Waterfowl and mammals harvested and trapped at various locations in the oil sands region and in reference locations are assessed for contaminant burdens and toxicology. Wildlife samples are obtained from local hunters and trappers. Tissue samples are analysed for concentrations of oil sands-related contaminants (heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and naphthenic acids). Dead and moribund birds collected from tailing ponds are also evaluated for levels and effects of contaminants.

A literature review, focusing on oil sand products (e.g., diluted bitumen), diluents, spill-treating agents, and crude oil toxicology and ecological studies, relevant to the northeast Pacific was compiled as part of the Government of Canada’s World Class Tanker Safety program. Of the 763 references identified, 14 involved diluted bitumen and other heavy crude oils, indicating the need for further research of these products in the marine environment. Diluent research suggests relatively fast evaporation and dispersion times for this component, however high toxicities may pose a threat to marine biota. Historical studies indicate older dispersant formulations had potential ecological implications, therefore newer formulations, which have not been studied in detail, require full assessment. Consistent utilization of toxicology standards remains elusive, hindering species sensitivity analyses. Exxon Valdez literature demonstrates highly variable impacts from a single oil type and the need for baseline data, recovery status, and suitable ecological end-point determination.

Tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) nest boxes are installed in oil sands area and in reference locations to monitor contaminant levels and impacts on tree swallow nestlings. The exposure to tree swallow nestlings to air-borne oil sands-related contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is assessed using passive air samplers. Measures of avian health are examined in relation to location of sampling and contaminants measured.

The contaminants in fish database is a compilation of contaminant data analysed from fish tissue at the Fresh Water Institute from 1970 to 2005. Data include lab number, region, analysis, organs, species, lake, form (whole fish, headon dressed, headless dressed), weight, and length and contaminant concentrations. Total mercury was the predominant contaminant measured. Results were expressed as ppm or ppb based on the parameter analyzed. Concentrations are expressed based on wet weight.

Programs that perform a laboratory analysis of body fluids and tissue to determine the presence of irregularities or to identify unknown substances submitted for analysis. Definition is protected by Copyright by Information and Referral Federal of Los Angeles County, Inc (https://211taxonomy.org/subscriptions/#agreement)

The Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators (CESI) program provides data and information to track Canada's performance on key environmental sustainability issues. These indicators track facility-based releases to water of 3 substances that are defined as toxic under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999: mercury, lead and cadmium and their compounds. For each substance, data are provided at the national, regional (provincial and territorial) and facility level, as well as by source. The indicators inform Canadians about releases to water of these 3 substances from facilities in Canada. The Releases of harmful substances to water indicators also help the government to identify priorities and develop or revise strategies to inform further risk management and to track progress on policies put in place to reduce or control these 3 substances and water pollution in general. Information is provided to Canadians in a number of formats including: static and interactive maps, charts and graphs, HTML and CSV data tables and downloadable reports. See the supplementary documentation for the data sources and details on how the data were collected and how the indicator was calculated.Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators: https://www.canada.ca/environmental-indicators

The HealthLink BC Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) data set includes the following: Programs that offer early intervention, transitional care or other services that supplement and facilitate primary and adjunctive therapies; which offer community mental health education programs; or which link people who are in need of treatment with appropriate providers. Programs that provide preventive, diagnostic and treatment services in a variety of community and hospital-based settings to help people achieve, maintain and enhance a state of emotional well-being, personal empowerment and the skills to cope with everyday demands without excessive stress or reliance on alcohol or other drugs. Treatment may include emotional support, introspection and problem-solving assistance using a variety of modalities and approaches, and medication, as needed, for individuals who have a substance use disorder involving alcohol and/or other drugs or for people who range from experiencing difficult life transitions or problems in coping with daily living to those with severe, chronic mental illnesses that seriously impact their lives. Multidisciplinary programs, often offered on an inpatient basis with post-discharge outpatient therapy, that provide comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for individuals who have anorexia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, bulimia or a related eating disorder. Treatment depends on the specific type of eating disorder involved but typically involves psychotherapy, nutrition education, family counseling, medication and hospitalization, if required, to stabilize the patient's health. Alliance of Information & Referral Systems (AIRS) / 211 LA County taxonomy is the data classification used for all HealthLink BC directory data, including this MHSU data set (https://www.airs.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1). AIRS taxonomy and data definitions are protected by Copyright by Information and Referral Federal of Los Angeles County, Inc (https://211taxonomy.org/subscriptions/#agreement)

This dataset provides the results obtained by Health Canada’s Canadian Radiological Monitoring Network (CRMN) for the gross alpha and beta activity concentrations in drinking water, given in units of becquerels per liter (Bq/L). More information about the CRMN network can be found on the Health Canada website (see link below). Although water quality is a matter of provincial jurisdiction, the CRMN, in collaboration with the city of Ottawa, has been conducting a targeted program to monitor the radiological content of drinking water from two water treatment plants in Ottawa, ON. The Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality recommend screening levels of 0.5 Bq/L and 1.0 Bq/L for gross alpha and gross beta activity, respectively. The screening levels are set to reflect the most restrictive Maximum Acceptable Concentrations (MACs) for specific radionuclides in drinking water. If the screening levels are not exceeded, compliance with the guidelines can be inferred. The screening levels set out in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality are calculated based on annual averages of radionuclides in drinking water. Short-term exposure to levels above those recommended by these guidelines does not indicate a health risk. The measured gross alpha and gross beta activity concentrations presented here are well below the screening levels set by the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality, with only one exception to date. This occurred February 28, 2011, and was attributable to the flushing of lead pipes at the water treatment plant. It resulted in a spike of naturally occurring lead radionuclides that was dealt with immediately by the City of Ottawa. The map shows the approximate sampling location for each monitoring station. Stations are found within the associated location range.

Rouyn-Noranda cycling network**This third party metadata element was translated using an automated translation tool (Amazon Translate).**

Data show where pathogens - fungal, bacillial or viral - have caused damage by reducing growth rates, tree vigor or have killed trees. Examples of forest diseases include White Pine Blister Rust, Armillaria Root Rot etc. The Government of Ontario tracks forest damage events to help proactively manage the detrimental effects to our forests. We monitor the threat and spread of invasive forest pest insect species in Ontario. The data is also important to the Forest Management Planning process in calculating timber volume loss within affected areas. This product requires the use of geographic information system (GIS) software.