Aquality Environmental Consulting Ltd. services

Watershed Management Planning is based upon Alberta Environment’s current Framework for Water Management Planning. The Framework formalizes the process by outlining a holistic water management planning strategy that applies to all types of waterbodies. The Planning process is typically undertaken by a variety of stakeholders, including regulatory authorities, industry, stewardship groups, residents, agriculture and technical experts. Aquality has been involved in Watershed Management Planning for several years in Alberta and has considerable expertise in drafting Terms of Reference and Watershed Management Plans. Most recently, Aquality completed a Watershed Management Plan for Moose Lake on behalf of the Moose Lake Water for Life group. Aquality is completing other plans for the Heart River, Skeleton Lake, and Lac La Biche

State of the Watershed or State of the Basin Reports provide a baseline of information for watershed planners and other decision-makers. While summarizing all known environmental information about a watershed, they also identify knowledge gaps and make recommendations for focus and future direction. State of the Watershed reporting is a critical step in completing a Watershed Management Plan. Aquality has been involved with State of the Basin reporting for several years in Alberta, and has considerable expertise in data assembly, report drafting, layout, design and final production. Aquality co-chaired the 2005 Bow River Basin Council’s Nurture, Renew, Protect: A Report on the State of the Bow River Basin. Most recently, Aquality produced the State of the North Saskatchewan Report 2005 for the North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance. Aquality has completed reports for Chestermere Lake, Lac La Biche, Lac La Nonne, Moose Lake and the Heart River.

Wetlands are some of the most productive and important ecosystems in the world. Wetlands are complex systems that require years of study to understand their basic cycles, functions and types. With the high rates of industrial and residential development occurring in the province, and with the provincial Wetland Policy soon to be released, many people making decisions regarding the fate of these ecosystems do not have the time or the resources to gain this level of knowledge. Aquality has recently developed a wetland course, taught by Aquality’s professional biologists (P.Biol.) and Qualified Wetland and Aquatic Environment Specialists (QWAES), which provides some of the essential background necessary for making informed decisions about wetlands. Our course covers topics such as wetland classification and delineation, riparian zones, wetland functions, and an overview of all wetland- and water-related legislation and policies. Our course is ideal for municipalities, developers, land surveyors, planners and consultants. The course consists of a one-day classroom workshop, with an optional half-day introduction to air photo interpretation/wetland delineation workshop.