The Aquatic Effects Monitoring Program (AEMP) is an in-depth review of the aquatic health of the Lower Columbia River downstream of Teck's Trail Operations. It is part of the work we do to ensure we are operating within regulatory requirements, protecting aquatic life and ensuring water quality is safe for recreation and drinking. AEMP studies the same area and builds upon the aquatic Ecological Risk Assessment detailed below.
Four cycles of monitoring have been completed since 2011 and the reports are linked below. No community-level adverse responses that would be attributable to influence of Trail Operations on the Lower Columbia River area of interest have been detected.
Aquatic Ecological Risk Assessment
From 2000 through 2008, Teck conducted an Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) in the Trail area. The purpose of the study was to identify where there are past or ongoing impacts on the environment due to historical smelter emissions. The aquatic portion of the ERA concluded that for the Columbia River, there was no compelling evidence of smelter-related risks or impacts on fish, aquatic plants or insects. Further monitoring and study was recommended in a few areas and this is being conducted through the Aquatic Effects Monitoring Program (link to AEMP info on website) and Trail Groundwater Remediation program.
The summary and detailed reports are available at the following links:
Aquatic ERA Summary Report
Aquatic ERA Full Report
For the terrestrial portion of the ERA, refer to Lower Columbia Ecosystem Management Program (LCEMP).
