http://hdl.handle.net/1974/1858 2013-06-19T23:41:33Z 2013-06-19T23:41:33Z Tavenor, Samantha http://hdl.handle.net/1974/8053 2013-05-31T05:07:52Z 2013-05-30T04:00:00Z

Title: Threats, Monitoring, and Policy to Present and Future Climate Change from Algonquin Park (Ontario, Canada) to the Adirondack Park (New York, United States) Authors: Tavenor, Samantha Abstract: Anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions have been steadily increasing since the Industrial Revolution. The release of greenhouse gases and the results in changes in global climate have made it a challenge for parks and protected areas to respond to the potential negative impacts to ecological integrity. The predicted rate of climate change is forecasted to be faster than the rate of deglacial warming and a fragmented landscape between large protected areas further contributes to our challenges. The Algonquin to Adirondack corridor provides a corridor for flora and fauna to migrate in the face of climate change. Assessing the perceived threats, current level of monitoring and assessment, and climate change policy provides the framework to assess our preparedness to adapt to climate change on study areas within the Algonquin to Adirondack corridor. To compile data, a literature review was completed and 8 individuals representing 7 governmental and non-governmental organizations were interviewed. The findings include: 1) there are concerns that climate change is affecting study areas, however, climate change is a large problem that many areas are not financially or capacity-wise able to deal with; 2) monitoring and assessment relevant to climate change is occurring within study areas but no standardized method is utilized; 3) budget cuts for all organizations is impacting the ability to accomplish continuous data collection, however, citizen science may potentially fill this gap; 4) there are no specific climate change policies for parks and adjacent regions. The main policy recommendation based on this research is to employ an adaptive management approach to take into account the unpredictable nature of our climate future. Additionally, given the board range of climate change impacts, tackling this issue can be done quicker and more effectively when accomplished strategically and using partnerships across this region.

2013-05-30T04:00:00Z Power, Helen http://hdl.handle.net/1974/7978 2013-04-30T05:17:35Z 2013-04-29T04:00:00Z

Title: Risk of Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline Project to Eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus) Authors: Power, Helen Abstract: Eulachon, (Thaleichthys pacificus), is an anadromous species that spawns in the Kitimat River, British Columbia. The proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline travels alongside this waterway and will put this species at risk. Eulachon are a unique species, and are important to freshwater and riparian ecosystems. Spawning runs occur at the end of winter, and they provide marine-derived nutrients that are essential to the functioning of these ecosystems. Species such as bears, gulls, eagles, and piscivorous fish all rely on eulachon for sustenance. The status of the central BC population of eulachon is “critically endangered”, with Kitimat River populations being “virtually extirpated” with fewer than 1000 members per run. Since 1992, eulachon runs of the Kitimat River have dropped substantially, and an oil spill at the most inopportune time could potentially eliminate this population. Haisla First Nations rely on eulachon runs for food, social, and ceremonial purposes. The elimination of these populations would have devastating effects on their way of life. The pipeline project puts eulachon at risk during all life stages; eulachon may be exposed as embryos incubating in the Kitimat River, as juveniles in the Kitimat Arm of the Douglas Channel, or as spawning adults running up the Douglas Channel. Should there be a tanker spill in the ocean, adult eulachon may also be exposed. There has been no research into the toxicological effects of crude oil or bitumen on eulachon during any life stage. Pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha), Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii), and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) are three species that are most similar to eulachon. Toxicity of crude oil to pink salmon and Pacific herring embryos is observed at concentrations as low as 18 µg/L and 0.4 µg/L respectively. Liver lesions are observed in pink salmon juveniles exposed to ≥ 25 µg/L crude oil. Adult Pacific herring exposed to crude oil exhibit immunosuppression. Eulachon may have similar effects upon exposure to diluted bitumen.

2013-04-29T04:00:00Z Bolton, Madelaine http://hdl.handle.net/1974/7581 2012-10-09T17:21:54Z 2012-10-09T04:00:00Z

Title: Comparing Two Remediation Alternatives for Diesel-Contaminated Soil in the Arctic Using Life Cycle Assessment Authors: Bolton, Madelaine Abstract: Contaminated sites in the Arctic pose risks to the environment and human health, and provide a major challenge to scientists attempting to carry out remediation on these sites. This project examines background information on the Arctic, the unique challenges that the Arctic poses for remediation, the types of remediation technologies that can be applied to the Arctic, and how life cycle assessment can be used to determine the effectiveness of remediation in the Arctic. This information is then applied to a theoretical case study involving remediation of a diesel spill within the city limits of Iqaluit, Nunavut. A simplified life cycle assessment is used to examine the benefits and drawbacks of landfarming within Iqaluit city limits versus shipping contaminated soil south to a landfill. This assessment is accomplished through comparison of toxicity to those involved in the remediation, length of time required for remediation, CO2 output from the remediation itself, and economic benefits to the community. Landfarming was found to be the better technique overall, as it has lower CO2 production and has greater financial benefits to the community of Iqaluit. However, it is a more time consuming process, and may result in higher toxicity due to volatilization of diesel.

2012-10-09T04:00:00Z Clark, Alan http://hdl.handle.net/1974/7104 2012-04-25T05:02:19Z 2012-04-24T04:00:00Z

Title: 20/20 Hindsight: Examining the challenges of implementing an SEA-type policy framework in Ottawa, Ontario Authors: Clark, Alan Abstract: Strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is a policy tool for creating environmentally and socially responsible policies, plans and programs. This unconventional policy development tool presents challenges to governing bodies accustomed to traditional EIA-based processes of policy creation. Obstacles to the implementation of SEA-type policy frameworks at the level of municipalities in the province of Ontario, Canada are examined through analysis of two case studies. The Regional Municipality of York’s experiences with implementing SEA are used to present a generally positive example of policy development and implementation, while the City of Ottawa’s concurrent efforts in creating a sustainability-based policy environment serve to illustrate the pitfalls of developing unconventional policy using conventional methods. A forward-thinking and open-minded municipal government, such as is found in the York Region case, is found to be essential to the implementation of progressive policy measures such as SEA. It is also found that, in the Ottawa case study, failure to fully integrate the principles of SEA into all tiers of the City’s governance structure may have contributed to policy failure. Finally, the York Region case demonstrates the vital role played by both internal government figures and external players in driving policy implementation and ensuring the success of SEA-type policy.

2012-04-24T04:00:00Z