Instream Flow Needs Scoping Study

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Instream Needs (IN) assessments determine flow levels and water quality requirements for protecting aquatic ecosystems and other uses.
 
An IN assessment will form one component of the NSRB Integrated Watershed Management Plan (IWMP) and assist setting Water Conservation Objectives for flow and water quality. The IN scoping study provides NSWA with considerable background information necessary for developing the IWMP:
  • A geographic segmentation analysis of the NSR mainstem based on flow regimes, channel geomorphology and confluences with major tributaries. The segmentation provides basic study and management units for defining instream flow needs, water quality objectives and other components of the IWMP.
  • A comprehensive literature review of over 200 government and scientific publications relating to the hydrology, geomorphology, biodiversity, water quality and other attributes of the NSR watershed. Literature is categorized by topic, reference, report availability, reach location, study description, types of data or parameters, duration and subjective relevance to IN.
  • A summary of available water quality data in Alberta Environment’s Water Quality Data System for 15 key variables across the 17 reaches of the main river and four contributing watersheds (Brazeau, Clearwater, Sturgeon and Vermilion rivers).
  • A collection of a wide variety of GIS data sources used for IN and watershed assessment, including land use/land cover, soil and drainage and topography.
  • A detailed review of approaches for modeling IN

• NSR Instream Needs Scoping Study. (PDF - 6.7 mb)

* This study was originally conceived as an Instream Flow Needs Scoping Study, but NSWA revised the terminology to accurately reflect the broader scope (flow and water quality).

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