Our ecological and environmental services staff is highly qualified in the design and implementation of freshwater and marine scientific surveys using innovative field sampling methods, updated thematic maps and satellite imagery.  Environmental data is analyzed and interpreted using statistical analyses to provide detailed interpretive reports.  These methods have been used successfully in Environmental Effects Monitoring studies (EEM), ecological impact and risk assessments, sediment quality studies and aquatic environmental assessments.

ASI works with clients to comply with existing legislation such as the Fisheries Act, the Water Resources Act,  Environmental Protection Act and specific regulations and orders such as the Metal Mining Effluent Regulation (MMER), Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulation (PPER) , MISA and site specific waste water Certificate of Approvals.

Environmental Effects Monitoring

Monitor the potential impacts of mine or pulp and paper effluent on the habitat quality of aquatic receivers.  Fish, fish habitat, water quality and sediment quality data are collected over three cycles outlined in the Metal Mining and Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations under the Fisheries Act.

Biological (fish and fish habitat), physical (depth, particle size) and chemical (water and sediment quality) data are collected to assess the inter-relationships of the current health of the study region.

Plume delineation

Effluent and coastal plume delineation are conducted through field data collection,GIS and remote sensing mapping techniques. 

Sediment Loading Studies

Physical parameters such as total suspended solids, turbidity and depth are collected to quantify sediment loading from rivers and streams and their impacts on the biological community in coastal habitats.

Fish Habitat Surveys

Bathymetry, fish community and fish habitat surveys are conducted to delineated the fish habitat of a study region. Various GIS and statistical analyses are used to evaluate the condition of the habitat studied.

Aquatic Environmental Assessments

Phase I, II and III Audits

Mine closure and decommissioning studies

Wetland evaluation and restoration

Ecological Risk Assessment

Ecological Toxicity Laboratory

• CAEAL accredited toxicity testing laboratory
• Perform Acute Lethality and Sub-lethal Toxicity Tests
• Species include Daphnia magna, Rainbow trout, Ceriodaphnia dubia, Fathead minnow, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, and Lemna minor.
• Testing supports MISA, MMER and PPER compliance with MOE and Environment Canada environmental regulations.
• Reporting services for MOE (MIDES) and Environment Canada (RISS)
• Toxicity investigations using Toxicity Identification / Reduction Evaluation as well as custom designed studies
• New product toxicity testing services