FOREWORD

The Arctic Environmental Strategy (AES), announced in April 1991, is a six-year $100 million Green Plan initiative. The overall goal of the AES is to preserve and enhance the integrity, health, biodiversity and productivity of our Arctic ecosystems for the benefit of present and future generations. Four specific programs address some of the key environmental challenges: they are waste cleanup, contaminants, water management, and environment and economy integration. The programs are managed by the Northern Affairs Program of the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (DIAND); however, there is a strong emphasis on partnerships with northern stakeholders including Native organizations, other federal departments and the territorial governments. The AES Action on Water Program specifically strives to enhance the protection of northern freshwaters through improved knowledge and decision-making. Water Resources managers in the Yukon and the Northwest Territories administer this Program which focuses on freshwater aquatic ecosystems.

This report is the first detailed compilation of studies conducted under the AES Action on Water Program. It covers work done from 1991 to 1994. Many studies have been concluded, while others are ongoing. Although data may not be available for all studies, or results are preliminary at this time, this report presents detailed background, objectives and methodology. At the end of the AES in 1997, a final report will summarize in detail all studies conducted under the Action on Water Program.

This report summarizes and also provides the reader with a detailed introduction to research and issues in northern freshwater ecosystem management. On behalf of Water Resources Division, Headquarters, I would like to extend my thanks to the regional Water Resources Division staff for their summaries and for their commitment to the Action on Water Program.

Chris Cuddy
Chief
Water Resources Division

PREFACE

This report consists of summaries of research studies conducted under the Action on Water Program of the AES from 1991 to 1994. The studies address a wide range of water issues including community health concerns about drinking water quality, flood forecasting, fish population levels and the efficiency of sewage treatment facilities and tailings ponds. Many studies respond directly to concerns or issues raised by northern residents and industry.

Studies are grouped according to five broad subject areas: aquatic ecosystem evaluation, community health issues, sustainable development issues, predictions, forecasts and models, and education. They are all funded in whole, or in part, under the area-specific studies portion of the Action on Water Program. For the most part, the studies were conducted by staff members of regional DIAND Water Resources Divisions. A small number were contracted out. In addition, many studies were co-funded with other agencies. These studies represent only part of the activities conducted under the Program. Other important components are baseline networks and laboratory facilities. The AES presently funds 61 quality and 21 quantity stations and five snow stations in the Northwest Territories (NWT). The Yukon has 20 quality and 12 quantity stations and an additional small stream water quantity network of 11 stations. The Yukon has 45 snow quantity stations, some of which are automated snow pillow stations.

To increase the information on northern water resources and achieve the goals of the Action on Water Program, the data are now being interpreted and evaluated. Network expansion and data collection have been extensive during the first three years. Network data are used for many purposes including environmental assessments and remediation, and for predicting and monitoring floods. Baseline data from these stations also establish background conditions and identify areas where further research is warranted.

The AES Action on Water Program has been tremendously successful in responding to emerging issues in the field of northern freshwater ecosystem management. This report provides interested readers with an indication of the type of research being conducted, as well as good
background information on northern water issues. Initially, a report with brief study descriptions was considered, but as the project evolved the need for detailed summaries, data presentation and interpretation became evident. Each study or project co-ordinator was asked to provide information in the standardized format used in this report. We wish to thank them. For consistency, original material has been rearranged and text inserted.

J. Chouinard and D. Milburn, Editors
Water Resources Division
Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0H4

QS-8507-030-EF-A1
Catalogue No. R72-244/1--1995E
ISBN 0-662-23939-3

© Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada

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