Native Trout Fish Habitat Assessment Using Environmental DNA (eDNA)

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.

Other Projects

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Bleriot Ferry Rehabilitation Project

Jamac Painting & Sandblasting Ltd. (Jamac) retained AJM to provide environmental consulting for the Bleriot Ferry Rehabilitation Project near Munson, AB in 2023. Critical deliverables were to include:

• Environmental Construction Operations (ECO) Plan;

• Bird Management Plan (BMP), including a Wildlife Survey and Sweep of the area; and

• Weed Survey and Weed Infestation map.

AJM crafted an ECO plan compliant with current laws, regulations, permits, and the ECO Plan Framework. It covered all environmental aspects identified by the Environmental Risk Assessment, including Clubroot and Whirling Disease control methods, a Temporary Erosion and Sediment Control Plan, and a Bird Management Plan (BMP). The plan, once reviewed and revised in response to the Project administrator's feedback, included a Clubroot Management Plan adhering to Alberta Agriculture standards and a Whirling Disease protocol based on AEP guidelines.

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Pipeline Construction Monitoring - Foothills West Path Delivery (Turner Valley, Longview & Lundreck)

AJM was contracted by TC Energy in 2023 to provide environmental monitoring support for the construction of the Turner Valley, Longview, and Lundbreck sections of the Foothills West Path Delivery natural gas pipeline system in southwestern Alberta.

The scope of work provided by AJM included:

Early season raptor surveys to follow Restricted Activity Period (RAP) timing;
Pre-construction migratory bird nest sweeps;
Amphibian mitigation guidance and salvages;
Mountain Goat and Bighorn Sheep surveys and mitigation on Lundbreck; and
Assisting Environmental Inspectors with implementation of Environmental Protection Plans.

AJM assisted TC Energy in complying with the Migratory Birds Convention Act, the Alberta Wildlife Act, and Species at Risk Act. AJM implemented mitigations for many migratory bird species including two species listed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA); the olive-sided flycatcher (Contopus cooperi) and bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus). AJM provided environmental support to support pipeline development while providing appropriate mitigations to meet regulatory requirements. Additionally, AJM aided TC Energy of implementation of the Environmental Protection Plan developed for this pipeline project. This project was a Canada Energy Regulator (CER) regulated project.