August 26, 2020 • 1 min read
Engineering and environmental design for Lake Tourangeau
How we developed a 26-hectare lake as compensation for habitat that will be disturbed through the process of mine development
This year, we continued our relationship with the Mikisew Group of Companies, which is directly owned by the Mikisew Cree First Nation.
As the climate changes and populations grow, the importance of water security is increasing. Today, the responsible use of water requires total water management. The complete water cycle needs to be considered from sourcing and conveyance to water and wastewater treatment.
The Mikisew Advisian Environmental (MAE) team has been working alongside an oil producer in Northern Alberta to develop a 26-hectare lake as compensation for habitat that will be disturbed through the process of mine development. The lake will create fish habitat and support the local animal population. Providing engineering and environmental habitat design services, the naturally-derived features of the project will support 10 species of fish, create 1,579,052 habitat units, and maintain watershed hydrological balance within the lakes and creeks system.
MAE is very important to both partners in meeting their societal and business commitments in the Athabasca region.
Consultations with the seven Indigenous communities of this traditional territory took place prior to and throughout the design phase. A blessing ceremony was held with all the communities prior to the start of construction. The communities came together and named the habitat design Lake Tourangeau to honor a prominent trapping family local to the area.
