Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

CANADA #246: Establishment of baseline data for naturally occurring organophyle elements in Yukon stream sediments and relationships to biotic uptake.  

Outline
High levels of selenium associated with some Yukon mineral deposits are raising environmental concerns. It is unclear whether the anomalous values are confined to the deposits or if they are widespread and reflect unusually high background levels in underlying bedrock. The effect on aquatic life is also poorly understood, and it is unclear whether the current low level environmental guideline for the protection of aquatic life is warranted. Several thousands of stream sediment samples have been collected across much of the Yukon by the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) and the Yukon Geological Survey (YGS) over the last twenty years. Unusually high levels of organophyle elements such as zinc, cadmium and mercury are widespread in these sediments, suggesting that anomalous selenium may also be widespread. Most of these samples were never analysed for many trace elements due to prohibitive costs. New analytical techniques now make accurate multi-element analyses at low detection limits possible at reasonable cost. This project consist of two phases; one is to re-analyse Yukon sediment samples, the other one is to look at factors that affect the bioaccumulation of organophyle elements in the Yukon. The analysis will be carried with ICP-MS technology for over 30 map sheets should start in 2006 and be carried out for 5 to 10 years. The results will be mapped and be used to determine spatial gradient of concentration of organophyle elements in the Yukon. Site-specific area will be targeted for re-sampling and collection of supporting information such as water, sediment, periphyton, benthic invertebrates, and fish to look at bioaccumulation values. We suspect that co-occurring elements in the sediment affect the biological uptake of organophyle elements into the biota. Modelling will be used to determine relationships between various factors and formulate hypothesis for conducting bioaccumulation bioassays experiments to verify the relationship.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The project proposal will determine the status of environmental conditions in the polar region in term of organic and inorganic sediment chemistry and to some extent the aquatic biological communities. It will provide a good spatial coverage of the status. We are looking at the interactions between the physical and chemical environment and the biological component of the aquatic environment to make better prediction in the mobility of the organophyle metals. This modeling will help better manage human impacts on the aquatic environments from mining activities.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Blank - US,GS?

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
The Yukon Territory will be the main geographical area for the project; North of 60 south of 69.4 N, east of 141W and west of 124 W

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 05/2007– 10/2009            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
The field trip may require helicopter support for sampling site-specific target area selected from the model.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
No

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Own national polar operator
Commercial operator

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Not yet!

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
Yes

The sediment re-analysis proposal is intended performed through the Yukon Geological Survey -Yukon Government as part of their operation, depending on funding. The biological component of the proposal has not been submitted for further funding at this time.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will be managed through the MPERG (Mining and Petroleum Environment Research Group), a cooperative of interested agencies for the environment and industry in the Yukon. The group has been in operation for 7 years and support projects that help the industry in operating in an environmentally responsible way ( http://www.emr.gov.yk.ca/mining/programs/merg.html)

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Through MPERG, all information from approved project is discriminated via the internet. All meetings are open to the interested public.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Yukon Government, YGS will manage the data on sediment; Environment Canada will manage the biological information. Both databases will be linked to help public manage the full information.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
The sediment re-analysis will be funded through the Yukon Geological Survey ($45K/yr to 2009), while the field and biological will be funded through MPERG ($10K), Environment Canada ($30) and IPY ($ 60K).

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Chief Geologist Grant Abbott
Yukon Geological Survey, Yukon Government
Box 2703
Whitehorse, Yukon
Y1A 2B6
Canada

Tel: (867) 667-3200
Mobile: no
Fax: (867) 667-3198
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation