Impacts on Wetlands due Impacts on Wetlands due to the Growth of to the Growth of Edmonton Edmonton and the Surrounding Areaand the Surrounding Area

By: Miles SysonBy: Miles Syson

Impacts on Wetlands due to Impacts on Wetlands due to the Growth of Edmonton the Growth of Edmonton and the Surrounding Areaand the Surrounding Area

Classifying wetlandsClassifying wetlands

Environmental ImpactsEnvironmental Impacts

BenefitsBenefits

Destroying wetlandsDestroying wetlands

Creating WetlandsCreating Wetlands

Protecting Edmonton’s Protecting Edmonton’s

EnvironmentEnvironment

Classifying Wetlands-BogsClassifying Wetlands-Bogs

Raised surface of peatRaised surface of peat Nurturance from precipitationNurturance from precipitation Bog water is usually pH 4.0 - 4.8Bog water is usually pH 4.0 - 4.8 Treed with black spruce Treed with black spruce Covered with Sphagnum moss Covered with Sphagnum moss

and ericaceous shrubsand ericaceous shrubs

Bog Wetland http://www.conifers.org/pi/la/laricina.htm

Classifying Wetlands-FensClassifying Wetlands-Fens

Changing water table with dissolved mineralsChanging water table with dissolved minerals Water flows through channels, pools, and other open bodiesWater flows through channels, pools, and other open bodies Trees and moss hummocks appear on the driest fenTrees and moss hummocks appear on the driest fen Poor fens usually have SphagnumPoor fens usually have Sphagnum mosses and ericaceous shrubsmosses and ericaceous shrubs Moderately rich fens are dominated by sedges and brown mosses Moderately rich fens are dominated by sedges and brown mosses

Fen Wetland http://issues.albertawilderness.ca/ML/IMG/FenSE_SBray.jpg

Classifying Wetlands-SwampsClassifying Wetlands-Swamps

Over 30% is tall woody vegetationOver 30% is tall woody vegetation

Hummock surface 20cm above average summer Hummock surface 20cm above average summer groundwater levelgroundwater level

The underlying soils range from clays to sandsThe underlying soils range from clays to sands

Soil range Soil range Rich conditions pH above 7.0Rich conditions pH above 7.0 Poor conditions pH 4.5 or ↓Poor conditions pH 4.5 or ↓

Swaps are generally shaded and contain Swaps are generally shaded and contain vegetation that can grow in shade vegetation that can grow in shade

Swamp Wetland www.sticksite.com/stikhunt.htm

Classifying Wetlands-MarshClassifying Wetlands-Marsh

Water levels frequently change due to:Water levels frequently change due to: Flooding, evaporation, groundwater Flooding, evaporation, groundwater

recharge, and seepagerecharge, and seepage

Marshes receive water from:Marshes receive water from: Surface runoff, stream inflow, Surface runoff, stream inflow,

precipitation, and storm surgesprecipitation, and storm surges

Marsh vegetation contains:Marsh vegetation contains: Aquatic plants in open water Aquatic plants in open water Rushes, reeds, sedges, and shrubs Rushes, reeds, sedges, and shrubs

near the waters edge near the waters edge

Marsh Wetland www.surreywildlifetrust.co.uk

Classifying Wetlands-Shallow Classifying Wetlands-Shallow Water WetlandsWater Wetlands

Similar gaseous exchange, oxidation, and decomposition to shorelinesSimilar gaseous exchange, oxidation, and decomposition to shorelines

Nutrient levels influenced by Nutrient levels influenced by Water flow, underlying materials, and plant communitiesWater flow, underlying materials, and plant communities

In Semi-arid regions shallow waters dry up, leaving alkaline salt depositsIn Semi-arid regions shallow waters dry up, leaving alkaline salt deposits

Open water occupies 75% Open water occupies 75%

Sometimes calledSometimes called Ponds, pools, oxbows, sloughs, or channels Ponds, pools, oxbows, sloughs, or channels

Shallow Water Wetlands www.homepage.usask.ca

Environmental ImpactsEnvironmental Impacts

The City of Edmonton is Canada’s The City of Edmonton is Canada’s largest city for percentage of largest city for percentage of wetlands in its areawetlands in its area

25% of North America’s duck 25% of North America’s duck population is dependent upon population is dependent upon Alberta’s wetlands for breeding Alberta’s wetlands for breeding habitat habitat

Percentage of Wetlands in Edmonton Area http://atlas.nrcan.gc.ca

City ImpactsCity Impacts Residential subdivisionsResidential subdivisions Secondary and primary industrial subdivisionsSecondary and primary industrial subdivisions

Developments cause fragmentation of wetlandsDevelopments cause fragmentation of wetlands

Residential subdivisions many impacts:Residential subdivisions many impacts: Reduced animal diversityReduced animal diversity Increases in sedimentation and pollutantsIncreases in sedimentation and pollutants Human physical impact due to walking trailsHuman physical impact due to walking trails Domestic animals disturbing natural habitatsDomestic animals disturbing natural habitats Hydrological change of topographyHydrological change of topography

Environmental Impacts

City of Edmonton www.dansons.com

Benefits of WetlandsBenefits of WetlandsEnvironment Clean out excess nutrients like Phosphorus and Clean out excess nutrients like Phosphorus and

NitrogenNitrogen 92 % of Phosphorus 92 % of Phosphorus 95 % of Nitrogen95 % of Nitrogen

Invertebrates feed on harmful microbes and bacteriaInvertebrates feed on harmful microbes and bacteria Filter 90% of the bacteria in the waterFilter 90% of the bacteria in the water

Trap 70% of sediments found in runoffTrap 70% of sediments found in runoff

Cantonments Retained or Removed by Wetlands www.ducks.ca

Benefits of WetlandsBenefits of WetlandsWetlands in UseWetlands in Use Around the world constructed wetlands have been used to treat wastewater Around the world constructed wetlands have been used to treat wastewater

for over 50 years for over 50 years Help control floods by storing large amounts of water Help control floods by storing large amounts of water If destroyed, flooding and floodwater damage increases considerablyIf destroyed, flooding and floodwater damage increases considerably

Ekeby Wetland Stockholm Sweden www.vattenavlopp.info/vatmark/wetland.htm

Benefits of WetlandsBenefits of WetlandsEconomicEconomicCarbon storageCarbon storage

$350 billion $350 billion

Biodiversity, flood control and water filteringBiodiversity, flood control and water filtering $80.5 billion$80.5 billion

Hunting Hunting $15 million in Alberta and $92 million in Canadian$15 million in Alberta and $92 million in Canadian

Annual value of all benefits for one hectare of wetlandAnnual value of all benefits for one hectare of wetland $6,000 and $25,000$6,000 and $25,000

Destroying WetlandsDestroying WetlandsWhy Wetlands are Why Wetlands are

Destroyed?Destroyed?Need for landNeed for land In 1982 Edmonton annexation land In 1982 Edmonton annexation land

growing from 350 kmgrowing from 350 km22 to 700 km to 700 km22

In 2001, 57% of the City was In 2001, 57% of the City was urbanizedurbanized

Land leftLand left Infrastructure Infrastructure Residential subdivisionsResidential subdivisions Industrial subdivisionsIndustrial subdivisions

Land Uses in the Edmonton Area (Alberta Environmental Network, 2001, p.16)

Destroying WetlandsDestroying WetlandsChanging ViewsChanging ViewsSections 3 and 4 of the Sections 3 and 4 of the Public Land ActPublic Land Act

Land developers must obtain approval to alter any water sourceLand developers must obtain approval to alter any water source

Sustainable Development PlanSustainable Development Plan Developers must make a natural site assessmentDevelopers must make a natural site assessment

In Theory Great In Theory Great Alberta's slack attitude with the environment, makes Land Act a small hurdle for Alberta's slack attitude with the environment, makes Land Act a small hurdle for

land developerland developer

Recent Year’sRecent Year’s Ducks Unlimited, Beaver Hills Watershed Group, and the City of Edmonton have Ducks Unlimited, Beaver Hills Watershed Group, and the City of Edmonton have

helped to change Alberta’s stance on the environment helped to change Alberta’s stance on the environment Companies such as EBA Engineering have had a positive impact on wetlandsCompanies such as EBA Engineering have had a positive impact on wetlands

Destroying WetlandsDestroying Wetlands

Building Must Go OnBuilding Must Go OnReducing damageReducing damage EBA engineering does this by a 3 cell filtration systemEBA engineering does this by a 3 cell filtration system

1.Deep water cleaning1.Deep water cleaning 2.Pollution treatment2.Pollution treatment 3.Slow filtration3.Slow filtration

Destroying WetlandsDestroying WetlandsNo net loss policyNo net loss policy

2 Major problems2 Major problems The watershed of the North Saskcawane River The watershed of the North Saskcawane River The act does not say it has to meet the same function The act does not say it has to meet the same function

North Saskatchewan Watershed www.Wikipedia.com

Creating WetlandsCreating Wetlands

Why Wetlands are Created?Why Wetlands are Created?Two reasonsTwo reasons

1.1. Constructing wetlands for flood prevention or water treatment Constructing wetlands for flood prevention or water treatment

2.2. Building compensation natural wetland for one that were destroyed Building compensation natural wetland for one that were destroyed 30 constructed wetlands are use in residential areas to control water runoff30 constructed wetlands are use in residential areas to control water runoff

Methods in Creating WetlandsMethods in Creating WetlandsGuidelines for the Approval and Design of Natural and Constructed Treatment Wetlands

for Water Quality Improvement

Wastewater Wetland www.ci.thousand-oaks.ca.usWastewater Wetland cfyn.ifas.ufl.edu/water.html

Creating WetlandsCreating WetlandsAfter wetland builtAfter wetland builtWetlands monitored for 5-10years Wetlands monitored for 5-10years New wetland are compared to 1-2 benchmark wetlandsNew wetland are compared to 1-2 benchmark wetlands

What is monitoredWhat is monitored Vegetation cover and survivabilityVegetation cover and survivability Species comparisonSpecies comparison Density distributionDensity distribution Wild life usageWild life usage Water quality, temp, Ph, total suspended solids, dissolved oxygen, turbidityWater quality, temp, Ph, total suspended solids, dissolved oxygen, turbidity

Monitoring Restored Wetland www.potomacwatershed.net

Biological Monitoring

www.cooperativeconservationamerica.org

Waterfowl Survey www.ducks.ca

Wetland Research www.ducks.ca

Protecting Edmonton’s Protecting Edmonton’s EnvironmentEnvironment

Edmonton's ProgramsEdmonton's ProgramsContaminate site policy Contaminate site policy Esso gas station on White AveEsso gas station on White Ave

Stronger DeterrentsStronger Deterrents Zoning bylaws for natural areas Zoning bylaws for natural areas

Natural Areas Reserve FundNatural Areas Reserve Fund NW 384NW 384 1.5 million annually totaling 10.5 1.5 million annually totaling 10.5

millionmillion 6 sites presently being looked at6 sites presently being looked at

E CAP Program E CAP Program 1st program of its kind starting in 1st program of its kind starting in

EdmontonEdmonton Help pay for donated land Help pay for donated land

The Lois Hole Centennial Provincial The Lois Hole Centennial Provincial ParkPark

Total of 1421 hectaresTotal of 1421 hectares Globally recognized by Birdlife Globally recognized by Birdlife

InternationalInternational

Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park www.pbase.com

ConclusionConclusion

Classifying wetlandsClassifying wetlands

Environmental ImpactsEnvironmental Impacts

BenefitsBenefits

Destroying wetlandsDestroying wetlands

Creating WetlandsCreating Wetlands

Protecting Edmonton’s Protecting Edmonton’s

EnvironmentEnvironment

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www.aquatic.uoguelph.ca/wetlands/wetlandframes.htmwww.aquatic.uoguelph.ca/wetlands/wetlandframes.htmCity of Edmonton. (2006). Edmonton and Area Land Trust. Retrieved January 31, 2007 City of Edmonton. (2006). Edmonton and Area Land Trust. Retrieved January 31, 2007 City of Edmonton. (2002). Environmental Law Centre and Ducks Unlimited Canada. Edmonton: City of Edmonton. (2002). Environmental Law Centre and Ducks Unlimited Canada. Edmonton:

Environmental Law Centre. Retrieved January 31, 2007 Environmental Law Centre. Retrieved January 31, 2007 City of Edmonton. (2006). Environmental Policy. Retrieved January 31, 2007City of Edmonton. (2006). Environmental Policy. Retrieved January 31, 2007City of Edmonton. (2006). Retrieved January 31, 2007, from City of Edmonton. (2006). Retrieved January 31, 2007, from

www.edmonton.ca/Environment/ESP/2006_ESP.pdfwww.edmonton.ca/Environment/ESP/2006_ESP.pdfDucks Unlimited. (2006). Retrieved January 31, 2007, from http://www.ducks.ca/Ducks Unlimited. (2006). Retrieved January 31, 2007, from http://www.ducks.ca/Grant PearsellGrant Pearsell,, from the City of Edmonton from the City of EdmontonGymnosperm Database .Retrieved March 24, 2007, from

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Environmental Law Center (Alberta) SocietyEnvironmental Law Center (Alberta) SocietyRay, P. M. (1972). The Living Plant (2nd ed.). New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc. Ray, P. M. (1972). The Living Plant (2nd ed.). New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc.

Retrieved January 31, 2007 Retrieved January 31, 2007 Retrieved March 23, 2007, from http://issues.albertawilderness.ca/ML/IMG/FenSE_SBray.jpgRetrieved April 4, 2007, from www.sticksite.com/stikhunt.htm Retrieved April 4, 2007, from www.surreywildlifetrust.co.ukRetrieved April 4, 2007, from www.homepage.usask.ca Retrieved April 5, 2007, from Retrieved April 5, 2007, from www.dansons.comRetrieved April 5, 2007, from www.vattenavlopp.info/vatmark/wetland.htmBoughey, A. S. (1971). Fundamental Ecology. San Francisco: Intext Educational Publishers. Boughey, A. S. (1971). Fundamental Ecology. San Francisco: Intext Educational Publishers. Rubec, C. D., Cox, K. W., & Patterson, J. H. (1993). Rubec, C. D., Cox, K. W., & Patterson, J. H. (1993). Policy for Wetland Conservation in CanadaPolicy for Wetland Conservation in Canada. .

Ottawa: North American Wetlands Conservation Council . Retrieved January 31, 2007Ottawa: North American Wetlands Conservation Council . Retrieved January 31, 2007Sheldon Helbert from EBA engineeringSheldon Helbert from EBA engineeringThe Provincial Museum of Albert. (1980). A Nature Guide to Alberta. Edmonton: Hurtig. The Provincial Museum of Albert. (1980). A Nature Guide to Alberta. Edmonton: Hurtig. Retrieved January 31, 2007 Wikipedia. (2007). Retrieved January 31, 2007 Wikipedia. (2007).

Questions?Questions?