Base de données de recherche des TNO

étiquettes: fish habitat, hydrology, geotechnical survey, rare plants, LiDAR survey

Objectif(s): To gather environmental and geotechnical baseline information as part of a feasibility study for a future development.

Description du projet: The primary objective of the research is to gather environmental and geotechnical baseline information as part of a feasibility study for a future development. The field studies include 4 environmental studies; an archaeology/heritage study; and 2 engineering studies as follows: fisheries studies to identify fish/habitats in a local creek; hydrology studies to determine stream size, flow and basic water chemistry; wildlife studies to identify the presence of critical, endangered or protected animals or birds; rare plants studies to identify and map the presence of any at risk plant species or communities; archaeological studies to identify and map the presence of any archaeological or heritage resources; geotechnical studies to identify permafrost and soil conditions; and, geomatics and engineering survey using LIDAR and/or ground survey to provide elevation data. The studies will be completed by 5-7 separate crews over a period of 3-6 weeks, preferably in late July or early August 2018. Each crew will include a wildlife monitor and 2-3 professional engineers or scientists. The maximum crew size for a single crew will likely be 5 people, including the wildlife monitor and a trainee. Each survey will only take 2 or 3 days. The Archaeology survey will be led by a Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre (PWNHC) permitted archaeologist. The research team intend to identify several Inuvialuit youth from the community of Tuktoyaktuk to assist with the programs and learn from the lead scientists. The fisheries field survey that will be conducted is a visual ground survey, including nets and minnow traps, to identify the presence of fish, fish habitat and fish species in the small creek in the study area, and to determine the best location for a potential creek crossing. Fish sampling will be conducted at each watercourse crossing site between 300m downstream and 100m upstream. Fish will be collected using a variety of methods, including electrofisher, seine nets, minnow traps, and hoop (fyke) nets. No fish will be harvested or purposefully harmed. The hydrology field survey will be conducted to determine stream flow rates, basic water chemistry and stream depth and width. The wildlife Field Survey that will be conducted is a visual survey to identify the presence of critical, endangered or protected animal or birds, and map the coordinates of any dens or nests. The rare plant (vegetation) survey that will be conducted is a visual survey to identify and map the presence of any rare or endangered plant species or communities. No plants will be harvested. If a species cannot be identified in the field, a small sample (cutting) may be collected for later identification. Archaeological and Heritage Resource Survey that will be conducted is a visual survey to identify and map the presence of any potential archaeological or heritage resources in the study area. The survey will be led by a Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre (PWNHC) permitted archaeologist. All relevant guidelines for inspection and reporting will be strictly followed. The geotechnical survey may require hand auger/shovel digging of small shallow soil test holes to determine the depth to permafrost and percentage of ice at select locations. Surface soils will be assessed for soil type and texture. Small bagged soil samples will be taken to laboratory to determine moisture and grain size analysis. Shallow test pits will be backfilled immediately, with sand if necessary, and covered over with the original displaced vegetation. There is no anticipated impacts to the soil or permafrost from this method. The team expect no more than 20 auger holes over the entire study area. The helicopter fly over is needed to acquire elevation data from LIDAR. The crew will utilize a Bell 206 helicopter that is already working in the region for Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway surveys. The Environmental Impact Screening Committee Flight Altitude Guidelines will be strictly followed. There are no anticipated significant environmental impacts expected from the research studies. The research team will use all-terrain vehicle (ATVs) and field sampling gear. The goal will be to take only photos (and measurements) and leave only footprints, with the possible exception of a few soil samples. ATCO will provide a non-technical summary of the field results to the community through household mail outs. The research team will also follow up with the Tuktoyaktuk Community Corporation and Hunters and Trappers Committee in person. A more detailed technical report will be provided to the Aurora Research Institute. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from July 24, 2018 to August 30, 2018.