Projects

CLIENT: Alberta Environmental and Parks
AJM implemented biological and operational effectiveness monitoring timed to coincide with important life history periods of fish species in the Highwood River and varied flow conditions within the Little Bow Canal. Field data was complemented by desktop analysis, comparison of field-based observations with reference to the fish exclusion system’s design, and consultation with operations personnel. Biological effectiveness monitoring was based on capture and recapture events. Active (e.g., electrofishing) and passive (e.g., fyke net) capture methods were used by AJM to sample fish populations upstream and downstream from the exclusion structure. Operational effectiveness was tested by a combination of site inspections conducted during varied environmental conditions and operation constraints, evaluation of historical deficiencies, and interviews with operational staff. Based on our interpretations, several recommendations were proposed for the improved operational performance of the system.

CLIENT: TC Energy
Once constructed, this will be Alberta’s first pumped hydro energy storage project and will generate to 75 MW of electricity upon demand, placing power into the local grid during periods of high demand and reduced supply. Our work included providing aquatic assessment services specific to the project’s proposed disposition crossing of an unnamed tributary to Canyon Creek and to support planning of water withdrawal from the Athabasca River. We provided recommendations on project design and led environmental mitigation efforts to protect critical habitat and fish species at risk. We used eDNA techniques validate the potential presence/absence of fish within the aquatic habitat and piloted an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV or drone) to collect relevant aerial imagery of aquatic and riparian habitat. The aerial imagery was used to assessment and quantify the potential impacts to riparian habitat of the unnamed tributary.

CLIENT: Cenovus Energy
Implementation of numerous EPEA‑regulated Wetland Monitoring Programs for SAGD developments in the oil sands region of Alberta. The multi-year projects included field activities such as hydrology, water quality and vegetation field programs and associated data analysis. In 2015, AJM analyzed all data collected since 2011 by various consultants and prepared Comprehensive Reports that integrated the multi-year data set into one synthesized document. In consultation with AER, AJM developed program improvements for future monitoring to improve efficiency, scientific rigor and consistency across Cenovus wetland programs.

CLIENTS: Torxen Energy, International Petroleum Corp.
AJM has developed strong working relationship with clients as a member of their development teams (e.g., development engineers, surface land, facilities, earthworks, etc) to handle the environmental and regulatory challenges with new energy development. Projects have included coordinating approvals (including, but not limited to, Water Act, Public Lands Act, Historical Resources Act, and Wildlife Act); providing updates to the development teams as to the status of environmental assessments and applications; conducting wetland, wildlife, vegetation, and archaeological field assessments; reviewing environmental assessment reports on clients’ behalf; and collecting and submitting environmental information for Directive 56 well license approvals.

CLIENTS: Torxen Energy, Gibson Energy, and Cenovus Energy
Complete field wetland assessments including delineation and classification according to the then Alberta Wetland Classification System. Complete wetland heath assessments and ABWRET-A documentation to support both Code of Practice for Pipelines and Telecommunication Lines Crossing a Waterbody, and Water Act approvals for permanent disturbance. Work with regulators through new wetland assessment and reporting requirements, and guide clients through the various assessment and regulatory changes. Since 2012, AJM has completed over 200 COP notifications for pipelines crossing wetlands, 40 Water Act applications for wetland disturbance, and assessed approximately 500 lease sites and tie-in pipelines for wetland-related issues.

CLIENT: TC Energy
Design and implement a snake monitoring project for the Keystone XL pipeline in Alberta. Focus species are the prairie rattlesnake, bullsnake, and two garter snake species. Project includes study design, field assessment to identify hibernacula at three major river crossings, and the monitoring of snake populations one-season prior to construction, and for one season after. The objectives of the monitoring project are to quantify the effects, if any, of the Keystone XL pipeline construction on snake populations in the immediate vicinity of the pipeline and use the data to inform future construction design and mitigation strategies.

CLIENT: Harvest Operations Corp.
Modified Harvest’s existing Wetland and Water Body Monitoring Program to be more in-line with industry standard. AJM was able to realize a decrease in the scope and potential cost of the monitoring program through a more focused data collection approach. Worked closely with the AER on the proposed modifications to the existing program to ensure buy-in from the regulator throughout the project.

CLIENT: Alberta Environment and Parks
In support of AEP’s Integrate Resource Management Department, AJM provided field-based planning services for the design and installation of single span bridges and reclamation of unauthorized ford crossings in backcountry areas of southwestern Alberta. Qualified Aquatic Environmental Specialist (QAES) recommendations were provided to AEP to facilitate internal planning and provincial and federal regulatory application/ review under the Water Act, Fisheries Act and Canadian Navigable Waters Act. Sites included Racehorse Creek, Salt Creek and Allison Creek, watercourses which are known to provide important habitat for fish species of management concern (e.g., Bull Trout).

CLIENTS: West Fraser Mills / Alberta Environment and Parks
AJM provided aquatic habitat reclamation planning support for over three dozen off-highway vehicle (OHV) crossings in the MacKenzie Creek watershed, near Cadomin, Alberta. Working with West Fraser Mills and Alberta Environment and Parks, with collaboration from Teck Coal Ltd., AJM staff visited several undesignated OHV crossings within important Bull Trout habitat to develop bio-engineering based reclamation plans. Reclamation plans included the use of locally available materials for the mitigation of sediment induced influences on pristine aquatic environments. Recommendations provided by AJM will be used to inform construction planning and to support provincial and federal regulatory requirements.

CLIENT: Cenovus Energy
The purpose of the project was to develop a way to better prioritize and track vegetation treatment at oil sands facilities. AJM combined in-house biophysical and software development expertise to build a fit-for-purpose software application for field data collection and a database for data integration and management. The software component of the project consisted of: 1) development of a backend cloud database on AWS, 2) development of an iOS and Android mobile application for field data collection, and 3) development of a website where vegetation data can be visualized and managed.

CLIENTS: Various Alberta First Nations
Through projects with various First Nations on Alberta’s East Slopes and in the Oil Sands region AJM has field validated existing eDNA tests for native and non-native salmonids. These projects have been funded by both Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). Results include more accurate maps of species distribution, evaluation of fish entrainment in irrigation infrastructure, identifying previously undocumented populations of listed species at risk, surveying overwintering habitat, and evaluating fish passage upstream of culverts to identify potential fish habitat restoration opportunities for clients.

CLIENT: Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada

As part of the Federal recovery strategy for Bull Trout, an at-risk species, AJM Fisheries Biologists collaborated with the Ontario and Prairies/Arctic Region of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) to deliver on an innovative research project exploring the thermal tolerances of the threatened species. AJM was engaged by DFO’s Freshwater Institute to support project planning leading up to the collection of gametes (egg and milt) from a spawning population of Bull Trout in southern Alberta. AJM Biologists then led field crews (including DFO Biologists) in the safe and effective capture (and eventual release) of multiple adult fish from an adfluvial spawning population. Once captured, adult Bull Trout were processed by AJM Biologists for the collection and in-situ fertilization of eggs and milt. Post-collection and fertilization, gametes were prepared for immediate air transport to incubation and rearing facilities in Winnipeg. After hatching, juvenile Bull Trout will be reared by DFO Research Biologists and tested for temperature tolerances. Resulting information will be important to help understand the potential threat of rising water temperatures on Alberta’s Bull Trout populations.

AJM specializes in wetland, wildlife, vegetation, aquatic and GIS services including pre-development assessments, regulatory applications and monitoring programs.

Through our in-house software development team, we provide innovative solutions to meet your environmental needs.

AJM has worked on a variety of projects and is grateful for our clients trust. We take immense pride in our project experience from within a diverse group of industries including oil & gas, mining, government, non-profit and beyond.

AJM considers a project a success when completed safely, on time and on budget. None of our work is so important that we cannot take the time to do it safely.