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POSITION PAPER

PROPOSED ST. ALBERT WESTERN BYPASS





April, 1995

prepared by

BIG LAKE ENVIRONMENT SUPPORT SOCIETY

Box 65053, St. Albert Centre, St. Albert, AB CANADA T8N 5Y3
CQAR97A@prodigy.com























TABLE OF CONTENTS
WESTERN BY-PASS POSITION PAPER


1.	Summary of the BLESS position (Part 1)

2.	Some History of the BLESS organization

3.	The proposed By-Pass

(a)	Rationale
(b)	Location
(c)	Timing

4.	History of land use designations in the project area

5.	Land Use Issues

6.	Environmental Issues

7.	Acknowledgements


Table 1:   List of scientists, educators on the BLESS review team

Table 2:   List of questions concerning the environmental impacts of the 	
	      proposed by-pass.

















Preamble


"The proposed arterial roadway along the south bank of Big Lake from St. 
Albert to 215 Street, however, does not appear to be compatible with Big 
Lake Management Plan environmental protection goals or with the River 
Valley Bylaw.  The arterial road is located near the top of the steep north-
facing slope of Big Lake and bisects significant natural areas within the River 
Valley boundary which are designated as Natural Conservation Area and 
Natural Maintenance in the ASP [Area Structure Plan].  The arterial roads 
location would likely have greater potential for disturbance to wildlife using 
Big Lake and for wildlife-vehicle collisions (e.g. collisions with deer in prime 
habitat and travel corridors) than other roadways in the ASP area.  Additional 
environmental concerns include the erosion potential along the top-of-bank 
during construction and stormwater management for roadway runoff.  The 
roadway runoff is downslope of the ASP area storm ponds and thus would 
require its own stormwater facilities for control of water quality, prior to 
discharge into Big Lake.  It is recommended that the proposed arterial road be 
subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment for Transportation Facilities 
as outlined in the Transportation Policy 3.4.3 of North Saskatchewan River 
Valley Area Redevelopment Plan Bylaw No 7188 (City of Edmonton 1985) 
to resolve environmental concerns."



from "Environmental Evaluation of the Big Lake Area Structure Plan 
Edmonton, Alberta"   -   a consultants' report prepared by Penner and 
Associates  for  IMC Consulting Group Inc.,  pertaining to the Big Lake 
Area Structure Plan.   March, 1990.




-  i  -     



Big Lake Environment Support Society (BLESS)







Position Paper (Part 1) Concerning

The Proposed St. Albert Western By-Pass
[April, 1995]




A few years ago, on a sunny April day, several BLESS members walked along 
the south shore of the Sturgeon River toward the point where the river leaves Big 
Lake.  Accompanied by the prominent Alberta naturalists, Cam and Joy Findlay - 
who would later write about the day's events - these local conservationists 
strolled along the exact route that the Red Willow Park trail would cover during 
the following months, and past the exact location where the proposed Western 
By-Pass would cross the Sturgeon River, if approved.

As though anticipating these events, Big Lake put on a show that day that 
startled even these seasoned naturalists.  Remarking about the sounds of early 
Spring arrivals, like a noisy White-throated Sparrow, the party stopped to watch 
as two bald eagles appeared from the north and headed across the lake, which 
was ice-covered except for openings along the edge.  Suddenly, the lake 
exploded with a huge flock of ducks that had reacted to the eagles.  As a wave of 
these ducks circled the BLESS party they were quickly identified as pintails.  Two 
days later biologists from the Canadian Wildlife Service, responding to a call from 
BLESS, visited the lake and estimated the pintails to number at 10,000.  The 
pintail, whose numbers in all of Alberta are estimated at about 100,000, is semi-
protected in hunting regulations.

At the edge of the lake, a hundred yards or so from where BLESS plans to 
construct a viewing platform, the Findlays photographed three pairs of Canada 
Geese actively fighting over nesting sites.  A small flock of Tundra Swans, resting 
on their way northward, cruised slowly in to the lake from the north side of St. 
Albert.  Walking back to where the by-pass is planned to cross the Sturgeon 
River, Joy stopped the group to explain that a beaver sitting on the opposite 
shore was spreading oil over its fur from a gland accessible with its hind paw.  It 
was a great afternoon for observing nature at one of the few places where the 
public has access to Big Lake - a place that would be disturbed by the 
construction of the Western By-Pass.

The story above is true.  Some might take it as simply being an emotional 
statement.  BLESS members can indeed become emotional about the natural 
history potentials of Big Lake, but the presentation that follows is not intended to 
be based solely on emotion.  There are sound facts for reaching the positions 
being developed by BLESS and we hope they will be effective.

BLESS appreciates this opportunity provided by the City of St. Albert to express 
its views concerning the Western By-Pass proposal.  The constructive comment 
of the City Manager, as quoted in the St. Albert Gazette: "BLESS is a very 
important stakeholder in this.  I support any effort they make to educate our 
residents about the issues" precisely captures the role BLESS sees for itself.  
We hope this document is a useful contribution to that role.  It is the first 
expression of a developing position.  Only when all the information about the 
project is available and any requisite environmental assessment report is 
released, will BLESS be able to complete this position paper.


1.	SUMMARY OF THE BLESS POSITION [Part I]
 
  BLESS questions the need for a by-pass designed to meet a St. Albert 
population of 70,000, when the population is slowly growing into the mid-
40,000 range, and when the recent EMRPC Vision Statement suggests a 
need to consider a population growth cap in the Edmonton metropolitan area.
  If, despite the first point, a by-pass is considered necessary, BLESS opposes 
locating it in an area that is environmentally sensitive, that offers tremendous 
potential for use by local citizens and tourists for natural history purposes 
(nature trails, observation platforms, interpretative centre, etc.), and that is 
identified by Alberta Culture as a prehistoric settlement site.
  BLESS strongly opposes any notion of justifying the proposed by-pass as a 
diversion of hazardous goods shipments.  Alternative hazardous goods 
routes, which are far from the city, are presently being used. 
  BLESS questions whether alternative by-pass routes, such as an extension 
of Riel Drive across the river, have been adequately considered.
  BLESS strongly supports the published plans of the Edmonton Metropolitan 
Planning Commission and the City of St. Albert for reserving these lands for 
conservation purposes.
  BLESS questions the economics of construction of a multi-million dollar 
highway through an area where taxpayers have already invested in the 
highly-used Red Willow Park trails system, and where there are economic 
opportunities for expanded eco-tourism.
  BLESS questions the value of the questionnaire sent out to poll residents' 
opinions about the by-pass.  The significant environmental issues were not 
mentioned and the poll was taken prior to public airing of concerns.
  BLESS urges other concerned citizens of St. Albert to make their feelings 
known to their elected representatives.
  BLESS has numerous questions about the direct and indirect environmental 
impacts of the construction and use of the proposed by-pass.  These 
questions should be considered in any formal environmental impact 
assessment.  Some examples taken from those contained in List 2 are:
  what will be the effects of the project on the rate of migration of toxic 
leachate from the adjacent landfill site to the Sturgeon River?
  what will be the impacts of the construction of the highway on the 
vegetation and wildlife immediately adjacent to it?
  What will be the impacts on the adjacent environment of the normal 
use of the highway, including the generation of pollutants such as 
exhaust fumes, oils and greases, and noise?

BLESS feels that all the citizens of St. Albert have applauded the efforts of the 
present St. Albert administration in the development of hiking and biking trails 
through the City and particularly in the river valley.  These efforts have 
encouraged the kind of healthy outdoor pursuits that present generations value 
greatly.  The western part of this trail system ends presently just east of the 
eastern end of Big Lake.  There is approximately one-half mile of undeveloped 
river bank (Figure 1) which, in our opinion, offers one of the very best 
opportunities for the citizens of St. Albert to enjoy some peace and solitude in 
this natural surrounding.  The river and the east bay of Big Lake afford excellent 
opportunities for viewing wildlife of all descriptions, in particular waterfowl, 
songbirds, and various vertebrates such as beaver, muskrat, coyotes and deer.  
It also affords a spectacular view of the white spruce forest on the north side of 
the river.  Also on the north side of the river, the land is identified as containing 
`known prehistoric habitation sites' (Figure 2).  This may be the last opportunity 
for the people of St. Albert and the city administration to retain this beautiful 
natural area for future generations.  Unquestionably, if the highway is allowed 
to proceed as planned, right through this area that St. Albert and other 
municipalities have designated as a `natural conservation' area, it will be a 
land use disaster from which we can never recover.

In terms of specific environmental impacts, BLESS is concerned about the 
effects of construction activities on the adjacent eco-system.  A list of questions 
pertaining to the construction phase is contained in Table 2.  BLESS is also 
concerned about the impacts of the physical presence of a completed multi-lane 
highway in this area on the attractability of the area for wildlife that can presently 
be viewed by nature lovers and students. Questions pertaining to that are also in 
Table 2.

Every highway presents an insidious source of pollution from use of salt, oils and 
grease dripping from vehicles, traffic noise, exhaust fumes and litter.  The 
presence of these insidious sources of pollution is not desirable for an area 
designated for natural conservation.

There is also the risk of spills and other accidents that threaten the environment.  
In this area.  BLESS questions the ability of response teams to protect the local 
eco-system from even those spills that are readily contained in most highway 
situations.

Suggestions that the by-pass is needed as an alternate route for transporting 
dangerous goods are difficult to comprehend.  This route would link two 
populated areas, separated by an environmentally sensitive area, and would be 
used by commuter traffic.  This combination would suggest a total ban of 
dangerous goods traffic, if risks were considered significant!

BLESS notes the apparent presence of toxic leachate migrating from the old 
landfill site in this area.  The rate at which that leachate will move into the 
Sturgeon River may be affected by the construction and operation of the 
highway.  This should receive thorough study.

There are other questions BLESS has that concern the hydrology and water 
quality of the lake and river; the protection of natural vegetation in the area, and 
other items. The preamble contains an independent statement of concern and 
notes possible conflict with an Edmonton Bylaw.

The proper use of the Big Lake area as a natural resource can also have 
significant economic implications for St. Albert.  With virtually no advertising, 
BLESS can easily attract 100 persons, many from outside St. Albert, to 
participate in one of its bird counts.  The potential of the area for use by visiting 
naturalists has so far been untapped.  Communities like Bonnyville can readily 
attest to the benefits of development of nature trails, observation platforms and 
other facilities for enabling the viewing of our natural systems.
  

2.	SOME HISTORY OF THE BLESS ORGANIZATION

The Big Lake Environment Support Society (BLESS) was formed  in October, 
1990.  A group of approximately 30 concerned citizens met to discuss the 
formation of an advocacy group to support the conservation objectives outlined 
for Big Lake in the Big Lake Plan and in the Red Willow Urban Park Plan.  All 
four of the jurisdictions around Big Lake were represented in the initial 
membership.  membership since that time has reached more than 100.  BLESS 
received its charter as a registered non-profit organization on January 6, 1991 
and has been active since then in promoting the following objectives:
  habitat enhancement
  promotion of conservation objectives
  development of interpretative trails
  development of interpretative facility and programs

BLESS has worked closely with City of St. Albert, Alberta Environmental 
Protection and others to establish facilities appropriate for the natural 
conservation purposes of the Big Lake eco-system.  Events and structures 
sponsored by BLESS are described elsewhere in this paper.

BLESS has been recognized by City of St. Albert, provincial government 
agencies, the Edmonton Metropolitan Regional Planning Commission  and 
others as a credible voice for environmental conservation in the Big Lake region.  
It has been asked to serve on planning committees, contribute to Fish and 
Wildlife publications and represent concerns of citizens living around Big Lake.  
The preparation of this report is entirely consistent with its stated purposes.    

This paper has been approved by the duly constituted Board of Directors of 
BLESS.


3.	THE PROPOSED BY-PASS

(a) Rationale

The first indication of a rationale for the proposed by-pass is found in the 
October 1991 report of the consultants IMC to the Engineering department of 
City of St. Albert.  The IMC report cites `--- a north-south roadway --- 
accommodating projected traffic volumes between Edmonton and St. Albert and 
points north of St. Albert."

The IMC report describes then current land use plans as follows: "--- a balance 
between lands east and west of the West By-Pass would be desirable in order to 
accommodate a possible golf course on the east side and a natural park on the 
west side adjacent to Big Lake and north of the Sturgeon River."  This is 
consistent with the definition of use designation in the Big Lake Plan, except for 
the fact of the highway itself!

As a benchmark to assess the traffic need, the consultants were given projected 
population levels of St. Albert "--up to and beyond 70,000."  There is still no 
definitive prediction of whether or when St. Albert will or should reach the 70,000 
mark.  For the 70,000 plus scenario, the IMC report recommended a 6-lane 
highway through the stretch from 184 Street to Meadow View Drive as 
`desirable'.

The IMC report contained no other rationale for this project.  However, there has 
been a perception that the highway would relieve the St. Albert Trail of transport 
containing dangerous goods.  Estimates of risk pertaining to such transport are 
known to be exceedingly low.  However, if this risk is a concern, then it would 
seem more acceptable to divert dangerous goods traffic to the Villeneuve 
Highway on the west side of Big Lake, or to Highway 43, rather than to a 
highway intended for commuter use in an area designated for `natural 
conservation'. 

(b) Location

The IMC report considered three options. The one that was recommended has 
the by-pass highway approach the river from 184 Street northward, then pass 
through the centre of the existing lagoon situated on the south side of the river.  
After crossing the river in a north-westward direction, the route would again 
curve to the north after passing Meadow View Drive.  On the north side of the 
river, the highway would lie entirely within the zone designated as `natural 
conservation' (Figure 3, and see Section 4). On the south side, the highway 
would pass through a zone labelled `natural maintenance", until it reached the 
`natural conservation' zone stretched along the south shore of the Sturgeon 
River.  Figure 1 illustrates the approximate locations of the proposed by-pass, 
and some of the natural history sites in the area, such as the BLESS shelter, the 
proposed observation platform and the site of a water gauge BLESS operates for 
Alberta Environmental Protection.

BLESS notes that the location is one that is favoured by many residents who use 
the Red Willow Park trail system.  We recommend that the City conduct a use-
survey to determine the extent of this activity.

(c) Timing

BLESS is not aware of any set time frame for the construction of this highway. 
However, it appears that preliminary elements of the project are now underway 
and we note that major projects often have a habit of developing a momentum 
that is difficult to arrest, even when legitimate concerns arise.  The fact that St. 
Albert has begun a survey to `scope' issues appears to be tied to the 
environmental impact assessment (EIA) provisions in the Alberta Environmental 
Protection and Enhancement Act (AEPEA) that require provision of an EIA 
Report if there is significant public concern.  However, the City has made it clear 
that the formal provincial EIA has not yet begun and so we can expect that these 
proceedings may be repeated when that happens.

If and when the project is considered by Alberta Environmental Protection as to 
whether an EIA Report (as defined in AEPEA) is needed, there should be an 
opportunity to assess public concern beyond the extent of this scoping exercise.  
There should also be opportunity for a full assessment of environmental and 
land use issues.  

When the project officially enters the provincial EIA process, the proponents 
could be asked to submit draft terms of reference for an EIA Report.  At that 
time, the public would be allowed to provide comments and input, following 
which final terms of reference would be issued by the Alberta Director of 
Environment Assessment.  BLESS is hopeful that this paper and, if necessary, a 
second paper will provide useful suggestions for the draft terms of reference.  
BLESS reserves the right to provide additional comments once the provincial 
process is initiated.

The City of St. Albert was kind enough to provide BLESS with a copy of the 
questionnaire that was used to poll opinions in St. Albert about the by-pass.  
BLESS has a number of serious concerns about the poll and its timing:

1. BLESS feels that the poll should have been taken after the public had 
an opportunity to learn more about the issues being raised.  Our 
members have met scores of people on the trail system in the past two 
weeks who were surprised to learn of the location of the highway with 
respect to the natural area they have enjoyed for years.
2. The questions seem biased in favour of the `benefits' of the project.  
For example, there are 2 questions about the benefits and one about 
possible concerns. 
3. The questions concerning what are called "environmental impacts" 
address noise, air pollution, property values, personal safety and 
`others'.  There are no references to possible impacts on the wetlands, 
the river, the vegetation,  waterfowl, environmental recreation, or 
environmental education, which are among the major environmental 
concerns that relate to the project.  

Any objective review of the questionnaire would seriously question why these 
obvious environmental issues were not mentioned.  


4.	HISTORY OF LAND USE DESIGNATIONS IN THE PROJECT AREA

A report published in 1969 by the Canadian Wildlife Service of Environment 
Canada examined: "An Integrated Land Use Concept for Big Lake, Alberta".  
That report pointed out that recreational use on Big Lake for "scientific study 
groups (university), bird clubs, natural history clubs, Boy Scouts, High 
School science classes, boaters, picnickers and sightseers"  was restricted 
by "limited access".  The report stated that "the location of Big Lake to 
Edmonton is comparable with that of Waskana Lake to Regina and Stanley 
Park to Vancouver".  The report also contains the following:

"In all of western Canada, no city or centre of population has such a 
potential beauty spot on its door step and it is my [the CWS author] 
feeling that this fact should be driven home to the people both in this 
area and in the government departments which will be called upon to 
foot part of the [integrated land use] bill." 

In 1989, the Edmonton Metropolitan Regional Planning Commission (EMRPC) 
released a publication Big Lake Plan, endorsed by St. Albert, that showed a 
large area encompassing the proposed route of the by-pass as having a land 
use allocation designated as "natural conservation" (see Figure 3).  In 1993, St. 
Albert constructed a portion of its Red Willow Park trail system through the same 
area, on the south side of the Sturgeon River.

The zoning designation called `natural conservation' is defined in the Big Lake 
Plan as follows:

Purpose: (a) To identify areas of very severe development limitations due 
to their constant flooding, steep slopes, and/or the presence of sensitive 
vegetation and wildlife; (b) to ensure that future use and development of 
these areas is in harmony with their capacity for flooding and 
environmental sensitivity;  (c) to place these areas in a land use class 
which identifies a lack of intensive development potential; (d) to allow for 
extensive recreational uses such as golf course fairways and greens or 
environmental enhancement development which is compatible with 
development limitations and the identified environmental sensitivity.

Uses allowed (subject to municipal statutory plans and land use by-laws): 
(a) general (extensive) agricultural uses (that currently exist) involving the 
production of forage crops and the raising of livestock; (b) miscellaneous 
uses associated with agriculture; (c) extensive recreational 
development which may include boardwalks, trails, observation 
platforms, etc.  

Other provisions: (a) permanent buildings and/or structures will be 
prohibited except those, such as a nature interpretation centre which 
may be advantageous to place in a flood prone area if adequate design 
and construction criteria are followed, or a golf course club house which 
may be located in an isolated area of high ground within a flood prone 
area; (b) subdivision of parcels will be allowed, providing all types of 
development (as defined in the Planning Act) are strictly controlled in 
accordance with flooding capacity and environmental sensitivity.

Every person who has an interest in seeing that appropriate use is made of the 
lands in this area should read the background report prepared by the EMRPC 
for the development of the Big Lake Plan.  It is entitled: "Big Lake Background 
Report: The Management Study".  Space precludes including in this position 
paper all of the evidence presented in the Management Study  pertaining to the 
need to protect this area from development.  However, not only does 
conservation of the area's environmental resources figure prominently in that 
study - it also points out that the exact site where the proposed by-pass would lie 
(on the north side of the Sturgeon River) contains known prehistoric 
habitation sites (Figure 2).  

The City of St. Albert has also revealed a long-range development plan in the 
same area that includes the designation of this area as a nature conservation 
and interpretation area.  In its `Mid Term Report' for the Red Willow Park, St. 
Albert refers to future developments planned for Big Lake:

"Big Lake, on the outskirts of St. Albert, is recognized as a 
significant provincial waterfowl habitat.  Its close proximity offers a 
wonderful opportunity to participate in interpretative and educational 
programmes or to try bird-watching on your own.  A nature park is 
planned for the future with self-guided nature trails, a dock facility, 
bird blinds and picnicking facilities."

This vision of the City of St. Albert fits perfectly with the vision of the EMRPC 
and the objectives of BLESS.  None of these includes the presence of a multi-
lane highway.

Since 1991, BLESS has assisted Alberta Environmental Protection by taking 
measurements of water levels on a more or less regular basis close to where the 
by-pass is planned.  In the winters of 1991-2, 1992-3, and 1993-4, BLESS 
sponsored winter carnivals in this area for the purpose of attracting residents to 
its winter pleasures.  In 1993, St. Albert and BLESS jointly funded construction 
of a shelter for use by nature lovers using the trail system in this `natural 
conservation' area.  In 1995, BLESS hopes to complete construction of a nature 
viewing platform, also in the general area of the proposed by-pass.  These 
projects are clearly acceptable within the definition of the land classification 
described in the Big Lake Plan.  

In late 1993, when its chairman was St. Albert alderman Ken Allred, the EMRPC 
released reports prepared by a number of `round tables' established to review 
and update its 1991 Regional Vision Statement.  Recognized by the EMRPC as 
being a credible regional advocacy group that could contribute to this process, 
BLESS was invited to be a member of the Environment and Natural 
Resources Round Table.  

One of the subjects extensively debated by this round table, which included 
politicians, government employees, academics, scientists and environmentalists, 
was population growth in the Edmonton metropolitan area and the impacts of 
such growth on the sustainability of natural resources and protection of the 
remaining natural ecosystem.  In "Metro Planning Review", a newsletter of the 
EMRPC, the recommendations of the round table pertaining to this issue are 
briefly captured as follows:

  Adopt a program for the protection and enhancement of our region's 
remnant natural environments; and
  Question the `conventional wisdom' guiding growth in our region.

Both of these recommendations argue against the Western By-Pass.


5.	LAND USE ISSUES

The North American Waterfowl Management Plan lists Big Lake, Alberta as one 
of the "critical moulting and staging lakes in Alberta".  It is remarkable that a 
wetlands area with those values lies so close to a major metropolitan area, 
where it can provide opportunities for the enjoyment and environmental 
education of residents and visitors.  In a few other locations, such as Bonnyville, 
Alberta, these disappearing wetland areas have been securely protected and 
developed for interpretative and eco-tourism purposes.

The municipalities surrounding Big Lake have also recognized this value, as 
portrayed in the Big Lake Plan.  However, access to Big Lake by nature lovers 
and students is problematic.  One of the few remaining points of access is at the 
point where the Sturgeon River flows out of the lake.  St. Albert's marvellous 
Red Willow Park trail system assists in access at that point and St. Albert has 
suggested the future development of an environmental interpretation centre in 
the same area.  Clearly, St. Albert and other municipalities accept the 
environmental value of this part of Big Lake.

For this reason, BLESS considers the construction of a multi-lane highway 
through this same area to be a contradictory land use.  Does it make sense to 
establish the area at the eastern end of Big Lake as a parkland in the Red 
Willow Park development plan and then plan to drive a six lane highway through 
its heart? 

Furthermore, BLESS questions the need for the highway at this location, in view 
of the 70,000 plus population scenario.  The population of St. Albert is presently 
about 45,000 and appears to be growing at a decreasing rate.  If the City is 
going to be responsive to the Vision Statement recommendations of the Round 
Table on Environment and Natural Resources, a policy of slow population 
growth would be indicated.  Thus, it could take a great many years to reach the 
70,000 mark even without a further cap.  

BLESS is sympathetic to the problems of the present imbalance between the 
domestic population and industry base in the City and recognizes that any 
corrective industrial growth would likely contribute to a domestic population 
growth.  Increased population growth without attendant industrial growth, 
however, would only serve to increase this imbalance.

BLESS also notes the perception that the highway is required to divert heavy 
truck and dangerous goods traffic from the St. Albert Trail.  BLESS observes that 
St. Albert already restricts the usage of the St. Albert Trail by hazardous goods 
traffic and asks if it is reasonable to build another highway through a sensitive 
environment where dangerous goods traffic and commuter traffic would be 
mixed.  Is this a recipe for disaster? The Villeneuve Highway is available as an 
alternate route for transport of dangerous goods. 

BLESS also asks, in view of the present economic climate, at a time when 
funding restrictions are preventing the planned development of conservation 
facilities in this area, whether governments should make this major expenditure 
involving tens of millions of dollars. 


6.	ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES  

When BLESS announced its intention of preparing a position paper  for this 
project, a number of scientists and educators residing in Edmonton, St. Albert, 
M.D. Sturgeon and County of Parkland offered to donate their services in an 
advisory capacity.  These generous persons, many with advanced degrees in 
environmental sciences, are listed in Table 1.  

Not having the resources which no doubt are available to the proponents of this 
project (probably Alberta Transportation and City of St. Albert), BLESS could not 
undertake a detailed scientific or engineering study of the impacts of this project.  
However, the scientific team described above prepared a list of questions that 
should be addressed in any full-scale environmental impact assessment.  These 
are contained in Table 2.

If the project were to proceed, there would be three distinct aspects requiring 
impact assessment:  (i) construction phase, (ii) operation phase, and (iii) 
maintenance.  Of these, the construction phase is likely the most significant in 
terms of local environmental impacts.

Construction Phase

Consideration must be given to protection of the water quality in the 
Sturgeon River and the avoidance of deleterious substances entering the 
river system.  The timing of construction will be important in view of fish 
spawning activities.  

The significance of the nearby abandoned landfill site and its alleged 
leachate problems must be assessed.  Construction activities could have 
an effect on the movement of leachate into the river system.

Construction procedures that would have an impact on adjacent lands 
and waters, including acquisition and disposal of materials, would need 
evaluation.

Operation Phase

The effects of the completed structure on the natural drainage system 
should be assessed.

There should be appropriate safety measures taken to control and 
mitigate any spills or other environmental impacts resulting from accidents 
that could occur in the vicinity of the river-lake system.  A proper 
contingency plan should be prepared.

Maintenance 

A maintenance plan will be required that describes how painting and 
other procedures will be conducted to avoid environmental impacts.



7.	OBSERVATION

BLESS respectively suggests to the City of St. Albert that an opportunity exists 
to reaffirm the acknowledged conservation uses of the lands at the eastern end 
of Big Lake.  Relocate the by-pass if it is really needed and place St. Albert in a 
position of leadership in the protection of those lands and the limited 
development needed to make it more accessible for residents, students, eco-
tourists  and others, for nature viewing and recreational activities.


8.	ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS  

BLESS acknowledges the co-operation of officials and staff of the City of St. 
Albert in the provision of information for this report.  The informative assistance 
of members of BLESS and of the persons listed in Table 1 is also acknowledged.  





Table 1

LIST OF PERSONS PROVIDING ADVICE TO THE BLESS
SCOPING PROJECT RE WESTERN BY-PASS


Brett Calverley, Ducks Unlimited   waterfowl   
Miles Constable, St. Albert   vegetation, water 
Peter Demulder, St. Albert   birds    
Fin Fairfield, St. Albert   land use   
Alice Hendry, County of Parkland   vegetation
Louise Horstman, Morinville   birds      
Derek Johnson, Edmonton   forestry    
Beth Jenkins, St. Albert   vegetation
Gordon Kerr, Edmonton   waterfowl, wildlife    
Bob Lane, St. Albert   hydrology, limnology    
Al Lissey, St. Albert   ground water, surface water   
Andrew Macpherson, Edmonton   eco-system, wildlife   
Karen McDougall, Edmonton   legal aspects



Table 2

QUESTIONS POSED BY BLESS THAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN ANY 
SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF THE 
PROPOSED WESTERN BY-PASS


1.	Would any construction material (earth, gravel, etc.) be collected or disposed of 
	near the construction site?

2.	What would be the impacts, both short- and long-term, of construction activities 
	upon fish and fish habitat, birds and bird habitat, local vegetation, and other species 
	of wildlife and their habitat?

3.	What steps would be taken to avoid siltation of the river?

4.	What steps are proposed to reclaim local land and vegetation disturbance?

5.	What effects would (a) construction and (b) the completed highway have upon the 
	ability of persons to use the existing trail system and the present and proposed 
	natural history facilities in the area?

6.	What effects will the construction have on the integrity of the areas designated as 
	containing "prehistoric sites"?

7.	What impact would this project have on the rate of migration of toxic leachate 
	from the adjacent landfill site to the Sturgeon River?

8.	What will be the effects of the completed highway on the availability of birds, 
	vegetation, mammals, etc. for the educational and viewing enjoyment of the 
	public?

9.	What steps would be taken to avoid environmental impacts resulting from toxic 
	materials generated by normal traffic use, such as salt, oils, PAHs, heavy metals?

10.	Will the planned location of the by-pass fragment waterfowl habitat along 
	the river and at the mouth of the lake; will it destroy the songbird and 
	waterfowl habitat of the marsh beside the lagoon; and will it fragment the 
	lagoon used by many waterfowl all summer long?

11.	What contingency plans will exist that would ensure that spills and other accidents 
	on the by-pass will not affect the local environment?

12.	What special steps are planned to ensure that normal maintenance of the highway 
	will ensure the protection of the adjacent environment?

13. 	What steps will be taken to protect the present recreational uses in the area 
	(canoeing, soccer, rugby, hiking, biking, etc.) from the distractions of traffic noise 
	levels?

14.	Will dangerous goods traffic be allowed on this highway, and if so, how can that 
	be justified in view of the adjacent sensitive environment?

15.	Have the economics of eco-tourism and the educational value of this area been 
	compared to the heavy costs of highway construction and maintenance and any 
	other costs and benefits?	



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BLESS    P.O. Box 65053, St. Albert Centre, St. Albert, AB  T8N 5Y3


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