Aquatic Receiving Environment Monitoring Program

Aquatic Receiving Environment Monitoring Program (AREMP)

The Aquatic Receiving Environment Monitoring Program (AREMP) is an in-depth review of the aquatic health of the Lower Columbia River downstream of Teck Trail Operations confirmed that water quality is good, the river is healthy, and fish are safe to eat. As stated in the report in technical language, the study detected no community-level adverse responses that would be attributable to influence of Teck Trail Operations on the Lower Columbia River area of interest.

• In terms of water quality, respective water quality objectives or guidelines were met throughout the Lower Columbia River
• The exception is for cadmium and mercury which is important to note exceed guidelines upstream of Trail Operations
• In terms of fish health, there were continually reduced metal concentrations in fish tissue from 2000 to 2012
• The fish are safe to eat and within the published Canadian guidelines for human consumption
• There was no impact on larger wildlife such as the belted kingfisher, great blue heron, mallard, osprey and river otter