources;
(b) to identify the water quantity and quality requirements of these uses
of water;
(c) to document native and sport/commercial consumption of fish and riparian
wildlife;
(d) to assess the incidence and extent of tainting of water and fish; and
(e) to assess the impact of industrial development on municipal water treatment.
The programs will include:
4.1 Consumptive and non-consumptive water use program - to locate
and quantify consumptive and non-consumptive uses of water and to identify
their water quantity and quality requirements.
4.2 Native/traditional use of fish and riparian wildlife program -
to document the use and importance of fishing, hunting and trapping of fish
and riparian wildlife to the native lifestyle.
4.3 Taste and odour program - to document the incidence of taste and
odour problems in river water and fish and to identify their causative agents.
4.4 Drinking water impacts program - to review effects of pulp mill
effluents on drinking water quality and municipal treatment requirements.
| Use of Aquatic Resources Component Budget
| $701,000
|
5. STUDY MANAGEMENT COMPONENT
The technical studies will be done under the direction and management of
the Study Board and Operations Committee. Day-to-day delivery of
the studies will be the responsibility of a study office that includes a Study
Director and staff.
The duties of the Study Director shall include, but not be limited to, the
following:
(a) efficient day-to-day delivery of a coordinated and complete
Study to the Study Board and the Operations Committee;
(b) preparation of annual reports on Study progress;
(c) preparation of annual program and budget proposals;
(d) production of individual technical studies;
(e) production of a final report of the Study;
(f) provision of a public information program;
(g) operation of the Science Advisory Committee and Technical Advisory Groups;
and
(h) provision of any other information requested by the Study Board or Operations
Committee;
The Science Advisory Committee will be responsible for providing objective
and professional scientific advice to the Study Board and Operations Committee
with respect to the design and implementation of the Study. Specifically,
it will confirm that the study program is scientifically sound, will monitor
progress of the Study, will review the results of individual studies to ensure
that the program is delivered as designed, and will report to the public on
scientific matters related to the Study.
The Technical Advisory Groups will be responsible for assisting the study
office staff in planning the program of studies, reviewing draft Terms of
Reference, and reviewing reports. The participation of the Technical Advisory
Groups will assist in coordinating the Study with other activities in the
study area and in providing a wide scope of technical expertise from which
the Study Director can draw advice.
| Study Management Component Budget
| $955,000
|
Amendment: March 1, 1993
Since the beginning of the Study, up to and including the above date, the
Ministers have endorsed the following amendments to the Study Agreement:
1) Amending SubSection 3.3(d) to reflect the fact that the Operations Committee
reports to and receives its direction from the Study Board. The Study Agreement
was amended by removing the term "making recommendations" and replacing
it with "giving recommendations".
2) Amending SubSection 3.4 to increase the size of the Operations Committee
from six to seven members. The Study Agreement was amended to include a seventh
member on the Operations Committee by adding the following clause:
g) one Northwest Territories representative
3) Amending Schedule A, Terms of Reference, SubSection 5, Paragraph 3 with
the addition of the phrase "through the Study Board" on the final
line. The final sentence in the paragraph was amended to read as follows:
Specifically, it will confirm that the Study program is scientifically sound,
will monitor the progress of the Study, will review the results of individual
studies to ensure that the program is delivered as designed, and will report
to the public through the Study Board on scientific matters related to the
Study.
Amending Agreement: September 15, 1995
CANADA-ALBERTA-NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
NORTHERN RIVER BASINS STUDY
AMENDING AGREEMENT (#1)
THIS AMENDING AGREEMENT made this 15th day of September, 1995.
BETWEEN:
THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA, represented herein by the Deputy Prime Minister
and Minister of the Environment, and the Minister of Indian Affairs
and Northern
Development (hereinafter referred to as "Canada"),
AND
THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, represented herein by the Minister
of Environmental Protection (hereinafter referred to
as "Alberta"),
AND
THE GOVERNMENT OF THE NORTHWEST TERRITORIES, represented herein by the Minister
of Renewable Resources and the Commissioner for the Northwest Territories
(hereinafter referred to as "Northwest Territories").
Hereinafter referred to collectively as the "Parties".
WHEREAS Canada, Alberta and the Northwest Territories entered into an Agreement
dated the 27th day of September, 1991 entitled the
"Canada-Alberta-Northwest Territories Peace-Athabasca-Slave River
Basin Study Phase II - Technical
Studies" Agreement ("the Agreement");
WHEREAS Canada, Alberta and the Northwest Territories wish to make certain
amendments to clarify and amend the terms of the Agreement;
WHEREAS the Governor in Council, by Order in Council ______ dated __________
has authorized the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Environment,
and the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development to enter into
this Amending Agreement on behalf of Canada; and
WHEREAS the Lieutenant Governor in Council, by Order in Council ______ dated
_________ has authorized the Minister of Environmental Protection to enter
into this Amending Agreement on behalf of Alberta; and
WHEREAS the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly through the authority
of the Water Resources Agreements Act SNWT 1983, c. 9, has authorized
the Minister of Renewable Resources and the Commissioner of the
Northwest Territories to enter into this Amending Agreement on behalf of the
Northwest Territories.
IT IS THEREFORE AGREED BETWEEN THE PARTIES THAT THE AGREEMENT SHALL BE AMENDED
AS FOLLOWS:
- The title of the Agreement is amended by replacing
"Peace-Athabasca-Slave River Basin Study" with
"Northern River Basins Study".
- The parties provision of the Agreement is amended by replacing "THE
GOVERNMENT OF THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, represented herein by the Minister
of the Environment and the Minister of Forestry, Lands and Wildlife"
with "THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, represented herein
by the Minister of Environmental Protection".
- The WHEREAS provision of the Agreement which refers to "the Department
of the Environment Act" is amended by adding "(now the Minister
of Environmental Protection)" after "the Minister of the Environment
for Alberta".
- The WHEREAS provision of the Agreement which refers to
"Phase I - Initial Inventory" is amended by adding "(now called the
Northern River Basins Study)" after "Peace-Athabasca-Slave River Basin
Study".
- The WHEREAS provision of the Agreement which refers to "Order in
Council 376/91" is amended by adding "(now the Minister of Environmental
Protection)" after "the Minister of the Environment".
- S. 1(d) is amended by replacing "the Ministers of the Environment
and Forestry, Lands and Wildlife for Alberta;" with "the Minister
of Environmental Protection for Alberta;".
- S. 1(e) is amended by replacing "the Canada-Alberta-Northwest Territories
Peace-Athabasca-Slave River Basin Study" with "the
Canada-Alberta-Northwest Territories Northern River Basins Study".
- S. 1(g) is amended by replacing "the Peace-Athabasca-Slave River
Basin Study" with "the Northern River Basins Study".
- S. 1(i) is amended by replacing "the Canada-Alberta-Northwest Territories
Peace-Athabasca-Slave River Basin Study" with "the
Canada-Alberta-Northwest Territories Northern River Basins Study".
- S. 1(j) is amended by deleting "and".
- S. 1 is amended by adding the following:
(j.1) "Science Director" means the individual appointed pursuant
to Section 3.5; and
- S. 1(k) is amended to read:
"Technical Working Group" means a group of individuals appointed
to assist the Science Director with the delivery of the Study.
- S. 2.3(b) is amended by replacing "data and" with "information
and data and to".
- S. 2.3(c) is amended by replacing "their" with "the public
is provided with opportunities to provide input to the studies and that
the".
- S. 2.4 is amended to read:
The Northern River Basin Study, Phase II - Technical Studies will, in
general, be composed of the components outlined in Schedule A and will
focus on answering the questions listed in Schedule B, both of which are
attached to and form part of this Agreement.
- S. 3.1(b)(i) is amended to read:
Alberta Environmental Protection (three members)
- S. 3.1(b)(ii) is deleted.
- S. 3.1(c) is amended by replacing "Ministers of the Environment for
Canada and Alberta" with "the Minister of the Environment for
Canada, the Minister of Environmental Protection for Alberta,".
- S. 3.1 is amended by adding the following:
(d) Each member of the Study Board may designate an alternate to assume
their responsibilities during periods of absence.
(e) Quorum for any Study Board meeting is two-thirds of the total appointed
members or their alternates where members are absent.
- S. 3.2 is amended by replacing "Ministers of the Environment for
Canada and Alberta" with "Minister of the Environment for Canada
and the Minister of Environmental Protection for Alberta".
- S. 3.3(b) is amended by adding "once approved by the Board"
after the words "such records".
- S. 3.3(d) is amended by replacing "making recommendations" with
"providing direction".
- S. 3.3(f) is amended by replacing "provision of recommendations"
with "providing direction".
- S. 3.3(h) is amended by replacing "Technical Advisory Groups"
with "Technical Working Groups".
- S. 3.3(j) is amended by replacing "1995" with "1996".
- S. 3.4(a) is amended to read:
two Alberta Environmental Protection representatives,
- S. 3.4(b) is deleted.
- S. 3.4(e) is amended by deleting the word "and".
- S. 3.4(f) is amended replacing "secretary." with "secretary,".
- S. 3.4 is amended by adding:
(g) the Science Director as an ex-officio member, and
(h) one representative of the Government of the Northwest Territories.
- S. 3.5 is amended replacing "The duties" with "Subject
to the direction of the Board, the duties".
- S. 3.5 is amended by adding:
(f) "appointment of and, with the assistance of the Science Advisory
Committee, provision of day to day direction of the Science Director on
behalf of the Study Board."
- S. 3.5(d)(iii) is amended by adding "including associated administrative
costs," after "reallocation of funds,".
- S. 3.5(d)(iii) is amended by replacing "projects" with "components".
- S. 4.1 is amended by replacing "$12,300,000" with "$11,380,000".
- S. 6.1 is amended by replacing "1995" with "1996".
- Schedule A to the Agreement is deleted and Schedules A and B attached
hereto are incorporated into and form part of the Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Environment
for Canada, and the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development for
Canada have hereto set their hands on behalf of Canada; the Minister of Environmental
Protection for Alberta has hereto set his hand on behalf of Alberta; and the
Minister of Renewable Resources for the Northwest Territories and the Commissioner
of the Northwest Territories have hereto set their hands on behalf of the
Northwest Territories.
SCHEDULE A
COMPONENTS OF THE NORTHERN RIVER BASINS STUDY
TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE $740,000
Information from local residents, elders and other traditional river users
will play an important role in the overall examination of the northern river
basins. This component involves the gathering of historical accounts, observations,
information and views from these people regarding changes in the river system
and how the rivers have been used.
The focus of this component is on obtaining local historical knowledge and
views. Protocols to acquire traditional knowledge, including aboriginal and
local knowledge, will be developed and used. Traditional values, specific
descriptions of traditional uses (both historical and current), and traditional
indicators of ecosystem integrity will be included. Local communities as well
as individuals will be actively involved in the design and delivery of the
program.
HYDRAULICS/HYDROLOGY $760,000
This component acquires and analyzes hydrologic, hydraulic and sediment
transport information. The influence of these processes on the aquatic environment
will be characterized. Models will be developed to simulate the hydraulics
of the rivers to different flow regimes. As well, this component will examine
the effects of ice and ice jams on water and sediment movement.
The focus of this component is on the hydrologic/hydraulic processes associated
with flow regime, sediment transport and deposition. Flow under ice and the
influence of ice jams on flow will be considered. Time of travel and effluent
mixing will be examined. The analysis will allow the inter-relationships of
hydrology, water quality and biota to be investigated. Descriptive and predictive,
flow and sediment transport models will be developed.
NUTRIENTS $1,120,000
This component involves the assessment of the effects of nutrients such
as phosphorus and nitrogen on the aquatic environment. Nutrients are being
introduced into the river system through natural, industrial, agricultural
and municipal processes.
The focus of this component is the assessment of the effect of nutrient
and oxygen-consuming effluent on the related chemical, physical and biological
processes of the rivers. Analysis will be carried out on the role of nutrients
in influencing aquatic ecosystem productivity and its possible effects on
other aspects of the system, e.g., dissolved oxygen concentrations. Impacts
of effluent on under-ice dissolved oxygen levels will be investigated. The
utility of quantitative models for predicting key water quality parameters
will be assessed.
CONTAMINANTS $2,660,000
This component will examine the occurrence, distribution, abundance and
effects of contaminants contributed by natural and man-made sources. The component
will address historic impacts and likely changes relating to contaminants
in the aquatic environment.
The focus of this component is the type, sources, toxicity and fate of contaminants
particularly those that may have human health implications. The study will
include the development of water quality models to predict cumulative impacts.
The ultimate fate of these contaminants in the aquatic environment and impacts
on the food chain will be evaluated. A long-term monitoring plan will be proposed.
FOOD CHAIN $1,250,000
This component will focus attention on describing the interrelationships
between the living and non-living elements of the aquatic ecosystem. The component
addresses fish health, behaviour, movement, distribution and food sources,
critical habitat requirements, and their interaction with dissolved oxygen
content and contaminants.
The component is characterized by a combination of field and laboratory
studies directed at determining food chain relations and the occurrence, seasonal
distribution, abundance and movement of fish species with various habitat
types. Work also includes the determination of the influence of dissolved
oxygen levels on embryo development and fry survival.
DRINKING WATER $510,000
This component will characterize human drinking water sources and the quality
of water available for consumption. Work will include the examination of drinking
water treatment processes and their effectiveness in meeting human consumption
needs. The component will also study the potential impact of pollutant loading
on drinking water.
The focus of this component is drinking water quality (chemistry, taste,
odour and microbiology), and current drinking water control priorities and
treatment processes. The sources and impacts of contaminant inputs on the
quality of drinking water will be examined. Tainting of fish within the
Northern River Basins will be characterized.
OTHER USES $460,000
Characterization of the historical and current uses made of the basins aquatic
ecosystem is a primary task for this component. In addition to providing a
historical perspective of use, the component will document the changes that
residents have made towards their use and values of the aquatic ecosystem.
This work will include projections of likely uses and values. Efforts will
also be directed towards determining basin user expectations for maintaining
a sustainable aquatic ecosystem.
The component will identify probable resource management needs and assess
various institutional alternatives for ecosystem (basin) management, with
a strong emphasis on community participation.
SYNTHESIS AND MODELLING $510,000
This component is responsible for integrating the findings of the other
components into the development of synthesis documents on the state of the
basins aquatic ecosystem. In addition to providing an assessment of the cumulative
effects of basin development on the aquatic ecosystem, the component will
lead the development of predictive tools for assessing the probable effects
of development/growth.
The component will propose long-term monitoring plans and strategies for
assessing the state of the aquatic ecosystem on an on-going basis. Indicators
of ecosystem integrity and cumulative effects will also be investigated.
ADMINISTRATION $3,370,000
This component covers all of the support necessary for implementing a multidisciplinary
study. This includes expenses associated with the Board and its sub-committees,
the Study Office, Science Advisory Committee and the Science Office. Expenses
associated with the provision of public gatherings, science forums, project
reports and the study report are included.
TOTAL BUDGET = $11,380,000
SCHEDULE B
QUESTIONS TO BE ADDRESSED BY
THE NORTHERN RIVER BASINS STUDY
SCIENTIFIC QUESTIONS
1. a) How has the aquatic ecosystem, including fish and/or other aquatic
organisms, been affected by exposure to organochlorines or other toxic compounds?
b) How can the ecosystem be protected from the effects of these compounds?
2. What is the current state of water quality in the Peace, Athabasca and
Slave River basins, including the Peace-Athabasca Delta?
3. Who are the stakeholders and what are the consumptive and non-consumptive
uses of the water resources in the river basins?
4. a) What are the contents and nature of the contaminants entering the
system and what is their distribution and toxicity in the aquatic ecosystem
with particular reference to water, sediments and biota?
b) Are toxins such as dioxins, furans, mercury, etc. increasing or decreasing
and what is their rate of change?
5. Are the substances added to the rivers by natural and man made discharge
likely to cause deterioration of the water quality?
6. What is the distribution and movement of fish species in the watersheds
of the Peace, Athabasca and Slave River? Where and when are they most likely
to be exposed to changes in water quality and where are their important habitats?
7. What concentrations of dissolved oxygen are required seasonally to protect
the various life stages of fish, and what factors control dissolved oxygen
in the rivers?
8. Recognizing that people drink water and eat fish from these river systems,
what is the current concentration of contaminants in water and edible fish
tissue and how are these levels changing through time and by location?
9. Are fish tainted in these waters and, if so, what is the source of the
tainting compounds (i.e., compounds affecting how fish taste and smell to
humans)?
10. How does and how could river flow regulation impact the aquatic ecosystem?
11. Have the riparian vegetation, riparian wildlife and domestic livestock
in the river basins been affected by exposure to organochlorines or other
toxic compounds?
12. What local traditional knowledge exists to enhance the physical science
studies in all areas of enquiry?
13. a) What predictive tools are required to determine the cumulative effects
of man made discharges on the water and aquatic environment?
b) What are the cumulative effects of man made discharges on the water and
aquatic environment?
14. What long term monitoring programs and predictive models are required
to provide an ongoing assessment of the state of the aquatic ecosystems. These
programs must ensure that all stakeholders have the opportunity for input.
NON-SCIENTIFIC QUESTIONS
15. How can the Study results be communicated most effectively?
16. What form of interjurisdictional body can be established, ensuring stakeholder
participation for the ongoing protection and use of the river basins?
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