QEP Environmental provides monitoring and evaluation of water quality for a variety of means. Water quality is often an issue when construction occurs nearby or on an aquatic habitat, as certain areas of the shoreline are critical for fish life cycles. QEP Environmental offers water quality control services. Most notably, it is important to develop mitigations for construction that will satisfy governmental requirements and help permit application.
What is Water Quality Monitoring?
During construction projects near water, measures to protect aquatic ecosystems are necessary to ensure construction activities are not negatively affecting water quality and that deleterious substances are not discharged into the environment. This includes mitigation measures for construction as well as Environmental Monitoring to test water quality during development activity.
When is Water Quality Monitoring required?
Water Quality Control is usually required by agencies at the municipal, provincial and federal level for works in or near water. Depending on where development takes place, certain measures are required to be undertaken during construction to protect water quality. The effectiveness of these measures is confirmed as water quality monitoring is conducted throughout construction.
How is Water Quality Monitored?
Water quality is usually monitored with instruments measuring water quality parameters, such as turbidity, pH, and dissolved oxygen to ensure that local water remains similar to natural conditions and construction activities do not impact local aquatic life. An Environmental Monitor (EM) performs water quality monitoring as part of environmental monitoring by taking periodic samples of water and testing the relevant parameters.
Prior to the start of construction, a Water Quality Monitoring Plan, or Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) is prepared. The WQMP identifies aquatic sensitivities at the project location and the water quality monitoring procedure, including parameters, duration, frequency, sensitive periods and high-risk construction activities.
Why is Water Quality Important?
Maintaining water quality is vital to protect ecological functions and wildlife within aquatic environments. Introduction of deleterious substances, increase in suspended silts and sediments as well as change in pH can have severe adverse impacts on fish, aquatic vegetation and other sensitive receptors. For example, increased turbidity within a watercourse can carry suspended sediments downstream and have fatal or near-fatal effects on fish by affecting gill function and reducing oxygen uptake capacity.
Questions about Water Quality Monitoring?
We provide high quality water quality monitoring services across BC. Give us a call at 250.681.4838, or fill out the contact form. Please include as much detail as possible. We will quickly get back to you with more information.