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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

AJM worked on behalf of Teck Coal Ltd. to plan, coordinate and implement comprehensive fish salvage activities and permanent fish exclusion measures at multiple settling pond systems in the Elk Valley, BC. AJM professionals led comprehensive consultations with stakeholders in the Elk Valley, planning of effective and responsible large-scale fish salvage efforts, contractor procurement and coordination, regulatory permitting, and salvage and construction oversight.

AJM coordinated successful salvages, resulting in the complete removal and relocation of sensitive fish species (e.g., Westslope Cutthroat Trout) from mine infrastructure in support of mine operations and maintenance. AJM also worked with Teck Coal Ltd. to install a permanent fish exclusion device to preclude fish passage into the mine’s footprint. With staff based in the Elk Valley area, AJM looks forward to continuing to support the health of sensitive fish populations in the area watersheds.