Water Resources Science/Management

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As the global climate crisis intensifies, natural wetlands have emerged as potentially crucial allies in carbon management strategies, due to their substantial capacity to sequester and retain organic carbon. This study, therefore, seeks to investigate the ecological mechanisms by which peatlands, mangroves, and salt marshes maintain long-term carbon sinks, with particular focus on hydrological regulation, vegetation structure, and their responses to climate-induced disturbances. Synthesizing empirical and theoretical evidence, these findings suggest that stable water tables, vegetation with high lignin content, and predominantly anoxic soil environments slow decomposition and enhance carbon accumulation. Also significant in this context is that natural wetlands exhibit diverse responses to climate stressors. In temperate and subtropical zones, seasonal water table fluctuations often trigger pulses of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and aerobic respiration bursts. Rising temperatures can further accelerate microbial decomposition and amplify methane emissions, especially in water-saturated systems. The increasing vulnerability of high-risk wetlands needs further interpretive consideration, as thaw-induced methane surges suggest a reversal of their historic role as carbon sinks. By examining these dynamics across different climate zones and wetland types, the study points to the potential development of a transferable framework for assessing carbon sink resilience under future climate scenarios.

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Vancouver is facing increasingly complex and interrelated water challenges as the combination pressures of climate change and rapid urban development intensify. The City is vulnerable to extreme rainfall, drought, sea level rise, and water pollution, which strain infrastructure, increase flood frequency, and amplify ecological risks. Current reliance on combined sewers further contributes to untreated discharges and degraded waterways. Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) offers a holistic approach to integrate stormwater, wastewater, and water supply into urban planning, shifting from grey infrastructure toward blue-green systems. Global precedents from Portland, Rotterdam, and Copenhagen illustrate how integrating WSUD can reduce combined sewer overflows, mitigate floods, improve water quality, and create multifunctional public spaces. Vancouver’s Rain City Strategy and Healthy Waters Plan articulate strong WSUD visions but remain limited by voluntary targets, fragmented governance, and insufficient enforcement. The city lacks binding bylaws, cohesive water narratives, and funding mechanisms to mainstream WSUD at scale.

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This report focuses on the ongoing issue of reservoir sedimentation in the Yellow River Basin, especially within the Xiaolangdi Reservoir. The heavy buildup of sediment in this area results from both natural erosion processes on the Loess Plateau and human activities. This accumulation has reduced the reservoir’s ability to store water, lowered the efficiency of hydropower generation, interfered with irrigation and household water supply, and affected the physical shape and ecological health of the Yellow River Delta. By reviewing a wide range of scientific literature and analyzing current sediment management practices, including upstream source control, pre-reservoir interception, and in-reservoir measures, this report assesses the capabilities and limitations of these methods. It becomes clear that many existing approaches require large amounts of water and energy, are difficult to operate, and do not effectively manage the long-term buildup of fine sediment. To address these challenges, the report introduces a new strategy that operates within the reservoir itself. It involves a low-energy air sparging system guided by artificial intelligence (AI) for dynamic control. The system is designed to mimic natural water movement to keep fine sediments from settling, which helps transport them through the turbines and prevents accumulation. This solution takes advantage of unused hydropower and relies on real-time data to adjust operations intelligently.

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This project investigated the increasingly severe problem of seawater intrusion in the Pearl River Delta (PRD), one of most populated and economically vital deltaic regions in China. The combined impacts of sea level rise (SLR), decreased freshwater discharge from upstream, sand mining, and intensive urbanization are driving salinization across both urban and rural areas. These changes threaten freshwater supplies for major cities like Zhuhai and Macao, reduce agricultural productivity, and degrade fragile estuarine ecosystems. The report outlined the global trends of SLR and explains why the PRD is especially vulnerable due to its low elevation and high urbanization. Although the PRD has implemented several responses, which includes upstream reservoir coordination, salinity monitoring networks, and major water transfer infrastructure, these efforts remain limited in scale and predominantly reactive. Through a comparative case study approach, successful adaptation measures from the Netherlands (Delta Works) and Vietnam (Mekong Delta) were assessed for their relevance and potential adaptation in the PRD context. The study proposed to have a trial on storm surge barriers that adapts engineering controls to selected areas, improved cross-jurisdictional governance, and agricultural adaptation through integrated aquaculture systems.

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Nature-based solutions (NbS) are now widespread attention in the field of flood management due to their synergistic ecological, social and economic benefits. However, the current mainstream assessment methodology is still centered on traditional cost-benefit analysis (CBA), which overemphasizes the monetizable benefits of flood control and systematically ignores non-market benefits such as biodiversity, recreational experiences and cultural values. This “misalignment” has led to a serious underestimation of the true value of NbS. This study systematically reviewed the evaluation literature of 59 NbS flood management projects between 2015 and 2025, and identified three new dominant valuation paradigms: Enhanced CBA (incorporating ecosystem service value estimation), Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA), and Foundational Assessments. The study found that from 2023 onwards, more than 80% of the literature has shifted to convergent or non-monetized valuation approaches, marking the gradual disintegration of the single-indicator valuation paradigm. The study found that from 2023 onwards, more than 80% of the literature has shifted to convergent or non-monetized valuation approaches, marking the gradual disintegration of the single-indicator valuation paradigm.

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Groundwater is an essential resource for human health, agriculture, and sustainable development, yet it is increasingly threatened by contamination particularly in regions affected by industrial activities and weak environmental regulation. In Nigeria’s Niger Delta, prolonged oil exploitation and inadequate oversight have severely degraded water quality. The community of Umuakpara illustrates this crisis, where residents rely on groundwater that is often unsafe for human use. This study assessed the extent and causes of groundwater contamination in Umuakpara, evaluated its environmental and public health impacts, identified institutional and regulatory gaps, and explored international strategies for effective groundwater management. A qualitative, desk-based approach was used to synthesize findings from scientific literature, government reports, and global case studies. Results reveal the presence of hazardous pollutants in groundwater, including petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals, at levels far above acceptable limits. These contaminants pose significant health risks such as cancer, organ damage, and reproductive issues. The situation is further intensified by socio-economic vulnerabilities that limit community capacity to respond.

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Metro Vancouver (MV) is widely recognized for the safety and quality of its drinking water. Sourced from alpine rainwater and snowmelt, the region’s water is protected through a multi-barrier system that includes closed watersheds, extensive filtration, and rigorous quality testing. This system supplies continuous, affordable drinking water to over three million residents and businesses across the Lower Mainland. As of 2024, MV’s population has surpassed 3 million and is projected to grow by approximately 35,000 people annually. At the same time, the region is experiencing the impacts of climate change, including warmer and wetter winters, longer and drier summers, and more frequent extreme weather events. These changes are altering the timing, reliability, and quality of the region’s water supply. Combined with rapid population growth, these shifts present a serious challenge to the long-term sustainability and resilience of MV’s drinking water system.

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Groundwater depletion has become a significant threat to urban sustainability, prompting a global shift toward managed aquifer recharge (MAR) as a resilience strategy (Ross & Hasnain, 2018). However, the success of MAR projects depends not only on technical design but also on governance capacity, financial architecture, institutional coherence, and public legitimacy (Gober & Wheater, 2014). This study compares groundwater recharge governance in Beijing and Los Angeles—two large, water-stressed cities with distinct political systems and institutional cultures—to explore how urban governance models influence the planning, implementation, and long-term viability of MAR.

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As sanctuary numbers continue to grow along with the current animal agriculture operations, the ecosystem is open to additional impacts. Plus, climate change, forestry, and mining influence many communities in British Columbia. The owners of the PEACE Rescue and Farm Sanctuary located in Mission, British Columbia and similar sanctuaries across North America do not often have the resources to deal with the results of those environmental factors. Currently, there are not many water resource management studies focused on animal sanctuaries. As these sanctuaries are often outside of urban environments, pollutants from agriculture, forestry, and other intensive industries are a concern. Therefore, undertaking an integrated watershed management for the sanctuary and the Hatzic Valley watershed is both important and valuable for this community. The integrated watershed management analysis on the Hatzic Valley watershed included climate, hydrometric, and water quality data. The BC Agriculture Water Calculator added an additional element to the analysis of the operations at the PEACE Rescue and Farm Sanctuary. Additionally, incorporating existing water management guides and peer-reviewed literature to provide recommendations for small farm owners, sanctuary owners, and local policy makers were the primary objectives of this study.

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This study assesses the risks to water quality and access in Bardere, Somalia, through a watershed-scale lens using secondary data and informal community insights. Findings reveal a heavy reliance on untreated surface water from the Jubba River, the absence of reliable groundwater alternatives, and widespread challenges related to seasonal flooding, drought, and institutional gaps. The most vulnerable groups, such as displaced persons, low-income families, and women, face disproportionate barriers to safe water. Community members expressed strong awareness of health risks and described lived challenges such as unreliable piped supplies, dependence on untreated river water, and illness after floods. They also proposed practical improvements, including expanding chlorine treatment, repairing damaged infrastructure, and promoting better hygiene and water storage practices. Based on this evidence, the study recommends a combination of short-term and long-term actions, including household chlorination, in-situ treatment systems, community-led water monitoring, and expansion of piped infrastructure. These recommendations aim to protect public health, reduce inequalities, and build locally grounded resilience in the face of growing environmental stress.

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In British Columbia’s Lower Fraser River, flood mitigation has long relied on sediment management practices—most notably in-stream gravel mining—to maintain channel capacity and reduce flood risk. These interventions, however, occur within a complex and often fragmented regulatory environment, raising critical questions about their effectiveness, ecological consequences, and alignment with contemporary science. In addition, climate change and intensified development have escalated flood vulnerability across the region, amplifying the need for sustainable, adaptive solutions. This report focused on the gravel reach between Mission and Hope—a segment of the Lower Fraser where sediment deposition is naturally high and gravel removal is most frequent. While gravel mining is routinely justified as a flood protection strategy, this report found limited empirical evidence supporting its long-term efficacy, particularly in comparison to emerging alternatives. The continued reliance on gravel extraction is further complicated by inconsistent permitting practices, limited oversight, and ecological impacts—including streambed dewatering, habitat fragmentation, and salmon mortality

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This paper examines greywater reuse as a sustainable solution to urban water scarcity, offering insights for policymakers, urban planners, and environmental scientists. With increasing urbanization and climate change straining water resources, greywater reuse—recycling relatively clean wastewater from sources like baths and sinks—can reduce freshwater demand and enhance water security. The study explores causes of urban water scarcity, such as population growth and inadequate infrastructure, and highlights the benefits of greywater reuse, including lower water bills and improved resilience to drought. Case studies from Jordan, Sweden, and the U.S. illustrate various approaches to implementation. The paper also addresses challenges like high costs and the need for public awareness and safety regulations, ultimately recommending further research and policy development to maximize greywater reuse benefits.

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China, the global leader in aquaculture, faces significant sustainability challenges due to the extensive use of pharmaceuticals and pesticides, particularly in regions like Changshou and Dongting Lakes. This report focuses on the ecological impacts of pharmaceutical residues and pesticide misuse in these areas. The research highlights the detrimental effects of antibiotics and pesticides on aquatic life, ecological balance, and water quality, with issues like antibiotic resistance and heavy metal pollution being of particular concern. To address these challenges, the report recommends stricter regulatory oversight, sustainable aquaculture practices, and increased community awareness, alongside technological advancements to reduce environmental impacts and promote sustainable industry practices.

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Severe weather events and heavy rainfall, exacerbated by climate change, have increasingly led to devastating floods, as seen in China in 2023, where flooding impacted 16 million people and caused significant economic losses. This study explores the use of constructed wetlands (CWs) as a sustainable solution for managing urban floods, particularly in rapidly urbanizing areas like Guangdong, China. CWs leverage natural processes to control excess rainwater, enhance drainage, and improve water quality. The research evaluates the feasibility and effectiveness of CWs in urban settings, providing case studies and cost-benefit analyses. The findings suggest that integrating CWs into urban planning can reduce flood risks, offer ecological benefits, and result in long-term financial savings, promoting more resilient and sustainable urban development in flood-prone regions.

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As urbanization continues to reshape our cities the increase of impervious surfaces poses significant challenges. Traditional stormwater infrastructure typically aims to quickly drain water from city centers. In contrast, green infrastructure is an emerging approach to water management that focuses on protecting, restoring, or mimicking the natural water cycle. This approach allows for more effective management of urban stormwater and rainwater, improves water quality, and also helps address urban heat island effects, reduce flood risks, and tackle other urban challenges, improve urban green spaces and overall city livability. However, some highly developed cities like Vancouver, the impervious surface is dramatically high. One of the biggest challenges is finding space. In a city where every square inch counts, figuring out where to put green roofs, permeable pavements, and rain gardens isn't easy. It requires creative thinking and strategic planning to carve out areas for these green solutions amidst the concrete jungle. This project is aimed to determine how GRI being may effectively implemented in a developed city were much of the streets/lanes are covered by impervious surfaces.

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Green infrastructure can help mitigate urban flooding caused by climate change and urbanization by reducing surface runoff. However, cities like Richmond, with high water tables and poorly drained soils, face challenges in implementing infiltration-based systems. In these areas, stormwater storage infrastructure, such as detention ponds, artificial wetlands, and rainwater harvesting systems, has proven more effective. Richmond's agricultural lands, particularly in East Richmond, also require specialized green infrastructure, such as dry detention ponds, to manage stormwater and prevent land subsidence. Additionally, Richmond needs to upgrade its flood protection system, develop an urban flood model, and monitor groundwater conditions to enhance flood resilience and sustainable stormwater management.

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British Columbia's Atlantic salmon farming industry, crucial to the economy, faces significant challenges due to environmental concerns, particularly the impact of sea lice on wild salmon populations. Sea lice, external parasites that harm juvenile wild salmon, have sparked a long-standing controversy involving conflicting scientific views, ineffective governance, and public distrust. Despite recent efforts by Fisheries & Oceans Canada to transition to more sustainable practices, disagreements have intensified. This report identifies key challenges, including the need for better social license, evidence-based policies, Indigenous leadership, and governance reforms. It emphasizes that lessons from the sea lice controversy can guide improvements in the aquaculture sector and other resource industries globally.

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This study explores the complex relationship between afforestation and water supply, addressing its impacts on local water resources. Afforestation, often seen as a land remediation strategy, doesn't uniformly benefit water supply due to factors like tree species and local variations. For instance, non-native deep-rooted trees tend to consume more water, potentially lowering groundwater levels and affecting local water supplies. Large-scale afforestation initiatives can escalate water deficits and inter-area competition for resources, impacting both local and watershed water supply. The study proposes Integrated Watershed Management (IWM) as a framework to mitigate adverse impacts on water resources. Integrating IWM principles into afforestation projects offers a pathway to strike a balance between expanding forest cover and ensuring sustainable water management. This approach underscores the need to harmonize afforestation efforts with water resource sustainability, advocating for a holistic approach that considers the intricate relationship between afforestation and local water supplies.

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This project delves into challenges confronting salmon-bearing streams in British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest due to urbanization and climate change. Focused on understanding riparian functionality within forested ecosystems—key habitats for these streams—the project conducts a comprehensive literature review. It evaluates riparian management plans in Maine, Seattle's Olympic Experimental State Forest, and British Columbia, each based on distinct premises regarding land use and monitoring guidelines for forested environments. The research underscores riparian buffer zones' ecological significance in mitigating human-induced impacts on salmon habitats. It identifies specific indicators used in assessing these zones and discusses diverse management practices' pros and cons. Emphasizing effective riparian management for salmon habitat conservation, the project suggests optimizing regulations in British Columbia. Recommendations draw from successful practices observed in the studied regions, aiming to bolster the resilience of riparian buffer zones. These proposals intend to benefit salmon populations by enhancing riparian regulations and management strategies in British Columbia.

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As water scarcity continues to be a critical issue in less developed countries, rainwater harvesting offers a promising solution to augment water resources sustainably. The ridge and furrow method is a highly suitable rainwater harvesting technique for China due to its compatibility with the country’s topography, climate, and agricultural practices. By integrating geospatial data on rainfall, land cover, slope, soil types and drainage network, a GIS suitability model was developed to assess the suitability of different locations for rainwater harvesting systems. Generally, the study area is ideal for ridge and furrow method, with 64% of the area showing high suitability value ( >= 7). This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and urban planners in identifying optimal sites for rainwater harvesting infrastructure, thus supporting water resource management efforts and promoting sustainable water practices in China.

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Boreal wetlands are found all around the world and are critical for the success and function of many species and neighbouring ecosystems. The boreal ecosystem is one of the largest continuous forest ecosystems in the world, covering approximately 1.9 million hectares or 33% of the Earth’s forested area, and boreal wetlands are an integral part of this wide-ranging biome (Natural Resources Canada 2020). The boreal ecosystem is characterized by coniferous stands, with some mixed coniferous/deciduous stands and deciduous stands. The boreal ecosystem is well adapted to northern climatic conditions that includes short, cool summers and long, cold winters. It supports a large range of plant and animal species, both migratory and non-migratory. The boreal forest includes many different ecosystems including a diversity of wetlands (Brandt et al. 2013).

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The Joseph Creek Watershed in SE British Columbia is facing degradation to the aquatic ecosystem from reduced baseflow and disturbed fish habitats. Groundwater withdrawals from nearby wells are suspected to have a disruptive effect on the groundwater interactions with Joseph Creek's surface waters. An in-depth literature review was conducted to elucidate the processes and mechanisms by which aquifer withdrawals interact with hydrologically connected surface waters. Specific criteria including baseflow provisions, water temperature moderation, chemical transfers, and maintenance of aquatic and riparian ecological conditions were included in the review. Further discussion of British Columbia's groundwater regulations and management programs (e.g., the Water Sustainability Act, Groundwater Protection Regulation, well licensing/registrations, and Living Water Smart plan) was presented for management context, to address the degradation of Joseph Creek. Groundwater withdrawals from nearby aquifers were found to disturb the hydrological cycle, deteriorate water quality, degrade the ecosystem, and destabilize river channels due to land subsidence. Several strategies can be applied to recover groundwater depletion and rehabilitate Joseph Creek, including direct groundwater supplements to aquifers, Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM), and baseflow augmentation.

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The issue of water scarcity has been discussed for a long time, and there are many possible solutions offered by scholars and scientists, one of which is rainwater harvesting. Collected rainwater can be a useful water resource for non-potable water needs, to alleviate demands for treated water. It can be used directly on-site, and reduce the costs of supplying treated water for non-potable uses. Rainwater harvesting typically involves installing a simple system to collect and store rainwater from rooftops and other surfaces in a storage container; however, this is frequently used without any calculation of whether the existing surfaces provide sufficient volumes of water to meet demands. As a result, the collected rainwater may not align with demands. This study developed a framework to calculate the size of impervious surfaces needed for specific water use allocations by estimating a water budget. The UBC Farm located at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver campus, served as a case study for applying the framework. Based on the irrigation needs of the UBC farm, a model was developed to calculate how large an impervious surface is required to supply irrigation water. The benefits and disadvantages of rainwater harvesting were discussed. Rainwater harvesting is a useful strategy capitalizing on local water alternatives to alleviate regional water scarcity and better align water quality to non-potable uses. The author created a rainwater harvesting infographic, available here (Piktochart): https://create.piktochart.com/output/3c97be8653b0-house-blueprint

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Effective flood risk management measures need to be put in place in order to reduce the damages caused by floods. This paper reviews the floodplain map as a flood management tool; while maps are a widely accepted and credible source of information to support community decision-making on flood management, mapping technologies are rapidly evolving and many flood maps in Canada are significantly out of date. As communities (re)assess their floodplain information and management strategies, this document provides an information resource and review of important questions to consider in floodplain mapping. Why are floodplain maps important? What are the different types of floodplain maps, and what types of data are needed for their development? How do land use change and climate change impact the reliability of floodplain maps? Which types of flood maps are the most appropriate to support decisions around different land management concerns/priorities? In addition, this paper presents useful background information for the public, particularly those who are not familiar with flood management. The goal of this paper is to provide information for general public, communities and policy makers to utilize and develop flood management tools prudently, to ensure greater protection from floods.

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Engagement in nature is declining as access becomes increasingly limited, especially for urban youth. Youth-nature connection is falling alongside the salmon population in Washington state. This report aims to provide a guide to organizations who work with youth and those who do environmental work more broadly to strengthen youth-nature connection through salmon habitat restoration. The program must include, a community or whole watershed focus, the best science working in conjunction to local knowledge, and an understanding of the potential negative associations urban teens have with nature and a plan to change their mentality by providing engaging and safe experiences outdoors.

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Although algal blooms are one of the most common manifestations of marine pollution, little is known about the species that cause some algal blooms and their impact on ecological health. Broader exposure to harmful algae has emerged in coastal environments and food chains around the world, with increasing occurrences and resulting in the death of large numbers of marine life. This exposure is bound to continue as human-induced emissions of coastal pollutants increase. The impact of algal blooms on marine ecology during its occurrence has sounded an alarm to the world: algal blooms threaten aquatic ecological health on a global scale. The world's growing trends in marine pollutant production, emissions, and disposal must shrink and even stop for dealing with these threats. In terms of the impact of algal blooms on coastal ecological health, most of the research so far has been limited to some specific stages of the red tide phenomena. It is often limited to a single species and its reproduction, growth and exposure path. This practice obscures the fact that at each stage of the occurrence of algal blooms, there are distinct and complex interactions that affect marine ecological health: the activities and health of marine life, the functioning of the food chain, the quality of water bodies, and even air quality and terrestrial life in the region. This study details the effects of the reproductive and life cycle of a specific species responsible for harmful algal blooms in the waters of the Salish Sea, and on the levels of various substances in the water. It reveals numerous exposure pathways that affect the health of marine life in the region. This study briefly describes the effects of ingestion, inhalation, and exposure to aquatic organisms, as well as toxic chemicals associated with these algae, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can cause respiratory failure. This study further shows that human activities and pollutant discharges may exacerbate the exposure and risk to these waters by the harmful algal bloom. Despite some gaps in the data, the evidence gathered in this study is sufficient to conclude that measures are urgently needed to reduce human exposure to the waters and make them ecologically free from the red tide pollution.

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Climate services are the provision of information to support decision-making. Within the agriculture industry, climate services can offer farmers better resources to prepare for or respond to climate variability. These services take many forms including data, in-person collaboration, and evidence-based recommendations. This report presents a review of the current state of global climate services to deliver relevant information for use on the farm. In doing so, it also provides an overview of the current challenges to meet farmers’ needs that exist with both climate data and the explicit recommendations that come from climate service providers. The data collected for this project was obtained by a literature review of global sources to understand what climate services recommendations can be used to address these outstanding challenges, utilizing research and implementation approaches from around the world. In summary, the findings of this research suggest a push towards greater investment in localized climate service operations, which allow climate services providers to better deliver information for more narrow time scales and spatial scales. These localized climate services are more tailored to local communities or specific farmers’ needs. These investments could also provide opportunities for farmers to collect their own weather data for more specific forecasts. Furthermore, this report recommends that climate service providers focus on supporting farmers through variable weather events throughout the season through stronger knowledge transfer approaches, which allow farmers to understand potential sources of uncertainty using these recommendations. Insights from the evaluation of climate services can help support local decision-making – on the farm, within a community and in policy.

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Water eutrophication is one of the most serious global issues as water quality and scarcity become more common. Most research, conducted to date, have focused on eutrophication linked with lake, wet land and ocean ecosystems or other zones with little movement of water into and out of the system, largely because algal blooms, which are associated with eutrophication grow quickly water zones where the water. becomes anoxic. In contrast, the river ecosystem is a complex and unique area of concern, in terms of eutrophication moving waters are dynamic systems, with continuous mixing that maintains toxic conditions, not a condition for eutrophication. Although river eutrophication is common in regions dense populations and industries river eutrophication is becoming a more common and serious problem as these regions often rely on the river for potable water. Thus, river water remediated has received little scientific attention and at present the focus has been on either controlling sources of the where pollution is entering the river or by treating the polluted water as an effluent, an expensive alternative, especially in lesser developed countries. However, it is better to control the sources rather to treat the polluted water. The systematic review was conducted to find innovative approaches to resolve this problem. As a case study, the Sutlej River of Punjab, India was selected as a case which is a good example of river eutrophication. The River is experiencing rapid eutrophication as the result of rapid industrialization, and urbanization. The review resulted in three major source sites responsible for affecting the river water. The analysis led to the suggestion that phycoremediation and the application of ecosystem activation system technology could serve as an effective management option to address this serious condition. However, it is important and the responsibility of the state government, the general public, industries, and water management societies to collaborate on this developing issue and to take appropriate actions.

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Watershed management has been deployed as an important approach for planning and managing water with flexible frameworks. Understanding the implication of climate change on the watershed is essential to protect each eco-aquatic system. The objective of this project is to conduct an assessment of watershed vulnerability with potential impacts on exposure and sensitivity in local watersheds in British Columbia, the Mission/Wagg Creek in North Vancouver and the Fishtrap Creek in Kamloops.

The major climate changes in both watersheds are increased annual temperature and precipitation with seasonal variabilities. For the Mission/Wagg Creek, based on the results from the semi-distributed SWMM (stormwater management model), the drainage and sewage system can handle the increased rainfall intensity and runoff simulations with a necessary partial upgrade on certain infrastructure. For Fishtrap Creek, the water quantity and quality will decrease due to climate change, especially for the years following a forest fire. The increase in temperature and decrease in seasonal precipitation will help spread the wildfires, resulting in worsening or longer fire season. Planning for Fishtrap Creek should focus on reducing the likelihood and impacts of wildfires, such as developing recovery plans. Due to the limitation of time, no quantitative analysis was conducted for the Fishtrap Creek. Overall, a great vulnerability was indicated for both watersheds, requiring more efforts and quantitative analysis on the impacts of climate change regarding watershed management in the future.

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The project is about applying constructed wetlands to remove pollutants from wastewater in Baoding, China. Baoding is at a critical traffic crossroad between Beijing and Tianjin and the Baiyangdian River is the most important water resource for the Huabei plain area. It is, therefore, necessary to improve and maintain high water quality in the river.

Constructed wetlands are in an advanced stage and offer numerous services that reduce flooding impacts and improve the water quality. However, constructed wetlands are still relatively new and many cities in China have little experience in deciding what the best design options are to deal with the different climatic conditions, the local environmental settings, and the different contaminants in the rivers.

This study aims to evaluate the options and challenges of using constructed wetlands in Baoding to improve the water quality in the river. The research focus is to identify the best design of core elements and find the best solutions to operate and manage such systems. The results will show what the major type and pollution sources are, which will help the government decide how best to improve the water quality. The design plans of the wetland will provide the Baoding government with the opportunity to find a higher efficient way to improve the water quality in the river. Finally, the project will provide a blueprint on how to achieve the goals set in the environmental plan in the next five years.

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With increasing urbanization, more and more trees are removed from forested landscapes. Urban forests become more important as urban forests have many benefits mitigating air pollution, increasing oxygen and decreasing the heat island effect. Although there are many studies on the effect of urban forests on the hydrological cycle, the methods to implement urban forests in cities are lacking. The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of an urban forest on the hydrological cycle in Metro Vancouver and make recommendations on sustaining the urban forest to regulate the hydrological cycle.

A comparative analysis was conducted. The study site was Pacific Spirit Regional Park (PSRP) and its adjacent urban city (Vancouver) in Metro Vancouver. The study compared the effects of urban forests on the hydrological cycle encompassing PSRP with non-disturbed old-growth forests and PSRP with disturbed areas (second-growth forests and trails) to the adjacent urban residential areas of Vancouver in terms of runoff and evapotranspiration. The literature was used for the calculation of runoff and evapotranspiration.

Based on the results, several recommendations are suggested for implementing urban forests. First, it is important to maintain as much as old forests as possible. Second, it is beneficial to minimize the number of trails and roads. Third, everyone in cities needs to maintain as much green space as possible, and fourth, it is useful to plant trees in cities for future development. In conclusion, urban forests are important and should not be ignored in future urban developments.

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In a time of continuous urbanization, increased stormwater runoff due to expanding impervious surfaces causes downstream erosion and floods and lowers water quality. Constructed wetlands have been developed in the last few decades as environment-friendly and cost-effective alternatives to traditional stormwater management systems. They retain water and help it infiltrate the soil which makes them a useful tool for stormwater management in urban areas. They also act as natural filters and are able to process polluted water to a certain extent.

France has been among the first countries to get interested in constructed wetlands and uses many of them to regulate the flow of rivers like the Seine. The country is also building more and more wetlands for stormwater management and water treatment.

The design and efficiency of constructed wetlands depend on the local climate (temperature, precipitation). With climate change, it is important to consider how constructed wetlands and their performances could be impacted by future climates. Surprisingly, this field has not been studied much yet. This paper identifies the main characteristics of climate change in France according to the area. Then, the impacts of these climatic changes are studied in three different case studies. Solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change are then proposed.

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Tidal energy has the potential to substantially advance future sustainable development. Tidal energy is a renewable energy resource that helps meet the continuously increasing global energy demand while producing very little greenhouse gas emissions in comparison to other traditional energy sources (fossil fuels, coal, oil, etc.). In-stream tidal turbines placed under the ocean surface extract energy from the rise and fall of the tides. Tidal energy has attracted considerable attention, particularly in areas where tidal ranges are particularly high. The Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia has the world's highest tidal range, making it an ideal location to develop tidal energy projects. Several tidal energy development projects are authorized for development at the Bay of Fundy.

The report provides a comprehensive review on the potential environmental impacts of tidal energy extraction at the Bay of Fundy while considering further climate change and sea-level rise, and provides a recommendation framework to mitigate these adverse effects. This report also provides a recommendation framework relevant to the Bay of Fundy tidal energy extraction, mainly including energy appliances enhancement, monitoring machinery establishment and regulatory agencies creation. Optimizing the blade shape, avoiding the application of Cu-contains coating and applying seabird-friendly lights to mitigate the negative impacts. Building up rescue stations, establishing fully functional protected areas, and conducting soil remediation to restore the disturbed ecosystem.

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Climate change and urban development have overwhelmed the original urban water system in many places. The resulting series of runoff pollution, flooding, urban waterlogging and other problems threaten the health of the city and people's lives. In order to improve urban resilience, restore ecology, and promote livability, cities have embraced the concept of low impact design (LID) and are merging traditional and environmentally beneficial approaches to minimize these impacts. In this study, the rainwater management approaches developed by the city of Vancouver in Canada and Wuhan in China, was compared.

The strength and weaknesses of the strategies of the two cities were reviewed and compared using available literature, reports and government plans. The technological approaches for rainwater management were found to be similar except for the additional problem of river flooding that is an additional constraint in Wuhan. The main differences between the two approaches were found to be in government policies, financial support and the decision-making process. Wuhan’s approach is more ambitious, focuses on a top-down approach and has more financial support, while Vancouver’s approach is taking much longer to develop because of extensive community consultation and phased financial support. Both approaches have advantages and disadvantages but have the same ultimate aims. Furthermore, several recommendations are provided to the city's policymakers.

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In recent decades, the continued growth of urban development and climate change have led to multiple issues that affect the sustainability of urban drainage systems. The increase in impervious surface areas and extreme rainfall events in urban areas have altered watershed hydrology and groundwater hydrologic. Typical impacts include higher peak flows and runoff volumes, shorter lag times, and reduced infiltration and baseflow. Urban runoff also increases pollutants and nutrients, thereby degrading water bodies downstream in urban creeks. One of the most commonly used practices to mitigate these impacts is bioretention. Bioretention can capture and treat rainwater to return rainfall to a natural pathway and provide aesthetic and ecological values to treat rainfall as a resource.

Despite its widespread use globally, research on bioretention systems remains active, particularly in the areas of its design and performance. This paper reviews a recent study focusing on bioretention, including the development and design application of bioretention systems, the performance of bioswales and rain gardens in hydrologic impact and water quality.

This paper focuses on the analysis of bioretention practices implementation in the City of Vancouver and uses Portland and Seattle as successful examples. In the City of Vancouver, there are a few comprehensive policies and strategies related to G.I. implementations, but with less public support and people’s awareness. Both Portland and Seattle are at mature G.I. implementation stages that have also met similar challenges and have overcome them with strategic solutions, such as public engagement and providing Incentives and Rebates. Therefore, the City of Vancouver should learn from these two thriving cities.

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Climate change drastically impacts regions worldwide, with some being more vulnerable to changing climatic conditions than others. The Rio Santa Basin contains the largest glaciated mountain range in Peru, the Cordillera Blanca, and these glaciers are experiencing rapid retreat. The glacierized mountains are the main water source for the basin by providing meltwater for agriculture, industrial, and domestic use throughout the year.

Climate projections consider both high and low emissions and population scenarios. Each case estimates significant warming in the tropical Andes between three and four degrees Celsius. With significant warming in the region, the high mountains may be increasingly vulnerable due to the ice-albedo feedback loop, therefore increasing the rate of glacial melt in the area. Most glaciers in the Cordillera Blanca have passed or are near the “peak meltwater” stage, meaning decreased flows are predicted into the future and, depending on the extent of glacier recession, annual flows in the Santa River may decrease by up to 30%. The impact during the dry season would be more severe, with estimated flow reductions ranging from 50 to 84%. A downward trend in water supply has already been reported in the basin, along with increased seasonality.

Consequently, the Rio Santa Basin should focus on transitioning away from water-intensive crops such as mangos, artichokes, asparagus, and avocados and switch to low water use options. Furthermore, government support in educating and funding smaller-scale farmers to install efficient infrastructure or learn better irrigation methods will effectively reduce unnecessary water usage.

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With the increase in population and the acceleration of industrialization and urbanization, more and more pollutants are created by human activities. The river acts as the conduit to carry the pollution into the ocean.

China has a large land area, and the sea area is also vast. China’s marine pollution is relatively serious. However, the government and relevant departments have implemented a series of policies and measures to address the concern, which have been quite effective. This paper summarizes the three main marine pollutants-plastics, oil, and heavy metals, an introduction to each pollution type, the current situation in China, the harm of each pollutant, and the existing effective treatment measures.

The emergence of pollution issues should remind people to reduce pollution at the source. It is very important to prevent and monitor pollution in advance.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL REPORT Wildfire is a natural process that has happened regularly for millions of years and brings both positive and negative impacts to the forest environment. In recent decades, climate change has become a critical element in increasing the risk and extent of wildfires globally. Climate change increases temperature and reduces precipitation, extending the fire season and expanding the burning area. Wildfire affects soil physical properties (e.g. texture, colour, pH, hydrophobicity), chemical properties (e.g. organic matter, macro and micro-nutrients), as well as soil biota (e.g. invertebrates and micro-organisms). Intense wildfires further cause infiltration rate reduction and high surface runoff. Ash and sediments transported with surface runoff contaminate water quality, resulting in damage to the aquatic organisms and drinking water treatment issues. Effects of wildfire on forest soil, hydrologic processes and water are site-specific and complex. The extent of wildfire impacts depends on the intensity and severity of the fire, burning season, pre-fire and post-fire environmental conditions, climate pattern, vegetation types and many other factors. Studies of wildfire effects are diverse, but comprehensive reviews that assemble findings in the three fields are still lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to review the wildfire effects on forest soil, the hydrologic processes and water quality based on existing literature.

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Increasing water demands attributed to population growth and climate change highlight the need to adopt practices, such as rainwater harvesting, to reduce water demands. In Vancouver, the irrigation of lawns and gardens from May to September is a major constituent of domestic water demands. The extent to which rainwater harvesting can help reduce domestic water demand in Vancouver has been neglected in research. This study aims to evaluate the capacity of rainwater harvesting to reduce domestic outdoor water demands under two water use settings.

To achieve the objective of the study, the monthly irrigation demand and the monthly amount of rainwater that can be harvested during the irrigation season for a typical home in Vancouver was calculated. A comparison was made between the monthly irrigation demand and the monthly rainwater harvesting potential to determine the proportion of domestic outdoor water demand that can be offset through rainwater harvesting.

Several variables had to be estimated, assumed and standardized when calculating irrigation demands and the rainwater harvesting potential. The results of the study can help residents and policymakers in Vancouver realize the benefits that rainwater harvesting can provide and, in particular, the extent to which outdoor water demand can be reduced.

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Changing agricultural land use has impacted field water dynamics, as different crops and management practices have different water requirements. Thus, information is required to assess these changes in field water dynamics and develop strategies to manage water resources more efficiently, including assessment of alternative irrigation systems. Water stress in the Lower Fraser Valley (LFV): the conflict between growing agricultural water consumption demand and limited water resources. The LFV is one of the most densely populated and intensively farmed areas in BC. The unequal temporal distribution of rainfall makes irrigation demand even higher during the crop growing season. Agricultural development in the LFV relies on water resources, but climate change is likely to cause drier and warmer summers and wetter winters[4]. This tends to increase water stress due to the higher demand for irrigation.

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In the last decade, there has been a rapid increase in research on green roof gardens. Green roof gardens take advantage of Vancouver’s high annual precipitation and make better use of the large impermeable areas. Green roofs have been proposed as an effective and promising practice to mitigate the adverse impacts of urbanization and adapt to changing climate while providing numerous environmental, economic, social, and health benefits. This paper reviewed the literature and case studies globally, using a systematic view to analyze the potential impacts of green roof gardens on both the natural environment and human society, especially focusing on how green roof gardens can benefit the environment, economy, society, and human health. The paper also investigated the opportunities and challenges of green roof garden construction. Numerous benefits are potentially beneficial as a feasible solution for the renovation of existing buildings, current promotional incentive policies, and a large proportion of roof areas in Vancouver.

Through an integrated assessment, the feasibility of green roof gardens construction in Vancouver, BC is considered high. However, the main challenges of green roof construction involve roof leakage, structural failure, high construction costs, and maintenance costs. In order to maximize the benefits and performance of green roofs, recommendations about improving green roof garden construction and design are provided. These challenges can be addressed by improved planning, more cost-effective design, new technology, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

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Nitrogen (N) and Phosphorus (P) are critical nutrients in limiting the growth of plants and organisms. However, high-level atmospheric N and P can cause adverse effects on the receiving water, air, and soil ecosystems, triggering numerous environmental problems. This study focuses on the state of atmospheric nitrogen and phosphorus in the Lower Fraser Valley, British Columbia, Canada, and aims to find primary sources of emissions of nitrogen and phosphorus into the atmosphere. In the study area, there is a total of 25960 tonnes of N emitted into the atmosphere. Both agricultural and urban ecosystems contribute to N emissions. The agricultural emission is approximately 8260 tonnes of N, accounting for 71% of total NH3 emission and 10% of total NOx emission, mainly from fertilizer and manure volatilization and rural fuel combustion. In contrast, the emissions of NOx in the LFV is dominated by the urban ecosystem due to municipal solid waste incineration and fuel combustion. As for P emission, even though there is no robust data to quantify the emission sources, the finding suggests that dust emission and food waste incineration are the main drivers. With the increasing awareness of adverse effects associated with excessive atmospheric N and P, the government in British Columbia should pay more attention to this issue and develop relevant policies and management practices, and encourage more programs to focus on nutrients elimination mitigation.

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The simultaneous occurrence of warm spring temperatures and a large snow water equivalent at high elevations in the Kettle River Basin caused a rapid snowmelt event, creating the Kettle River flood at Grand Forks in May 2018. This flood represents an acute isolated event. No long-term trends were observed in the Kettle River’s hydrology and climate data. Yet, cumulative effects from decades-long forest land-use changes have made the basin more vulnerable to floods. Hence, the 2018 flood resulted from the pairing of climate effects and forest land-use changes in the headwaters.

The Kettle River is largely driven by snowmelt, given that the majority of this watershed lies above 1,200 meters. Forest removal and road networks have increased open surface area for snow accumulation. Melted snow is likely to run off these surfaces, given changes in soil infiltration that resulted from conventional and pine infested tree harvesting, combined with wildfires. This melt greatly amplifies the Kettle River’s streamflow. Climate change is impacting the watershed. Melting events will occur earlier in the spring. Wildfires, the mountain pine beetle, and more dramatic infestations of western spruce budworm are likely to continue with climate change–dead stands potentially increasing the severity of fires.

Continued forest removal will cause a greater impermeable surface area for snow accumulation. High summer temperatures will produce more droughts. Grand Forks’ water security for surface water extraction is likely to be precarious in the summertime. Therefore, forest rehabilitation, spring flood protection, and summer water conservation will become crucial for the health of the Kettle River watershed and its communities in the 21st century.

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This study assesses the major potential sources of groundwater contamination in British Columbia (B.C.) and provides recommendations for preventative and remedial measures for groundwater quality protection. The objectives of this project are to: (1) identify and assess the most common potential sources of groundwater contamination in B.C.; (2) recommend preventative and remedial measures for groundwater quality protection; and (3) provide information to stakeholders, including government regulatory agencies; land use planning; water management; environmental health protection; and community development.

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Water scarcity has been a popular occurrence on Bowen Island, British Columbia in the past and recent years. The situation is compounded by population growth, climate change, and increased summer water use. The study aimed at assessing the demand and supply of the largest water distribution system on Bowen Island – the Cove Bay Water System, using a water balance approach in Grafton Lake Watershed. From 2015-2019, it appears that more than 50% of the residents of the watershed used over 300L/P/D in the summer when there was limited precipitation. The study revealed that the regression of the summer precipitation versus summer water use is more significant than that of temperature. Therefore, the summer precipitation is a better determinant of summer water use.

The present situation of demand and supply in the watershed seem adequate but there are concerns for future situations, especially when climate change and population growth are considered. Recommendations were provided to optimize supply and consciously to reduce demand. Therefore, this research could be taken further by using the current water supply and demand assessment to estimate the impact of climate and population growth on the water supply up to 2100. It is recommended that climate monitoring at the Bowen Island station should be resumed, as no calibration data was available from the island’s station since 2012 so Vancouver Harbour’s station (the closest match) was used in this project.

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This case study investigated the frequencies of 24h precipitation over 40mm events from 2001 to 2020 and presented spatial analyses of land use and imperviousness in 2011 in the Mosquito Creek watershed, North Vancouver, BC. The Water Balance Model (WBM) was then applied to model the surface runoff discharge rates and direct runoff depths for 2011 surface conditions and 2041 projections without LID practices, as well as the performances of selected LID practices (absorbent landscapes, rain gardens, and pervious pavement). The modelling results are intended to compare the changes in runoff discharge rates and depths caused by altered surface conditions and the adoption of urban storm runoff mitigation practices.

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This study used a machine learning approach to model the water qualities of Lake Erie, Ontario, Canada. The data used in the modelling was obtained from the Environment and Climate Change Canada Agency for Lake Erie between 2000 and 2018 and included chlorophyll-a (CHLA), the dissolved oxygen (DO), total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), temperature (T), pH, and depth. Several neural network (NN) models were selected for the data analysis, including the standard Neural Network (NN) model, the Simple Recurrent Neural Network (SRN) model, the Back Propagation Neural Network (BPNN) model and the Jump Connection Neural Network (JCNN) model. CHLA was selected as the key water quality indicators for eutrophication in Lake Erie. The above artificial neural network models were assembled. This study showed that the ANN ensemble model predicted the water quality of Lake Erie in a more timely and accurate manner, which aids in facilitating conventional water quality monitoring and reducing the risk of eutrophication in Lake Erie.

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This paper evaluates evidence regarding the adverse effects EDCs and PPCPs have on aquatic life and people, and highlights the potential risk that exists for humans from exposure to EDCs in the aquatic environment. EDCs are introduced into the environment through a variety of urban, rural and industrial sources. Treated wastewater is a major source of EDCs and PPCPs entering the aquatic environment. Municipal wastewater treatment plants were designed to control a variety of substances, such as nutrients and pathogens, which are (typically) successfully removed. However, this is not the case for a wide range of emerging contaminants, such as EDCs and PPCPs that are present in low concentrations and possess unique characteristics.

The presence of EDCs and PPCPs in the environment is a complex land and water issue, which requires a holistic approach. It is important to recognize that depending on how the issue of EDCs is framed, different conclusions can be reached. It is essential to include the frameworks from a variety of disciplines. This can help eliminate a disciplinary bias, while recognizing the interconnectedness of land and water.

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Globally, there is a growing consensus that we need to act to address food loss and waste. Food waste refers to food intended for consumption that is discarded without being eaten or reaching the market. In Canada, this amount is closer to 40% according to Value Chain Management International (2014). Food loss and waste have many negative economic and environmental impacts. Environmentally, food waste inflicts a host of impacts, including emission of greenhouse gases and inefficient use of water and land, which in turn can lead to diminished natural ecosystems services.

In B.C, approximately 2.3 million tonnes of food waste was disposed of in 2016 (VCM Inc) and Creston Valley being one of the prime agricultural production regions in B.C contributes to this figure. It is suggested that the Creston Valley will continue to be the hub of agriculture in the region of B.C. Fruits and vegetables are one of the largest sources of waste by weight. Much of the wasted weight in fruits and vegetables is water.

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This project was targeted to address the public and the provincial government of British Columbia on the issue of fracking. Thus, the specific objectives of this project work were: (i) to assess impacts of fracking on water resources; and (ii) to conduct meta-analysis of impacts of fracking on induced seismicity in North Eastern British Columbia.

Based on personal communication with researchers currently working on fracking and preliminary studies from literatures, it can be concluded that (i) if boreholes are done properly with due to diligence and mechanical integrity, there will be no or very limited groundwater contamination; (ii) if the sites are properly managed, there is little or no chance of environmental pollution (including air and water resources) by shale gas; (iii) fracking induces seismicity and if fracking continues, the magnitude and effects of earthquake will increase; and (iv) lastly, ongoing research in Northeastern British Columbia shows the concern of well leakage due to gas migration, which may lead to air pollution and groundwater contamination by methane gas.