Analysis of Water, Sediment and Tissue Samples for Total Mercury and Methyl Mercury for the Integrated Monitoring Plan for the Oil Sands

The Integrated Monitoring Plan for the Oil Sands and the Joint Canada/Alberta Implementation Plan for Oil Sands Monitoring require that Environment Canada continue long-term water quality monitoring at a number of sites on the Athabasca River and tributaries, Peace River, Slave River and sites within the Peace-Athabasca Delta.  Parameters to be monitored include both total mercury and methyl mercury in water, sediment and tissue samples.   

There will be up to 400 water samples, 150 sediment samples and up to 150 tissue samples to be analyzed for both total mercury and methyl mercury per year for the duration of the contract.  These numbers may increase or decrease, depending upon field conditions which may preclude collecting some samples, and upon QA/QC samples, which may be increased if necessary.