Since 2003, Hatfield Consultants has undertaken the management and implementation of the Regional Aquatics Monitoring Program (RAMP) in the Athabasca oil sands region of northern Alberta. RAMP is an industry funded, multi-disciplinary program initiated in 1997 to monitor the health of rivers and lakes in relation to ongoing oil sands development. The program is supported by a diverse group of stakeholders including municipal, provincial and federal government agencies; Aboriginal communities and northern residents; environmental organizations and industry.
The Hatfield team is responsible for all facets of the technical program which consist of monitoring climate and hydrology, water and sediment quality, benthic invertebrate communities, fish populations and regional lakes sensitive to acidification. The collection of these data results in the development of an annual technical report that describes spatial and temporal trends in specific measurement endpoints used to evaluate potential impacts related to industrial activities.
To ensure the success of RAMP, Hatfield has provided experience and knowledge specific to the following key elements:
- Working with consensus-based multi-stakeholder committees.
- Proven understanding of aquatic ecosystems of the boreal forest region.
- Knowledge of the oil sands industry, environmental impact assessment process and operating approvals.
- Ability to collect and integrate Traditional Environmental Knowledge.
Hatfield’s experience in managing complex projects and local presence via the Hatfield office in Fort McMurray, has aided in the successful and cost-effective implementation of RAMP and other oil sands environmental projects.
