Energy, Mines, and Resources

Water Quality

Background Menu

Water Quality Monitoring

The Water Quality Objectives Monitoring Protocol  321 KB specifies the methods and design of water quality monitoring.

It will provide ongoing information on water quality in various watersheds and will indicate whether the water quality objectives established in the Regime are being met.

If the water quality objectives are not being met, the protocol sets out how to assess whether it is due to placer mining activity or not.

Water samples will be taken at key locations, several times each season.

The data to be collected and analyzed includes:

  • Field measurements of pH, conductivity, water and air temperature, stream flow
  • Automatic sampler measurements of rainfall, stream flow, air and water temperature

In addition, lab analysis will be done of total suspended solids, settle-able solids and turbidity.

An annual report will summarize the results. If the water quality objectives are not being met, monitoring will be enhanced to further assess these areas.

Decisions on modifying water quality objectives or discharge standards should be based on multiple years of data.

Water quality monitoring participants include:

  • Client Services and Inspections staff from Yukon Energy Mines and Resources
  • Yukon Government Water Resources staff
  • Fisheries and Oceans staff

2007 Target Watersheds 

The primary target watersheds are:

  • Mayo River
  • Yukon River North
  • Yukon River South
  • White River 

The secondary target watersheds are:

  • 60 Mile River
  • McQuesten river
  • Indian River
  • Klondike River 

The tertiary target watersheds are:

  • Stewart River
  • Big Creek
  • Big Salmon River
  • 40 Mile River

2006 Target Watersheds

The primary target watersheds are:

  • Indian River
  • Klondike River
  • McQuesten River
  • Sixty Mile River

The secondary target watersheds are:

  • Mayo River
  • Yukon River North
  • Yukon River South
  • White River

Monitoring Menu